Method of image enhancement

Abstract

An image 2 from a digital camera is modified by employing the output from an auto exposure setting stage 1 in an image processing step 3 to provide an enhanced processed image 4 as a function of said output.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method of image enhancement of a sensed image taken with a digital camera, said digital camera being hand held and including an area image sensor, internal page width ink jet printer, processor means for processing an output of said area image sensor in accordance with processing rules, and a print roll including print media and printing ink for printing out a processed image on said print media, said digital camera further including an auto exposure setting means, said method comprising the step of utilising exposure setting information from said auto exposure setting means to process said sensed image in accordance with said processing rules.  
     
     
         2 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said utilising step comprises utilising the auto exposure setting from said auto exposure setting means to determine a re-mapping of colours within said image so as to produce an amended image having colours within an image transformed to take account of said auto exposure setting.  
     
     
         3 . A method as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said processing comprises re-mapping image colours so they appear deeper and richer when said auto exposure setting indicates low light conditions.  
     
     
         4 . A method as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said processing step comprises re-mapping image colours to be brighter and more saturated when said auto exposure setting indicates bright light conditions.  
     
     
         5 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said utilising step includes adding exposure specific graphics to said image.  
     
     
         6 . A method of image enhancement of a sensed image taken with a digital camera, including an auto exposure setting means, said method comprising the step of utilising the auto exposure setting from said auto exposure setting means to process said sensed image to add exposure specific graphics to said image.