Color image processing system which provides multiple image processing operations through a single interface

A computer system for distributed processing of graphic images, comprising:

• a first computer for running an application program through which a user can edit a graphic image;
• a library storing a plurality of dynamically loadable image processing programs;
• means for presenting the user with a list of image processing services available through the programs stored in said library, said list being provided to the user via said first computer;
• means in said first computer for creating a script file in response to user requests for image processing services from said list, which script file identifies the requested services and the stored programs associated with said services;
• a second computer for loading selected ones of the stored programs that are identified in a script file and performing requested services on a graphic image;
• and
• means for transmitting said script file created in said first computer to said second computer together with an associated graphic image file.

A system for providing a variety of image processing functions to graphic application programs, comprising:

• a library containing a plurality of individual, dynamically loadable image processing programs, said individual programs including at least one color management system which converts color data pertaining to one image input/output device into color data for a different image input/output device, and at least one program that provides an image processing service that processes multiple picture elements of an image to determine a picture element value for a processed image;
• an operating system including an interface which communicates with graphic application programs to receive requests from said application programs for image processing services;
• and
• a dispatcher responsive to requests for image processing services received at said interface for calling selected ones of the programs in said library to execute the requested services.

A method for providing a variety of image processing functions to graphic application programs, comprising the steps of:

• storing a library containing a plurality of individual, dynamically loadable image processing programs, said individual programs including at least one color management system which converts color data pertaining to one image input/output device into color data for a different input/output device, and at least one program that provides an image processing service that processes multiple picture elements of an image to determine a picture element value for a processed image;
• receiving all requests from graphic application programs for image processing services at a single operating system interface;
• and
• loading selected ones of the programs in said library in response to requests received at said interface and causing the loaded programs to execute the requested services.

A method for processing a graphic image, comprising the steps of:

• storing a library containing a plurality of dynamically loadable image processing programs;
• presenting a user with a list of image processing services available through the programs stored in said library;
• creating a script file at a first location in response to user requests for image processing services from said list, which script file identifies the requested services and the stored programs associated with said services;
• transmitting said script file together with an associated graphic image file to a second location;
• and
• loading selected ones of the stored programs that are identified in a script file and performing requested services on a graphic image at said second location.