WO2002011064A2

WO2002011064A2 - Remote modification of digital images using scripts

Info

Publication number: WO2002011064A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/023334
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeffrey D. Hoekstra; Donald Atkinson
Original assignee: Prolatus, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-08-01
Filing date: 2001-07-25
Publication date: 2002-02-07
Also published as: WO2002011064A3; AU2001276033A1

Abstract

A method of remotely modifying a digital image comprising electronically transferring a portion of either a compressed or an uncompressed high resolution digital image from a first location to a second location. At least one image correction modification is performed at the second location on at least a portion of the transferred high resolution digital image. Instructions representing the image correction modification are saved as a script file. The script file is electronically transferred from the second location to the first location such that application of the script file to one of the high resolution digital image or a copy of the high resolution digital image at the first location produces a corrected high resolution digital image.

Description

REMOTE MODIFICATION OF DIGITAL IMAGES USING SCRIPTS

Field Of the Invention This invention relates generally to the modification of digital image files. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for remotely modifying a digital image by electronically transferring a portion of an uncompressed high resolution digital image from a first location to a second location. Instructions representing the image correction modifications are saved as a script file and electronically transferred from the second location to the first location such that application of the script file to the high resolution digital image at the first location produces a corrected high resolution digital image.

Background Of the Invention Digital image files are often generated at one location and modified, adjusted, corrected or made ready for use at a different site. Traditionally the process begins with the generation of a high resolution digital image file at an image origination site. Image origination sites may include, but are not necessarily limited to, photo studios with a digital camera, design firms with desktop scanners, or photo labs having CD image facilities. Once generated at an image origination site, the high resolution digital image file is transferred to a "color trade shop" at an image modification site remote from the image origination site where a "color" expert performs the necessary corrections and prepares the image for printing, multimedia or internet use. The corrections or adjustments made to the file may include, but are not limited to, exposure correction, neutralizing color casts, optimization of reproduction range, image silhouetting, color alteration, retouching and color space conversion.

Transferring the high resolution digital image file to the image modification site may be performed in one of a variety of well known methods. A first transfer method is via high speed digital data transmission lines such as, but not limited to, TI or ISDN. While this transfer method is fast, it is nonetheless disadvantageous in that it is very costly. A second transfer method is via traditional modem and telephone line. This method offers a low cost of implementation, but is extremely slow and unreliable due to long transmission times. A third transfer method is via courier/overnight mailing services which, as will be appreciated, are expensive and far slower than digital data transmission.

Transmission via an Intranet network may also be employed where the "color trade shop" facility is part of the same organization as the image generator, such as where a large corporation has both image generation and image correction operations. However, transferring high resolution digital image files is slow "point to point" within the network and oftentimes results in an overall network slow down.

This disadvantageously affects all those connected to the network, including those not involved in digital image transfer.

Once received at the image modification site, the high resolution digital image file can be corrected, adjusted, or modified in any number of desired fashions. These modifications can be performed by a "color" expert on an image-by-image basis.

However, working with the high resolution digital image file in this fashion is labor intensive for the "color" expert and therefore time consuming and inefficient. Modifications may also be performed in an automated fashion by applying a "script" of predetermined instructions to the high resolution digital image file to modify the image in a set fashion with little to no need for human intervention. While scripting is more efficient than having a color expert perform the modifications, a drawback exists in that this modification technique is only helpful when batch processing a plurality of images sharing similar characteristics. Rarely, however, do files require the exact same corrections for optimization such that not all problems are corrected accurately. Whether modified manually by the color expert or automatically via scripting, the newly adjusted full resolution digital image file typically increases in size by as much as 25-30%. As will be appreciated, increasing the size of the high resolution digital image file exacerbates the problem of slow transmission when electronically transferring the corrected high resolution digital image file back to the image origination site. While color trade shops may not face financial and/or technological limitations, the image generator frequently does. Often a color trade shop has hardware designed to enhance the productivity of the large clients, yet, due to the expense required at both ends, nothing is currently being done to address the small client.

A need therefore exists for a method and system for modifying high resolution digital images which is economical, faster, and more universally available than is currently offered in the prior art.

The present invention is directed at overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above.

Brief Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for remotely modifying a digital image by electronically transferring a portion of a compressed or an uncompressed high resolution digital image from a first location to a second location. Instructions representing the image correction modifications are saved as a script file and electronically transferred from the second location to the first location such that application of the script file to the high resolution digital image at the first location produces a corrected high resolution digital image. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method of remotely modifying a digital image comprises electronically transferring a portion of an uncompressed high resolution digital image from a first location to a second location. At least one image correction modification is performed at the second location on at least a portion of the transferred high resolution digital image. Instructions representing the image correction modification are saved as a script file. The script file is electronically transferred from the second location to the first location such that application of the script file to one of the high resolution digital image or a copy of the high resolution digital image at the first location produces a corrected high resolution digital image. In another embodiment, the method of remotely modifying a digital image comprises electronically transferring a portion of a compressed high resolution digital image from a first location to a second location. The compressed image is decompressed at the second location to produce a restored high resolution digital image. At least one image correction modification is performed at the second location on at least a portion of the restored high resolution digital image. Instructions representing the image correction modification are saved as a script file. The script file is electronically transferred from the second location to the first location such that application of the script file to one of the high resolution digital image or a copy of the high resolution digital image at the first location produces a corrected high resolution digital image.

In one embodiment, the step of electronically transferring comprises transferring a portion of the high resolution digital image as streaming data. In another embodiment, the portion of the high resolution digital image is transferred using conventional file transfer techniques, with or without compression. The script file can be applied to one of the high resolution digital image or a copy of the high resolution digital image at the first location to produce a corrected high resolution image. The first and second locations can be a network with one or more locations.

The image correction modification can alter one or more color on at least a portion of the high resolution digital image or altering one or more pixels on the high resolution digital image. Typically, a plurality of image correction modifications are performed on at least a portion of the high resolution digital image.

In one embodiment, the method comprises applying an x-y pixel grid to the high resolution digital image at the second location. The modifications to the high resolution digital image made at the second location are recorded as a corrected x-y pixel grid. The corrected x-y pixel grid is transmitted from the second location to the first location. An x-y pixel grid is applied to the high resolution digital image at the first location. The x-y pixel grid applied at the first location is compared to the corrected x-y pixel grid to produce a corrected high resolution digital image. In accordance with a related embodiment, a method is provided for modifying a digital image file. The method comprises the steps of: (a) electronically transferring from a first location to a second location a compressed low resolution proxy file representing a high resolution digital image; (b) decompressing the compressed low resolution proxy file at the second location to produce a restored low resolution proxy file; (c) performing one of a plurality of image correction modifications on the restored low resolution proxy file; (d) saving instructions representing the modifications performed in step (c) as a script file; and (e) electronically transferring from the second location to the first location the script file such that the script file may be applied to the original high resolution digital image to produce a corrected high resolution digital image.

In accordance with another broad aspect of the present invention, a method of modifying a digital image file is provided comprising the steps of: (a) creating at a first location a low resolution proxy file of a high resolution digital image; (b) compressing the low resolution proxy file to produce a compressed proxy file; (c) transmitting the compressed proxy file to a remote site; (d) decompressing the compressed proxy file at the remote site to restore the low resolution proxy file; (e) modifying the restored low resolution proxy file at the remote site to generate a script of modifications; (f) transmitting the script of modifications to the first location; and (g) applying the script of modifications to the high resolution digital image at said first location to produce a corrected high resolution digital image.

In a still further broad aspect of the present invention, a system is provided for modifying a digital image file. The system includes a first computing station disposed at a first location, a second computing station disposed at a second location, and a communication system cooperatively coupled between the first and second computing stations. The first computing station includes a processor programmed to produce a proxy file representing a high resolution digital image file. The second computing station includes a processor programmed for decompressing the proxy file to produce a decompressed digital image file, for performing one of a plurality of digital image modifications on the decompressed digital image file, and for generating a script file representing the digital image modifications performed on the decompressed digital image file. The communication system is for transferring the proxy file from the first computing station to the second computing station and for transferring the script file from the second computing station to the first computing station such that the script file can be applied to the high resolution digital image file to create a corrected high resolution digital image file.

Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawing Figure 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method of modifying digital images in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a screen display illustrating the dimensions of a high resolution digital image file to be modified in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 is a screen display illustrating the dimensions of a low resolution proxy file based on the high resolution digital image file from Figure 2; Figure 4 is a screen display illustrating a function for compressing the low resolution proxy file in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 is a screen display illustrating the compression options available when saving a file under JPEG compression;

Figure 6 is a screen display illustrating an information window noting the file size information of the compressed low resolution proxy image;

Figure 7A and 7B collectively form a screen display illustrating a sample script for performing various modifications to correct a specific file in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 8 is a screen display illustrating an information window noting the file size of the correction script;

Figure 9 is a block diagram illustrating an image modification system provided in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating an image modification system provided in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; Figure' 11 is a block diagram illustrating an image modification system provided in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating an image modification system provided in accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 13 is a block diagram illustrating an image modification system which is a variation of the embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 12.

Detailed Description of the Invention Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Referring initially to Figure 1, shown is a flow chart illustrating a method of modifying digital images in accordance with the present invention. The digital images to be modified are high resolution images saved in digital media, . hereinafter referred to as "high resolution digital image files." The high resolution digital image files may be generated at any number of a variety of image origination sites, including but not limited to, photo studios having digital photographic equipment, design firms having desktop scanning capabilities, or photo labs having compact disk (CD) image generation facilities.

The first step 10 in the method of the present invention involves reducing the pixel count of the high resolution digital image file at the image origination site to create a low resolution proxy file of the high resolution digital image file. If desired, various other dimensions of the digitized image may be scaled down, such as the height and width. As will be discussed in greater detail below, this can be accomplished using any number of commercially available image correction software applications, including but not limited to Photoshop by Adobe Systems, Inc. of San Jose, CA, Linocolor by Heidelberg Color Publishing Solutions, Inc. of Hauppauge, NY, Live Picture by HCS Software, Inc. of Santa Monica, CA, and Photoscripter by Main Event Software, Inc. of Washington, DC.

The terms "high resolution" and "low resolution" are, by definition, relative. It is therefore to be readily understood that the high resolution and low resolution files referred to herein may vary greatly in size and, in some instances, overlap. For example, a high resolution file of an image to be printed in a 2" x 2" in a catalog may be approximately 1.5MB (1,500,000 bytes), while a low resolution file of a painting ready for print at 30" x 40" scale may be approximately 5MB (5,000,000 bytes). This being said, in one embodiment of the present invention, the term "high resolution" is defined as comprising a digital image having a pixel count in the range of approximately 1MB (1,000,000 bytes) to 1GB (1,000,000,000 bytes), while the term "low resolution" is defined as comprising a digital image having a pixel count in the range of approximately 500K (500,000 bytes) to 5MB (5,000,000 bytes). It is to be noted, however, that these pixel count ranges are not critical to the present invention and, consequently, may vary widely (higher or lower) without departing from the scope of the present invention. The second step 20 involves compressing the low resolution proxy file to produce a compressed proxy file. The low resolution proxy may be compressed using any number of commercially available compression techniques, such as those found within any number of the aforementioned commercially available image correction software packages. As used herein, the terms "compression" or "compressing" are used to denote the process of subjecting the low resolution proxy file to a compression algorithm to further reduce the file size and place it in a compression format such as, but not limited to, JPEG, LZW and FlashPix. The particular compression algorithm selected may vary depending upon the properties of the digital image to be reduced and, similarly, the size of the compressed proxy file may vary widely depending upon the size of the low resolution proxy file. In one embodiment, the term "compressed proxy file" is defined as comprising a digital file having a pixel count in the range of approximately 100K (100,000 bytes) to 700K (700,000 bytes). A benefit of compressing the low resolution proxy file is that the resulting compressed proxy file, being of reduced size, can be transmitted electronically from the image origination site to an image correction site in a much faster and easier fashion than is otherwise possible when transmitting a high resolution digital image.

The third step 30 in the method of the present invention involves transmitting the compressed proxy file to an image correction site. In a preferred embodiment, the step of transmitting the compressed proxy file to the image correction site is conducted electronically which, as noted above, takes advantage of the small size of the compressed proxy file for reduced transmission times. It may also be desirable to transfer a job ticket along with the compressed proxy file which enumerates for the image correction specialist the corrections and/or image conditions desired on the part of the image generator. Depending upon the location of the image correction site, the compressed proxy file may be transmitted via modem, Intranet, Internet, TI lines, or any number of now-available or later-developed technologies for transporting such a compressed proxy file. In other words, the image origination site and image correction site may be in separate geographic locations or the same geographic location, so long as each site can be communicatively linked with the other for transmitting images and/or image correction information back and forth.

The fourth step 40 involves decompressing the compressed proxy file at the image correction site to create a restored low resolution proxy file. This decompression function may be accomplished via the chosen image correction software application. In a preferred embodiment, the restored low resolution proxy file will have the same approximate size characteristics as the low resolution proxy file generated in the first step 10, although the file size of the restored proxy file may vary following restoration without departing from the scope of the present invention. If a job ticket is transmitted along with the compressed proxy file, it too will be opened up at the image correction site to instruct the image correction specialist of any changes or modifications requested by the image generator.

The fifth step 50 involves performing any of a variety of modifications on the restored low resolution proxy file. In a preferred embodiment, these modifications are performed by an image correction specialist to prepare the digital image for printing, multimedia or Internet use. As used herein, "modifications" refers to global or pixel level corrections or adjustments made to the file that may include, but are not limited to, exposure correction, neutralizing color casts, optimization of reproduction range, image silhouetting, color alteration, pixel editing, retouching and color space conversion. The script file may be recorded in any number of commercially available color applications including, but not limited to, Photoshop, Live Picture, Linocolor, and PhotoScripter.

The sixth step 60 involves saving the settings or modifications performed in step 50 as a script file. As used herein, the term "script file" is defined as a file containing the list of instructions representing the modifications performed by the image correction specialist. For example, a script file may include any number of global or pixel level image modification instructions, including but not limited to: set print preferences, tonal adjustments, color cast correction, unsharp mask filtration, convert color space, selective color correction, generate work path to isolate areas, save path as clipping path, and save file in correct file format. It is also to be understood that the "script file" may comprise any single instruction from the before mentioned list saved as an independent setting. The script file may range from 100 bytes to 9K (9,000 bytes) which, as will be appreciated, is relatively small in size compared to a high resolution digital image file. The size of the script file may vary from the above- identified ranges without departing from the scope of the invention.

The seventh step 70 of the present invention involves transmitting the script file from the image correction site back to the image originatio site. In a preferred embodiment, the step of transmitting the script file to the image origination site is conducted electronically. Due to the small size of the script file, it may be transmitted back to the image origination site in a quick and easy fashion, especially relative to the transfer of a high resolution digital image file. As with the transfer of the compressed proxy file, the script file may be transmitted to the image origination site via modem, Intranet, Internet, TI lines, or any number of now-available or later- developed technologies for transporting such a script file. The final step 80 in the method of the present invention involves applying the script file to the original high resolution digital image file to create a corrected high resolution digital image file. This is performed by playing the script file using the image correction software on the computing station at the image origination site. In a preferred embodiment, the high resolution digital image file will be immediately modified on the display in front of the image generator when the script file is played. In an important aspect of the present invention, this step can be performed by anyone at the image origination site regardless of his or her training or expertise in digital image correction. This is because the individual at the image origination site need only invoke the script file using the given image correction software. By applying the script file to the original high resolution digital image file, the same modifications that were specifically performed by the image correction specialist at the image correction site will be automatically performed at the image origination site to produce a corrected high resolution digital image file of professional quality. The corrected high resolution digital image file is then ready for use as desired.

The present invention advantageously provides the ability to have any operator, lay or otherwise, perform the required image modifications to the original high resolution digital image file without actually transmitting it to the image correction site. This is important in that, by eliminating the need to transmit the high resolution digital image file, the transmission time is drastically reduced. Moreover, the image origination site does not need sophisticated data transmission facilities because the compressed proxy file and the script file, being much smaller than the high resolution digital image file, can be readily transmitted using standard, relatively inexpensive transmission devices. As will be appreciated, this minimizes the overall cost of undertaking such image correction operations such that any entity, large or small, can compete without undue financial hardship. In this fashion, the present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art image correction operations.

Referring now to Figures 2-8, an exemplary embodiment of the foregoing method will now be described. Figures 2-8 are screen displays or windows as may be displayed to a user on a computer system running one of the various commercially available image correction software packages that can be used in accordance with the present invention, the following example, the image correction software package is Photoshop (offered by Adobe Systems, Inc. of San Jose, CA operating on a Apple Power Macintosh system consisting of a monitor, CPU, hard drive, keyboard, and mouse).

Figure 2 is a screen display illustrating the dimensions of a high resolution digital image file to be modified in accordance with the present invention. Pixel Dimensions 90 displays the gross pixel count of a specified file. In the exemplary embodiment, the pixel count is that of the high resolution file, seen here as 86.2MB (86,000,000 bytes approx.). Width and Height 100 displays the width as the actual number of pixel columns (7176) and the height as the actual number of pixel rows (4200). This information provides the user an understanding of the proportionate distribution of data contained in the gross pixel count. Scale adjustments may be made to the digital image file by entering alternate desired values (pixel columns or pixel rows) in the width and height boxes. Pull-down menu 110 allows for the selection of various measuring units for the width and height, either pixel as in the exemplary embodiment or percent. Therefore, if the pull-down menus 110 are set to percent, the scale of the digital image file may be adjusted based upon percentage values entered for the width and height. A pull-down menu 120 offers unit of measure options in the "Print Size" portion of the window. In the exemplary embodiment, the chosen unit of measure is "inches," although other unit of measure options include: centimeters, points, picas, columns and percent. Width and Height 130 are text windows displaying the output dimensions of the exemplary high resolution digital image file. Width is shown as 23.92 inches and height is shown as 14 inches, based upon resolution values entered in 140 and units defined in 145. (In the exemplary embodiment, the high resolution digital image file has 7176 columns and 4200 rows which when divided by the output resolution of 300 pixels/inch provides the width dimension of 23.92 inches and a height dimension of 14 inches.) These dimensions may be adjusted to alter image scale by simply entering alternate values for the height and width. The Resolution window 140 displays the output pixel count, in this example, 300 per inch. Another pull-down menu 145 in the Print Options section of the window offers the choice of, pixels/inch as used in the exemplary embodiment, or pixels/centimeter. The Constrain Proportions "check box" 150 enables a user to lock the proportions of a file when adjusting values in any of the above text windows (height/width/resolution) found in the "Print Size" section. In "checking" this box, when a single dimension (width or height) is altered the corresponding dimension (width or height) is adjusted accordingly. Unchecked, this box allows for alteration of a single dimension, independent of the other. A resample image "check box" 160 determines whether a file is resampled as adjustments are made to the dimensions/resolution values of the file. Resampling the file will increase or decrease the quantity of information contained in the gross pixel dimension while either the height/width dimensions or the resolution remain constant. A pull-down menu 170 offers three different methods for resampling the image. In the exemplary embodiment bicubic resampling is the method used while other resampling options include nearest neighbor or bilinear.

Once again, it is to be readily understood that the dimensions of this high resolution digital file are set forth by way of example only and may vary greatly from that shown without departing from the scope of the present invention. Referring to Figure 3, shown is a screen display illustrating the dimensions of a low resolution proxy file based on the high resolution digital image file from Figure 2. In this example, the low resolution proxy file remains dimensionally the same at 23.92" x 14", while the pixel count is reduced to a standard monitor resolution of 72 pixels/inch and the byte size is decreased dramatically to 4.97MB (4,970,000 bytes approx.). Skilled artisans will appreciate that the dimensions of this low resolution digital file may vary greatly from that shown without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Pixel Dimensions 90 displays the gross pixel count of a specified file. In the exemplary embodiment, the pixel count is that of the low resolution proxy file, 4.97MB (4,970,000 bytes approx.) generated from the sample high resolution file, originally 86.2MB (86,200,000 bytes approx.). The Width and Height windows 100 in this embodiment display the actual number of pixel columns (1722) and pixel rows (1008) of the low resolution proxy file. Width, having been reduced from 7176 columns to 1722 columns and height, formerly 4200 rows now 1008 rows, provides the new distributed representation of the gross pixel count of the low resolution proxy. A pull-down menu 110 allows for the selection of measuring units, either pixel as seen in the exemplary embodiment or percent.

Width and Height windows 130 display the output dimensions of the sample low resolution proxy file. Height is shown as 23.92 inches and width is shown as 14 inches, based upon resolution values entered in 140 and units defined in 145. (In the exemplary embodiment, the low resolution proxy file has 1722 columns and 1008 rows which when divided by the revised output resolution of 72 pixels/inch provides the width dimension of 23.92 inches and height dimension of 14 inches.) The Resolution window 140 displays the output pixel count, in the exemplary embodiment, 72 per inch.

It is to be readily understood that the dimensions of this low resolution proxy file may vary greatly from that shown without departing from the scope of the present invention. It should be appreciated that in reducing the high resolution file, originally 86.2MB, to 4.97, thus creating the low resolution proxy, only the value entered in the resolution window was altered, going from 300 pixels per inch to 72 pixels per inch.

Referring to Figure 4, shown is a screen display illustrating a function for compressing the low resolution proxy file in accordance with the present invention. When saving the low resolution proxy file, a compression format is selected from a variety of available compression formats. In this example, JPEG is the selected compression format, which in turn offers various levels as seen in Figure 5.

An icon 280 defines the location of the folder to which the compressed file is being saved. The title bar of a pull-down menu 290 contains the name of the folder to which the compressed low resolution proxy file will be saved which in this embodiment is a folder entitled "Compressed Files." Options from this pull-down menu 290 include any storage location available the computer at the time of compression, including but not limited to hard drives, removable media and network servers. A window 300 displays the contents of what is contained in the folder or defined drive(s) selected and listed in the title bar of the pull-down menu 290. (In the exemplary embodiment the folder contains no items.) A text box 310 is provided for titling the file being compressed and saved. In this example the file being compressed bears the title "Low Resolution Proxy File." The pull-down menu 320 allows for the selection of one of many different file formats, including compression formats. Format choices found in this pull-down menu may include, but are not limited to, JPEG,

Flashpix, GIF and PICT.

With continued reference to Figure 5, shown is a screen display illustrating the compression options available under the JPEG compression function. It should be noted that certain compression algorithms do not provide choices similar to those seen in Figure 4, but rather use a single level of compression by default.

A pull-down menu 330 within the "Image Options" window includes four options: "Maximum," "High," "Medium," and "Low." "Maximum" represents the least compressed or highest quality file. "Low" represents the most compressed or lowest quality file. "Medium" represents a file of intermediate compression and quality. The "Quality" selection box 340 in the Image Options window denotes a scale of 0 to 10, wherein 0 represents the lowest quality (i.e. the most compressed or smallest) file, and wherein 10 represents the highest quality (i.e. the least compressed or largest) file. The slider scale 350 in the "Image Options" window shows a continuum from "small file" to "large file," wherein "small file" represents the lowest quality (i.e. the most compressed or smallest) file and "large file" represents the highest quality (i.e. the least compressed or largest) file. It should be noted that adjustment to any of the above mentioned "Image Options" could possibly alter one or both of the other "Image Options." The choice of which option to select may be based upon speed of use or desired quality with greater attention and finer tuning available through the Quality window. In the "Format Options" window, the Baseline option

360 selects the standard or original JPEG compression algorithm method which as seen in this embodiment. The Baseline Optimized option 370 selects a more recent compression method that maintains a greater degree of color integrity. The Progressive option 380 selects a file type designed for display in a web browser using multiple passes or scans, with each one increasingly higher in resolution, with the number of alternate resolutions entered into the Scans window 380. The Save Paths "check box" 390 allows for a path to be saved with the file. A path is designed to isolate a specific portion of an image.

Referring to Figure 6, shown is a screen display illustrating an information window noting the file size information of the compressed low resolution proxy image. In this example, the low resolution proxy when compressed according to the sample information provided in Figure 4 and Figure 5 now becomes a 204K file (134,143 bytes). The high resolution image has been scaled and compressed from 86MB to 204K, taking the optimal transfer time, based on a 56K modem operating in a vacuum, from 26 minutes to 4 seconds.

A thumbnail icon 400 of the file is provided, along with the title of the file which, in this embodiment, is "Low Resolution Proxy Image." Kind 410 provides the user with information pertaining to the file format. In this example, the file format is Photoshop JPEG. Size 420 provides the user with information pertaining to the quantity of information contained in the file mentioned in 400. In this example, the file contains 163K or 134,143 bytes of information. Where 430 provides the user with information as to where the file listed in 400 currently resides. Created 440 provides the user with information as to when the compressed file mentioned in 400 was first compressed and saved. In this example, the date of creation is Tuesday, September 29, 1998 at 9:45 AM. Modified 450 provides the user with information as to when the compressed file mentioned in 400 was last altered or saved. In this example, the date is Tuesday, September 29, 1998 at 9:45 AM. (When the modification time/date match the creation date exactly a modification is often not involved.) Version 460 provides the user with information as to which version was used. In this example, the information is not available. Comments 470 provides the user with a text window in which information or comments regarding the file may be entered and stored with the file. The Lock "check box" 480 allows the user to "lock" the file, preventing further changes to the file from being saved under the same file name. The Stationary Pad "check box" 490 enables the user to generate a "stationary pad" file. Said "stationary pad" file is a copy of the original file on which any modifications are performed. These modifications will affect only the copy, or stationary pad file, leaving the original undisturbed.

Figures 7A & 7B collectively illustrate a sample script that performs certain functions to correct a specific file. The script includes, by way of example only, a Set CMYK Setup section, a first Curves section, an Unsharp Mask section, a

Convert Mode section, a second Curves section, a Selective Color section, a Make Path section, a Set Clipping Path section, and a Save section. It is understood that the adjustments made in the exemplary embodiment are known to those skilled in the art. Reference numeral 500 represents a defined folder in which the script is saved. The title or name 510 of the script created (#15432 in the exemplary embodiment). The Set CMYK Setup section 520 is provided to set the Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black transform of the current application. In the embodiment shown, the preference set for converting files into a specific printing environment is set to UCR, indicating Under Color Removal will be applied, as opposed to GCR (gray component replacement) with a 300% total ink limit allowed. The first Curves section 530 calls out the various adjustments to be performed in the curves palette based upon the needs of the decompressed low resolution proxy file. These include adjustments of the tonal range in the red-green-blue color spectrum, such as a Shadow Adjust from a value of 0 to 20, Adjust ^lλ Tone from a value of 40 to 60, Adjust % Tone from a value of 220 to 189, Adjust Highlight from a value of 255 to 230. Channel 540 compensates for a color cast or imbalance requiring a midtone adjustment from a value of 130 to 140 made in the red channel. The Unsharp Mask section 550 documents the image sharpening functions using an unsharp mask filter. In this embodiment, Pixel Radius is set at 1.5, Amount is set at 200, and Threshold is set at 0. The Convert Mode section 560 documents any conversions in the color space of the decompressed low resolution proxy file. In this embodiment, the color space is converted from RGB to CMYK. The second Curves section 570 calls out the various adjustments of the tonal range in the CMYK color space. In this embodiment, these adjustments include Adjust Tone from a value of 51 to 63 and Adjust ³Λ Tone from a value of 203 to 191. The Selective Color section 580 documents the color correction adjustment to be performed on the decompressed low resolution proxy file. In this embodiment, these adjustments include, Color designated as red, with Cyan being removed at a value of -20 and Magenta being added at a value of 10. The Make Path section 590 documents a path constructed using the pen tool to isolate/silhouette an area from the background. The Set Clipping Path section 600 documents a path saved as a clipping path enabling the isolated portion of the image to be placed in a page layout program. The Save section 610 represents that the image is to be saved in the correct file format after the above mentioned tasks are performed.

Figure 8 illustrates a screen display of an information window for the script file shown in Figures 7 A&B. A thumbnail 620 of the Script file is provided, along with the title of the file which, in this embodiment, is "#15432." Kind 630 provides the user with information pertaining to the file format. In this example, the file format is Photoshop actions file. Size 640 provides the user with information pertaining to the quantity of information contained in the file mentioned in 620. In this example the file contains 68K or 1131 bytes of information. Where 650 provides the user with information as to where the file listed in 620 currently resides. In the exemplary embodiment the file is found on the hard drive titled "4GB HD". Created 660 provides the user with information as to whether the compressed file mentioned in 620 was first compressed and saved. In this example, the date of creation is Tuesday, September 29, 1998 at 9:45 AM. Modified 670 provides the use with information as to when the compressed file mentioned in 620 was last altered or saved. In this example, the date is Tuesday, September 29, 1998 at 9:45 AM. (When the modification time/date match the creation date exactly a modification is often not involved.) Version 680 provides the user with information as to which version was used. In this example, the information is not available. Comments 690 provides the user with a text window in which information or comments regarding the file may be entered and stored with the file. In the exemplary embodiment, there are no comments. The Lock "check box" 700 allows the user to "lock" the file, preventing further changes to the file from being saved under the same file name. The Stationary Pad "check box" 710 enables the user to generate a "stationary pad" file. Said "stationary pad" file is a copy of the original file on which any modifications are performed. These modifications will affect only the copy, or stationary pad file, leaving the original undisturbed.

Referring to Figure 9, shown is a block diagram of an image modification system provided in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the system demonstrates the workflow/methodology for transmitting compressed proxy images between an image origination station 720 and the image modification station 740 directly connected via a communication link 730. The image origination station 720 and image modification station 740 consist of, but are not limited to, a computer processing unit, display/monitor, input device (keyboard, tablet or mouse, etc.) and software application that accepts script technology. The communication link 730 may consist of, but is not limited to, a modem or network card and cable, but must open a link to other computers. Compressed proxy images are sent via communication link 730 from the image origination station 720 to the image modification station 740. The proxy image is decompressed, modified, scripted and the modification script is sent via communication Link 730 to the image origination station 720 for application to the original high resolution digital image.

Referring to Figure 10, shown is a block diagram of an image modification system provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the system demonstrates the workflow/methodology for transmitting compressed proxy images between multiple image origination stations 750 directly connected to an image modification station 770 via a communication link 760. The image origination stations 750 and image modification station 770 consist of, but are not limited to, a computer processing unit, display/monitor, input device (keyboard, tablet, or mouse, etc.) and software application that accepts script technology. The communication link may consist of, but is not limited to, a modem or network card and cable, but must open a link to other computers. Compressed proxy images are sent via communication link from the image origination stations 750 to the image modification station 770. The proxy image is decompressed, modified, scripted and the modification script is sent via communication link 760 to the respective image origination station 750 for application to the original high resolution digital image file.

Referring to Figure 11 , shown is a diagram of an image modification system provided in accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention. The image modification system demonstrates the workflow/methodology for transmitting compressed proxy images between two sites using a common drop off and pick up site. An image origination station 780 and image modification station 810 are connected to an intermediate drop-off/pick-up site 800 via a communication link 790. The image origination station 780 and image modification station 810 consist of, but are not limited to, a computer processing unit, display/monitor, input device (keyboard, tablet or mouse, etc.) and software application that accepts script technology. The communication link 790 may consist of, but is not limited to, a modem or network card and cable, but must open a link to other computers. The intermediate drop-off/pick-up site 800 may be, but is not limited to, an on-site server, Internet server, or remote ftp site. Compressed proxy images are sent via communication link 790 from the image origination site to the specified intermediate drop-off/pick-up site 800 whereby they are retrieved by the image modification station 810 via communication link 790. The proxy image is decompressed, modified, scripted and the script is sent via communication link 790 to the intermediate drop-off/pick-up site 800 whereby it may be retrieved and transferred to the image origination station 780 for application to the original high resolution digital image file. Referring to Figure 12, shown is a block diagram of an image modification system provided in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. The image modification system demonstrates the workflow/methodology for transmitting compressed proxy images between multiple sites using a common drop off and pick up site. The image origination stations 820 and image modification station 850 are connected to an intermediate drop-off/pick-up site 840 via a communication link 830. The image origination stations 820 and image modification station 850 consist of, but are not limited to, a computer processing unit, display/monitor, input device (keyboard, tablet or mouse, etc.) and software application that accepts script technology. The communication link 830 may consist of, but is not limited to, a modem or network card and cable, but must open a link to other computers. The intermediate drop-off/pick-up site 840 may be, but is not limited to, an on-site server, Internet server or remote ftp site. Compressed proxy images are sent via communication link 830 from the image origination stations 820 to the specified intermediate drop-off/pick-up site 840, where they may be thereafter transferred to the image modification station 850 via communication link 830. The proxy image is decompressed, modified, scripted and the script is sent via communication link 830 to the intermediate drop-off/pick-up site 840 where it may thereafter be transferred to the proper image origination station 820 for application to the original high resolution digital image file.

Referring to Figure 13, shown is a block diagram of an image modification system of a still further embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, the image modification system is an alternate embodiment of that shown in Figures 11 and 12. In another embodiment, the present method of modifying a digital image file is performed remotely on a portion of the high resolution digital image file viewed using streaming (image) data technology. As used herein "streaming data" technology refers to the continuous or real-time transfer of data from a source to a destination (or target). For example, the Real-time Protocol (RTP) delivers real-time content over the Internet (or other networks based on an IP protocol) for use with real-time applications. Typically, a separate protocol, the Real-Time Control Protocol (RTCP) is used with RTP to pass control messages for session management, rate adaptation and the like. Various embodiments of stream data technology are further disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,473,755 (Dunning); 5,918020 (Blackard et al.); and 5,928,331 (Bushmitch). A variety of streaming data products are commercially available.

RealTimelmage of San Bruno, CA offers an imaging technology called Pixels-On- Demand that streams real-time, full-resolution images, even over a 56k Internet connection. Progressive, on-demand image streaming permits the operator to zoom-in, pan or scroll, enabling 1:1 zoom ratio and higher. Real-time streaming of raw image data is accomplished without converting or compressing the image. An X-Y grid permits the operator to pinpoint on-screen the exact coordinates of the visual on onscreen.

The MrSID Imaging Server product available from LizardTech, Inc. of Seattle, WA provides high-resolution images of virtually any size. Panning and zooming features allow operator to explore images, without pixilation or delays.

Creo Products Inc. located in Vancouver, Canada offers the RenderView server that allows the operator to zoom in and out of an uncompressed image instantly, bringing minute details into full view, using standard Internet dial-up connections on PC or Macintosh computers. No batch processing or file conversion is required. The server handles industry-standard production files, including PostScript, EPS, PDF,

DCS1,DCS2, JPEG, TIFF, TIFF/IT-Pl, Scitex CT, Scitex LW and Scitex Page without conversion or compression. Support of ICC profiles enables the operator to receive an accurate on-line representation of the colors. Using progressive image-rendering, the RenderView server preserves the quality of the original image data, filling in detail while the operator can focus or comment on different aspects of the image. View positions can be altered by scrolling, panning or zooming while the image continues streaming in. An X-Y grid allows the operator to pinpoint the exact coordinates within the image on-screen. A densitometer measures color values in any section of the original image, maximizing the operator's ability to evaluate color on-line. The above-noted streaming data products, however, lack is an ability to modify, edit or alter the content of the image from the second location, although several allow for "mark-up" of the image based upon a Post-it™ style notation or writing directly on the image itself. These notations do not, however, change the image in any way. Additionally, a software application referred to as TIMBUKTU available from Netopia, Inc. of Los Altos, CA allow for the remote control of computers/software to modify a high resolution image. Using such a method, however, is extremely time consuming due to the fact that the changes to the entire high resolution image residing at a remote location are taking place in real time. The present system includes a first computing station disposed at a first location, a second computing station disposed at a second location, and a communication system cooperatively coupled between the first and second computing stations. The high resolution digital image file resides on the first computing station. Full resolution portions of the high resolution digital image file are accessed at the second computing station using streaming image data technology.

A graphical user interface permits the operator at the second computing station to navigate the image at screen resolution until the desired segment for correction is found. Global or pixel level modifications are recorded at the second location to the portions of the uncompressed resolution digital image viewed as streaming data. The operator can either perform the modifications on the full resolution portion of the high resolution digital image or zoom-in on a desired section. The zoom-in function permits the operator to more easily perform the desired modifications, while the full resolution portion of the digital image permits the operator to better view the portion of image at a level of detail required to display the problem areas.

It will be appreciated that the request for high resolution segments/zoom-in views, while displaying detail beyond a 1:1 pixel relationship, can never exceed the overall displaying monitors x/y resolution. For example, on presently available high resolution 21 inch graphics monitors, the maximum resolution still is not often more than 1600x 1200 pixels. The present method of modifying a digital image file is performed by combining a browser type tool, such as Internet Explorer® or Netscape Navigator®, with an image editing application, such as PhotoShop. Alternatively, tools found in the image editing tool can be imported into the Internet browser. Software is provided at the first location where the high resolution image resides. The first location can be the creators desktop or at a centralized media asset management facility. This software functions in conjunction with streaming data software to send/transmit streamed data. The software at the first location works with software at the second location in a client/server relationship, with recording/playback functions. An example of such software is a product referred to as ColorCourier available from Colorcentric.com, Inc. of Minneapolis, MN. The portion of the software that resides at the second location tracks all modification made to the digital data being streamed from the first location. The software at the second location can track global changes or pixel level changes. Pixel level changes can be linked to an X- Y grid within the portion of the streamed image available at the second location.

The modifications are saved as a script file independent of the high resolution image that is modified. In another embodiment, the key strokes and mouse clicks corresponding to the modifications made by the operator at the second location are recorded real-time using a macro function. The instructions recorded by the macro function can either be the script file or be used to generate a script file. The script file is then transferred back to the first location using the communication system, where it is applied to the original high resolution image to create a corrected high resolution digital image file.

In one embodiment, either the streaming data software or the software at the second location applies an x-y grid to the high resolution digital image. Pixel level modifications are recorded on the x-y pixel grid at the second location. The changes to the x-y pixel grid generate a corrected x-y pixel grid. The script file transmitted to the first location contains parameters defining the corrected x-y pixel grid. The software at the first location applies the same x-y grid to the high resolution digital image. The corrected x-y pixel grid is compared to the uncorrected x-y pixel grid at the first location. The differential between the corrected x-y pixel grid and the x-y pixel grid applied at the first location represents, at least in part, the modifications. These modifications are then applied to the high resolution digital image to generate a corrected high resolution digital image. In yet another alternate embodiment, the high resolution digital image file (or a portion thereof) is transferred to the image correction site either using conventional file transfer techniques or as streaming data without the prior steps of reducing the pixel count, and hence without reducing the image resolution. Consequently, any degradation to the digital image that may occur during reduction of the pixel count is avoided. This alternate embodiment is particularly useful where the high resolution digital image file is relatively small or the data transfer bandwidth is relatively high.

The high resolution digital image may be compressed to generate a compressed proxy file or may be sent to the image correction site in an uncompress format. In an embodiment where a compressed proxy file is sent to the image correction site, the compressed proxy file is decompressed at the image correction site to create a restored high resolution digital image. This decompression function may be accomplished via the chosen image correction software application.

The modifications are performed directly on the high resolution digital image or the restored high resolution digital image by the image correction specialist at the image correction site. The modifications are saved as a script file, as discussed herein. The script file is transmitted from the image correction site back to the image origination site. Due to the small size of the script file, it may be transmitted back to the image origination site in a quick and easy fashion. Finally, the script file is applied to the original high resolution digital image file to create a corrected high resolution digital image file. This step is performed by playing the script file using the image correction software on the computing station at the image origination site. The corrected high resolution digital image file is then ready for use as desired.

As is evident from the foregoing, the present invention advantageously overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art. Specifically, the present invention provides the ability to modify high resolution digital image files without the need for sophisticated, expensive data transmission equipment, thereby leveling the playing field between competitors large and small alike.

All of the patents and patent applications disclosed herein, including those set forth in the Background of the Invention, are hereby incorporated by reference. With regard to the foregoing description, it is to be understood that changes may be made in detail, without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is intended that the specification and depicted aspects be considered exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the broad meaning of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of remotely modifying a digital image comprising the steps of: electronically transferring as streaming data at least a portion of an uncompressed high resolution digital image from a first location to a second location; performing at the second location at least one image correction modification on at least a portion of the transferred high resolution digital image; saving instructions representing the image correction modification as a script file; and electronically transferring the script file from the second location to the first location such that application of the script file to one of the high resolution digital image or a copy of the high resolution digital image at the first location produces a corrected high resolution digital image.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of electronically transferring the script file comprises the steps of transferring the script file without sending a portion of the high resolution digital image as part of the script file.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of electronically transferring the uncompressed high resolution digital image comprises the steps of transferring only a portion of the high resolution digital image using conventional file transfer techniques.

4. The method of claim 1 comprising the step of applying the script file to one of the high resolution digital image or a copy of the high resolution digital image at the first location to produce a corrected high resolution image.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the image correction modification comprises the step of altering one or more colors on at least a portion of the high resolution digital image.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the image correction modification comprises the step of altering one or more pixels on the high resolution digital image.

7. The method of claim 1 comprising the step of performing a plurality of image correction modifications on at least a portion of the high resolution digital image.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the first location comprises one or more locations.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the second location comprises one or more locations.

10. The method of claim 1 comprising the steps of: applying an x-y pixel grid to the high resolution digital image at the second location; and recording at the second location modifications to the high resolution digital image as a corrected x-y pixel grid; and transmitting the corrected x-y pixel grid from the second location to the first location.

11. The method of claim 10 comprising the steps of: applying an x-y pixel grid to the high resolution digital image at the first location; and comparing the x-y pixel grid applied at the first location to the corrected x-y pixel grid to produce a corrected high resolution digital image at the first location.

12. A method of modifying a digital image file comprising the steps of: a first user at a first location electronically transferring a compressed copy of at least a portion of a high resolution digital image from the first location to a second location; a second user initiating decompression of the compressed copy at the second location to produce a restored high resolution digital image; performing at the second location at least one image correction modification on at least a portion of the restored high resolution digital image; saving instructions representing the image correction modification as a script file; and electronically transferring the script file from the second location to the first location without sending the restored high resolution digital image as part of the script file such that application of the script file to the high resolution digital image at the first location produces a corrected high resolution digital image.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of electronically transferring comprises the steps of transferring a portion of the high resolution digital image as streaming data.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of electronically transferring comprises the steps of transferring at least a portion of the high resolution digital image using conventional file transfer techniques.

15. A system for modifying a high resolution digital image, comprising: a first computing station at a first location, the first computing station including a processor programmed to transfer as streaming data at least portions of a high resolution digital image; a second computing station at a second location, the second computing station including a processor programmed for performing one of a plurality of digital image modifications on the high resolution digital image, and for generating a script file representing the digital image modifications performed on the high resolution digital image; and a communication system cooperatively coupled between the first and second computing systems adapted to transfer at least a portion of the high resolution digital image as streaming data from the first computing system to the second computing system and for transferring the script file from the second computing system to the first computing system such that the script file can be applied to the high resolution digital image to create a corrected high resolution digital image.