Patent ID: 7564602
Filing Date: 2009-07-21
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for the color adjustment of a color printer and a color monitor attached to an endoscope, the color printer outputting images obtained by the endoscope, the color monitor outputting images obtained by the endoscope, the method comprising: performing a first imaging process in which said endoscope images a first color chart, a first comparing process in which a first output image of said first color chart output by said color printer, is compared with a second output image of said first color chart output by said color monitor, a first adjusting process in which first red, green, and blue adjustment parameters are changed on a basis of said first comparing process, and a first setting up process in which said first red, green, and blue adjustment parameters are set up on a basis of said first adjusting process; performing a second imaging process in which said endoscope images a second color chart, a second comparing process in which a third output image of said second color chart output by said color printer, is compared with a fourth output image of said second color chart output by said color monitor, a second adjusting process in which second red, green, and blue adjustment parameters are changed on a basis of said second comparing process, and a second setting up process in which said second red, green, and blue adjustment parameters are set up on a basis of said second adjusting process, a color constitution of said first color chart being different than a color constitution of said second color chart; and performing a computing process in which third red, green, and blue adjustment parameters which are optimal for said color printer and said color monitor, are computed on a basis of said first and second red, green, and blue adjustment parameters; said first color chart comprising a predetermined number of color cells, wherein said predetermined number of cells of said first color chart have a same form, and are arranged in one of a grid configuration and a linear configuration, each of said color cells being formed by blending only two colors from a group of three colors, the group of colors comprising red, green, and blue, according to a predetermined ratio, in an additive color process, said color cells showing a gradation of color such that a color tone of each of said color cells changes continuously in one direction; said second color chart comprising a predetermined number of color cells, said predetermined number of cells of said second color chart have said same form, and are arranged in one of said grid configuration and said linear configuration, each of said color cells being formed by blending three colors comprising red, green, and blue, according to a predetermined ratio, said color cells showing a gradation of color such that a color tone of each of said color cells changes continuously in one direction; said first and second red adjustment parameters being for adjustment of a cyan and red complementary color relationship; said first and second green adjustment parameters being for adjustment of a magenta and green complementary color relationship; and said first and second blue adjustment parameters being for adjustment of a yellow and blue complementary color relationship; said third red adjustment parameter being computed on a basis of first and second red values; said third green adjustment parameter being computed on a basis of first and second green values; said third blue adjustment parameter being computed on a basis of first and second blue values; said first red value being computed by multiplying said first red adjustment parameter by a first weight balance ratio which is set up on a basis of a frequency of use of said first color chart; said first green value being computed by multiplying said first green adjustment parameter by said first weight balance ratio; said first blue value being computed by multiplying said first blue adjustment parameter by said first weight balance ratio; said second red value being computed by multiplying said second red adjustment parameter by a second weight balance ratio which is set up on a basis of a frequency of use of said second color chart; said second green value being computed by multiplying said second green adjustment parameter by said second weight balance ratio; and said second blue value being computed by multiplying said second blue adjustment parameter by said second weight balance ratio.