Image processing apparatus that performs gradation correction of photographed image, method of controlling the same, and storage medium

A method of controlling an image processing apparatus that obtains an output image by performing image processing on an input image, comprising:

• dividing the input image, input into the image processing apparatus, into a plurality of object areas, including at least a first object area and a second object area, with an image dividing unit;
• comparing feature values indicative of features of the first and second object areas to thereby obtain a difference or a ratio between the feature values, and determining whether or not the difference or the ratio is within a predetermined range between a first threshold value and a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value;
• and
• performing, when it is determined by said determining that the difference or the ratio is within the predetermined range, gradation correction on each of the first and second object areas to thereby form the output image of the image processing apparatus.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a control program for causing a computer to execute a method of controlling an image processing apparatus that obtains an output image by performing image processing on an input image, wherein the method comprises:

• dividing the input image into a plurality of object areas, including at least a first object area and a second object area;
• comparing feature values indicative of features of the respective object areas to thereby obtain a difference or a ratio between the feature values, and determining whether or not the difference or the ratio is within a predetermined range between a first threshold value and a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value;
• and
• performing, when it is determined by said determining that the difference or the ratio is within the predetermined range, gradation correction on each of the first and second object areas to thereby form the output image.