JP2006024176A - Visual processing device, visual processing method, visual processing program, integrated circuit, display device, imaging device, and mobile information terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a visual processing device having a hardware configuration without depending on the visual processing realized. <P>SOLUTION: This visual processing device 1 includes a spatial processing section 2 and a visual processing section 3. The spatial processing section 2 performs a predetermined processing for an input signal IS inputted and outputs an unsharp signal US. The visual processing section 3 outputs an output signal OS based on a 2-dimensional LUT 4 giving the relationship of the input signal IS inputted and the unsharp signal US with the output signal OS which is the input signal IS subjected to the visual processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a visual processing device, and more particularly to a visual processing device that performs visual processing such as spatial processing or gradation processing of an image signal. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a visual processing method, a visual processing program, an integrated circuit, a display device, a photographing device, and a portable information terminal.

As visual processing of an image signal of an original image, spatial processing and gradation processing are known.
Spatial processing is to perform processing of a pixel of interest using pixels around the pixel of interest that is the subject of filter application. Further, a technique for performing contrast enhancement of an original image, dynamic range (DR) compression, or the like using a spatially processed image signal is known. In contrast enhancement, the difference between the original image and the blur signal (sharp component of the image) is added to the original image to sharpen the image. In DR compression, a part of the blur signal is subtracted from the original image, and dynamic range compression is performed.

  The gradation process is a process of converting a pixel value using a look-up table (LUT) for each target pixel regardless of pixels around the target pixel, and is sometimes called gamma correction. For example, when contrast enhancement is performed, pixel values are converted using an LUT that sets gradations of gradation levels with a high appearance frequency (large area) in the original image. As gradation processing using the LUT, gradation processing (histogram equalization method) that determines and uses one LUT for the entire original image, and determines and uses the LUT for each of the image areas obtained by dividing the original image into a plurality of parts. Gradation processing (local histogram equalization method) is known (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

A gradation process for determining and using an LUT for each of image areas obtained by dividing an original image into a plurality of parts will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 104 shows a visual processing device 300 that determines and uses an LUT for each of image areas obtained by dividing an original image into a plurality of parts. The visual processing device 300 divides an original image input as the input signal IS into a plurality of image regions Sm (1 ≦ m ≦ n: n is the number of divisions of the original image), and each image region Sm. A gradation conversion curve deriving unit 310 for deriving a gradation conversion curve Cm, and a gradation processing unit for loading the gradation conversion curve Cm and outputting an output signal OS obtained by performing gradation processing on each image region Sm 304. The gradation conversion curve deriving unit 310 creates a lightness histogram Hm in each image area Sm, and a floor for creating a gradation conversion curve Cm for each image area Sm from the created lightness histogram Hm. And an adjustment curve creation unit 303.

The operation of each unit will be described with reference to FIGS. The image dividing unit 301 divides the original image input as the input signal IS into a plurality (n) of image areas (see FIG. 105A). The histogram creation unit 302 creates a brightness histogram Hm for each image region Sm (see FIG. 106). Each brightness histogram Hm shows the distribution state of brightness values of all pixels in the image area Sm. That is, in the lightness histograms Hm shown in FIGS. 106A to 106D, the horizontal axis represents the lightness level of the input signal IS, and the vertical axis represents the number of pixels. The gradation curve creation unit 303 accumulates the “number of pixels” of the brightness histogram Hm in the order of brightness, and sets this accumulated curve as the gradation conversion curve Cm (see FIG. 107). In the gradation conversion curve Cm shown in FIG. 107, the horizontal axis indicates the brightness value of the pixel in the image area Sm in the input signal IS, and the vertical axis indicates the brightness value of the pixel in the image area Sm in the output signal OS. The gradation processing unit 304 loads the gradation conversion curve Cm, and converts the brightness value of the pixel in the image area Sm in the input signal IS based on the gradation conversion curve Cm. By doing so, the gradient of the frequently occurring gradation is set in each block, and the sense of contrast for each block is improved.

On the other hand, visual processing combining spatial processing and gradation processing is also known. Conventional visual processing combining spatial processing and gradation processing will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 108 shows a visual processing device 400 that performs edge enhancement and contrast enhancement using unsharp masking. A visual processing device 400 shown in FIG. 108 performs spatial processing on the input signal IS and outputs an unsharp signal US, and subtracts the unsharp signal US from the input signal IS to output a differential signal DS. A subtraction unit 402, an enhancement processing unit 403 that performs enhancement processing of the difference signal DS and outputs an enhancement processing signal TS, and an addition unit 404 that adds the input signal IS and the enhancement processing signal TS and outputs an output signal OS. ing.

  Here, the enhancement process is performed on the difference signal DS using a linear or nonlinear enhancement function. FIG. 109 shows enhancement functions R1 to R3. In FIG. 109, the horizontal axis represents the difference signal DS, and the vertical axis represents the enhancement processing signal TS. The enhancement function R1 is an enhancement function that is linear with respect to the differential signal DS. The enhancement function R1 is a gain adjustment function represented by, for example, R1 (x) = 0.5x (x is the value of the difference signal DS). The enhancement function R2 is a nonlinear enhancement function with respect to the differential signal DS, and is a function that suppresses excessive contrast. That is, a larger suppression effect (a suppression effect due to a larger suppression rate) is exerted on an input x having a large absolute value (x is the value of the differential signal DS). For example, the enhancement function R2 is represented by a graph having a smaller slope with respect to an input x having a larger absolute value. The enhancement function R3 is a nonlinear enhancement function with respect to the differential signal DS, and suppresses a noise component having a small amplitude. That is, a larger suppression effect (a suppression effect due to a larger suppression rate) is exhibited with respect to an input x having a small absolute value (x is the value of the difference signal DS). For example, the enhancement function R3 is represented by a graph having a larger slope with respect to an input x having a larger absolute value. In the enhancement processing unit 403, one of these enhancement functions R1 to R3 is used.

The difference signal DS is a sharp component of the input signal IS. In the visual processing device 400, the intensity of the difference signal DS is converted and added to the input signal IS. For this reason, the edge and contrast of the input signal IS are enhanced in the output signal OS.
FIG. 110 shows a visual processing device 406 that improves local contrast (intensity) (see, for example, Patent Document 2). The visual processing device 406 shown in FIG. 110 includes a spatial processing unit 407, a subtraction unit 408, a first conversion unit 409, a multiplication unit 410, a second conversion unit 411, and an addition unit 412. . The spatial processing unit 407 performs spatial processing on the input signal IS and outputs an unsharp signal US. The subtracting unit 408 subtracts the unsharp signal US from the input signal IS and outputs a difference signal DS. The first conversion unit 409 outputs an amplification coefficient signal GS that locally amplifies the difference signal DS based on the intensity of the unsharp signal US. The multiplier 410 multiplies the difference signal DS by the amplification coefficient signal GS, and outputs a contrast enhancement signal HS obtained by locally amplifying the difference signal DS. The second conversion unit 411 locally corrects the intensity of the unsharp signal US and outputs a corrected unsharp signal AS. The adder 412 adds the contrast enhancement signal HS and the corrected unsharp signal AS, and outputs an output signal OS.

  The amplification coefficient signal GS is a non-linear weighting coefficient that locally optimizes the contrast of a portion where the contrast is not appropriate in the input signal IS. For this reason, the appropriate part of the contrast in the input signal IS is output as it is, and the inappropriate part is output after being optimized.

FIG. 111 shows a visual processing device 416 that performs dynamic range compression (see, for example, Patent Document 3). A visual processing device 416 shown in FIG. 111 performs spatial processing on the input signal IS and outputs an unsharp signal US, and an LUT processing signal LS obtained by performing inversion conversion processing on the unsharp signal US using an LUT. And an adder 419 that adds the input signal IS and the LUT processing signal LS and outputs the output signal OS.

The LUT processing signal LS is added to the input signal IS and compresses the dynamic range of the low frequency component (frequency component lower than the cutoff frequency of the spatial processing unit 417) of the input signal IS. For this reason, the high frequency component is held while compressing the dynamic range of the input signal IS.
JP 2000-57335 A (page 3, FIGS. 13 to 16) Japanese Patent No. 2832954 (2nd page, FIG. 5) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-298619 (page 3, FIG. 9)

  Conventionally, when visual processing combining gradation processing and spatial processing is performed, in order to realize visual processing with different effects, for example, each circuit is configured as an independent circuit as shown in FIGS. 108, 110, and 111. There is a need. For this reason, a dedicated LSI design is required in accordance with the visual processing to be realized, and there is a disadvantage that the circuit scale becomes large.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a visual processing device having a hardware configuration that does not depend on the visual processing to be realized.

  The visual processing device according to claim 1 includes input signal processing means and visual processing means. The input signal processing means performs predetermined processing on the input image signal and outputs a processed signal. The visual processing means converts the input image signal and outputs the output signal based on a conversion means that provides a conversion relationship between the input image signal and the processed signal and the output signal that is the visually processed image signal. To do.

Here, the predetermined processing is, for example, direct or indirect processing for the image signal, and includes processing for converting the pixel value of the image signal, such as spatial processing or gradation processing.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, visual processing is performed using conversion means for providing a conversion relationship from the image signal and the processed signal to the visually processed output signal. Here, the converting means outputs, for example, a look-up table (LUT) that stores the value of the output signal with respect to the value of the image signal and the processed signal, or an output signal for the value of the image signal and the processed signal. Arithmetic means including matrix data for the purpose. Therefore, it is possible to realize a hardware configuration that does not depend on the function realized by the conversion means. That is, it is possible to realize a hardware configuration that does not depend on visual processing realized as the entire apparatus.

The visual processing device according to claim 2 is the visual processing device according to claim 1, wherein the processing signal performs predetermined processing on the target pixel included in the image signal and the surrounding pixels of the target pixel. Signal.
Here, the predetermined processing is, for example, spatial processing using surrounding pixels with respect to the target pixel, and is processing for deriving an average value, maximum value, minimum value, or the like between the target pixel and the surrounding pixels.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, even when visual processing is performed on a pixel of interest having the same value, different visual processing can be realized due to the influence of surrounding pixels.
The visual processing device according to claim 3 is the visual processing device according to claim 1, wherein the conversion relationship provided by the conversion means includes at least part of the image signal or at least part of the processing signal and the output signal. At least a part of the relationship is non-linear.

Here, the non-linear relationship is expressed by, for example, a non-linear function in which at least a part of the output signal has at least a part of the image signal or at least a part of the processed signal as a variable. Or it means that it is difficult to formulate with functions.
With the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, it is possible to realize visual processing that matches the visual characteristics of the image signal or visual processing that matches the nonlinear characteristics of the device that outputs the output signal.

The visual processing device according to claim 4 is the visual processing device according to claim 3, wherein the conversion relationship given by the conversion means is such that both the image signal and the processed signal are non-linear. is there.
Here, both the image signal and the processed signal and the output signal are in a non-linear relationship. For example, the value of the output signal is a non-linear relationship in which the value of the image signal and the value of the processed signal are two variables. It means that it is difficult to formulate with a function.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, even if the value of the image signal is the same, if the value of the processed signal is different, different visual processing can be realized depending on the value of the processed signal.
The visual processing device according to claim 5 is the visual processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conversion relationship given by the conversion means emphasizes a value calculated from the image signal and the processing signal. It is determined based on the operation to be performed.

  Here, the value calculated from the image signal and the processed signal is, for example, a value obtained by four arithmetic operations of the image signal and the processed signal, or a value obtained by converting the image signal or the processed signal with a certain function. It is a value obtained by this. The calculation for emphasizing is, for example, a calculation for adjusting a gain, a calculation for suppressing excessive contrast, a calculation for suppressing a noise component having a small amplitude, or the like.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to emphasize the value calculated from the image signal and the processed signal.
The visual processing device according to claim 6 is the visual processing device according to claim 5, wherein the calculation to be emphasized is a non-linear function.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, it is possible to realize enhancement suited to the visual characteristics of an image signal or enhancement suitable to the nonlinear characteristics of a device that outputs an output signal.
A visual processing device according to a seventh aspect is the visual processing device according to the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein the calculation for emphasis is conversion using a value obtained by converting the image signal or the processing signal.

The visual processing device according to claim 8 is the visual processing device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the calculation for emphasis is performed by calculating a difference between respective converted values obtained by converting the image signal and the processing signal. Emphasis function to emphasize.
Here, the enhancement function is, for example, a function for adjusting a gain, a function for suppressing excessive contrast, a function for suppressing a noise component having a small amplitude, or the like.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to emphasize the difference between the image signal and the processing signal after converting them into different spaces. Thereby, for example, it is possible to realize enhancement suitable for visual characteristics.
A visual processing device according to a ninth aspect is the visual processing device according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, wherein the enhancement operation is an enhancement function that enhances a ratio between the image signal and the processed signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, the ratio between the image signal and the processed signal represents the sharp component of the image signal. Therefore, for example, it is possible to perform visual processing that emphasizes the sharp component.
A visual processing device according to a tenth aspect is the visual processing device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the conversion relationship given by the conversion means is determined based on a conversion that changes brightness.

With the visual processing device of this invention, it is possible to realize visual processing that changes the brightness of an image signal.
The visual processing device according to an eleventh aspect is the visual processing device according to the tenth aspect, wherein the conversion for changing the brightness is a conversion for changing the level or gain of the image signal.

  Here, changing the level of the image signal means changing the value of the image signal by, for example, adding an offset to the image signal, changing the gain of the image signal, or calculating other image signals as variables. It means to change. Changing the gain of the image signal means changing a coefficient to be multiplied by the image signal.

A visual processing device according to a twelfth aspect is the visual processing device according to the tenth aspect, in which the conversion for changing the brightness is conversion determined based on the processing signal.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, even if the value of the image signal is the same, if the value of the processed signal is different, different conversions can be realized depending on the value of the processed signal.

The visual processing device according to claim 13 is the visual processing device according to claim 10, wherein the conversion for changing the brightness is a conversion for outputting an output signal that monotonously decreases with respect to the processing signal.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, when the processed signal is a spatially processed image signal or the like, a dark and large area portion in the image is converted brightly, and a bright and large area portion in the image is converted. Is converted to dark. For this reason, for example, it is possible to correct backlight correction or whiteout.

The visual processing device according to claim 14 is the visual processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the conversion means determines the relationship between the image signal and the output signal from a plurality of gradation conversion curves. Is stored as a gradation conversion curve group.
Here, the gradation conversion curve group is a set of gradation conversion curves for applying gradation processing to pixel values such as luminance and brightness of an image signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to perform gradation processing of an image signal using a gradation conversion curve selected from a plurality of gradation conversion curves. For this reason, it is possible to perform more appropriate gradation processing.
The visual processing device according to claim 15 is the visual processing device according to claim 14, wherein the processing signal is a signal for selecting a corresponding gradation conversion curve from a plurality of gradation conversion curve groups. .

Here, the processing signal is a signal for selecting a gradation conversion curve, and is, for example, a spatially processed image signal.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to perform gradation processing of an image signal using the gradation conversion curve selected by the processing signal.

The visual processing device according to claim 16 is the visual processing device according to claim 15, wherein the value of the processing signal is associated with at least one gradation conversion curve included in the plurality of gradation conversion curve groups. Yes.
Here, at least one gradation conversion curve used for gradation processing is selected according to the value of the processing signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, at least one gradation conversion curve is selected according to the value of the processing signal. Further, gradation processing of the image signal is performed using the selected gradation conversion curve.
The visual processing device according to claim 17 is the visual processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the conversion means is configured by a look-up table (hereinafter referred to as LUT). Profile data created in advance by a predetermined calculation is registered.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, visual processing is performed using an LUT in which profile data created in advance is registered. In visual processing, processing such as creating profile data is not necessary, and the execution speed of visual processing can be increased.
The visual processing device according to claim 18 is the visual processing device according to claim 17, wherein the LUT can be changed by registration of profile data.

Here, the profile data is LUT data that realizes different visual processing.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, the visual processing to be realized can be variously changed by registering profile data. That is, various visual processing can be realized without changing the hardware configuration of the visual processing device.

The visual processing device according to claim 19 is the visual processing device according to claim 17 or 18, further comprising profile data registration means for causing the visual processing means to register profile data.
Here, the profile data registration means registers the profile data calculated in advance in the visual processing means according to the visual processing.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, the visual processing to be realized can be variously changed by registering profile data. That is, various visual processing can be realized without changing the hardware configuration of the visual processing device.
The visual processing device according to claim 20 is the visual processing device according to claim 19, wherein the visual processing means obtains profile data created by an external device.

  The profile data is created in advance by an external device. The external device is, for example, a computer having a program capable of creating profile data and a CPU. The visual processing means acquires profile data. Acquisition is performed via a network or a recording medium, for example. The visual processing means executes visual processing using the acquired profile data.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, visual processing can be executed using profile data created by an external device.
The visual processing device according to claim 21 is the visual processing device according to claim 20, wherein the LUT can be changed by the acquired profile data.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, the acquired profile data is newly registered as an LUT. This makes it possible to change the LUT and realize different visual processing.
The visual processing device according to claim 22 is the visual processing device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the visual processing means acquires profile data via a communication network.

Here, the communication network is a connection means capable of communication such as a dedicated line, a public line, the Internet, and a LAN, and may be wired or wireless.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, visual processing can be realized using profile data acquired via a communication network.

The visual processing device according to claim 23 is the visual processing device according to claim 17, further comprising profile data creation means for creating profile data.
The profile data creation means creates profile data using characteristics such as an image signal and a processing signal, for example.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, visual processing can be realized using profile data created by the profile data creating means.
A visual processing device according to a twenty-fourth aspect is the visual processing device according to the twenty-third aspect, wherein the profile data creating means creates profile data based on a histogram of gradation characteristics of the image signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, visual processing is realized using profile data created based on a histogram of gradation characteristics of an image signal. Therefore, appropriate visual processing can be realized according to the characteristics of the image signal.
The visual processing device according to claim 25 is the visual processing device according to claim 17, wherein the profile data registered in the LUT is switched according to a predetermined condition.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, visual processing is realized using profile data switched according to a predetermined condition. For this reason, it is possible to realize more appropriate visual processing.
A visual processing device according to a twenty-sixth aspect is the visual processing device according to the twenty-fifth aspect, wherein the predetermined condition is a condition relating to brightness.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, more appropriate visual processing can be realized under the conditions related to brightness.
A visual processing device according to a twenty-seventh aspect is the visual processing device according to the twenty-sixth aspect, wherein the brightness is a brightness of the image signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to realize more appropriate visual processing under conditions relating to the brightness of the image signal.
A visual processing device according to a twenty-eighth aspect is the visual processing device according to the twenty-seventh aspect, further comprising lightness determination means for determining the brightness of the image signal. The profile data registered in the LUT is switched according to the determination result of the lightness determination means.

Here, the brightness determination means determines the brightness of the image signal based on, for example, pixel values such as the luminance and brightness of the image signal. Further, the profile data can be switched according to the determination result.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, more appropriate visual processing can be realized according to the brightness of the image signal.

A visual processing device according to a twenty-ninth aspect is the visual processing device according to the twenty-sixth aspect, further comprising brightness input means for inputting a condition relating to brightness. The profile data registered in the LUT is switched according to the input result of the brightness input means.
Here, the lightness input means is, for example, a wired or wireless switch that allows the user to input conditions relating to brightness.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible for the user to determine the conditions regarding brightness and to switch profile data via the brightness input means. For this reason, it is possible to realize visual processing more appropriate for the user.
The visual processing device according to claim 30 is the visual processing device according to claim 29, wherein the brightness input means inputs the brightness of the output environment of the output signal or the brightness of the input environment of the input signal. .

  Here, the brightness of the output environment is, for example, the brightness of ambient light around a medium that outputs an output signal such as a computer, a television, a digital camera, a mobile phone, or a PDA, or the brightness of the medium itself that outputs an output signal such as printer paper. And so on. The brightness of the input environment is, for example, the brightness of a medium itself that inputs an input signal such as scanner paper.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, the user can determine the conditions relating to the brightness of the room and the like, and can switch the profile data via the brightness input means. For this reason, it is possible to realize visual processing more appropriate for the user.
A visual processing device according to a thirty-first aspect is the visual processing device according to the twenty-sixth aspect, further comprising lightness detection means for detecting at least two types of brightness. The profile data registered in the LUT is switched according to the detection result of the brightness detection means.

  Here, the lightness detection means, for example, means for detecting the brightness of the image signal based on pixel values such as the brightness and brightness of the image signal, and detects the brightness of the output environment or input environment such as a photosensor. And means for detecting a condition relating to brightness input by the user. Note that the brightness of the output environment is, for example, the brightness of ambient light around a medium that outputs an output signal such as a computer, television, digital camera, mobile phone, or PDA, or the brightness of the medium that outputs the output signal such as printer paper. Etc. The brightness of the input environment is, for example, the brightness of a medium itself that inputs an input signal such as scanner paper.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, at least two types of brightness are detected, and profile data is switched according to them. For this reason, it is possible to realize more appropriate visual processing.
A visual processing device according to a thirty-second aspect is the visual processing device according to the thirty-first aspect, wherein the brightness detected by the lightness detection means is the brightness of the image signal and the brightness of the output environment of the output signal, or Including the brightness of the input environment of the input signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, more appropriate visual processing can be realized according to the brightness of the image signal and the brightness of the output environment of the output signal or the brightness of the input environment of the input signal.
A visual processing device according to a thirty-third aspect is the visual processing device according to the twenty-fifth aspect, further comprising profile data selection means for selecting profile data registered in the LUT. The profile data registered in the LUT is switched according to the selection result of the profile data selection means.

The profile data selection means allows the user to select profile data. Further, in the visual processing device, visual processing is realized using the selected profile data.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, the user can select a profile according to his / her preference to realize visual processing.

The visual processing device according to claim 34 is the visual processing device according to claim 33, wherein the profile data selection means is an input device for selecting a profile.
Here, the input device is, for example, a switch built in the visual processing device or connected by wire or wireless.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, the user can select a favorite profile using the input device.
A visual processing device according to a thirty-fifth aspect is the visual processing device according to the twenty-fifth aspect, further comprising image characteristic judging means for judging the image characteristic of the image signal. The profile data registered in the LUT is switched according to the determination result of the image characteristic determination means.

The image characteristic determining means determines image characteristics such as brightness, brightness, or spatial frequency of the image signal. The visual processing device realizes visual processing using the profile data switched according to the determination result of the image characteristic determination means.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, the image characteristic judging means automatically selects profile data corresponding to the image characteristic. For this reason, visual processing can be realized using more appropriate profile data for the image signal.

A visual processing device according to a thirty-sixth aspect is the visual processing device according to the twenty-fifth aspect, further comprising user identification means for identifying a user. The profile data registered in the LUT is switched according to the identification result of the user identification means.
The user identification means is, for example, an input device for identifying a user, a camera, or the like.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, visual processing suitable for the user identified by the user identifying means can be realized.
A visual processing device according to a thirty-seventh aspect is the visual processing device according to the seventeenth aspect, wherein the visual processing means performs an interpolation operation on a value stored in the LUT and outputs an output signal.

  The LUT stores values for image signal values or processing signal values at predetermined intervals. By interpolating the LUT value corresponding to the interval including the input image signal value or the processed signal value, the output signal value corresponding to the input image signal value or the processed signal value is output.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is not necessary for the LUT to store values for all values that can be taken by the image signal or processing signal, and the storage capacity for the LUT can be reduced.
The visual processing device according to claim 38 is the visual processing device according to claim 37, wherein the interpolation operation is based on a value of a lower bit of at least one of the image signal or the processing signal represented by a binary number. Linear interpolation.

  The LUT stores a value corresponding to the value of the upper bit of the image signal or processing signal. The visual processing means outputs an output signal by linearly interpolating the LUT value corresponding to the interval including the input image signal or the value of the processed signal with the value of the lower bit of the image signal or the processed signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to realize more accurate visual processing while storing the LUT with a smaller storage capacity.
The visual processing device according to claim 39 is the visual processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein the input signal processing means performs spatial processing on the image signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, visual processing can be realized by LUT using an image signal and a spatially processed image signal.
The visual processing device according to claim 40 is the visual processing device according to claim 39, wherein the input signal processing means generates an unsharp signal from the image signal.

Here, the unsharp signal means a signal obtained by performing spatial processing directly or indirectly on the image signal.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, visual processing can be realized by LUT using an image signal and an unsharp signal.

The visual processing device according to claim 41 is the visual processing device according to claim 39 or 40, wherein an average value, a maximum value, or a minimum value of the image signal is derived in the spatial processing.
Here, the average value may be, for example, a simple average of image signals or a weighted average.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, visual processing can be realized by LUT using an image signal and an average value, maximum value, or minimum value of the image signal.

The visual processing device according to claim 42 is the visual processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein the visual processing means uses the input image signal and processing signal to perform spatial processing and floor processing. Perform key processing.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, spatial processing and gradation processing can be realized simultaneously using an LUT.

The visual processing method according to claim 43 comprises an input signal processing step and a visual processing step. The input signal processing step performs predetermined processing on the input image signal,
Output processing signal. The visual processing step converts the input image signal and outputs the output signal based on conversion means for providing a relationship between the input image signal and the processed signal and the output signal which is the visually processed image signal. .

Here, the predetermined processing is, for example, direct or indirect processing for the image signal, and includes processing for converting the pixel value of the image signal, such as spatial processing or gradation processing.
In the visual processing method of the present invention, visual processing is performed using conversion means that provides a conversion relationship between the image signal and the processed signal and the visually processed output signal. For this reason, hardware or software other than the conversion means can be used for general purposes. That is, it is possible to employ a hardware configuration or software configuration that does not depend on the function of visual processing. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the cost of hardware, generalize software, and the like as incidental effects.

  The visual processing program according to claim 44 is a visual processing program for performing a visual processing method by a computer, and causes a computer to perform a visual processing method including an input signal processing step and a visual processing step. . The input signal processing step performs a predetermined process on the input image signal and outputs a processed signal. The visual processing step converts the input image signal and outputs the output signal based on conversion means for providing a relationship between the input image signal and the processed signal and the output signal which is the visually processed image signal. .

Here, the predetermined processing is, for example, direct or indirect processing for the image signal, and includes processing for converting the pixel value of the image signal, such as spatial processing or gradation processing.
In the visual processing program of the present invention, visual processing is performed using conversion means that provides a conversion relationship between the image signal and the processed signal and the visually processed output signal. For this reason, software other than the conversion means can be used for general purposes. That is, it is possible to adopt a software configuration that does not depend on the function of visual processing. For this reason, the software can be generalized as an incidental effect.

An integrated circuit according to a 45th aspect includes the visual processing device according to any one of the 1st to 42nd aspects.
In the integrated circuit of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the visual processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 42.

A display device according to a forty-sixth aspect includes the visual processing device according to any one of the first to the forty-second aspects and display means for displaying an output signal output from the visual processing device.
In the display device of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the visual processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 42.

An imaging device according to a 47th aspect includes: an imaging unit that captures an image; and the visual processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 42 that performs visual processing using an image captured by the imaging unit as an image signal. I have.
In the imaging device of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the visual processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 42.

  The portable information terminal according to claim 48, the data receiving means for receiving the image data that has been communicated or broadcasted, and visual processing using the received image data as an image signal. A visual processing device and display means for displaying an image signal visually processed by the visual processing device are provided.

In the portable information terminal of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the visual processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 42.
49. A portable information terminal according to claim 49, a photographing means for photographing an image, and a visual processing device according to any one of claims 1-42, wherein visual processing is performed using an image photographed by the photographing means as an image signal. And data transmission means for transmitting the visually processed image signal.

  In the portable information terminal of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the visual processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 42.

  According to the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to provide a visual processing device having a hardware configuration that does not depend on the visual processing to be realized.

Hereinafter, first to eleventh embodiments as the best mode of the present invention will be described.
In the first embodiment, a visual processing device using a two-dimensional LUT will be described.
In the second embodiment, a visual processing device that corrects ambient light when ambient light is present in an environment for displaying an image will be described.

In the third embodiment, application examples of the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described.
In the fourth to sixth embodiments, a visual processing device that realizes gradation processing for improving the visual effect will be described.
In the seventh embodiment, a visual processing device that performs visual processing using an appropriate blur signal will be described.

In the eighth embodiment, application examples of the fourth to seventh embodiments will be described.
In the ninth embodiment, application examples of the first to eighth embodiments will be described.
In the tenth embodiment, an application example of the visual processing device of the above embodiment to a display device will be described.

In the eleventh embodiment, an application example of the visual processing device of the above embodiment to a photographing device will be described.
[First Embodiment]
A visual processing device 1 using a two-dimensional LUT as a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Moreover, the modification of a visual processing apparatus is demonstrated using FIGS. 11-14. A visual processing device that realizes visual processing equivalent to the visual processing device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 23.

  The visual processing device 1 is a device that performs visual processing such as spatial processing and gradation processing of an image signal. The visual processing device 1 constitutes an image processing device together with a device that performs color processing of an image signal in a device that handles images, such as a computer, a television, a digital camera, a mobile phone, a PDA, a printer, and a scanner.

<Visual processing device 1>
FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of a visual processing device 1 that performs visual processing on an image signal (input signal IS) and outputs a visually processed image (output signal OS). The visual processing device 1 performs spatial processing on the luminance value of each pixel of the original image acquired as the input signal IS and outputs an unsharp signal US, and the input signal IS and unsharp signal for the same pixel. A visual processing unit 3 that performs visual processing of an original image using US and outputs an output signal OS is provided.

  The spatial processing unit 2 obtains the unsharp signal US using, for example, a low-pass spatial filter that passes only the low-pass space of the input signal IS. As the low-pass spatial filter, a FIR (Finite Impulse Response) -type low-pass spatial filter or an IIR (Infinite Impulse Response) -type low-pass spatial filter that is usually used for generating an unsharp signal may be used.

The visual processing unit 3 has a two-dimensional LUT 4 that gives the relationship between the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US and the output signal OS. For the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US,
An output signal OS is output with reference to the two-dimensional LUT4.
<2D LUT4>
Matrix data called profile data is registered in the two-dimensional LUT 4. The profile data has a row (or column) corresponding to each pixel value of the input signal IS and a column (or row) corresponding to each pixel value of the unsharp signal US. The pixel value of the output signal OS corresponding to the combination of the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US is stored. The profile data is registered in the two-dimensional LUT 4 by a profile data registration device 8 built in or connected to the visual processing device 1. The profile data registration device 8 stores a plurality of profile data created in advance by a personal computer (PC) or the like. For example, a plurality of profile data for realizing contrast enhancement, D range compression processing, gradation correction, and the like (for details, see the <Profile Data> column below) is stored. As a result, the visual processing device 1 can change the registered content of the profile data of the two-dimensional LUT 4 using the profile data registration device 8 to realize various visual processing.

  An example of profile data is shown in FIG. The profile data shown in FIG. 2 is profile data for causing the visual processing device 1 to realize processing equivalent to the visual processing device 400 shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the profile data is expressed in a 64 × 64 matrix format, and the upper 6 bits of the luminance value of the input signal IS expressed in 8 bits in the column direction (vertical direction) is the row direction. In (horizontal direction), the upper 6 bits of the luminance value of the unsharp signal US expressed in 8 bits is shown. Further, the value of the output signal OS is indicated by 8 bits as an element of a matrix for two luminance values.

  The value C (value of the output signal OS) of each element of the profile data shown in FIG. 2 is the same as the value A of the input signal IS (for example, a value obtained by truncating the lower 2 bits of the input signal IS represented by 8 bits). Using the value B of the sharp signal US (for example, a value obtained by truncating the lower 2 bits of the unsharp signal US expressed in 8 bits), C = A + 0.5 * (AB) (hereinafter referred to as Expression M11) ). That is, the visual processing device 1 indicates that processing equivalent to that of the visual processing device 400 (see FIG. 108) using the enhancement function R1 (see FIG. 109) is being performed.

  Depending on the combination of the value A of the input signal IS and the value B of the unsharp signal US, the value C obtained by the expression M11 may be a negative value. In this case, the elements of the profile data corresponding to the value A of the input signal IS and the value B of the unsharp signal US may be 0. Further, depending on the combination of the value A of the input signal IS and the value B of the unsharp signal US, the value C obtained by the equation M11 may be saturated. That is, the maximum value 255 that can be expressed by 8 bits may be exceeded. In this case, the element of the profile data corresponding to the value A of the input signal IS and the value B of the unsharp signal US may be the value 255. In FIG. 2, each element of the profile data obtained in this way is displayed in contour lines.

  For example, when the profile data represented by the value C of each element is represented by C = R6 (B) + R5 (B) * (AB) (hereinafter referred to as Expression M12), the visual shown in FIG. Processing equivalent to the processing device 406 can be realized. Here, the function R5 is a function for outputting the amplification coefficient signal GS from the unsharp signal US in the first conversion unit 409, and the function R6 is a function for outputting the unsharp signal US to the corrected unsharp signal in the second conversion unit 411. This function outputs AS.

Furthermore, when profile data in which the value C of each element is expressed by C = A + R8 (B) (hereinafter referred to as Expression M13) is used, processing equivalent to that of the visual processing device 416 shown in FIG. 111 can be realized. Is possible. Here, the function R8 is a function for outputting the LUT processing signal LS from the unsharp signal US.

When the value C of an element in the profile data obtained by the expressions M12 and M13 exceeds the range of 0 ≦ C ≦ 255, the element value C may be set to 0 or 255.
<Visual processing method and visual processing program>
FIG. 3 shows a flowchart for explaining the visual processing method in the visual processing device 1. The visual processing method shown in FIG. 3 is realized by hardware in the visual processing device 1 and is a method for performing visual processing of the input signal IS (see FIG. 1).

  In the visual processing method shown in FIG. 3, the input signal IS is spatially processed by a low-pass spatial filter (step S11), and an unsharp signal US is acquired. Further, the value of the two-dimensional LUT 4 for the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US is referred to, and the output signal OS is output (step S12). The above processing is performed for each pixel input as the input signal IS.

Note that each step of the visual processing method shown in FIG. 3 may be realized as a visual processing program by a computer or the like.
<effect>
(1)
When visual processing is performed based only on the value A of the input signal IS (for example, when conversion is performed using a one-dimensional gradation conversion curve), the same brightness is obtained when pixels with the same density exist in different locations in the image. The conversion will be performed. More specifically, when a dark place on the background of the person in the image is brightened, the hair of the person having the same density is also lightened.

  In contrast, the visual processing device 1 performs visual processing using profile data created based on a two-dimensional function corresponding to the value A of the input signal IS and the value B of the unsharp signal US. For this reason, pixels of the same density that exist in different locations in the image can be made brighter or darker, including surrounding information, instead of being uniformly converted, which is optimal for each region in the image. Brightness can be adjusted. More specifically, the background of the same density can be brightened without changing the density of the human hair in the image.

(2)
The visual processing device 1 uses the two-dimensional LUT 4 to perform visual processing of the input signal IS. The visual processing device 1 has a hardware configuration that does not depend on the visual processing effect to be realized. That is, the visual processing device 1 can be configured with versatile hardware, which is effective in reducing hardware costs.

(3)
The profile data registered in the two-dimensional LUT 4 can be changed by the profile data registration device 8. For this reason, in the visual processing device 1, various visual processing can be realized by changing the profile data without changing the hardware configuration of the visual processing device 1. More specifically, the visual processing device 1 can simultaneously realize spatial processing and gradation processing.

(4)
Profile data registered in the two-dimensional LUT 4 can be calculated in advance. No matter how complicated the profile data is once created, the time required for visual processing using the profile data is constant. For this reason, even if the visual processing has a complicated configuration when configured with hardware or software, the processing time does not depend on the complexity of the visual processing when the visual processing device 1 is used, It is possible to increase the processing speed.

<Modification>
(1)
In FIG. 2, the 64 × 64 matrix profile data has been described. Here, the effect of the present invention does not depend on the size of the profile data. For example, the two-dimensional LUT 4 may have profile data corresponding to all combinations of values that can be taken by the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US. For example, when the input signal and the unsharp signal US are expressed by 8 bits, the profile data may be in a 256 × 256 matrix format.

In this case, the memory capacity required for the two-dimensional LUT 4 increases, but more accurate visual processing can be realized.
(2)
In FIG. 2, the profile data includes the upper 6 bits of the luminance value of the input signal IS expressed in 8 bits and the upper 6 bits of the luminance value of the unsharp signal US expressed in 8 bits. It has been described that the value of the output signal OS is stored. Here, the visual processing device 1 further includes an interpolation unit that linearly interpolates the value of the output signal OS based on adjacent profile data elements and the magnitudes of the lower two bits of the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US. May be.

In this case, more accurate visual processing can be realized without increasing the memory capacity required for the two-dimensional LUT 4.
The interpolation unit may be provided in the visual processing unit 3 and output a value obtained by linearly interpolating the value stored in the two-dimensional LUT 4 as the output signal OS.

  FIG. 4 shows a visual processing unit 500 including an interpolation unit 501 as a modification of the visual processing unit 3. The visual processing unit 500 receives the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US and the pre-interpolation output signal NS and the pre-interpolation output signal NS, the pre-interpolation output signal NS, the input signal IS, and the unsharp signal US as input signals. And an interpolation unit 501 that outputs an OS.

  The two-dimensional LUT 4 is a pre-interpolation output for the upper 6 bits of the luminance value of the input signal IS expressed in 8 bits and the upper 6 bits of the luminance value of the unsharp signal US expressed in 8 bits. The value of the signal NS is stored. The value of the output signal NS before interpolation is stored as an 8-bit value, for example. When the 8-bit value of the input signal IS and the 8-bit value of the unsharp signal US are input, the two-dimensional LUT 4 outputs the values of the four pre-interpolation output signals NS corresponding to the sections including these values. The section including each value is (the upper 6-bit value of the input signal IS, the upper 6-bit value of the unsharp signal US), or the minimum 6-bit value exceeding the upper 6-bit value of the input signal IS. , The upper 6 bits of the unsharp signal US), (the upper 6 bits of the input signal IS, and the minimum 6 bits exceeding the upper 6 bits of the unsharp signal US), The four pre-interpolation output signals NS stored for each combination of the minimum 6-bit value exceeding the 6-bit value and the minimum 6-bit value exceeding the upper 6-bit value of the unsharp signal US) It is a section surrounded by.

  The interpolation unit 501 receives the lower 2 bits of the input signal IS and the lower 2 bits of the unsharp signal US, and uses these values to output four pre-interpolation output signals output by the two-dimensional LUT 4. NS values are linearly interpolated. More specifically, the weighted average of the values of the four pre-interpolation output signals NS is calculated using the lower 2 bits of the input signal IS and the lower 2 bits of the unsharp signal US, and the output signal OS Is output.

As described above, more accurate visual processing can be realized without increasing the memory capacity required for the two-dimensional LUT 4.
Note that the interpolation unit 501 may perform linear interpolation only for either the input signal IS or the unsharp signal US.

(3)
In the spatial processing performed by the spatial processing unit 2, the average value (simple average or weighted average), maximum value, minimum value of the input signal IS between the target pixel and the peripheral pixels of the target pixel with respect to the input signal IS for the target pixel. A value or a median value may be output as the unsharp signal US. Alternatively, an average value, maximum value, minimum value, or median value of only the peripheral pixels of the target pixel may be output as the unsharp signal US.

(4)
In FIG. 2, the value C of each element of the profile data is created based on a linear function M11 with respect to each of the value A of the input signal IS and the value B of the unsharp signal US. On the other hand, the value C of each element of the profile data may be created based on a non-linear function with respect to the value A of the input signal IS.

In this case, for example, visual processing suitable for the nonlinear characteristics of a device that handles images such as a computer, a television, a digital camera, a mobile phone, a PDA, a printer, and a scanner that realizes visual processing according to visual characteristics and outputs an output signal OS. Can be realized.
Further, the value C of each element of the profile data may be created based on a nonlinear function, that is, a two-dimensional nonlinear function, with respect to each of the value A of the input signal IS and the value B of the unsharp signal US. Good.

  For example, when visual processing is performed based only on the value A of the input signal IS (for example, when conversion is performed using a one-dimensional gradation conversion curve), pixels having the same density exist at different locations in the image. The same brightness conversion is performed. More specifically, when a dark place on the background of the person in the image is brightened, the hair of the person having the same density is also lightened.

  On the other hand, when visual processing is performed using profile data created based on a two-dimensional non-linear function, pixels of the same density existing at different locations in the image are not uniformly converted but include ambient information. Can be made brighter or darker, and the optimum brightness can be adjusted for each area in the image. More specifically, it is possible to brighten the background of the same density without changing the density of the human hair in the image. Furthermore, visual processing based on a linear function can perform visual processing that maintains gradation even for pixel regions in which pixel values after processing are saturated.

  An example of such profile data is shown in FIG. The profile data shown in FIG. 5 is profile data for causing the visual processing device 1 to realize contrast enhancement suitable for visual characteristics. In FIG. 5, the profile data is expressed in a 64 × 64 matrix format, and the upper 6 bits of the luminance value of the input signal IS expressed in 8 bits in the column direction (vertical direction) is the row direction. In (horizontal direction), the upper 6 bits of the luminance value of the unsharp signal US expressed in 8 bits is shown. Further, the value of the output signal OS is indicated by 8 bits as an element of a matrix for two luminance values.

  The value C of each element of the profile data shown in FIG. 5 (value of the output signal OS) is the value A of the input signal IS (for example, a value obtained by truncating the lower 2 bits of the input signal IS expressed in 8 bits), Using the value B of the sharp signal US (for example, a value obtained by truncating the lower 2 bits of the unsharp signal US expressed in 8 bits), the conversion function F1, the inverse conversion function F2 of the conversion function, and the enhancement function F3, C = F2 (F1 (A) + F3 (F1 (A) -F1 (B))) (hereinafter referred to as Formula M14). Here, the conversion function F1 is a common logarithmic function. The inverse transformation function F2 is an exponential function (antilog) as an inverse function of the common logarithmic function. The enhancement function F3 is one of the enhancement functions R1 to R3 described with reference to FIG.

With this profile data, visual processing using the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US converted to the logarithmic space by the conversion function F1 is realized. Human visual characteristics are logarithmic, and visual processing suitable for the visual characteristics is realized by performing processing after conversion to logarithmic space. Thereby, in the visual processing device 1, contrast enhancement in the logarithmic space is realized.

  Depending on the combination of the value A of the input signal IS and the value B of the unsharp signal US, the value C obtained by the equation M14 may be a negative value. In this case, the elements of the profile data corresponding to the value A of the input signal IS and the value B of the unsharp signal US may be 0. Further, depending on the combination of the value A of the input signal IS and the value B of the unsharp signal US, the value C obtained by the equation M14 may be saturated. That is, the maximum value 255 that can be expressed by 8 bits may be exceeded. In this case, the element of the profile data corresponding to the value A of the input signal IS and the value B of the unsharp signal US may be the value 255. In FIG. 5, each element of the profile data obtained in this way is displayed in contour lines.

A more detailed description of the non-linear profile data will be given in <Profile Data> below.
(5)
The profile data provided in the two-dimensional LUT 4 may include a plurality of gradation conversion curves (gamma curves) that realize gradation correction of the input signal IS.

  Each tone conversion curve is a monotonically increasing function, such as a gamma function having a different gamma coefficient, and is associated with the value of the unsharp signal US. The association is performed such that, for example, a gamma function having a large gamma coefficient is selected for a value of a small unsharp signal US. Thus, the unsharp signal US serves as a selection signal for selecting at least one gradation conversion curve from the gradation conversion curve group included in the profile data.

With the above configuration, gradation conversion of the value A of the input signal IS is performed using the gradation conversion curve selected by the value B of the unsharp signal US.
Note that it is also possible to interpolate the output of the two-dimensional LUT 4 in the same manner as described in (2) above.

(6)
It has been described that the profile data registration device 8 is built in or connected to the visual processing device 1 and stores a plurality of profile data created in advance by a PC or the like, and changes the registered contents of the two-dimensional LUT 4.

  Here, the profile data stored in the profile data registration device 8 is created by a PC installed outside the visual processing device 1. The profile data registration device 8 acquires profile data from a PC via a network or a recording medium.

  The profile data registration device 8 registers a plurality of profile data to be stored in the two-dimensional LUT 4 according to a predetermined condition. This will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In addition, about the part which has the function similar to the visual processing apparatus 1 demonstrated using FIG. 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

<< 1 >>
FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of a visual processing device 520 that determines an image of the input signal IS and switches profile data to be registered in the two-dimensional LUT 4 based on the determination result.
The visual processing device 520 includes a profile data registration unit 521 having the same function as that of the profile data registration device 8 in addition to the same structure as the visual processing device 1 shown in FIG. Furthermore, the visual processing device 520 includes an image determination unit 522.

The image determination unit 522 receives the input signal IS and outputs the determination result SA of the input signal IS. The profile data registration unit 521 receives the determination result SA and outputs the profile data PD selected based on the determination result SA.
The image determination unit 522 determines an image of the input signal IS. In the image determination, the brightness of the input signal IS is determined by acquiring pixel values such as the luminance and brightness of the input signal IS.

  The profile data registration unit 521 acquires the determination result SA, and switches and outputs the profile data PD based on the determination result SA. More specifically, for example, when it is determined that the input signal IS is bright, a profile for compressing the dynamic range is selected. As a result, it is possible to maintain contrast even for an overall bright image. In addition, a profile that outputs an output signal OS having an appropriate dynamic range is selected in consideration of the characteristics of the device that displays the output signal OS.

As described above, the visual processing device 520 can realize appropriate visual processing in accordance with the input signal IS.
Note that the image determination unit 522 may determine not only pixel values such as luminance and brightness of the input signal IS but also image characteristics such as spatial frequency.

In this case, for example, it is possible to realize more appropriate visual processing such as selecting a profile with a higher degree of sharpness enhancement for the input signal IS having a low spatial frequency.
<< 2 >>
FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a visual processing device 525 that switches profile data to be registered in the two-dimensional LUT 4 based on an input result from an input device for inputting conditions relating to brightness.

  The visual processing device 525 includes a profile data registration unit 526 having the same function as the profile data registration device 8 in addition to the structure similar to that of the visual processing device 1 shown in FIG. Further, the visual processing device 525 includes an input device 527 connected by wire or wirelessly. More specifically, the input device 527 is an input button provided on a device itself that handles images, such as a computer, a television, a digital camera, a mobile phone, a PDA, a printer, or a scanner that outputs an output signal OS, or a remote controller for each device. And so on.

The input device 527 is an input device for inputting conditions relating to brightness, and includes switches such as “bright” and “dark”, for example. The input device 527 outputs an input result SB by a user operation.
The profile data registration unit 526 acquires the input result SB, and switches and outputs the profile data PD based on the input result SB. More specifically, for example, when the user inputs “bright”, a profile for compressing the dynamic range of the input signal IS is selected and output as profile data PD. This makes it possible to maintain the contrast even when the environment where the device that displays the output signal OS is placed is in a “bright” state.

As described above, the visual processing device 525 can realize appropriate visual processing according to the input from the input device 527.
Note that the conditions relating to brightness include not only conditions relating to the brightness of ambient light around a medium that outputs an output signal such as a computer, a television, a digital camera, a mobile phone, and a PDA, but also an output signal such as printer paper is output. Conditions relating to the brightness of the medium itself may be used. In addition, for example, conditions relating to the brightness of the medium itself for inputting an input signal such as scanner paper may be used.

These may be automatically input by a photo sensor or the like as well as input by a switch or the like.
Note that the input device 527 may be a device that not only inputs the conditions related to brightness, but also causes the profile data registration unit 526 to directly switch the profile. In this case, the input device 527 may display a list of profile data and allow the user to select other than the conditions related to brightness.

Thereby, the user can execute visual processing according to his / her preference.
Note that the input device 527 may be a device that identifies a user. In this case, the input device 527 may be a camera for identifying a user or a device for inputting a user name.

For example, when the input device 527 inputs that the user is a child, profile data that suppresses an excessive change in luminance is selected.
As a result, visual processing according to the user can be realized.
<< 3 >>
FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of a visual processing device 530 that switches profile data to be registered in the two-dimensional LUT 4 based on detection results from a brightness detection unit for detecting two types of brightness.

The visual processing device 530 includes a profile data registration unit 531 having the same function as that of the profile data registration device 8 in addition to the same structure as the visual processing device 1 shown in FIG. Further, the visual processing device 530 includes a brightness detection unit 532.
The brightness detection unit 532 includes an image determination unit 522 and an input device 527. The image determination unit 522 and the input device 527 are the same as described with reference to FIGS. Thereby, the lightness detection unit 532 receives the input signal IS and outputs the determination result SA from the image determination unit 522 and the input result SB from the input device 527 as detection results.

  The profile data registration unit 531 receives the determination result SA and the input result SB, and switches and outputs the profile data PD based on the determination result SA and the input result SB. More specifically, for example, when the ambient light is in a “bright” state and the input signal IS is also determined to be bright, a profile or the like for compressing the dynamic range of the input signal IS is selected as the profile data PD. Output. This makes it possible to maintain contrast when displaying the output signal OS.

As described above, the visual processing device 530 can realize appropriate visual processing.
<< 4 >>
In the visual processing devices of FIGS. 6 to 8, each profile data registration unit may not be provided integrally with the visual processing device. Specifically, the profile data registration unit may be connected to the visual processing device via a network as a server including a plurality of profile data or as a plurality of servers including the respective profile data. Here, the network is a connection means capable of communication such as a dedicated line, a public line, the Internet, and a LAN, and may be wired or wireless. In this case, the determination result SA and the input result SB are also transmitted from the visual processing device side to the profile data registration unit side through the same network.

(7)
In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the profile data registration device 8 includes a plurality of profile data and realizes different visual processing by switching registration to the two-dimensional LUT 4.

Here, the visual processing device 1 may include a plurality of two-dimensional LUTs in which profile data for realizing different visual processing is registered. In this case, the visual processing device 1 may realize different visual processing by switching the input to each two-dimensional LUT or by switching the output from each two-dimensional LUT.

In this case, the storage capacity to be secured for the two-dimensional LUT increases, but the time required for switching the visual processing can be shortened.
Further, the profile data registration device 8 may be a device that generates new profile data based on a plurality of profile data and registers the generated profile data in the two-dimensional LUT 4.

This will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram mainly illustrating a profile data registration device 701 as a modification of the profile data registration device 8. The profile data registration device 701 is a device for switching profile data registered in the two-dimensional LUT 4 of the visual processing device 1.

  The profile data registration device 701 generates a new profile data, a profile data registration unit 702 that registers a plurality of profile data, a profile creation execution unit 703 that generates new profile data based on the plurality of profile data, and the like. A parameter input unit 706 for inputting parameters for the control, and a control unit 705 for controlling each unit.

  A plurality of profile data are registered in the profile data registration unit 702 in the same manner as the profile data registration device 8 or each of the profile data registration units shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, and are selected by a control signal C10 from the control unit 705. The selected selection profile data is read out. Here, it is assumed that two selection profile data are read from the profile data registration unit 702, which are first selection profile data d10 and second selection profile data d11, respectively.

  Profile data read from the profile data registration unit 702 is determined by an input from the parameter input unit 706. For example, in the parameter input unit 706, a desired visual processing effect, the degree of processing, information on the visual environment of the processed image, and the like are input as parameters manually or automatically from a sensor or the like. The control unit 705 specifies the profile data to be read from the parameter input by the parameter input unit 706 by the control signal c10, and specifies the value of the degree of synthesis of the respective profile data by the control signal c12.

The profile creation execution unit 703 includes a profile creation unit 704 that creates generation profile data d6 that is new profile data from the first selection profile data d10 and the second selection profile data d11.
The profile generation unit 704 acquires the first selection profile data d10 and the second selection profile data d11 from the profile data registration unit 702. Further, a control signal c12 that specifies the degree of synthesis of each selected profile data is acquired from the control unit 705.

  Further, the profile generation unit 704 generates the value [k] of the degree of synthesis specified by the control signal c12 with respect to the value [m] of the first selection profile data d10 and the value [n] of the second selection profile data d11. Is used to create generation profile data d6 of value [l]. Here, the value [l] is calculated by [l] = (1−k) * [m] + k * [n]. When the value [k] satisfies 0 ≦ k ≦ 1, the first selection profile data d10 and the second selection profile data d11 are internally divided, and the value [k] is k <0 or k>. When 1 is satisfied, the first selection profile data d10 and the second selection profile data d11 are separated.

  The two-dimensional LUT 4 acquires the generation profile data d6 generated by the profile generation unit 704, and stores the acquired value at the address specified by the count signal c11 of the control unit 705. Here, the generation profile data d6 is associated with the same image signal value with which each selection profile data used to create the generation profile data d6 is associated.

As described above, for example, new profile data that realizes different visual processing can be created based on profile data that realizes different visual processing.
A visual processing profile creation method executed in a visual processing device including the profile data registration device 701 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Based on the count signal c10 from the control unit 705, the address of the profile data registration unit 702 is designated at a constant count cycle, and the image signal value stored in the designated address is read (step S701). Specifically, the control unit 705 outputs a count signal c10 according to the parameter input by the parameter input unit 706. The count signal c10 designates the addresses of two profile data that realize different visual processing in the profile data registration unit 702. As a result, the first selection profile data d10 and the second selection profile data d11 are read from the profile data registration unit 702.

The profile generation unit 704 acquires a control signal c12 that specifies the degree of synthesis from the control unit 705 (step S702).
The profile generation unit 704 uses the value [k] of the degree of synthesis specified by the control signal c12 for the value [m] of the first selection profile data d10 and the value [n] of the second selection profile data d11. Then, the generation profile data d6 of the value [l] is created (step S703). Here, the value [l] is calculated by [l] = (1−k) * [m] + k * [n].

The generated profile data d6 is written to the two-dimensional LUT 4 (step S704). Here, the write destination address is designated by the count signal c11 from the control unit 705 given to the two-dimensional LUT4.
The control unit 705 determines whether or not the processing for all the selected profile data has been completed (step 705), and repeats the processing from step S701 to step S705 until the processing is completed.

Also, the new profile data stored in the two-dimensional LUT 4 in this way is used for executing visual processing.
<< Effect of (7) >>
In the visual processing device including the profile data registration device 701, it is possible to create new profile data that realizes different visual processing based on profile data that realizes different visual processing, and to perform visual processing. That is, the profile data registration unit 702 can realize visual processing with an arbitrary degree of processing only by providing a small number of profile data, and the storage capacity of the profile data registration unit 702 can be reduced.

Note that the profile data registration device 701 may be provided not only in the visual processing device 1 shown in FIG. 1 but also in the visual processing devices shown in FIGS. In this case, the profile data registration unit 702 and the profile creation execution unit 703 are used instead of the profile data registration units 521, 526, and 531 shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, and the parameter input unit 706 and the control unit 705 are used. The image determination unit 522 in FIG. 6, the input device 527 in FIG. 7, and the lightness detection unit 532 in FIG. 8 may be used.

(8)
The visual processing device may be a device that converts the brightness of the input signal IS. A visual processing device 901 that converts brightness will be described with reference to FIG.
"Constitution"
The visual processing device 901 is a device that converts the brightness of the input signal IS ′, performs a predetermined process on the input signal IS ′ and outputs a processing signal US ′, and the input signal IS ′ and And a conversion unit 903 that converts the input signal IS ′ using the processing signal US ′.

The processing unit 902 operates in the same manner as the spatial processing unit 2 (see FIG. 1), and performs spatial processing of the input signal IS ′. Note that spatial processing as described in the above <Modification> (3) may be performed.
Similar to the visual processing unit 3, the conversion unit 903 includes a two-dimensional LUT and outputs the output signal OS ′ (value [y] based on the input signal IS ′ (value [x]) and the processing signal US ′ (value [z]). ]) Is output.

  Here, the value of each element of the two-dimensional LUT included in the conversion unit 903 is the value of the input signal IS ′ with respect to the gain or offset determined according to the value of the function fk (z) related to the degree of change in brightness. It is determined by acting [x]. Hereinafter, the function fk (z) related to the degree of change in brightness is referred to as a “change degree function”.

  The value of each element of the two-dimensional LUT (= value [y] of the output signal OS ′) is determined based on a function of the value [x] of the input signal IS ′ and the value [z] of the processing signal US ′. Yes. Hereinafter, this function is referred to as “conversion function”, and conversion functions (a) to (d) are shown as an example. FIGS. 12A to 12D show the relationship between the input signal IS ′ and the output signal OS ′ when the change degree function fk (z) is changed.

<< Conversion function (a) >>
The conversion function (a) is expressed as [y] = f1 (z) * [x].
Here, the degree-of-change function f1 (z) acts as a gain of the input signal IS ′. For this reason, the gain of the input signal IS ′ changes and the value [y] of the output signal OS ′ changes depending on the value of the change degree function f1 (z).

FIG. 12A shows a change in the relationship between the input signal IS ′ and the output signal OS ′ when the value of the change degree function f1 (z) changes.
As the degree-of-change function f1 (z) increases (f1 (z)> 1), the value [y] of the output signal increases. That is, the converted image becomes bright. On the other hand, as the change degree function f1 (z) becomes smaller (f1 (z) <1), the value [y] of the output signal becomes smaller. That is, the image after conversion becomes dark.

Here, the change degree function f1 (z) is a function in which the minimum value in the domain of the value [z] does not become less than the value [0].
Further, when the value [y] of the output signal exceeds the range of possible values due to the calculation of the conversion function (a), it may be clipped to the range of possible values. For example, when the value [1] is exceeded, the output signal value [y] may be clipped to the value [1], and when the value [0] is not satisfied, the output signal value [y] ] May be clipped to the value [0]. The same applies to the following conversion functions (b) to (d).

<< Conversion function (b) >>
The conversion function (b) is expressed as [y] = [x] + f2 (z).
Here, the change degree function f2 (z) acts as an offset of the input signal IS ′. For this reason, the offset of the input signal IS ′ changes depending on the value of the change degree function f2 (z), and the value [y] of the output signal OS ′ changes.

FIG. 12B shows a change in the relationship between the input signal IS ′ and the output signal OS ′ when the value of the change degree function f2 (z) changes.
As the degree of change function f2 (z) increases (f2 (z)> 0), the value [y] of the output signal increases. That is, the converted image becomes bright. On the other hand, as the change degree function f2 (z) becomes smaller (f2 (z) <0), the value [y] of the output signal becomes smaller. That is, the image after conversion becomes dark.

<< Conversion function (c) >>
The conversion function (c) is expressed as [y] = f1 (z) * [x] + f2 (z).
Here, the degree-of-change function f1 (z) acts as a gain of the input signal IS ′. Furthermore, the change degree function f2 (z) acts as an offset of the input signal IS ′. Therefore, the gain of the input signal IS ′ changes depending on the value of the change degree function f1 (z), and the offset of the input signal IS ′ changes depending on the value of the change degree function f2 (z), and the output signal OS ′. The value of [y] changes.

FIG. 12C shows a change in the relationship between the input signal IS ′ and the output signal OS ′ when the values of the change degree function f1 (z) and the change degree function f2 (z) change.
As the degree-of-change function f1 (z) and the degree-of-change function f2 (z) increase, the value [y] of the output signal increases. That is, the converted image becomes bright. On the other hand, as the change degree function f1 (z) and change degree function f2 (z) become smaller, the value [y] of the output signal becomes smaller. That is, the image after conversion becomes dark.

<< Conversion function (d) >>
The conversion function (d) is expressed as [y] = [x] ^ (1-f2 (z)).
Here, the degree-of-change function f2 (z) determines “power” of the “power function”. Therefore, the input signal IS ′ changes and the value [y] of the output signal OS ′ changes depending on the value of the change degree function f2 (z).

FIG. 12D shows a change in the relationship between the input signal IS ′ and the output signal OS ′ when the value of the change degree function f2 (z) changes.
As the degree of change function f2 (z) increases (f2 (z)> 0), the value [y] of the output signal increases. That is, the converted image becomes bright. On the other hand, as the change degree function f2 (z) becomes smaller (f2 (z) <0), the value [y] of the output signal becomes smaller. That is, the image after conversion becomes dark. Further, when the change degree function f2 (z) is the value [0], the conversion with respect to the input signal IS ′ is not performed.

The value [x] is a value obtained by normalizing the value of the input signal IS ′ within the range of [0] to [1].
"effect"
(1)
In the visual processing device 901, visual processing of the input signal IS ′ is performed by a two-dimensional LUT having elements determined using any of the conversion functions (a) to (d) described above. Each element of the two-dimensional LUT stores a value [y] for a value [x] and a value [z]. Therefore, viewing angle processing for converting the brightness of the input signal IS ′ is realized based on the input signal IS ′ and the processing signal US ′.

(2)
Here, when both the degree-of-change function f1 (z) and the degree-of-change function f2 (z) are monotonically decreasing functions, effects such as backlight correction and whiteout prevention can be further obtained. A description will be added regarding this.

FIGS. 13A to 13B show examples of the degree-of-change functions f1 (z) and f2 (z) that monotonously decrease. Although three graphs (a1 to a3, b1 to b3) are shown, all are examples of monotonically decreasing functions.
The degree-of-change function f1 (z) is a function having a range that crosses the value [1], and is a function in which the minimum value for the domain of the value [z] does not become less than the value [0]. The degree-of-change function f2 (z) is a function having a value range that crosses the value [0].

  For example, the value [z] of the processing signal US ′ is small in a dark portion having a large area in the image. The value of the change degree function for a small value [z] is large. That is, when a two-dimensional LUT created based on the conversion functions (a) to (d) is used, a dark portion with a large area in the image is brightly converted. Therefore, for example, in an image photographed with backlight, dark portions are improved with respect to a dark and large area, and the visual effect is improved.

  Further, for example, the value [z] of the processing signal US ′ is large in a bright and large area in the image. The value of the degree-of-change function for a large value [z] is small. That is, when a two-dimensional LUT created based on the conversion functions (a) to (d) is used, a bright and large area portion in the image is converted to dark. Therefore, for example, in an image having a bright part such as the sky, the whiteout is improved for a bright and large area, and the visual effect is improved.

<Modification>
(1)
The above-described conversion function is an example, and may be an arbitrary function as long as the conversion has similar properties.

(2)
The value of each element of the two-dimensional LUT may not be strictly determined by the above conversion function.
For example, when the value of the conversion function described above exceeds the range of values that can be handled as the output signal OS ′, the two-dimensional LUT is a value clipped to the range of values that can be handled as the output signal OS ′. May be stored.

(3)
Processing similar to the above may be performed without using a two-dimensional LUT. For example, the conversion unit 903 may output the output signal OS ′ by calculating conversion functions (a) to (d) for the input signal IS ′ and the processing signal US ′.

(9)
The visual processing device may include a plurality of spatial processing units and perform visual processing using a plurality of unsharp signals having different degrees of spatial processing.
"Constitution"
FIG. 14 shows the configuration of the visual processing device 905. The visual processing device 905 is a device that performs visual processing of the input signal IS ″, and performs a first predetermined processing on the input signal IS ″ and outputs a first processing signal U1; A second processing unit 906b that performs second predetermined processing on the input signal IS "and outputs a second processing signal U2, and the input signal IS", the first processing signal U1, and the second processing signal U2 are used. And a conversion unit 908 for converting the input signal IS ″.

The first processing unit 906a and the second processing unit 906b operate in the same manner as the spatial processing unit 2 (see FIG. 1), and perform the spatial processing of the input signal IS ". Such spatial processing may be performed.
Here, the first processing unit 906a and the second processing unit 906b have different sizes of peripheral pixel regions used in the spatial processing.

  Specifically, the first processing unit 906a uses peripheral pixels included in the region of 30 pixels vertically and 30 pixels horizontally with the pixel of interest at the center (small unsharp signal), whereas the second processor 906b Peripheral pixels included in the region of 90 pixels vertically and 90 pixels horizontally centering on the pixel of interest are used (large unsharp signal). The peripheral pixel region described here is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. In order to sufficiently exhibit the visual processing effect, it is preferable to generate an unsharp signal from a considerably wide area.

The conversion unit 908 includes an LUT and outputs an output signal OS based on the input signal IS ″ (value [x]), the first processing signal U1 (value [z1]), and the second processing signal U2 (value [z2]). "(Value [y]) is output.
Here, the LUT included in the conversion unit 903 is the value of the output signal OS ″ with respect to the value [x] of the input signal IS ″, the value [z1] of the first processing signal U1, and the value [z2] of the second processing signal U2. This is a three-dimensional LUT that stores [y]. The value of each element of the three-dimensional LUT (= value [y] of the output signal OS ″) is the value [x] of the input signal IS ′, the value [z1] of the first processing signal U1, and the second processing signal U2. It is determined based on a function with the value [z2].

The three-dimensional LUT can realize the processing described in the above embodiment and the following embodiment. Here, the three-dimensional LUT is << when the brightness of the input signal IS is converted >> and << the input signal IS. An explanation will be added about “when emphasizing conversion”.
<When converting the brightness of the input signal IS>
The conversion unit 908 performs conversion so as to brighten the input signal IS ″ if the value [z1] of the first processing signal U1 is small. However, if the value [z2] of the second processing signal U2 is also small, the conversion unit 908 performs lightening. Reduce the degree.

As an example of such conversion, the value of each element of the three-dimensional LUT provided in the conversion unit 903 is determined based on the following conversion function (e) or (f).
(Conversion function (e))
The conversion function (e) is expressed as [y] = [f11 (z1) / f12 (z2)] * [x].

Here, the degree-of-change functions f11 (z1) and f12 (z2) are the same functions as the degree-of-change function f1 (z) described in the above <Modification> (8). Further, the change degree function f11 (z1) and the change degree function f12 (z2) are different functions.
Thereby, [f11 (z1) / f12 (z2)] acts as a gain of the input signal IS ″, and the gain of the input signal IS ″ is determined by the value of the first processing signal U1 and the value of the second processing signal U2. Changes, and the value [y] of the output signal OS ″ changes.

(Conversion function (f))
The conversion function (f) is expressed as [y] = [x] + f21 (z1) −f22 (z2).
Here, the degree-of-change functions f21 (z1) and f22 (z2) are functions similar to the degree-of-change function f2 (z) described in the above <Modification> (8). Further, the change degree function f21 (z1) and the change degree function f22 (z2) are different functions.

Thereby, [f21 (z1) −f22 (z2)] acts as an offset of the input signal IS ″, and the offset of the input signal IS ″ is determined by the value of the first processing signal U1 and the value of the second processing signal U2. Changes, and the value [y] of the output signal OS ″ changes.
(effect)
By using the conversion functions (e) to (f), for example, an effect is achieved such that, for example, a dark area in a small area of a backlight portion is brightened while a dark area in a large area of a night scene image is not excessively brightened. It becomes possible to do.

(Modification)
Note that the processing in the conversion unit 908 is not limited to processing using a three-dimensional LUT, and may perform operations similar to the conversion functions (e) and (f).
Further, each element of the three-dimensional LUT may not be strictly determined based on the conversion functions (e) and (f).

<< When the input signal IS is emphasized and converted >>
When the conversion in the conversion unit 908 is conversion that emphasizes the input signal IS ″, it is possible to independently emphasize a plurality of frequency components.
For example, if the conversion further enhances the first processing signal U1, it is possible to emphasize a relatively high-frequency shade portion, and if the conversion further emphasizes the second processing signal U2, the frequency It is possible to emphasize a low density portion.

<Profile data>
The visual processing device 1 can include profile data that realizes various visual processes other than those described above. Hereinafter, with respect to the first to seventh profile data for realizing various visual processing, an expression characterizing the profile data, and a configuration of the visual processing device for realizing visual processing equivalent to the visual processing device 1 including the profile data Indicates.

Each profile data is determined based on a mathematical expression including an operation for enhancing a value calculated from the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US. Here, the calculation to be emphasized is, for example, a calculation using a nonlinear enhancement function.
Thereby, in each profile data, it is possible to realize enhancement suitable for the visual characteristics of the input signal IS or enhancement suitable for the nonlinear characteristics of the device that outputs the output signal OS.

(1)
<First profile data>
The first profile data is determined based on an operation including a function that emphasizes a difference between respective conversion values obtained by performing predetermined conversion on the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US. As a result, the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US can be converted into different spaces, and the respective differences can be emphasized. Thereby, for example, it is possible to realize enhancement suitable for visual characteristics.

This will be specifically described below.
The value C (value of the output signal OS) of each element of the first profile data includes the value A of the input signal IS, the value B of the unsharp signal US, the conversion function F1, the inverse conversion function F2 of the conversion function, and the enhancement function F3. It is expressed as C = F2 (F1 (A) + F3 (F1 (A) −F1 (B))) (hereinafter referred to as Formula M1).

Here, the conversion function F1 is a common logarithmic function. The inverse transformation function F2 is an exponential function (antilog) as an inverse function of the common logarithmic function. The enhancement function F3 is one of the enhancement functions R1 to R3 described with reference to FIG.
<< Equivalent visual processing device 11 >>
FIG. 15 shows a visual processing device 11 equivalent to the visual processing device 1 in which the first profile data is registered in the two-dimensional LUT 4.

  The visual processing device 11 is a device that outputs an output signal OS based on a calculation that emphasizes a difference between respective converted values obtained by performing predetermined conversion on the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US. As a result, the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US can be converted into different spaces, and the respective differences can be emphasized. For example, enhancement suitable for visual characteristics can be realized.

  The visual processing device 11 shown in FIG. 15 performs spatial processing on the luminance value for each pixel of the original image acquired as the input signal IS and outputs an unsharp signal US, and the input signal IS and the unsharp signal. A visual processing unit 13 that performs visual processing of an original image using US and outputs an output signal OS is provided.

Since the spatial processing unit 12 performs the same operation as the spatial processing unit 2 included in the visual processing device 1, description thereof is omitted.
The visual processing unit 13 converts the signal space between the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US, outputs the converted input signal TIS and the converted unsharp signal TUS, and the converted input signal TIS. 1 and the converted unsharp signal TUS as a second input, and a subtraction unit 17 that outputs a difference signal DS that is a difference between them, and an enhancement process signal TS that is subjected to an enhancement process with the difference signal DS as an input. The processing unit 18, the conversion input signal TIS as a first input, the enhancement processing signal TS as a second input, and an addition unit 19 that outputs an addition signal PS obtained by adding them, and the addition signal PS as an input and an output signal OS Is provided.

The signal space conversion unit 14 includes a first conversion unit 15 that receives an input signal IS and outputs a conversion input signal TIS, and a second conversion unit 16 that receives an unsharp signal US and outputs a conversion unsharp signal TUS. It has further.
<< Operation of Equivalent Visual Processing Device 11 >>
The operation of the visual processing unit 13 will be further described.

  The first conversion unit 15 converts the input signal having the value A into the conversion input signal TIS having the value F1 (A) using the conversion function F1. The second conversion unit 16 converts the unsharp signal US having the value B into the converted unsharp signal TUS having the value F1 (B) using the conversion function F1. The subtraction unit 17 calculates a difference between the converted input signal TIS having the value F1 (A) and the converted unsharp signal TUS having the value F1 (B), and calculates a difference signal DS having the value F1 (A) −F1 (B). Output. The enhancement processing unit 18 outputs an enhancement processing signal TS having a value F3 (F1 (A) −F1 (B)) from the difference signal DS having the value F1 (A) −F1 (B) using the enhancement function F3. The adder 19 adds the converted input signal TIS having the value F1 (A) and the enhancement processing signal TS having the value F3 (F1 (A) −F1 (B)), and adds the value F1 (A) + F3 (F1 (A ) -F1 (B)) addition signal PS is output. The inverse transform unit 20 inversely transforms the addition signal PS of the value F1 (A) + F3 (F1 (A) −F1 (B)) using the inverse transform function F2, and the value F2 (F1 (A) + F3 (F1) (A) -F1 (B))) is output.

The calculation using the transformation function F1, the inverse transformation function F2, and the enhancement function F3 may be performed using a one-dimensional LUT for each function, or may be performed without using the LUT.
"effect"
The visual processing device 1 and the visual processing device 11 having the first profile data have the same visual processing effect.

(I)
Visual processing using the converted input signal TIS and the converted unsharp signal TUS converted into the logarithmic space by the conversion function F1 is realized. Human visual characteristics are logarithmic, and visual processing suitable for the visual characteristics is realized by performing processing after conversion to logarithmic space.

(Ii)
Each visual processing device realizes contrast enhancement in a logarithmic space.
The conventional visual processing device 400 shown in FIG. 108 is generally used to perform contour (edge) enhancement using an unsharp signal US with a small degree of blur. However, when the visual processing device 400 performs contrast enhancement using the unsharp signal US having a large degree of blur, the bright portion of the original image is under-enhanced and over-enhanced in the dark portion, which is not suitable for visual characteristics. It becomes processing. That is, correction in the brightening direction tends to be under-emphasized, and correction in the darkening direction tends to be over-emphasized.

On the other hand, when visual processing is performed using the visual processing device 1 or the visual processing device 11, it is possible to perform visual processing suitable for visual characteristics from a dark part to a bright part. It is possible to perform the emphasis of the direction to be performed in a well-balanced manner.
(Iii)
In the conventional visual processing device 400, the output signal OS after visual processing may become negative and fail.

  On the other hand, when the value C of an element in the profile data obtained by the equation M1 exceeds the range of 0 ≦ C ≦ 255, the value of the element is set to 0 or 255 so that the corrected pixel signal becomes negative. It becomes possible to prevent the failure or saturation and failure. This is realized regardless of the bit length for expressing the elements of the profile data.

<Modification>
(I)
The conversion function F1 is not limited to a logarithmic function. For example, the conversion function F1 is a conversion that removes the gamma correction (for example, gamma coefficient [0.45]) applied to the input signal IS, and the inverse conversion function F2 is a conversion that applies the gamma correction applied to the input signal IS. It is good.

As a result, it is possible to remove the gamma correction applied to the input signal IS and perform processing based on linear characteristics. For this reason, optical blur correction can be performed.
(Ii)
In the visual processing device 11, the visual processing unit 13 may calculate the above expression M1 based on the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US without using the two-dimensional LUT 4. In this case, a one-dimensional LUT may be used in the calculation of the respective functions F1 to F3.

(2)
<< 2nd profile data >>
The second profile data is determined based on a calculation including a function that emphasizes the ratio between the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US. Thereby, for example, it is possible to realize visual processing that emphasizes the sharp component.

  Further, the second profile data is determined based on a calculation that performs dynamic range compression on the ratio between the enhanced input signal IS and the unsharp signal US. Accordingly, for example, it is possible to realize visual processing that compresses the dynamic range while enhancing the sharp component.

This will be specifically described below.
The value C (value of the output signal OS) of each element of the second profile data is C = F4 using the value A of the input signal IS, the value B of the unsharp signal US, the dynamic range compression function F4, and the enhancement function F5. (A) * F5 (A / B) (hereinafter referred to as Formula M2).

Here, the dynamic range compression function F4 is a monotonically increasing function such as an upward convex power function, for example. For example, F4 (x) = x ^ γ (0 <γ <1). The enhancement function F5 is a power function. For example, F5 (x) = x ^ α (0 <α ≦ 1).
<< Equivalent visual processing device 21 >>
FIG. 16 shows a visual processing device 21 equivalent to the visual processing device 1 in which the second profile data is registered in the two-dimensional LUT 4.

The visual processing device 21 is a device that outputs the output signal OS based on a calculation that emphasizes the ratio between the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US. Thereby, for example, it is possible to realize visual processing that emphasizes the sharp component.
Furthermore, the visual processing device 21 outputs the output signal OS based on a calculation that performs dynamic range compression on the ratio of the emphasized input signal IS and the unsharp signal US. Accordingly, for example, it is possible to realize visual processing that compresses the dynamic range while enhancing the sharp component.

  The visual processing device 21 shown in FIG. 16 performs spatial processing on the luminance value for each pixel of the original image acquired as the input signal IS and outputs an unsharp signal US, and the input signal IS and the unsharp signal. A visual processing unit 23 that performs visual processing of an original image using US and outputs an output signal OS is provided.

The spatial processing unit 22 performs the same operation as the spatial processing unit 2 included in the visual processing device 1, and thus description thereof is omitted.
The visual processing unit 23 uses the input signal IS as a first input, the unsharp signal US as a second input, and a division unit 25 that outputs a division signal RS obtained by dividing the input signal IS by the unsharp signal US; An emphasis processing unit 26 that receives RS as an input and outputs an emphasis processing signal TS; an output processing unit 27 that outputs the output signal OS by using the input signal IS as a first input and the emphasis processing signal TS as a second input; It has. The output processing unit 27 receives the input signal IS, outputs a DR compression signal DRS that has been subjected to dynamic range (DR) compression, a DR compression signal DRS as a first input, and an enhancement processing signal TS as a first input. 2 and a multiplier 29 that outputs an output signal OS.

<< Operation of Equivalent Visual Processing Device 21 >>
The operation of the visual processing unit 23 will be further described.
The division unit 25 divides the input signal IS having the value A by the unsharp signal US having the value B, and outputs a division signal RS having the value A / B. The enhancement processing unit 26 outputs the enhancement processing signal TS having the value F5 (A / B) from the division signal RS having the value A / B using the enhancement function F5. The DR compression unit 28 outputs a DR compressed signal DRS having a value F4 (A) from an input signal IS having a value A using a dynamic range compression function F4. The multiplier 29 multiplies the DR compressed signal DRS having the value F4 (A) by the enhancement processing signal TS having the value F5 (A / B), and outputs the output signal OS having the value F4 (A) * F5 (A / B). Output.

The calculation using the dynamic range compression function F4 and the enhancement function F5 may be performed using a one-dimensional LUT for each function, or may be performed without using the LUT.
"effect"
The visual processing device 1 and the visual processing device 21 including the second profile data have the same visual processing effect.

(I)
Conventionally, when compressing the dynamic range of the entire image, the gradation level is compressed using the dynamic range compression function F4 shown in FIG. 17 without saturating from the dark part to the highlight. That is, assuming that the reproduction target black level in the image signal before compression is L0 and the maximum white level is L1, the dynamic range L1: L0 before compression is compressed to the dynamic range Q1: Q0 after compression. However, the contrast, which is the ratio of the image signal levels, is reduced to (Q1 / Q0) * (L0 / L1) times due to the compression of the dynamic range. Here, the dynamic range compression function F4 is an upward convex power function or the like.

On the other hand, in the visual processing device 1 and the visual processing device 21 including the second profile data, the division signal RS of the value A / B, that is, the sharp signal is enhanced by the enhancement function F5 and multiplied by the DR compressed signal DRS. For this reason, local contrast is emphasized. Here, the enhancement function F5 is a power function as shown in FIG. 18 (F5 (x) = x ^ α). When the value of the division signal RS is larger than 1, the enhancement is performed in the brighter direction and is smaller than 1. Sometimes emphasizes in darker directions.

  In general, human vision has the property that if the local contrast is maintained, the same contrast can be seen even if the overall contrast is lowered. Accordingly, the visual processing device 1 and the visual processing device 21 including the second profile data can realize visual processing that does not visually reduce contrast while compressing the dynamic range.

(Ii)
The effects of the present invention will be described more specifically.
The dynamic range compression function F4 is assumed to be F4 (x) = x ^ γ (for example, γ = 0.6). The enhancement function F5 is assumed to be F5 (x) = x ^ α (for example, α = 0.4). Further, it is assumed that the black level of the reproduction target when the maximum white level of the input signal IS is normalized to a value 1 is a value 1/300. That is, assume that the dynamic range of the input signal IS is 300: 1.

  When the dynamic range compression of the input signal IS is performed using the dynamic range compression function F4, the dynamic range after compression is F4 (1): F4 (1/300) = 30: 1. That is, the dynamic range is compressed to 1/10 by the dynamic range compression function F4.

  On the other hand, the value C of the output signal OS is expressed by the above equation M2, and C = (A ^ 0.6) * {(A / B) ^ 0.4}, that is, C = A / (B ^ 0.4. ). Here, in the local range, the value of B can be regarded as constant, so that C is proportional to A. That is, the ratio between the change amount of the value C and the change amount of the value A is 1, and the local contrast does not change between the input signal IS and the output signal OS.

  As described above, human vision has the property that if the local contrast is maintained, the same contrast can be seen even if the overall contrast is lowered. Accordingly, the visual processing device 1 and the visual processing device 21 including the second profile data can realize visual processing that does not visually reduce contrast while compressing the dynamic range.

If the power multiplier α of the enhancement function F5 shown in FIG. 18 is larger than 0.4, it is possible to increase the apparent contrast of the output signal OS rather than the input signal IS while compressing the dynamic range.
(Iii)
In the present invention, since the above effects can be realized, it is particularly effective in the following situation. That is, it is possible to reproduce a high-contrast image on a display with a narrow physical dynamic range without losing dark and bright portions. In addition, for example, a high-contrast print can be obtained with a low-density ink (a printer having only a light color) that displays a high-contrast image on a television projector in a bright environment.

<Modification>
(I)
In the visual processing device 21, the visual processing unit 23 may calculate the above expression M2 without using the two-dimensional LUT 4 based on the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US. In this case, a one-dimensional LUT may be used in the calculation of the functions F4 and F5.

(Ii)
When the value C of an element in the profile data obtained by Expression M2 is C> 255, the value C of the element may be set to 255.
(3)
<< Third profile data >>
The third profile data is determined based on a calculation including a function that emphasizes the ratio between the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US. Thereby, for example, it is possible to realize visual processing that emphasizes the sharp component.

This will be specifically described below.
In the second profile data equation M2, the dynamic range compression function F4 may be a direct proportional function with a proportional coefficient of 1. In this case, the value C (value of the output signal OS) of each element of the third profile data is C = A * F5 (value of the input signal IS, the value B of the unsharp signal US, and the enhancement function F5). A / B) (hereinafter referred to as Formula M3).

<< Equivalent visual processing device 31 >>
FIG. 19 shows a visual processing device 31 equivalent to the visual processing device 1 in which the third profile data is registered in the two-dimensional LUT 4.
The visual processing device 31 is a device that outputs the output signal OS based on a calculation that emphasizes the ratio between the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US. Thereby, for example, it is possible to realize visual processing that emphasizes the sharp component.

  The visual processing device 31 shown in FIG. 19 is different from the visual processing device 21 shown in FIG. 16 in that the DR compression unit 28 is not provided. In the following, in the visual processing device 31 shown in FIG. 19, portions that perform the same operations as those of the visual processing device 21 shown in FIG.

  The visual processing device 31 uses the spatial processing unit 22 that performs spatial processing on the luminance value of each pixel of the original image acquired as the input signal IS and outputs the unsharp signal US, and the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US. A visual processing unit 32 that performs visual processing of the original image and outputs an output signal OS.

The spatial processing unit 22 performs the same operation as the spatial processing unit 2 included in the visual processing device 1, and thus description thereof is omitted.
The visual processing unit 32 uses the input signal IS as a first input, the unsharp signal US as a second input, and a division unit 25 that outputs a division signal RS obtained by dividing the input signal IS by the unsharp signal US; An enhancement processing unit 26 that receives RS as an input and outputs an enhancement processing signal TS, and a multiplication unit 33 that uses the input signal IS as a first input and the enhancement processing signal TS as a second input and outputs an output signal OS. I have.

<< Operation of Equivalent Visual Processing Device 31 >>
The operation of the visual processing unit 32 will be further described.
The division unit 25 and the enhancement processing unit 26 perform the same operations as described for the visual processing device 21 shown in FIG.

The multiplier 33 multiplies the input signal IS having the value A by the enhancement processing signal TS having the value F5 (A / B), and outputs an output signal OS having the value A * F5 (A / B). Here, the enhancement function F5 is the same as that shown in FIG.
The calculation using the enhancement function F5 may be performed using a one-dimensional LUT for each function, as described for the visual processing device 21 shown in FIG. 16, or without using the LUT. It may be done.

"effect"
The visual processing device 1 and the visual processing device 31 having the third profile data have the same visual processing effect.
(I)
The enhancement processing unit 26 performs enhancement processing of a sharp signal (division signal RS) expressed as a ratio between the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US, and the enhanced sharp signal is input to the input signal IS.
Is multiplied by Enhancing the sharp signal expressed as the ratio of the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US corresponds to calculating the difference between the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US in logarithmic space. That is, visual processing suitable for logarithmic human visual characteristics is realized.

(Ii)
The amount of enhancement by the enhancement function F5 increases when the input signal IS is large (when it is bright) and decreases when it is small (when it is dark). Also, the amount of enhancement in the brightening direction is larger than the amount of enhancement in the darkening direction. For this reason, visual processing suitable for visual characteristics can be realized, and natural visual processing with a good balance can be realized.

(Iii)
When the value C of an element in the profile data obtained by the expression M3 is C> 255, the value C of the element may be set to 255.
(Iv)
In the processing using Expression M3, the dynamic range is not compressed with respect to the input signal IS, but the local contrast can be enhanced, and the dynamic range can be visually compressed and expanded.

(4)
<< 4th profile data >>
The fourth profile data is determined based on an operation including a function for enhancing the difference between the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US according to the value of the input signal IS. Thereby, for example, the sharp component of the input signal IS can be enhanced according to the value of the input signal IS. For this reason, it is possible to appropriately emphasize the dark portion to the bright portion of the input signal IS.

  Further, the fourth profile data is determined based on an operation of adding a value obtained by compressing the input signal IS to the enhanced range with respect to the emphasized value. This makes it possible to compress the dynamic range while enhancing the sharp component of the input signal IS according to the value of the input signal IS.

This will be specifically described below.
The value C (value of the output signal OS) of each element of the fourth profile data includes the value A of the input signal IS, the value B of the unsharp signal US, the enhancement amount adjustment function F6, the enhancement function F7, and the dynamic range compression function F8. It is expressed as C = F8 (A) + F6 (A) * F7 (AB) (hereinafter referred to as formula M4).

  Here, the enhancement amount adjustment function F6 is a function that monotonously increases with respect to the value of the input signal IS. That is, when the value A of the input signal IS is small, the value of the enhancement amount adjustment function F6 is also small, and when the value A of the input signal IS is large, the value of the enhancement amount adjustment function F6 is also large. The enhancement function F7 is one of the enhancement functions R1 to R3 described with reference to FIG. The dynamic range compression function F8 should be described with reference to FIG. 17, and is expressed as F8 (x) = x ^ γ (0 <γ <1).

<< Equivalent visual processing device 41 >>
FIG. 20 shows a visual processing device 41 equivalent to the visual processing device 1 in which the fourth profile data is registered in the two-dimensional LUT 4.
The visual processing device 41 is a device that outputs the output signal OS based on a calculation that emphasizes the difference between the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US according to the value of the input signal IS. Thereby, for example, the sharp component of the input signal IS can be enhanced according to the value of the input signal IS. For this reason, it is possible to appropriately emphasize the dark portion to the bright portion of the input signal IS.

Furthermore, the visual processing device 41 outputs the output signal OS based on an operation of adding a value obtained by compressing the input signal IS to the dynamic range with respect to the emphasized value. This makes it possible to compress the dynamic range while enhancing the sharp component of the input signal IS according to the value of the input signal IS.

  A visual processing device 41 shown in FIG. 20 performs spatial processing on the luminance value for each pixel of the original image acquired as the input signal IS and outputs an unsharp signal US, and the input signal IS and the unsharp signal. A visual processing unit 43 that performs visual processing of an original image using US and outputs an output signal OS is provided.

The spatial processing unit 42 performs the same operation as the spatial processing unit 2 included in the visual processing device 1, and thus description thereof is omitted.
The visual processing unit 43 receives the input signal IS as a first input, the unsharp signal US as a second input, and outputs a difference signal DS that is a difference between them, and the difference signal DS as an input for emphasis. The enhancement processing unit 45 that outputs the processing signal TS, the enhancement amount adjustment unit 46 that receives the input signal IS and outputs the enhancement amount adjustment signal IC, the enhancement amount adjustment signal IC as the first input, and the enhancement processing signal TS The second input, the multiplication unit 47 that outputs the multiplication signal MS obtained by multiplying the enhancement amount adjustment signal IC and the enhancement processing signal TS, the input signal IS as the first input, the multiplication signal MS as the second input, And an output processing unit 48 for outputting an output signal OS. The output processing unit 48 receives the input signal IS, outputs a DR compressed signal DRS that has been subjected to dynamic range (DR) compression, a DR compressed signal DRS as a first input, and a multiplication signal MS as a second input. And an adder 50 that outputs an output signal OS.

<< Operation of Equivalent Visual Processing Device 41 >>
The operation of the visual processing unit 43 will be further described.
The subtractor 44 calculates the difference between the input signal IS having the value A and the unsharp signal US having the value B, and outputs a difference signal DS having the value AB. The enhancement processing unit 45 outputs an enhancement processing signal TS having a value F7 (AB) from the difference signal DS having a value AB using the enhancement function F7. The enhancement amount adjustment unit 46 outputs the enhancement amount adjustment signal IC of the value F6 (A) from the input signal IS of the value A using the enhancement amount adjustment function F6. The multiplier 47 multiplies the enhancement amount adjustment signal IC having the value F6 (A) by the enhancement processing signal TS having the value F7 (AB), and a multiplication signal MS having the value F6 (A) * F7 (AB). Is output. The DR compression unit 49 outputs a DR compressed signal DRS having a value F8 (A) from an input signal IS having a value A using a dynamic range compression function F8. The adder 50 adds the DR compressed signal DRS and the multiplication signal MS of the value F6 (A) * F7 (AB), and outputs the value F8 (A) + F6 (A) * F7 (AB). The signal OS is output.

The calculation using the enhancement amount adjustment function F6, the enhancement function F7, and the dynamic range compression function F8 may be performed using a one-dimensional LUT for each function, or may be performed without using the LUT. good.
"effect"
The visual processing device 1 including the fourth profile data and the visual processing device 41 have the same visual processing effect.

(I)
The enhancement amount of the differential signal DS is adjusted by the value A of the input signal IS. For this reason, it is possible to maintain the local contrast from the dark part to the bright part while performing dynamic range compression.

(Ii)
The enhancement amount adjustment function F6 is a function that increases monotonously. However, the enhancement amount adjustment function F6 can be a function in which the increase amount of the function value decreases as the value A of the input signal IS increases. In this case, the value of the output signal OS is prevented from being saturated.

(Iii)
When the enhancement function F7 is the enhancement function R2 described with reference to FIG. 109, the enhancement amount when the absolute value of the difference signal DS is large can be suppressed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the enhancement amount in the portion with high sharpness from being saturated, and it is possible to execute visual processing that is visually natural.

<Modification>
(I)
In the visual processing device 41, the visual processing unit 43 may calculate the above expression M4 based on the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US without using the two-dimensional LUT4. In this case, a one-dimensional LUT may be used in the calculation of the respective functions F6 to F8.

(Ii)
When the enhancement function F7 is a direct proportional function with the proportionality coefficient 1, the enhancement processing unit 45 does not need to be provided.
(Iii)
When the value C of an element in the profile data obtained by the expression M4 exceeds the range of 0 ≦ C ≦ 255, the value C of the element may be set to 0 or 255.

(5)
<< 5th profile data >>
The fifth profile data is determined based on an operation including a function for enhancing the difference between the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US according to the value of the input signal IS. Thereby, for example, the sharp component of the input signal IS can be enhanced according to the value of the input signal IS. For this reason, it is possible to appropriately emphasize the dark portion to the bright portion of the input signal IS.

This will be specifically described below.
In the fourth profile data equation M4, the dynamic range compression function F8 may be a direct proportional function with a proportional coefficient of 1. In this case, the value C (value of the output signal OS) of each element of the fifth profile data is obtained by using the value A of the input signal IS, the value B of the unsharp signal US, the enhancement amount adjustment function F6, and the enhancement function F7. C = A + F6 (A) * F7 (AB) (hereinafter referred to as Formula M5).

<< Equivalent visual processing device 51 >>
FIG. 21 shows a visual processing device 51 equivalent to the visual processing device 1 in which the fifth profile data is registered in the two-dimensional LUT 4.
The visual processing device 51 is a device that outputs the output signal OS based on a calculation that emphasizes the difference between the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US according to the value of the input signal IS. Thereby, for example, the sharp component of the input signal IS can be enhanced according to the value of the input signal IS. For this reason, it is possible to appropriately emphasize the dark portion to the bright portion of the input signal IS.

  The visual processing device 51 shown in FIG. 21 is different from the visual processing device 41 shown in FIG. 20 in that the DR compression unit 49 is not provided. Hereinafter, in the visual processing device 51 shown in FIG. 21, the same reference numerals are given to the portions that perform the same operations as those of the visual processing device 41 shown in FIG. 20, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  The visual processing device 51 uses the spatial processing unit 42 that performs spatial processing on the luminance value of each pixel of the original image acquired as the input signal IS and outputs the unsharp signal US, and the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US. A visual processing unit 52 that performs visual processing of the original image and outputs an output signal OS.

The spatial processing unit 42 performs the same operation as the spatial processing unit 2 included in the visual processing device 1, and thus description thereof is omitted.
The visual processing unit 52 receives the input signal IS as a first input, the unsharp signal US as a second input, and outputs a difference signal DS that is a difference between them, and the difference signal DS as an input for emphasis. The enhancement processing unit 45 that outputs the processing signal TS, the enhancement amount adjustment unit 46 that receives the input signal IS and outputs the enhancement amount adjustment signal IC, the enhancement amount adjustment signal IC as the first input, and the enhancement processing signal TS The second input, the multiplication unit 47 that outputs the multiplication signal MS obtained by multiplying the enhancement amount adjustment signal IC and the enhancement processing signal TS, the input signal IS as the first input, the multiplication signal MS as the second input, And an adder 53 for outputting an output signal OS.

<< Operation of Equivalent Visual Processing Device 51 >>
The operation of the visual processing unit 52 will be further described.
The subtraction unit 44, the enhancement processing unit 45, the enhancement amount adjustment unit 46, and the multiplication unit 47 perform the same operations as described for the visual processing device 41 shown in FIG.

The adder 53 adds the input signal IS of the value A and the multiplication signal MS of the value F6 (A) * F7 (AB), and outputs an output signal OS of the value A + F6 (A) * F7 (AB). Is output.
The calculation using the enhancement amount adjustment function F6 and the enhancement function F7 may be performed using a one-dimensional LUT for each function, as described for the visual processing device 41 shown in FIG. This may be performed without using the LUT.

"effect"
The visual processing device 1 including the fifth profile data and the visual processing device 51 have the same visual processing effect. Moreover, the visual processing effect which is substantially the same as the effect which the visual processing apparatus 1 and the visual processing apparatus 41 provided with 4th profile data show | plays.

(I)
The enhancement amount of the differential signal DS is adjusted by the value A of the input signal IS. For this reason, the contrast enhancement amount from the dark part to the bright part can be made uniform.
<Modification>
(I)
When the enhancement function F7 is a direct proportional function with the proportionality coefficient 1, the enhancement processing unit 45 does not need to be provided.

(Ii)
When the value C of an element in the profile data obtained by Expression M5 exceeds the range of 0 ≦ C ≦ 255, the value C of the element may be set to 0 or 255.
(6)
<< Sixth Profile Data >>
The sixth profile data is determined based on a calculation for gradation correction of a value obtained by adding the value of the input signal IS to a value that emphasizes the difference between the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US. Thereby, for example, it is possible to realize visual processing for performing gradation correction on the input signal IS in which the sharp component is emphasized.
This will be specifically described below.

The value C (value of the output signal OS) of each element of the sixth profile data is C = F10 using the value A of the input signal IS, the value B of the unsharp signal US, the enhancement function F9, and the gradation correction function F10. (A + F9 (AB)) (hereinafter referred to as Formula M6).
Here, the enhancement function F9 is one of the enhancement functions R1 to R3 described with reference to FIG. The tone correction function F10 is a function used in normal tone correction, such as a gamma correction function, an S-shaped tone correction function, and an inverse S-shaped tone correction function.

<< Equivalent visual processing device 61 >>
FIG. 22 shows a visual processing device 61 equivalent to the visual processing device 1 in which the sixth profile data is registered in the two-dimensional LUT 4.
The visual processing device 61 outputs the output signal OS based on a calculation that performs gradation correction on a value obtained by adding the value of the input signal IS to a value that emphasizes the difference between the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US. Device. Thereby, for example, it is possible to realize visual processing for performing gradation correction on the input signal IS in which the sharp component is emphasized.

  The visual processing device 61 shown in FIG. 22 performs spatial processing on the luminance value for each pixel of the original image acquired as the input signal IS and outputs an unsharp signal US, and the input signal IS and the unsharp signal. A visual processing unit 63 that performs visual processing of an original image using US and outputs an output signal OS is provided.

The spatial processing unit 62 performs the same operation as the spatial processing unit 2 included in the visual processing device 1, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
The visual processing unit 63 uses the input signal IS as a first input, the unsharp signal US as a second input, and outputs a difference signal DS that is a difference between them. An enhancement processing unit 65 that outputs the enhanced processing signal TS, an addition unit 66 that uses the input signal IS as a first input and the enhancement processing signal TS as a second input, and outputs an addition signal PS obtained by adding them together; And a gradation correction unit 67 that receives the addition signal PS and outputs an output signal OS.

<< Operation of Equivalent Visual Processing Device 61 >>
The operation of the visual processing unit 63 will be further described.
The subtracting unit 64 calculates a difference between the input signal IS having the value A and the unsharp signal US having the value B, and outputs a difference signal DS having the value AB. The enhancement processing unit 65 outputs an enhancement processing signal TS having a value F9 (AB) from the difference signal DS having a value AB using the enhancement function F9. The adder 66 adds the input signal IS with the value A and the enhancement processing signal TS with the value F9 (A−B), and outputs an addition signal PS with the value A + F9 (A−B). The gradation correction unit 67 outputs the output signal OS of the value F10 (A + F9 (AB)) from the addition signal PS of the value A + F9 (AB) using the gradation correction function F10.

The calculation using the enhancement function F9 and the gradation correction function F10 may be performed using a one-dimensional LUT for each function, or may be performed without using the LUT.
"effect"
The visual processing device 1 having the sixth profile data and the visual processing device 61 have the same visual processing effect.

(I)
The difference signal DS is enhanced by the enhancement function F9 and added to the input signal IS. For this reason, it is possible to enhance the contrast of the input signal IS. Further, the gradation correction unit 67 executes gradation correction processing for the addition signal PS. For this reason, for example, the contrast can be further enhanced with a halftone having a high appearance frequency in the original image. In addition, for example, the entire addition signal PS can be brightened. As described above, spatial processing and gradation processing can be realized in combination at the same time.

<Modification>
(I)
In the visual processing device 61, the visual processing unit 63 may calculate the above expression M6 without using the two-dimensional LUT 4 based on the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US. In this case, a one-dimensional LUT may be used in the calculation of the functions F9 and F10.

(Ii)
When the value C of an element in the profile data obtained by the equation M6 exceeds the range of 0 ≦ C ≦ 255, the value C of the element may be set to 0 or 255.
(7)
<< 7th profile data >>
The seventh profile data is determined based on an operation of adding a value obtained by correcting the gradation of the input signal IS to a value that emphasizes the difference between the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US. Here, enhancement of the sharp component and gradation correction of the input signal IS are performed independently. For this reason, it is possible to emphasize certain sharp components regardless of the gradation correction amount of the input signal IS.

This will be specifically described below.
The value C (value of the output signal OS) of each element of the seventh profile data is C = F12 with respect to the value A of the input signal IS, the value B of the unsharp signal US, the enhancement function F11, and the gradation correction function F12. (A) + F11 (AB) (hereinafter referred to as formula M7).

Here, the enhancement function F11 is one of the enhancement functions R1 to R3 described with reference to FIG. The gradation correction function F12 is, for example, a gamma correction function, an S-shaped gradation correction function, an inverse S-shaped gradation correction function, or the like.
<< Equivalent visual processing device 71 >>
FIG. 23 shows a visual processing device 71 equivalent to the visual processing device 1 in which the seventh profile data is registered in the two-dimensional LUT 4.

  The visual processing device 71 is a device that outputs the output signal OS based on an operation of adding a value obtained by correcting the gradation of the input signal IS to a value that emphasizes the difference between the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US. Here, enhancement of the sharp component and gradation correction of the input signal IS are performed independently. For this reason, it is possible to emphasize certain sharp components regardless of the gradation correction amount of the input signal IS.

  The visual processing device 71 shown in FIG. 23 performs spatial processing on the luminance value for each pixel of the original image acquired as the input signal IS and outputs an unsharp signal US, and the input signal IS and the unsharp signal. A visual processing unit 73 that performs visual processing of the original image using US and outputs an output signal OS is provided.

The spatial processing unit 72 performs the same operation as the spatial processing unit 2 included in the visual processing device 1, and thus description thereof is omitted.
The visual processing unit 73 receives the input signal IS as a first input, the unsharp signal US as a second input, and outputs a difference signal DS that is a difference between them. The enhancement processing unit 75 that outputs the enhanced processing signal TS, the gradation correction unit 76 that receives the input signal IS and outputs the gradation correction signal GC subjected to gradation correction, and the gradation correction signal GC as the first. And an enhancement processing signal TS as a second input and an adder 77 for outputting an output signal OS.

<< Operation of Equivalent Visual Processing Device 71 >>
The operation of the visual processing unit 73 will be further described.
The subtractor 74 calculates a difference between the input signal IS having the value A and the unsharp signal US having the value B, and outputs a difference signal DS having the value AB. The enhancement processing unit 75 outputs an enhancement processing signal TS having a value F11 (AB) from the difference signal DS having a value AB using the enhancement function F11. The gradation correction unit 76 outputs the gradation correction signal GC having the value F12 (A) from the input signal IS having the value A using the gradation correction function F12. The adder 77 adds the gradation correction signal GC having the value F12 (A) and the enhancement processing signal TS having the value F11 (A−B), and outputs an output signal OS having the value F12 (A) + F11 (A−B). Is output.

Note that the calculation using the enhancement function F11 and the gradation correction function F12 may be performed using a one-dimensional LUT for each function, or may be performed without using the LUT.
"effect"
The visual processing device 1 and the visual processing device 71 including the seventh profile data have the same visual processing effect.

(I)
The input signal IS is subjected to gradation correction by the gradation correction unit 76 and then added to the enhancement processing signal TS. For this reason, even in a region where the gradation change of the gradation correction function F12 is small, that is, a region where the contrast is lowered, it is possible to enhance the local contrast by adding the enhancement processing signal TS thereafter.

<Modification>
(I)
In the visual processing device 71, the visual processing unit 73 may calculate the expression M7 based on the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US without using the two-dimensional LUT4. In this case, a one-dimensional LUT may be used in the calculation of the functions F11 and F12.

(Ii)
When the value C of an element in the profile data obtained by the expression M7 exceeds the range of 0 ≦ C ≦ 255, the value C of the element may be set to 0 or 255.
(8)
<< Modification of First to Seventh Profile Data >>
(I)
In the above (1) to (7), it has been described that each element of the first to seventh profile data stores a value calculated based on the equations M1 to M7. In each profile data, it has been described that the value of the element may be limited when the value calculated by the expressions M1 to M7 exceeds the range of values that can be stored in the profile data.

  Furthermore, in the profile data, some values may be arbitrary. For example, when the value of the input signal IS is large but the value of the unsharp signal US is small, such as a small light portion in a dark night scene (such as a neon portion in a night scene), the visually processed input signal IS The value of has a small effect on the image quality. As described above, in a portion where the value after visual processing has little influence on the image quality, the value stored in the profile data may be an approximate value of the values calculated by the equations M1 to M7 or an arbitrary value.

  Even when the values stored in the profile data are approximate values of the values calculated by the equations M1 to M7 or arbitrary values, they are stored for the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US having the same value. It is desirable that the values maintain a monotonically increasing or monotonically decreasing relationship with the values of the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US. In profile data created based on the equations M1 to M7 and the like, values stored in profile data for the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US having the same value indicate an outline of the characteristics of the profile data. Therefore, in order to maintain the characteristics of the two-dimensional LUT, it is desirable to tune the profile data while maintaining the above relationship.

[Second Embodiment]
A visual processing device 600 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The visual processing device 600 is a visual processing device that performs visual processing on an image signal (input signal IS) and outputs a visual processing image (output signal OS), and is provided with a display device (not shown) that displays the output signal OS. It is a device that performs visual processing according to the environment (hereinafter referred to as display environment).

Specifically, the visual processing device 600 is a device that improves the reduction of the “visual contrast” of the display image due to the influence of ambient light in the display environment by visual processing using human visual characteristics.
The visual processing device 600 constitutes an image processing device together with a device that performs color processing of an image signal in a device that handles images such as a computer, a television, a digital camera, a mobile phone, a PDA, a printer, and a scanner.

<Visual processing device 600>
FIG. 24 shows a basic configuration of the visual processing device 600.
The visual processing device 600 includes a target contrast conversion unit 601, a converted signal processing unit 602, an actual contrast conversion unit 603, a target contrast setting unit 604, and an actual contrast setting unit 605.

The target contrast conversion unit 601 uses the input signal IS as a first input, the target contrast C1 set by the target contrast setting unit 604 as a second input, and outputs a target contrast signal JS. The definition of the target contrast C1 will be described later.
The converted signal processing unit 602 uses the target contrast signal JS as the first input, the target contrast C1 as the second input, and the actual contrast C2 set in the actual contrast setting unit 605 as the third input, and the visually processed target A visual processing signal KS that is a contrast signal JS is output. The definition of the actual contrast C2 will be described later.

The actual contrast conversion unit 603 uses the visual processing signal KS as the first input, the actual contrast C2 as the second input, and outputs the output signal OS.
The target contrast setting unit 604 and the actual contrast setting unit 605 allow the user to set the values of the target contrast C1 and the actual contrast C2 via an input interface or the like.

Details of each part will be described below.
<Target contrast conversion unit 601>
The target contrast conversion unit 601 converts the input signal IS input to the visual processing device 600 into a target contrast signal JS suitable for contrast expression. Here, in the input signal IS, the luminance value of the image input to the visual processing device 600 is represented by a gradation of value [0.0 to 1.0].

The target contrast conversion unit 601 uses the target contrast C1 (value [m]) to convert the input signal IS (value [P]) according to “Expression M20” and outputs the target contrast signal JS (value [A]). To do. Here, the equation M20 is A = {(m−1) / m} * P + 1 / m.
The value [m] of the target contrast C1 is set as a contrast value at which the display image displayed by the display device can be seen with the highest contrast.

Here, the contrast value is a value expressed as a brightness ratio of the white level to the black level of the image, and indicates a luminance value of the white level when the black level is 1 (black level: white level = 1: m).
The value [m] of the target contrast C1 is suitably set to about 100 to 1000 (black level: white level = 1: 100 to 1: 1000), but white relative to the black level that can be displayed by the display device. You may determine based on the brightness ratio of a level.

  The conversion according to the equation M20 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a graph showing the relationship between the value of the input signal IS (horizontal axis) and the value of the target contrast signal JS (vertical axis). As shown in FIG. 25, the target contrast converter 601 converts the input signal IS in the range of value [0.0 to 1.0] into the target contrast signal JS in the range of value [1 / m to 1.0]. Is done.

<Conversion signal processing unit 602>
Details of the converted signal processing unit 602 will be described with reference to FIG.
The converted signal processing unit 602 compresses the dynamic range and outputs the visual processing signal KS while maintaining the local contrast of the input target contrast signal JS. Specifically, the conversion signal processing unit 602 regards the input signal IS (see FIG. 16) in the visual processing device 21 shown in the first embodiment as the target contrast signal JS, and visually recognizes the output signal OS (see FIG. 16). It has the same configuration, operation, and effect as the processing signal KS.

The converted signal processing unit 602 outputs the visual processing signal KS based on a calculation that emphasizes the ratio between the target contrast signal JS and the unsharp signal US. Thereby, for example, it is possible to realize visual processing that emphasizes the sharp component.
Furthermore, the converted signal processing unit 602 outputs a visual processing signal KS based on a calculation that performs dynamic range compression on the ratio between the emphasized target contrast signal JS and the unsharp signal US. Accordingly, for example, it is possible to realize visual processing that compresses the dynamic range while enhancing the sharp component.

<< Configuration of Conversion Signal Processing Unit 602 >>
The conversion signal processing unit 602 performs spatial processing on the luminance value for each pixel in the target contrast signal JS and outputs an unsharp signal US, and uses the target contrast signal JS and the unsharp signal US. A visual processing unit 623 that performs visual processing on the target contrast signal JS and outputs a visual processing signal KS.

Since the spatial processing unit 622 performs the same operation as the spatial processing unit 2 included in the visual processing device 1 (see FIG. 1), detailed description thereof is omitted.
The visual processing unit 623 includes a division unit 625, an enhancement processing unit 626, and an output processing unit 627 having a DR compression unit 628 and a multiplication unit 629.

  The division unit 625 outputs the division signal RS obtained by dividing the target contrast signal JS by the unsharp signal US using the target contrast signal JS as the first input and the unsharp signal US as the second input. The enhancement processing unit 626 receives the division signal RS as a first input, the target contrast C1 as a second input, and the actual contrast C2 as a third input, and outputs an enhancement processing signal TS.

  The output processing unit 627 uses the target contrast signal JS as the first input, the enhancement processing signal TS as the second input, the target contrast C1 as the third input, the actual contrast C2 as the fourth input, and the visual processing signal KS as the input. Output. The DR compression unit 628 outputs the DR compressed signal DRS compressed in the dynamic range (DR) with the target contrast signal JS as the first input, the target contrast C1 as the second input, and the actual contrast C2 as the third input. . The multiplier 629 receives the DR compressed signal DRS as a first input and the enhancement processing signal TS as a second input, and outputs a visual processing signal KS.

<< Operation of Conversion Signal Processing Unit 602 >>
Using the target contrast C1 (value [m]) and the actual contrast C2 (value [n]), the converted signal processing unit 602 converts the target contrast signal JS (value [A]) according to “Expression M2”, and visually The processing signal KS (value [C]) is output. Here, the expression M2 is expressed as C = F4 (A) * F5 (A / B) using the dynamic range compression function F4 and the enhancement function F5. The value [B] is the value of the unsharp signal US obtained by spatially processing the target contrast signal JS.

  The dynamic range compression function F4 is a “power function” that is a monotonously increasing function convex upward, and is expressed as F4 (x) = x ＝ γ. The exponent γ of the dynamic range compression function F4 is expressed as γ = log (n) / log (m) using a common logarithm. The enhancement function F5 is a “power function” and is expressed as F5 (x) = x ^ (1-γ).

Hereinafter, the relationship between the expression M2 and the operation of each unit of the converted signal processing unit 602 will be described.
The spatial processing unit 622 performs spatial processing on the target contrast signal JS having a value [A] and outputs an unsharp signal US having a value [B].
The division unit 625 divides the target contrast signal JS having the value [A] by the unsharp signal US having the value [B], and outputs a division signal RS having the value [A / B]. The enhancement processing unit 626 outputs the enhancement processing signal TS having the value [F5 (A / B)] from the division signal RS having the value [A / B] using the enhancement function F5. The DR compression unit 628 outputs the DR compressed signal DRS having the value [F4 (A)] from the target contrast signal JS having the value [A] using the dynamic range compression function F4. The multiplication unit 629 multiplies the DR compressed signal DRS having the value [F4 (A)] and the enhancement processing signal TS having the value [F5 (A / B)] to obtain the value [F4 (A) * F5 (A / B). ] Visual processing signal KS.

The calculation using the dynamic range compression function F4 and the enhancement function F5 may be performed using a one-dimensional LUT for each function, or may be performed without using the LUT.
<< Effect of Conversion Signal Processing Unit 602 >>
The visual dynamic range in the visual processing signal KS is determined by the value of the dynamic range compression function F4.

  The conversion according to the equation M2 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a graph showing the relationship between the value (horizontal axis) of the target contrast signal JS and the value (vertical axis) obtained by applying the dynamic range compression function F4 to the target contrast signal JS. As shown in FIG. 26, the dynamic range of the target contrast signal JS is compressed by the dynamic range compression function F4. More specifically, the target contrast signal JS in the range of the value [1 / m to 1.0] is converted into the range of the value [1 / n to 1.0] by the dynamic range compression function F4. As a result, the visual dynamic range in the visual processing signal KS is compressed to 1 / n (minimum value: maximum value = 1: n).

  Here, the actual contrast C2 will be described. The value [n] of the actual contrast C2 is set as the visual contrast value of the display image under the ambient light of the display environment. In other words, the value [n] of the actual contrast C2 can be determined as a value obtained by reducing the value [m] of the target contrast C1 by the influence of the luminance of the environmental light in the display environment.

  Since the value [n] of the actual contrast C2 set in this way is used, the dynamic range of the target contrast signal JS is compressed from 1: m to 1: n by the equation M2. Here, “dynamic range” means the ratio between the minimum value and the maximum value of the signal.

  On the other hand, a local contrast change in the visual processing signal KS is expressed as a ratio of a change amount before and after conversion between the value [A] of the target contrast signal JS and the value [C] of the visual processing signal KS. Here, the value [B] of the unsharp signal US locally or in a narrow range can be regarded as constant. For this reason, the ratio of the change amount of the value C and the change amount of the value A in the equation M2 is 1, and the local contrast between the target contrast signal JS and the visual processing signal KS does not change.

  Human vision has the property that if the local contrast is maintained, the same contrast can be seen even if the overall contrast is lowered. Therefore, the converted signal processing unit 602 can realize visual processing that does not reduce the visual contrast while compressing the dynamic range of the target contrast signal JS.

<Real contrast conversion unit 603>
Details of the actual contrast conversion unit 603 will be described with reference to FIG.
The actual contrast conversion unit 603 converts the visual processing signal KS into image data in a range that can be input to a display device (not shown). The range of image data that can be input to the display device is, for example, image data in which the luminance value of an image is represented by a gradation of a value [0.0 to 1.0].

The actual contrast conversion unit 603 converts the visual processing signal KS (value [C]) by “expression M21” using the actual contrast C2 (value [n]), and outputs an output signal OS (value [Q]). To do. Here, the formula M21 is Q = {n / (n-1)} * C- {1 / (n-1)}.
The conversion according to the equation M21 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a graph showing the relationship between the value of the visual processing signal KS (horizontal axis) and the value of the output signal OS (vertical axis). As shown in FIG. 27, the actual contrast conversion unit 603 converts the visual processing signal KS in the range of values [1 / n to 1.0] into an output signal OS in the range of values [0.0 to 1.0]. Is done. Here, the value of the output signal OS decreases with respect to the value of each visual processing signal KS. This decrease corresponds to the influence of each luminance of the display image from the ambient light.

  Note that in the actual contrast conversion unit 603, when a visual processing signal KS having a value of [1 / n] or less is input, the output signal OS is converted to a value [0]. Further, in the actual contrast conversion unit 603, when the visual processing signal KS having the value [1] or more is input, the output signal OS is converted into the value [1].

<Effect of visual processing device 600>
The visual processing device 600 has the same effects as the visual processing device 21 described in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, effects characteristic of the visual processing device 600 will be described.
(I)
When ambient light is present in the display environment that displays the output signal OS of the visual processing device 600, the output signal OS is visually affected by the ambient light. However, the output signal OS is a signal that has been subjected to processing for correcting the influence of ambient light by the actual contrast conversion unit 603. That is, under a display environment in which ambient light is present, the output signal OS displayed on the display device is viewed as a display image having the characteristics of the visual processing signal KS.

  Similar to the output signal OS (see FIG. 16) of the visual processing device 21 described in the first embodiment, the characteristics of the visual processing signal KS compress the dynamic range of the entire image while maintaining local contrast. It is that. That is, the visual processing signal KS is compressed to a dynamic range (corresponding to the actual contrast C2) that can be displayed under the influence of ambient light while maintaining the target contrast C1 where the display image is optimally displayed locally. It is a signal.

Therefore, in the visual processing device 600, it is possible to maintain the visual contrast by the process using the visual characteristics while correcting the contrast that decreases due to the presence of the ambient light.
<Visual processing method>
A visual processing method that produces the same effect as the visual processing device 600 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, since the specific process of each step is the same as the process in the said visual processing apparatus 600, description is abbreviate | omitted.

In the visual processing method shown in FIG. 28, first, the set target contrast C1 and actual contrast C2 are acquired (step S601). Next, conversion is performed on the input signal IS using the acquired target contrast C1 (step S602), and the target contrast signal JS is output. Next, spatial processing is performed on the target contrast signal JS (step S603), and an unsharp signal US is output. Next, the target contrast signal JS is divided by the unsharp signal US (step S604), and a division signal RS is output. The division signal RS is enhanced by an enhancement function F5 that is a “power function” having an index determined by the target contrast C1 and the actual contrast C2 (step S605).
The enhancement processing signal TS is output. On the other hand, the target contrast signal JS is subjected to dynamic range compression by the dynamic range compression function F4 which is a “power function” having an index determined by the target contrast C1 and the actual contrast C2 (step S606), and the DR compressed signal DRS is output. The Next, the enhancement processing signal TS output in step S605 and the DR compressed signal DRS output in step S606 are multiplied (step S607), and the visual processing signal KS is output. Next, the visual contrast signal KS is converted using the actual contrast C2 (step S608), and the output signal OS is output. Steps S602 to S608 are repeated for all the pixels of the input signal IS (step S609).

  Each step of the visual processing method shown in FIG. 28 may be realized as a visual processing program in the visual processing device 600 or other computer. Further, the processing from step S604 to step S607 may be performed at a time by calculating equation M2.

<Modification>
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes or modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
(I) Expression M2-When the enhancement function F5 is not provided-
In the above embodiment, the conversion signal processing unit 602 is described as outputting the visual processing signal KS based on the expression M2. Here, the converted signal processing unit 602 may output the visual processing signal KS based only on the dynamic range enhancement function F4. In this case, the transformed signal processing unit 602 as a modified example does not need to include the spatial processing unit 622, the division unit 625, the enhancement processing unit 626, and the multiplication unit 629, and only needs to include the DR compression unit 628.

The modified signal processing unit 602 as a modified example can output a visual processing signal KS compressed to a dynamic range that can be displayed under the influence of ambient light.
(Ii) Emphasis function F5-exponent and other modifications-
In the embodiment described above, the enhancement function F5 is a “power function” and is expressed as F5 (x) = x ^ (1-γ). Here, the exponent of the enhancement function F5 may be a function of the value [A] of the target contrast signal JS or the value [B] of the unsharp signal US.

Specific examples << 1 >> to << 6 >> are shown below.
<< 1 >>
The exponent of the enhancement function F5 is a function of the value [A] of the target contrast signal JS, and monotonously decreases when the value [A] of the target contrast signal JS is larger than the value [B] of the unsharp signal US. It is a function. More specifically, the exponent of the enhancement function F5 is expressed as α1 (A) * (1−γ), and the function α1 (A) is set to the value [A] of the target contrast signal JS as shown in FIG. On the other hand, it is a monotonically decreasing function. Note that the maximum value of the function α1 (A) is [1.0].

  In this case, the enhancement function F5 reduces the amount of local contrast enhancement in the high luminance part. For this reason, when the luminance of the pixel of interest is higher than the luminance of surrounding pixels, excessive enhancement of local contrast in the high luminance portion is suppressed. That is, it is suppressed that the luminance value of the pixel of interest is saturated to a high luminance and a so-called whiteout state is obtained.

<< 2 >>
The exponent of the enhancement function F5 is a function of the value [A] of the target contrast signal JS, and increases monotonously when the value [A] of the target contrast signal JS is smaller than the value [B] of the unsharp signal US. It is a function. More specifically, the exponent of the enhancement function F5 is expressed as α2 (A) * (1−γ), and the function α2 (A) is set to the value [A] of the target contrast signal JS as shown in FIG. On the other hand, it is a monotonically increasing function. Note that the maximum value of the function α2 (A) is [1.0].

  In this case, the enhancement function F5 reduces the enhancement amount of the local contrast in the low luminance part. For this reason, when the luminance of the pixel of interest is lower than the luminance of surrounding pixels, excessive enhancement of local contrast in the low luminance part is suppressed. That is, it is suppressed that the luminance value of the target pixel is saturated to a low luminance and a so-called blackened state is obtained.

<< 3 >>
The exponent of the enhancement function F5 is a function of the value [A] of the target contrast signal JS, and increases monotonously when the value [A] of the target contrast signal JS is larger than the value [B] of the unsharp signal US. It is a function. More specifically, the exponent of the enhancement function F5 is expressed as α3 (A) * (1-γ), and the function α3 (A) is set to the value [A] of the target contrast signal JS as shown in FIG. On the other hand, it is a monotonically increasing function. Note that the maximum value of the function α3 (A) is [1.0].

  In this case, the enhancement function F5 reduces the enhancement amount of the local contrast in the low luminance part. For this reason, when the luminance of the pixel of interest is higher than the luminance of surrounding pixels, excessive enhancement of local contrast in the low luminance part is suppressed. Since the low luminance part in the image has a low signal level, the ratio of noise is relatively high. However, by performing such processing, it is possible to suppress degradation of the SN ratio.

<< 4 >>
The exponent of the enhancement function F5 is a function of the value [A] of the target contrast signal JS and the value [B] of the unsharp signal US, and is an absolute value of the difference between the value [A] and the value [B]. Is a monotonically decreasing function. In other words, it can be said that the exponent of the enhancement function F5 is a function that increases as the ratio of the value [A] to the value [B] approaches 1. More specifically, the exponent of the enhancement function F5 is expressed as α4 (A, B) * (1-γ), and the function α4 (A, B) has a value [A−B] as shown in FIG. Is a function that decreases monotonically with respect to the absolute value of.

In this case, it is possible to particularly emphasize the local contrast in the target pixel having a small contrast with the surrounding pixels, and to suppress the local contrast enhancement in the target pixel having a large contrast with the surrounding pixels.
<< 5 >>
An upper limit or a lower limit may be provided in the calculation result of the enhancement function F5 of the above << 1 >> to << 4 >>. Specifically, when the value [F5 (A / B)] exceeds a predetermined upper limit value, the predetermined upper limit value is adopted as the calculation result of the enhancement function F5. When the value [F5 (A / B)] exceeds a predetermined lower limit value, the predetermined lower limit value is adopted as the calculation result of the enhancement function F5.

In this case, the amount of local contrast enhancement by the enhancement function F5 can be limited to an appropriate range, and excessive or insufficient contrast enhancement is suppressed.
<< 6 >>
The above << 1 >> to << 5 >> can be applied in the same manner to the calculation using the enhancement function F5 in the first embodiment (for example, the first embodiment <profile data> (2) or (3) etc.) In the first embodiment, the value [A] is the value of the input signal IS, and the value [B] is the value of the unsharp signal US obtained by spatially processing the input signal IS.

(Iii) Formula M2-When Dynamic Range Compression is not Performed-
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the converted signal processing unit 602 has the same configuration as the visual processing device 21 shown in the first embodiment. Here, the converted signal processing unit 602 as a modification may have the same configuration as that of the visual processing device 31 (see FIG. 19) shown in the first embodiment. Specifically, the conversion signal processing unit 602 as a modified example is realized by regarding the input signal IS in the visual processing device 31 as the target contrast signal JS and regarding the output signal OS as the visual processing signal KS.

  In this case, in the converted signal processing unit 602 as a modified example, the visual processing signal KS based on “Equation M3” with respect to the target contrast signal JS (value [A]) and the unsharp signal US (value [B]). (Value [C]) is output. Here, the expression M3 is expressed as C = A * F5 (A / B) using the enhancement function F5.

In the processing using the expression M3, the dynamic range is not compressed with respect to the input signal IS, but the local contrast can be enhanced. This local contrast enhancement effect makes it possible to give the impression that the “visually” dynamic range is compressed or expanded. ,
Note that <Modification> (ii) << 1 >> to << 5 >> can be similarly applied to this modification. That is, in the present modification, the enhancement function F5 is a “power function”, and the index thereof is the functions α1 (A), α2 (A) described in the above <Modification> (ii) << 1 >> to << 4 >>. ), Α3 (A), α4 (A, B) may be functions having the same tendency. Further, as described in the above <Modification> (ii) << 5 >>, the calculation result of the enhancement function F5 may be provided with an upper limit or a lower limit.

(Iv) Parameter automatic setting In the above embodiment, the target contrast setting unit 604 and the actual contrast setting unit 605 have been described to allow the user to set the values of the target contrast C1 and the actual contrast C2 via an input interface or the like. . Here, the target contrast setting unit 604 and the actual contrast setting unit 605 may be capable of automatically setting the values of the target contrast C1 and the actual contrast C2.

<< 1 >> Display When the display device that displays the output signal OS is a display such as a PDP, LCD, or CRT, and the white luminance (white level) and black luminance (black level) that can be displayed without ambient light are known Next, the actual contrast setting unit 605 for automatically setting the value of the actual contrast C2 will be described.

FIG. 33 shows an actual contrast setting unit 605 that automatically sets the value of the actual contrast C2. The actual contrast setting unit 605 includes a luminance measurement unit 605a, a storage unit 605b, and a calculation unit 605c.
The luminance measuring unit 605a is a luminance sensor that measures the luminance value of the ambient light in the display environment of the display that displays the output signal OS. The storage unit 605b stores white luminance (white level) and black luminance (black level) that can be displayed on the display that displays the output signal OS without ambient light. The calculation unit 605c acquires values from the luminance measurement unit 605a and the storage unit 605b, and calculates the value of the actual contrast C2.

  An example of calculation by the calculation unit 605c will be described. The calculation unit 605c adds the luminance value of the ambient light acquired from the luminance measurement unit 605a to each of the black level luminance value and the white level luminance value stored in the storage unit 605b. Further, the calculation unit 605c uses the addition result to the luminance value of the black level and outputs a value obtained by dividing the addition result to the luminance value of the white level as the value [n] of the actual contrast C2. As a result, the value [n] of the actual contrast C2 indicates the contrast value displayed on the display in a display environment where ambient light exists.

  In addition, the storage unit 605b illustrated in FIG. 33 stores the ratio of white luminance (white level) and black luminance (black level) that can be displayed in a state where the display is free of ambient light as the value [m] of the target contrast C1. It may be. In this case, the actual contrast setting unit 605 simultaneously functions as the target contrast setting unit 604 that automatically sets the target contrast C1. Note that the storage unit 605b may not store the ratio, and the ratio may be calculated by the calculation unit 605c.

<< 2 >> Projector When the display device that displays the output signal OS is a projector or the like, and the white luminance (white level) and the black luminance (black level) that can be displayed without ambient light depend on the distance to the screen The actual contrast setting unit 605 that automatically sets the value of the actual contrast C2 will be described.

FIG. 34 shows an actual contrast setting unit 605 that automatically sets the value of the actual contrast C2. The actual contrast setting unit 605 includes a luminance measurement unit 605d and a control unit 605e.
The luminance measuring unit 605d is a luminance sensor that measures the luminance value in the display environment of the output signal OS displayed by the projector. The control unit 605e causes the projector to display a white level and a black level. Further, the luminance value when each level is displayed is acquired from the luminance measuring unit 605d, and the value of the actual contrast C2 is calculated.

  An example of the operation of the control unit 605e will be described with reference to FIG. First, the control unit 605e operates the projector in a display environment in which ambient light exists to display a white level (step S620). The control unit 605e obtains the measured white level luminance from the luminance measurement unit 605d (step S621). Next, the control unit 605e causes the projector to operate in a display environment in which ambient light is present, and displays a black level (step S622). The control unit 605e obtains the measured black level luminance from the luminance measurement unit 605d (step S623). The control unit 605e calculates a ratio between the acquired brightness value of the white level and the brightness value of the black level, and outputs it as the value of the actual contrast C2. As a result, the value [n] of the actual contrast C2 indicates the contrast value displayed by the projector in a display environment where ambient light exists.

  Similarly to the above, it is also possible to derive the value [m] of the target contrast C1 by calculating the ratio between the white level and the black level in a display environment in which no ambient light exists. In this case, the actual contrast setting unit 605 simultaneously functions as the target contrast setting unit 604 that automatically sets the target contrast C1.

(V) Other Signal Spaces In the above embodiment, it has been described that the processing in the visual processing device 600 is performed on the luminance of the input signal IS. Here, the present invention is not effective only when the input signal IS is expressed in the YCbCr color space. The input signal IS may be expressed in a YUV color space, Lab color space, Luv color space, YIQ color space, XYZ color space, YPbPr color space, or the like. In these cases, it is possible to execute the processing described in the above embodiment for the luminance and brightness of each color space.

  Further, when the input signal IS is represented in the RGB color space, the processing in the visual processing device 600 may be performed independently for each component of RGB. That is, the processing by the target contrast conversion unit 601 is independently performed on the RGB components of the input signal IS, and the RGB components of the target contrast signal JS are output. Further, the RGB component of the target contrast signal JS is independently processed by the conversion signal processing unit 602, and the RGB component of the visual processing signal KS is output. Further, the RGB component of the visual processing signal KS is independently processed by the actual contrast conversion unit 603, and the RGB component of the output signal OS is output. Here, common values are used for the target contrast C1 and the actual contrast C2 in the processing of each of the RGB components.

(Vi) Color Difference Correction Processing The visual processing device 600 performs color difference correction in order to prevent the hue of the output signal OS from being different from the hue of the input signal IS due to the influence of the luminance component processed by the conversion signal processing unit 602. A processing unit may be further provided.

  FIG. 36 shows a visual processing device 600 including a color difference correction processing unit 608. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure similar to the visual processing apparatus 600 shown in FIG. It is assumed that the input signal IS has a YCbCr color space, and the same processing as described in the above embodiment is performed on the Y component. Hereinafter, the color difference correction processing unit 608 will be described.

  The color difference correction processing unit 608 receives the target contrast signal JS as the first input (value [Yin]), the visual processing signal KS as the second input (value [Yout]), and the Cb component of the input signal IS as the third input. (Value [CBin]), the Cr component of the input signal IS is the fourth input (value [CRin]), the color difference corrected Cb component is the first output (value [CBout]), and color difference corrected Let the Cr component be the second output (value [CRout]).

FIG. 37 shows an outline of the color difference correction process. The color difference correction processing unit 608 has four inputs [Yin], [Yout], [CBin], and [CRin], and obtains two outputs [CBout] and [CRout] by calculating these four inputs. .
[CBout] and [CRout] are derived based on the following equations for correcting [CBin] and [CRin] based on the difference and ratio between [Yin] and [Yout].

  [CBout] is a1 * ([Yout]-[Yin]) * [CBin] + a2 * (1- [Yout] / [Yin]) * [CBin] + a3 * ([Yout]-[Yin]) * [ CRin] + a4 * (1- [Yout] / [Yin]) * [CRin] + [CBin] (hereinafter referred to as equation CB).

  [CRout] is a5 * ([Yout]-[Yin]) * [CBin] + a6 * (1- [Yout] / [Yin]) * [CBin] + a7 * ([Yout]-[Yin]) * [ CRin] + a8 * (1- [Yout] / [Yin]) * [CRin] + [CRin] (hereinafter referred to as the expression CR).

For the coefficients a1 to a8 in the equations CB and CR, values determined in advance by a calculation device outside the visual processing device 600 by an estimation calculation described below are used.
The estimation calculation of the coefficients a1 to a8 in a calculation device or the like will be described using FIG.
First, four inputs [Yin], [Yout], [CBin], and [CRin] are acquired (step S630). Each input value is data prepared in advance to determine the coefficients a1 to a8. For example, as [Yin], [CBin], and [CRin], values obtained by thinning all possible values at predetermined intervals are used. Further, as [Yout], a value obtained by thinning out a value that can be output when the value of [Yin] is input to the converted signal processing unit 602 at a predetermined interval is used. Data prepared in this way is acquired as four inputs.

The acquired [Yin], [CBin], and [CRin] are converted into the Lab color space, and the chromaticity values [Ain] and [Bin] in the converted Lab color space are calculated (step S631).
Next, “expression CB” and “expression CR” are calculated using default coefficients a1 to a8, and the values of [CBout] and [CRout] are obtained (step S632). The acquired value and [Yout] are converted to the Lab color space, and the chromaticity values [Aout] and [Bout] in the converted Lab color space are calculated (step S633).

Next, an evaluation function is calculated using the calculated chromaticity values [Ain], [Bin], [Aout], and [Bout] (step S634), and whether the value of the evaluation function is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. To be judged. Here, the evaluation function is a function that takes a small value when the change in hue between [Ain] and [Bin] and [Aout] and [Bout] is small. For example, the evaluation function is the square of the deviation of each component. It is a function such as sum. More specifically, the evaluation function is ([A
in]-[Aout]) ^ 2 + ([Bin]-[Bout]) ^ 2.

When the value of the evaluation function is larger than the predetermined threshold (step S635), the coefficients a1 to a8 are corrected (step S636), and the operations of steps S632 to S635 are repeated using the new coefficient.
When the value of the evaluation function is smaller than the predetermined threshold (step S635), the coefficients a1 to a8 used for calculating the evaluation function are output as the result of the estimation calculation (step S637).

  In the estimation calculation, the coefficients a1 to a8 may be estimated and calculated using one of four input combinations [Yin], [Yout], [CBin], and [CRin] prepared in advance. The above-described processing may be performed using a plurality of combinations, and the coefficients a1 to a8 that minimize the evaluation function may be output as a result of the estimation calculation.

[Modification of color difference correction processing]
<< 1 >>
In the color difference correction processing unit 608, the value of the target contrast signal JS is [Yin], the value of the visual processing signal KS is [Yout], the value of the Cb component of the input signal IS is [CBin], and the value of the Cr component of the input signal IS is The value is [CRin], the value of the Cb component of the output signal OS is [CBout], and the value of the Cr component of the output signal OS is [CRout]. Here, [Yin], [Yout], [CBin], [CRin], [CBout], and [CRout] may represent values of other signals.

  For example, when the input signal IS is a signal in the RGB color space, the target contrast conversion unit 601 (see FIG. 24) performs processing on each component of the input signal IS. In this case, the processed RGB color space signal is converted to a YCbCr color space signal, the Y component value is [Yin], the Cb component value is [CBin], and the Cr component value is [CRin]. Good.

Further, when the output signal OS is a signal in the RGB color space, the derived [Yout], [CBout], and [CRout] are converted into the RGB color space, and the respective components are converted by the actual contrast conversion unit 603. The output signal OS may be processed.
<< 2 >>
The color difference correction processing unit 608 may perform correction processing on each of the RGB components input to the color difference correction processing unit 608 using the ratio of signal values before and after the processing of the conversion signal processing unit 602.

  The structure of a visual processing device 600 as a modification will be described with reference to FIG. Note that portions that perform substantially the same functions as those of the visual processing device 600 shown in FIG. 36 are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted. The visual processing device 600 as a modification includes a luminance signal generation unit 610 as a characteristic configuration.

  Each component of the input signal IS, which is a signal in the RGB color space, is converted into a target contrast signal JS, which is a signal in the RGB color space, in the target contrast conversion unit 601. Since detailed processing has been described above, description thereof will be omitted. Here, the values of the respective components of the target contrast signal JS are [Rin], [Gin], and [Bin].

  The luminance signal generation unit 610 generates a luminance signal having a value [Yin] from each component of the target contrast signal JS. The luminance signal is obtained by adding the values of RGB components at a certain ratio. For example, the value [Yin] is obtained by the following equation: [Yin] = 0.299 * [Rin] + 0.587 * [Gin] + 0.114 * [Bin].

The converted signal processing unit 602 processes the luminance signal having the value [Yin] and outputs a visual processing signal KS having the value [Yout]. Detailed processing is the same as the processing in the conversion signal processing unit 602 (see FIG. 36) that outputs the visual processing signal KS from the target contrast signal JS, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The color difference correction processing unit 608 uses the luminance signal (value [Yin]), the visual processing signal KS (value [Yout]), and the target contrast signal JS (value [Rin], [Gin], [Bin]) to perform RGB. A color difference correction signal (values [Rout], [Gout], [Bout]) that is a color space signal is output.

  Specifically, the color difference correction processing unit 608 calculates a ratio (value [[Yout] / [Yin]]) between the value [Yin] and the value [Yout]. The calculated ratio is multiplied by each component of the target contrast signal JS (values [Rin], [Gin], [Bin]) as a color difference correction coefficient. As a result, color difference correction signals (values [Rout], [Gout], [Bout]) are output.

The actual contrast conversion unit 603 performs conversion on each component of the color difference correction signal that is a signal in the RGB color space, and converts the component into an output signal OS that is a signal in the RGB color space. Since the detailed processing has been described above, the description thereof will be omitted.
In the visual processing device 600 as a modified example, the process in the converted signal processing unit 602 is only a process on the luminance signal, and there is no need to process each of the RGB components. This reduces the visual processing load on the input signal IS in the RGB color space.

<< 3 >>
“Formula CB” and “Formula CR” are examples, and other formulas may be used.
(Vii) Visual processing unit 623
The visual processing unit 623 shown in FIG. 24 may be formed by a two-dimensional LUT.

  In this case, the two-dimensional LUT stores the value of the visual processing signal KS with respect to the value of the target contrast signal JS and the value of the unsharp signal US. More specifically, the value of the visual processing signal KS is determined based on “Formula M2” described in [First Embodiment] <Profile Data> (2) << Second Profile Data >>. In “Expression M2”, the value of the target contrast signal JS is used as the value A, and the value of the unsharp signal US is used as the value B.

  The visual processing device 600 includes a plurality of such two-dimensional LUTs in a storage device (not shown). Here, the storage device may be incorporated in the visual processing device 600 or may be connected to the outside via a wired or wireless connection. Each two-dimensional LUT stored in the storage device is associated with a target contrast C1 value and an actual contrast C2 value. That is, for each combination of the target contrast C1 value and the actual contrast C2 value, the same as described in [Second Embodiment] <Conversion signal processing unit 602> << Operation of the conversion signal processing unit 602 >>. Are calculated and stored as a two-dimensional LUT.

  When the visual processing unit 623 acquires the values of the target contrast C1 and the actual contrast C2, the visual processing unit 623 reads a two-dimensional LUT associated with each acquired value among the two-dimensional LUTs stored in the storage device. Further, the visual processing unit 623 performs visual processing using the read two-dimensional LUT. Specifically, the visual processing unit 623 acquires the value of the target contrast signal JS and the value of the unsharp signal US, reads the value of the visual processing signal KS corresponding to the acquired value from the two-dimensional LUT, and displays the visual processing signal. KS is output.

[Third Embodiment]
<1>
As the third embodiment of the present invention, application examples of the visual processing device, the visual processing method, and the visual processing program described in the first and second embodiments and a system using the visual processing apparatus will be described.

A visual processing device is a device that performs visual processing of an image by being incorporated in or connected to a device that handles images, such as a computer, a television, a digital camera, a mobile phone, a PDA, a printer, and a scanner. Realized as a circuit.
More specifically, each functional block of the above embodiment may be individually made into one chip, or may be made into one chip so as to include a part or all. Here, although LSI is used, it may be called IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI depending on the degree of integration.

  Further, the method of circuit integration is not limited to LSI, and implementation with a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor is also possible. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after the manufacture of the LSI or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection and setting of the circuit cells inside the LSI may be used.

Further, if integrated circuit technology comes out to replace LSI's as a result of the advancement of semiconductor technology or a derivative other technology, it is naturally also possible to carry out function block integration using this technology. Biotechnology can be applied.
The processing of each block of each visual processing device described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment is performed by, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) included in the visual processing device. In addition, a program for performing each processing is stored in a storage device such as a hard disk or a ROM, and is read out and executed in the ROM or the RAM.

  In the visual processing device 1 of FIG. 1, the two-dimensional LUT 4 is stored in a storage device such as a hard disk or ROM, and is referred to as necessary. Further, the visual processing unit 3 receives profile data from the profile data registration device 8 that is directly connected to the visual processing device 1 or indirectly connected via the network, and registers it as a two-dimensional LUT 4. .

In addition, the visual processing device may be a device that performs built-in or connected to a device that handles moving images and performs gradation processing of an image for each frame (for each field).
In the visual processing device 1, the visual processing method described in the first embodiment is executed.
The visual processing program is stored in a storage device such as a hard disk or ROM in a device that handles images, such as a computer, television, digital camera, mobile phone, PDA, printer, scanner, etc. A program that executes processing, and is provided via a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or via a network.

<2>
The visual processing devices described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment can also be expressed by the configurations shown in FIGS.
(1)
"Constitution"
FIG. 40 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a visual processing device 910 that performs the same function as the visual processing device 525 shown in FIG. 7, for example.

  In the visual processing device 910, the sensor 911 and the user input unit 912 have the same functions as the input device 527 (see FIG. 7). More specifically, the sensor 911 is a sensor that detects ambient light in an environment where the visual processing device 910 is installed or an environment where the output signal OS from the visual processing device 910 is displayed. Output as a parameter P1 representing light. In addition, the user input unit 912 is a device that allows the user to set the intensity of the ambient light in, for example, “strong, medium, weak” stepwise or steplessly (continuously). The obtained value is output as a parameter P1 representing ambient light.

The output unit 914 has the same function as the profile data registration unit 526 (see FIG. 7). More specifically, the output unit 914 includes a plurality of profile data associated with the value of the parameter P1 representing ambient light. Here, the profile data is data in a table format that gives the value of the output signal OS for the input signal IS and a signal obtained by spatially processing the input signal IS. Further, the output unit 914 outputs profile data corresponding to the value of the parameter P1 representing the acquired ambient light to the conversion unit 915 as the brightness adjustment parameter P2.

  The conversion unit 915 has the same functions as the spatial processing unit 2 and the visual processing unit 3 (see FIG. 7). The conversion unit 915 receives the luminance of the target pixel (target pixel) to be subjected to visual processing, the luminance of peripheral pixels located around the target pixel, and the luminance adjustment parameter P2, and converts the luminance of the target pixel. The output signal OS is output.

More specifically, the conversion unit 915 spatially processes the target pixel and the peripheral pixels. Further, the conversion unit 915 reads the value of the output signal OS corresponding to the target pixel and the result of the spatial processing from the brightness adjustment parameter P2 in the table format, and outputs it as the output signal OS.
<Modification>
(1)
In the above configuration, the brightness adjustment parameter P2 is not limited to the profile data described above. For example, the brightness adjustment parameter P2 may be coefficient matrix data used when calculating the value of the output signal OS from the brightness of the target pixel and the brightness of surrounding pixels. Here, the coefficient matrix data is data storing a coefficient part of a function used when calculating the value of the output signal OS from the luminance of the target pixel and the luminance of the peripheral pixels.

(2)
The output unit 914 need not include profile data and coefficient matrix data for all values of the parameter P1 representing ambient light. In this case, appropriate profile data or the like may be generated by appropriately dividing or externally dividing the provided profile data or the like according to the acquired parameter P1 representing the ambient light.

(2)
"Constitution"
FIG. 41 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a visual processing device 920 that performs the same function as the visual processing device 600 shown in FIG. 24, for example.

In the visual processing device 920, the output unit 921 further acquires the external parameter P3 in addition to the parameter P1 representing the ambient light, and outputs the brightness adjustment parameter P2 based on the parameter P1 representing the ambient light and the external parameter P3.
Here, the parameter P1 representing the ambient light is the same as described in (1) above.

  Further, the external parameter P3 is a parameter that represents a visual effect desired by a user who views the output signal OS, for example. More specifically, it is a value (target contrast) such as contrast required by the user viewing the image. Here, the external parameter P3 is set by the target contrast setting unit 604 (see FIG. 24). Alternatively, the default value stored in advance in the output unit 921 is used.

  The output unit 921 calculates the actual contrast value from the parameter P1 representing the ambient light with the configuration shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, and outputs it as the brightness adjustment parameter P2. The output unit 921 outputs the external parameter P3 (target contrast) as the brightness adjustment parameter P2. The output unit 921 stores a plurality of profile data stored in the two-dimensional LUT described in [Second Embodiment] <Modification> (vii). From the external parameter P3 and the parameter P1 representing ambient light. Profile data is selected from the calculated actual contrast, and the data in the table format is output as the brightness adjustment parameter P2.

The conversion unit 922 has the same functions as the target contrast conversion unit 601, the conversion signal processing unit 602, and the actual contrast conversion unit 603 (see FIG. 24 above). More specifically, the input signal IS (the luminance of the target pixel and the luminance of surrounding pixels) and the luminance adjustment parameter P2 are input to the conversion unit 922, and the output signal OS is output. For example, the input signal IS is converted into a target contrast signal JS (see FIG. 24) using the target contrast acquired as the brightness adjustment parameter P2. Further, the target contrast signal JS is spatially processed to derive an unsharp signal US (see FIG. 24).

  The conversion unit 922 includes the visual processing unit 623 as a modification described in [Second Embodiment] <Modification> (vii), and the profile data acquired as the brightness adjustment parameter P2 and the target contrast signal JS. Then, the visual processing signal KS (see FIG. 24) is output from the unsharp signal US. Further, the visual processing signal KS is converted into the output signal OS using the actual contrast acquired as the luminance adjustment parameter P2.

  In this visual processing device 920, profile data used for visual processing can be selected based on the external parameter P3 and the parameter P1 representing ambient light, and the presence of ambient light can be corrected by correcting the influence of ambient light. Even in such an environment, it is possible to improve the local contrast and bring the output signal OS closer to the user's favorite contrast for viewing.

<Modification>
In this configuration, the same modification as described in (1) can be performed.
In addition, the configuration described in (1) and the configuration described in (2) can be switched and used as necessary. The switching may be performed using an external switching signal. Further, it may be determined which configuration is used depending on whether or not the external parameter P3 exists.

In addition, although it has been described that the actual contrast is calculated by the output unit 921, a configuration in which the actual contrast value is directly input to the output unit 921 may be employed.
(3)
In the configuration shown in FIG. 41, it is possible to further employ means for preventing the input from the output unit 921 to the conversion unit 922 from changing abruptly.

  The visual processing device 920 ′ illustrated in FIG. 42 is different from the visual processing device 920 illustrated in FIG. 41 in that an adjustment unit 925 that moderates a time change of the parameter P <b> 1 representing ambient light is provided. The adjustment unit 925 receives the parameter P1 representing the ambient light, and outputs the adjusted output P4.

As a result, the output unit 921 can acquire the parameter P1 representing the ambient light without a sudden change, and as a result, the time change of the output of the output unit 921 becomes moderate.
The adjustment unit 925 is realized by an IIR filter, for example. Here, in the IIR filter, the value [P4] of the output P4 of the adjustment unit 925 is calculated by [P4] = k1 * [P4] ′ + k2 * [P1]. In the equation, k1 and k2 are parameters that take positive values, [P1] is the value of the parameter P1 representing ambient light, and [P4] ′ is the delayed output of the output P4 of the adjustment unit 925. (For example, the previous output). Note that the processing in the adjustment unit 925 may be performed using a configuration other than the IIR filter.

Furthermore, the adjustment unit 925 may be a unit that is provided on the output side of the output unit 921 as in the visual processing device 920 ″ shown in FIG.
Here, the operation of the adjustment unit 925 is the same as described above. Specifically, the value [P4] of the output P4 of the adjustment unit 925 is calculated by [P4] = k3 * [P4] ′ + k4 * [P2]. In the equation, k3 and k4 are parameters each taking a positive value, [P2] is a value of the brightness adjustment parameter P2, and [P4] ′ is a delay output (for example, the output P4 of the adjustment unit 925) , The previous output) value. Note that the processing in the adjustment unit 925 may be performed using a configuration other than the IIR filter.

  With the configuration shown in FIGS. 42, 43, etc., it is possible to control the time change of the parameter P1 representing the ambient light or the brightness adjustment parameter P2. For this reason, for example, even when the sensor 911 that detects ambient light responds to a person moving in front of the sensor and the parameter changes greatly in a short time, rapid parameter fluctuations can be suppressed. As a result, flickering of the display screen can be suppressed.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the fourth to sixth embodiments, the following problems with respect to the conventional gradation processing described with reference to FIGS. 104 to 107 can be solved.
<Problems of conventional gradation processing>
The histogram creation unit 302 (see FIG. 104) creates a gradation conversion curve Cm from the brightness histogram Hm of the pixels in the image area Sm. In order to more appropriately create the gradation conversion curve Cm to be applied to the image area Sm, it is necessary to have the entire dark portion (shadow) to bright portion (highlight) of the image, and more pixels. Need to refer to. For this reason, each image area Sm cannot be made too small, that is, the number n of divisions of the original image cannot be made too large. The division number n varies depending on the image content, but empirically, a division number of 4 to 16 is used.

  As described above, since each image area Sm cannot be made very small, the following problem may occur in the output signal OS after gradation processing. That is, since gradation processing is performed using one gradation conversion curve Cm for each image region Sm, the boundary of each image region Sm is unnaturally noticeable, or a pseudo contour is generated in the image region Sm. There is a case. In addition, when the number of divisions is 4 to 16 at most, the image area Sm is large. Therefore, when there are extremely different images between the image areas, the shading change between the image areas is large, and it is difficult to prevent the occurrence of the pseudo contour. For example, as shown in FIGS. 105 (b) and 105 (c), the density changes extremely depending on the positional relationship between the image (for example, an object in the image) and the image region Sm.

Hereinafter, in the fourth to sixth embodiments, a visual processing device capable of solving the above-described problems with respect to conventional gradation processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 44 to 64.
<Features of Visual Processing Device 101 as Fourth Embodiment>
A visual processing device 101 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The visual processing device 101 is a device that performs gradation processing of an image by being incorporated in or connected to a device that handles images, such as a computer, a television, a digital camera, a mobile phone, and a PDA. The visual processing device 101 is characterized in that gradation processing is performed on each of the image areas finely divided as compared with the conventional art.

<Constitution>
FIG. 44 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the visual processing device 101. The visual processing device 101 divides an original image input as the input signal IS into a plurality of image regions Pm (1 ≦ m ≦ n: n is the number of divisions of the original image), and each image region Pm. A gradation conversion curve deriving unit 110 for deriving a gradation conversion curve Cm, and a gradation processing unit for loading the gradation conversion curve Cm and outputting an output signal OS obtained by performing gradation processing on each image region Pm. 105. The gradation conversion curve deriving unit 110 creates a brightness histogram Hm of pixels in the wide-area image region Em composed of the respective image regions Pm and image regions around the image region Pm, and the created brightness. The gradation curve creating unit 104 creates a gradation conversion curve Cm for each image region Pm from the histogram Hm.

<Action>
The operation of each part will be described with reference to FIGS. The image dividing unit 102 divides the original image input as the input signal IS into a plurality (n) of image regions Pm (see FIG. 45). Here, the number of divisions of the original image is larger than the number of divisions (for example, 4 to 16 divisions) of the conventional visual processing device 300 shown in FIG. 104. For example, 4800 is divided into 80 in the horizontal direction and 60 in the vertical direction. Such as division.

  The histogram creation unit 103 creates a brightness histogram Hm of the wide-area image region Em for each image region Pm. Here, the wide area image area Em is a set of a plurality of image areas including the respective image areas Pm. For example, 25 image areas of 5 blocks in the vertical direction and 5 blocks in the horizontal direction centering on the image area Pm. Is a set of Depending on the position of the image area Pm, there may be a case where the wide area image area Em of 5 blocks in the vertical direction and 5 blocks in the horizontal direction cannot be taken around the image area Pm. For example, with respect to the image area Pl positioned around the original image, it is not possible to take a wide area image area El of 5 blocks in the vertical direction and 5 blocks in the horizontal direction around the image area Pl. In this case, an area where the area of 5 blocks in the vertical direction and 5 blocks in the horizontal direction centering on the image area Pl overlaps with the original image is adopted as the wide area image area El. The brightness histogram Hm created by the histogram creation unit 103 indicates the distribution state of the brightness values of all the pixels in the wide area image area Em. That is, in the lightness histograms Hm shown in FIGS. 46A to 46C, the horizontal axis represents the lightness level of the input signal IS, and the vertical axis represents the number of pixels.

  The gradation curve creation unit 104 accumulates the “number of pixels” of the brightness histogram Hm of the wide area image area Em in the order of brightness, and sets this accumulated curve as the gradation conversion curve Cm of the image area Pm (see FIG. 47). In the gradation conversion curve Cm shown in FIG. 47, the horizontal axis indicates the brightness value of the pixel in the image area Pm in the input signal IS, and the vertical axis indicates the brightness value of the pixel in the image area Pm in the output signal OS. The gradation processing unit 105 loads the gradation conversion curve Cm and converts the brightness value of the pixel in the image region Pm in the input signal IS based on the gradation conversion curve Cm.

<Visual processing method and visual processing program>
FIG. 48 is a flowchart for explaining a visual processing method in the visual processing device 101. The visual processing method shown in FIG. 48 is realized by hardware in the visual processing device 101, and is a method for performing gradation processing of the input signal IS (see FIG. 1). In the visual processing method shown in FIG. 48, the input signal IS is processed in units of images (steps S110 to S116). The original image input as the input signal IS is divided into a plurality of image regions Pm (1 ≦ m ≦ n: n is the number of divisions of the original image) (step S111), and gradation processing is performed for each image region Pm (step S111). Steps S112 to S115).

  A brightness histogram Hm of the pixels in the wide area image area Em composed of the respective image areas Pm and the image areas around the image area Pm is created (step S112). Further, a gradation conversion curve Cm for each image region Pm is created based on the lightness histogram Hm (step S113). Here, the description of the brightness histogram Hm and the gradation conversion curve Cm will be omitted (see the section <Action> above). Using the created gradation conversion curve Cm, gradation processing is performed on the pixels in the image region Pm (step S114). Further, it is determined whether or not the processing for all the image areas Pm has been completed (step S115), and the processing of steps S112 to S115 is repeated several times until the processing is determined to be completed. Thus, the processing for each image is completed (step S116).

Note that each step of the visual processing method shown in FIG. 48 may be realized as a visual processing program by a computer or the like.
<effect>
(1)
The gradation conversion curve Cm is created for each image region Pm. Therefore, it is possible to perform appropriate gradation processing as compared with the case where the same gradation conversion is performed on the entire original image.

(2)
The gradation conversion curve Cm created for each image area Pm is created based on the brightness histogram Hm of the wide area image area Em. For this reason, even if the size of each image region Pm is small, sufficient brightness values can be sampled. As a result, an appropriate gradation conversion curve Cm can be created even for a small image region Pm.

(3)
Wide area image areas with respect to adjacent image areas have an overlap. For this reason, the tone conversion curves for adjacent image regions often show similar tendencies. For this reason, it is possible to add a spatial processing effect to the gradation processing for each image region, and it is possible to prevent the boundary between adjacent image regions from being unnaturally conspicuous.

(4)
The size of each image region Pm is smaller than in the past. For this reason, it becomes possible to suppress generation | occurrence | production of the pseudo contour in the image area | region Pm.
<Modification>
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

(1)
In the above embodiment, the number of divisions of the original image is 4800 divisions, but the effect of the present invention is not limited to this case, and the same effect can be obtained with other division numbers. is there. Note that the amount of gradation processing and the visual effect are in a trade-off relationship with respect to the number of divisions. That is, if the number of divisions is increased, the amount of gradation processing increases, but a better visual effect (for example, suppression of pseudo contours) can be obtained.

(2)
In the above embodiment, the number of image areas constituting the wide area image area is 25, but the effect of the present invention is not limited to this case, and the same effect can be obtained with other numbers. It is possible.

[Fifth Embodiment]
<Features of Visual Processing Device 111 as Fifth Embodiment>
A visual processing device 111 as a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 49 to 61. The visual processing device 111 is a device that performs gradation processing of an image by being incorporated in or connected to a device that handles images, such as a computer, a television, a digital camera, a mobile phone, and a PDA. The visual processing device 111 is characterized in that a plurality of gradation conversion curves stored in advance as LUTs are switched and used.

<Constitution>
FIG. 49 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the visual processing device 111. The visual processing device 111 includes an image dividing unit 112, a selection signal deriving unit 113, and a gradation processing unit 120. The image dividing unit 112 receives the input signal IS and outputs an image region Pm (1 ≦ m ≦ n: n is the number of divisions of the original image) obtained by dividing the original image input as the input signal IS into a plurality of parts. The selection signal deriving unit 113 outputs a selection signal Sm for selecting a gradation conversion curve Cm applied to the gradation processing of each image region Pm. The gradation processing unit 120 includes a gradation processing execution unit 114 and a gradation correction unit 115. The gradation processing execution unit 114 includes a plurality of gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp (p is the number of candidates) as a two-dimensional LUT, receives an input signal IS and a selection signal Sm, and inputs each image region Pm. A gradation processing signal CS obtained by performing gradation processing on the inner pixel is output. The gradation correction unit 115 receives the gradation processing signal CS and outputs an output signal OS obtained by correcting the gradation of the gradation processing signal CS.

(About gradation conversion curve candidates)
The gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp will be described with reference to FIG. The tone conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp are curves that give the relationship between the brightness value of the pixel of the input signal IS and the brightness value of the pixel of the tone processing signal CS. In FIG. 50, the horizontal axis indicates the brightness value of the pixel in the input signal IS, and the vertical axis indicates the brightness value of the pixel in the gradation processing signal CS. The gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp have a monotonously decreasing relationship with respect to the subscript, and satisfy the relationship of G1 ≧ G2 ≧... ≧ Gp with respect to the brightness values of the pixels of all the input signals IS. For example, the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp are “power functions” each having the brightness value of the pixel of the input signal IS as a variable, and expressed as Gm = x ^ (δm) (1 ≦ m ≦ p, x is a variable, δm is a constant), and δ1 ≦ δ2 ≦. Here, it is assumed that the lightness value of the input signal IS is in the range of value [0.0 to 1.0].

  It should be noted that the relationship between the tone conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp described above is as follows. The input signal IS is low when the input signal IS is small for the tone conversion curve candidate with a large subscript, or the tone conversion curve candidate with the small subscript. When is large, it may not be established. In such a case, there is almost no effect on the image quality.

  The gradation processing execution unit 114 includes gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp as a two-dimensional LUT. That is, the two-dimensional LUT is a look-up table that gives the lightness value of the pixel of the gradation processing signal CS to the lightness value of the pixel of the input signal IS and the selection signal Sm for selecting the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp. (LUT). FIG. 51 shows an example of this two-dimensional LUT. A two-dimensional LUT 141 shown in FIG. 51 is a matrix of 64 rows and 64 columns, and the respective tone conversion curve candidates G1 to G64 are arranged in the row direction (horizontal direction). In the column direction (vertical direction) of the matrix, for example, the upper 6 bits of the pixel value of the input signal IS represented by 10 bits, that is, the value of the gradation processing signal CS corresponding to the value of the input signal IS divided into 64 stages. Pixel values are lined up. The pixel value of the gradation processing signal CS has a value in the range of [0.0 to 1.0], for example, when the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp are “power functions”.

<Action>
The operation of each part will be described. The image dividing unit 112 operates in substantially the same manner as the image dividing unit 102 in FIG. 44, and divides the original image input as the input signal IS into a plurality (n) of image regions Pm (see FIG. 45). Here, the number of divisions of the original image is larger than the number of divisions (for example, 4 to 16 divisions) of the conventional visual processing device 300 shown in FIG. 104. For example, 4800 is divided into 80 in the horizontal direction and 60 in the vertical direction. Such as division.

  The selection signal deriving unit 113 selects a gradation conversion curve Cm to be applied to each image region Pm from the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp. Specifically, the selection signal deriving unit 113 calculates the average brightness value of the wide area image area Em of the image area Pm, and selects any one of the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp according to the calculated average brightness value. I do. That is, the tone conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp are associated with the average brightness value of the wide area image region Em, and the tone conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp with larger subscripts are selected as the average brightness value increases.

  Here, the wide area image region Em is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 45 in the [fourth embodiment]. That is, the wide area image area Em is a set of a plurality of image areas including the respective image areas Pm. For example, a set of 25 image areas of 5 blocks in the vertical direction and 5 blocks in the horizontal direction centering on the image area Pm. It is. Depending on the position of the image area Pm, there may be a case where the wide area image area Em of 5 blocks in the vertical direction and 5 blocks in the horizontal direction cannot be taken around the image area Pm. For example, with respect to the image area Pl positioned around the original image, it is not possible to take a wide area image area El of 5 blocks in the vertical direction and 5 blocks in the horizontal direction around the image area Pl. In this case, an area where the area of 5 blocks in the vertical direction and 5 blocks in the horizontal direction centering on the image area Pl overlaps with the original image is adopted as the wide area image area El.

The selection result of the selection signal deriving unit 113 is output as a selection signal Sm indicating any one of the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp. More specifically, the selection signal Sm is output as the value of the subscripts (1 to p) of the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp.
The gradation processing execution unit 114 receives the lightness value of the pixel in the image region Pm included in the input signal IS and the selection signal Sm, and uses, for example, the lightness of the gradation processing signal CS using the two-dimensional LUT 141 shown in FIG. Output the value.

  The gradation correction unit 115 calculates the brightness value of the pixel in the image area Pm included in the gradation processing signal CS, the gradation conversion curve selected for the pixel position, the image area Pm, and the image area around the image area Pm. Correct based on For example, the gradation conversion curve Cm applied to the pixels included in the image region Pm and the gradation conversion curve selected for the image region around the image region Pm are corrected by the internal ratio of the pixel position, and after the correction The brightness value of the pixel is obtained.

  The operation of the gradation correction unit 115 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 52 shows gradation conversion curves Co, Cp, Cq, and Cr of image regions Po, Pp, Pq, and Pr (o, p, q, and r are positive integers equal to or less than the division number n (see FIG. 45)). It shows that the key conversion curve candidates Gs, Gt, Gu, and Gv (s, t, u, and v are positive integers equal to or less than the number p of gradation conversion curve candidates) are selected.

  Here, the position of the pixel x (value value [x]) of the image area Po to be subjected to gradation correction is set to [i: 1-i] between the center of the image area Po and the center of the image area Pp. Assume that the position is a position where the center of the image area Po and the center of the image area Pq are internally divided into [j: 1-j]. In this case, the brightness value [x ′] of the pixel x after gradation correction is [x ′] = {(1−j) · (1−i) · [Gs] + (1−j) · (i). [Gt] + (j). (1-i). [Gu] + (j). (I). [Gv]}. {[X] / [Gs]}. [Gs], [Gt], [Gu], and [Gv] are the lightness values when the gradation conversion curve candidates Gs, Gt, Gu, and Gv are applied to the lightness value [x]. To do.

<Visual processing method and visual processing program>
FIG. 53 shows a flowchart for explaining the visual processing method in the visual processing device 111. The visual processing method shown in FIG. 53 is realized by hardware in the visual processing device 111 and is a method of performing gradation processing of the input signal IS (see FIG. 49). In the visual processing method shown in FIG. 53, the input signal IS is processed in units of images (steps S120 to S126). The original image input as the input signal IS is divided into a plurality of image regions Pm (1 ≦ m ≦ n: n is the number of divisions of the original image) (step S121), and gradation processing is performed for each image region Pm (step S121). Steps S122 to S124).

  In the processing for each image region Pm, the gradation conversion curve Cm applied to each image region Pm is selected from the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp (step S122). Specifically, the average brightness value of the wide area image area Em of the image area Pm is calculated, and any one of the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp is selected according to the calculated average brightness value. The gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp are associated with the average brightness value of the wide area image region Em, and the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp with larger subscripts are selected as the average brightness value increases. Here, the description of the wide area image region Em is omitted (see the column of <Action> above).

  For example, FIG. 51 shows the brightness value of the pixel in the image region Pm included in the input signal IS and the selection signal Sm indicating the gradation conversion curve candidate selected in step S122 among the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp. The brightness value of the gradation processing signal CS is output using the two-dimensional LUT 141 shown (step S123). Further, it is determined whether or not the processing for all the image regions Pm has been completed (step S124), and the processing of steps S122 to S124 is repeated several times until the processing is determined to be completed. Thus, the processing for each image area is completed.

The brightness value of the pixel in the image area Pm included in the gradation processing signal CS is corrected based on the position of the pixel and the gradation conversion curve selected for the image area Pm and the image area around the image area Pm. (Step S125). For example, the gradation conversion curve Cm applied to the pixels included in the image region Pm and the gradation conversion curve selected for the image region around the image region Pm are corrected by the internal ratio of the pixel position, and after the correction Are obtained. The detailed description of the correction will be omitted (see the column <Action>, FIG. 52).

Thus, the processing for each image is completed (step S126).
Each step of the visual processing method shown in FIG. 53 may be realized as a visual processing program by a computer or the like.
<effect>
According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effect as the <effect> of the above [fourth embodiment]. Hereinafter, effects unique to the fifth embodiment will be described.

(1)
The gradation conversion curve Cm selected for each image area Pm is created based on the average brightness value of the wide area image area Em. For this reason, even if the size of the image region Pm is small, it is possible to sample a sufficient brightness value. As a result, an appropriate gradation conversion curve Cm can be selected and applied to a small image region Pm.

(2)
The gradation processing execution unit 114 has a two-dimensional LUT created in advance. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the processing load required for the gradation processing, more specifically, the processing load required for creating the gradation conversion curve Cm. As a result, it is possible to speed up the processing required for the gradation processing of the image area Pm.

(3)
The gradation processing execution unit 114 executes gradation processing using a two-dimensional LUT. The two-dimensional LUT is read from a storage device such as a hard disk or a ROM provided in the visual processing device 111 and used for gradation processing. By changing the contents of the two-dimensional LUT to be read out, various gradation processes can be realized without changing the hardware configuration. That is, it is possible to realize gradation processing more suitable for the characteristics of the original image.

(4)
The gradation correction unit 115 corrects the gradation of the pixels in the image region Pm that has been subjected to gradation processing using one gradation conversion curve Cm. For this reason, it is possible to obtain an output signal OS subjected to more appropriate gradation processing. For example, it becomes possible to suppress the generation of pseudo contours. Further, in the output signal OS, it is possible to further prevent the joint at the boundary of each image region Pm from being unnaturally conspicuous.

<Modification>
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
(1)
In the above embodiment, the number of divisions of the original image is 4800 divisions, but the effect of the present invention is not limited to this case, and the same effect can be obtained with other division numbers. is there. Note that the amount of gradation processing and the visual effect are in a trade-off relationship with respect to the number of divisions. That is, when the number of divisions is increased, the processing amount of gradation processing increases, but a better visual effect (for example, an image in which pseudo contour is suppressed) can be obtained.

(2)
In the above embodiment, the number of image areas constituting the wide area image area is 25, but the effect of the present invention is not limited to this case, and the same effect can be obtained with other numbers. It is possible.

(3)
In the above embodiment, the two-dimensional LUT 141 including a 64 × 64 matrix is taken as an example of the two-dimensional LUT. Here, the effect of the present invention is not limited to the two-dimensional LUT of this size. For example, it may be a matrix in which more gradation conversion curve candidates are arranged in the row direction. Further, the pixel values of the gradation processing signal CS corresponding to the values obtained by dividing the pixel values of the input signal IS into finer steps may be arranged in the column direction of the matrix. Specifically, for example, the pixel value of the gradation processing signal CS may be arranged for each pixel value of the input signal IS represented by 10 bits.

If the size of the two-dimensional LUT is increased, more appropriate gradation processing can be performed, and if the size is decreased, the memory for storing the two-dimensional LUT can be reduced.
(4)
In the above embodiment, in the column direction of the matrix, for example, the gradation processing signal CS corresponding to the value of the upper 6 bits of the pixel value of the input signal IS represented by 10 bits, that is, the value of the input signal IS divided into 64 stages. It was explained that the pixel values of are arranged. Here, the gradation processing signal CS may be output by the gradation processing execution unit 114 as a matrix component that is linearly interpolated with the lower 4 bits of the pixel value of the input signal IS. That is, in the column direction of the matrix, for example, the components of the matrix corresponding to the upper 6 bits of the pixel value of the input signal IS represented by 10 bits are arranged, and the upper 6 bits of the pixel value of the input signal IS are arranged. The matrix component and the matrix component (for example, the component one row lower in FIG. 51) with respect to the value obtained by adding [1] to the upper 6 bits of the pixel value of the input signal IS are the pixel values of the input signal IS. Is linearly interpolated using the value of the lower 4 bits and output as a gradation processing signal CS.

As a result, even when the size of the two-dimensional LUT 141 (see FIG. 51) is small, more appropriate gradation processing can be performed.
(5)
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the gradation conversion curve Cm to be applied to the image area Pm is selected based on the average brightness value of the wide area image area Em. Here, the method of selecting the gradation conversion curve Cm is not limited to this method. For example, the gradation conversion curve Cm applied to the image area Pm may be selected based on the maximum brightness value or the minimum brightness value of the wide area image area Em. In selecting the gradation conversion curve Cm, the value [Sm] of the selection signal Sm may be the average brightness value, the maximum brightness value, or the minimum brightness value of the wide area image area Em. In this case, the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to G64 are associated with the respective values obtained by dividing the possible values of the selection signal Sm into 64 levels.

  For example, the gradation conversion curve Cm applied to the image region Pm may be selected as follows. That is, an average brightness value is obtained for each image area Pm, and a provisional selection signal Sm ′ for each image area Pm is obtained from each average brightness value. Here, the provisional selection signal Sm ′ has values of subscript numbers of the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp. Further, for each image area included in the wide area image area Em, the value of the temporary selection signal Sm ′ is averaged to obtain the value [Sm] of the selection signal Sm of the image area Pm, and the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp are obtained. Among these, a candidate having an integer closest to the value [Sm] as a subscript is selected as the gradation conversion curve Cm.

(6)
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the gradation conversion curve Cm to be applied to the image area Pm is selected based on the average brightness value of the wide area image area Em. Here, the gradation conversion curve Cm to be applied to the image region Pm may be selected based on a weighted average (weighted average) instead of a simple average of the wide area image region Em. For example, as shown in FIG. 54, an average brightness value of each image area constituting the wide area image area Em is obtained, and image areas Ps1, Ps2,... Having an average brightness value greatly different from the average brightness value of the image area Pm. For *, the average lightness value of the wide area image area Em is obtained by reducing or excluding the weighting.

  As a result, even when the wide area image region Em includes an area specific to brightness (for example, when the wide area image area Em includes a boundary between two objects having different brightness values), the image area Pm is applied. Therefore, the influence of the brightness value of the specific area on the selection of the gradation conversion curve Cm is reduced, and more appropriate gradation processing is performed.

(7)
In the embodiment described above, the gradation correction unit 115 may be optional. That is, even when the gradation processing signal CS is output, as compared with the conventional visual processing device 300 (see FIG. 104), the same as described in <Effect> of [Fourth Embodiment] Effects and [Effects] <Effects> in [Fifth Embodiment] It is possible to obtain the same effects as described in (1) and (2).

(8)
In the above embodiment, the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp are in a monotonically decreasing relationship with respect to the subscript, and the relationship of G1 ≧ G2 ≧...> Gp with respect to the lightness values of the pixels of all the input signals IS. Explained that Here, the tone conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp included in the two-dimensional LUT may not satisfy the relationship of G1 ≧ G2 ≧... ≧ Gp with respect to a part of the brightness value of the pixel of the input signal IS. Good. That is, any one of the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp may be in a crossing relationship with each other.

  For example, a small light part in a dark night scene (neon part in a night scene, etc.), when the value of the input signal IS is large but the average brightness value of the wide area image area Em is small, gradation processing is performed. The influence of the image signal value on the image quality is small. In such a case, the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp included in the two-dimensional LUT satisfy the relationship of G1 ≧ G2 ≧... ≧ Gp with respect to part of the lightness values of the pixels of the input signal IS. It does not have to be. That is, the value stored in the two-dimensional LUT may be arbitrary in a part where the value after gradation processing has little influence on the image quality.

Even when the values stored in the two-dimensional LUT are arbitrary, the values stored for the input signal IS and the selection signal Sm having the same value are the same as the values of the input signal IS and the selection signal Sm. It is desirable to maintain a monotonically increasing or monotonically decreasing relationship.
In the above-described embodiment, the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp included in the two-dimensional LUT are described as “power functions”. Here, the tone conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp may not be strictly formulated as “power functions”. Further, it may be a function having a shape such as an S-shape or an inverted S-shape.

(9)
The visual processing device 111 may further include a profile data creation unit that creates profile data that is a value stored in the two-dimensional LUT. Specifically, the profile data creation unit includes an image dividing unit 102 and a tone conversion curve deriving unit 110 in the visual processing device 101 (see FIG. 44). The set is stored as profile data in the two-dimensional LUT.

  Further, each of the gradation conversion curves stored in the two-dimensional LUT may be associated with the spatially processed input signal IS. In this case, in the visual processing device 111, the image dividing unit 112 and the selection signal deriving unit 113 may be replaced with a spatial processing unit that spatially processes the input signal IS.

(10)
In the embodiment described above, the brightness value of the pixel of the input signal IS may not be a value in the range of the value [0.0 to 1.0]. When the input signal IS is input as a value in another range, the value in that range may be normalized to a value [0.0 to 1.0]. Further, normalization is not performed, and the values handled in the above-described processing may be changed as appropriate.

(11)
Each of the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp is a gradation conversion curve that performs gradation processing on an input signal IS having a dynamic range wider than the normal dynamic range and outputs a gradation processing signal CS having a normal dynamic range. There may be.

  In recent years, by using a CCD with good S / N with reduced light quantity, opening the electronic shutter twice long or short, or using a sensor with low-sensitivity / high-sensitivity pixels, etc. Development of devices that can handle a dynamic range that is one to three digits wider is advancing.

Accordingly, even when the input signal IS has a wider dynamic range than a normal dynamic range (for example, a signal in the range of value [0.0 to 1.0]), gradation processing can be appropriately performed. It has been demanded.
Here, as shown in FIG. 55, the gradation processing signal CS having the value [0.0 to 1.0] is output even for the input signal IS in the range exceeding the value [0.0 to 1.0]. Such a gradation conversion curve is used.

As a result, it is possible to perform appropriate gradation processing even on an input signal IS having a wide dynamic range, and to output a gradation processing signal CS having a normal dynamic range.
In the above-described embodiment, “the pixel value of the gradation processing signal CS is, for example, in the range of values [0.0 to 1.0] when the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp are“ power functions ”. Has a value. ". Here, the pixel value of the gradation processing signal CS is not limited to this range. For example, the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp may perform dynamic range compression on the input signal IS having a value [0.0 to 1.0].

(12)
In the embodiment described above, “the gradation processing execution unit 114 has the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp as a two-dimensional LUT”. Here, the gradation processing execution unit 114 may include a one-dimensional LUT that stores the relationship between the curve parameter for specifying the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp and the selection signal Sm.

"Constitution"
FIG. 56 is a block diagram for explaining the structure of a gradation processing execution unit 144 as a modification of the gradation processing execution unit 114. The gradation processing execution unit 144 receives the input signal IS and the selection signal Sm and outputs a gradation processing signal CS that is the gradation-processed input signal IS. The gradation processing execution unit 144 includes a curve parameter output unit 145 and a calculation unit 148.

The curve parameter output unit 145 includes a first LUT 146 and a second LUT 147. The first LUT 146 and the second LUT 147 receive the selection signal Sm and output the curve parameters P1 and P2 of the gradation conversion curve candidate Gm designated by the selection signal Sm, respectively.
The calculation unit 148 receives the curve parameters P1 and P2 and the input signal IS and outputs a gradation processing signal CS.

<< About 1D LUT >>
The first LUT 146 and the second LUT 147 are one-dimensional LUTs that store the values of the curve parameters P1 and P2 for the selection signal Sm, respectively. Before describing the first LUT 146 and the second LUT 147 in detail, the contents of the curve parameters P1 and P2 will be described.

The relationship between the curve parameters P1 and P2 and the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 57 shows tone conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp. Here, the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp are in a monotonically decreasing relationship with respect to the subscript, and satisfy the relationship of G1 ≧ G2 ≧... ≧ Gp with respect to the brightness values of the pixels of all the input signals IS. ing. It should be noted that the relationship between the tone conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp described above is as follows. The input signal IS is low when the input signal IS is small for the tone conversion curve candidate with a large subscript, or the tone conversion curve candidate with the small subscript. This may not be the case when the is large.

  The curve parameters P1 and P2 are output as the value of the gradation processing signal CS with respect to a predetermined value of the input signal IS. That is, when the gradation conversion curve candidate Gm is designated by the selection signal Sm, the value of the curve parameter P1 is output as the value [R1m] of the gradation conversion curve candidate Gm for the predetermined value [X1] of the input signal IS. The value of the curve parameter P2 is output as the value [R2m] of the gradation conversion curve candidate Gm for the predetermined value [X2] of the input signal IS. Here, the value [X2] is larger than the value [X1].

Next, the first LUT 146 and the second LUT 147 will be described.
The first LUT 146 and the second LUT 147 store the values of the curve parameters P1 and P2 for the selection signal Sm, respectively. More specifically, for example, for each selection signal Sm given as a 6-bit signal, the values of the curve parameters P1 and P2 are given in 6 bits. Here, the number of bits secured for the selection signal Sm and the curve parameters P1 and P2 is not limited to this.

  The relationship between the curve parameters P1 and P2 and the selection signal Sm will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 58 shows changes in the values of the curve parameters P1 and P2 with respect to the selection signal Sm. The first LUT 146 and the second LUT 147 store the values of the curve parameters P1 and P2 for the respective selection signals Sm. For example, the value [R1m] is stored as the value of the curve parameter P1 for the selection signal Sm, and the value [R2m] is stored as the value of the curve parameter P2.

By the first LUT 146 and the second LUT 147 described above, the curve parameters P1 and P2 are output for the input selection signal Sm.
<< Calculation unit 148 >>
The calculation unit 148 derives the gradation processing signal CS for the input signal IS based on the acquired curve parameters P1 and P2 (value [R1m] and value [R2m]). The specific procedure is described below. Here, the value of the input signal IS is given in the range of values [0.0 to 1.0]. Further, the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp convert the input signal IS given in the range of the value [0.0 to 1.0] into the range of the value [0.0 to 1.0]. And The present invention can also be applied when the input signal IS is not limited to this range.

First, the calculation unit 148 compares the value of the input signal IS with predetermined values [X1] and [X2].
When the value of the input signal IS (value [X]) is not less than [0.0] and less than [X1], on the straight line connecting the origin and coordinates ([X1], [R1m]) in FIG. The value of the gradation processing signal CS for the value [X] (value [Y]) is obtained. More specifically, the value [Y] is obtained by the following formula [Y] = ([X] / [X1]) * [R1m].

  When the value of the input signal IS is not less than [X1] and less than [X2], the value on the straight line connecting the coordinates ([X1], [R1m]) and the coordinates ([X2], [R2m]) in FIG. A value [Y] for [X] is determined. More specifically, the value [Y] is expressed by the following formula [Y] = [R1m] + {([R2m] − [R1m]) / ([X2] − [X1])} * ([X] − [ X1]).

When the value of the input signal IS is [X2] or more and [1.0] or less, the coordinates ([[
X2], [R2m]) and the coordinates [[1.0], [1.0]), the value [Y] for the value [X] is obtained. More specifically, the value [Y] is expressed by the following formula [Y] = [R2m] + {([1.0] − [R2m]) / ([1.0] − [X2])} * ([ X]-[X2]).

Through the above calculation, the calculation unit 148 derives the gradation processing signal CS for the input signal IS.
<< Tone Processing Method / Program >>
The above-described processing may be executed by a computer or the like as a gradation processing program. The gradation processing program is a program for causing a computer to execute the gradation processing method described below.

The gradation processing method is a method of acquiring the input signal IS and the selection signal Sm and outputting the gradation processing signal CS, and is characterized in that the input signal IS is subjected to gradation processing using a one-dimensional LUT. is doing.
First, when the selection signal Sm is acquired, the curve parameters P1 and P2 are output from the first LUT 146 and the second LUT 147. Detailed descriptions of the first LUT 146, the second LUT 147, and the curve parameters P1 and P2 are omitted.

Further, gradation processing of the input signal IS is performed based on the curve parameters P1 and P2. The detailed content of the gradation processing has been described in the description of the calculation unit 148, and therefore will be omitted.
With the above gradation processing method, the gradation processing signal CS for the input signal IS is derived.

"effect"
A gradation processing execution unit 144 as a modification of the gradation processing execution unit 114 includes two one-dimensional LUTs instead of a two-dimensional LUT. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity for storing the lookup table.

<Modification>
(1)
In the above modification, “the values of the curve parameters P1 and P2 are the values of the gradation conversion curve candidate Gm with respect to the predetermined value of the input signal IS” has been described. Here, the curve parameters P1 and P2 may be other curve parameters of the tone conversion curve candidate Gm. Hereinafter, a specific description will be added.

(1-1)
The curve parameter may be the slope of the gradation conversion curve candidate Gm. This will be specifically described with reference to FIG. When the gradation conversion curve candidate Gm is designated by the selection signal Sm, the value of the curve parameter P1 is the slope value [K1m] of the gradation conversion curve candidate Gm in the predetermined range [0.0 to X1] of the input signal IS. The value of the curve parameter P2 is the slope value [K2m] of the gradation conversion curve candidate Gm in the predetermined range [X1 to X2] of the input signal IS.

  The relationship between the curve parameters P1 and P2 and the selection signal Sm will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 59 shows changes in the values of the curve parameters P1 and P2 with respect to the selection signal Sm. The first LUT 146 and the second LUT 147 store the values of the curve parameters P1 and P2 for the respective selection signals Sm. For example, the value [K1m] is stored as the value of the curve parameter P1 for the selection signal Sm, and the value [K2m] is stored as the value of the curve parameter P2.

By the first LUT 146 and the second LUT 147 described above, the curve parameters P1 and P2 are output for the input selection signal Sm.
In the calculation unit 148, based on the acquired curve parameters P1 and P2, the input signal IS
The gradation processing signal CS for is derived. The specific procedure is described below.

First, the calculation unit 148 compares the value of the input signal IS with predetermined values [X1] and [X2].
When the value of the input signal IS (value [X]) is not less than [0.0] and less than [X1], the origin and coordinates ([X1], [K1m] * [X1] in FIG. Y1])))), the value of the gradation processing signal CS for the value [X] (referred to as value [Y]) is obtained. More specifically, the value [Y] is obtained by the following equation [Y] = [K1m] * [X].

  When the value of the input signal IS is [X1] or more and less than [X2], the coordinates ([X1], [Y1]) and the coordinates ([X2], [K1m] * [X1] + [K2m] * in FIG. 57) A value [Y] with respect to the value [X] is obtained on a straight line connecting ([X2]-[X1]) (hereinafter referred to as [Y2]). More specifically, the value [Y] is obtained by the following formula [Y] = [Y1] + [K2m] * ([X] − [X1]).

  When the value of the input signal IS is [X2] or more and [1.0] or less, on the straight line connecting the coordinates ([X2], [Y2]) and the coordinates (1.0, 1.0) in FIG. The value [Y] for the value [X] is obtained. More specifically, the value [Y] is expressed by the following formula [Y] = [Y2] + {([1.0] − [Y2]) / ([1.0] − [X2])} * ([ X]-[X2]).

Through the above calculation, the calculation unit 148 derives the gradation processing signal CS for the input signal IS.
(1-2)
The curve parameter may be a coordinate on the gradation conversion curve candidate Gm. This will be specifically described with reference to FIG. When the gradation conversion curve candidate Gm is specified by the selection signal Sm, the value of the curve parameter P1 is the value [Mm] of one component of the coordinates on the gradation conversion curve candidate Gm, and the value of the curve parameter P2 is The value [Nm] of the other component of the coordinates on the gradation conversion curve candidate Gm. Further, the tone conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp are all curves that pass through the coordinates (X1, Y1).

  The relationship between the curve parameters P1 and P2 and the selection signal Sm will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 61 shows changes in the values of the curve parameters P1 and P2 with respect to the selection signal Sm. The first LUT 146 and the second LUT 147 store the values of the curve parameters P1 and P2 for the respective selection signals Sm. For example, the value [Mm] is stored as the value of the curve parameter P1 for the selection signal Sm, and the value [Nm] is stored as the value of the curve parameter P2.

By the first LUT 146 and the second LUT 147 described above, the curve parameters P1 and P2 are output for the input selection signal Sm.
The computing unit 148 derives the gradation processing signal CS from the input signal IS by the same processing as that of the modification described with reference to FIG. Detailed description is omitted.

(1-3)
The above modification is an example, and the curve parameters P1 and P2 may be other curve parameters of the tone conversion curve candidate Gm.
Further, the number of curve parameters is not limited to the above. There may be fewer or more.

In the description of the calculation unit 148, the calculation for the case where the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp are curves composed of straight line segments has been described. Here, when the coordinates on the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp are given as curve parameters, a smooth curve passing through the given coordinates is created (curve fitting), and the created curve is used. A gradation conversion process may be performed.

(2)
In the above modification, “the curve parameter output unit 145 includes the first LUT 146 and the second LUT 147” has been described. Here, the curve parameter output unit 145 may not include an LUT that stores the values of the curve parameters P1 and P2 with respect to the value of the selection signal Sm.

  In this case, the curve parameter output unit 145 calculates the values of the curve parameters P1 and P2. More specifically, the curve parameter output unit 145 stores parameters representing graphs of the curve parameters P1 and P2 shown in FIG. 58, FIG. 59, FIG. The curve parameter output unit 145 identifies graphs of the curve parameters P1 and P2 from the stored parameters. Further, the values of the curve parameters P1 and P2 with respect to the selection signal Sm are output using the graphs of the curve parameters P1 and P2.

  Here, the parameters for specifying the graphs of the curve parameters P1 and P2 are coordinates on the graph, inclination of the graph, curvature, and the like. For example, the curve parameter output unit 145 stores the coordinates of two points on the graph of the curve parameters P1 and P2 shown in FIG. 58, and the straight line connecting the coordinates of the two points is represented by the graph of the curve parameters P1 and P2. Used as

Here, when specifying the graphs of the curve parameters P1 and P2 from the parameters, not only linear approximation but also broken line approximation, curve approximation, or the like may be used.
This makes it possible to output curve parameters without using a memory for storing the LUT. That is, it is possible to further reduce the capacity of the memory provided in the apparatus.

[Sixth Embodiment]
<Features of the visual processing device 121 as the sixth embodiment>
A visual processing device 121 as a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 62 to 64. The visual processing device 121 is a device that performs gradation processing of an image by being incorporated in or connected to a device that handles images, such as a computer, a television, a digital camera, a mobile phone, and a PDA. The visual processing device 121 is characterized in that a plurality of gradation conversion curves stored in advance as LUTs are switched and used for each pixel to be subjected to gradation processing.

<Constitution>
FIG. 62 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the visual processing device 121. The visual processing device 121 includes an image dividing unit 122, a selection signal deriving unit 123, and a gradation processing unit 130. The image dividing unit 122 receives the input signal IS and outputs an image area Pm (1 ≦ m ≦ n: n is the number of divisions of the original image) obtained by dividing the original image input as the input signal IS. The selection signal deriving unit 123 outputs a selection signal Sm for selecting the gradation conversion curve Cm for each image region Pm. The gradation processing unit 130 includes a selection signal correction unit 124 and a gradation processing execution unit 125. The selection signal correction unit 124 receives the selection signal Sm and outputs a selection signal SS for each pixel, which is a signal obtained by correcting the selection signal Sm for each image region Pm. The gradation processing execution unit 125 includes a plurality of gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp (p is the number of candidates) as a two-dimensional LUT, and receives an input signal IS and a selection signal SS for each pixel as input. An output signal OS obtained by performing gradation processing on the pixel is used as an output.

(About gradation conversion curve candidates)
The gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIG. 50 in [Fifth Embodiment], and thus description thereof is omitted here. However, in this embodiment, the tone conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp are curves that give the relationship between the brightness value of the pixel of the input signal IS and the brightness value of the pixel of the output signal OS.

  The gradation processing execution unit 125 includes gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp as a two-dimensional LUT. That is, the two-dimensional LUT is a look-up table (LUT) that gives the lightness value of the pixel of the output signal OS to the lightness value of the pixel of the input signal IS and the selection signal SS for selecting the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp. ). A specific example is substantially the same as that described with reference to FIG. 51 in [Fifth Embodiment], and thus the description thereof is omitted here. However, in the present embodiment, the pixel values of the output signal OS are arranged in the column direction of the matrix with respect to the upper 6 bits of the pixel value of the input signal IS represented by 10 bits, for example.

<Action>
The operation of each part will be described. The image dividing unit 122 operates in substantially the same manner as the image dividing unit 102 in FIG. 44, and divides the original image input as the input signal IS into a plurality (n) of image regions Pm (see FIG. 45). Here, the number of divisions of the original image is larger than the number of divisions (for example, 4 to 16 divisions) of the conventional visual processing device 300 shown in FIG. 104. For example, 4800 is divided into 80 in the horizontal direction and 60 in the vertical direction. Such as division.

  The selection signal deriving unit 123 selects a gradation conversion curve Cm from the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp for each image region Pm. Specifically, the selection signal deriving unit 123 calculates the average brightness value of the wide area image area Em of the image area Pm, and selects any one of the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp according to the calculated average brightness value. I do. That is, the tone conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp are associated with the average brightness value of the wide area image region Em, and the tone conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp with larger subscripts are selected as the average brightness value increases.

  Here, the wide area image region Em is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 45 in the [fourth embodiment]. That is, the wide area image area Em is a set of a plurality of image areas including the respective image areas Pm. For example, a set of 25 image areas of 5 blocks in the vertical direction and 5 blocks in the horizontal direction centering on the image area Pm. It is. Depending on the position of the image area Pm, there may be a case where the wide area image area Em of 5 blocks in the vertical direction and 5 blocks in the horizontal direction cannot be taken around the image area Pm. For example, with respect to the image area Pl positioned around the original image, it is not possible to take a wide area image area El of 5 blocks in the vertical direction and 5 blocks in the horizontal direction around the image area Pl. In this case, an area where the area of 5 blocks in the vertical direction and 5 blocks in the horizontal direction centering on the image area Pl overlaps with the original image is adopted as the wide area image area El.

The selection result of the selection signal deriving unit 123 is output as a selection signal Sm indicating any one of the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp. More specifically, the selection signal Sm is output as the value of the subscripts (1 to p) of the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp.
The selection signal correcting unit 124 performs pixel-by-pixel selection for selecting a gradation conversion curve for each pixel constituting the input signal IS by correction using each selection signal Sm output for each image region Pm. The selection signal SS is output. For example, the selection signal SS for the pixels included in the image region Pm is obtained by correcting the value of the selection signal output for the image region Pm and the image region around the image region Pm with the internal division ratio of the pixel position. .

The operation of the selection signal correction unit 124 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 63, selection signals So, Sp, Sq, and Sr are output for image regions Po, Pp, Pq, and Pr (o, p, q, and r are positive integers equal to or less than the division number n (see FIG. 45)). It shows the state that was done.
Here, the position of the pixel x to be subjected to gradation correction is divided into [i: 1-i] between the center of the image area Po and the center of the image area Pp, and the center of the image area Po and the image. It is assumed that the position is a position that internally divides the center of the region Pq into [j: 1-j]. In this case, the value [SS] of the selection signal SS for the pixel x is [SS] = {(1-j). (1-i). [So] + (1-j). (I). [Sp] + (J). (1-i). [Sq] + (j). (I). [Sr]}. [So], [Sp], [Sq], and [Sr] are values of the selection signals So, Sp, Sq, and Sr.

The gradation processing execution unit 125 receives the lightness value of the pixel included in the input signal IS and the selection signal SS, and outputs the lightness value of the output signal OS using, for example, a two-dimensional LUT 141 shown in FIG.
When the value [SS] of the selection signal SS is not equal to the subscripts (1 to p) of the tone conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp included in the two-dimensional LUT 141, an integer closest to the value [SS] is added. The tone conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp to be used as characters are used for tone processing of the input signal IS.

<Visual processing method and visual processing program>
FIG. 64 is a flowchart for explaining the visual processing method in the visual processing device 121. The visual processing method shown in FIG. 64 is realized by hardware in the visual processing device 121, and is a method of performing gradation processing of the input signal IS (see FIG. 62). In the visual processing method shown in FIG. 64, the input signal IS is processed in units of images (steps S130 to S137). The original image input as the input signal IS is divided into a plurality of image regions Pm (1 ≦ m ≦ n: n is the number of divisions of the original image) (step S131), and a gradation conversion curve Cm is generated for each image region Pm. Based on the selection signal Sm for selecting the gradation conversion curve Cm for each image region Pm, a gradation conversion curve is selected for each pixel of the original image, and the gradation in units of pixels is selected (steps S132 to S133). Tone processing is performed (steps S134 to S136).

Specific explanation will be given for each step.
A gradation conversion curve Cm is selected from the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp for each image region Pm (step S132). Specifically, the average brightness value of the wide area image area Em of the image area Pm is calculated, and any one of the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp is selected according to the calculated average brightness value. The gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp are associated with the average brightness value of the wide area image region Em, and the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp with larger subscripts are selected as the average brightness value increases. Here, the description of the wide area image region Em is omitted (see the column of <Action> above). The selection result is output as a selection signal Sm indicating any one of the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp. More specifically, the selection signal Sm is output as the value of the subscripts (1 to p) of the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp. Further, it is determined whether or not the processing for all the image areas Pm has been completed (step S133), and the processing of steps S132 to S133 is repeated several times until the processing is determined to be completed. Thus, the processing for each image area is completed.

  By using the selection signal Sm output for each image region Pm, a selection signal SS for each pixel for selecting a gradation conversion curve is output for each pixel constituting the input signal IS. (Step S134). For example, the selection signal SS for the pixels included in the image region Pm is obtained by correcting the value of the selection signal output for the image region Pm and the image region around the image region Pm with the internal division ratio of the pixel position. . The detailed description of the correction will be omitted (see the column <Action>, FIG. 63).

  The brightness value of the pixel included in the input signal IS and the selection signal SS are input, and the brightness value of the output signal OS is output using, for example, the two-dimensional LUT 141 shown in FIG. 51 (step S135). Further, it is determined whether or not the processing for all the pixels has been completed (step S136), and the processing of steps S134 to S136 is repeated several times until it is determined that the processing has been completed. Thus, the processing for each image is completed.

Note that each step of the visual processing method shown in FIG. 64 may be realized as a visual processing program by a computer or the like.
<effect>
According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effect as the <effects> of the above [fourth embodiment] and [fifth embodiment]. Hereinafter, effects unique to the sixth embodiment will be described.

(1)
The gradation conversion curve Cm selected for each image area Pm is created based on the average brightness value of the wide area image area Em. For this reason, even if the size of the image region Pm is small, it is possible to sample a sufficient brightness value. As a result, an appropriate gradation conversion curve Cm is selected even for a small image region Pm.

(2)
The selection signal correction unit 124 outputs a selection signal SS for each pixel by correction based on the selection signal Sm output in units of image regions. The pixels of the original image constituting the input signal IS are subjected to gradation processing using the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp designated by the selection signal SS for each pixel. For this reason, it is possible to obtain an output signal OS subjected to more appropriate gradation processing. For example, it becomes possible to suppress the generation of pseudo contours. Further, in the output signal OS, it is possible to further prevent the joint at the boundary of each image region Pm from being unnaturally conspicuous.

(3)
The gradation processing execution unit 125 has a two-dimensional LUT created in advance. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the processing load required for the gradation processing, more specifically, it is possible to reduce the processing load required for creating the gradation conversion curve Cm. As a result, the gradation processing can be speeded up.

(4)
The gradation processing execution unit 125 executes gradation processing using a two-dimensional LUT. Here, the contents of the two-dimensional LUT are read from a storage device such as a hard disk or a ROM provided in the visual processing device 121 and used for gradation processing. By changing the contents of the two-dimensional LUT to be read out, various gradation processes can be realized without changing the hardware configuration. That is, it is possible to realize gradation processing more suitable for the characteristics of the original image.

<Modification>
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, substantially the same modification as the above [Fifth Embodiment] <Modification> can be applied to the sixth embodiment. In particular, in (10) to (12) of [Fifth Embodiment] <Modification>, the selection signal Sm is replaced with the selection signal SS, and the gradation processing signal CS is replaced with the output signal OS. is there.

Hereinafter, modifications specific to the sixth embodiment will be described.
(1)
In the above embodiment, the two-dimensional LUT 141 including a 64 × 64 matrix is taken as an example of the two-dimensional LUT. Here, the effect of the present invention is not limited to the two-dimensional LUT of this size. For example, it may be a matrix in which more gradation conversion curve candidates are arranged in the row direction. Further, the pixel values of the output signal OS corresponding to the values obtained by dividing the pixel values of the input signal IS into smaller steps may be arranged in the column direction of the matrix. Specifically, for example, the pixel value of the output signal OS may be arranged for each pixel value of the input signal IS represented by 10 bits.

If the size of the two-dimensional LUT is increased, more appropriate gradation processing can be performed, and if the size is decreased, the memory for storing the two-dimensional LUT can be reduced.
(2)
In the above embodiment, when the value [SS] of the selection signal SS is not equal to the subscripts (1 to p) of the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp included in the two-dimensional LUT 141 (see FIG. 51), the value [ It has been described that the tone conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp with the integer closest to SS] as subscripts are used for the tone processing of the input signal IS. Here, the value [SS] of the selection signal SS is a two-dimensional LUT.
141, a gradation having a maximum integer (k) that does not exceed the value [SS] of the selection signal SS when the value is not equal to the subscripts (1 to p) of the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp included in 141. An input signal IS that has been subjected to gradation processing using both the conversion curve candidate Gk (1 ≦ k ≦ p−1) and the gradation conversion curve candidate Gk + 1 with the smallest integer (k + 1) exceeding [SS] as a subscript. May be weighted average (internal division) using the value after the decimal point of the value [SS] of the selection signal SS, and the output signal OS may be output.

(3)
In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the pixel values of the output signal OS are arranged in the column direction of the matrix with respect to the upper 6 bits of the pixel value of the input signal IS represented by 10 bits, for example. Here, the output signal OS may be output as a matrix component linearly interpolated by the gradation processing execution unit 125 with the lower 4 bits of the pixel value of the input signal IS. That is, in the column direction of the matrix, for example, the components of the matrix corresponding to the upper 6 bits of the pixel value of the input signal IS represented by 10 bits are arranged, and the upper 6 bits of the pixel value of the input signal IS are arranged. The matrix component and the matrix component (for example, the component one row lower in FIG. 51) with respect to the value obtained by adding [1] to the upper 6 bits of the pixel value of the input signal IS are the pixel values of the input signal IS. Are linearly interpolated using the value of the lower 4 bits and output as the output signal OS.

As a result, even when the size of the two-dimensional LUT 141 (see FIG. 51) is small, more appropriate gradation processing can be performed.
(4)
In the embodiment described above, the selection signal Sm for the image area Pm is output based on the average brightness value of the wide area image area Em. Here, the method of outputting the selection signal Sm is not limited to this method. For example, the selection signal Sm for the image area Pm may be output based on the maximum brightness value or the minimum brightness value of the wide area image area Em. The value [Sm] of the selection signal Sm may be the average brightness value, the maximum brightness value, or the minimum brightness value of the wide area image area Em.

  For example, the selection signal Sm for the image region Pm may be output as follows. That is, an average brightness value is obtained for each image area Pm, and a provisional selection signal Sm ′ for each image area Pm is obtained from each average brightness value. Here, the provisional selection signal Sm ′ has values of subscript numbers of the gradation conversion curve candidates G1 to Gp. Further, for each image area included in the wide area image area Em, the value of the temporary selection signal Sm ′ is averaged to obtain the selection signal Sm of the image area Pm.

(5)
In the embodiment described above, the selection signal Sm for the image area Pm is output based on the average brightness value of the wide area image area Em. Here, the selection signal Sm for the image area Pm may be output based on a weighted average (weighted average) instead of a simple average of the wide area image area Em. The details are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 54 in the above [Fifth Embodiment]. The average brightness value of each image area constituting the wide area image area Em is obtained, and the average brightness value of the image area Pm is calculated. For image areas Ps1, Ps2,... Having significantly different average brightness values, the weighting is reduced and the average brightness value of the wide area image area Em is obtained.

  As a result, even when the wide area image region Em includes an area specific to brightness (for example, when the wide area image area Em includes a boundary between two objects having different brightness values), the selection signal Sm is output. On the other hand, the influence of the brightness value of the specific area is reduced, and an appropriate selection signal Sm is output.

(6)
The visual processing device 121 may further include a profile data creation unit that creates profile data that is a value stored in the two-dimensional LUT. Specifically, the profile data creation unit includes an image dividing unit 102 and a tone conversion curve deriving unit 110 in the visual processing device 101 (see FIG. 44). The set is stored as profile data in the two-dimensional LUT.

Further, each of the gradation conversion curves stored in the two-dimensional LUT may be associated with the spatially processed input signal IS. In this case, in the visual processing device 121, the image dividing unit 122, the selection signal derivation unit 123, and the selection signal correction unit 124 may be replaced with a spatial processing unit that spatially processes the input signal IS.
[Seventh Embodiment]
A visual processing device 161 as a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  A visual processing device 161 shown in FIG. 65 is a device that performs visual processing such as spatial processing and gradation processing of an image signal. The visual processing device 161 constitutes an image processing device together with a device that performs color processing of an image signal in a device that handles images such as a computer, a television, a digital camera, a mobile phone, a PDA, a printer, and a scanner.

The visual processing device 161 is a device that performs visual processing using an image signal and a blur signal obtained by performing spatial processing (blur filter processing) on the image signal, and has a feature in spatial processing.
Conventionally, when a blur signal is derived using pixels around a target pixel, if the peripheral pixel includes a pixel having a large density different from that of the target pixel, the blur signal is affected by a pixel having a different density. That is, when spatially processing pixels near the edge of an object in an image, pixels that are not originally edges are affected by the edge density. For this reason, for example, the generation of a pseudo contour is caused by this spatial processing.

  Therefore, it is required to perform spatial processing in accordance with the content of the image. On the other hand, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-75395 generates a plurality of blur signals having different degrees of blur, and outputs appropriate blur signals by combining or switching the respective blur signals. Thus, the object is to change the filter size of the spatial processing and suppress the influence of pixels having different densities.

On the other hand, in the above publication, a plurality of blur signals are created, and the respective blur signals are combined or switched, which increases the circuit scale or processing load in the apparatus.
Therefore, the visual processing device 161 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention aims at outputting an appropriate blur signal and reducing the circuit scale or processing load in the device.

<Visual processing device 161>
FIG. 65 shows a basic configuration of a visual processing device 161 that performs visual processing on an image signal (input signal IS) and outputs a visually processed image (output signal OS). The visual processing device 161 performs spatial processing on the brightness value of each pixel of the original image acquired as the input signal IS and outputs an unsharp signal US, and the input signal IS and unsharp signal for the same pixel. A visual processing unit 163 that performs visual processing of an original image using US and outputs an output signal OS is provided.

<Spatial processing unit 162>
The spatial processing of the spatial processing unit 162 will be described using FIG. The spatial processing unit 162 acquires pixel values of the target pixel 165 to be subjected to spatial processing and pixels in the peripheral region of the target pixel 165 (hereinafter referred to as peripheral pixel 166) from the input signal IS.

The peripheral pixel 166 is a pixel located in the peripheral region of the target pixel 165, and the target pixel 165
These pixels are included in the peripheral area of 9 pixels in the vertical direction and 9 pixels in the horizontal direction. The size of the peripheral region is not limited to this case, and may be smaller or larger. Further, the peripheral pixel 166 is divided into a first peripheral pixel 167 and a second peripheral pixel 168 that are close to each other according to the distance from the target pixel 165. In FIG. 66, the first peripheral pixel 167 is assumed to be a pixel included in a region of 5 pixels vertically and 5 pixels horizontally centering on the target pixel 165. Further, it is assumed that the second peripheral pixel 168 is a pixel located around the first peripheral pixel 167.

  The spatial processing unit 162 performs a filter operation on the target pixel 165. In the filter calculation, the pixel values of the target pixel 165 and the surrounding pixels 166 are weighted and averaged using a weight based on the difference and distance between the pixel values of the target pixel 165 and the surrounding pixels 166. The weighted average is calculated based on the following formula F = (Σ [Wij] * [Aij]) / (Σ [Wij]). Here, [Wij] is the weighting factor of the pixel located in the i-th row and j-th column in the target pixel 165 and the peripheral pixel 166, and [Aij] is the i-th row and j-th column in the target pixel 165 and the peripheral pixel 166. This is the pixel value of the pixel located in the eye. Further, “Σ” means that a total calculation is performed for each of the target pixel 165 and the peripheral pixels 166.

  The weighting coefficient [Wij] will be described with reference to FIG. The weighting coefficient [Wij] is a value determined based on the difference in pixel value between the target pixel 165 and the surrounding pixel 166 and the distance. More specifically, a smaller weight coefficient is given as the absolute value of the pixel value difference is larger. Also, a smaller weighting factor is given as the distance increases.

For example, for the target pixel 165, the weighting factor [Wij] is the value [1].
Of the first peripheral pixels 167, for a pixel having a pixel value whose absolute value of the difference from the pixel value of the target pixel 165 is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the weighting coefficient [Wij] is a value [1]. . Of the first peripheral pixels 167, the weight coefficient [Wij] is a value [1/2] for a pixel having a pixel value whose absolute value of the difference is larger than a predetermined threshold value. That is, even the pixels included in the first peripheral pixel 167 have different weighting coefficients given according to the pixel values.

  Of the second peripheral pixels 168, for a pixel having a pixel value whose absolute value of the difference from the pixel value of the target pixel 165 is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, the weighting coefficient [Wij] is a value [1/2]. It is. For the second peripheral pixel 168, the weight coefficient [Wij] is a value [1/4] for a pixel having a pixel value whose absolute value of the difference is larger than a predetermined threshold value. That is, even the pixels included in the second peripheral pixel 168 have different weighting coefficients given according to the pixel values. In addition, a smaller weight coefficient is given to the second peripheral pixel 168 whose distance from the target pixel 165 is larger than the first peripheral pixel 167.

Here, the predetermined threshold is a value such as a value [20/256 to 60/256] with respect to the pixel value of the target pixel 165 that takes a value in the range of [0.0 to 1.0]. Value.
The weighted average calculated as described above is output as the unsharp signal US.
<Visual processing unit 163>
The visual processing unit 163 performs visual processing using the values of the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US for the same pixel. The visual processing performed here is processing such as contrast enhancement of the input signal IS or dynamic range compression. In contrast enhancement, a signal enhanced using a function that enhances the difference or ratio between the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US is added to the input signal IS to sharpen the image. In dynamic range compression, the unsharp signal US is subtracted from the input signal IS.

The processing in the visual processing unit 163 may be performed using a two-dimensional LUT that outputs the output signal OS with the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US as inputs.
<Visual processing method / program>
The above-described processing may be executed by a computer or the like as a visual processing program. The visual processing program is a program for causing a computer to execute the visual processing method described below.

  The visual processing method includes a spatial processing step of performing spatial processing on the brightness value for each pixel of the original image acquired as the input signal IS and outputting an unsharp signal US, and an input signal IS and an unsharp signal US for the same pixel. Are used to perform visual processing of the original image and output an output signal OS.

In the spatial processing step, the weighted average described in the description of the spatial processing unit 162 is performed for each pixel of the input signal IS, and the unsharp signal US is output. Details are omitted because they have been described above.
In the visual processing step, the visual processing described in the description of the visual processing unit 163 is performed using the input signal IS and the unsharp signal US for the same pixel, and the output signal OS is output. Details are omitted because they have been described above.

<effect>
The effect of visual processing by the visual processing device 161 will be described with reference to FIGS. 68 (a) and 68 (b) show processing by a conventional filter. FIG. 68B shows processing by the filter of the present invention.

  FIG. 68A shows a state in which the peripheral pixels 166 include objects 171 having different densities. In the spatial processing of the target pixel 165, a smoothing filter having a predetermined filter coefficient is used. For this reason, the target pixel 165 that is not originally a part of the object 171 is affected by the density of the object 171.

  FIG. 68 (b) shows the state of the spatial processing of the present invention. In the spatial processing of the present invention, for each of the portion 166a in which the peripheral pixel 166 includes the object 171, the first peripheral pixel 167 that does not include the object 171, the second peripheral pixel 168 that does not include the object 171, and the target pixel 165, Spatial processing is performed using different weighting factors. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the influence of the spatially processed target pixel 165 from pixels with extremely different densities, and more appropriate spatial processing is possible.

Further, in the visual processing device 161, it is not necessary to create a plurality of blur signals as in JP-A-10-75395. For this reason, it becomes possible to reduce the circuit scale or processing load in the apparatus.
Furthermore, the visual processing device 161 can substantially adaptively change the filter size of the spatial filter and the shape of the image referenced by the filter in accordance with the image content. For this reason, it is possible to perform spatial processing suitable for the image content.

<Modification>
(1)
The sizes of the peripheral pixel 166, the first peripheral pixel 167, the second peripheral pixel 168, and the like described above are examples, and other sizes may be used.

  The weighting factor described above is an example and may be other. For example, the weighting factor may be given as the value [0] when the absolute value of the pixel value difference exceeds a predetermined threshold. This makes it possible to eliminate the influence of the spatially processed target pixel 165 from pixels with extremely different densities. This has the effect of not over-enhancing the contrast in a portion where the contrast is originally large to some extent in the application aiming at contrast enhancement.

The weighting factor may be given as a function value as shown below.
(1-a)
The value of the weighting coefficient may be given by a function having the absolute value of the difference between pixel values as a variable. The function is, for example, such that the weighting factor is large (close to 1) when the absolute value of the pixel value difference is small, and the weighting factor is small (close to 0) when the absolute value of the pixel value difference is large. This is a function that monotonously decreases with respect to the absolute value of the difference between pixel values.

(1-b)
The value of the weight coefficient may be given by a function having the distance from the target pixel 165 as a variable. For example, the function is such that the weighting factor is large (close to 1) when the distance from the target pixel 165 is short, and the weighting factor is small (close to 0) when the distance from the target pixel 165 is long. Is a monotonically decreasing function with respect to the distance.

  In the above (1-a) and (1-b), the weight coefficient is given more continuously. For this reason, it is possible to give a more appropriate weighting coefficient compared to the case of using a threshold, to suppress excessive contrast enhancement, to suppress generation of pseudo contours, and to perform processing with higher visual effect. Can be done.

(2)
The processing for each pixel described above may be performed in units of blocks including a plurality of pixels. Specifically, first, an average pixel value of a target block to be subjected to spatial processing and an average pixel value of peripheral blocks around the target block are calculated. Further, each average pixel value is weighted and averaged using the same weighting factor as described above. As a result, the average pixel value of the target block is further spatially processed.

  In such a case, the spatial processing unit 162 can be used as the selection signal deriving unit 113 (see FIG. 49) or the selection signal deriving unit 123 (see FIG. 62). In this case, it is the same as described in [Fifth Embodiment] <Modification> (6) or [Sixth Embodiment] <Modification> (5).

This will be described with reference to FIGS.
"Constitution"
FIG. 69 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a visual processing device 961 that performs the processing described with reference to FIGS. 65 to 68 in units of blocks including a plurality of pixels.

  The visual processing device 961 includes an image dividing unit 964 that divides an image input as an input signal IS into a plurality of image blocks, a spatial processing unit 962 that performs spatial processing for each divided image block, and an input signal IS and a space. The visual processing unit 963 performs visual processing using the spatial processing signal US2 that is the output of the processing unit 962.

  The image dividing unit 964 divides an image input as the input signal IS into a plurality of image blocks. Further, a processing signal US1 including a feature parameter for each divided image block is derived. The feature parameter is, for example, a parameter that represents the feature of an image for each divided image block, and is, for example, an average value (simple average, weighted average, etc.) or a representative value (maximum value, minimum value, median value, etc.). is there.

The spatial processing unit 962 acquires a processing signal US1 including a feature parameter for each image block and performs spatial processing.
The spatial processing of the spatial processing unit 962 will be described using FIG. FIG. 70 shows an input signal IS divided into image blocks including a plurality of pixels. Here, each image block is divided into regions including 9 pixels of 3 vertical pixels and 3 horizontal pixels. Note that this division method is an example and is not limited to such a division method. Further, in order to sufficiently exhibit the visual processing effect, it is preferable to generate the spatial processing signal US2 for a considerably wide area.

The spatial processing unit 962 acquires the characteristic parameters of the target image block 965 to be subjected to spatial processing and the respective peripheral image blocks included in the peripheral region 966 located around the target image block 965 from the processing signal US1.
The peripheral area 966 is an area located around the target image block 965, and is an area of five vertical blocks and five horizontal blocks that spread around the target image block 965. Note that the size of the peripheral region 966 is not limited to this case, and may be smaller or larger. Further, the peripheral area 966 is divided into a first peripheral area 967 and a second peripheral area 968 that are close to each other according to the distance from the target image block 965.

In FIG. 70, the first peripheral area 967 is an area of three vertical blocks and three horizontal blocks centering on the target image block 965. Furthermore, the second peripheral area 968 is assumed to be an area located around the first peripheral area 967.
The spatial processing unit 962 performs a filter operation on the feature parameter of the target image block 965.

  In the filter operation, the feature parameter values of the target image block 965 and the peripheral image blocks in the peripheral region 966 are weighted averaged. Here, the weight of the weighted average is determined based on the distance between the target image block 965 and the surrounding image block and the difference in the value of the feature parameter.

More specifically, the weighted average is calculated based on the following formula F = (Σ [Wij] * [Aij]) / (Σ [Wij]).
Here, [Wij] is a weighting factor for the image block located in the i-th row and j-th column in the target image block 965 and the peripheral region 966, and [Aij] is i in the target image block 965 and the peripheral region 966. This is the value of the feature parameter of the image block located in the row j column. Further, “Σ” means that a total calculation is performed for the image blocks of the target image block 965 and the peripheral area 966.

The weighting coefficient [Wij] will be described with reference to FIG.
The weighting coefficient [Wij] is a value determined based on the distance between the target image block 965 and the surrounding image blocks in the surrounding area 966 and the difference between the characteristic parameter values. More specifically, a smaller weight coefficient is given as the absolute value of the difference between the characteristic parameter values is larger. Also, a smaller weighting factor is given as the distance increases.

For example, for the target image block 965, the weighting coefficient [Wij] is the value [1].
In the first peripheral region 967, for a peripheral image block having a feature parameter value whose absolute value of a difference from the feature parameter value of the target image block 965 is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the weighting coefficient [Wij] is , Value [1]. In the first peripheral region 967, the weight coefficient [Wij] is a value [1/2] for a peripheral image block having a feature parameter value whose absolute value of the difference is larger than a predetermined threshold value. That is, even in the peripheral image block included in the first peripheral region 967, the weighting coefficient given according to the value of the characteristic parameter is different.

  In the second peripheral area 968, for a peripheral image block having a feature parameter value whose absolute value of the difference from the feature parameter value of the target image block 965 is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the weighting coefficient [Wij] is , Value [1/2]. In the second peripheral area 968, for a peripheral image block having a characteristic parameter value whose absolute value of the difference is larger than a predetermined threshold, the weighting coefficient [Wij] is a value [1/4]. That is, even in the peripheral image block included in the second peripheral area 968, the weighting coefficient given according to the value of the characteristic parameter is different. Further, a smaller weighting factor is given to the second peripheral area 968 where the distance from the target image block 965 is larger than the first peripheral area 967.

Here, the predetermined threshold is a value [20/256 to 60/256] or the like for the feature parameter value of the target image block 965 taking a value in the range of [0.0 to 1.0]. It is a magnitude value.
The weighted average calculated as described above is output as the spatial processing signal US2.

  The visual processing unit 963 performs visual processing similar to that of the visual processing unit 163 (see FIG. 65). However, the difference from the visual processing unit 163 is that, instead of the unsharp signal US, the spatial processing signal US2 of the target image block including the target pixel to be subjected to visual processing is used.

The processing in the visual processing unit 963 may be processed in batches for each target image block including the target pixel, but is processed by switching the spatial processing signal US2 in the order of the pixels acquired from the input signal IS. Also good.
The above processing is performed for all the pixels included in the input signal IS.

"effect"
In the processing of the spatial processing unit 962, processing in units of image blocks is performed. For this reason, the processing amount of the spatial processing unit 962 can be reduced, and higher-speed visual processing can be realized. In addition, the hardware scale can be reduced.

<Modification>
In the above description, the processing is performed in units of square blocks. Here, the shape of the block may be arbitrary.
Further, the above-described weighting factor, threshold value, and the like can be changed as appropriate.

Here, some values of the weighting coefficient may be the value [0]. In this case, it is the same as making the shape of the peripheral region 966 an arbitrary shape.
Further, although it has been described that the spatial processing unit 962 performs spatial processing using the feature parameters of the target image block 965 and the peripheral region 966, the spatial processing is performed using feature parameters of only the peripheral region 966. May be. That is, the weight of the target image block 965 may be the value [0] in the weighted average weight of the spatial processing.

(3)
The processing in the visual processing unit 163 is not limited to the above. For example, the visual processing unit 163 uses the value A of the input signal IS, the value B of the unsharp signal US, the dynamic range compression function F4, and the enhancement function F5 to obtain the following expression C = F4 (A) * F5 (A / B ) May be output as the value of the output signal OS. Here, the dynamic range compression function F4 is a monotonically increasing function such as an upward convex power function, and is represented by, for example, F4 (x) = x ^ γ (0 <γ <1). The enhancement function F5 is a power function, and is expressed as, for example, F5 (x) = x ^ α (0 <α ≦ 1).

When such processing is performed in the visual processing unit 163, if an appropriate unsharp signal US output by the spatial processing unit 162 of the present invention is used, the dynamic range of the input signal IS is compressed and the local range is reduced. The contrast can be enhanced.
On the other hand, when the unsharp signal US is not appropriate and there is too little blur, contrast enhancement cannot be performed properly although it is edge enhancement. If there is too much blur, contrast can be enhanced, but dynamic range compression cannot be performed properly.

[Eighth Embodiment]
As an eighth embodiment of the present invention, application examples of the visual processing device, the visual processing method, and the visual processing program described in the fourth to seventh embodiments and a system using the same will be described.
A visual processing device is a device that performs built-in or connected image processing devices such as computers, televisions, digital cameras, mobile phones, and PDAs, and performs image gradation processing, and is realized as an integrated circuit such as an LSI. Is done.

More specifically, each functional block of the above embodiment may be individually made into one chip,
It may be integrated into one chip so as to include a part or all of it. Here, although LSI is used, it may be called IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI depending on the degree of integration.

  Further, the method of circuit integration is not limited to LSI, and implementation with a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor is also possible. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after the manufacture of the LSI or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection and setting of the circuit cells inside the LSI may be used.

Further, if integrated circuit technology comes out to replace LSI's as a result of the advancement of semiconductor technology or a derivative other technology, it is naturally also possible to carry out function block integration using this technology. Biotechnology can be applied.
44, 49, 62, 65, and 69 are performed by, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) included in the visual processing device. In addition, a program for performing each processing is stored in a storage device such as a hard disk or a ROM, and is read out and executed in the ROM or the RAM. Further, the two-dimensional LUT referred to in the gradation processing execution units 114 and 125 in FIGS. 49 and 62 is stored in a storage device such as a hard disk or ROM, and is referred to as necessary. Further, the two-dimensional LUT may be provided from a two-dimensional LUT providing device that is directly connected to the visual processing device or indirectly connected via a network. The same applies to the one-dimensional LUT referred to in the gradation processing execution unit 144 in FIG.

In addition, the visual processing device may be a device that performs built-in or connected to a device that handles moving images and performs gradation processing of an image for each frame (for each field).
In each visual processing device, the visual processing method described in the fourth to seventh embodiments is executed.

  The visual processing program is stored in a storage device such as a hard disk or ROM in a device that handles images, such as a computer, television, digital camera, mobile phone, PDA, etc., and executes gradation processing of the image. For example, the program is provided via a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or via a network.

  In the above embodiment, it has been described that the processing is performed on the brightness value of each pixel. Here, the present invention does not depend on the color space of the input signal IS. That is, in the processing in the above embodiment, the input signal IS is expressed in the YCbCr color space, YUV color space, Lab color space, Luv color space, YIQ color space, XYZ color space, YPbPr color space, RGB color space, and the like. In this case, the present invention can be similarly applied to the luminance and brightness of each color space.

When the input signal IS is expressed in the RGB color space, the processing in the above embodiment may be performed independently for each component of RGB.
[Ninth Embodiment]
As a ninth embodiment of the present invention, application examples of the visual processing device, the visual processing method, and the visual processing program described above and a system using the same will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 72 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a content supply system ex100 that implements a content distribution service. The communication service providing area is divided into desired sizes, and base stations ex107 to ex110, which are fixed wireless stations, are installed in each cell.
The content supply system ex100 includes, for example, a computer ex111, a PDA (personal digital assistant) ex112, a camera ex113, a mobile phone ex114, a camera via the Internet ex101, the Internet service provider ex102, the telephone network ex104, and the base stations ex107 to ex110. Each device such as the attached mobile phone ex115 is connected.

However, the content supply system ex100 is not limited to the combination shown in FIG. 72, and any combination may be connected. Also, each device may be directly connected to the telephone network ex104 without going through the base stations ex107 to ex110 which are fixed wireless stations.
The camera ex113 is a device capable of shooting a moving image such as a digital video camera. In addition, the mobile phone uses a PDC (Personal Digital Communications) system, a CDMA (Code Division).
A mobile phone such as a multiple access (W-CDMA) method, a W-CDMA (Wideband-Code Division Multiple Access) method, or a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) method, or a PHS (Personal Handyphone System) may be used.

  In addition, the streaming server ex103 is connected from the camera ex113 through the base station ex109 and the telephone network ex104, and live distribution or the like based on the encoded data transmitted by the user using the camera ex113 becomes possible. The encoded processing of the captured data may be performed by the camera ex113, or may be performed by a server or the like that performs data transmission processing. The moving image data shot by the camera ex116 may be transmitted to the streaming server ex103 via the computer ex111. The camera ex116 is a device such as a digital camera that can shoot still images and moving images. In this case, the moving image data may be encoded by the camera ex116 or the computer ex111. The encoding process is performed in the LSI ex117 included in the computer ex111 and the camera ex116. Note that image encoding / decoding software may be incorporated into any storage medium (CD-ROM, flexible disk, hard disk, or the like) that is a recording medium readable by the computer ex111 or the like. Furthermore, you may transmit moving image data with the mobile phone ex115 with a camera. The moving image data at this time is data encoded by the LSI included in the mobile phone ex115.

  In the content supply system ex100, the content (for example, a video image of music live) captured by the user with the camera ex113, the camera ex116, and the like is encoded and transmitted to the streaming server ex103, while the streaming server ex103. Distributes the content data to the requested client. Examples of the client include a computer ex111, a PDA ex112, a camera ex113, and a mobile phone ex114 that can decode the encoded data. In this way, the content supply system ex100 can receive and play back the encoded data at the client, and can also receive a private broadcast by receiving, decoding, and playing back at the client in real time. It is a system that becomes possible.

  When displaying content, the visual processing device, visual processing method, and visual processing program described in the above embodiment may be used. For example, the computer ex111, the PDA ex112, the camera ex113, the mobile phone ex114, and the like may be provided with the visual processing device described in the above embodiment and realize a visual processing method and a visual processing program.

  Further, the streaming server ex103 may provide profile data to the visual processing device via the Internet ex101. Further, there may be a plurality of streaming servers ex103 that provide different profile data. Further, the streaming server ex103 may create a profile. In this way, when the visual processing device can acquire profile data via the Internet ex101, the visual processing device does not need to store profile data used for visual processing in advance, and the storage capacity of the visual processing device is reduced. It is also possible to do. Moreover, since profile data can be acquired from a plurality of servers connected via the Internet ex101, different visual processing can be realized.

A mobile phone will be described as an example.
FIG. 73 is a diagram illustrating a mobile phone ex115 including the visual processing device according to the embodiment. The mobile phone ex115 includes an antenna ex201 for transmitting and receiving radio waves to and from the base station ex110, a video from a CCD camera, a camera unit ex203 capable of taking a still image, a video shot by the camera unit ex203, and an antenna ex201. A display unit ex202 such as a liquid crystal display that displays data obtained by decoding received video and the like, a main body unit composed of a group of operation keys ex204, an audio output unit ex208 such as a speaker for audio output, and audio input To store encoded data or decoded data such as a voice input unit ex205 such as a microphone, captured video or still image data, received mail data, video data or still image data, etc. Recording media ex207 and mobile phone ex115 with recording media ex207 And a slot portion ex206 to ability. The recording medium ex207 stores a flash memory element, which is a kind of EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), which is a nonvolatile memory that can be electrically rewritten and erased, in a plastic case such as an SD card.

  Further, the cellular phone ex115 will be described with reference to FIG. The mobile phone ex115 controls the main control unit ex311 which controls the respective units of the main body unit including the display unit ex202 and the operation key ex204. The power supply circuit unit ex310, the operation input control unit ex304, and the image encoding Unit ex 312, camera interface unit ex 303, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) control unit ex 302, image decoding unit ex 309, demultiplexing unit ex 308, recording / reproducing unit ex 307, modulation / demodulation circuit unit ex 306, and audio processing unit ex 305 via the synchronization bus ex 313. Are connected to each other.

When the end of call and the power key are turned on by a user operation, the power supply circuit ex310 starts up the camera-equipped digital mobile phone ex115 in an operable state by supplying power from the battery pack to each unit. .
The cellular phone ex115 converts the voice signal collected by the voice input unit ex205 in the voice call mode into digital voice data by the voice processing unit ex305 based on the control of the main control unit ex311 including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The modulation / demodulation circuit unit ex306 performs spread spectrum processing, the transmission / reception circuit unit ex301 performs digital analog conversion processing and frequency conversion processing, and then transmits the result via the antenna ex201. In addition, the cellular phone ex115 amplifies the received signal received by the antenna ex201 in the voice call mode, performs frequency conversion processing and analog-digital conversion processing, performs spectrum despreading processing by the modulation / demodulation circuit unit ex306, and analog audio by the voice processing unit ex305. After conversion into a signal, this is output via the audio output unit ex208.

  Further, when an e-mail is transmitted in the data communication mode, text data of the e-mail input by operating the operation key ex204 of the main body is sent to the main control unit ex311 via the operation input control unit ex304. The main control unit ex311 performs spread spectrum processing on the text data in the modulation / demodulation circuit unit ex306, performs digital analog conversion processing and frequency conversion processing in the transmission / reception circuit unit ex301, and then transmits the text data to the base station ex110 via the antenna ex201.

  When transmitting image data in the data communication mode, the image data captured by the camera unit ex203 is supplied to the image encoding unit ex312 via the camera interface unit ex303. When image data is not transmitted, the image data captured by the camera unit ex203 can be directly displayed on the display unit ex202 via the camera interface unit ex303 and the LCD control unit ex302.

The image encoding unit ex312 converts the image data supplied from the camera unit ex203 into encoded image data by compression encoding, and sends this to the demultiplexing unit ex308.
At the same time, the cellular phone ex115 sends the sound collected by the voice input unit ex205 during imaging by the camera unit ex203 to the demultiplexing unit ex308 via the voice processing unit ex305 as digital voice data.

  The demultiplexing unit ex308 multiplexes the encoded image data supplied from the image encoding unit ex312 and the audio data supplied from the audio processing unit ex305 by a predetermined method, and the multiplexed data obtained as a result is a modulation / demodulation circuit unit Spread spectrum processing is performed in ex306, digital analog conversion processing and frequency conversion processing are performed in the transmission / reception circuit unit ex301, and then transmitted through the antenna ex201.

  When receiving data of a moving image file linked to a homepage or the like in the data communication mode, the received signal received from the base station ex110 via the antenna ex201 is subjected to spectrum despreading processing by the modulation / demodulation circuit unit ex306, and the resulting multiplexing is obtained. Data is sent to the demultiplexing unit ex308.

  In addition, in order to decode the multiplexed data received via the antenna ex201, the demultiplexing unit ex308 separates the multiplexed data to generate an encoded bitstream of image data and an encoded bitstream of audio data. The encoded image data is supplied to the image decoding unit ex309 via the synchronization bus ex313, and the audio data is supplied to the audio processing unit ex305.

  Next, the image decoding unit ex309 generates reproduction moving image data by decoding the encoded bit stream of the image data, and supplies this to the display unit ex202 via the LCD control unit ex302. The moving image data included in the moving image file linked to the home page is displayed. At the same time, the audio processing unit ex305 converts the audio data into an analog audio signal, and then supplies the analog audio signal to the audio output unit ex208. Thus, for example, the audio data included in the moving image file linked to the home page is reproduced. The

In the above configuration, the image decoding unit ex309 may include the visual processing device of the above embodiment.
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described system, and recently, digital broadcasting using satellites and terrestrial waves has become a hot topic. As shown in FIG. Methods and visual processing programs can be incorporated. Specifically, in the broadcasting station ex409, a coded bit stream of video information is transmitted to a communication or broadcasting satellite ex410 via radio waves. Receiving this, the broadcasting satellite ex410 transmits a radio wave for broadcasting, and receives the radio wave with a home antenna ex406 having a satellite broadcasting receiving facility, such as a television (receiver) ex401 or a set top box (STB) ex407. The device decodes the encoded bit stream and reproduces it. Here, a device such as the television (receiver) ex401 or the set-top box (STB) ex407 may include the visual processing device described in the above embodiment. Moreover, you may use the visual processing method of the said embodiment. Furthermore, a visual processing program may be provided. In addition, the visual processing device, the visual processing method, and the visual processing program described in the above embodiment are also applied to the playback device ex403 that reads and decodes the encoded bitstream recorded on the storage medium ex402 such as a CD or DVD as a recording medium. It is possible to implement. In this case, the reproduced video signal is displayed on the monitor ex404. In addition, the visual processing device, the visual processing method, and the visual processing program described in the above embodiment are mounted in a set-top box ex407 connected to a cable ex405 for cable television or an antenna ex406 for satellite / terrestrial broadcasting. A configuration of reproducing on a television monitor ex408 is also conceivable. At this time, the visual processing device described in the above embodiment may be incorporated in the television instead of the set top box. It is also possible to receive a signal from the satellite ex410 or the base station ex107 by the car ex412 having the antenna ex411 and reproduce the moving image on a display device such as the car navigation ex413 that the car ex412 has.

  Furthermore, an image signal can be encoded and recorded on a recording medium. Specific examples include a recorder ex420 such as a DVD recorder that records image signals on a DVD disk ex421 and a disk recorder that records images on a hard disk. Further, it can be recorded on the SD card ex422. If the recorder ex420 includes the decoding device of the above embodiment, the image signal recorded on the DVD disc ex421 or the SD card ex422 can be interpolated and reproduced and displayed on the monitor ex408.

  For example, the configuration of the car navigation ex413 in FIG. 74 except for the camera unit ex203, the camera interface unit ex303, and the image encoding unit ex312 is conceivable. The same applies to the computer ex111 and the television (receiver). ) Ex401 can also be considered.

In addition to the transmission / reception type terminal having both the encoder and the decoder, the terminal such as the mobile phone ex114 has three mounting formats, that is, a transmitting terminal having only an encoder and a receiving terminal having only a decoder. Can be considered.
As described above, the visual processing device, the visual processing method, and the visual processing program described in the above embodiment can be used in any of the devices and systems described above, and the effects described in the above embodiment can be obtained.

[Tenth embodiment]
A display device 720 as a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 76 to 94.
A display device 720 illustrated in FIG. 76 is a display device that displays an image, such as a PDP, an LCD, a CRT, or a projector. The display device 720 is characterized in that it has an image processing device 723 including the visual processing device described in the above embodiment, and that profile data used for visual processing can be switched automatically or manually. The display device 720 may be an independent device, but may be a device provided in a portable information terminal such as a mobile phone, a PDA, or a PC.

<Display device 720>
The display device 720 includes a display unit 721, a drive control unit 722, an image processing device 723, a CPU 724, an input unit 725, a tuner 726, an antenna 727, a codec 728, a memory controller 729, a memory 730, an external interface (I / F) 731, An external device 740 is provided.

  The display unit 721 is a display device that displays the image information d360 read from the drive control unit 722. The drive control unit 722 is a device for reading the output image signal d361 output from the image processing device 723 to the display unit 721 under the control of the CPU 724 and driving the display unit 721. More specifically, the drive control unit 722 gives a voltage value corresponding to the value of the output image signal d361 to the display unit 721 to display an image under the control of the CPU 724.

  Under the control of the CPU 724, the image processing device 723 performs image processing on the input image data d372 (see FIG. 77) included in the input image signal d362, and an output image signal d361 including the output image data d371 (see FIG. 77). Is a device that outputs. The image processing device 723 includes the visual processing device described in the above embodiment, and is characterized in that image processing is performed using profile data. Details will be described later.

  The CPU 724 is a device for performing calculations related to data processing of each unit of the display device 720 and controlling each unit. The input unit 725 is a user interface for causing the user to perform an operation on the display device 720, and includes a key, a knob, a remote controller, and the like for controlling each unit.

  The tuner 726 demodulates a signal received via wireless or wired and outputs it as digital data. Specifically, the tuner 726 receives terrestrial (digital / analog) broadcast, BS (digital / analog) / CS broadcast, and the like via an antenna 727 or a cable (not shown). The codec 728 decodes the digital data demodulated by the tuner 726 and outputs an input image signal d362 input to the image processing device 723.

The memory controller 729 controls the address and access timing of the work memory 730 of the CPU constituted by a DRAM or the like.
The external I / F 731 is an interface for acquiring image data, profile information, and the like from an external device 740 such as a memory card 733 and a PC 735 and outputting it as an input image signal d362. Profile information is information relating to profile data for performing image processing. Details will be described later. The external I / F 731 includes, for example, a memory card I / F 732, a PCI / F 734, a network I / F 736, a wireless I / F 737, and the like. Note that the external I / F 731 does not have to include all of those exemplified here.

  The memory card I / F 732 is an interface for connecting a memory card 733 that records image data, profile information, and the like to the display device 720. The PCI / F 734 is an interface for connecting a display device 720 to a PC 735 that is an external device such as a personal computer that records image data, profile information, and the like. A network I / F 736 is an interface for connecting the display device 720 to a network and acquiring image data, profile information, and the like. The wireless I / F 737 is an interface for connecting the display device 720 to an external device via a wireless LAN or the like and acquiring image data, profile information, and the like. The external I / F 731 is not limited to the illustrated one, and may be an interface for connecting the display device 720 to a USB, an optical fiber, or the like.

Image data and profile information acquired via the external I / F 731 are decoded by the codec 728 if necessary, and then input to the image processing device 723 as an input image signal d362.
<Image processing device 723>
(1) Configuration of Image Processing Device 723 The configuration of the image processing device 723 will be described with reference to FIG. The image processing device 723 is a device that performs visual processing and color processing on the input image data d372 included in the input image signal d362, and outputs an output image signal d361 including the output image data d371. Here, the input image data d372 and the output image data d371 are image data having RGB components. The input image data d372 has (IR, IG, IB) as components in the RGB color space, and the output image data d371 Let (OtR, OtG, OtB) be a component of the RGB color space.

  The image processing device 723 performs a color visual processing device 745 that performs color visual processing on the input image data d372, and a color processing device 746 that performs color processing on a color visual processing signal d373 that is an output of the color visual processing device 745. And a profile information output unit 747 for outputting profile information SSI and SCI for specifying profile data used for color visual processing and color processing. Here, the color visual processing signal d373 is image data having RGB components, and (OR, OG, OB) is a component of the RGB color space.

Hereinafter, the profile information output unit 747, the color visual processing device 745, and the color processing device 746 are displayed.
Detailed configuration will be described in the order of.
(2) Profile information output unit 747 and profile information SSI, SCI
<< 2-1 >> Outline of Profile Information Output Unit 747 The profile information output unit 747 that outputs profile information SSI and SCI will be described with reference to FIG.

  The profile information output unit 747 is a device that outputs profile information SSI and SCI to the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746, respectively (see FIG. 77). The environment detection unit 749, the information input unit 748, and the output And a control unit 750. The environment detection unit 749 automatically detects at least a part of environment information to be described later and outputs it as detection information Sd1. The information input unit 748 acquires the detection information Sd1, causes the user to input environmental information other than the environmental information included in the detection information Sd1, and outputs it as input information Sd2. The output control unit 750 acquires the detection information Sd1 and the input information Sd2, and outputs profile information SSI and SCI to the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746.

Before describing each part in detail, the profile information SSI and SCI will be described first.
<< 2-1 >> Profile information SSI, SCI
The profile information SSI, SCI is information for specifying profile data used in the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746. Specifically, the profile information SSI, SCI includes profile data, tag information such as a number specifying the profile data, parameter information indicating characteristics of processing of the profile data, and display environment or display of the display unit 721 (see FIG. 76). It includes at least one of environmental information related to the visual environment in which the image displayed on the unit 721 is viewed.

  The profile data is data used for image processing in the color visual processing device 745 or the color processing device 746, and is a coefficient matrix data for storing conversion coefficients for the processed image data or a processed image for the processed image data. Table data (for example, a two-dimensional LUT) that provides data.

The tag information is identification information for identifying profile data from other profile data. For example, the tag information is a number assigned to each of a plurality of profile data registered in the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746. Etc.
The parameter information is information indicating the characteristics of profile data processing. For example, the parameter information is information obtained by quantifying the degree of processing such as contrast enhancement processing, dynamic range compression processing, and color change conversion processing realized by the profile data.

  The environmental information is information regarding an environment in which image-processed image data is displayed and is visually recognized. For example, environmental light information such as ambient light brightness and color temperature at a place where the display device 720 is installed, and a product of the display unit 721. Information (eg, product number), image size information displayed on the display unit 721, position information regarding the distance between the displayed image and the user viewing the image, and user information regarding the user such as the user's age and sex is there.

Hereinafter, a case where the profile information SSI, SCI includes tag information will be described.
<< 2-2 >> Environment Detection Unit 749
The environment detection unit 749 is a device that detects environmental information using a sensor or the like. The environment detection unit 749 includes, for example, an optical sensor that detects the brightness and color temperature of ambient light, and a device that reads product information attached to the display unit 721 via wireless or wired (for example, a wireless tag reader, A barcode reading device, a device that reads information from a database that manages information of each unit included in the display device 720), a wireless or infrared sensor that measures the distance to the user, a camera that acquires information about the user, and the like , And so on.

The environment detection unit 749 outputs the detected information as detection information Sd1 to the information input unit 748 and the output control unit 750.
<< 2-3 >> Information Input Unit 748
The information input unit 748 is an input device for a user to input environment information, and outputs the input environment information as input information Sd2. The information input unit 748 may be composed of, for example, a switch and a circuit that senses an input from the switch, or software that operates an input user interface displayed on the display unit 721 or the information input unit 748 itself. It may be constituted by. The information input unit 748 may be built in the display device 720, or may be a device that inputs information via a network or the like.

In the information input unit 748, environment information other than the environment information included in the detection information Sd1 is input. For example, the information input unit 748 controls environment information that can be input by the user in accordance with the environment information included in the detection information Sd1.
Note that the information input unit 748 may input all environment information regardless of the detection information Sd1. In this case, the information input unit 748 may not acquire the detection information Sd1, or may allow the user to input more detailed information while acquiring the detection information Sd1. .

<< 2-4 >> Output Control Unit 750
The output control unit 750 acquires the detection information Sd1 and the input information Sd2, and outputs profile information SSI and SCI. Specifically, the output control unit 750 selects suitable profile data according to the environmental information acquired from the detection information Sd1 and the input information Sd2, and outputs the tag information. More specifically, the output control unit 750 selects profile data suitable for the acquired environment information by referring to a database that associates the selected candidate profile data with each value of the environment information. To do.

The association between environmental information and profile data will be further described.
For example, when the brightness of the ambient light of the display device 720 is high, it is desirable to perform visual processing that enhances local contrast. For this reason, the output control unit 750 outputs tag information of profile data that emphasizes more local contrast.

  For example, when the distance between the user and the display device 720 is long, the viewing angle of the image displayed on the display unit 721 becomes small, and the image looks small. When the size of the viewing angle is different, the brightness of the image is felt differently. For this reason, the output control unit 750 outputs tag information of profile data that changes the gradation and contrast based on the size of the viewing angle. Note that the difference in the size of the display unit 721 of the display device 720 is also a factor that affects the size of the viewing angle.

Furthermore, an example of the operation of the output control unit 750 will be described.
In human vision, there is a tendency to feel brighter as the displayed image size increases, and it may be preferable to suppress improvement in the dark area. Considering this point, for example, when it is determined that the image size displayed by the display unit 721 is large according to the acquired environment information, the dark visual region improvement in the entire image is performed for the color visual processing device 745. The tag information of the profile data for performing processing that suppresses the image and enhances the local contrast improvement is output as the profile information SSI. Further, tag information of profile data for performing color processing according to the profile information SSI and other environment information is output to the color processing device 746 as profile information SCI. Here, “color processing according to profile information SSI and other environment information” means, for example, that an image visually processed with profile data specified by profile information SSI is appropriately colored under the influence of ambient light. Color processing that can be reproduced.

Note that the output control unit 750 may preferentially use either the detection information Sd1 or the input information Sd2 when the environment information is acquired by the detection information Sd1 and the input information Sd2.
(3) Color visual processing device 745
<3-1> Configuration of Color Visual Processing Device 745 The configuration of the color visual processing device 745 will be described with reference to FIG. The color visual processing device 745 includes a visual processing device 753 capable of executing the visual processing described in the above embodiment, includes a color control unit 752 that performs visual processing on the luminance component of the input image data d372, and has a luminance. It is characterized in that the visual processing performed on the component is extended to the color component.

The color visual processing device 745 includes a first color space conversion unit 751, a visual processing device 753, a color control unit 752, and a second color space conversion unit 754.
The first color space conversion unit 751 converts the input image data d372 in the RGB color space into a luminance component and a color component. For example, the first color space conversion unit 751 converts input image data d372 in the RGB color space into a signal in the YCbCr color space. The converted luminance component signal is set as the input signal IS, and the color component signals are set as the color signals ICb and ICr.

  The visual processing device 753 is a device that performs visual processing of the input signal IS that is a luminance component of the input image data d372 and outputs an output signal OS. The visual processing device 753 receives profile information SSI from the profile information output unit 747 (see FIG. 77), and performs visual processing using profile data specified by the input profile information SSI. Details of the visual processing device 753 will be described later.

  The color control unit 752 receives the color signals ICb and ICr, the input signal IS, and the output signal OS, and outputs corrected color signals OCb and OCr that are corrected color signals. For example, the color control unit 752 performs correction using the ratio between the input signal IS and the output signal OS. More specifically, values obtained by multiplying the signal values of the color signals ICb and ICr by the ratio of the signal value of the output signal OS to the signal value of the input signal IS are the values of the correction color signals OCb and OCr, respectively.

The second color space conversion unit 754 converts the output signal OS and the correction color signals OCb and OCr, which are signals in the YCbCr color space, into a color visual processing signal d373 in the RGB color space.
<< 3-2 >> Configuration of Visual Processing Device 753 As the visual processing device 753, a visual processing device similar to the visual processing device 1 (see FIG. 1) described in the above embodiment is used.

The configuration of the visual processing device 753 will be described with reference to FIG.
A visual processing device 753 shown in FIG. 80 is a visual processing device having the same configuration as the visual processing device 1 shown in FIG. Portions that perform substantially the same functions as the visual processing device 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The difference between the visual processing device 753 shown in FIG. 80 and the visual processing device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is that the profile data registration device 8 registers the profile data specified by the acquired profile information SSI in the two-dimensional LUT 4. Is a point. The description of the other parts is the same as in the above embodiment, and will be omitted.

The visual processing device 753 shown in FIG. 80 performs visual processing of the input signal IS using profile data registered in the two-dimensional LUT 4 and outputs an output signal OS.
(4) Color processing device 746
The color processing device 746 performs color processing of the color visual processing signal d373 that is the output of the color visual processing device 745 using the profile data specified by the acquired profile information SCI. The profile data used in the color processing device 746 is, for example, three three-dimensional values that give the components (OtR, OtG, OtB) of the output image data d371 to the components (OR, OG, OB) of the color visual processing signal d373. Look-up table and 3 × 3 conversion coefficient matrix data.

<Effect of display device 720>
(1)
The display device 720 can perform image processing using profile data suitable for the acquired environment information. In particular, since profile data is selected not only based on automatically detected environment information but also based on environment information input by the user, it is possible to perform image processing with a higher visual effect for the user. .

When a lookup table is used as profile data, image processing is performed by referring to the table, so that high-speed image processing can be realized.
In the display device 720, different image processing is realized by changing the profile data. That is, different image processing is realized without changing the hardware configuration.

In image processing using profile data, since profile data can be generated in advance, complicated image processing can be easily realized.
(2)
The profile information output unit 747 can output different profile information for each of the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the image processing in the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746 from overlapping each other or processing that cancels the effect. That is, the image processing by the image processing device 723 can be appropriately performed.

<Modification>
(1)
In the embodiment described above, the input image data d372, the output image data d371, and the color visual processing signal d373 are described as signals in the RGB color space, but may be signals in other color spaces. For example, each signal may be a signal expressed in a YCbCr color space, YUV color space, Lab color space, Luv color space, YIQ color space, XYZ color space, YPbPr color space, or the like.

The same applies to signals handled in the first color space conversion unit 751 and the second color space conversion unit 754, and is not limited to those described in the embodiment.
(2)
In the above embodiment, the case where the profile information SSI, SCI includes tag information has been described. Here, the operation of each unit of the image processing apparatus 723 when the profile information SSI, SCI includes other information (profile data, parameter information, environment information, etc.) will be described.

<< 2-1 >>
When the profile information SSI, SCI includes profile data, the output control unit 750 is a device that registers and stores profile data or can generate profile data. The acquired detection information Sd1 and input information Sd2 To determine the profile data used in the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746 and output them.

The color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746 perform image processing using the acquired profile data. For example, the profile data registration device 8 of the visual processing device 753 (see FIG. 80) registers the profile data included in the profile information SSI in the two-dimensional LUT 4 and performs visual processing. In this case, the visual processing device 753 may not include the profile data registration device 8.

  In the image processing device 723, the profile data itself is output from the profile information output unit 747 to the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746, so that the profile data to be used can be specified more reliably. Furthermore, the storage capacity for profile data in the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746 can be reduced.

<< 2-2 >>
When the profile information SSI, SCI includes parameter information, the output control unit 750 is a device having a database for outputting parameter information from the detection information Sd1 and the input information Sd2. This database stores the relationship between the value of the environment information and image processing suitable for the environment indicating the value.

  The color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746 select profile data that realizes image processing close to the value of the acquired parameter information, and perform image processing. For example, the profile data registration device 8 of the visual processing device 753 (see FIG. 80) selects profile data using parameter information included in the profile information SSI, and registers the selected profile data in the two-dimensional LUT 4 for visual processing. I do.

In this image processing device 723, it is possible to reduce the data amount of profile information SSI and SCI.
<< 2-3 >>
When the profile information SSI, SCI includes environment information, the output control unit 750 is a device that outputs the detection information Sd1 and the input information Sd2 as profile information. Here, the output control unit 750 may output all of the environment information acquired from the detection information Sd1 and the input information Sd2 as profile information SSI and SCI, or selectively output profile file information SSI and profile information SCI. It may be sorted and output.

  The color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746 select suitable profile data according to the environment information and perform image processing. For example, the profile data registration device 8 of the visual processing device 753 (see FIG. 80) refers to a database that associates each value of the environment information included in the profile information SSI with the profile data candidate to be selected. A suitable profile data is selected for the acquired environment information, and the selected profile data is registered in the two-dimensional LUT 4 for visual processing.

  When all the environment information is output as profile information SSI and SCI, the processing in the output control unit 750 can be reduced. When environmental information is selectively output as profile information SSI, SCI, since each process in the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746 can be taken into consideration, image processing that produces overlapping effects, It is possible to prevent image processing that has the effect of canceling out. Furthermore, since the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746 acquire only appropriately selected environment information, profile data can be selected more appropriately and easily.

<< 2-4 >>
The profile information SSI, SCI only needs to include at least one of profile data, tag information, parameter information, and environment information, and may be included at the same time.

Further, the profile information SSI and the profile information SCI are not necessarily different information, and may be the same information.
(3)
The visual processing device 753 is a device including the profile data registration device 701 (see FIG. 9) described in [First Embodiment] <Modification> (7), and the profile data selected using the profile information SSI The apparatus may be capable of generating new profile data from the degree of synthesis acquired from the profile information SSI.

The operation of the visual processing device 753 as a modification will be described with reference to FIG.
In the visual processing device 753 as a modified example, new profile data is generated using profile data selected based on the profile information SSI among the profile data registered in the profile data registration unit 702.

  Assume that the profile data registration unit 702 selects the profile data 761 and the profile data 762 based on tag information included in the profile information SSI. Here, the profile data 761 is profile data for performing dark part improvement processing, and is profile data selected when the ambient light is weak. The profile data 762 is a profile for performing local contrast improvement processing. It is assumed that the data is profile data selected when the ambient light is strong.

  The profile generation unit 704 acquires the intensity of ambient light from the environment information included in the profile information SSI, and sets profile data 761 and profile data 762 as profile data for performing appropriate image processing with the intensity of the ambient light. Generate from. More specifically, the values of the profile data 761 and the profile data 762 are internally divided using the value of the intensity of ambient light included in the environment information.

  As described above, the visual processing device 753 as a modified example can generate new profile data and perform visual processing. The visual processing device 753 as a modified example can generate profile data and realize many different visual processes without registering a lot of profile data in advance.

(4)
The visual processing device 753 is not limited to that shown in FIG. For example, the visual processing device 520 (see FIG. 6), the visual processing device 525 (see FIG. 7), or the visual processing device 530 (see FIG. 8) described in the above embodiment may be used.

Each configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 82 to 84.
<< 4-1 >>
The configuration of the visual processing device 753a will be described with reference to FIG.
A visual processing device 753a shown in FIG. 82 is a visual processing device having the same configuration as the visual processing device 520 shown in FIG. Portions that perform substantially the same function as the visual processing device 520 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The visual processing device 753a shown in FIG. 82 differs from the visual processing device 520 shown in FIG. 6 in that the profile data registration unit 521 is based on the acquired profile information SSI and the determination result SA from the image determination unit 522. The profile data specified in this way is registered in the two-dimensional LUT 4. The description of the other parts is the same as in the above embodiment, and will be omitted.

In this visual processing device 753a, profile data is selected based not only on the profile information SSI but also on the determination result SA, so that more appropriate visual processing can be performed.
<< 4-2 >>
The configuration of the visual processing device 753b will be described with reference to FIG.

A visual processing device 753b shown in FIG. 83 is a visual processing device having the same configuration as the visual processing device 525 shown in FIG. Parts having substantially the same functions as those of the visual processing device 525 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The difference between the visual processing device 753b shown in FIG. 83 and the visual processing device 525 shown in FIG. 7 is that the profile data registration unit 526 acquires the profile information S
The profile data specified based on the SI and the input result SB from the input device 527 is registered in the two-dimensional LUT 4. The description of the other parts is the same as in the above embodiment, and will be omitted.

In this visual processing device 753b, the profile data is selected based not only on the profile information SSI but also on the input result SB, so that more appropriate visual processing can be performed.
<< 4-3 >>
The configuration of the visual processing device 753c will be described with reference to FIG.

  A visual processing device 753c shown in FIG. 84 is a visual processing device having the same configuration as the visual processing device 530 shown in FIG. Portions that perform substantially the same functions as the visual processing device 530 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The visual processing device 753c shown in FIG. 84 differs from the visual processing device 530 shown in FIG. 8 in that the profile data registration unit 531 has the acquired profile information SSI, the determination result SA from the image determination unit 522, and The profile data specified based on the input result SB from the input device 527 is registered in the two-dimensional LUT 4. The description of the other parts is the same as in the above embodiment, and will be omitted.

In the visual processing device 753b, profile data is selected based on not only the profile information SSI but also the determination result SA and the input result SB, so that more appropriate visual processing can be performed.
(5)
In each part of the display device 720 described in the above embodiment, a part that realizes the same function may be realized by common hardware.

  For example, the input unit 725 (see FIG. 76) of the display device 720 includes the information input unit 748 of the profile information output unit 747, the input device 527 of the visual processing device 753b (see FIG. 83), and the visual processing device 753c (see FIG. 84). The input device 527 or the like may also be used.

  Further, the profile data registration device 8 of the visual processing device 753 (see FIG. 80), the profile data registration unit 521 of the visual processing device 753a (see FIG. 82), the profile data registration unit 526 of the visual processing device 753b (see FIG. 83), The profile data registration unit 531 and the like of the visual processing device 753c (see FIG. 84) may be provided outside the image processing device 723 (see FIG. 76), and are realized by, for example, the memory 730 or the external device 740. May be.

Further, the profile data registered in each profile data registration unit or profile data registration device may be registered in advance in each unit or acquired from the external device 740 or the tuner 726. May be.
Each profile data registration unit and profile data registration device may also be used as a storage device that stores profile data in the color processing device 746.

The profile information output unit 747 may be a device connected to the outside of the image processing device 723 or the display device 720 by wire or wirelessly.
(6)
Profile data registration device 8 of visual processing device 753 (see FIG. 80), profile data registration unit 521 of visual processing device 753a (see FIG. 82), profile data registration unit 526 of visual processing device 753b (see FIG. 83), visual processing The profile data registration unit 531 of the device 753c (see FIG. 84) may be a device that can output profile information of profile data used for visual processing.

For example, the profile data registration device 8 of the visual processing device 753 (see FIG. 80) outputs the profile information of the profile data registered in the two-dimensional LUT 4. The output profile information is input to, for example, the color processing device 746 and used to select profile data in the color processing device 746.

  Thereby, even when profile data other than the profile data specified by the profile information SSI is used in the visual processing device 753, the color processing device 746 can determine the profile data used in the visual processing device 753. It becomes. For this reason, it is possible to further prevent the image processing in the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746 from being overlapped or offset.

(7)
The image processing apparatus 723 may include a user input unit that allows the user to input instead of the profile information output unit 747.
FIG. 85 shows an image processing device 770 as a modification of the image processing device 723 (see FIG. 77). The image processing device 770 is characterized in that it includes a user input unit 772 that allows the user to input. In the image processing device 770, the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform substantially the same functions as the image processing device 723, and description thereof is omitted.

The user input unit 772 outputs profile information SSI and SCI to the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746, respectively.
The user input unit 772 will be described with reference to FIG.
The user input unit 772 includes a part for allowing the user to input and a part for outputting the profile information SSI and SCI based on the input information.

The part that allows the user to input includes, for example, a brightness input unit 775 that inputs the brightness that the user likes, and an image quality input unit 776 that inputs the image quality that the user likes.
The brightness input unit 775 includes, for example, a switch that inputs a light state in an image to be displayed, a switch that inputs a light state of an environment in which the image is displayed, and the like. The result is output as Sd14. The switches that input the light status in the displayed image are, for example, switches for inputting the backlight and direct light in the image, the presence or absence of a strobe during shooting, the status of the macro program used during shooting, etc. It is. Here, the macro program is a program for controlling the photographing apparatus according to the state of the subject. The switch for inputting the light state of the environment where the image is displayed is a switch for inputting, for example, the brightness of the ambient light, the color temperature, and the like.

The image quality input unit 776 is a switch for inputting user's preference for image quality, for example, a switch for inputting different visual effects such as default, dynamic, and classic. The image quality input unit 776 outputs the input result as the second input result Sd13.
The part that outputs the profile information SSI and SCI based on the input information is constituted by an output control unit 777. The output control unit 777 acquires the first input result Sd14 and the second input result Sd13, and outputs profile information SSI and SCI. More specifically, the profile data profile information SSI and SCI associated with the values of the first input result Sd14 and the second input result Sd13 are output.

  Further, the operation of the output control unit 777 will be specifically described. For example, when “dynamic” “backlight mode” is input by the brightness input unit 775 and the image quality input unit 776, the profile information SSI outputs profile information of profile data that realizes dark area improvement by backlight. On the other hand, in the profile information SCI, profile information of profile data that is not subjected to color processing in the backlight portion is output, and image processing as the entire image processing apparatus 770 is optimized.

The effects of the image processing device 770 will be described.
In the image processing device 770, it is possible to realize image processing using profile data appropriate for the user's preference. Furthermore, since different profile information SSI and SCI can be output to the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746, it is possible to prevent the respective image processing from being duplicated or offset. Furthermore, since different profile information SSI and SCI are output to each of the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746, the amount of profile information SSI and SCI that should be considered in each device can be reduced, and more Profile data can be easily selected.

(8)
The image processing device 723 may be a device that separates attribute information included in the input image signal d362, selects profile data based on the separated attribute information, and performs image processing.
<8-1> Configuration of Image Processing Device 800 FIG. 87 shows an image processing device 800 as a modification of the image processing device 723. The image processing apparatus 800 is characterized in that it includes a separation unit 801 that separates the attribute information d380 from the input image signal d362, and outputs profile information SSI and SCI based on the separated attribute information d380.

  An image processing apparatus 800 illustrated in FIG. 87 includes a separation unit 801 that separates input image data d372 and attribute information d380 from an input image signal d362, and an attribute determination unit 802 that outputs profile information SSI and SCI based on the attribute information d380. A color visual processing device 745 that performs visual processing based on the input image data d372 and the profile information SSI, and a color processing device 746 that performs color processing based on the color visual processing signal d373 and the profile information SCI. Yes. In addition, about the part which has the substantially same function as the said embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The separation unit 801 separates the input image data d372 and the attribute information d380 from the input image signal d362. The attribute information d380 is information arranged in the header portion of the input image signal d362 and the like, and is information related to the attribute of the input image signal d362. The separation unit 801 separates the attribute information d380 by reading the input image signal d362 by a predetermined number of bits from the top. The attribute information d380 may be arranged at the tail of the input image signal d362. Alternatively, the input image signal d362 may be arranged in a separable state with flag information.

  FIG. 88 shows an example of the format of the input image signal d362 including the attribute information d380. In the input image signal d362 shown in FIG. 88, content information as attribute information d380 is arranged at the head of the data, and subsequently input image data d372 is arranged.

  The content information is an attribute relating to the entire contents of the input image data d372, and includes the title, production company, director, production year, type, production side designation attribute, etc. of the input image data d372. Here, the type is information regarding the type of content, and includes information such as SF, action, drama, horror, and the like. The production side designation attribute is information on display characteristics designated by the content production side, and includes information such as dynamic and fear.

The attribute determination unit 802 outputs profile information SSI and SCI based on the separated attribute information d380.
The configuration of the attribute determination unit 802 will be described with reference to FIG. The attribute determination unit 802 includes an attribute detection unit 806, an attribute input unit 805, and an output control unit 807.

The attribute detection unit 806 detects content information included in the attribute information d380 and outputs it as detection information Sd3.
The attribute input unit 805 is a device for allowing the user to input content information. The attribute input unit 805 acquires the detection information Sd3, updates the information included in the detection information Sd3, or adds information that does not include the detection information Sd3, and outputs the information as input information Sd4.

  Here, the attribute input unit 805 is an input device for a user to input content information, and outputs the input content information as input information Sd4. The attribute input unit 805 may be composed of, for example, a switch and a circuit that senses input from the switch, or software that operates a user interface for input displayed on the display unit 721 or the attribute input unit 805 itself. It may be constituted by. Further, the display device 720 may be a built-in device or a device that inputs information via a network or the like.

  The attribute input unit 805 may control content information that can be input by the user in accordance with the content information included in the detection information Sd3. For example, when the attribute detection unit 806 detects that the type of the input image data d372 is “animation”, the attribute input unit 805 may input only items related to animation (for example, animation director, animation title, etc.). .

The output control unit 807 acquires the detection information Sd3 and the input information Sd4, and outputs profile information SSI and SCI.
A detailed operation of the output control unit 807 will be described. The output control unit 807 acquires the content of the attribute information d380 from the detection information Sd3 and the input information Sd4. Further, profile data for performing suitable image processing on the image having the attribute information d380 is determined. For example, the output control unit 807 refers to a database that stores associations between the items of the attribute information d380 and profile data, and determines profile data. Here, when different values are acquired for the content information of the same item by the detection information Sd3 and the input information Sd4, the output control unit 807 may prioritize any information. For example, the input information Sd4 may always be used with priority.

Further, the output control unit 807 includes profile information SSI, SCI including at least one of the determined profile data, tag information such as a number for identifying the determined profile data, and parameter information indicating the characteristics of the processing of the determined profile data. Is output.
A detailed description of the profile information SSI and SCI is omitted because it is the same as in the above embodiment.

  The color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746 determine profile data used for image processing from the profile information SSI and SCI, and perform image processing. For example, when the profile information SSI, SCI includes profile data, image processing is performed using the profile data. When the profile information SSI, SCI includes tag information and parameter information, image processing is performed using profile data specified by each information.

  Note that the output control unit 807 may output each item of content information acquired from the detection information Sd3 and the input information Sd4 as profile information SSI and SCI. In this case, the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746 specify profile data used for image processing from the profile information SSI and SCI, and perform image processing.

<< 8-2 >> Effect (1)
It is possible to perform image processing using appropriate profile data according to the content information at the time of content creation. For this reason, it is possible to perform image processing in consideration of the intention of the content production side.

  More specifically, the title, production company, etc. can determine trends in the brightness and color temperature of the entire image, and perform image processing that converts the brightness and color temperature of the entire image. . In addition, it is possible to display an image intended by the production side by a production side designation attribute or the like.

(2)
The attribute determination unit 802 includes not only an attribute detection unit 806 that automatically detects content information but also an attribute input unit 805 that manually inputs content information. For this reason, even when there is a defect in the detection of content information, the content information can be appropriately input by the attribute input unit 805, and appropriate image processing can be performed. Further, the attribute input unit 805 can reflect the user's preference in the image processing. For example, it is possible to reflect the user's preferences, such as a sharpened image for an animation and a vivid image for a movie. Furthermore, it is possible to correct the content information of the corrected image as in the digital remaster version.

(3)
Profile information SSI and SCI can be instructed to the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746, respectively. For this reason, even when a plurality of values such as “action and horror” are specified as the type of content information, the color visual processing device 745 appropriately performs visual processing for a portion with a lot of movement such as an action. The color processing device 746 can appropriately perform color processing on a portion where the color has a psychological influence such as horror.

  Further, since different profile information SSI and SCI are output to the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746, the amount of profile information SSI and SCI that should be taken into consideration by each device can be reduced, and it is simpler. It is possible to select profile data.

<< 8-3 >> Modification (1)
The content information once acquired may be used repeatedly. In this case, it may be possible to specify profile data to be subjected to image processing using the stored content information without acquiring all the information again.

(2)
The image processing apparatus 800 may be an apparatus that does not include either the attribute input unit 805 or the attribute detection unit 806. Further, the separation unit 801 is not necessarily provided inside the image processing apparatus 800.

(3)
The profile information SSI and the profile information SCI are not necessarily different information, and may be the same information.
(4)
The attribute information d380 may include information other than the content information. Specifically, scene attribute information that is an attribute related to a part of the input image data, shooting attribute information related to the environment in which the input image signal d362 is generated, and a medium until the input image signal d362 is acquired by the display device 720. Broadcast attribute information relating to the recording medium, recording attribute information relating to the medium / device on which the input image signal d362 is recorded, profile attribute information relating to profile data used for image processing, and the like. Each of these will be specifically described below.

In the following description, the case where the attribute information d380 includes scene attribute information, shooting attribute information, broadcast attribute information, recording attribute information, and profile attribute information will be described separately. However, these pieces of information including content information are described. May be included in the attribute information d380 all at the same time or in combination. In this case, it is possible to further improve the effect of each information.

(4-1) Scene attribute information (4-1-1)
FIG. 90 shows a format of an input image signal d362 including scene attribute information as attribute information d380. In the input image signal d362 shown in FIG. 90, scene attribute information is arranged in units of scenes of the input image data d372. The scene attribute information is arranged in a state where it can be separated from the input image data d372 with flag information, for example.

  The scene attribute information is information that describes the scene contents of the subsequent input image data d372. For example, the scene attribute information is described by a combination of items such as “brightness”, “target”, “motion”, “scene overview”, “dark / forest / landscape”, “bright / person / up”. , “Dark / Person / Scenery” is described. Note that these are examples of scene attribute information, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, contents such as news, sports, home dramas, actions, etc. may be specified as “scene overview”.

An image processing apparatus that performs image processing on an input image signal d362 including scene attribute information is the same as that in which the image processing apparatus 800 is associated with scene attribute information.
The separation unit 801 (see FIG. 87) separates the attribute information d380 based on the format shown in FIG.

The attribute detection unit 806 (see FIG. 89) detects scene attribute information included in the attribute information d380 and outputs detection information Sd3. An attribute input unit 805 allows the user to input scene attribute information.
The output control unit 807 (see FIG. 89) acquires the detection information Sd3 and the input information Sd4, and outputs profile information SSI and SCI. For example, the output control unit 807 refers to the database that stores the association between each item of the scene attribute information acquired from the detection information Sd3 and the input information Sd4 and the profile data. Profile data used by the processing device 746 is determined.

  A detailed description of the profile information SSI and SCI is omitted because it is the same as in the above embodiment. Note that the profile information SSI and SCI may include scene attribute information. In this case, the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746 select profile data used for image processing from the acquired scene attribute information and perform image processing.

In addition, since the operation of each unit of the image processing apparatus 800 is the same as that in the case where the attribute information d380 includes content information, description thereof is omitted.
(4-1-2)
According to the present invention, the same effects as those described in the above embodiment can be obtained. Hereinafter, effects characteristic of this modification will be described.

It is possible to perform image processing using appropriate profile data according to the scene attribute information. For this reason, it is possible to perform image processing in consideration of the intention of the content production side.
The scene attribute information is arranged as necessary for each scene of the input image data d372. For this reason, it becomes possible to switch image processing in more detail, and it becomes possible to perform image processing more appropriately.

For example, when the scene attribute information is acquired as “dark / forest / landscape” based on the detection information Sd3 and the input information Sd4, the output control unit 807 specifies profile information that specifies “profile data for improving shadow shadows”. In addition to outputting SSI, profile information SCI designating "profile data that performs green memory color correction but does not perform skin color memory color correction" is output.

  Further, for example, when the scene attribute information is acquired as “bright / person / up” by the detection information Sd3 and the input information Sd4, the output control unit 807 specifies profile information that specifies “profile data with suppressed contrast enhancement” In addition to outputting SSI, profile information SCI designating "profile data for correcting the skin color memory color" is output.

  Further, for example, when the scene attribute information is acquired as “dark / person / scenery” by the detection information Sd3 and the input information Sd4, the output control unit 807 emphasizes the dark portion of the person and suppresses the dark portion improvement of the background. Profile information SSI designating “profile data” and profile information SCI designating “profile data without white balance adjustment and skin color memory color correction” are output.

  For example, when the scene attribute information is acquired as “person / drama” by the detection information Sd3 and the input information Sd4, the main processing target in the image is a person. Therefore, the output control unit 807 performs profile data for the color visual processing device 745 so as to improve the contrast of the skin-colored and low-brightness region and not improve the contrast of the other low-brightness regions. The designated profile information SSI is output. On the other hand, profile information SCI is output to the color processing device 746 to specify profile data that performs skin color memory correction and weakens correction for other memory colors such as green.

Profile data is selected not only based on scene attribute information automatically detected by the attribute detection unit 806 but also based on scene attribute information input by the user. For this reason, it is possible to further improve the subjective image quality for the user.
In addition, in the case of a series of scenes where the background is gradually changing in the direction of sunlight in a moving scene of a person, it is possible to add scene attribute information for each scene, but only in the first scene It is also possible to add attribute information. It is also possible to add scene attribute information to the first scene first, and to add only brightness fluctuation information from the first scene or target fluctuation information as scene attribute information to the subsequent continuous scenes. By doing so, it is possible to suppress flickering in image processing of moving images and sudden changes in image quality.

(4-2) Shooting attribute information (4-2-1)
FIG. 91 shows a format of an input image signal d362 that includes shooting attribute information as attribute information d380. In the input image signal d362 shown in FIG. 91, shooting attribute information is arranged in the header portion of the input image signal d362. The shooting attribute information is not limited to this, and may be arranged in a state where it can be separated from the input image data d372, for example, with flag information.

  The shooting attribute information is information describing the shooting status of the subsequent input image data d372. For example, the shooting attribute information is described by a combination of items such as “position / direction”, “date”, “time”, “shooting device information”, and the like. “Position / direction” is information acquired from GPS or the like at the time of shooting. The “photographing device information” is device information at the time of photographing, and stores information such as the presence / absence of a strobe, aperture, shutter speed, and macro photography (close-up photography). Note that these are examples of shooting attribute information, and are not limited thereto. For example, it may be information for specifying a macro program (a program for executing a combination of controls such as the presence / absence of a strobe, aperture, and shutter speed) used at the time of shooting.

An image processing apparatus that performs image processing on an input image signal d362 including shooting attribute information is the same as that in which the image processing apparatus 800 is associated with shooting attribute information.
The separation unit 801 (see FIG. 87) separates the attribute information d380 based on the format shown in FIG.

The attribute detection unit 806 (see FIG. 89) detects shooting attribute information included in the attribute information d380, and outputs detection information Sd3. An attribute input unit 805 allows the user to input shooting attribute information.
The output control unit 807 (see FIG. 89) acquires the detection information Sd3 and the input information Sd4, and outputs profile information SSI and SCI. For example, the output control unit 807 refers to the database that stores the association between each item of the shooting attribute information acquired from the detection information Sd3 and the input information Sd4 and the profile data. Profile data used by the processing device 746 is determined. A detailed description of the profile information SSI and SCI is omitted because it is the same as in the above embodiment.

Note that the profile information SSI and SCI may include shooting attribute information. In this case, the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746 select profile data used for image processing from the acquired shooting attribute information and perform image processing.
In addition, since the operation of each unit of the image processing apparatus 800 is the same as that in the case where the attribute information d380 includes content information, description thereof is omitted.

(4-2-2)
According to the present invention, the same effects as those described in the above embodiment can be obtained. Hereinafter, effects characteristic of this modification will be described.
It is possible to perform image processing using appropriate profile data according to the shooting attribute information. For this reason, it is possible to perform image processing in consideration of the intention of the content production side.

  For example, from the items such as “position / direction”, “date”, “time”, “photographing device information”, “sun direction”, “season”, “weather”, etc. in the environment where the input image data d372 is generated. Information such as “sunlight color” and “strobe presence / absence” can be acquired, and the shooting state of the subject (for example, whether the light is direct light or backlight) can be analyzed. Furthermore, it is possible to perform image processing using profile data appropriate for the analyzed shooting situation.

Profile data is selected based not only on the shooting attribute information automatically detected by the attribute detection unit 806 but also on the shooting attribute information input by the user. For this reason, it is possible to further improve the subjective image quality for the user.
(4-3) Broadcast attribute information (4-3-1)
FIG. 92 shows the format of an input image signal d362 that includes broadcast attribute information as attribute information d380. In the input image signal d362 shown in FIG. 92, broadcast attribute information is arranged in the header portion of the input image signal d362. The broadcast attribute information is not limited to this, and may be arranged in a state where it can be separated from the input image data d372 with flag information, for example.

  The broadcast attribute information is information relating to a medium until the input image signal d362 is acquired by the display device 720, and particularly, information relating to what type of broadcast the input image signal d362 is acquired. For example, the broadcast attribute information stores a value indicating any one of “terrestrial digital broadcast”, “terrestrial analog broadcast”, “satellite digital broadcast”, “satellite analog broadcast”, and “Internet broadcast”.

An image processing apparatus that performs image processing on an input image signal d362 including broadcast attribute information is the same as that in which the image processing apparatus 800 is associated with broadcast attribute information.
The separation unit 801 (see FIG. 87) separates the attribute information d380 based on the format shown in FIG.

The attribute detection unit 806 (see FIG. 89) detects broadcast attribute information included in the attribute information d380 and outputs detection information Sd3. The attribute input unit 805 allows the user to input broadcast attribute information.
The output control unit 807 (see FIG. 89) acquires the detection information Sd3 and the input information Sd4, and outputs profile information SSI and SCI. For example, the output control unit 807 refers to a database that stores associations between broadcast attribute information acquired from the detection information Sd3 and the input information Sd4 and profile data, and the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746. The profile data used in and are determined. A detailed description of the profile information SSI and SCI is omitted because it is the same as in the above embodiment.

Note that the profile information SSI and SCI may include broadcast attribute information. In this case, the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746 select profile data used for image processing from the acquired broadcast attribute information and perform image processing.
In addition, since the operation of each unit of the image processing apparatus 800 is the same as that in the case where the attribute information d380 includes content information, description thereof is omitted.

(4-3-2)
According to the present invention, the same effects as those described in the above embodiment can be obtained. Hereinafter, effects characteristic of this modification will be described.
Image processing using appropriate profile data according to broadcast attribute information can be performed. For example, it is possible to correct the influence of the broadcast path on the image and perform image processing in consideration of the intention of the broadcast station.

  More specifically, for example, profile data that does not excessively emphasize noise during transmission is selected for an image acquired by terrestrial analog broadcasting, satellite analog broadcasting, or the like. As a result, for an image in which a subject is present in the night view, image processing can be performed using profile data for clarifying the subject while maintaining the brightness of the night view region.

Profile data is selected based on not only broadcast attribute information automatically detected by the attribute detection unit 806 but also broadcast attribute information input by the user. For this reason, it is possible to further improve the subjective image quality for the user.
(4-4) Recording attribute information (4-4-1)
FIG. 93 shows a format of an input image signal d362 including recording attribute information as attribute information d380. In the input image signal d362 shown in FIG. 93, recording attribute information is arranged in the header portion of the input image signal d362. The recording attribute information is not limited to this, and may be arranged in a state where it can be separated from the input image data d372 with flag information, for example.

The recording attribute information is information related to the medium / device on which the input image signal d362 is recorded. For example, the recording attribute information includes “age” when the input image signal d362 is recorded, “provider manufacturer” of the recording medium / device, “product information” for specifying the recording medium / device, and the like.
The image processing apparatus that performs image processing on the input image signal d362 including the recording attribute information is the same as that in which the image processing apparatus 800 is associated with the recording attribute information.

The separation unit 801 (see FIG. 87) separates the attribute information d380 based on the format shown in FIG.
The attribute detection unit 806 (see FIG. 89) detects recording attribute information included in the attribute information d380, and outputs detection information Sd3. An attribute input unit 805 allows the user to input recording attribute information.

  The output control unit 807 (see FIG. 89) acquires the detection information Sd3 and the input information Sd4, and outputs profile information SSI and SCI. For example, the output control unit 807 refers to a database that stores the association between the record attribute information acquired from the detection information Sd3 and the input information Sd4 and the profile data, and the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746. The profile data used in and are determined. A detailed description of the profile information SSI and SCI is omitted because it is the same as in the above embodiment.

Note that the profile information SSI, SCI may include recording attribute information. In this case, the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746 select profile data used for image processing from the acquired recording attribute information and perform image processing.
In addition, since the operation of each unit of the image processing apparatus 800 is the same as that in the case where the attribute information d380 includes content information, description thereof is omitted.

(4-4-2)
According to the present invention, the same effects as those described in the above embodiment can be obtained. Hereinafter, effects characteristic of this modification will be described.
It is possible to perform image processing using appropriate profile data according to the recording attribute information. For example, when the “providing manufacturer” is a camera manufacturer that specializes in color processing, the profile information SCI is output so that the color processing device 746 does not perform color processing so much. For example, profile information SCI is output for input image data d372 recorded on a film or the like so as to perform color processing in consideration of the characteristics of the color expression area of the film. In this way, it is possible to correct the influence of the recording medium / recording apparatus on the image and perform image processing in consideration of the intention on the production side.

Profile data is selected based on not only the recording attribute information automatically detected by the attribute detection unit 806 but also the recording attribute information input by the user. For this reason, it is possible to further improve the subjective image quality for the user.
(4-5) Profile attribute information (4-5-1)
FIG. 94 shows a format of an input image signal d362 including profile attribute information as attribute information d380. In the input image signal d362 shown in FIG. 94, profile attribute information is arranged in the header portion of the input image signal d362. The profile attribute information is not limited to this, and may be arranged in a state where it can be separated from the input image data d372 with flag information, for example.

  The profile attribute information is information for specifying profile data. For example, the profile attribute information is information for specifying profile data recommended by a photographing apparatus that generates the input image data d372. The profile attribute information includes at least one of profile data, tag information such as a number specifying the profile data, and parameter information indicating characteristics of processing of the profile data. Profile data, tag information, and parameter information are the same as those described in the description of the profile information SSI and SCI in the above embodiment.

The profile data specified by the profile attribute information is profile data for performing any one of the following image processing [a] to image processing [c]. The image processing [a] is image processing determined to be suitable for the input image data d372 in a photographing apparatus that generates the input image data d372. The image processing [b] is image processing for performing image processing for correcting a difference in characteristics between the display unit of the photographing apparatus and the standard model display device in addition to the image processing [a]. The image processing [c] is image processing for performing image processing for correcting a difference in characteristics between the display unit of the photographing apparatus and the display device 720 (see FIG. 76) in addition to the image processing [a]. .

Further, the profile attribute information includes processing flag information related to whether or not the input image data d372 included in the input image signal d362 is data that has already undergone image processing in a photographing apparatus or the like.
An image processing apparatus that performs image processing on an input image signal d362 including profile attribute information is the same as that in which the image processing apparatus 800 is associated with profile attribute information.

The separation unit 801 (see FIG. 87) separates the attribute information d380 based on the format shown in FIG.
The attribute detection unit 806 (see FIG. 89) detects profile attribute information included in the attribute information d380 and outputs detection information Sd3. An attribute input unit 805 allows the user to input profile attribute information.

  The output control unit 807 (see FIG. 89) acquires the detection information Sd3 and the input information Sd4, and outputs profile information SSI and SCI. The profile information SSI and SCI may be output in any format of profile data, tag information, and parameter information regardless of the format of profile attribute information (any of profile data, tag information, and parameter information).

Hereinafter, the operation of the output control unit 807 will be described in detail.
The output control unit 807 determines whether or not the information specifying the profile data out of the profile attribute information acquired from the detection information Sd3 or the input information Sd4 is output as it is as the profile information SSI and SCI.

For example, when the profile data is specified by the input information Sd4, it is determined to “output” regardless of the profile attribute information.
For example, if the profile attribute information includes information specifying profile data for performing image processing [a] or image processing [c], and the processing flag information indicates “no processing”, it is determined to be “output” To do.

Otherwise, it is determined that “no output”.
For example, when the profile attribute information includes information specifying profile data for performing image processing [a], and the processing flag information indicates “processing present”, the output control unit 807 includes the color visual processing device 745 and Information specifying profile data for which image processing is not performed by the color processing device 746 is output as profile information SSI and SCI.

  For example, when the profile attribute information includes information for specifying profile data for performing image processing [b] and the processing flag information indicates “no processing”, in addition to the image processing [a], the standard model Information for specifying profile data for performing image processing for correcting a difference in characteristics between the display device and the display device 720 is output as profile information SSI and SCI.

  For example, when the profile attribute information includes information specifying profile data for performing image processing [b], and the processing flag information indicates “processing present”, the characteristics of the standard model display device and the display device 720 are displayed. Information for specifying profile data for performing image processing for correcting the difference is output as profile information SSI and SCI.

For example, if the profile attribute information includes information specifying profile data for performing image processing [c], and the processing flag information indicates “processing present”, the output control unit 807 includes the color visual processing device 745 and Information for specifying profile data for performing image processing for correcting a difference in device characteristics between the display unit of the photographing device and the display device 720 is output to the color processing device 746 as profile information SSI and SCI. .

Note that these processes are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto.
In addition, since the operation of each unit of the image processing apparatus 800 is the same as that in the case where the attribute information d380 includes content information, description thereof is omitted.
(4-5-2)
According to the present invention, the same effects as those described in the above embodiment can be obtained. Hereinafter, effects characteristic of this modification will be described.

  It is possible to perform image processing using appropriate profile data in accordance with the profile attribute information. For example, it is possible to perform image processing using profile data recommended on the photographing side. Furthermore, it is possible to perform display close to an image confirmed on the display unit on the photographing side. For this reason, it is possible to perform image processing in consideration of the intention of the production side.

Profile data is selected not only based on profile attribute information automatically detected by the attribute detection unit 806 but also based on profile attribute information input by the user. For this reason, it is possible to further improve the subjective image quality for the user.
[Eleventh embodiment]
A photographing apparatus 820 as an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 95 to 103.

  An imaging apparatus 820 illustrated in FIG. 95 is an imaging apparatus that captures an image, such as a still camera or a video camera that captures an image. The imaging device 820 is characterized in that it has an image processing device 832 including the visual processing device described in the above embodiment, and that profile data used for visual processing can be switched automatically or manually. Note that the photographing device 820 may be an independent device, but may be a device provided in a portable information terminal such as a mobile phone, a PDA, or a PC.

<Photographing device 820>
The imaging device 820 includes an imaging unit 821, an image processing device 832, a display unit 834, a CPU 846, an illumination unit 848, an input unit 850, a security determination unit 852, a codec 840, a memory controller 842, a memory 844, and an external interface (I / F). 854 and an external device 856 are provided.

The imaging unit 821 is a part that captures an image and outputs an input image signal d362, and includes a lens 822, an aperture / shutter unit 824, a CCD 826, an amplifier 828, an A / D conversion unit 830, a CCD control unit 836, and information detection. Part 838.
The lens 822 is a lens for forming an image of a subject on the CCD 826. The aperture / shutter unit 824 is a mechanism for controlling the exposure by changing the passage range and passage time of the light beam that has passed through the lens 822. The CCD 826 is an image sensor for photoelectrically converting a subject image and outputting it as an image signal. The amplifier 828 is a device for amplifying the image signal output from the CCD 826. The A / D converter 830 is a device that converts the analog image signal amplified by the amplifier 828 into a digital image signal. The CCD control unit 836 is a device that controls the timing for driving the CCD 826. The information detection unit 838 is a device that detects information such as autofocus, aperture, and exposure from the digital image signal and outputs the information to the CPU 846.

The image processing apparatus 832 is the same image processing apparatus as the image processing apparatus 723 described with reference to FIG. 77 in [Tenth Embodiment]. Under the control of the CPU 846, the image processing device 832 performs image processing on the input image data d372 (see FIG. 96) included in the input image signal d362, and an output image signal d361 including the output image data d371 (see FIG. 96). Is a device that outputs. The image processing device 832 includes the visual processing device described in the above embodiment, and is characterized in that image processing is performed using profile data. The detailed configuration will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The display unit 834 is a device that displays, for example, thumbnails of the output image signal d361 output by the image processing device 832. The display unit 834 is often composed of an LCD, but is not particularly limited as long as it is a device that displays an image, such as a PDP, a CRT, or a projector. Note that the display unit 834 may be connected not only to a built-in image capturing device 820 but also via a wired or wireless network. The display unit 834 may be connected to the image processing device 832 via the CPU 846.

  The CPU 846 is connected to the image processing apparatus 832, the codec 840, the memory controller 842, and the external I / F 854 via a bus line, and the detection result of the information detection unit 838, the input result of the input unit 850, and the illumination unit 848 In addition to receiving the light emission information, the determination result by the security determination unit 852, the lens 822, the aperture / shutter unit 824, the CCD control unit 836, the image processing device 832, the illumination unit 848, the input unit 850, the security determination unit 852, and the bus line. It is a device that executes control of each connected unit.

The illumination unit 848 is a strobe that emits illumination light to irradiate the subject.
The input unit 850 is a user interface for allowing the user to perform an operation on the photographing apparatus 820, and includes a key, a knob, a remote controller, and the like for controlling each unit.
The security determination unit 852 is a part that determines security information acquired from the outside and controls the image processing apparatus 832 via the CPU.

The codec 840 is a compression circuit that compresses the output image signal d361 from the image processing device 832 by JPEG or MPEG.
The memory controller 842 controls the address and access timing of the memory 844 of the CPU constituted by a DRAM or the like.

The memory 844 is composed of a DRAM or the like, and is used as a working memory during image processing.
The external I / F 854 is information related to profile data for performing image processing while outputting the output image signal d361 or the output image signal d361 compressed by the codec 840 to an external device 856 such as a memory card 859 or a PC861. This is an interface for acquiring certain profile information and outputting it to the image processing apparatus 832 as an input image signal d362. The profile information is the same as that described in [Tenth Embodiment]. The external I / F 854 includes, for example, a memory card I / F 858, a PCI / F 860, a network I / F 862, a wireless I / F 864, and the like. Note that the external I / F 854 does not have to include all of those exemplified here.

  The memory card I / F 858 is an interface for connecting a memory card 859 that records image data, profile information, and the like to the photographing device 820. The PCI / F 860 is an interface for connecting the PC 861 that is an external device such as a personal computer that records image data, profile information, and the like to the photographing apparatus 820. A network I / F 862 is an interface for connecting the imaging device 820 to a network and transmitting / receiving image data, profile information, and the like. The wireless I / F 864 is an interface for connecting the photographing apparatus 820 to an external device via a wireless LAN or the like, and transmitting / receiving image data, profile information, and the like. Note that the external I / F 854 is not limited to the illustrated one, and may be an interface for connecting a USB, an optical fiber, and the like to the photographing apparatus 820, for example.

<Image processing apparatus 832>
FIG. 96 shows the configuration of the image processing apparatus 832. The image processing device 832 has the same configuration as the image processing device 723. In FIG. 96, parts having the same functions as those of the image processing device 723 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The image processing device 832 is a color visual processing device 745 that performs color visual processing on the input image data d372, and a color processing device 746 that performs color processing on the color visual processing signal d373 that is the output of the color visual processing device 745. And a profile information output unit 747 for outputting profile information SSI and SCI for specifying profile data used for color visual processing and color processing.

Since the operation of each part has been described in [Tenth Embodiment], detailed description thereof will be omitted.
In the [Tenth Embodiment], the environment information included in the profile information SSI and SCI is described as “information regarding an environment in which image data subjected to image processing is displayed and visualized”. It may be information about an environment where shooting is performed.

<Effect of the photographing device 820>
The imaging device 820 includes an image processing device 832 similar to the image processing device 723 described in [Tenth Embodiment]. Therefore, it is possible to achieve the same effect as that of the display device 720 (see FIG. 76) including the image processing device 723.

(1)
The imaging device 820 includes a profile information output unit 747 (see FIG. 78), and can perform image processing using profile data suitable for the acquired environment information. In particular, since profile data is selected not only based on automatically detected environment information but also based on environment information input by the user, it is possible to perform image processing with a higher visual effect for the user. .

When a lookup table is used as profile data, image processing is performed by referring to the table, so that high-speed image processing can be realized.
In the imaging device 820, different image processing is realized by changing the profile data. That is, different image processing is realized without changing the hardware configuration.

In image processing using profile data, since profile data can be generated in advance, complex image processing can be easily realized.
(2)
The profile information output unit 747 of the image processing device 832 can output different profile information to each of the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the image processing in the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746 from overlapping each other or processing that cancels the effect. That is, the image processing by the image processing device 832 can be appropriately performed.

(3)
The imaging device 820 includes a display unit 834 and can perform imaging while confirming an image that has been subjected to image processing. For this reason, it becomes possible to make the impression of the image at the time of photographing close to the impression at the time of displaying the photographed image.

<Modification>
The imaging device 820 can be modified in the same manner as described for the image processing device 723 and the visual processing device 753 (see FIG. 79) in the above embodiment. Hereinafter, modifications characteristic to the imaging device 820 will be described.

(1)
In the description of [Tenth Embodiment], the information input unit 748 (see FIG. 78) of the profile information output unit 747 has been described as an input device for the user to input environment information.
In the imaging device 820, the information input unit 748 may be a device that can input other information in addition to or in place of the environment information. For example, the information input unit 748 may be a device that can input user input information such as brightness and image quality that the user likes.

  In addition to or instead of the information input unit 748, the profile information output unit 747 as the present modification includes a user input unit 772 (see FIG. 86) described in [Tenth Embodiment] <Modification> (7). It may be provided. The detailed description of the user input unit 772 has been made in the above embodiment, and will be omitted.

  The output control unit 750 (see FIG. 78) of the profile information output unit 747 as the present modification is based on the user input information input from the user input unit 772 and the environment information detected by the environment detection unit 749. Information SSI and SCI are output. More specifically, the output control unit 750 as the present modification outputs profile information SSI and SCI by referring to a database of profile data associated with the value of user input information and the value of environment information. .

As a result, the image capturing apparatus 820 can realize image processing using appropriate profile data according to the user's preference.
(2)
In each part of the imaging device 820 described in the above embodiment, a part that realizes the same function may be realized by common hardware.

  For example, the input unit 850 (see FIG. 95) of the imaging device 820 includes an information input unit 748 of the profile information output unit 747, a user input unit 772 of the profile information output unit 747 as a modification, and a visual processing device 753b (see FIG. 83). ) Input device 527, visual processing device 753c (see FIG. 84) input device 527, and the like.

  Further, the profile data registration device 8 of the visual processing device 753 (see FIG. 80), the profile data registration unit 521 of the visual processing device 753a (see FIG. 82), the profile data registration unit 526 of the visual processing device 753b (see FIG. 83), The profile data registration unit 531 and the like of the visual processing device 753c (see FIG. 84) may be provided outside the image processing device 832 and may be realized by the memory 844 or the external device 856, for example.

The profile data registered in each profile data registration unit or profile data registration device may be registered in each unit in advance or may be acquired from the external device 856.
Each profile data registration unit and profile data registration device may also be used as a storage device that stores profile data in the color processing device 746.

Further, the profile information output unit 747 may be a device that is connected to the outside of the image processing device 832 or the outside of the imaging device 820 by wire or wirelessly.
(3)
The image processing device 832 of the imaging device 820 is a device that outputs profile information for specifying profile data used for image processing as the output image signal d361 together with the input image data d372 or the input image data d372 subjected to the image processing. Also good.

This will be described with reference to FIGS.
<3-1> Configuration of Image Processing Device 886 The configuration of an image processing device 886 as a modification will be described with reference to FIG. The image processing device 886 performs image processing on the input image data d372, displays the processing result on the display unit 834, and adds profile information d401 of profile data suitable for image processing to the input image data d372 and outputs the same. It is.

The image processing device 886 includes a color visual processing device 888, a color processing device 889, a recommended profile information extraction unit 890, and a profile information addition unit 892.
The color visual processing device 888 has substantially the same configuration as the color visual processing device 745 described in [Tenth Embodiment], and performs visual processing of the input image data d372 in the same manner as the color visual processing device 745. The color visual processing signal d373 is output.

  The difference between the color visual processing device 888 and the color visual processing device 745 is that the visual processing device included in the color visual processing device 888 is the visual processing device 1 (see FIG. 1), the visual processing device 520 (see FIG. 6), The visual processing device is substantially the same as either the processing device 525 (see FIG. 7) or the visual processing device 530 (see FIG. 8), and the visual processing device outputs recommended profile information SSO. Details of the recommended profile information SSO will be described later.

The color processing device 889 has substantially the same configuration as the color processing device 746 described in [Tenth Embodiment], and performs color processing of the color visual processing signal d373 and outputs the same as the color processing device 746. Image data d371 is output.
The difference between the color processing device 889 and the color processing device 746 is that the profile information of the profile data used by the color processing device 889 for color processing is output as recommended profile information SCO. Details of the recommended profile information SCO will be described later.

The recommended profile information extraction unit 890 extracts the recommended profile information SSO and SCO, and outputs these information as profile information d401.
The profile information adding unit 892 adds profile information d401 to the input image data d372 and outputs it as an output image signal d361.

FIG. 98 shows a format example of the output image signal d361 to which the profile information adding unit 892 has added the profile information d401.
In FIG. 98A, the profile information d401 is arranged at the head of the output image signal d361, and the input image data d372 is arranged subsequently. In such a format, image processing of all input image data d372 is performed using the profile information d401 at the head. For this reason, the profile information d401 only needs to be arranged in one place in the output image signal d361, and the ratio of the profile information d401 in the output image signal d361 can be reduced.

  In FIG. 98 (b), profile information d401 is arranged for each of the divided input image data d372. In such a format, different profile data is used in each image processing of the divided input image data d372. For this reason, for example, it is possible to perform image processing using different profile data for each scene of the input image data d372, and it is possible to perform image processing more appropriately.

  In the case of a series of scenes that change continuously, scene attribute information is first added to the first scene, and only the brightness fluctuation information and target fluctuation information from the first scene are added to the subsequent scenes. By adding it as attribute information, it is possible to suppress flickering and sudden changes in image quality that may occur when image processing is performed on a moving image.

<< 3-2 >> Recommended profile information SSO, SCO
The recommended profile information SSO and SCO are information for specifying profile data, respectively, and are at least one of profile data, tag information such as numbers for specifying profile data, and parameter information indicating characteristics of processing of profile data. Is included. Profile data, tag information, and parameter information are the same as those described in the description of the profile information SSI and SCI.

The profile data specified by the recommended profile information SSO, SCO is profile data for performing any one of the following image processing [a] to image processing [c]. In the image processing [a], the color visual processing device 888 determines that the input image data d372 is preferable, or the color processing device 889 determines that the color visual processing signal d373 is preferable. Color processing. Here, in the image processing [a], “determined to be suitable” image processing is, for example, image processing respectively used by the color visual processing device 888 and the color processing device 889. The image processing [b] is image processing for performing image processing for correcting a difference in characteristics between the display unit 834 of the photographing device 820 and the standard model display device in addition to the image processing [a]. In addition to the image processing [a], the image processing [c] performs image processing for correcting a difference in characteristics between the display unit 834 of the imaging device 820 and the display device that displays the image captured by the imaging device 820. Image processing.

When the display characteristics of the display unit 834 for confirming the image at the time of photographing are not known, the color visual processing device 888 and the color processing device 889 use the profile information of the profile data for performing image processing [a] as the recommended profile information SSO. , SCO.
The color visual processing device 888 and the color processing device 889 know the display characteristics of the display unit 834 that displays an image captured by the image capturing device 820, but display devices that display the image captured by the image capturing device 820 (for example, image capturing When the display characteristics of the display device 720 for displaying the recorded image are not known, the profile information of the profile data for performing the image processing [b] is output as the recommended profile information SSO, SCO.

  The color visual processing device 888 and the color processing device 889 include a display characteristic of the display unit 834 that displays an image captured by the image capturing device 820 and a display device that displays an image captured by the image capturing device 820 (for example, an image that is captured and recorded). If the display characteristics of the display device 720 for displaying the displayed image are known, the profile information of the profile data for performing the image processing [c] is output as the recommended profile information SSO, SCO.

Note that the above processing is an example, and the image processing selected in each case is not limited to this.
<< 3-3 >> Effects of Image Processing Device 886 The image processing device 886 outputs an output image signal d361 including profile information d401. For this reason, the apparatus that has acquired the output image signal d361 can perform image processing using suitable profile data when performing image processing of the input image data d372 included in the output image signal d361.

  The profile information d401 includes profile information of profile data for performing any one of image processing [a] to image processing [c]. For this reason, for example, the image confirmed on the display unit 834 of the imaging device 820 can be brought close to the image displayed by the display device that acquires the output image signal d361. That is, in the display device that has acquired the profile information of the profile data for performing the image processing [b], the image processing [b] is performed on the output image signal d361, and the image processing for correcting the difference from the standard model display device. By performing the above, it is possible to bring the display image closer to the image confirmed by the display unit 834. Further, in the display device that has acquired the profile information of the profile data for performing the image processing [c], the display image is brought close to the image confirmed by the display unit 834 by performing the image processing [c] on the output image signal d361. It becomes possible.

<< 3-4 >> Modifications (1) Processing Flag Information The output image signal d361 is processing flag information about whether or not the input image data d372 included in the output image signal d361 is image processed by the image processing device 886. May further be included. Accordingly, the display device that acquires the output image signal d361 can determine whether or not the input image data d372 included in the output image signal d361 is image-processed data. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the display device from performing excessive image processing or image processing that cancels the effect.

(2) Image Processing Device In the above description of the image processing device 886, “the profile information adding unit 892 adds the profile information d401 to the input image data d372 and outputs it” is described.
Here, the profile information adding unit 892 may add the profile information d401 to the output image data d371, which is the result of image processing of the input image data d372, and output it.

  FIG. 99 shows an image processing device 894 as a modification of the image processing device 886. Portions that perform the same functions as those of the image processing device 886 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The image processing apparatus 894 shown in FIG. 99 is characterized in that the profile information adding unit 892 adds profile information d401 to the output image data d371.

  In the image processing apparatus 894 in FIG. 99, the profile data specified by the recommended profile information SSO, SCO is a profile for performing any one of the following image processing [a ′] to image processing [c ′]. It is data. In the image processing [a ′], the color visual processing device 888 determines that the input image data d372 is preferable, or the color processing device 889 determines that the color visual processing signal d373 is preferable. Color processing. Here, in the image processing [a ′], “determined to be suitable” image processing is, for example, image processing used in each of the color visual processing device 888 and the color processing device 889. The image processing [b ′] is image processing for correcting a difference in characteristics between the display unit 834 of the photographing apparatus 820 and the standard model display apparatus. The image processing [c ′] is image processing for correcting a difference in characteristics between the display unit 834 of the image capturing device 820 and the display device that displays an image captured by the image capturing device 820.

Description of the operation of other parts is omitted.
In the image processing device 894, for example, the display device that has acquired the profile information of the profile data for performing the above-described image processing [a ′] reproduces the input image data d372 by performing inverse transformation of the image processing [a ′]. It becomes possible. In addition, in the display device that has acquired the profile information of the profile data for performing image processing [a ′], it is possible to give an instruction not to execute color visual processing or color processing any more. In addition, the display device that has acquired the profile information of the profile data for performing the above-described image processing [b ′] performs the image processing for correcting the difference from the standard model display device, thereby confirming the display image on the display unit 834. It is possible to approximate the image. Further, the display device that has acquired the profile information of the profile data for performing the above-described image processing [c ′] can bring the display image closer to the image confirmed by the display unit 834 by performing the image processing [c ′]. It becomes.

  Further, the image processing apparatus 894 may output an output image signal d361 including the processing flag information described in (4-1) above. Accordingly, the display device that acquires the output image signal d361 can determine that the output image data d371 included in the output image signal d361 is image-processed data, and the display device can perform excessive image processing, It is possible to prevent image processing that cancels the effect.

(3) Image Processing Device The image processing device 886 and the image processing device 894 described above are similar to the user input unit 772 (see FIG. 86) described in [Tenth Embodiment] <Modification> (7). 897, and a device that reflects user input in the selection of profile data.

100 to 101 show an image processing device 896 and an image processing device 898 that include a user input unit 897. The operation of the user input unit 897 is as follows. [Tenth Embodiment] <Modification> (7
Since the operation is the same as that of the user input unit 772 described in FIG.
In the image processing device 896 and the image processing device 898, the color visual processing device 888 includes a visual processing device 753 (see FIG. 80), a visual processing device 753a (see FIG. 82), a visual processing device 753b (see FIG. 83), and visual processing. The visual processing device is substantially the same as any of the devices 753c (see FIG. 84), and includes a visual processing device that can output the recommended profile information SSO. That is, the profile information SSI can be acquired from the user input unit 897 and the recommended profile information SSO can be output.

In the image processing device 896 and the image processing device 898, the color processing device 889 can obtain the profile information SCI from the user input unit 897 and output the recommended profile information SCO.
As a result, the image processing device 896 and the image processing device 898 can optimize the profile data used for image processing at the time of shooting while viewing the image displayed on the display unit 834. At this time, since the profile information SSI and SCI can be given to the color visual processing device 888 and the color processing device 889, it is possible to prevent the processing effect in each device from becoming excessive or canceling out the effect. . Further, the user input unit 897 can perform finer adjustment of image processing. Furthermore, by providing only the profile information SSI and SCI required by the color visual processing device 888 and the color processing device 889, processing information in each device can be reduced, and processing can be performed more easily.

(4)
<< 4-1 >>
In the imaging device 820, the image processing device 832 (see FIG. 96) may be a device that acquires security information and switches profile data used for image processing according to the security information. Here, the security information is information indicating whether or not photographing is permitted in the photographing environment of the photographing device 820 or the degree of permission.

  FIG. 102 shows an image processing device 870 as a modification of the image processing device 832. The image processing device 870 is similar to the image processing device 832 in that it performs image processing on the input image data d372 and outputs output image data d371. The difference between the image processing device 870 and the image processing device 832 is that the image processing device 870 includes a security information input unit 872 that acquires security information in the shooting environment. In addition, portions common to the image processing apparatus 832 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The security information input unit 872 is mainly configured by, for example, an input device that allows a user to directly input security information, a receiving device that acquires security information by wireless, infrared, or wired. Further, the security information input unit 872 outputs profile information SSI and SCI based on the acquired security information.

  Here, the profile information SSI and SCI are information for specifying profile data, respectively, and at least of profile data, tag information such as a number for specifying profile data, and parameter information indicating characteristics of processing of profile data. Contains one. Profile data, tag information, and parameter information are the same as described in the above embodiment.

  The output profile information SSI, SCI specifies profile data that allows higher-quality shooting as the degree of photographing permission indicated by the security information is higher. As the degree of photographing permission is lower, lower-quality photographing is performed. Identify profile data that can only be done.

The operation of the image processing apparatus 870 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 103 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the imaging device 820 including the image processing device 870 in the imaging control area 880 in which imaging is controlled.
In the shooting control area 880, a shooting prohibited object 883 for which shooting is prohibited is arranged. The photographing prohibited object 883 is, for example, a person, a book, or the like that is subject to portrait rights or copyrights. In the imaging control area 880, a security information transmitting device 881 is installed. The security information transmission device 881 transmits security information by radio, infrared, or the like.

  The imaging device 820 in the imaging control area 880 receives security information from the security information input unit 872. The security information input unit 872 determines the degree of photographing permission indicated by the security information. Further, the security information input unit 872 refers to a database or the like that stores the association between the value of the degree of photographing permission and the profile data, and profile information SSI, for specifying the profile data corresponding to the value of the degree of photographing permission. Output SCI. For example, in the database, profile data capable of shooting with higher image quality is associated with a higher value of permission for shooting.

  More specifically, for example, when the photographing device 820 receives security information with a low degree of photographing permission from the security information transmitting device 881, the security information input unit 872 smoothes the vicinity of the center of the image and the main region of the image ( The profile information SSI for specifying the profile data such that the gradation is lowered is output to the color visual processing device 745. Further, the security information input unit 872 outputs profile information SCI for specifying profile data that achromatically renders the image to the color processing device 746. As a result, it becomes impossible to shoot with an appropriate image quality, and rights such as portrait rights and copyrights can be protected.

<< 4-2 >> Others (1)
The security information input unit 872 that has received the security information may not only switch the profile data according to the security information, but may also stop some functions of the image processing device 870 or the imaging device 820.

(2)
The security information input unit 872 that has received the security information further acquires user authentication information from the input unit 850 of the imaging device 820, and a profile that relaxes the degree of imaging permission if the user is permitted to shoot. It may output profile information SSI and SCI for specifying data.

  The user authentication information is, for example, authentication information based on the user's fingerprint / eyeprint. The security information input unit 872 that has acquired the authentication information refers to the database of users permitted to shoot, and determines whether or not the authenticated user is a user permitted to shoot. At this time, the degree of photographing permission may be determined based on the user's billing information, and the higher the degree, the higher the quality of the photographing may be.

Note that the security information may notify information for specifying the photographing device 820 that is permitted to photograph.
(3)
The profile information SSI and SCI may include security information. In this case, the color visual processing device 745 and the color processing device 746 that have acquired the profile information SSI and SCI select profile data based on the security information.

(4)
The security information input unit 872 may also be used as the security determination unit 852.
[First note]
The present invention (particularly the inventions described in the fourth to seventh embodiments) can also be expressed as follows. In addition, in the subordinate form of the supplementary note described in this column ([first supplementary note]), it is subordinate to the supplementary note described in the first supplementary note.

<Contents of the first appendix>
(Appendix 1)
Image region dividing means for dividing the input image signal into a plurality of image regions;
Means for deriving gradation conversion characteristics for each image area, wherein the target is obtained by using gradation characteristics of a target image area from which the gradation conversion characteristics are derived and a peripheral image area of the target image area; Gradation conversion characteristic deriving means for deriving the gradation conversion characteristic of the image area;
Gradation processing means for performing gradation processing of the image signal based on the derived gradation conversion characteristics;
A visual processing device comprising:

(Appendix 2)
The gradation conversion characteristic is a gradation conversion curve,
The gradation conversion characteristic deriving unit includes a histogram generation unit that generates a histogram using the gradation characteristic, and a gradation curve generation unit that generates the gradation conversion curve based on the generated histogram. ing,
The visual processing device according to attachment 1.

(Appendix 3)
The gradation conversion characteristic is a selection signal for selecting one gradation conversion table from among a plurality of gradation conversion tables for gradation-processing the image signal,
The visual processing device according to attachment 1, wherein the gradation processing means includes the plurality of gradation conversion tables as a two-dimensional LUT.

(Appendix 4)
The two-dimensional LUT stores the plurality of gradation conversion tables in the order in which the value of the image signal subjected to gradation processing with respect to the value of the selection signal monotonously increases or decreases monotonously for all values of the image signal. ing,
The visual processing device according to attachment 3.

(Appendix 5)
The two-dimensional LUT can be changed by registering profile data.
The visual processing device according to attachment 3 or 4.
(Appendix 6)
The value of the selection signal is derived as a feature amount of an individual selection signal that is a selection signal derived for each of the target image region and the peripheral image region.
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 3 to 5.

(Appendix 7)
The selection signal is derived based on a gradation characteristic feature amount that is a feature amount derived using the gradation characteristics of the target image region and the peripheral image region.
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 3 to 5.

(Appendix 8)
The gradation processing means includes gradation processing execution means for executing gradation processing of the target image region using the gradation conversion table selected by the selection signal, and gradation of the image signal subjected to the gradation processing. Means for correcting a tone, the target pixel based on the gradation processing table selected for an image area including the target pixel to be corrected and an image area adjacent to the image area including the target pixel Correction means for correcting the gradation of
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 3 to 7.

(Appendix 9)
The gradation processing means corrects the selection signal and derives a correction selection signal for selecting a gradation processing table for each pixel of the image signal; and the gradation selected by the correction selection signal Gradation processing execution means for executing gradation processing of the image signal using a conversion table;
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 3 to 7.

(Appendix 10)
An image region dividing step for dividing the input image signal into a plurality of image regions;
A step of deriving gradation conversion characteristics for each of the image areas, wherein the target is obtained using gradation characteristics of a target image area from which the gradation conversion characteristics are derived and a peripheral image area of the target image area; A gradation conversion characteristic deriving step for deriving the gradation conversion characteristic of the image region;
A gradation processing step for performing gradation processing of the image signal based on the derived gradation conversion characteristics;
A visual processing method comprising:

(Appendix 11)
The gradation conversion characteristic is a gradation conversion curve,
The gradation conversion characteristic derivation step includes a histogram creation step of creating a histogram using the gradation characteristic, and a gradation curve creation step of creating the gradation conversion curve based on the created histogram. ing,
The visual processing method according to attachment 10.

(Appendix 12)
The gradation conversion characteristic is a selection signal for selecting one gradation conversion table from among a plurality of gradation conversion tables for gradation-processing the image signal,
The gradation processing step includes a gradation processing execution step of performing gradation processing of the target image region using the gradation conversion table selected by the selection signal, and a gradation of the image signal subjected to the gradation processing. Correcting the tone, the target pixel based on the gradation processing table selected for the image region including the target pixel to be corrected and the image region adjacent to the image region including the target pixel A correction step for correcting the gradation of
The visual processing method according to attachment 10.

(Appendix 13)
The gradation conversion characteristic is a selection signal for selecting one gradation conversion table from among a plurality of gradation conversion tables for gradation-processing the image signal,
The gradation processing step corrects the selection signal and derives a correction selection signal for selecting a gradation processing table for each pixel of the image signal, and the gradation selected by the correction selection signal A gradation processing execution step for performing gradation processing of the image signal using a conversion table;
The visual processing method according to attachment 10.

(Appendix 14)
A visual processing program for performing a visual processing method by a computer,
The visual processing program is stored in a computer.
An image region dividing step for dividing the input image signal into a plurality of image regions;
A step of deriving gradation conversion characteristics for each of the image areas, wherein the target is obtained using gradation characteristics of a target image area from which the gradation conversion characteristics are derived and a peripheral image area of the target image area; A gradation conversion characteristic deriving step for deriving the gradation conversion characteristic of the image region;
A gradation processing step for performing gradation processing of the image signal based on the derived gradation conversion characteristics;
A visual processing method comprising:
Visual processing program.

(Appendix 15)
The gradation conversion characteristic is a gradation conversion curve,
The gradation conversion characteristic derivation step includes a histogram creation step of creating a histogram using the gradation characteristic, and a gradation curve creation step of creating the gradation conversion curve based on the created histogram. ing,
The visual processing program according to attachment 14.

(Appendix 16)
The gradation conversion characteristic is a selection signal for selecting one gradation conversion table from among a plurality of gradation conversion tables for gradation-processing the image signal,
The gradation processing step includes a gradation processing execution step of performing gradation processing of the target image region using the gradation conversion table selected by the selection signal, and a gradation of the image signal subjected to the gradation processing. Correcting the tone, the target pixel based on the gradation processing table selected for the image region including the target pixel to be corrected and the image region adjacent to the image region including the target pixel A correction step for correcting the gradation of
The visual processing program according to attachment 14.

(Appendix 17)
The gradation conversion characteristic is a selection signal for selecting one gradation conversion table from among a plurality of gradation conversion tables for gradation-processing the image signal,
The gradation processing step corrects the selection signal and derives a correction selection signal for selecting a gradation processing table for each pixel of the image signal, and the gradation selected by the correction selection signal A gradation processing execution step for performing gradation processing of the image signal using a conversion table;
The visual processing program according to attachment 14.

(Appendix 18)
The gradation processing means includes parameter output means for outputting a curve parameter of a gradation conversion curve for gradation processing of the image signal based on the gradation conversion characteristics, and the gradation conversion specification And gradation processing the image signal using the gradation conversion curve specified based on the curve parameter and
The visual processing device according to attachment 1.

(Appendix 19)
The parameter output means is a lookup table that stores a relationship between the gradation conversion characteristics and the curve parameters.
The visual processing device according to appendix 18.

(Appendix 20)
The curve parameter includes a value of the gradation-processed image signal with respect to a predetermined value of the image signal.
The visual processing device according to appendix 18 or 19.

(Appendix 21)
The curve parameter includes an inclination of the gradation conversion curve in a predetermined section of the image signal.
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 18 to 20.

(Appendix 22)
The curve parameter includes coordinates of at least one point through which the gradation conversion curve passes,
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 18 to 21.
(Appendix 23)
A means for deriving a spatial processing signal by performing spatial processing for each of a plurality of image regions in an input image signal, wherein the spatial processing includes a target image region to be subjected to the spatial processing and a peripheral image of the target image region Spatial processing means for performing weighted averaging of gradation characteristics of the target image area and the peripheral image area using weighting based on a difference in gradation characteristics with the area;
Visual processing means for performing visual processing of the target image region based on the gradation characteristics of the target image region and the spatial processing signal;
A visual processing device comprising:

(Appendix 24)
The weighting decreases as the absolute value of the difference in gradation characteristics increases.
The visual processing device according to attachment 23.
(Appendix 25)
The weighting decreases as the distance between the target image area and the peripheral image area increases.
The visual processing device according to attachment 23 or 24.

(Appendix 26)
The image area is composed of a plurality of pixels,
The gradation characteristics of the target image area and the peripheral image area are determined as feature values of pixel values constituting each image area.
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 23 to 25.

<Explanation of the first supplementary note>
The visual processing device according to attachment 1 includes image region dividing means, gradation conversion characteristic deriving means, and gradation processing means. The image area dividing means divides the input image signal into a plurality of image areas. The gradation conversion characteristic deriving means is a means for deriving the gradation conversion characteristic for each image area, and calculates the gradation characteristics between the target image area from which the gradation conversion characteristic is derived and the peripheral image area of the target image area. To derive the gradation conversion characteristics of the target image area. The gradation processing means performs gradation processing of the image signal based on the derived gradation conversion characteristics.

Here, the gradation conversion characteristic is a characteristic of gradation processing for each image region. The gradation characteristics are pixel values such as brightness and brightness for each pixel, for example.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, when determining the gradation conversion characteristics for each image area, not only the gradation characteristics for each image area but also the gradation characteristics of a wide image area including the peripheral image areas are used. Make a decision. For this reason, it is possible to add a spatial processing effect to the gradation processing for each image region, and it is possible to realize gradation processing that further improves the visual effect.

  The visual processing device according to attachment 2 is the visual processing device according to attachment 1, in which the gradation conversion characteristic is a gradation conversion curve. The gradation conversion characteristic deriving unit includes a histogram generation unit that generates a histogram using the gradation characteristic, and a gradation curve generation unit that generates a gradation conversion curve based on the generated histogram.

Here, the histogram is, for example, a distribution with respect to the gradation characteristics of pixels included in the target image region and the peripheral image region. For example, the gradation curve creating means sets a cumulative curve obtained by accumulating histogram values as a gradation conversion curve.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, when creating a histogram, a histogram is created using not only the gradation characteristics for each image area but also a wide range of gradation characteristics including peripheral image areas. For this reason, it is possible to increase the number of divisions of the image signal and to reduce the size of the image area, and it is possible to suppress the generation of the pseudo contour due to the gradation processing. Further, it is possible to prevent the boundary of the image area from being unnaturally conspicuous.

  The visual processing device according to attachment 3 is the visual processing device according to attachment 1, wherein the gradation conversion characteristic is one gradation conversion table among a plurality of gradation conversion tables for gradation processing of an image signal. Is a selection signal for selecting. The gradation processing means has a plurality of gradation conversion tables as a two-dimensional LUT.

Here, the gradation conversion table is, for example, a look-up table (LUT) that stores pixel values of an image signal subjected to gradation processing on pixel values of the image signal.
The selection signal has, for example, a value assigned to one gradation conversion table selected from values assigned to each of the plurality of gradation conversion tables. The gradation processing means outputs the pixel value of the image signal subjected to gradation processing with reference to the two-dimensional LUT from the value of the selection signal and the pixel value of the image signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, gradation processing is performed with reference to a two-dimensional LUT. For this reason, it is possible to speed up the gradation processing. Further, since gradation processing is performed by selecting one gradation conversion table from a plurality of gradation conversion tables, appropriate gradation processing can be performed.
The visual processing device according to appendix 4 is the visual processing device according to appendix 3, wherein the two-dimensional LUT has a value of the image signal subjected to gradation processing with respect to the value of the selection signal in all values of the image signal. A plurality of gradation conversion tables are stored in the order of monotone increase or monotone decrease.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, the value of the selection signal indicates the degree of gradation conversion.
The visual processing device according to attachment 5 is the visual processing device according to attachment 3 or 4, and the two-dimensional LUT can be changed by registering profile data.

Here, the profile data is data stored in the two-dimensional LUT and includes, for example, pixel values of the image signal subjected to gradation processing as elements.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, by changing the two-dimensional LUT, it is possible to variously change the characteristics of gradation processing without changing the hardware configuration.

The visual processing device according to attachment 6 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 3 to 5, wherein the value of the selection signal is derived for each of the target image region and the peripheral image region. It is derived as a feature amount of the individual selection signal that is the selection signal.
Here, the feature amount of the individual selection signal is, for example, an average value (simple average or weighted average), maximum value, or minimum value of the selection signals derived for each image region.

  In the visual processing device of the present invention, the selection signal for the target image region is derived as the feature amount of the selection signal for a wide image region including the peripheral image region. For this reason, it is possible to add a spatial processing effect to the selection signal, and it is possible to prevent the boundary of the image area from being noticeable unnaturally.

The visual processing device according to attachment 7 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 3 to 5, wherein the selection signal is derived using the gradation characteristics of the target image region and the peripheral image region. It is derived based on the gradation characteristic feature quantity which is a quantity.
Here, the gradation characteristic feature amount is, for example, an average value (simple average or weighted average), maximum value, minimum value, or the like of a wide range of gradation characteristics of the target image region and the peripheral image region.

  In the visual processing device of the present invention, the selection signal for the target image region is derived based on the gradation characteristic feature amount for a wide image region including the peripheral image region. For this reason, it is possible to add a spatial processing effect to the selection signal, and it is possible to prevent the boundary of the image area from being noticeable unnaturally.

The visual processing device according to attachment 8 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 3 to 7, in which the gradation processing means includes gradation processing execution means and correction means. The gradation processing execution means executes gradation processing of the target image area using the gradation conversion table selected by the selection signal. The correction unit is a unit that corrects the gradation of the gradation-processed image signal, and is selected for the image area including the target pixel to be corrected and an image area adjacent to the image area including the target pixel. Based on the tone processing table, the gradation of the target pixel is corrected.

  Here, the adjacent image region may be the same image region as the peripheral image region when the gradation conversion characteristic is derived, or may be a different image region. For example, the adjacent image regions are selected as three image regions having a short distance from the target pixel among the image regions adjacent to the image region including the target pixel.

  For example, the correction unit corrects the gradation of the image signal subjected to the gradation processing using the same gradation conversion table for each target image area. The correction of the target pixel is performed so that, for example, the influence of each gradation conversion table selected for the adjacent image region appears according to the position of the target pixel.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, the gradation of the image signal can be corrected for each pixel. For this reason, it is further prevented that the boundary of the image area stands out unnaturally, and the visual effect can be improved.
The visual processing device according to attachment 9 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 3 to 7, wherein the gradation processing means includes a correction means and a gradation processing execution means. The correction means corrects the selection signal and derives a correction selection signal for selecting a gradation processing table for each pixel of the image signal. The gradation processing execution means executes gradation processing of the image signal using a gradation conversion table selected by the correction selection signal.

For example, the correcting unit corrects the selection signal derived for each target image region based on the selection signal derived for the pixel position and the image region adjacent to the target image region, and derives a selection signal for each pixel.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to derive a selection signal for each pixel. For this reason, it is further prevented that the boundary of the image area stands out unnaturally, and the visual effect can be improved.

  The visual processing method according to attachment 10 includes an image region dividing step, a gradation conversion characteristic deriving step, and a gradation processing step. The image region dividing step divides the input image signal into a plurality of image regions. The gradation conversion characteristic deriving step is a step of deriving the gradation conversion characteristic for each image area, and the gradation characteristic between the target image area from which the gradation conversion characteristic is derived and the peripheral image area of the target image area To derive the gradation conversion characteristics of the target image area. In the gradation processing step, gradation processing of the image signal is performed based on the derived gradation conversion characteristics.

Here, the gradation conversion characteristic is a characteristic of gradation processing for each image region. The gradation characteristics are pixel values such as brightness and brightness for each pixel, for example.
In the visual processing method of the present invention, when determining the gradation conversion characteristics for each image area, not only the gradation characteristics for each image area but also the gradation characteristics of a wide image area including the peripheral image areas are used. Make a decision. For this reason, it is possible to add a spatial processing effect to the gradation processing for each image area, and it is possible to realize gradation processing with a higher visual effect.

  The visual processing method according to attachment 11 is the visual processing method according to attachment 10, in which the gradation conversion characteristic is a gradation conversion curve. The gradation conversion characteristic deriving step includes a histogram creation step for creating a histogram using the gradation characteristics, and a gradation curve creation step for creating a gradation conversion curve based on the created histogram.

Here, the histogram is, for example, a distribution with respect to the gradation characteristics of pixels included in the target image region and the peripheral image region. In the gradation curve creating step, for example, a cumulative curve obtained by accumulating histogram values is used as a gradation conversion curve.
In the visual processing method of the present invention, when creating a histogram, the histogram is created using not only the gradation characteristics for each image area but also the wide-range gradation characteristics including the peripheral image areas. For this reason, it is possible to increase the number of divisions of the image signal and to reduce the size of the image area, and it is possible to suppress the generation of the pseudo contour due to the gradation processing. Further, it is possible to prevent the boundary of the image area from being unnaturally conspicuous.

  The visual processing method according to attachment 12 is the visual processing method according to attachment 10, wherein the gradation conversion characteristic is one gradation conversion table among a plurality of gradation conversion tables for gradation processing of an image signal. Is a selection signal for selecting. The gradation processing step has a gradation processing execution step and a correction step. In the gradation processing execution step, gradation processing of the target image area is executed using a gradation conversion table selected by the selection signal. The correction step is a step of correcting the gradation of the image signal that has been subjected to the gradation processing, and is performed for the image area including the target pixel to be corrected and an image area adjacent to the image area including the target pixel. Based on the tone processing table, the gradation of the target pixel is corrected.

  Here, the gradation conversion table is, for example, a look-up table (LUT) that stores pixel values of an image signal subjected to gradation processing on pixel values of the image signal. The adjacent image area may be the same image area as the peripheral image area when the gradation conversion characteristic is derived, or may be a different image area. For example, the adjacent image regions are selected as three image regions having a short distance from the target pixel among the image regions adjacent to the image region including the target pixel.

  The selection signal has, for example, a value assigned to one gradation conversion table selected from values assigned to each of the plurality of gradation conversion tables. In the gradation processing step, the pixel value of the image signal subjected to the gradation processing with reference to the LUT from the value of the selection signal and the pixel value of the image signal is output. In the correction step, for example, the gradation of the image signal subjected to gradation processing is corrected using the same gradation conversion table for each target image area. The correction of the target pixel is performed so that, for example, the influence of each gradation conversion table selected for the adjacent image region appears according to the position of the target pixel.

  In the visual processing method of the present invention, gradation processing is performed with reference to the LUT. For this reason, it is possible to speed up the gradation processing. Further, since gradation processing is performed by selecting one gradation conversion table from a plurality of gradation conversion tables, appropriate gradation processing can be performed. Furthermore, the gradation of the image signal can be corrected for each pixel. For this reason, it is further prevented that the boundary of the image area stands out unnaturally, and the visual effect can be improved.

  The visual processing method according to attachment 13 is the visual processing method according to attachment 10, wherein the gradation conversion characteristic is one gradation conversion table among a plurality of gradation conversion tables for gradation processing of an image signal. Is a selection signal for selecting. Further, the gradation processing step has a correction step and a gradation processing execution step. The correction step corrects the selection signal and derives a correction selection signal for selecting a gradation processing table for each pixel of the image signal. In the gradation processing execution step, gradation processing of the image signal is performed using a gradation conversion table selected by the correction selection signal.

Here, the gradation conversion table is, for example, a look-up table (LUT) that stores pixel values of an image signal subjected to gradation processing on pixel values of the image signal.
The selection signal has, for example, a value assigned to one gradation conversion table selected from values assigned to each of the plurality of gradation conversion tables. In the gradation processing step, the pixel value of the image signal subjected to gradation processing is output with reference to the two-dimensional LUT from the value of the selection signal and the pixel value of the image signal. In the correction step, for example, the selection signal derived for each target image region is corrected based on the pixel position and the selection signal derived for the image region adjacent to the target image region, and a selection signal for each pixel is derived.

In the visual processing method of the present invention, gradation processing is performed with reference to the LUT. For this reason, it is possible to speed up the gradation processing. Further, since gradation processing is performed by selecting one gradation conversion table from a plurality of gradation conversion tables, appropriate gradation processing can be performed. Furthermore, a selection signal can be derived for each pixel. For this reason, it is further prevented that the boundary of the image area stands out unnaturally, and the visual effect can be improved.

  The visual processing program according to attachment 14 is a visual processing program that causes a computer to perform a visual processing method including an image region dividing step, a gradation conversion characteristic deriving step, and a gradation processing step. The image region dividing step divides the input image signal into a plurality of image regions. The gradation conversion characteristic deriving step is a step of deriving the gradation conversion characteristic for each image area, and the gradation characteristic between the target image area from which the gradation conversion characteristic is derived and the peripheral image area of the target image area To derive the gradation conversion characteristics of the target image area. In the gradation processing step, gradation processing of the image signal is performed based on the derived gradation conversion characteristics.

Here, the gradation conversion characteristic is a characteristic of gradation processing for each image region. The gradation characteristics are pixel values such as brightness and brightness for each pixel, for example.
In the visual processing program of the present invention, when determining the gradation conversion characteristics for each image area, not only the gradation characteristics for each image area but also the gradation characteristics of a wide image area including the peripheral image areas are used. Make a decision. For this reason, it is possible to add a spatial processing effect to the gradation processing for each image area, and it is possible to realize gradation processing with a higher visual effect.

  The visual processing program according to attachment 15 is the visual processing program according to attachment 14 in which the gradation conversion characteristic is a gradation conversion curve. The gradation conversion characteristic deriving step includes a histogram creation step for creating a histogram using the gradation characteristics, and a gradation curve creation step for creating a gradation conversion curve based on the created histogram.

Here, the histogram is, for example, a distribution with respect to the gradation characteristics of pixels included in the target image region and the peripheral image region. In the gradation curve creating step, for example, a cumulative curve obtained by accumulating histogram values is used as a gradation conversion curve.
In the visual processing program of the present invention, when creating a histogram, the histogram is created using not only the gradation characteristics for each image area but also the wide-range gradation characteristics including the peripheral image areas. For this reason, it is possible to increase the number of divisions of the image signal and to reduce the size of the image area, and it is possible to suppress the generation of the pseudo contour due to the gradation processing. Further, it is possible to prevent the boundary of the image area from being unnaturally conspicuous.

  The visual processing program according to attachment 16 is the visual processing program according to attachment 14, wherein the gradation conversion characteristic is one gradation conversion table among a plurality of gradation conversion tables for gradation processing of an image signal. Is a selection signal for selecting. The gradation processing step has a gradation processing execution step and a correction step. In the gradation processing execution step, gradation processing of the target image area is executed using a gradation conversion table selected by the selection signal. The correction step is a step of correcting the gradation of the image signal that has been subjected to the gradation processing, and is performed for the image area including the target pixel to be corrected and an image area adjacent to the image area including the target pixel. Based on the tone processing table, the gradation of the target pixel is corrected.

  Here, the gradation conversion table is, for example, a look-up table (LUT) that stores pixel values of an image signal subjected to gradation processing on pixel values of the image signal. The adjacent image area may be the same image area as the peripheral image area when the gradation conversion characteristic is derived, or may be a different image area. For example, the adjacent image regions are selected as three image regions having a short distance from the target pixel among the image regions adjacent to the image region including the target pixel.

The selection signal has, for example, a value assigned to one gradation conversion table selected from values assigned to each of the plurality of gradation conversion tables. In the gradation processing step, the pixel value of the image signal subjected to the gradation processing with reference to the LUT from the value of the selection signal and the pixel value of the image signal is output. In the correction step, for example, the gradation of the image signal subjected to gradation processing is corrected using the same gradation conversion table for each target image area. The correction of the target pixel is performed so that, for example, the influence of each gradation conversion table selected for the adjacent image region appears according to the position of the target pixel.

  In the visual processing program of the present invention, gradation processing is performed with reference to the LUT. For this reason, it is possible to speed up the gradation processing. Further, since gradation processing is performed by selecting one gradation conversion table from a plurality of gradation conversion tables, appropriate gradation processing can be performed. Furthermore, the gradation of the image signal can be corrected for each pixel. For this reason, it is further prevented that the boundary of the image area stands out unnaturally, and the visual effect can be improved.

  The visual processing program according to attachment 17 is the visual processing program according to attachment 14, wherein the gradation conversion characteristic is one gradation conversion table among a plurality of gradation conversion tables for gradation processing of an image signal. Is a selection signal for selecting. Further, the gradation processing step has a correction step and a gradation processing execution step. The correction step corrects the selection signal and derives a correction selection signal for selecting a gradation processing table for each pixel of the image signal. In the gradation processing execution step, gradation processing of the image signal is performed using a gradation conversion table selected by the correction selection signal.

Here, the gradation conversion table is, for example, a look-up table (LUT) that stores pixel values of an image signal subjected to gradation processing on pixel values of the image signal.
The selection signal has, for example, a value assigned to one gradation conversion table selected from values assigned to each of the plurality of gradation conversion tables. In the gradation processing step, the pixel value of the image signal subjected to gradation processing is output with reference to the two-dimensional LUT from the value of the selection signal and the pixel value of the image signal. In the correction step, for example, the selection signal derived for each target image region is corrected based on the pixel position and the selection signal derived for the image region adjacent to the target image region, and a selection signal for each pixel is derived.

  In the visual processing program of the present invention, gradation processing is performed with reference to the LUT. For this reason, it is possible to speed up the gradation processing. Further, since gradation processing is performed by selecting one gradation conversion table from a plurality of gradation conversion tables, appropriate gradation processing can be performed. Furthermore, a selection signal can be derived for each pixel. For this reason, it is further prevented that the boundary of the image area stands out unnaturally, and the visual effect can be improved.

  The visual processing device according to attachment 18 is the visual processing device according to attachment 1, in which the gradation processing means uses the gradation conversion characteristics of the gradation conversion curve for gradation processing of the image signal as gradation conversion characteristics. Parameter output means for outputting based on the above. The gradation processing means performs gradation processing on the image signal using a gradation conversion curve specified based on the gradation conversion specification and the curve parameter.

  Here, the gradation conversion curve includes at least a part that is a straight line. The curve parameter is a parameter for distinguishing the gradation conversion curve from other gradation conversion curves, such as the coordinates on the gradation conversion curve, the gradient of the gradation conversion curve, and the curvature. The parameter output means is, for example, a lookup table that stores curve parameters for gradation conversion characteristics, or an operation means for obtaining curve parameters by calculation such as curve approximation using curve parameters for predetermined gradation conversion characteristics.

  In the visual processing device of the present invention, gradation processing is performed on an image signal according to gradation conversion characteristics. For this reason, it is possible to perform gradation processing more appropriately. Further, it is not necessary to store in advance the values of all the gradation conversion curves used for gradation processing, and gradation processing is performed by specifying the gradation conversion curve from the output curve parameters. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity for storing the gradation conversion curve.

The visual processing device according to attachment 19 is the visual processing device according to attachment 18 in which the parameter output means is a look-up table that stores the relationship between the gradation conversion characteristics and the curve parameters.
The look-up table stores the relationship between gradation conversion characteristics and curve parameters. The gradation processing means performs gradation processing on the image signal using the specified gradation conversion curve.

  In the visual processing device of the present invention, gradation processing is performed on an image signal according to gradation conversion characteristics. For this reason, it is possible to perform gradation processing more appropriately. Further, it is not necessary to store in advance the values of all the gradation conversion curves used, and only the curve parameters are stored. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity for storing the gradation conversion curve.

The visual processing device according to attachment 20 is the visual processing device according to attachment 18 or 19, wherein the curve parameter includes a value of the image signal subjected to gradation processing with respect to a predetermined value of the image signal.
The tone processing means uses the relationship between the predetermined value of the image signal and the value of the image signal to be visually processed to nonlinearly or linearly divide the value of the tone processed image signal included in the curve parameter. Then, the value of the gradation-processed image signal is derived.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to perform gradation processing by specifying a gradation conversion curve from the value of a gradation-processed image signal for a predetermined value of the image signal.
The visual processing device according to attachment 21 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 18 to 20, wherein the curve parameter includes the slope of the gradation conversion curve in a predetermined section of the image signal.

In the gradation processing means, the gradation conversion curve is specified by the slope of the gradation conversion curve in a predetermined section of the image signal. Furthermore, the value of the image signal subjected to the gradation process with respect to the value of the image signal is derived using the specified gradation conversion curve.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to specify a gradation conversion curve based on the gradient of the gradation conversion curve in a predetermined section of the image signal and perform gradation processing.

The visual processing device according to attachment 22 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 18 to 21, wherein the curve parameter includes coordinates of at least one point through which the gradation conversion curve passes.
In the curve parameter, the coordinates of at least one point through which the gradation conversion curve passes are specified. That is, at least one point of the value of the image signal after gradation processing with respect to the value of the image signal is specified. The gradation processing means uses the relationship between the value of the specified image signal and the value of the image signal to be visually processed, so that the value of the specified image signal after gradation processing is nonlinearly or linearly included. By dividing, the value of the image signal subjected to gradation processing is derived.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, the gradation conversion curve can be identified and the gradation processing can be performed by the coordinates of at least one point through which the gradation conversion curve passes.
The visual processing device according to attachment 23 includes spatial processing means and visual processing means. The spatial processing means is means for performing spatial processing for each of a plurality of image regions in the input image signal to derive a spatial processing signal. In spatial processing, weighting of gradation characteristics between the target image area and the surrounding image area is performed using weighting based on a difference in gradation characteristics between the target image area to be subjected to spatial processing and the surrounding image area of the target image area. Do the average. The visual processing means performs visual processing of the target image area based on the gradation characteristics of the target image area and the spatial processing signal.

  Here, the image area means an area including a plurality of pixels in the image, or a pixel itself. The gradation characteristics are values based on pixel values such as brightness and brightness for each pixel. For example, the gradation characteristics of the image area include an average value (simple average or weighted average) of pixel values included in the image area, a maximum value, or a minimum value.

The spatial processing means performs spatial processing of the target image region using the gradation characteristics of the peripheral image region. In the spatial processing, the gradation characteristics of the target image area and the peripheral image area are weighted averaged. The weight in the weighted average is set based on a difference in gradation characteristics between the target image area and the peripheral image area.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the influence of the spatially processed signal from image areas having greatly different gradation characteristics. For example, it is possible to derive an appropriate spatial processing signal even when the peripheral image region is an image including the boundary of an object and the gradation characteristics are significantly different from the target image region. As a result, even in visual processing using a spatial processing signal, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of pseudo contours. For this reason, it is possible to realize visual processing that improves the visual effect.

The visual processing device according to attachment 24 is the visual processing device according to attachment 23, in which the weighting decreases as the absolute value of the difference in gradation characteristics increases.
Here, the weight may be given as a value that monotonously decreases in accordance with a difference in gradation characteristics, or is set to a predetermined value by comparing a predetermined threshold value with a difference in gradation characteristics. It may be a thing.

  In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the influence of the spatially processed signal from image areas having greatly different gradation characteristics. For example, it is possible to derive an appropriate spatial processing signal even when the peripheral image region is an image including the boundary of an object and the gradation characteristics are significantly different from the target image region. As a result, even in visual processing using a spatial processing signal, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of pseudo contours. For this reason, it is possible to realize visual processing that improves the visual effect.

The visual processing device according to attachment 25 is the visual processing device according to attachment 23 or 24, in which the weighting decreases as the distance between the target image region and the peripheral image region increases.
Here, the weight may be given as a value that monotonously decreases in accordance with the distance between the target image area and the surrounding image area, or may be determined by comparing the predetermined threshold with the distance. It may be set to the value of.

  In the visual processing device according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the influence of the spatial processing signal from the peripheral image region that is separated from the target image region. Therefore, if the peripheral image area is an image including the boundary of the object and the gradation characteristics are significantly different from the target image area, the peripheral image area is separated from the target image area. It is possible to suppress the influence from the region and derive a more appropriate spatial processing signal.

The visual processing device according to attachment 26 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 23 to 25, in which the image area is composed of a plurality of pixels. The gradation characteristics of the target image area and the peripheral image area are determined as feature values of pixel values constituting each image area.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, when performing spatial processing for each image region, not only the pixels included in each image region, but also the gradation characteristics of pixels included in a wide image region including peripheral image regions. To process. For this reason, it is possible to perform more appropriate spatial processing. As a result, even in visual processing using a spatial processing signal, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of pseudo contours. For this reason, it is possible to realize visual processing that improves the visual effect.

[Second note]
The present invention can also be expressed as follows. In addition, in the subordinate form of the supplementary note described in this column ([second supplementary note]), it is subordinate to the supplementary note described in the second supplementary note.
<Content of second supplementary note>
(Appendix 1)
Input signal processing means for performing certain processing on the input image signal and outputting the processed signal;
Visual processing means for outputting the output signal based on a two-dimensional LUT that gives a relationship between the input image signal and the processed signal and an output signal that is the visually processed image signal;
A visual processing device comprising:

(Appendix 2)
In the two-dimensional LUT, the image signal and the output signal are in a non-linear relationship.
The visual processing device according to attachment 1.
(Appendix 3)
In the two-dimensional LUT, both the image signal and the processing signal and the output signal are in a non-linear relationship.
The visual processing device according to attachment 2.

(Appendix 4)
The value of each element of the two-dimensional LUT is determined based on a mathematical formula including an operation for enhancing a value calculated from the image signal and the processed signal.
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 3.

(Appendix 5)
The processing signal is a signal obtained by performing the certain processing on the image signal of the target pixel and the surrounding pixels of the target pixel.
The visual processing device according to attachment 4.

(Appendix 6)
The operation to be emphasized is a non-linear function.
The visual processing device according to appendix 4 or 5.
(Appendix 7)
The enhancement operation is an enhancement function that emphasizes a difference between respective conversion values obtained by performing predetermined conversion on the image signal and the processing signal.
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 4 to 6.

(Appendix 8)
The value C of each element of the two-dimensional LUT is expressed by the equation F2 for the value A of the image signal, the value B of the processed signal, the conversion function F1, the inverse conversion function F2 of the conversion function F1, and the enhancement function F3. Determined based on (F1 (A) + F3 (F1 (A) −F1 (B))),
The visual processing device according to appendix 7.

(Appendix 9)
The conversion function F1 is a logarithmic function.
The visual processing device according to attachment 8.
(Appendix 10)
The inverse transformation function F2 is a gamma correction function.
The visual processing device according to attachment 8.

(Appendix 11)
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 4 to 6, wherein the enhancement operation is an enhancement function that enhances a ratio between the image signal and the processing signal.
(Appendix 12)
The value C of each element of the two-dimensional LUT is expressed by the equation F4 (A) * F5 (A /) with respect to the value A of the image signal, the value B of the processed signal, the dynamic range compression function F4, and the enhancement function F5. B)
The visual processing device according to attachment 11.

(Appendix 13)
The dynamic range compression function F4 is a monotonically increasing function.
The visual processing device according to attachment 12.
(Appendix 14)
The dynamic range compression function F4 is an upward convex function.
The visual processing device according to attachment 13.

(Appendix 15)
The dynamic range compression function F4 is a power function.
The visual processing device according to attachment 12.
(Appendix 16)
The dynamic range compression function F4 is a direct proportional function with a proportional coefficient of 1.
The visual processing device according to attachment 12.

(Appendix 17)
The enhancement function F5 is a power function.
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 12 to 16.
(Appendix 18)
The mathematical expression further includes an operation for performing dynamic range compression on a ratio between the image signal enhanced by the enhancement function and the processed signal.
The visual processing device according to attachment 11.

(Appendix 19)
The enhancement operation includes a function for enhancing a difference between the image signal and the processing signal according to a value of the image signal.
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 4 to 6.

(Appendix 20)
The value C of each element of the two-dimensional LUT is expressed by Formula F8 (A) with respect to the value A of the image signal, the value B of the processing signal, the enhancement amount adjustment function F6, the enhancement function F7, and the dynamic range compression function F8. Determined based on + F6 (A) * F7 (AB),
The visual processing device according to appendix 19.

(Appendix 21)
The dynamic range compression function F8 is a monotonically increasing function.
The visual processing device according to appendix 20.
(Appendix 22)
The dynamic range compression function F8 is an upward convex function.
The visual processing device according to attachment 21.

(Appendix 23)
The dynamic range compression function F8 is a power function.
The visual processing device according to appendix 20.
(Appendix 24)
The dynamic range compression function F8 is a direct proportional function with a proportional coefficient of 1.
The visual processing device according to appendix 20.

(Appendix 25)
The mathematical expression further includes an operation of adding a value obtained by dynamic range compression of the image signal to a value enhanced by the enhancement operation.
The visual processing device according to appendix 19.

(Appendix 26)
The calculation for enhancing is an enhancement function for enhancing the difference between the image signal and the processed signal,
The mathematical expression further includes a calculation for correcting a gradation of a value obtained by adding the value of the image signal to the value emphasized by the enhancement function.
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 4 to 6.

(Appendix 27)
The value C of each element of the two-dimensional LUT is expressed by Formula F10 (A + F9 (A−B)) with respect to the value A of the image signal, the value B of the processing signal, the enhancement function F9, and the gradation correction function F10. Determined based on
The visual processing device according to attachment 26.

(Appendix 28)
The calculation for enhancing is an enhancement function for enhancing the difference between the image signal and the processed signal,
The mathematical expression further includes an operation of adding a gradation corrected value of the image signal to a value enhanced by the enhancement function.
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 4 to 6.

(Appendix 29)
The value C of each element of the two-dimensional LUT is expressed by the formula F12 (A) + F11 (A−B) with respect to the value A of the image signal, the value B of the processing signal, the enhancement function F11, and the gradation correction function F12. )
The visual processing device according to attachment 28.

(Appendix 30)
In the two-dimensional LUT, values stored for the image signal and the processed signal having the same value are in a monotonically increasing or monotonically decreasing relationship with respect to the image signal and the processed signal value. ,
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 29.

(Appendix 31)
The two-dimensional LUT stores a relationship between the image signal and the output signal as a gradation conversion curve group including a plurality of gradation conversion curves.
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 3.

(Appendix 32)
Each of the gradation conversion curve groups increases monotonously with respect to the value of the image signal.
The visual processing device according to attachment 31.
(Appendix 33)
The processing signal is a signal for selecting a corresponding gradation conversion curve from the plurality of gradation conversion curve groups.
The visual processing device according to attachment 31 or 32.

(Appendix 34)
The value of the processing signal is associated with at least one gradation conversion curve included in the plurality of gradation conversion curve groups.
The visual processing device according to attachment 33.

(Appendix 35)
In the two-dimensional LUT, profile data created in advance by a predetermined calculation is registered.
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 34.

(Appendix 36)
The two-dimensional LUT can be changed by registering profile data.
The visual processing device according to attachment 35.
(Appendix 37)
Profile data registration means for causing the visual processing means to register the profile data;
The visual processing device according to attachment 35 or 36.

(Appendix 38)
The visual processing means obtains the profile data created by an external device;
The visual processing device according to attachment 35.

(Appendix 39)
The two-dimensional LUT can be changed by the acquired profile data.
The visual processing device according to attachment 38.
(Appendix 40)
The visual processing means obtains the profile data via a communication network;
40. The visual processing device according to appendix 38 or 39.

(Appendix 41)
The visual processing device according to attachment 35, further comprising profile data creation means for creating the profile data.
(Appendix 42)
The profile data creating means creates the profile data based on a histogram of gradation characteristics of the image signal.
The visual processing device according to attachment 41.

(Appendix 43)
The profile data registered in the two-dimensional LUT is switched according to a predetermined condition.
The visual processing device according to attachment 35.

(Appendix 44)
The predetermined condition is a condition relating to brightness.
The visual processing device according to attachment 43.
(Appendix 45)
The brightness is the brightness of the image signal.
The visual processing device according to appendix 44.

(Appendix 46)
A lightness determination means for determining the brightness of the image signal;
The profile data registered in the two-dimensional LUT is switched according to the determination result of the lightness determination means.
The visual processing device according to attachment 45.

(Appendix 47)
Further comprising a brightness input means for inputting conditions relating to the brightness;
The profile data registered in the two-dimensional LUT is switched according to the input result of the brightness input means.
The visual processing device according to appendix 44.

(Appendix 48)
The brightness input means inputs the brightness of the output environment of the output signal, or the brightness of the input environment of the input signal.
The visual processing device according to appendix 47.

(Appendix 49)
A brightness detecting means for detecting at least two types of brightness;
The profile data registered in the two-dimensional LUT is switched according to the detection result of the brightness detection means.
The visual processing device according to appendix 44.

(Appendix 50)
The brightness detected by the brightness detection means includes the brightness of the image signal and the brightness of the output environment of the output signal or the brightness of the input environment of the input signal.
The visual processing device according to appendix 49.

(Appendix 51)
Profile data selection means for selecting the profile data registered in the two-dimensional LUT,
The profile data registered in the two-dimensional LUT is switched according to the selection result of the profile data selection means.
The visual processing device according to attachment 43.

(Appendix 52)
The profile data selection means is an input device for selecting a profile.
The visual processing device according to attachment 51.

(Appendix 53)
An image characteristic determining means for determining an image characteristic of the image signal;
The profile data registered in the two-dimensional LUT is switched according to the determination result of the image characteristic determination unit.
The visual processing device according to attachment 43.

(Appendix 54)
A user identification means for identifying the user;
The profile data registered in the two-dimensional LUT is switched according to the identification result of the user identification means.
The visual processing device according to attachment 43.

(Appendix 55)
The visual processing means interpolates a value stored in the two-dimensional LUT and outputs the output signal;
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 54.

(Appendix 56)
The interpolation calculation is linear interpolation based on the value of at least one lower bit of the image signal or the processing signal expressed in binary number.
The visual processing device according to attachment 55.

(Appendix 57)
The input signal processing means performs spatial processing on the image signal.
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 56.
(Appendix 58)
The input signal processing means generates an unsharp signal from the image signal;
The visual processing device according to appendix 57.

(Appendix 59)
In the spatial processing, an average value, a maximum value, or a minimum value of the image signal is derived.
The visual processing device according to appendix 57 or 58.
(Appendix 60)
The visual processing means performs spatial processing and gradation processing using the input image signal and processing signal.
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 59.

(Appendix 61)
An input signal processing step for performing a certain process on the input image signal and outputting a processed signal;
A visual processing step of outputting the output signal based on a two-dimensional LUT that provides a relationship between the input image signal and the processed signal and an output signal that is the visually processed image signal;
Visual processing method with

(Appendix 62)
A visual processing program for performing a visual processing method by a computer,
The visual processing program is:
An input signal processing step for performing a certain process on the input image signal and outputting a processed signal;
A visual processing step of outputting the output signal based on a two-dimensional LUT that provides a relationship between the input image signal and the processed signal and an output signal that is the visually processed image signal;
A computer for performing a visual processing method comprising:
Visual processing program.

(Appendix 63)
An integrated circuit including the visual processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 60.
(Appendix 64)
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 60;
Display means for displaying the output signal output from the visual processing device;
A display device comprising:

(Appendix 65)
Photographing means for photographing images;
The visual processing device according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 60, wherein visual processing is performed using the image captured by the imaging unit as the image signal;
An imaging device comprising:

(Appendix 66)
Data receiving means for receiving communication or broadcast image data;
The visual processing device according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 60, wherein visual processing is performed using the received image data as the image signal;
Display means for displaying the image signal visually processed by the visual processing device;
A portable information terminal comprising:

(Appendix 67)
Photographing means for photographing images;
The visual processing device according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 60, wherein visual processing is performed using the image captured by the imaging unit as the image signal;
Data transmission means for transmitting the visually processed image signal;
A portable information terminal comprising:

(Appendix 68)
An image processing apparatus that performs image processing of an input image signal that has been input,
Profile data creating means for creating profile data used for image processing based on a plurality of profile data for performing different image processing;
Image processing execution means for performing the image processing using the profile data created by the profile data creation means;
An image processing apparatus comprising:

(Appendix 69)
An image processing apparatus that performs image processing of an input image signal that has been input,
Profile information output means for outputting profile information for specifying profile data used in the image processing;
Image processing execution means for performing the image processing using profile data specified based on information output from the profile information output means;
An image processing apparatus comprising:

(Appendix 70)
The profile information output means outputs the profile information according to a display environment for displaying the input image signal subjected to the image processing.
70. The image processing apparatus according to appendix 69.

(Appendix 71)
The profile information output means outputs the profile information according to information related to profile data among information included in the input image signal.
70. The image processing apparatus according to appendix 69.

(Appendix 72)
The profile information output means outputs the profile information according to the information related to the acquired characteristics of the image processing.
70. The image processing apparatus according to appendix 69.

(Appendix 73)
The profile information output means outputs the profile information according to information related to the environment in which the input image signal is generated.
70. The image processing apparatus according to appendix 69.

(Appendix 74)
The input image signal includes image data and attribute information of the input image signal,
The profile information output means outputs the profile information according to the attribute information.
70. The image processing apparatus according to appendix 69.

(Appendix 75)
The attribute information includes overall attribute information related to the entire image data.
75. The image processing apparatus according to appendix 74.
(Appendix 76)
The attribute information includes partial attribute information related to a part of the image data.
76. The image processing apparatus according to appendix 74 or 75.

(Appendix 77)
The attribute information includes generation environment attribute information related to an environment in which the input image signal is generated.
75. The image processing apparatus according to appendix 74.

(Appendix 78)
The attribute information includes medium attribute information related to the medium from which the input image signal is acquired.
75. The image processing apparatus according to appendix 74.

(Appendix 79)
In the image processing device according to any one of appendices 68 to 78,
The profile data is a two-dimensional LUT,
The image processing execution means includes the visual processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 60,
An image processing apparatus.

(Appendix 80)
Image processing execution means for performing image processing on the input image signal input;
Profile information output means for outputting profile information for specifying profile data for performing image processing suitable for the input image signal input;
Profile information addition means for adding the profile information to the input image signal or the input image signal image-processed by the image processing execution means;
An image processing apparatus comprising:

(Appendix 81)
An integrated circuit including the image processing device according to any one of appendices 68 to 80.
(Appendix 82)
The image processing apparatus according to any one of appendices 68 to 80;
Display means for displaying the input image signal image-processed by the image processing device;
A display device comprising:

(Appendix 83)
Photographing means for photographing images;
The image processing apparatus according to any one of appendices 68 to 80, which performs image processing using the image captured by the imaging unit as the input image signal;
An imaging device comprising:

(Appendix 84)
Data receiving means for receiving communication or broadcast image data;
The image processing apparatus according to any one of appendices 68 to 80, which performs image processing using the received image data as the input image signal;
Display means for displaying the input image signal image-processed by the image processing device;
A portable information terminal comprising:

(Appendix 85)
Photographing means for photographing images;
The image processing apparatus according to any one of appendices 68 to 80, which performs image processing using the image captured by the imaging unit as the input image signal;
Data transmitting means for transmitting the input image signal subjected to the image processing;
A portable information terminal comprising:

<Explanation of second supplementary note>
The visual processing device according to attachment 1 includes input signal processing means and visual processing means. The input signal processing means performs a certain process on the input image signal and outputs a processed signal. The visual processing means outputs an output signal based on the input image signal and the two-dimensional LUT that gives the relationship between the processed signal and the output signal that is the visually processed image signal.

Here, the fixed processing is, for example, direct or indirect processing for the image signal, and includes processing for converting the pixel value of the image signal such as spatial processing or gradation processing.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, visual processing is performed using a two-dimensional LUT that describes the relationship between the image signal and the processed signal and the visually processed output signal. Therefore, it is possible to realize a hardware configuration that does not depend on the function of the two-dimensional LUT. That is, it is possible to realize a hardware configuration that does not depend on visual processing realized as the entire apparatus.

The visual processing device according to attachment 2 is the visual processing device according to attachment 1, and in the two-dimensional LUT, the image signal and the output signal are in a non-linear relationship.
Here, that the image signal and the output signal are in a non-linear relationship means that, for example, the value of each element of the two-dimensional LUT is expressed by a non-linear function with respect to the image signal or formulated by a function. It means difficult things.

With the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, it is possible to realize visual processing that matches the visual characteristics of the image signal or visual processing that matches the nonlinear characteristics of the device that outputs the output signal.
The visual processing device according to attachment 3 is the visual processing device according to attachment 2, and in the two-dimensional LUT, both the image signal and the processing signal and the output signal are in a non-linear relationship.

Here, both the image signal and the processed signal and the output signal are in a non-linear relationship. For example, the value of each element of the two-dimensional LUT is expressed by a non-linear function of two variables with respect to the image signal and the processed signal. It means that it is difficult to formulate by function or function.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, even if the value of the image signal is the same, if the value of the processed signal is different, different visual processing can be realized depending on the value of the processed signal.

The visual processing device according to attachment 4 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 1 to 3, wherein the value of each element of the two-dimensional LUT emphasizes the value calculated from the image signal and the processing signal It is determined based on a mathematical formula including an operation to be performed.
Here, the value calculated from the image signal and the processed signal is, for example, a value obtained by four arithmetic operations of the image signal and the processed signal, or a value obtained by converting the image signal or the processed signal with a certain function. It is a value obtained by this. The calculation for emphasizing is, for example, a calculation for adjusting a gain, a calculation for suppressing excessive contrast, a calculation for suppressing a noise component having a small amplitude, or the like.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to emphasize the value calculated from the image signal and the processed signal.
The visual processing device according to attachment 5 is the visual processing device according to attachment 4, wherein the processing signal is a signal obtained by performing a certain process on the image signal of the pixel of interest and the surrounding pixels of the pixel of interest. .

Here, the fixed processing is, for example, spatial processing using surrounding pixels with respect to the target pixel, and is processing for deriving an average value, maximum value, minimum value, or the like between the target pixel and the surrounding pixels.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, even when visual processing is performed on a pixel of interest having the same value, different visual processing can be realized due to the influence of surrounding pixels.

The visual processing device according to attachment 6 is the visual processing device according to attachment 4 or 5, wherein the calculation to be emphasized is a non-linear function.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, it is possible to realize enhancement suited to the visual characteristics of an image signal or enhancement suitable to the nonlinear characteristics of a device that outputs an output signal.

The visual processing device according to attachment 7 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 4 to 6, in which the calculation to be emphasized is performed by performing a predetermined conversion on the image signal and the processing signal. It is an enhancement function that emphasizes the difference between values.
Here, the enhancement function is, for example, a function for adjusting a gain, a function for suppressing excessive contrast, a function for suppressing a noise component having a small amplitude, or the like.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to emphasize the difference between the image signal and the processing signal after converting them into different spaces. Thereby, for example, it is possible to realize enhancement suitable for visual characteristics.
The visual processing device according to attachment 8 is the visual processing device according to attachment 7, in which the value C of each element of the two-dimensional LUT is the value A of the image signal, the value B of the processing signal, the conversion function F1, the conversion The inverse transformation function F2 and the enhancement function F3 of the function F1 are determined based on the formula F2 (F1 (A) + F3 (F1 (A) −F1 (B))).

  Here, the two-dimensional LUT is an LUT that gives a value C of each element with respect to two inputs of an image signal value A and a processing signal value B (hereinafter the same in this column). Further, the value of each signal may be the value of each signal itself or an approximate value of the values (hereinafter the same in this column). The enhancement function F3 is, for example, a function for adjusting a gain, a function for suppressing excessive contrast, a function for suppressing a noise component with a small amplitude, or the like.

  Here, the value C of each element indicates the following. That is, the value A of the image signal and the value B of the processing signal are converted into values on different spaces by the conversion function F1. The difference between the value of the image signal after conversion and the value of the processing signal represents, for example, a sharp signal in another space. The difference between the converted image signal enhanced by the enhancement function F3 and the processed signal is added to the converted image signal. Accordingly, the value C of each element indicates a value in which the sharp signal component in another space is emphasized.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, processing such as edge enhancement and contrast enhancement in another space can be performed using the value A of the image signal and the value B of the processing signal converted into another space.
The visual processing device according to attachment 9 is the visual processing device according to attachment 8 in which the conversion function F1 is a logarithmic function.

Here, human visual characteristics are generally logarithmic. For this reason, when the image signal and the processed signal are processed after being converted into the logarithmic space, it is possible to perform a process suitable for the visual characteristic.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to perform contrast enhancement with high visual effect or dynamic range compression that maintains local contrast.

The visual processing device according to attachment 10 is the visual processing device according to attachment 8, wherein the inverse transformation function F2 is a gamma correction function.
Here, the image signal is generally subjected to gamma correction by a gamma correction function in accordance with the gamma characteristic of a device that inputs and outputs the image signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to remove the gamma correction of the image signal by the conversion function F1 and perform processing based on linear characteristics. As a result, optical blur correction can be performed.
The visual processing device according to attachment 11 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 4 to 6, in which the calculation to enhance is an enhancement function that enhances the ratio between the image signal and the processing signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, the ratio between the image signal and the processed signal represents the sharp component of the image signal. Therefore, for example, it is possible to perform visual processing that emphasizes the sharp component.
The visual processing device according to attachment 12 is the visual processing device according to attachment 11, in which the value C of each element of the two-dimensional LUT includes the value A of the image signal, the value B of the processing signal, and the dynamic range compression function F4. The enhancement function F5 is determined based on the formula F4 (A) * F5 (A / B).

  Here, the value C of each element indicates the following. That is, the amount of division (A / B) between the value A of the image signal and the value B of the processing signal represents, for example, a sharp signal. F5 (A / B) represents, for example, the enhancement amount of the sharp signal. These show processing equivalent to converting the value A of the image signal and the value B of the processing signal into a logarithmic space and emphasizing each difference, and emphasis processing suitable for visual characteristics is performed. Yes.

With the visual processing device of this invention, it is possible to enhance local contrast while compressing the dynamic range as necessary.
The visual processing device according to attachment 13 is the visual processing device according to attachment 12, wherein the dynamic range compression function F4 is a monotonically increasing function.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to enhance local contrast while performing dynamic range compression using the dynamic range compression function F4 that is a monotonically increasing function.
The visual processing device according to attachment 14 is the visual processing device according to attachment 13 in which the dynamic range compression function F4 is a convex function.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to enhance local contrast while performing dynamic range compression using the dynamic range compression function F4 that is a convex function.
The visual processing device according to attachment 15 is the visual processing device according to attachment 12, in which the dynamic range compression function F4 is a power function.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to enhance local contrast while performing dynamic range conversion using the dynamic range compression function F4, which is a power function.
The visual processing device according to attachment 16 is the visual processing device according to attachment 12 in which the dynamic range compression function F4 is a direct proportional function with a proportionality factor of 1.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to enhance the contrast uniformly from the dark part to the bright part of the image signal. This contrast enhancement is an enhancement process suitable for visual characteristics.
The visual processing device according to attachment 17 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 12 to 16, in which the enhancement function F5 is a power function.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to enhance local contrast while performing dynamic range conversion using the enhancement function F5 that is a power function.
The visual processing device according to attachment 18 is the visual processing device according to attachment 11, wherein the mathematical expression further performs an operation for performing dynamic range compression on a ratio of the image signal emphasized by the enhancement function and the processing signal. Including.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, the dynamic range can be compressed while enhancing the sharp component of the image signal represented by the ratio between the image signal and the processed signal.
The visual processing device according to attachment 19 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 4 to 6, in which the calculation to enhance emphasizes the difference between the image signal and the processing signal in accordance with the value of the image signal. Function to be included.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, a sharp component of an image signal that is a difference between the image signal and the processed signal can be enhanced according to the value of the image signal. For this reason, it is possible to perform appropriate enhancement from the dark part to the bright part of the image signal.
The visual processing device according to attachment 20 is the visual processing device according to attachment 19 in which the value C of each element of the two-dimensional LUT includes the value A of the image signal, the value B of the processing signal, and the enhancement amount adjustment function F6. The enhancement function F7 and the dynamic range compression function F8 are determined based on the formula F8 (A) + F6 (A) * F7 (AB).

Here, the value C of each element indicates the following. That is, the difference (A−B) between the value A of the image signal and the value B of the processing signal represents, for example, a sharp signal. F7 (AB) represents, for example, the enhancement amount of the sharp signal. Further, the enhancement amount is an enhancement amount adjustment function F.
6 is adjusted according to the value A of the image signal and added to the value of the image signal subjected to dynamic range compression as necessary.

  In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, where the value A of the image signal is large, it is possible to maintain the contrast from the dark part to the bright part, for example, by reducing the enhancement amount. Further, even when dynamic range compression is performed, it is possible to maintain local contrast from the dark part to the bright part.

The visual processing device according to attachment 21 is the visual processing device according to attachment 20, in which the dynamic range compression function F8 is a monotonically increasing function.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to maintain local contrast while performing dynamic range compression using the dynamic range compression function F8, which is a monotonically increasing function.

The visual processing device according to attachment 22 is the visual processing device according to attachment 21 in which the dynamic range compression function F8 is a convex function.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to maintain local contrast while performing dynamic range compression using the dynamic range compression function F8 that is a convex function.

The visual processing device according to attachment 23 is the visual processing device according to attachment 20, in which the dynamic range compression function F8 is a power function.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to maintain local contrast while performing dynamic range conversion using the dynamic range compression function F8, which is a power function.

The visual processing device according to attachment 24 is the visual processing device according to attachment 20 in which the dynamic range compression function F8 is a direct proportional function with a proportionality factor of 1.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to enhance the contrast uniformly from the dark part to the bright part of the image signal.

The visual processing device according to attachment 25 is the visual processing device according to attachment 19 in which the mathematical expression further performs an operation of adding a value obtained by compressing the dynamic range of the image signal to the value emphasized by the operation of enhancement. Including.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, it is possible to compress the dynamic range while enhancing the sharp component of the image signal according to the value of the image signal.

  The visual processing device according to attachment 26 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 4 to 6, in which the enhancement operation is an enhancement function that enhances the difference between the image signal and the processing signal. The mathematical expression further includes a calculation for correcting the gradation of a value obtained by adding the value of the image signal to the value emphasized by the enhancement function.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, the difference between the image signal and the processed signal represents the sharp component of the image signal. Therefore, it is possible to realize visual processing that performs gradation correction on an image signal in which the sharp component is enhanced.
The visual processing device according to attachment 27 is the visual processing device according to attachment 26, in which the value C of each element of the two-dimensional LUT is the value A of the image signal, the value B of the processing signal, the enhancement function F9, the floor The tone correction function F10 is determined based on the formula F10 (A + F9 (A−B)).

  Here, the value C of each element indicates the following. That is, the difference (A−B) between the value A of the image signal and the value B of the processing signal represents, for example, a sharp signal. F9 (AB) represents, for example, sharp signal enhancement processing. Furthermore, the sum of the value A of the image signal and the sharpened signal that has been enhanced is represented as gradation correction.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to obtain an effect that combines contrast enhancement and gradation correction.
The visual processing device according to attachment 28 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 4 to 6, in which the enhancement operation is an enhancement function that enhances the difference between the image signal and the processing signal. The mathematical expression further includes an operation of adding a value obtained by correcting the gradation of the image signal to the value emphasized by the enhancement function.

  In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, the difference between the image signal and the processed signal represents the sharp component of the image signal. The sharp component enhancement and the tone correction of the image signal are performed independently. For this reason, it is possible to enhance a certain sharp component regardless of the gradation correction amount of the image signal.

The visual processing device according to attachment 29 is the visual processing device according to attachment 28, in which the value C of each element of the two-dimensional LUT is the value A of the image signal, the value B of the processing signal, the enhancement function F11, the floor The tone correction function F12 is determined based on the formula F12 (A) + F11 (AB).
Here, the value C of each element indicates the following. That is, the difference (A−B) between the value A of the image signal and the value B of the processing signal represents, for example, a sharp signal. F11 (AB) represents, for example, sharp signal enhancement processing. Furthermore, it represents that the value of the image signal subjected to gradation correction and the sharpened signal subjected to enhancement processing are added.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to perform constant contrast enhancement regardless of gradation correction.
The visual processing device according to attachment 30 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 1 to 29, and in the two-dimensional LUT, values stored for the image signal and the processing signal having the same value are The image signal and the processing signal have a monotonically increasing or monotonically decreasing relationship.

Here, the values stored in the two-dimensional LUT for the image signal and the processed signal having the same value indicate an outline of the characteristics of the two-dimensional LUT.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, the two-dimensional LUT stores a monotonically increasing or monotonically decreasing value for the image signal and the processing signal as a value for the image signal and the processing signal having the same value.

The visual processing device according to attachment 31 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 1 to 3, in which the two-dimensional LUT expresses the relationship between the image signal and the output signal by a plurality of gradation conversion curves. Store as key conversion curve group.
Here, the gradation conversion curve group is a set of gradation conversion curves for applying gradation processing to pixel values such as luminance and brightness of an image signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to perform gradation processing of an image signal using a gradation conversion curve selected from a plurality of gradation conversion curves. For this reason, it is possible to perform more appropriate gradation processing.
The visual processing device according to attachment 32 is the visual processing device according to attachment 31 in which each of the gradation conversion curve groups monotonously increases with respect to the value of the image signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, gradation processing can be performed using a gradation conversion curve group that monotonously increases with respect to the value of the image signal.
The visual processing device according to attachment 33 is the visual processing device according to attachment 31 or 32, in which the processing signal is a signal for selecting a corresponding gradation conversion curve from a plurality of gradation conversion curve groups. .

Here, the processing signal is a signal for selecting a gradation conversion curve, and is, for example, a spatially processed image signal.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to perform gradation processing of an image signal using the gradation conversion curve selected by the processing signal.

The visual processing device according to attachment 34 is the visual processing device according to attachment 33, in which the value of the processing signal is associated with at least one gradation conversion curve included in the plurality of gradation conversion curve groups.
Here, at least one gradation conversion curve used for gradation processing is selected according to the value of the processing signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, at least one gradation conversion curve is selected according to the value of the processing signal. Further, gradation processing of the image signal is performed using the selected gradation conversion curve.
The visual processing device according to attachment 35 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 1 to 34, and profile data created in advance by a predetermined calculation is registered in the two-dimensional LUT.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, visual processing is performed using a two-dimensional LUT in which profile data created in advance is registered. In visual processing, processing such as creating profile data is not necessary, and the execution speed of visual processing can be increased.
The visual processing device according to attachment 36 is the visual processing device according to attachment 35, and the two-dimensional LUT can be changed by registering profile data.

Here, the profile data is data of a two-dimensional LUT that realizes different visual processing.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, the visual processing to be realized can be variously changed by registering profile data. That is, various visual processing can be realized without changing the hardware configuration of the visual processing device.

The visual processing device according to attachment 37 is the visual processing device according to attachment 35 or 36, further comprising profile data registration means for causing the visual processing means to register profile data.
Here, the profile data registration means registers the profile data calculated in advance in the visual processing means according to the visual processing.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, the visual processing to be realized can be variously changed by registering profile data. That is, various visual processing can be realized without changing the hardware configuration of the visual processing device.
The visual processing device according to attachment 38 is the visual processing device according to attachment 35, in which the visual processing means acquires profile data created by an external device.

  The profile data is created in advance by an external device. The external device is, for example, a computer having a program capable of creating profile data and a CPU. The visual processing means acquires profile data. Acquisition is performed via a network or a recording medium, for example. The visual processing means executes visual processing using the acquired profile data.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, visual processing can be executed using profile data created by an external device.
The visual processing device according to attachment 39 is the visual processing device according to attachment 38, and the two-dimensional LUT can be changed by the acquired profile data.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, the acquired profile data is newly registered as a two-dimensional LUT. This makes it possible to change the two-dimensional LUT and realize different visual processing.
The visual processing device according to attachment 40 is the visual processing device according to attachment 38 or 39, in which the visual processing means obtains profile data via a communication network.

Here, the communication network is a connection means capable of communication such as a dedicated line, a public line, the Internet, and a LAN, and may be wired or wireless.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, visual processing can be realized using profile data acquired via a communication network.

The visual processing device according to attachment 41 is the visual processing device according to attachment 35, further comprising profile data creation means for creating profile data.
The profile data creation means creates profile data using characteristics such as an image signal and a processing signal, for example.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, visual processing can be realized using profile data created by the profile data creating means.
The visual processing device according to attachment 42 is the visual processing device according to attachment 41, in which the profile data creation means creates profile data based on a histogram of gradation characteristics of the image signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, visual processing is realized using profile data created based on a histogram of gradation characteristics of an image signal. Therefore, appropriate visual processing can be realized according to the characteristics of the image signal.
The visual processing device according to attachment 43 is the visual processing device according to attachment 35, and the profile data registered in the two-dimensional LUT is switched according to a predetermined condition.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, visual processing is realized using profile data switched according to a predetermined condition. For this reason, it is possible to realize more appropriate visual processing.
The visual processing device according to attachment 44 is the visual processing device according to attachment 43, in which the predetermined condition is a condition relating to brightness.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, more appropriate visual processing can be realized under the conditions related to brightness.
The visual processing device according to attachment 45 is the visual processing device according to attachment 44, in which the brightness is the brightness of the image signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to realize more appropriate visual processing under conditions relating to the brightness of the image signal.
The visual processing device according to attachment 46 is the visual processing device according to attachment 45, further comprising lightness determination means for determining the brightness of the image signal. The profile data registered in the two-dimensional LUT is switched according to the determination result of the lightness determination means.

Here, the brightness determination means determines the brightness of the image signal based on, for example, pixel values such as the luminance and brightness of the image signal. Further, the profile data can be switched according to the determination result.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, more appropriate visual processing can be realized according to the brightness of the image signal.

The visual processing device according to attachment 47 is the visual processing device according to attachment 44, further comprising lightness input means for inputting conditions relating to brightness. The profile data registered in the two-dimensional LUT is switched according to the input result of the brightness input means.
Here, the lightness input means is, for example, a wired or wireless switch that allows the user to input conditions relating to brightness.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible for the user to determine the conditions regarding brightness and to switch profile data via the brightness input means. For this reason, it is possible to realize visual processing more appropriate for the user.
The visual processing device according to attachment 48 is the visual processing device according to attachment 47, in which the brightness input means inputs the brightness of the output environment of the output signal or the brightness of the input environment of the input signal.

  Here, the brightness of the output environment is, for example, the brightness of ambient light around a medium that outputs an output signal such as a computer, a television, a digital camera, a mobile phone, or a PDA, or the brightness of the medium itself that outputs an output signal such as printer paper. And so on. The brightness of the input environment is, for example, the brightness of a medium itself that inputs an input signal such as scanner paper.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, the user can determine the conditions relating to the brightness of the room and the like, and can switch the profile data via the brightness input means. For this reason, it is possible to realize visual processing more appropriate for the user.
The visual processing device according to attachment 49 is the visual processing device according to attachment 44, further comprising lightness detection means for detecting at least two types of brightness. The profile data registered in the two-dimensional LUT is switched according to the detection result of the brightness detection means.

  Here, the lightness detection means, for example, means for detecting the brightness of the image signal based on pixel values such as the brightness and brightness of the image signal, and detects the brightness of the output environment or input environment such as a photosensor. And means for detecting a condition relating to brightness input by the user. Note that the brightness of the output environment is, for example, the brightness of ambient light around a medium that outputs an output signal such as a computer, television, digital camera, mobile phone, or PDA, or the brightness of the medium that outputs the output signal such as printer paper. Etc. The brightness of the input environment is, for example, the brightness of a medium itself that inputs an input signal such as scanner paper.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, at least two types of brightness are detected, and profile data is switched according to them. For this reason, it is possible to realize more appropriate visual processing.
The visual processing device according to attachment 50 is the visual processing device according to attachment 49, wherein the brightness detected by the brightness detection means is the brightness of the image signal and the brightness of the output environment of the output signal or the input signal. Including the brightness of the input environment.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, more appropriate visual processing can be realized according to the brightness of the image signal and the brightness of the output environment of the output signal or the brightness of the input environment of the input signal.
The visual processing device according to attachment 51 is the visual processing device according to attachment 43, further comprising profile data selection means for selecting profile data registered in the two-dimensional LUT. The profile data registered in the two-dimensional LUT is switched according to the selection result of the profile data selection means.

The profile data selection means allows the user to select profile data. Further, in the visual processing device, visual processing is realized using the selected profile data.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, the user can select a profile according to his / her preference to realize visual processing.

The visual processing device according to attachment 52 is the visual processing device according to attachment 51, in which the profile data selection means is an input device for selecting a profile.
Here, the input device is, for example, a switch built in the visual processing device or connected by wire or wireless.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, the user can select a favorite profile using the input device.
The visual processing device according to attachment 53 is the visual processing device according to attachment 43, further comprising image characteristic determination means for determining the image characteristic of the image signal. The profile data registered in the two-dimensional LUT is switched according to the determination result of the image characteristic determination means.

The image characteristic determining means determines image characteristics such as brightness, brightness, or spatial frequency of the image signal. The visual processing device realizes visual processing using the profile data switched according to the determination result of the image characteristic determination means.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, the image characteristic judging means automatically selects profile data corresponding to the image characteristic. For this reason, visual processing can be realized using more appropriate profile data for the image signal.

The visual processing device according to attachment 54 is the visual processing device according to attachment 43, further comprising user identification means for identifying the user. The profile data registered in the two-dimensional LUT is switched according to the identification result of the user identification means.
The user identification means is, for example, an input device for identifying a user, a camera, or the like.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, visual processing suitable for the user identified by the user identifying means can be realized.
The visual processing device according to attachment 55 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 1 to 54, wherein the visual processing means performs an interpolation operation on a value stored in the two-dimensional LUT and outputs an output signal.

  The two-dimensional LUT stores values for image signal values or processing signal values at predetermined intervals. By interpolating the two-dimensional LUT value corresponding to the interval including the input image signal value or the processed signal value, the output signal value for the input image signal value or the processed signal value is output. The

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is not necessary for the two-dimensional LUT to store values for all values that can be taken by the image signal or the processed signal, and the storage capacity for the two-dimensional LUT can be reduced. It becomes.
The visual processing device according to attachment 56 is the visual processing device according to attachment 55, in which the interpolation operation is linear interpolation based on the value of at least one lower bit of the image signal or processing signal expressed in binary numbers It is.

  The two-dimensional LUT stores a value corresponding to the value of the upper bit of the image signal or processing signal. The visual processing means outputs an output signal by linearly interpolating the value of the two-dimensional LUT corresponding to the section including the input image signal or the value of the processed signal with the value of the lower bit of the image signal or the processed signal. .

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to realize more accurate visual processing while storing a two-dimensional LUT with a smaller storage capacity.
The visual processing device according to attachment 57 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 1 to 56, in which the input signal processing means performs spatial processing on the image signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to realize visual processing by a two-dimensional LUT using an image signal and a spatially processed image signal.
The visual processing device according to attachment 58 is the visual processing device according to attachment 57, in which the input signal processing means generates an unsharp signal from the image signal.

Here, the unsharp signal means a signal obtained by performing spatial processing directly or indirectly on the image signal.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, visual processing can be realized by a two-dimensional LUT using an image signal and an unsharp signal.

The visual processing device according to attachment 59 is the visual processing device according to attachment 57 or 58, and in the spatial processing, an average value, a maximum value, or a minimum value of the image signal is derived.
Here, the average value may be, for example, a simple average of image signals or a weighted average.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to realize visual processing by a two-dimensional LUT using an image signal and an average value, maximum value, or minimum value of the image signal.

The visual processing device according to attachment 60 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 1 to 59, wherein the visual processing means uses the input image signal and processing signal to perform spatial processing and gradation processing. I do.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, spatial processing and gradation processing can be realized simultaneously using a two-dimensional LUT.

  The visual processing method according to attachment 61 includes an input signal processing step and a visual processing step. The input signal processing step performs certain processing on the input image signal and outputs a processed signal. The visual processing step outputs an output signal based on the input image signal and the two-dimensional LUT that gives the relationship between the processed signal and the output signal that is the visually processed image signal.

Here, the fixed processing is, for example, direct or indirect processing for the image signal, and includes processing for converting the pixel value of the image signal such as spatial processing or gradation processing.
In the visual processing method of the present invention, visual processing is performed using a two-dimensional LUT describing the relationship between the image signal and the processed signal and the visually processed output signal. For this reason, it is possible to speed up visual processing.

  The visual processing program according to attachment 62 is a visual processing program for performing a visual processing method by a computer, and causes a computer to perform a visual processing method including an input signal processing step and a visual processing step. The input signal processing step performs certain processing on the input image signal and outputs a processed signal. The visual processing step outputs an output signal based on the input image signal and the two-dimensional LUT that gives the relationship between the processed signal and the output signal that is the visually processed image signal.

Here, the fixed processing is, for example, direct or indirect processing for the image signal, and includes processing for converting the pixel value of the image signal such as spatial processing or gradation processing.
In the visual processing program of the present invention, visual processing is performed using a two-dimensional LUT that describes the relationship between the image signal and the processed signal and the visually processed output signal. For this reason, it is possible to speed up visual processing.

The integrated circuit according to attachment 63 includes the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 1 to 60.
In the integrated circuit of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the visual processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 60.
The display device according to attachment 64 includes the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 1 to 60, and display means for displaying an output signal output from the visual processing device.

In the display device of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the visual processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 60.
The imaging device according to attachment 65 includes an imaging unit that captures an image, and the visual processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 60 that performs visual processing using the image captured by the imaging unit as an image signal. Yes.

In the imaging device of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the visual processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 60.
The mobile information terminal according to appendix 66 is a data receiving means for receiving image data transmitted or broadcasted, and visual processing according to any one of appendix 1 to 60, wherein visual processing is performed using the received image data as an image signal. And a display means for displaying an image signal visually processed by the visual processing device.

In the portable information terminal of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the visual processing device according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 60.
The portable information terminal according to attachment 67 includes an imaging unit that captures an image, a visual processing device according to any one of appendix 1 to 60 that performs visual processing using an image captured by the imaging unit as an image signal, Data transmission means for transmitting the processed image signal.

In the portable information terminal of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the visual processing device according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 60.
The image processing apparatus according to attachment 68 is an image processing apparatus that performs image processing on an input image signal that is input, and includes profile data creation means and image processing execution means. The profile data creation means creates profile data used for image processing based on a plurality of profile data for performing different image processing. The image processing execution means performs image processing using the profile data created by the profile data creation means.

Here, the image processing includes, for example, visual processing such as spatial processing and gradation processing, color processing such as color conversion, and the like (hereinafter the same in this column).
The profile data is, for example, coefficient matrix data for performing an operation on the input image signal, table data for storing the value of the input image signal subjected to image processing with respect to the value of the input image signal (hereinafter referred to as this data). The same in the column).

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention creates new profile data based on a plurality of profile data. For this reason, even if the number of profile data prepared in advance is small, many different image processes can be performed. That is, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity for storing profile data.

  The image processing apparatus according to attachment 69 is an image processing apparatus that performs image processing on an input image signal that has been input, and includes profile information output means and image processing execution means. The profile information output means outputs profile information for specifying profile data used for image processing. The image processing execution means performs image processing using profile data specified based on the information output from the profile information output means.

Here, the profile information is, for example, profile data, tag information such as a number for specifying the profile data, parameter information indicating characteristics of processing of the profile data, and other information for specifying the profile data.
In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, profile data can be controlled based on profile information to perform image processing.

The image processing device according to attachment 70 is the image processing device according to attachment 69, and the profile information output means outputs profile information according to a display environment in which the input image signal subjected to image processing is displayed.
Here, the display environment refers to, for example, the brightness and color temperature of the ambient light, the display device, the size of the displayed image, the positional relationship between the displayed image and the user viewing the displayed image, and the user Information.

The image processing apparatus of the present invention can perform image processing according to the display environment.
The image processing device according to attachment 71 is the image processing device according to attachment 69, in which the profile information output means outputs profile information according to information related to profile data among information included in the input image signal. To do.

The information related to the profile data includes, for example, profile data, tag information such as a number for specifying the profile data, parameter information indicating characteristics of processing of the profile data, and other information for specifying the profile data.
In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to acquire information related to profile data from an input image signal and perform image processing.

The image processing device according to attachment 72 is the image processing device according to attachment 69, and the profile information output means outputs profile information in accordance with the information related to the acquired image processing characteristics.
The information related to the characteristics of the image processing is information about the characteristics of the parameters of the image processing, such as parameter values for adjustment of brightness, image quality, color, and the like.

In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, for example, image processing can be performed by inputting information related to the characteristics of the image processing according to the user's preference.
The image processing device according to attachment 73 is the image processing device according to attachment 69, and the profile information output means outputs profile information according to information related to the environment in which the input image signal is generated.

The information related to the environment in which the input image signal is generated includes, for example, information related to the shooting environment when the input image signal is recorded by shooting, shooting permission information in the shooting environment, and the like.
In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to perform image processing according to information relating to the environment in which the input image signal is generated.

The image processing device according to attachment 74 is the image processing device according to attachment 69, and the input image signal includes image data and attribute information of the input image signal. The profile information output means outputs profile information according to the attribute information.
With the image processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to perform image processing according to the attribute information of the input image signal. For this reason, it is possible to perform image processing suitable for the input image signal.

The image processing apparatus described in appendix 75 is the image processing apparatus described in appendix 74, and the attribute information includes overall attribute information related to the entire image data.
The overall attribute information includes, for example, information relating to the production of the entire image data, information relating to the content of the entire image data, and the like.

With the image processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to perform image processing according to the entire attribute information. For this reason, it is possible to perform image processing suitable for the image data.
The image processing apparatus described in appendix 76 is the image processing apparatus described in appendix 74 or 75, and the attribute information includes partial attribute information related to a part of the image data.

The partial attribute information includes, for example, information on a part of scene contents of image data.
The image processing apparatus of the present invention can perform image processing according to the partial attribute information. For this reason, it is possible to perform image processing suitable for the image data.

The image processing device according to attachment 77 is the image processing device according to attachment 74, and the attribute information includes generation environment attribute information related to the environment in which the input image signal is generated.
The generation environment attribute information is information related to the environment in which the input image signal is captured, recorded, and created. For example, information related to the environment when the input image signal is generated, operation information of the device used for generation, and the like Is included.

The image processing apparatus of the present invention can perform image processing according to the generation environment attribute information. For this reason, it is possible to perform image processing suitable for the input image signal.
The image processing device according to attachment 78 is the image processing device according to attachment 74, and the attribute information includes medium attribute information related to the medium from which the input image signal is acquired.

The medium attribute information is information related to a medium from which an input image signal is acquired, such as a broadcast medium, a communication medium, and a recording medium.
The image processing apparatus of the present invention can perform image processing according to the medium attribute information. For this reason, it is possible to perform image processing suitable for the attributes of the medium.

The image processing device according to attachment 79 is the image processing device according to any one of attachments 68 to 78, wherein the profile data is a two-dimensional LUT. The image processing execution means includes the visual processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 60.
In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the same effects as those of the image processing apparatus described in any one of Appendices 68 to 78 can be obtained. Furthermore, the same effect as the visual processing device according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 60 can be obtained.

  The image processing apparatus according to attachment 80 includes image processing execution means, profile information output means, and profile information output means. The image processing execution means performs image processing on the input image signal that has been input. The profile information output means outputs profile information for specifying profile data for performing image processing suitable for the inputted input image signal. The profile information adding means adds profile information to the input image signal or the input image signal image-processed by the image processing execution means and outputs the added image information.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to process the input image signal or the input image signal image-processed by the image processing execution unit in association with the profile information. For this reason, the apparatus which acquired the signal to which profile information was added can easily perform suitable image processing on the signal.

The integrated circuit according to attachment 81 includes the image processing device according to any one of attachments 68 to 80.
In the integrated circuit of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the image processing device according to any one of appendices 68 to 80.

The display device according to attachment 82 includes the image processing device according to any one of attachments 68 to 80, and display means for displaying an input image signal image-processed by the image processing device.
In the display device of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the image processing device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 68 to 80.

The imaging device according to attachment 83 includes an imaging unit that captures an image, and the image processing device according to any one of appendix 68 to 80 that performs image processing using an image captured by the imaging unit as an input image signal. ing.
In the photographing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the image processing apparatus described in any one of Supplementary Notes 68 to 80.

  The portable information terminal according to attachment 84 includes a data receiving means for receiving image data transmitted or broadcasted, and an image according to any one of attachments 68 to 80 that performs image processing using the received image data as an input image signal. A processing device and display means for displaying an input image signal image-processed by the image processing device are provided.

In the portable information terminal of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the image processing device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 68 to 80.
The portable information terminal according to attachment 85 includes an imaging unit that captures an image, an image processing apparatus according to any one of appendix 68 to 80 that performs image processing using an image captured by the imaging unit as an input image signal, Data transmission means for transmitting an input image signal subjected to image processing.

In the portable information terminal of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the image processing device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 68 to 80.
[Third supplementary note]
The present invention (particularly the invention described in the first to third embodiments) can also be expressed as follows. In addition, in the subordinate form of the supplementary form described in this column ([third supplementary note]), it is subordinate to the supplementary note described in the third supplementary note.

<Content of third supplementary note>
(Appendix 1)
Input signal processing means for performing spatial processing on the input image signal and outputting the processed signal;
Signal calculation means for outputting an output signal based on a calculation for emphasizing a difference between respective values obtained by converting the image signal and the processing signal by a predetermined conversion;
A visual processing device comprising:

(Appendix 2)
The signal calculation means calculates the expression F2 (F1 (A) + F3 () for the value A of the image signal, the value B of the processing signal, the conversion function F1, the inverse conversion function F2 of the conversion function F1, and the enhancement function F3. F1 (A) -F1 (B))) is calculated based on the output signal value C.
The visual processing device according to attachment 1.

(Appendix 3)
The conversion function F1 is a logarithmic function.
The visual processing device according to attachment 2.
(Appendix 4)
The inverse transformation function F2 is a gamma correction function.
The visual processing device according to attachment 2.

(Appendix 5)
The signal calculation unit performs enhancement processing on a signal space conversion unit that converts a signal space between the image signal and the processing signal, and a difference signal between the converted image signal and the converted processing signal Enhancement processing means, and inverse transformation means for performing an inverse transformation of a signal space on an addition signal of the image signal after the transformation and the difference signal after the enhancement processing, and outputting the output signal.
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 2 to 4.

(Appendix 6)
Input signal processing means for performing spatial processing on the input image signal and outputting the processed signal;
A signal calculation means for outputting an output signal based on a calculation that emphasizes a ratio between the image signal and the processing signal;
A visual processing device comprising:

(Appendix 7)
The signal calculation means outputs the output signal based on the calculation for further performing dynamic range compression of the image signal.
The visual processing device according to attachment 6.

(Appendix 8)
The signal calculation means outputs an output signal based on the formula F4 (A) * F5 (A / B) for the value A of the image signal, the value B of the processed signal, the dynamic range compression function F4, and the enhancement function F5. The value C of
The visual processing device according to appendix 6 or 7.

(Appendix 9)
The dynamic range compression function F4 is a direct proportional function with a proportional coefficient of 1.
The visual processing device according to attachment 8.
(Appendix 10)
The dynamic range compression function F4 is a monotonically increasing function.
The visual processing device according to attachment 8.

(Appendix 11)
The dynamic range compression function F4 is an upward convex function.
The visual processing device according to attachment 10.
(Appendix 12)
The dynamic range compression function F4 is a power function.
The visual processing device according to attachment 8.

(Appendix 13)
The exponent of the power function in the dynamic range compression function F4 is based on a target contrast value that is a target value of contrast when performing image display and an actual contrast value that is a contrast value in a display environment when performing image display. Determined,
The visual processing device according to attachment 12.

(Appendix 14)
The enhancement function F5 is a power function.
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 8 to 13.
(Appendix 15)
The exponent of the power function in the enhancement function F5 is determined based on a target contrast value that is a target value of contrast when performing image display and an actual contrast value that is a contrast value in the display environment when performing image display. ,
The visual processing device according to attachment 14.

(Appendix 16)
The exponent of the power function in the enhancement function F5 is a value that monotonously decreases with respect to the value A of the image signal when the value A of the image signal is larger than the value B of the processed signal.
The visual processing device according to appendix 14 or 15.

(Appendix 17)
The exponent of the power function in the enhancement function F5 is a value that monotonously increases with respect to the value A of the image signal when the value A of the image signal is smaller than the value B of the processed signal.
The visual processing device according to appendix 14 or 15.

(Appendix 18)
The exponent of the power function in the enhancement function F5 is a value that monotonously increases with respect to the value A of the image signal when the value A of the image signal is larger than the value B of the processed signal.
The visual processing device according to appendix 14 or 15.

(Appendix 19)
The exponent of the power function in the enhancement function F5 is a value that monotonously increases with respect to the absolute value of the difference between the value A of the image signal and the value B of the processed signal.
The visual processing device according to appendix 14 or 15.

(Appendix 20)
At least one of the maximum value and the minimum value of the enhancement function F5 is limited within a predetermined range;
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 14 to 19.

(Appendix 21)
The signal calculation means is an enhancement processing means for performing enhancement processing on a division processing signal obtained by dividing the image signal by the processing signal, and the output based on the image signal and the division processing signal subjected to the enhancement processing. Output processing means for outputting a signal,
The visual processing device according to attachment 8.

(Appendix 22)
The output processing means performs a multiplication process of the image signal and the enhanced division signal.
The visual processing device according to attachment 21.

(Appendix 23)
The output processing means includes DR compression means for performing dynamic range (DR) compression on the image signal, and a multiplication process of the DR compressed image signal and the enhanced division signal. I do,
The visual processing device according to attachment 21.

(Appendix 24)
First conversion means for converting input image data in a first predetermined range into a second predetermined range to be the image signal;
A second conversion means for converting the output signal in a third predetermined range into a fourth predetermined range to obtain output image data;
Further comprising
The second predetermined range is determined based on a target contrast value, which is a target value of contrast when performing image display,
The third predetermined range is determined based on an actual contrast value that is a contrast value in a display environment when performing image display.
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 8 to 23.

(Appendix 25)
The dynamic range compression function F4 is a function for converting the image signal in the second predetermined range to the output signal in the third predetermined range.
The visual processing device according to attachment 24.

(Appendix 26)
The first conversion means converts each of a minimum value and a maximum value of the first predetermined range into a minimum value and a maximum value of the second predetermined range,
The second conversion means converts each of a minimum value and a maximum value of the third predetermined range into a minimum value and a maximum value of the fourth predetermined range;
The visual processing device according to attachment 24 or 25.

(Appendix 27)
The conversions in the first conversion unit and the second conversion unit are linear conversions, respectively.
The visual processing device according to attachment 26.

(Appendix 28)
A setting means for setting the third predetermined range;
The visual processing device according to any one of appendices 24-27.
(Appendix 29)
The setting unit includes a storage unit that stores a dynamic range of a display device that performs image display, and a measurement unit that measures the luminance of ambient light in a display environment when performing image display.
The visual processing device according to attachment 28.

(Appendix 30)
The setting means includes a measuring means for measuring luminance at the time of black level display and at the time of white level display in a display environment of a display device that performs image display.
The visual processing device according to attachment 28.

(Appendix 31)
Input signal processing means for performing spatial processing on the input image signal and outputting the processed signal;
Signal calculation means for outputting an output signal based on a calculation for enhancing a difference between the image signal and the processing signal according to a value of the image signal;
A visual processing device comprising:

(Appendix 32)
The signal calculation means outputs the output signal based on a calculation of adding a value obtained by dynamic range compression of the image signal to a value emphasized by the calculation to be emphasized.
The visual processing device according to attachment 31.

(Appendix 33)
The signal calculation means calculates Formula F8 (A) + F6 (A) * F7 for the value A of the image signal, the value B of the processed signal, the enhancement amount adjustment function F6, the enhancement function F7, and the dynamic range compression function F8. A value C of the output signal is calculated based on (A-B);
The visual processing device according to attachment 31 or 32.

(Appendix 34)
The dynamic range compression function F8 is a direct proportional function with a proportional coefficient of 1.
The visual processing device according to attachment 33.
(Appendix 35)
The dynamic range compression function F8 is a monotonically increasing function.
The visual processing device according to attachment 33.

(Appendix 36)
The dynamic range compression function F8 is an upward convex function.
The visual processing device according to attachment 35.
(Appendix 37)
The dynamic range compression function F8 is a power function.
The visual processing device according to attachment 33.

(Appendix 38)
The signal calculation means includes enhancement processing means for performing enhancement processing according to a pixel value of the image signal with respect to a difference signal between the image signal and the processing signal, and the image signal and the enhanced difference signal. Output processing means for outputting the output signal based on
The visual processing device according to attachment 33.

(Appendix 39)
The output processing means performs an addition process of the image signal and the enhanced difference signal.
The visual processing device according to attachment 38.

(Appendix 40)
The output processing means includes DR compression means for performing dynamic range (DR) compression on the image signal, and performs addition processing of the DR compressed image signal and the enhanced difference signal. Do,
The visual processing device according to attachment 38.

(Appendix 41)
Input signal processing means for performing spatial processing on the input image signal and outputting the processed signal;
Signal calculation means for outputting an output signal based on a calculation of adding a value obtained by correcting the gradation of the image signal to a value in which a difference between the image signal and the processing signal is emphasized;
A visual processing device comprising:

(Appendix 42)
The signal calculation means outputs the output signal based on the formula F12 (A) + F11 (AB) with respect to the value A of the image signal, the value B of the processing signal, the enhancement function F11, and the gradation correction function F12. Compute the value C,
The visual processing device according to attachment 41.

(Appendix 43)
The signal calculation means performs an enhancement process for performing an enhancement process on the difference signal between the image signal and the processed signal, and adds the gradation corrected image signal and the enhanced difference signal. Addition processing means for outputting as an output signal,
The visual processing device according to attachment 42.

(Appendix 44)
A first conversion step of converting input image data in a first predetermined range into a second predetermined range to be an image signal;
Based on an operation including at least one of an operation for performing dynamic range compression of the image signal or an operation for enhancing a ratio between the image signal and a processed signal obtained by spatially processing the image signal, an output in a third predetermined range A signal calculation step for outputting a signal;
A second conversion step of converting the output signal of the third predetermined range into a fourth predetermined range to be output image data;
With
The second predetermined range is determined based on a target contrast value, which is a target value of contrast when performing image display,
The third predetermined range is determined based on an actual contrast value that is a contrast value in a display environment when performing image display.
Visual processing method.

(Appendix 45)
First conversion means for converting input image data in a first predetermined range into a second predetermined range to be an image signal;
Based on an operation including at least one of an operation for performing dynamic range compression of the image signal or an operation for enhancing a ratio between the image signal and a processed signal obtained by spatially processing the image signal, an output in a third predetermined range Signal computing means for outputting a signal;
A second conversion means for converting the output signal in the third predetermined range into a fourth predetermined range to be output image data;
With
The second predetermined range is determined based on a target contrast value, which is a target value of contrast when performing image display,
The third predetermined range is determined based on an actual contrast value that is a contrast value in a display environment when performing image display.
Visual processing device.

(Appendix 46)
A visual processing program for causing a computer to perform visual processing,
A first conversion step of converting input image data in a first predetermined range into a second predetermined range to be an image signal;
Based on an operation including at least one of an operation for performing dynamic range compression of the image signal or an operation for enhancing a ratio between the image signal and a processed signal obtained by spatially processing the image signal, an output in a third predetermined range A signal calculation step for outputting a signal;
A second conversion step of converting the output signal of the third predetermined range into a fourth predetermined range to be output image data;
With
The second predetermined range is determined based on a target contrast value, which is a target value of contrast when performing image display,
The third predetermined range is determined based on an actual contrast value that is a contrast value in a display environment when performing image display.
A visual processing method for a computer,
Visual processing program.

<Explanation of the third supplementary note>
The visual processing device according to attachment 1 includes an input signal processing means and a signal calculation means. The input signal processing means performs spatial processing on the input image signal and outputs a processed signal. The signal calculation means outputs an output signal based on a calculation that emphasizes the difference between the values obtained by converting the image signal and the processing signal by a predetermined conversion.

  Here, spatial processing refers to processing that applies a low-pass spatial filter to an input image signal, or an average value, maximum value, or minimum value of a target pixel and surrounding pixels of the input image signal. Derived processing, etc. (hereinafter the same in this column). Further, the emphasis calculation includes, for example, an operation for adjusting a gain, an operation for suppressing excessive contrast, and an operation for suppressing a noise component having a small amplitude (hereinafter, the same applies to this column).

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to emphasize the difference between the image signal and the processing signal after converting them into different spaces. Thereby, for example, it is possible to realize enhancement suitable for visual characteristics.
The visual processing device according to attachment 2 is the visual processing device according to attachment 1, wherein the signal calculation means includes an image signal value A, a processing signal value B, a conversion function F1, and an inverse conversion function of the conversion function F1. For F2 and the enhancement function F3, the value C of the output signal is calculated based on the formula F2 (F1 (A) + F3 (F1 (A) −F1 (B))).

The enhancement function F3 is, for example, a function for adjusting a gain, a function for suppressing excessive contrast, a function for suppressing a noise component with a small amplitude, or the like.
The value C of the output signal indicates the following. That is, the value A of the image signal and the value B of the processing signal are converted into values on different spaces by the conversion function F1. The difference between the value of the image signal after conversion and the value of the processing signal represents, for example, a sharp signal in another space. The difference between the converted image signal enhanced by the enhancement function F3 and the processed signal is added to the converted image signal. Accordingly, the value C of the output signal indicates a value in which the sharp signal component in another space is emphasized.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, processing such as edge enhancement and contrast enhancement in another space can be performed using the value A of the image signal and the value B of the processing signal converted into another space.
The visual processing device according to attachment 3 is the visual processing device according to attachment 2, wherein the conversion function F1 is a logarithmic function.

Here, human visual characteristics are generally logarithmic. For this reason, when the image signal and the processed signal are processed after being converted into the logarithmic space, it is possible to perform a process suitable for the visual characteristic.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to perform contrast enhancement with high visual effect or dynamic range compression that maintains local contrast.

The visual processing device according to attachment 4 is the visual processing device according to attachment 2, in which the inverse transformation function F2 is a gamma correction function.
In general, an image signal is subjected to gamma correction by a gamma correction function in accordance with the gamma characteristic of a device that inputs and outputs the image signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to remove the gamma correction of the image signal by the conversion function F1 and perform processing based on linear characteristics. As a result, optical blur correction can be performed.
The visual processing device according to attachment 5 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 2 to 4, in which the signal calculation means includes signal space conversion means, enhancement processing means, and inverse conversion means. ing. The signal space conversion unit converts the signal space of the image signal and the processing signal. The enhancement processing means performs enhancement processing on a difference signal between the converted image signal and the converted processing signal. The inverse conversion means performs inverse conversion of the signal space on the sum signal of the converted image signal and the difference signal after enhancement processing, and outputs an output signal.

  In the visual processing device of the present invention, the signal space conversion means converts the signal space between the image signal and the processing signal using the conversion function F1. The enhancement processing means performs enhancement processing on the difference signal between the converted image signal and the converted processing signal using the enhancement function F3. The inverse transform means performs inverse transform of the signal space on the sum signal of the image signal after the conversion and the difference signal after the enhancement process using the inverse conversion function F2.

  The visual processing device according to attachment 6 includes input signal processing means and signal calculation means. The input signal processing means performs spatial processing on the input image signal and outputs a processed signal. The signal calculation means outputs an output signal based on a calculation that emphasizes the ratio between the image signal and the processing signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, the ratio between the image signal and the processed signal represents the sharp component of the image signal. Therefore, for example, it is possible to perform visual processing that emphasizes the sharp component.
The visual processing device according to attachment 7 is the visual processing device according to attachment 6 in which the signal calculation means outputs an output signal based on a calculation that further compresses the dynamic range of the image signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, the dynamic range can be compressed while enhancing the sharp component of the image signal represented by the ratio between the image signal and the processed signal.
The visual processing device according to attachment 8 is the visual processing device according to attachment 6 or 7, wherein the signal calculation means includes the value A of the image signal, the value B of the processing signal, the dynamic range compression function F4, and the enhancement function F5. On the other hand, the value C of the output signal is calculated based on the formula F4 (A) * F5 (A / B).

  Here, the value C of the output signal indicates the following. That is, the amount of division (A / B) between the value A of the image signal and the value B of the processing signal represents, for example, a sharp signal. F5 (A / B) represents, for example, the enhancement amount of the sharp signal. These show processing equivalent to converting the value A of the image signal and the value B of the processing signal into a logarithmic space and emphasizing each difference, and emphasis processing suitable for visual characteristics is performed. Yes.

With the visual processing device of this invention, it is possible to enhance local contrast while compressing the dynamic range as necessary.
The visual processing device according to attachment 9 is the visual processing device according to attachment 8 in which the dynamic range compression function F4 is a direct proportional function with a proportionality factor of 1.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to enhance the contrast uniformly from the dark part to the bright part of the image signal. This contrast enhancement is an enhancement process suitable for visual characteristics.
The visual processing device according to attachment 10 is the visual processing device according to attachment 8, wherein the dynamic range compression function F4 is a monotonically increasing function.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to enhance local contrast while performing dynamic range compression using the dynamic range compression function F4 that is a monotonically increasing function.
The visual processing device according to attachment 11 is the visual processing device according to attachment 10, wherein the dynamic range compression function F4 is an upward convex function.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to enhance local contrast while performing dynamic range compression using the dynamic range compression function F4 that is a convex function.
The visual processing device according to attachment 12 is the visual processing device according to attachment 8 in which the dynamic range compression function F4 is a power function.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to enhance local contrast while performing dynamic range conversion using the dynamic range compression function F4, which is a power function.
The visual processing device according to attachment 13 is the visual processing device according to attachment 12, wherein the exponent of the power function in the dynamic range compression function F4 is a target contrast value that is a target value of contrast when performing image display. And the actual contrast value, which is the contrast value in the display environment when performing image display.

  Here, the target contrast value is a target value of contrast when performing image display, and is, for example, a value determined by a dynamic range of a display device that performs image display. The actual contrast value is a contrast value in the display environment when performing image display, and is, for example, a value determined by the contrast of an image displayed by the display device when ambient light is present.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, the dynamic range compression function F4 enables dynamic range compression of an image signal having a dynamic range equal to the target contrast value to a dynamic range equal to the actual contrast value.
The visual processing device according to attachment 14 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 8 to 13, in which the enhancement function F5 is a power function.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to enhance local contrast using the enhancement function F5, which is a power function, and visually convert the dynamic range.
The visual processing device according to attachment 15 is the visual processing device according to attachment 14, wherein the exponent of the power function in the enhancement function F5 is a target contrast value that is a target value of contrast when performing image display, and an image It is determined based on the actual contrast value, which is the contrast value in the display environment when displaying.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to enhance local contrast using the enhancement function F5, which is a power function, and visually convert the dynamic range.
The visual processing device according to attachment 16 is the visual processing device according to attachment 14 or 15, wherein the exponent of the power function in the enhancement function F5 is when the value A of the image signal is larger than the value B of the processing signal. The value monotonously decreases with respect to the value A of the image signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to weaken local contrast enhancement in a high-luminance portion of a pixel of interest having higher luminance than surrounding pixels in an image signal. For this reason, so-called whiteout is suppressed in the visually processed image.
The visual processing device according to attachment 17 is the visual processing device according to attachment 14 or 15, wherein the exponent of the power function in the enhancement function F5 is when the value A of the image signal is smaller than the value B of the processing signal. The value monotonically increases with respect to the value A of the image signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to weaken local contrast enhancement in a low-luminance portion of a target pixel having a lower luminance than surrounding pixels in an image signal. For this reason, so-called black crushing is suppressed in the visually processed image.
The visual processing device according to attachment 18 is the visual processing device according to attachment 14 or 15, wherein the exponent of the power function in the enhancement function F5 is when the value A of the image signal is larger than the value B of the processing signal. The value monotonically increases with respect to the value A of the image signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to weaken local contrast enhancement in a low-luminance portion of a pixel of interest having higher luminance than surrounding pixels in an image signal. For this reason, the degradation of the SN ratio is suppressed in the visually processed image.
The visual processing device according to attachment 19 is the visual processing device according to attachment 14 or 15, wherein the exponent of the power function in the enhancement function F5 is the absolute difference between the value A of the image signal and the value B of the processing signal It is a value that increases monotonously with respect to the value.

Here, the value that monotonously increases with respect to the absolute value of the difference between the value A of the image signal and the value B of the processed signal increases as the ratio between the value A of the image signal and the value B of the processed signal is closer to 1. Then you can define it.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, the local contrast in the pixel of interest having a small contrast with the surrounding pixels in the image signal is particularly emphasized, and the local contrast in the pixel of interest having a large contrast in the image signal with the surrounding pixels is enhanced. It becomes possible not to emphasize too much.

The visual processing device according to attachment 20 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 14 to 19, in which at least one of the maximum value and the minimum value of the enhancement function F5 is limited within a predetermined range. .
With the visual processing device of this invention, it is possible to limit the amount of local contrast enhancement to an appropriate range.

  The visual processing device according to attachment 21 is the visual processing device according to attachment 8 in which the signal calculation means includes enhancement processing means and output processing means. The enhancement processing means performs enhancement processing on the division processing signal obtained by dividing the image signal by the processing signal. The output processing means outputs an output signal based on the image signal and the enhanced division processing signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, the enhancement processing means performs enhancement processing on the division processing signal obtained by dividing the image signal by the processing signal, using the enhancement function F5. The output processing means outputs an output signal based on the image signal and the division processing signal.
The visual processing device according to attachment 22 is the visual processing device according to attachment 21 in which the output processing means performs a multiplication process of the image signal and the emphasized division processing signal.

In the visual processing device of this invention, the dynamic range compression function F4 is, for example, a direct proportional function with a proportional coefficient of 1.
The visual processing device according to attachment 23 is the visual processing device according to attachment 21, wherein the output processing means includes DR compression means for performing dynamic range (DR) compression on the image signal, and DR compression The multiplication processing of the image signal thus processed and the division processing signal subjected to the enhancement processing is performed.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, the DR compression means performs dynamic range compression of the image signal using the dynamic range compression function F4.
The visual processing device according to attachment 24 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 8 to 23, and further includes first conversion means and second conversion means. The first conversion means converts the input image data in the first predetermined range into the second predetermined range to obtain an image signal. The second conversion means converts the output signal in the third predetermined range into the fourth predetermined range and sets it as output image data. The second predetermined range is determined based on a target contrast value that is a target value of contrast when performing image display. The third predetermined range is determined based on an actual contrast value that is a contrast value in the display environment when performing image display.

With the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to locally maintain the target contrast value while compressing the dynamic range of the entire image to the actual contrast value that has been reduced by the presence of ambient light. For this reason, the visual effect of the visually processed image is improved.
The visual processing device according to attachment 25 is the visual processing device according to attachment 24, wherein the dynamic range compression function F4 converts an image signal in the second predetermined range into an output signal in the third predetermined range. Function.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, the dynamic range of the entire image is compressed to the third predetermined range by the dynamic range compression function F4.
The visual processing device according to attachment 26 is the visual processing device according to attachment 24 or 25, in which the first conversion means converts each of the minimum value and the maximum value of the first predetermined range into a second predetermined value. To the minimum and maximum values in the range. The second conversion means converts each of the minimum value and the maximum value of the third predetermined range into the minimum value and the maximum value of the fourth predetermined range.

The visual processing device according to attachment 27 is the visual processing device according to attachment 26, in which the conversion in the first conversion means and the second conversion means is linear conversion.
The visual processing device according to attachment 28 is the visual processing device according to any one of attachments 24 to 27, and further includes setting means for setting a third predetermined range.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, the third predetermined range can be set according to the display environment of the display device that performs image display. For this reason, it becomes possible to correct | amend environmental light more appropriately.
The visual processing device according to attachment 29 is the visual processing device according to attachment 28, in which the setting means includes a storage means for storing the dynamic range of the display device that performs image display, and a display environment for performing image display. And measuring means for measuring the brightness of the ambient light.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to measure the luminance of the ambient light and determine the actual contrast value from the measured luminance and the dynamic range of the display device.
The visual processing device according to attachment 30 is the visual processing device according to attachment 28, in which the setting means measures the luminance at the time of black level display and at the time of white level display in the display environment of the display device that performs image display. Measuring means.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to determine the actual contrast value by measuring the luminance at the time of black level display and white level display in the display environment.
The visual processing device according to attachment 31 includes input signal processing means and signal calculation means. The input signal processing means performs spatial processing on the input image signal and outputs a processed signal. The signal calculation means outputs an output signal based on a calculation that emphasizes the difference between the image signal and the processed signal according to the value of the image signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, it is possible to enhance the sharp component of the image signal, which is the difference between the image signal and the processed signal, according to the value of the image signal. For this reason, it is possible to perform appropriate enhancement from the dark part to the bright part of the image signal.
The visual processing device according to attachment 32 is the visual processing device according to attachment 31 in which the signal calculation means adds the value obtained by compressing the dynamic range of the image signal to the value emphasized by the enhancement operation. An output signal is output based on

In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, it is possible to compress the dynamic range while enhancing the sharp component of the image signal according to the value of the image signal.
The visual processing device according to attachment 33 is the visual processing device according to attachment 31 or 32, in which the signal calculation means includes the value A of the image signal, the value B of the processing signal, the enhancement amount adjustment function F6, and the enhancement function F7. For the dynamic range compression function F8, the value C of the output signal is calculated based on the formula F8 (A) + F6 (A) * F7 (AB).

  Here, the value C of the output signal indicates the following. That is, the difference (A−B) between the value A of the image signal and the value B of the processing signal represents, for example, a sharp signal. F7 (AB) represents, for example, the enhancement amount of the sharp signal. Further, the enhancement amount is adjusted according to the value A of the image signal by the enhancement amount adjustment function F6, and is added to the image signal subjected to dynamic range compression as necessary.

  In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, where the value of the image signal A is large, it is possible to maintain the contrast from the dark part to the bright part by reducing the enhancement amount. Further, even when dynamic range compression is performed, it is possible to maintain local contrast from the dark part to the bright part.

The visual processing device according to attachment 34 is the visual processing device according to attachment 33, in which the dynamic range compression function F8 is a direct proportional function with a proportionality factor of 1.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to enhance the contrast uniformly from the dark part to the bright part of the image signal.

The visual processing device according to attachment 35 is the visual processing device according to attachment 33, in which the dynamic range compression function F8 is a monotonically increasing function.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to maintain local contrast while performing dynamic range compression using the dynamic range compression function F8, which is a monotonically increasing function.

The visual processing device according to attachment 36 is the visual processing device according to attachment 35, in which the dynamic range compression function F8 is an upward convex function.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to maintain local contrast while performing dynamic range compression using the dynamic range compression function F8 that is a convex function.

The visual processing device according to attachment 37 is the visual processing device according to attachment 33, in which the dynamic range compression function F8 is a power function.
In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to maintain local contrast while performing dynamic range conversion using the dynamic range compression function F8, which is a power function.

  The visual processing device according to attachment 38 is the visual processing device according to attachment 33, in which the signal calculation means includes enhancement processing means and output processing means. The enhancement processing means performs enhancement processing according to the pixel value of the image signal on the difference signal between the image signal and the processing signal. The output processing means outputs an output signal based on the image signal and the enhanced difference signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, the enhancement processing means performs enhancement processing using the enhancement function F7 whose enhancement amount is adjusted by the enhancement amount adjustment function F6. The output processing means outputs an output signal based on the image signal and the difference signal.
The visual processing device according to attachment 39 is the visual processing device according to attachment 38, in which the output processing means performs an addition process of the image signal and the enhanced difference signal.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, the dynamic range compression function F8 is, for example, a direct proportional function with a proportional coefficient of 1.
The visual processing device according to attachment 40 is the visual processing device according to attachment 38, in which the output processing means includes DR compression means for performing dynamic range (DR) compression on the image signal, and DR compression The added image signal and the enhanced difference signal are added.

In the visual processing device of this invention, the DR compression means performs dynamic range compression of the image signal using the dynamic range compression function F8.
The visual processing device according to attachment 41 includes input signal processing means and signal calculation means. The input signal processing means performs spatial processing on the input image signal and outputs a processed signal. The signal calculation means outputs an output signal based on a calculation that adds a value obtained by correcting the gradation of the image signal to a value that emphasizes the difference between the image signal and the processed signal.

  In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, the difference between the image signal and the processed signal represents the sharp component of the image signal. The sharp component enhancement and the tone correction of the image signal are performed independently. For this reason, it is possible to enhance a certain sharp component regardless of the gradation correction amount of the image signal.

The visual processing device according to attachment 42 is the visual processing device according to attachment 41, in which the signal calculation means applies to the value A of the image signal, the value B of the processing signal, the enhancement function F11, and the gradation correction function F12. Then, the value C of the output signal is calculated based on the formula F12 (A) + F11 (AB).
Here, the value C of the output signal indicates the following. That is, the difference (A−B) between the value A of the image signal and the value B of the processing signal represents, for example, a sharp signal. F11 (AB) represents, for example, sharp signal enhancement processing. Furthermore, it is shown that the tone-corrected image signal and the enhanced sharpening signal are added.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, it is possible to perform constant contrast enhancement regardless of gradation correction.
The visual processing device according to attachment 43 is the visual processing device according to attachment 42, in which the signal calculation means includes enhancement processing means and addition processing means. The enhancement processing means performs enhancement processing on the difference signal between the image signal and the processing signal. The addition processing means performs addition processing on the tone-corrected image signal and the enhanced difference signal, and outputs the result as an output signal.

In the visual processing device of this invention, the enhancement processing means performs enhancement processing on the difference signal using the enhancement function F11. The addition processing means adds the image signal that has been subjected to the gradation correction processing using the gradation correction function F12 and the enhanced difference signal.
The visual processing method according to attachment 44 includes a first conversion step, a signal calculation step, and a second conversion step. In the first conversion step, the input image data in the first predetermined range is converted into the second predetermined range to obtain an image signal. The signal calculation step includes a third predetermined range based on an operation including at least one of an operation for performing dynamic range compression of the image signal or an operation for enhancing a ratio between the image signal and the processed signal obtained by spatially processing the image signal. The output signal is output. In the second conversion step, the output signal in the third predetermined range is converted into the fourth predetermined range to obtain output image data. The second predetermined range is determined based on a target contrast value that is a target value of contrast when performing image display. The third predetermined range is determined based on an actual contrast value that is a contrast value in the display environment when performing image display.

In the visual processing method of the present invention, for example, it is possible to locally maintain the target contrast value while compressing the dynamic range of the entire image to the actual contrast value that is lowered due to the presence of ambient light. For this reason, the visual effect of the visually processed image is improved.
The visual processing device according to attachment 45 includes first conversion means, signal calculation means, and second conversion means. The first conversion means converts the input image data in the first predetermined range into the second predetermined range to obtain an image signal. The signal calculation means is based on a calculation that includes at least one of a calculation that performs dynamic range compression of the image signal or a calculation that emphasizes a ratio between the image signal and the processed signal obtained by spatially processing the image signal. The output signal is output. The second conversion means converts the output signal in the third predetermined range into the fourth predetermined range and sets it as output image data. The second predetermined range is determined based on a target contrast value that is a target value of contrast when performing image display. The third predetermined range is determined based on an actual contrast value that is a contrast value in the display environment when performing image display.

In the visual processing device of the present invention, for example, it is possible to locally maintain the target contrast value while compressing the dynamic range of the entire image to the actual contrast value that has been lowered due to the presence of ambient light. For this reason, the visual effect of the visually processed image is improved.
The visual processing program according to attachment 46 is a visual processing program for causing a computer to perform visual processing, and provides a computer with a visual processing method including a first conversion step, a signal calculation step, and a second conversion step. This is what we do.
In the first conversion step, the input image data in the first predetermined range is converted into the second predetermined range to obtain an image signal. The signal calculation step includes a third predetermined range based on an operation including at least one of an operation for performing dynamic range compression of the image signal or an operation for enhancing a ratio between the image signal and the processed signal obtained by spatially processing the image signal. The output signal is output. In the second conversion step, the output signal in the third predetermined range is converted into the fourth predetermined range to obtain output image data. The second predetermined range is determined based on a target contrast value that is a target value of contrast when performing image display. The third predetermined range is determined based on an actual contrast value that is a contrast value in the display environment when performing image display.

  In the visual processing program of the present invention, for example, it is possible to locally maintain the target contrast value while compressing the dynamic range of the entire image to the actual contrast value that has been lowered due to the presence of ambient light. For this reason, the visual effect of the visually processed image is improved.

  The visual processing device of the present invention makes it possible to provide a device having a hardware configuration that does not depend on the visual processing to be realized, and performs visual processing such as spatial processing or gradation processing of an image signal. It is useful as a visual processing device.

Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 1 (first embodiment) Example of profile data (first embodiment) Flow chart for explaining visual processing method (first embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing unit 500 (first embodiment) Example of profile data (first embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 520 (first embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 525 (first embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 530 (first embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the profile data registration device 701 (first embodiment) Flowchart for explaining a visual processing profile creation method (first embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 901 (first embodiment) Graph showing the relationship between the input signal IS 'and the output signal OS' when the change degree function fk (z) is changed (first embodiment) A graph showing the degree-of-change functions f1 (z) and f2 (z) (first embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 905 (first embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 11 (first embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 21 (first embodiment) Explanatory drawing explaining the dynamic range compression function F4 (1st Embodiment). Explanatory drawing explaining enhancement function F5 (first embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 31 (first embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 41 (first embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 51 (first embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 61 (first embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 71 (first embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 600 (second embodiment) A graph for explaining the conversion by the equation M20 (second embodiment) A graph for explaining conversion by the equation M2 (second embodiment) A graph for explaining the conversion by the equation M21 (second embodiment) Flowchart explaining visual processing method (second embodiment) Graph showing the tendency of the function α1 (A) (second embodiment) Graph showing the tendency of the function α2 (A) (second embodiment) Graph showing the tendency of the function α3 (A) (second embodiment) Graph showing the tendency of the function α4 (A, B) (second embodiment) A block diagram for explaining a structure of an actual contrast setting unit 605 as a modified example (second embodiment) A block diagram for explaining a structure of an actual contrast setting unit 605 as a modified example (second embodiment) A flowchart for explaining the operation of the control unit 605e (second embodiment). FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the structure of a visual processing device 600 including a color difference correction processing unit 608 (second embodiment). Explanatory drawing explaining the outline | summary of a color difference correction process (2nd Embodiment). A flowchart for explaining an estimation calculation in the color difference correction processing unit 608 (second embodiment). Block diagram for explaining the structure of a visual processing device 600 as a modification (second embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 910 (third embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 920 (third embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 920 '(third embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 920 ″ (third embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 101 (fourth embodiment) Explanatory drawing explaining image area Pm (4th Embodiment). Explanatory drawing explaining brightness histogram Hm (4th Embodiment) Explanatory drawing explaining the gradation conversion curve Cm (4th Embodiment) Flowchart for explaining visual processing method (fourth embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 111 (fifth embodiment) Explanatory drawing explaining gradation conversion curve candidate G1-Gp (5th Embodiment). Explanatory drawing explaining 2D LUT141 (5th Embodiment). Explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the gradation correction | amendment part 115 (5th Embodiment). Flowchart explaining visual processing method (fifth embodiment) Explanatory drawing explaining the modification of selection of the gradation conversion curve Cm (5th Embodiment). Explanatory drawing explaining gradation processing as a modification (fifth embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the gradation processing execution unit 144 (fifth embodiment) Explanatory drawing explaining the relationship between curve parameter P1 and P2 and gradation conversion curve candidate G1-Gp (5th Embodiment). Explanatory drawing explaining the relationship between the curve parameters P1 and P2 and the selection signal Sm (5th Embodiment). Explanatory drawing explaining the relationship between the curve parameters P1 and P2 and the selection signal Sm (5th Embodiment). Explanatory drawing explaining the relationship between curve parameter P1 and P2 and gradation conversion curve candidate G1-Gp (5th Embodiment). Explanatory drawing explaining the relationship between the curve parameters P1 and P2 and the selection signal Sm (5th Embodiment). Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 121 (sixth embodiment) Explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the selection signal correction | amendment part 124 (6th Embodiment). Flowchart explaining visual processing method (sixth embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 161 (seventh embodiment) Explanatory drawing explaining the spatial processing of the spatial processing part 162 (7th Embodiment). Table for explaining weighting factor [Wij] (seventh embodiment) Explanatory drawing explaining the effect of the visual processing by the visual processing device 161 (7th Embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 961 (seventh embodiment) Explanatory drawing explaining the spatial processing of the spatial processing part 962 (7th Embodiment). Table for explaining weighting factor [Wij] (seventh embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the overall configuration of the content supply system (9th embodiment) Example of a mobile phone equipped with the visual processing device of the present invention (9th embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the configuration of a mobile phone (9th embodiment) Example of digital broadcasting system (9th embodiment) FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the structure of a display device 720 (a tenth embodiment). FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the structure of an image processing device 723 (a tenth embodiment). Block diagram for explaining the structure of the profile information output unit 747 (10th embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the color visual processing device 745 (10th embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 753 (10th embodiment) Explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the visual processing apparatus 753 as a modification (10th Embodiment). Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 753a (10th embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 753b (10th embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 753c (tenth embodiment) FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the structure of an image processing device 770 (tenth embodiment). Block diagram for explaining the structure of the user input unit 772 (tenth embodiment) FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the structure of an image processing apparatus 800 (a tenth embodiment). Example of format of input image signal d362 (tenth embodiment) FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the structure of the attribute determination unit 802 (a tenth embodiment). Example of format of input image signal d362 (tenth embodiment) Example of format of input image signal d362 (tenth embodiment) Example of format of input image signal d362 (tenth embodiment) Example of format of input image signal d362 (tenth embodiment) Example of format of input image signal d362 (tenth embodiment) FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining the structure of a photographing apparatus 820 (an eleventh embodiment). FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining the structure of an image processing apparatus 832 (an eleventh embodiment). Block diagram for explaining the structure of the image processing device 886 (11th embodiment) Example of format of output image signal d361 (11th embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of an image processing device 894 (11th embodiment) Block diagram for explaining the structure of an image processing device 896 (11th embodiment) FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining the structure of an image processing apparatus 898 (an eleventh embodiment). FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining the structure of an image processing apparatus 870 (an eleventh embodiment). Explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the image processing apparatus 870 (11th Embodiment). Block diagram for explaining the structure of the visual processing device 300 (background art) Explanatory drawing explaining image area Sm (background art) Explanatory drawing explaining brightness histogram Hm (background art) Explanatory drawing explaining the gradation conversion curve Cm (background art) Block diagram for explaining the structure of a visual processing device 400 using unsharp masking (background art) Explanatory drawing explaining the enhancement functions R1 to R3 (background art) Block diagram for explaining the structure of a visual processing device 406 for improving local contrast (background art) Block diagram for explaining the structure of a visual processing device 416 that performs dynamic range compression (background art)

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Visual processing apparatus 2 Spatial processing part 3 Visual processing part 4 Two-dimensional LUT
IS input signal US unsharp signal OS output signal TIS conversion input signal TUS conversion unsharp signal DS differential signal TS enhancement processing signal PS addition signal RS division signal DRS DR compression signal MS multiplication signal IC enhancement amount adjustment signal GC gradation correction signal

Claims (49)

Input signal processing means for performing predetermined processing on the input image signal and outputting the processed signal;
The input image signal is converted and the output signal is output based on conversion means for providing a conversion relationship between the input image signal and the processed signal and the output signal that is the visually processed image signal. Visual processing means to
A visual processing device comprising: The processing signal is a signal obtained by performing the predetermined processing on the target pixel included in the image signal and the surrounding pixels of the target pixel.
The visual processing device according to claim 1.   The visual perception according to claim 1, wherein the conversion relationship provided by the conversion means is a relationship in which at least a part of the image signal or at least a part of the processing signal and at least a part of the output signal are nonlinear. Processing equipment. The conversion relationship given by the conversion means is a relationship in which both the image signal and the processed signal and the output signal are nonlinear.
The visual processing device according to claim 3. The conversion relationship given by the conversion means is determined based on an operation that emphasizes a value calculated from the image signal and the processed signal.
The visual processing device according to claim 1. The operation to be emphasized is a non-linear function.
The visual processing device according to claim 5. The calculation for enhancing is conversion using a value obtained by converting the image signal or the processing signal.
The visual processing device according to claim 5 or 6. The enhancement operation is an enhancement function that enhances a difference between respective converted values obtained by converting the image signal and the processing signal.
The visual processing device according to claim 5.   The visual processing device according to claim 5, wherein the enhancement operation is an enhancement function that enhances a ratio between the image signal and the processing signal. The conversion relationship given by the conversion means is determined based on conversion that changes brightness.
The visual processing device according to claim 1. The conversion that changes the brightness is a conversion that changes the level or gain of the image signal.
The visual processing device according to claim 10. The conversion for changing the brightness is a conversion determined based on the processing signal.
The visual processing device according to claim 10. The conversion that changes the brightness is a conversion that outputs the output signal that monotonously decreases with respect to the processing signal.
The visual processing device according to claim 10. The conversion means stores the relationship between the image signal and the output signal as a gradation conversion curve group composed of a plurality of gradation conversion curves.
The visual processing device according to claim 1. The processing signal is a signal for selecting a corresponding gradation conversion curve from the plurality of gradation conversion curve groups.
The visual processing device according to claim 14. The value of the processing signal is associated with at least one gradation conversion curve included in the plurality of gradation conversion curve groups.
The visual processing device according to claim 15. The conversion means is configured by a look-up table (hereinafter referred to as LUT), and profile data created in advance by a predetermined calculation is registered in the LUT.
The visual processing device according to claim 1. The LUT can be changed by registering profile data.
The visual processing device according to claim 17. Profile data registration means for causing the visual processing means to register the profile data;
The visual processing device according to claim 17 or 18, further comprising: The visual processing means obtains the profile data created by an external device;
The visual processing device according to claim 19. The LUT can be changed by the acquired profile data.
The visual processing device according to claim 20. The visual processing means obtains the profile data via a communication network;
The visual processing device according to claim 20 or 21. Profile data creating means for creating the profile data;
The visual processing device according to claim 17, further comprising: The profile data creating means creates the profile data based on a histogram of gradation characteristics of the image signal.
The visual processing device according to claim 23. The profile data registered in the LUT is switched according to a predetermined condition.
The visual processing device according to claim 17. The predetermined condition is a condition relating to brightness.
The visual processing device according to claim 25. The brightness is the brightness of the image signal.
The visual processing device according to claim 26. A lightness determination means for determining the brightness of the image signal;
The profile data registered in the LUT is switched according to the determination result of the lightness determination means.
The visual processing device according to claim 27. Further comprising a brightness input means for inputting conditions relating to the brightness;
The profile data registered in the LUT is switched according to the input result of the brightness input means.
The visual processing device according to claim 26. The brightness input means inputs the brightness of the output environment of the output signal, or the brightness of the input environment of the input signal.
30. The visual processing device according to claim 29. A brightness detecting means for detecting at least two types of brightness;
The profile data registered in the LUT is switched according to the detection result of the brightness detection means.
The visual processing device according to claim 26. The brightness detected by the brightness detection means includes the brightness of the image signal and the brightness of the output environment of the output signal or the brightness of the input environment of the input signal.
The visual processing device according to claim 31. Profile data selection means for selecting the profile data registered in the LUT;
The profile data registered in the LUT is switched according to the selection result of the profile data selection means.
The visual processing device according to claim 25. The profile data selection means is an input device for selecting a profile.
The visual processing device according to claim 33. An image characteristic determining means for determining an image characteristic of the image signal;
The profile data registered in the LUT is switched according to the determination result of the image characteristic determination means.
The visual processing device according to claim 25. A user identification means for identifying the user;
The profile data registered in the LUT is switched according to the identification result of the user identification means.
The visual processing device according to claim 25.   The visual processing device according to claim 17, wherein the visual processing means performs an interpolation operation on a value stored in the LUT and outputs the output signal. The interpolation calculation is linear interpolation based on the value of at least one lower bit of the image signal or the processing signal expressed in binary number.
The visual processing device according to claim 37. The input signal processing means performs spatial processing on the image signal.
The visual processing device according to claim 1. The input signal processing means generates an unsharp signal from the image signal;
40. A visual processing device according to claim 39. In the spatial processing, an average value, a maximum value, or a minimum value of the image signal is derived.
The visual processing device according to claim 39 or 40. The visual processing means performs spatial processing and gradation processing using the input image signal and processing signal.
The visual processing device according to claim 1. An input signal processing step for performing predetermined processing on the input image signal and outputting the processed signal;
The input image signal is converted and the output signal is output based on conversion means for providing a conversion relationship between the input image signal and the processed signal and the output signal that is the visually processed image signal. Visual processing steps to
Visual processing method with A visual processing program for performing a visual processing method by a computer,
The visual processing program is:
An input signal processing step for performing predetermined processing on the input image signal and outputting the processed signal;
The input image signal is converted and the output signal is output based on conversion means for providing a conversion relationship between the input image signal and the processed signal and the output signal that is the visually processed image signal. Visual processing steps to
A computer for performing a visual processing method comprising:
Visual processing program. Including the visual processing device according to claim 1,
Integrated circuit. A visual processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 42;
Display means for displaying the output signal output from the visual processing device;
A display device comprising: Photographing means for photographing images;
The visual processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 42, wherein visual processing is performed using the image captured by the imaging unit as the image signal.
An imaging device comprising: Data receiving means for receiving communication or broadcast image data;
The visual processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 42, wherein visual processing is performed using the received image data as the image signal.
Display means for displaying the image signal visually processed by the visual processing device;
A portable information terminal comprising: Photographing means for photographing images;
The visual processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 42, wherein visual processing is performed using the image captured by the imaging unit as the image signal.
Data transmission means for transmitting the visually processed image signal;
A portable information terminal comprising:

Images