In a system for converting an input image signal input from an image input
device into an output image signal to be output by an image output
device, an image compression unit converts a spectral image input via an
image input unit into R, G, and B data, obtains principal component data
by making principal component analysis of the spectral image, and stores
these data in an input image storage unit. When the principal component
data and R, G, and B data are loaded and stored in an output image
storage unit, a spectral reflectance reconstruction unit reconstructs the
spectral reflectance of each pixel using these data. A printer model
determines the dot quantities of inks used to record each pixel in an
image output device on the basis of the calculated spectral reflectance,
and generates an output image signal for the image output device. In this
way, image data which allows to estimate the spectral reflectance
characteristics of an input image is provided, and faithful color
reproduction can be realized.