JP2009177610A - Image data generating apparatus and image data generating method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image data generating apparatus which outputs efficiently image data corrected properly to a plurality of image output apparatuses having different color reproducing properties. <P>SOLUTION: The image data generating apparatus includes: a color reproduction range information acquiring portion 26 (37) which acquires information corresponding to each color reproduction range, a color reproduction range information holding portion 25 which holds the information acquired by the color reproduction range information acquiring portion, an image conversion portion 22 which converts image data having a plurality of color channels into the image data corresponding to the plurality of color reproduction ranges held in the color reproduction range information holding portion, and an image file storage portion 24 which stores the plurality of image data converted by the image conversion portion as one image file. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image data generation apparatus and an image data generation method capable of efficiently outputting image data appropriately corrected to a plurality of image output apparatuses having different color reproduction characteristics.

Conventionally, when an image is output to an image output device (monitor, printer, etc.), if the color reproduction characteristics of the image output device are different from the color characteristics of the image, an image having a significantly different hue and saturation is output. There was a problem.
In view of this, there has been proposed a technique for converting an image data color characteristic into an image suitable for the image output apparatus in consideration of the color reproduction characteristics of the image output apparatus.

The device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has basic characteristic values including color characteristics of a display device used in an image display system such as NTSC, high-definition R, G, B, and a workstation. Using the basic characteristic values designated from these, the input data is subjected to color adjustment processing for a plurality of representative points in the color space of the input data. Then, the image quality is improved by calculating the closest Y, M, C mapping data for printing these representative points from the characteristic values of the recording apparatus and the color reproduction model.
JP-A-7-177367

  However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is intended for an image output apparatus having specific color reproduction characteristics such as NTSC and sRGB (Standard RGB). Therefore, when the color reproduction characteristics of the image output apparatus are different from the basic color reproduction characteristics assumed, the color reproduction of the output image is not always high quality. For example, when the color reproduction range of the corrected input data is narrower than the color reproduction range of the output device, there is a problem that the color reproduction range of the output device cannot be fully utilized.

 In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, mapping data is generated and corrected as one of output operations to the image output apparatus. Accordingly, when the same image data is output to a plurality of image output devices having different color reproduction characteristics, a calculation process is performed each time, and a rapid process is hindered. Furthermore, even when outputting a plurality of image data to individual image output devices, processing takes time for the same reason.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an image data generation device capable of efficiently outputting appropriately corrected image data to a plurality of image output devices having different color reproduction characteristics, and An object is to provide a method for generating image data.

  The present invention for solving the above problems includes a color reproduction range information acquisition unit that acquires information corresponding to each color reproduction range from a plurality of image output apparatuses that reproduce an image, and the color reproduction range information acquisition unit. A color reproduction range information holding unit that holds the acquired information, and an image conversion unit that converts image data having a plurality of color channels into image data corresponding to the plurality of color reproduction ranges held in the color reproduction range information holding unit And an image file storage unit that stores a plurality of image data converted by the image conversion unit as one image file.

  According to the present invention, in the image data generation device according to the above-described invention, the image file includes main image data in which image data conforming to the sRGB (Standard RGB) standard is recorded in a format conforming to the Exif standard; It has sub-image data that is image data conforming to the standard.

  According to the present invention, in the image data generation device according to the above-described invention, the image output device has a function of displaying an image or a function of printing an image.

  The present invention also includes a step of acquiring information corresponding to each color reproduction range from a plurality of image output devices by a color reproduction range information acquisition unit, and information acquired by the color reproduction range information acquisition unit as color reproduction range information. A step of holding in the holding unit, and an image conversion step of converting image data having a plurality of color channels into image data corresponding to the plurality of color reproduction ranges held in the color reproduction range information holding unit by the image conversion unit; Storing the plurality of pieces of image data converted by the image conversion unit in the image file storage unit as one image file.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an image data generation apparatus and an image data generation method that can efficiently output image data that has been appropriately corrected to a plurality of image output apparatuses having different color reproduction characteristics.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image generation / reproduction system including an image data generation apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an image generation apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The image generation / reproduction system includes an imaging device 10, an image generation device 20, an image reproduction device 30, and a plurality of image output devices 40. The configuration and operation of each device provided in the image generation / reproduction system will be described.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the imaging apparatus 10.
In the imaging apparatus 10, the CPU 1 controls each part in the apparatus. In FIG. 2, a solid line arrow represents a data flow, and a broken line arrow represents a control flow.

  The light from the subject is received by the imaging unit 3 installed on the back surface of the lens through the optical system 2 including the lens and the diaphragm. The imaging unit 3 is composed of a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD, for example, and converts the subject image into an analog electrical signal. The converted analog electric signal is gain-adjusted by an analog amplifier (A-AMP) 4 and then converted to image data as digital data by an analog-digital converter (ADC) 5. The converted digital data is once stored in the DRAM 6.

Subsequently, the image processing block 7 reads the image data from the DRAM 6, performs image processing including compression processing such as JPEG, creates predetermined shooting information, and writes it back to the DRAM 6. When the user instructs transmission of image data via the operation unit 9, the image processing block 7 delivers the RAW data after image processing and shooting information to the image generation device 20 via the output unit 8. .
Note that the transfer of the RAW data and the header information from the imaging device 10 to the image generation device 20 is not limited to the communication unit, and may be performed via a recording medium (not shown).

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the image generation apparatus 20.
The image generation apparatus 20 includes an input unit 21, an image processing unit 22, a header information generation unit 23, an image recording unit 24, a custom list storage unit 25, and an input / output unit 26.
The input unit 21 receives RAW data and imaging information from the imaging device 10. The image processing unit 22 performs image processing on the RAW data based on a plurality of color gamut information to generate a plurality of images. At this time, color gamut information of the image to be generated is recorded in a custom list (described later) stored in the custom list storage unit 25.

  The header information generation unit 23 generates header information corresponding to the plurality of generated images based on the shooting information, stores the images and header information in a multi-image file (described later), and stores them in the image recording unit 24. Record. The input / output unit 26 passes the multi-image file to the image playback device 30. The input / output unit 26 receives the output color gamut information of the image output device 40 from the image reproduction device 30 and stores it in the custom list in the custom list storage unit 25.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the image playback device 30.
The image reproduction device 30 includes an input / output unit 31, an image recording unit 32, an output color gamut information acquisition unit 33, an optimum image extraction unit 34, an image reproduction unit 35, an input / output unit 36, and an image color gamut information acquisition unit 37. It has been.

  The input / output unit 31 receives the multi-image file from the image generation device 20 and stores it in the image recording unit 32. The image color gamut information acquisition unit 33 acquires image color gamut information that is color gamut information of each image from the multi-image file. The output color gamut information acquisition unit 37 acquires output color gamut information that is color gamut information of the image output device 40 via the input / output unit 36.

The optimum image extraction unit 34 determines the optimum image color gamut information corresponding to the output color gamut information of the image output device 40 from the image color gamut information of each image from the multi-image file, and has the image color gamut information. Extract image data. The image reproduction unit 35 converts the extracted image data into data for the image output device 40, and controls an image reproduction operation via the input / output unit 36.
The output color gamut information acquisition unit 37 passes the received output color gamut information of the image output device 40 to the image generation device 20 via the input / output unit 31. The image generation apparatus 20 records the output color gamut information passed as described above in the custom list.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the monitor / projector 40a in the image output apparatus 40. As shown in FIG.
The monitor / projector 40 a includes an image display unit 41 and a unique information holding unit 42. The image display unit 41 performs a display operation based on the RGB data from the image reproduction device 30. The unique information holding unit 42 holds RGB output color gamut information, which is unique information of the monitor / projector 40a, and transfers it to the image reproducing device 30 as required.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the printer 40b in the image output apparatus 40. As shown in FIG.
The printer 40 b includes an RGB-CMY conversion unit 43, a print head unit 44, and a unique information holding unit 45. The RGB-CMY conversion unit 43 converts the RGB data from the image reproduction device 30 into CMYK data. The print head unit 44 prints an image on a medium based on the supplied CMYK data. The unique information holding unit 45 holds output color gamut information, which is unique information of the printer 40b, and passes it to the image reproducing device 30 as RGB output color gamut information as required.

Next, the operation of the image generation / reproduction system will be described in detail.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure by which the image reproduction device 30 acquires output color gamut information from the image output device 40.

  In step S01, the output color gamut information acquisition unit 37 performs an output color gamut information acquisition operation from the unique information display units 42 and 45 of the output device 40. Here, when a plurality of output devices 40 are connected to the image reproduction device 30, an operation of acquiring output color gamut information is executed for all the connected output devices 40. In step S02, it is checked whether output color gamut information has been acquired.

If Yes in step S02, that is, if output color gamut information is acquired, the procedure of step S04 is executed.
In the case of No in step S02, that is, when at least one output color gamut information cannot be acquired, in step S03, the output device 40 that could not be acquired is clearly specified and the output color gamut information is input. Asking. The user manually inputs the output color gamut information of the output device 40 from an operation unit (not shown). This manual input may be input by designating one of a plurality of output color gamut information stored in advance. In addition, the user can refuse to input the output color gamut information of the output device 40. In this case, default processing is executed as described later.
In step S <b> 04, the output color gamut information acquisition unit 37 delivers the acquired output color gamut information to the image generation apparatus 20 and records it in the custom list of the custom list storage unit 25.
According to this procedure, output color gamut information of the output device 40 connected to the image reproduction device 30 is described in the custom list, but different output color gamut information that has already been registered is not deleted. In other words, output color gamut information of the output device 40 that has been connected to the image reproducing device 30 in the past is stored in the custom list.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure in which the image generation apparatus 20 generates a multi-image file from captured image data, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a relation of data for generating the multi-image file. This will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In step S <b> 10, the image generation apparatus 20 acquires RAW data and imaging information captured by the imaging apparatus 10. In step S11, the image processing unit 22 generates a main image based on the sRGB color gamut information, and generates a sub-image based on the AdobeRGB color gamut information. Further, a sub-image is generated based on the output color gamut information registered in the custom list.

In FIG. 9, sRGB gamut information and AdobeRGB gamut information are set as default gamut information, and output gamut information corresponding to five types of output devices 40 is registered in the custom list.
The output color gamut information registered in the custom list includes the following. Wx: white point chromaticity x, Wy: white point chromaticity y, Rx: red chromaticity x, Ry: red chromaticity y, Gx: green chromaticity x, Gy: green chromaticity y, Bx: Blue chromaticity x, By: Blue chromaticity y.
In FIG. 9, the image generation device 20 generates one main image and six sub-images and compresses them using the JPEG method.

In step S12, the header information generation unit 23 generates image color gamut information of the sub-image group and information necessary for image development as header information.
In FIG. 9, the image size, compression method, and shooting information are included as information necessary for image development, and default color gamut information and output color gamut information registered in the custom list are set as the color gamut information of the sub-image. ing.

  In step S13, the image recording unit 24 stores the generated main image, sub-image group, and header information as one multi-image file.

  Next, the multi-image file will be described. The components of this multi-image file have a configuration similar to that of a JPEG file.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the structure of a JPEG file.
A JPEG file generally includes a JPEG header area and a JPEG image data area serving as a main part of an image between SOI (Start Of Image) and EOI (End Of Image).

  The JPEG header includes Exif data in which, for example, camera setting information at the time of shooting, shooting conditions, and thumbnails that are reduced images of the shot images are recorded.

Exif data is defined in the APP1 segment which is an application layer. Inside, an Exif header, TIFF header, 0th IFD (Image File Directory), Exif IFD, and 1st IFD are recorded.
The Exif header includes an Exif identification code. The 0th IFD stores information related to the main image. Camera information is stored in the Exif IFD. Information about thumbnails is recorded in the 1st IFD. The TIFF header records a data recording format and offset information to 0th IFD.

The multi-image file has a file structure (hereinafter referred to as a multi-image structure) that handles a plurality of images as one file.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a comparison between a multi-image structure of a multi-image file and a JPEG structure. In the multi-image structure, each of the plurality of images has a data structure from SOI to EOI as in the normal JPEG structure. That is, the structure that is formed as a JPEG image as a single unit is collected as one file.

  In the multi-image structure 120, a plurality of related images (hereinafter referred to as sub-images) are continuously recorded following the first image (hereinafter referred to as main image). Here, an area in which the main image is recorded is referred to as a main image area 120a, and an area in which a plurality of sub images are recorded is referred to as a sub image area 120b.

  As described above, the main image area 120a has the same configuration as the normal JPEG structure. Therefore, even when the multi-image file is applied to a display system that does not support the multi-image structure, It can be displayed as a normal JPEG image.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the generated multi-image file and data.
The JPEG image of the main image (sRGB) in the image file is stored in “sRGB JPEG” in the main image area 120a of the multi-image file, and the JPEG images of the sub-images 1 to 6 are respectively stored in the sub-image area 120b of the multi-image file. It is stored in a certain “sub-image (1) to (6) JPEG”.

  Further, the color gamut information of the six sub-images in the file header is stored in “sRGB JPEG” in the main image region 120a of the multi-image file, and the information necessary for image development and the Exif information in the file header are stored in the multi-image. The “sRGB image header” in the main image area 120a of the file and the “sub image (1) to (6) image header” in the sub image area 120b of the multi-image file are stored respectively.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an image playback procedure in which the image playback device 30 delivers output data to the image output device 40 based on the multi-image file.
The image playback device 30 has a function of extracting output data from a general-purpose image file as well as a multi-image file.

  In step S20, the image file is read from the image recording unit 32. In step S21, it is checked whether the read image file has a file format unique to this system, that is, whether it is a multi-image format.

  In the case of Yes in step S21, that is, when the image file is a multi-image file, in step S22, the image color gamut information acquisition unit 33 determines the sub image group from the sub image color gamut information of the main image region 120a of the multi image file. Image color gamut information is extracted.

  Next, in step S23, an output color gamut information acquisition operation is executed from the unique information holding units 42 and 45 of the output destination image output apparatus 40. In step S24, it is checked whether output color gamut information has been acquired.

If Yes in step S24, that is, if output color gamut information is acquired, the procedure of step S26 is executed.
In the case of No in step S24, that is, if the color gamut information cannot be acquired for the output device 40, the output color gamut is clearly indicated in step S25 to the user that the output color gamut information could not be acquired. Asks for information. The user manually inputs the output color gamut information of the output device 40 from an operation unit (not shown). At this time, one of a plurality of pieces of output color gamut information that is previously determined and stored may be designated. In addition, the user can refuse to input the output color gamut information of the output device 40.

  In step S26, it is checked whether output color gamut information exists. If No in step S26, that is, if the user refuses to input the output color gamut information of the output device 40, the main image is extracted as an image to be output.

In the case of Yes in step S26, that is, when the output color gamut information of the output device 40 has been specified, in step S28, the optimum image extraction unit 34 displays the most based on the output color gamut information and the image color gamut information. An image close to the color gamut of the device 40 is extracted.
Here, as a method for extracting an optimal image, the distance between the output color gamut information and the image color gamut information may be obtained in the color space, and the image may be extracted from the image color gamut information at the closest distance. In addition, since it is desirable that the image to be extracted is an image with a higher image quality than the color gamut of the image output device 40, such a reference may be provided. This is because the capability of the image output device 40 can be fully exhibited.

  In step S <b> 29, the image reproduction unit 35 outputs the extracted image data to the image output device 40.

On the other hand, if No in step S21, that is, if the image file is not a multi-image file, an image expansion process is executed in step S30 assuming that the image file format is a general-purpose image file.
If the answer is No in step S31, that is, if the image cannot be extracted (expanded), it is processed as an error. If Yes in step S31, that is, if the image can be extracted, the image reproduction unit 35 outputs the extracted image data to the image output device 40 in step S29.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure for the image output apparatus 40 to output an image.
In step S40, the image output apparatus 40 determines whether it is a printer.

If Yes in step S40, that is, if it is not a printer, in step S41, the image display unit 41 displays an image based on the RGB data.
In the case of No in step S40, that is, in the case of a printer, in step S42, the RGB-CMYK conversion unit 43 converts RGB into CMYK, and in step S43, the print head unit 44 prints an image based on the CMYK data. .

[Effect of the embodiment]
In the embodiment described above, various effects can be obtained.

  (1) In the imaging apparatus, an image compliant with sRGB is generated by the image processing unit based on the RAW data of the subject imaged by the imaging unit. Subsequently, an image optimized for each color gamut is generated for a standard color gamut (such as AdobeRGB) including at least the color gamut recorded in the custom list.

  The custom list records the output color gamut information extracted from the unique information holding unit of the image output device when the image generation device is connected to the image output device via the image reproduction device. Yes. If the output color gamut information cannot be acquired from the image output device, the output color gamut information can be manually registered in the custom list. This makes it possible to generate an image optimized for the color gamut of the user's image display device.

  (2) The output color gamut information read from the unique information holding unit of the image output apparatus is an RGB color space of white point, red, green, and blue. Therefore, it is convenient because it is similar to the image data handled by this apparatus. However, image output devices include devices that handle CMYK such as printers, in addition to devices that handle RGB typified by monitors and projectors. In this case, a predetermined RGB color space included in the CMYK color gamut of the printer is provided on the printer side as output color gamut information of the printer. As a result, the color gamut information and the format of other RGB space devices are shared. Also, by providing the RGB-CMYK conversion unit on the printer side, RGB image data can be output to the printer side as it is. For these reasons, it is not necessary to perform complicated processing in the image reproducing apparatus. Therefore, even a poor reproduction device that cannot convert the color gamut can display an image that can effectively use the color gamut of the display device without imposing a burden.

  (3) In addition, correction processing is not performed on a completed image as in color matching using an ICC profile, and an image is generated in accordance with a color gamut, so that distortion in color and gradation is less likely to occur. Is provided.

(4) Furthermore, the multi-image file includes main image data in which image data conforming to the sRGB (Standard RGB) standard is recorded in a format conforming to the Exif standard, and sub-image data that is image data conforming to other standards. Have.
By recording image data that conforms to the standard sRGB standard as main image data in a format that conforms to the standard Exif standard, only the main image data can be read even if the application does not support multi-image files. In addition, since the main image data is standard sRGB standard image data, the probability of failure in reading the image data is low for any application.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image generation apparatus and an image reproduction apparatus based on a conventional color matching technique.
Conventionally, since an image file is generated for each image, the image generation apparatus generates one image data, and the image reproduction apparatus converts the image data so as to be compatible with the image output apparatus and outputs the image data. .

For this reason, if the image quality of the image data generated by the image generation device is lower than the image quality that can be output by the image output device, it can be said that an appropriate image is output no matter how the image reproduction device corrects it. Absent.
In addition, the image reproducing apparatus converts image data every time it is output, so that it lacks responsiveness. This is particularly noticeable when outputting to a plurality of image output devices.

  In the present embodiment, an image file is configured in which images corresponding to a plurality of color gamut information are stored in one file. As a result, an image having an image quality suitable for the image output apparatus can always be provided, and can be efficiently provided to the image output apparatus.

  Note that the image generation device 20 and the image reproduction device 30 shown in the present embodiment can be used not only independently, but also by appropriately separating and integrating their functions.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image generation device 20 and the image reproduction device 30.
The imaging device 10 is configured as one function of a digital camera, and the image generation device 20 and the image reproduction device 30 can be application software running on a personal computer (PC). In this configuration, RAW data is used as image data between the camera and the PC as in the present embodiment.
The apparatus constituted by the image generation apparatus 20 and the image reproduction apparatus 30 may be a new image reproduction apparatus or image generation apparatus.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the image generation device 20 and the image reproduction device 30.
The imaging device 10 and the image generation device 20 are configured as one function of a digital camera, and the image playback device 30 can be application software running on a personal computer (PC) or a dedicated playback device. In this configuration, the image data between the camera and the PC uses image data of a multi-image file.

  Each function described in the above embodiment may be configured using hardware, or may be realized by reading a program describing each function into a computer using software. Each function may be configured by appropriately selecting either software or hardware.

  Furthermore, each function can be realized by causing a computer to read a program stored in a recording medium (not shown). Here, as long as the recording medium in the present embodiment can record a program and can be read by a computer, the recording format may be any form.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Further, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, you may combine suitably the component covering different embodiment.

The figure which shows the structure of the image production | generation / reproduction | regeneration system provided with the image data generation apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging device. The figure which shows the structure of an image generation apparatus. The figure which shows the structure of an image reproduction apparatus. The figure which shows the structure of a monitor / projector among image output devices. The figure which shows the structure of a printer among image output devices. The flowchart which shows the procedure in which an image reproduction apparatus acquires output color gamut information from an image output apparatus. The flowchart which shows the procedure in which an image generation apparatus produces | generates a multi-image file from the image | photographed image data. The figure which shows the relationship of the data which produces | generates a multi image file. The figure which shows the structure of a JPEG file. The figure which shows the comparison with the multi-image structure of a multi-image file, and a JPEG structure. The figure which shows the response | compatibility with the produced | generated multi image file and data. The flowchart which shows the image reproduction procedure which an image reproduction apparatus delivers output data to an image output apparatus based on a multi-image file. The flowchart which shows the procedure in which an image output device outputs an image. The figure which shows the structure of the image generation apparatus and image reproduction apparatus based on a color matching technique. The figure which shows the structural example of an image generation apparatus and an image reproduction apparatus. The figure which shows the other structural example of an image generation apparatus and an image reproduction apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... CPU, 2 ... Optical system, 3 ... Imaging part, 9 ... Operation part, 10 ... Imaging apparatus, 20 ... Image generating apparatus, 22 ... Image processing part, 23 ... Header information generating part, 24 ... Image recording part, 25 ... custom list storage unit, 32 ... image recording unit, 33 ... output gamut information acquisition unit, 33 ... image gamut information acquisition unit, 34 ... optimum image extraction unit, 35 ... image reproduction unit, 37 ... acquisition of image gamut information 37, output color gamut information acquisition unit, 40 ... image output device, 40a ... projector, 40b ... printer, 42 ... unique information holding unit, 44 ... print head unit, 45 ... unique information holding unit, 120 ... multi-image structure , 120a ... main image area, 120b ... sub-image area.

Claims (4)

A color reproduction range information acquisition unit that acquires information corresponding to each color reproduction range from a plurality of image output devices that reproduce images;
A color reproduction range information holding unit for holding information acquired by the color reproduction range information acquisition unit;
An image conversion unit that converts image data having a plurality of color channels into image data corresponding to a plurality of color reproduction ranges held in the color reproduction range information holding unit;
An image file storage unit for storing a plurality of image data converted by the image conversion unit as one image file;
An image data generation device comprising:   The image file includes main image data in which image data conforming to the sRGB (Standard RGB) standard is recorded in a format conforming to the Exif standard, and sub-image data that is image data conforming to another standard. The image data generation device according to claim 1.   The image data generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image output apparatus has a function of displaying an image or a function of printing an image. A step of acquiring information corresponding to each color reproduction range from a plurality of image output devices by a color reproduction range information acquisition unit;
Holding the information acquired by the color reproduction range information acquisition unit in a color reproduction range information holding unit;
An image conversion step of converting image data having a plurality of color channels into image data corresponding to a plurality of color reproduction ranges held in the color reproduction range information holding unit by the image conversion unit;
Storing a plurality of image data converted by the image conversion unit as one image file in an image file storage unit;
An image data generation method characterized by comprising:

Images