Image processing method for processing an image signal differently depending on the range of an image characteristic thereof relative to the range within which an output device can reproduce the image characteristic

An image processing method applicable when a density range of an input image signal is broader than a density range within which an output device can reproduce an image represented by said input image signal, comprising the steps of:

• detecting an input density range of said input image signal corresponding to one image frame, and comparing said input density range with an output density range representing the density range which can be reproduced by said output device;
• judging whether or not said input density range is within said output density range;
• and
• performing respectively different processings on said input image signal when said input density range is within said output density range and when said input density range is not within said output density range.

A color image processing method applicable when a saturation range of an input color image signal is broader than a saturation range within which a color output device can reproduce an image represented by said input color image signal, comprising the steps of:

• detecting an input saturation range of said input color image signal corresponding to one image frame;
• comparing said input saturation range with an output saturation range representing the saturation range which can be reproduced by said color output device;
• judging whether or not said input saturation range is within said output saturation range;
• and
• performing respectively different processings on said input color image signal when said input saturation range is within said output saturation range and when said input saturation range is not within said output saturation range.