JP2001136361A - Picture communication equipment and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a picture communication equipment and its method capable of easily preparing a transmission picture where a color photographic picture, character picture, etc., are composed. SOLUTION: Plural pictures constituting a single page are inputted (S201 to S206) and in accordance with an ITU-T recommendation T44, the inputted plural pictures are batch formatted to picture data of the one page (S213). Data formatted to the picture data of the single page is facsimile-transmitted (S214).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image communication apparatus and a method therefor, and more particularly to an image communication apparatus and a method capable of communicating color image information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is a strong demand for a color facsimile for transmitting a color image. MRC (Mixed Raster Content, ITU-T Recommendation T.44) as one of the color facsimile methods
However, this method divides an image for one page including a color photographic image and a character image into a plurality of blocks (stripe), and performs optimal coding on each stripe to transmit. Things.

[0003]

Image area separation for reading a document image in which a color photographic image and a character image are combined and separating the image into stripes so that optimal encoding is performed is as follows.
It requires know-how, complicated algorithms, and large amounts of memory, and it is difficult to create transmission data.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and provides an image communication apparatus and a method thereof that can easily create a transmission image in which a color photograph image, a character image, and the like are combined. The purpose is to:

[0005]

The present invention has the following configuration as one means for achieving the above object.

[0006] An image communication apparatus according to the present invention comprises an image input means for inputting a plurality of images constituting one page, and a plurality of input images in one page according to ITU-T Recommendation T.44. It is characterized by having image processing means for formatting into image data and transmitting means for transmitting data formatted into one page of image data.

According to the image communication method of the present invention, a plurality of images constituting one page are input, and in accordance with ITU-T Recommendation T.44, the plurality of input images are collectively formatted into one-page image data. Then, data formatted as one page of image data is transmitted.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a CPU 5 controls each unit described later according to a program stored in a ROM 1.

The scanner 3 is for inputting a transmission image and has a function of reading a color image. Scanner
The color or black and white transmission image input by 3 is C
The data is compressed by the ODEC 8 and stored in the image memory 6. Similarly, a color or black and white received image received from the line 9 is also stored in the image memory 6. The received image is printed on recording paper by a printer unit 7 having a color print function. Of course, the transmission image can be printed by the printer unit 7.

The CODEC 8 is an encoding / decoding device which compresses color and black and white transmission images and decompresses color and black and white reception images. The CCU 10 is a communication control unit that controls a line 9 such as a public line connected to a facsimile machine.

The operation panel 4 having the ten keys 18 for dialing is for performing facsimile operations including designation of resolution and various MRC-related information. The operation panel 4 displays the MRC color mode key 11, the mask layer designation key 12, the background designation key 13, the foreground designation key 14, the background color selection key 15, the foreground color selection key 16, and various states and functions. , A numeric keypad 18, a start key 19 for starting facsimile transmission, and a monitor key 20 for monitoring an MRC generated image.

[Operation] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the present embodiment.

First, an original of an image composed of character information (a mask layer image shown in FIG. 3) is set on the scanner 3, and the MRC color mode key 11 on the operation panel 4 is pressed.
In S200, MRC color transmission is specified.

Next, the resolution of the mask layer is determined on the operation panel.
When a designation is made with the key (not shown) of 4 and the mask layer designation key 12 is pressed, reading of the image of the document set on the scanner 3 at the designated resolution is started in step S201. The read image is subjected to predetermined compression by the CODEC 8 and stored in the image memory 6.

If it is determined in step S202 that the reading of the mask layer has been completed, it is determined from the start key 19 in step S207 whether transmission is to be started. If the start key 19 has not been pressed, preparation for reading an image for the background layer is started.

Then, an original of a background layer image (color or gray scale photograph or image) as shown in FIG. 3 is set on the scanner 3, and the resolution is selected. The background resolution shall be the same as the resolution specified by the mask layer or be a fraction of an integer in accordance with the rules of the MRC procedure. When the background layer key 13 is pressed, the image of the document set on the scanner 3 is
Reading at the specified resolution is started. The read image is subjected to predetermined compression by the CODEC 8 and stored in the image memory 6.

If it is determined in step S204 that the reading of the background layer has been completed, step S209 is performed.
Then, it is determined from the start key 19 whether or not to start the transmission. If the start key 19 has not been pressed, preparations are made to read an image for the foreground layer.

Then, a document of the foreground layer image as shown in FIG. 3 is set on the scanner 3, and the resolution is selected. The resolution of the foreground needs to be the same as the resolution specified by the mask layer or a fraction of the same as the background layer. In FIG. 3,
The example of the foreground layer image which makes the upper half character of a mask layer red and the lower half character blue is shown. Press the foreground layer key 14 to step
In S205, reading of the image of the document set on the scanner 3 at the designated resolution is started. The read image is subjected to predetermined compression by the CODEC 8 and stored in the image memory 6.

If it is determined in step S206 that reading of the foreground layer has been completed, the flow advances to step S211 to determine with the monitor key 20 whether it is necessary to monitor the transmission image. If the monitor key 20 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S215, where the transmission image stored in the image memory 6 is stored in the CODEC 8 according to the data decoding algorithm of the MRC.
To decrypt.

The characters of the mask layer included in the red area of the foreground layer are recognized as red characters, and a monitor image is formed. Further, since there is no character in the area of the mask layer corresponding to the area including the photograph of the background layer, the area is recognized as a photograph only, and a monitor image is formed. Further, the characters of the mask layer whose foreground layer is included in the blue region are recognized as blue characters, and the monitor image shown in FIG. 4 is formed. The monitor image may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 17 if the liquid crystal display 17 of the operation panel 4 has a sufficient display function, but it is preferable to display the monitor image on a color CRT or a color LCD monitor (not shown). desirable.

As described above, the foreground color is used for the image (including characters) of the mask layer, and the background image is used for the area where the mask layer has no image. Note that, in the image example shown in FIG. 3, the color area of the foreground layer protrudes from the image of the mask layer, that is, the character, but the image of the background layer is valid in an area where no image exists in the mask layer. However, since no image exists in the background target area, the target area of the monitor image to be formed (similarly, the transmission image) has a default white color, and as a result, has no image.

Next, when the start key 19 is pressed in step S212, the process proceeds to step S213, where a predetermined header and data format are created according to the MRC algorithm, and the MRC data is transmitted to the address specified in step S214. In S217, the MRC transmission process ends. If the start key 19 has not been pressed within a predetermined time or the stop key (not shown) has been pressed in step S212, it is determined in step S216 that interruption of MRC transmission has been instructed, and in step S217, The MRC transmission processing ends. For example,
The stop key is pressed, for example, when the user who has watched the monitor image determines that transmission is impossible.

If the start key 19 has been pressed in step S207, the flow advances to step S208 to create data only for the mask layer, and the data is transmitted in step S214. However, in this case, since the result is the same as the case of facsimile transmission of a black and white image, it is not a complicated data structure of MRC but a normal MMR (Modified Modified READ)
For example, it is desirable to transmit the data in an encoding and format used in normal facsimile communication.

If the start key 19 is depressed in step S209, the process proceeds to step S210, where the MRC of the two layers, the mask layer and the background layer, is performed.
A data format is created, and the MRC data is transmitted in step S214.

Further, FIG. 2 shows only an example in which data for two layers of the mask layer and the background layer is transmitted. However, data for two layers of the mask layer and the foreground layer can be transmitted. This is realized by setting the foreground layer image in place of the background layer image on the scanner 3, pressing the foreground layer designation key 14, and then pressing the start key 19.

[Transmission Procedure] FIG. 5 is a view showing a transmission sequence of the MRC data, and shows the operation in step S214 of FIG.

Although omitted in FIG. 5, a dial call is first made as in a normal G3 facsimile operation, and a DI
A bit indicating the MRC function is returned by S (Digital Identification Signal). At this time, the resolution of the receiving side (called side), the image compression (decompression) function, and other color communication capabilities are notified. The calling side that has received the information transmits a DCS (Digital Command Signal) in which the MRC function, the image compression function, and other color communication capabilities are set.

[0030] Subsequent training and CFR (Confirmation
In the MRC, various marker segments, which can be called MRC headers, are specified for each transmission image page before image data is transmitted. Image data is transmitted in the order of a mask layer, a background layer, and a foreground layer.

The MRC header includes: (1) an SOP (Start of Page) marker segment including the identification of the MRC mode, the type of coding usable in the mask layer and the background / foreground layer, and the resolution of the mask layer. , (2) TN indicating the end of this marker segment
(Termination Number), (3) Optional marker segment set when changing gamut (gamut) range and illuminant (luminance) information of base color of background / foreground layer, (4) Layer type ( Basic color of the background / foreground layer (color when no data exists, usually white for the background layer and black for the foreground layer) and deviation from the basic image data area Indicates the offset and the width and height of the stripe when one page is divided into a plurality of areas.
It consists of SOSt (Start of Stripe). In this embodiment, since one page is considered as one stripe, the width and height of the stripe are, for example, A4 size.

Next, when the image data is transmitted, the mask layer transmitted first is data encoded with the resolution and the encoding type indicated by the SOP marker segment. For example, the data is MMR encoded data at a resolution of 400 dpi.

The resolution of the background layer and the foreground layer, the encoding method, etc.
The range shown in St is shown in each data stream. For example, the background layer has a resolution of 20
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) encoded data at 0dpi, foreground layer has a resolution of 100dpi
The data becomes JBIG (Joint Bi-level Image Group) encoded data. Of course, one pixel required for color encoding
Information such as whether to represent with 8 bits, 12 bits, and how to perform subsampling is performed within the range indicated in the function bits of DIS and DCS negotiated first.

At the end of the image data, there is a symbol EO indicating the end.
P (End of Procedure) is added. After successful transmission of the EOP as a protocol signal, if reception is successful, an MCF (Message Confirmation) is sent from the receiving side and DCN (Disable
(connect), the connection via the line 9 is disconnected, and the communication ends.

[0035]

[Modification] [Specification of background color and foreground color] The background layer is not limited to a photographic image, but can simply specify a background color. Specifically, operation panel 4
A desired color may be selected from among the background colors preset by the background color designation key 15. Each time the background color designation key 15 is pressed, the color indicated by the indicator such as an LED moves, and a representative color such as red, orange, yellow,..., Purple can be selected. Similarly, the color of the image of the mask layer can be designated by the foreground color designation key 16. Further, the brightness of the selected background color and / or foreground color can be changed by combining the background color designation key 15 and / or the foreground color designation key 16 with a density designation key (not shown).

For example, after setting the MRC color transmission, blue is selected by the background color specification key 15 and red is selected by the foreground color specification key 16, and the mask layer image shown in FIG. I do. With this processing, the background layer becomes blue on the entire page, and is, for example, JBIG coded and stored in the image memory 6.
Is accumulated in The character image of the mask layer shown in FIG. 6 is encoded as red, which is the designated color of the foreground, and stored in the image memory 6. And both data are MRC
Sent according to the data format.

The difference from the example described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 2 is that, for the background layer and the foreground layer, the background color and the foreground color are specified by key operation instead of reading the actual image, so that detailed area specification is not required. It is possible. However, in a simple case where the same color is processed over the entire page, the designation of the background color and / or the foreground color by key operation is effective. In such a case, conventionally, the color completed image shown in FIG. 7 was read by the scanner 3 and used as a transmission image. However, when there is a background color (a background color other than white or black), character identification is not easy. Absent. For this reason, the distinction between the character and the background in the transmission image becomes ambiguous, and it may be difficult to distinguish between them.
Also, the difference between the case of compressing a blue one-color background image and the case of compressing a blue background image including a character image is significantly different, and it is more efficient to compress a blue one-color background image. Needless to say. Further, it is needless to say that reproducibility and compression efficiency are better when logically processed (compressed) as a single-color image, than when a single-color image is read by a scanner.

[In the case of a plurality of stripes] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which one page has one stripe has been described. On the other hand, it is possible to transmit multiple stripes by dividing one page horizontally and repeating the process of reading the image of the mask layer, background layer, and foreground layer corresponding to each horizontally long stripe according to the flow of FIG. 2 for one page You can also For example, in the received (or monitor) image shown in FIG. 4, if the upper stripe (red portion), the center stripe (photo region) and the lower stripe (blue portion) are divided, the upper stripe is divided into a mask layer and a foreground layer ( The red stripe is a two-layer type, the center stripe is a one-layer type of a photo only, and the lower stripe is a two-layer type of a mask layer and a foreground layer (blue).

When an image corresponding to each of the stripes cut shorter than the standard size is read by a general "sheet reading" using a facsimile machine, it is difficult to determine the end of the image. Therefore, it is preferable that the stripe portion is read by specifying the position of the stripe portion using a flat bed type scanner that is easy to position, and the corresponding layer is specified when the reading of each stripe image is started. Also, by adding a key for specifying a stripe number and / or the number of layers to the operation panel 4 before starting reading of each stripe image,
Reading of an image without data can be omitted, and input of a plurality of stripes can be facilitated.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation at the time of a plurality of stripes.

In step S800, MRC color transmission is specified. In step S801, a stripe number or the number of layers of each stripe is input, and it is specified that there are a plurality of stripes. In the above example, the stripe number “1” or the layer number “2” is input.

Next, when the mask layer designation key 12 is pressed, the mask layer image corresponding to the upper stripe is read in step S805 according to the determination in step S802. Subsequently, when the foreground designation key 14 is pressed, the foreground layer image (red image in this example) corresponding to the upper stripe is read in step S807 based on the determination in step S804. Then, in step S808, since it is not detected that the start key has been pressed, the process returns to step S801.

Next, in step S801, the stripe number "2" or the number of layers "1" is designated, and when the background designation key 13 is pressed, the background corresponding to the central stripe is determined in step S806 in step S803. Read the layer image. Then, step S808
Then, since it is not detected that the start key is pressed, the process returns to step S801 again.

Next, in step S801, the stripe number "3" or the number of masks "2" is designated, and when the mask layer designation key 12 is pressed, the mask layer corresponding to the lower stripe is determined in step S805 in step S802. Load an image. Next, foreground layer designation key
When the button 14 is pressed, step S8 is performed according to the determination in step S804.
At 07, a foreground layer image (blue image in this example) corresponding to the lower stripe is read.

Since the reading of the image for one page is completed according to the above procedure, the start key 19 is pressed, and step S808 is executed.
According to the determination in step S809, the MRC data is transmitted in step S809, and the MRC transmission process ends in step S810. Although not shown in FIG. 8, if the monitor key 20 is pressed before the start key 19 is pressed,
As in the procedure of FIG. 2, the transmission image can be confirmed before transmission.

In the above example, the functional difference between a plurality of stripes and a single stripe has not been described. However, in the case of a plurality of stripes, the resolution of the background layer and the foreground layer, the encoding subsampling, etc. are changed in stripe units. can do. Therefore, when the text size is different, or when the background is a mixture of simple colors and fine color photos, the color of large characters is divided into stripes to reduce the resolution, and the resolution of fine photos is reduced. JPEG encoding and computer images (CG)
Can perform efficient coding compression according to the characteristics of the stripe, such as JBIG coding. These designations can be changed by resetting the resolution when the stripe number is input in step S801. Also, the encoding can be automatically set so that the background layer is JPEG encoded and the foreground layer is JBIG encoded within the range of the performance of the communication terminal.

[Setting of Resolution and Coding Method]
In the above example, since the image is read before the line connection (before the start of communication), at the time when the resolution and the encoding method are set, the capability of the communication partner for the first time cannot be known. Therefore, it is necessary to convert the resolution and encoding of the image once read at the time of transmission according to the capability of the communication partner. However, it is difficult to convert a JPEG encoded image to another encoding method without deteriorating,
It is effective to transmit dummy MRC data to the communication partner for the first time and obtain the capability of the communication partner by DIS.

It is conceivable that an appropriate test pattern for creating the dummy MRC data is built in the apparatus and a procedure for performing test communication is incorporated. In this case, MR patterns suitable as a mask layer, a background layer, and a foreground layer are provided.
By transmitting by the procedure C, it is possible to obtain the DIS returned from the communication partner at the time of line connection. DIS obtained
Is stored in association with the communication partner, the resolution and encoding are automatically specified according to the communication partner, or
By preventing a communication partner from specifying a resolution or an encoding method that cannot be received, it is possible to perform appropriate image reading when reading an image.

Also, by transmitting dummy data as MRC instead of a test image according to the format of MRC,
It is also possible to get an IS. A memory that associates the obtained DIS with the address (eg, telephone number) of the communication partner
If the data is stored in the second table, necessary data can be extracted from this table when a transmission address is input, and can be used when reading an image.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a table in which DIS is stored. The communication partner at address A has all functions except modes 2 and 3, and the communication partner at address B is 300 × 300p
It is shown that there is no el / 25.4mm and JBIG subsampling function. In other words, M
In case of RC transmission, resolution 300 × 300pel / 25.4mm and JBIG coding cannot be set.

[Others] In the above description, an example in which an image for one page is transmitted has been described. However, before the start key 19 is depressed, a determination as to whether or not there is another page is included. Transmission becomes possible.

In the above, the case of mode 1 which can be said to be the default mode of MRC (recommendation T.44) has been described.
Mode 2 (up to 3 layers) and mode 3 (3 layers or more) data structures that use the SLC (Start of Layer Coded data) marker segment that can change the resolution and encoding for each layer as an extended mode for each layer Can also be used.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, at least the following functions and effects can be obtained. In other words, the function to transmit individually read images by MRC, the function to easily specify the layer type of the read image, the function to transmit data with the specified layer configuration, the background color from the existing color without reading the image Function, selecting the character color from existing colors without scanning the image, the effect of combining and inputting the character color and the background color from the operation panel, before sending the image represented by the transmitted MRC data Function to check, one page of multiple stripes
Employs the function to generate and transmit MRC images and the optimal resolution and encoding method for the first communication partner, and efficiently transmits the data once stored without converting the resolution and encoding method The effect that can be obtained is obtained.

[0054]

[Other Embodiments] Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), an apparatus (for example, a copying machine) Machine, facsimile machine, etc.).

Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (a computer) of the system or the apparatus. It is needless to say that the present invention can also be achieved by a CPU or an MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Also,
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code.
It is needless to say that a case in which the functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented by performing part or all of the actual processing.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, the CPU included in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium described above, the storage medium has the above-described structure (FIG. 2 and / or FIG. 8).
The program code corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0058]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image communication device and a method thereof that can easily create a transmission image in which a color photograph image, a character image, and the like are combined.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a transmission image.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a monitor or a received image;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a transmission sequence of MRC data;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a second example of a transmission image,

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second example of a received image;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example at the time of a plurality of stripes;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table in which a DIS is stored.

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An image input means for inputting a plurality of images constituting one page, and image processing for formatting a plurality of input images collectively into one-page image data in accordance with ITU-T Recommendation T.44. An image communication apparatus comprising: means for transmitting data formatted into one page of image data. 2. An MRC (Mixe
(d Raster Content) data, and designating means for designating resolution and hierarchical information for each of the plurality of images input by the image input means. The image communication device according to 1. 3. The image communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the hierarchical information includes a mask layer, a background layer, and a foreground layer. 4. The image communication apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising background color setting means for setting background color information of an image designated as the mask layer. 5. The image communication apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a color designation unit that designates color information of an image designated as the mask layer. 6. Further, before transmission by said transmission means,
6. The image communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a generation unit configured to generate a monitor image from data formatted into one page of image data by the image processing unit. 7. An image processing apparatus further comprising: input means for inputting the number of layers or stripe numbers, wherein the image processing means formats one page into a plurality of stripe configurations according to the number of layers or stripe numbers to be inputted. Claims 1 to 6 characterized by the following:
The image communication device according to any one of the above. 8. The transmitting means obtains an MRC function of a communication partner by transmitting MRC data created in advance or dummy data simply by designating an MRC mode, and stores it in a storage means. 8. The image communication device according to claim 1, wherein: 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said image processing means sets a resolution and an encoding method of image data based on an MRC function of a communication partner stored in said storage means. Communication device. 10. A plurality of images constituting one page are input, and a plurality of input images are collectively formatted into one-page image data according to ITU-T Recommendation T.44. An image communication method characterized by transmitting data formatted in a format. 11. A recording medium on which a program code for image communication is recorded, wherein the program code includes at least a code for a step of inputting a plurality of images constituting one page, and a program according to ITU-T Recommendation T.44. A recording medium comprising: a code of a step of batch-formatting a plurality of input images into one-page image data; and a code of a step of transmitting data formatted into one-page image data. .