1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to image processing technology employing shooting information at the time of shooting, and image processing control information that designates image processing conditions to be used when performing image processing on image data.
2. Description of Related Art
To date, there have been proposed techniques for performing image processing of image data created by an image data generating apparatus such as a digital still camera (DSC), which involve performing image processing with reference to shooting information (shooting conditions) at the time of shooting, and image processing control information that designates processing conditions to be used during image processing. Shooting information and image processing control information is typically described in the header of the image data, and is associated with a particular set of image data.
According to this image processing technique, where shooting information is used, it becomes possible to perform on image data image processing that is adapted to the shooting conditions, thus preventing image processing that is inappropriate for a particular type of photographed scene, for example. Where image processing control information is used, it becomes possible to perform on image data image processing based on certain image processing conditions contemplated at the time of shooting, so that output images reflect the photographer's intention or the DSC vendor's design.
With the prior art image processing apparatus, however, since the idea was to use either shooting information or image processing control information, if an image processing apparatus were designed to be capable of image processing using image processing control information, it could not utilize shooting information, even if such information were associated with the image data.
Also, in the event that a portion of one set of information cannot be used, if the other set of information includes information corresponding to the information that cannot be used, it will not be possible to use the aforementioned information. Accordingly, there is a need to perform image processing in an appropriate manner, that mutually utilizes, in an effective manner, shooting information and image processing control information.