Image processing method and apparatus using virtual color gamut information in association with color standards and processed statistically to offset a difference in color reproducibility of an output apparatus

An information processing apparatus, comprising:

• a color standard storage unit to store multiple color standards by which an output apparatus that includes a shared output method specifies a range of color reproduction;
• a virtual color gamut information unit stored in association with the color standard and processed statistically so as to offset a difference in color reproducibility of the output apparatus that includes a shared output method;
• a color space converter to convert image data input from the network into image data in color space of the color standard;
• and
• a preview image generator to color-compress the image data in the color standard within range of color reproduction of an output apparatus and to generate a preview image from the image data generated after color-compression,
• wherein the image processing apparatus calls the color standard to process images by associating color space independent of output apparatus with virtual color gamut information dependent on output method.

A method of processing information, comprising the steps of:

• storing multiple color standards by which an output apparatus that includes a shared output method specifies a range of color reproduction;
• storing virtual color gamut information in association with the color standards and processed statistically so as to offset a difference in color reproducibility of the output apparatus that includes a shared output method;
• converting image data input from the network into image data in color space of the color standard;
• color-compressing the image data in the color standard within the range of color reproduction of an output apparatus and generating a preview image from the image data generated after color-compression;
• and
• calling the color standard to process images by associating color space independent of output apparatus with virtual color gamut information dependent on output method.