Method and apparatus for modifying a portion of an image in accordance with colorimetric parameters

• US 6,396,599 B1
• Filed: 12/21/1998
• Issued: 05/28/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Monument Peak Ventures, LLC (Dominion Harbor Enterprises, LLC)
• Original Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
• Inventors: Patton, David L., Fredlund, John R., Buhr, John D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Grant, II, Jerome
• Application Number:
  US09/216,900
• Time in Patent Office: 1,254 Days
• Field of Search: 382/164,118,190 358/1.9,500,518,530
• US Class Current: 358/1.9
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 27/735 in dependence upon automatic analysis of the original
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/628 Memory colours, e.g. skin or sky
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/643 Hue control means, e.g. flesh tone control

Abstract

A method and apparatus for modifying images. The method includes the steps of analyzing a digital image file of an image so as to identify at least one predetermined colorimetric parameter; and automatically modifying that portion of said image having said at least one predetermined colorimetric parameter to a second predetermined colormetric parameter so as to produce a modified digital image.

Claims

1. A method of modifying images, comprising the steps of:

a) analyzing a digital image file of an image so as to identify at least one predetermined colorimetric parameter; and

b) modifying that portion of said image having said at least one predetermined colorimetric parameter to a selected second predetermined colormetric parameter so as to produce a modified digital image.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said first predetermined calorimetric parameter comprises a skin tone of a particular type.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein said predetermined calorimetric parameter is directed to light skinned individuals.

4. A method according to claim 1 wherein said predetermined calorimetric parameter is directed to dark skinned individuals.

5. A method according to claim 1 wherein said predetermined calorimetric parameter is determined automatically.

6. A method according to claim 1 wherein said digital image file is obtained from scanning an image.

7. A method according to claim 1 wherein said digital image file is obtained from a digital camera.

8. A method according to claim 1 wherein said predetermined colorimetric parameter is identified only within that portion of the image identified as containing facial features of people.

9. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the steps of printing, storing, or otherwise transferring said modified digital image file.

10. A method according to claim 9 wherein said modified digital image file is printed by a digital printer.

11. A method according to claim 9 wherein said modified digital image file is displayed via an electronic means.

12. A method according to claim 1 wherein two colorimetric parameters are identified in a single scene.

13. A method according to claim 12 wherein said two calorimetric parameters comprise a light skin tone and a dark skin tone.

15. An apparatus for modifying digital images according to claim 1 wherein said at least one predetermined colorimetric parameter is skin tone.

14. An apparatus for modifying digital images, comprising:

a) an analyzer for analyzing a digital image file of an image so as to identify at least one predetermined colorimetric parameter; and

b) means for automatically modifying that portion of said image having said at least one predetermined colorimetric parameter to a selected second predetermined colormetric parameter so as to produce a modified digital image.

16. An apparatus for modifying digital images according to claim 14 further comprising a printer for printing said image as modified.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said printer is a digital printer for printing onto a photosensitive media.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said photosensitive media is photographic paper.

19. An apparatus according to claim 14 further comprising a display device for displaying said digital image as modified.