JP2006036423A - Image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing device capable of allowing a user to accurately supply the paper set in a paper feed cassette, and surely performing print control according to the paper. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing device is equipped with one or more paper feed cassettes, and has a paper code input means, a paper code setting means for correlating the inputted paper code with the paper feed cassette, a print control means for performing the paper control according to the paper printed out in printing, a paper feed cassette locking means locking the paper feed cassette, and a means releasing the lock of the paper cassette from the inputted paper code and the paper code set in the paper cassette. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that changes print control in accordance with the type of paper set in a paper feed cassette.

In the color POD field, etc., due to the increasing demand for various types of paper, the copier side is required to perform print control according to the characteristics of each paper. By registering whether the sheet is set in advance, it is possible to perform print control according to the fed paper (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 7-111284 A

  However, if the user mistakenly sets paper different from the paper type registered in the paper cassette, the expected print control cannot be performed, so it corresponds to the paper type registered in the paper cassette. There was a need for a mechanism that would allow the user to set the correct paper correctly.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and it is an image processing apparatus that allows a user to correctly replenish paper set in a paper feed cassette and reliably perform print control according to the paper. For the purpose of provision.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention performs a paper code input unit, a paper code setting unit for associating the input paper code with a paper feed cassette, and print control corresponding to the paper to be printed at the time of printing. Print control means, a paper cassette locking means for locking the paper cassette, and a means for unlocking the paper cassette from the input paper code and the paper code set in the paper cassette It is characterized by that.

  Further, the paper code is input by a bar code input means which substitutes by scanning a bar code printed on a paper wrapping paper.

  Further, the print control means is a gamma correction means, and prints a multi-tone patch for each color of cyan / magenta / yellow / black on a sheet, and a gamma correction test chart generation means, and the gamma correction test Sampling means for scanning a chart and sampling patches on the chart, gamma correction table generating means for generating a gamma correction table from the gradation characteristics created by the sampling means and target gradation characteristics, and the gamma correction means And a gamma correction table changing means for changing the gamma correction table used in the above in accordance with the paper to be printed.

  According to the present invention, the user can correctly set the paper in the paper feed cassette, so that it is possible to reliably perform print control according to the paper type.

  Below, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated based on an Example.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 200 includes a scanner unit 2070 that is an image input device, a printer unit 2095 that is an image output device, a controller unit 2000, and an operation unit 2082 that is a user interface. The scanner unit 2070, the printer unit 2095, and the operation unit 2082 are connected to the Controller Unit 2000, and the Controller Unit 2000 is connected to a network transmission means such as a LAN 2008 and a public line. Transmission by G3 and G4 fax including color image transmission is possible from the public line. Further, other image forming apparatuses 220 and 230 having the same device configuration as the image forming apparatus 200 are connected to the LAN 2008. Further, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as PC) 240 is connected, and can send and receive files and e-mails using FTP and SMB protocols. The image forming apparatuses 220 and 230 have scanner units 2270 and 2370, printer units 2295 and 2395, and operation units 2212 and 2312, which are connected to the controller unit 2200 and 2300, respectively.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus. The Controller Unit 2000 is connected to a color scanner 2015 as an image input device and a color printer 2017 as an image output device. On the other hand, the controller unit 2000 is connected to a LAN 2008 or a public line (WAN) 2051 to input / output image information and device information. Controller. A CPU 2001 is a controller that controls the entire system. A RAM 2002 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 2001, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. A ROM 2003 is a boot ROM, and stores a system boot program. An HDD 2004 is a hard disk drive that stores system software and image data. An operation unit I / F 2005 is an interface unit with the operation unit (UI) 2006 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 2006 to the operation unit 2006. Also, it plays a role of transmitting information input by the system user from the operation unit 2006 to the CPU 2001. A network 2007 is connected to the LAN 2008 and inputs / outputs information. A Modem 2050 is connected to the public line 2051 and inputs / outputs image information. Binary image rotation 2052 and binary image compression / decompression 2053 are for converting the direction of an image before transmitting a binary image by Modem 2050, or converting it to a predetermined resolution or a resolution adapted to the partner's ability. It is. Compression and decompression support JBIG, MMR, MR, and MH. A DMAC 2009 is a DMA controller that reads an image stored in the RAM 2002 without going through the CPU 2001, transfers an image to the ImageBus I / F 2011, or writes an image from the image bus into the RAM 2002 without going through the CPU 2001. The above devices are connected to the system bus 2028. An ImageBus I / F 2011 is an interface for controlling high-speed image input / output via the image bus 2010. A compressor 2012 is a compressor for JPEG compression in units of 32 pixels × 32 pixels before sending an image to the image bus 2010. A decompressor 2013 is a decompressor for decompressing an image sent via the image bus 2010.

  The raster image processor (RIP) 2018 receives the PDL code from the host computer via the network 2007, and the CPU 2001 stores it in the RAM 2002 through the system bus 2028. The CPU 2001 converts the PDL into an intermediate code, inputs it again to the RIP 2018 via the system bus 2028, and develops it into a bitmap image (multi-value). The scanner image processing 2014 performs various appropriate image processing (for example, correction, processing, editing) on the color image and the black and white image from the scanner 2015 and outputs (multi-value). Similarly, the printer image processing 2016 performs various types of image processing (for example, color correction, processing, and editing according to output paper) for the printer 2017. At the time of printing, binary multilevel conversion is performed by the decompressor 2013, so binary and multilevel output is possible. The image conversion unit 2030 has various image conversion functions used when converting an image on the RAM and writing it back into the RAM again. A rotator 2019 can rotate an image of 32 pixels × 32 pixels unit at a specified angle, and supports binary and multi-value input / output. The magnification changer 2020 has a function (for example, from 25% to 400%) for converting the image resolution (for example, from 600 dpi to 200 dpi) and for changing the magnification. Before scaling, the image of 32 × 32 pixels is rearranged into an image in units of 32 lines. The color space conversion 2021 converts, for example, a YUV image on the memory into a Lab image by matrix operation and LUT from the multi-valued input image, and stores it on the memory. Further, this color space conversion has a 3 × 8 matrix operation and a one-dimensional LUT, and can perform well-known background removal and show-through prevention. The converted image is output in multiple values. A binary multi-value conversion 2022 converts a 1-bit binary image into a multi-value 8-bit, 256 gradation. On the other hand, the multi-value / binary conversion 2026 converts, for example, an 8-bit, 256-gradation image on the memory into 1-bit, 2-gradation by a technique such as error diffusion processing, and stores it on the memory. The composition has a function of composing two multi-valued image images on the memory into one multi-valued image. For example, a company logo can be easily attached to a document image by combining the image of the company logo in the memory with the document image. The thinning 2024 is a unit that performs resolution conversion by thinning out pixels of a multivalued image, and can output 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 multivalued images. By using it together with the variable magnification 2020, a wider range of enlargement / reduction can be performed. The movement 2025 can be output by adding a margin portion to the input binary image or multi-valued image or deleting the margin portion. The rotation 2019, scaling 2020, color space conversion 2021, binary multi-value 2022, composition 2023, thinning 2024, movement 2025, and multi-value binary 2026 can be connected to each other. When the value image is rotated and the resolution is converted, both processes can be performed without using a memory.

  FIG. 3 shows the format of the image. The image format used in the present invention uses the image packet structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-103473. In compression 2012, raster format images are rearranged as packets of 32 × 32 pixel units as shown in FIG. 3, and JPEG compression is performed in packet units. At the same time, information such as an ID indicating the position of the packet, a color space, a Q table ID, and a data length is added to the packet to form a header. Binary data (image area flag) indicating characters and photographs is similarly compressed and attached after JPEG. FIG. 4 shows packet data. In decompression 2013, JPEG is developed based on the header information and rearranged into a raster image. By making such a packet image, only the image inside the packet is rotated at the time of image rotation, and by changing the position of the packet ID, it can be partially rotated by decompression and compression, so it is very efficient. . All images flowing through the image bus 2010 are packet images.

  When a raster image is necessary for FAX transmission, binary image rotation 2052, binary image compression, expansion 2053, or the like, conversion from a packet image to a raster image is performed by software.

  FIG. 5 shows a detailed description of the scanner image processing 2014. The RGB 8-bit luminance signal input from the scanner is converted into a standard RGB color signal independent of the filter color of the CCD by masking 2501. In the filter 2502, for example, a 9 × 9 matrix is used, and an image is blurred or sharpened. A histogram 2503 is a processing unit that samples image signal data in an input image, and is used to determine the background level of the input image. In this module, RGB data in a rectangular area surrounded by the specified start and end points in the main and sub-scan directions is sampled at a constant pitch in the main and sub-scan directions, and a histogram is created. . This histogram is read when background skipping or prevention of show-through is specified, and the background of the original is estimated from the histogram, and is stored and managed in the memory or HDD along with the image as the background skipping level. Used for image processing. In gamma 2504, processing is performed so that the density of the entire image is increased or decreased. For example, it is a part that converts the color space of the input image into an arbitrary color space or performs correction processing relating to the color of the input system. In order to determine whether the document is color or black and white, the image signal before scaling is converted into a known Lab by color space conversion 2505. Of these, a and b represent color signal components, and a 1-bit determination signal is output from the comparator 2506 as a chromatic color if it is equal to or higher than a predetermined level in the comparator 2506 and otherwise as an achromatic color. The counter 2507 measures the output from the comparator 2506. A character / photo determination 2508 is a function for extracting a character edge from an image and separating the image into a character and a photo. As an output, a character photograph determination signal is obtained. This signal is also stored in the memory or HD together with the image and used during printing. Reference numeral 2509 denotes a specific document determination device. The specific document determination unit can compare the input image signal and the degree to which the pattern held in the determination unit matches, and can read the determination result of matching or mismatching as illustrated. The image is processed according to the determination result to prevent counterfeiting of banknotes and securities.

  FIG. 6 shows a detailed description of the printer image processing 2016.

  In 2601, the background color of the image data is skipped, and unnecessary background fogging is removed. For example, background removal is performed by a 3 × 8 matrix operation or a one-dimensional LUT. This is a function included in the color space conversion 2021 as described above, and is an entirely equivalent circuit. Reference numeral 2602 denotes a monochrome generation unit that converts color image data, for example, RGB data into Gray single color when converting color image data into monochrome data and printing it as a single color. For example, it is composed of a 1 × 3 matrix operation that multiplies RGB by an arbitrary constant to obtain a Gray signal. An output color correction unit 2603 performs color correction in accordance with the characteristics of the printer unit that outputs image data. For example, it includes processing by 4 × 8 matrix calculation or direct mapping. A filter processing unit 2604 arbitrarily corrects the spatial frequency of the image data, and includes, for example, processing for performing a 9 × 9 matrix operation. Reference numeral 2605 denotes a process for performing gamma correction (details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17) in accordance with the characteristics of the printer unit to be output and the paper to be printed, and is usually composed of a one-dimensional LUT. A processing unit 2606 performs arbitrary halftone processing in accordance with the number of gradations of the output printer unit, and is a halftone processing unit that performs arbitrary screen processing such as binarization and binarization and error diffusion processing. is there. Each process can be switched by a character / photo determination signal (not shown). The inter-drum delay memory 2607 is a memory for superimposing CMYK images by shifting the CMYK printing timing by an amount between the drums in a color printer having CMYK drums. In a color printer having four drums for each color of CMYK, it can be delayed to align the position of the image.

  An image input / output device is shown in FIG. The scanner unit 2015, which is an image input device, illuminates an image on paper serving as a document and scans a CCD line sensor (not shown), thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The manuscript paper is set on the tray 2702 of the manuscript feeder 2701, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 2006, the controller CPU 2001 gives an instruction to the scanner 2015, and manuscript paper is fed one by one from the tray 2702 of the feeder 2071. Feeds and reads the original image.

  The printer unit 2017, which is an image output device, is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array. There is an ink jet method for printing an image directly on paper, but any method may be used. Activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the controller CPU 2001. The printer unit 2017 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different types of paper can be selected, and there are paper feed cassettes 2703, 2704, and 2705 corresponding thereto. Locking means are provided to prevent the paper cassette from being inadvertently opened by the user. For example, the paper cassette can be locked during the copying operation and unlocked so that paper can be added during standby. It is. A paper discharge tray 2706 is a paper discharge tray for receiving the printed paper.

  The configuration of the operation unit 2006 is shown in FIG. The LCD display unit 2801 has a touch panel sheet 2802 pasted on the LCD, displays a system operation screen and soft keys, and transmits the position information to the controller CPU 2001 when the displayed keys are pressed. A start key 2803 is used when starting a document image reading operation. There is a green and red two-color LED 2804 at the center of the start key 2803, and the color indicates whether or not the start key 2803 can be used. A stop key 2805 functions to stop an operation in operation. An ID key 2806 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. A reset key 2807 is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  FIG. 9 is an initial screen in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, and is also a standard screen that returns after setting each image forming function. 3101 performs screen switching for performing copy settings. 3102 performs screen switching for setting to send the scanned image by fax or electronic mail. A screen 3103 stores a scan image and a PDL image in the built-in HDD, or performs screen switching for setting the print, transmission, or editing of the stored scan image and PDL image. Reference numeral 3104 denotes a window for displaying settings at the time of image reading set in 3105. In 3105, resolution, density, and the like at the time of image reading are set. Reference numeral 3106 denotes a timer setting at the time of timer transmission and a setting for printing on the HDD or printer. 3107 displays the transmission destination designated by 3108. 3109 displays detailed information of one destination displayed in 3107. 3110 deletes one destination displayed in 3107.

  FIG. 10 is a pop-up window displayed when 3105 in FIG. 9 is pressed. In 3201, the read original size is selected and input from the pop-up, and the set read size is displayed in 3202. Reference numeral 3203 denotes a selection of a document reading mode. When pressed, three types of color / black / automatic (ACS) can be selected. The color mode can be selected in the same way for copy and box. If the measurement result of the counter 2507 is smaller than a predetermined value, it is determined as a black and white document, and if it is larger, it is determined as a color document. If it is color, a color image is displayed, if it is black, a monochrome image is displayed. Accumulate the result of determining whether it is color or black and white. 3204 is a selection input from a pop-up for designating the resolution of reading. Reference numeral 3205 denotes a slider for adjusting the reading density of the original, and can be adjusted in nine steps. 3206 is for automatically determining the density when reading an image with a background such as a newspaper. For 3206, the same setting can be made by copying.

  FIG. 11 shows a screen when the copy tab 3101 is pressed. Reference numeral 3301 denotes whether or not copying is possible, and the number of copies set at the same time is also displayed. 3302 is a function equivalent to 3206 in FIG. 10, and is a button for selecting whether to automatically remove the background. Reference numeral 3303 denotes a slider having a function equivalent to that of 3205 (FIG. 10) and capable of nine-level density adjustment. In 3304, the type of the original is selected, and a character / photo / map, text, a photographic paper photo, and a printed photo can be selected. Reference numeral 3305 denotes an application mode button which can set a reduced layout (a function for reducing and printing a plurality of originals on one sheet), a color balance (CMYK color fine adjustment), and the like. Reference numeral 3306 denotes a button for performing settings relating to various finishings, and shift sort, staple sort, and group sort can be set. Reference numeral 3307 denotes a button for performing settings relating to duplex reading and duplex printing.

  FIG. 12 shows a screen when the box tab 3103 is pressed. Reference numeral 3401 denotes each folder logically divided into HDDs. Folder numbers are assigned to the folders in advance, and 3401 becomes the 0th folder. Next to the folder number, the percentage of disk space used by the folder is displayed. Folders can be given any name, and the name is displayed here. 3402 displays the usage amount of the entire HDD.

  FIG. 13 shows a screen when 3401 is pressed. Reference numerals 3501 and 3502 denote documents stored in folders. A document is composed of a plurality of pages. Reference numeral 3501 denotes a scanned document, which displays an icon display indicating a scanned document, an HDD usage amount, and a document name display that can be arbitrarily set by the user. An icon 3502 is a PDL document stored from the PDL. By depressing the icon, it is shown in reverse video that the document has been selected. Reference numeral 3503 denotes a button for transmitting the selected document. Reference numeral 3504 denotes a button for reading a document from the scanner and generating a document. Reference numeral 3505 denotes a button for selecting all the documents in the folder. Reference numeral 3506 denotes a button for deleting the selected document. Reference numeral 3507 denotes a button for printing the selected document. Reference numeral 3508 denotes a button for editing the selected document. For example, it has a function of selecting and combining two documents, saving them as one document, and deleting a specific page. Reference numeral 3509 denotes a button for displaying detailed information of the last selected document. In addition to the document name, information such as resolution, document size, and color can be viewed.

  FIG. 14 shows a software configuration diagram. Reference numeral 4010 denotes a UI control unit that controls the display operation unit, a copy application unit 4020 that receives an instruction from the UI control unit 4010, performs a copy operation, a transmission operation, scans from a box screen, and prints, a transmission application unit 4021, and a BOX application. Part 4022. There is also a PDL application unit 4023 that receives PDL print data from the network application 4120 and inputs a PDL print job. Reference numeral 4030 denotes a common interface part for absorbing a device-dependent part of the device control part, and 4040 denotes a job manager that organizes job information received from the common interface and transmits it to a lower-level document processing unit. If the document processing unit is a local copy, the scan manager 4050 and the print manager 4090, a remote copy transmission job or a transmission job, the scan manager 4050 and the file store manager 4100, and a remote copy reception job, the file read manager 4060. And a print manager 4090, and PDL manager 4070 and print manager 4090 for PDL printing such as LIPS and PostScript. An image processing request to the image manager 4110 that performs synchronization between the document managers and performs various image processing is performed via the sync manager 4080. The image manager 4110 performs image processing and image file storage during scanning and printing.

  First, local copy software processing will be described. A copy setting is transmitted from the UI control unit 4010 to the copy application unit 4020 together with a copy instruction in accordance with a user instruction. The copy application unit 4020 transmits information from the UI control unit 4010 to the job manager 4040 that performs device control via the common interface 4030. The job manager 4040 transmits job information to the scan manager 4050 and the print manager 4090. The scan manager 4050 issues a scan request to the scanner 2070 via a device I / F (not shown) (the device I / F is a serial I / F connecting the controller 2000 and the scanner 2015 and the controller 2000 and the printer 2017). At the same time, an image processing request for scanning is issued to the image manager 4110 via the sync manager 4080. The image manager 4110 sets the scanner image processing unit 2014 in accordance with an instruction from the scan manager 4050. When the setting is completed, a scan preparation completion is notified via the sync manager 4080. Thereafter, the scan manager 4050 instructs the scanner 2070 to scan. The completion of scan image transfer is transmitted to the image manager 4110 by an interrupt signal from hardware (not shown). Upon receiving the scan completion from the image manager 4110, the sync manager 4080 notifies the scan manager 4050 and the print manager 4090 of the scan completion. At the same time, the sync manager 4080 instructs the image manager 4110 to file the compressed image stored in the RAM 2002 into the HDD 2004. The image manager 4110 stores the image (including the character / photo determination signal) on the memory in the HDD 2004 according to the instruction. A color determination / monochrome determination result, a background skip level for performing background skip, a scanned image, and a color space RGB as an image input source are also stored in an SRAM (not shown) as accompanying information of the image. When the storage in the HDD 2004 is completed and the scan completion from the scanner 2070 is received, the scan manager 4050 is notified of the completion of file formation via the sync manager 4080. The scan manager 4050 returns an end notification to the job manager 4040, and the job manager 4040 returns it to the copy application unit 4020 via the common interface 4030. The print manager 4090 issues a print request to the printer 2095 via the device I / F when an image is stored in the memory. At the same time, a print image processing request is sent to the sync manager 4080. Upon receiving a request from the print manager 4090, the sync manager 4080 requests the image manager 4110 for image processing settings. The image manager 4110 sets the printer image processing unit 2016 according to the accompanying information of the image, and notifies the print manager 4090 of completion of print preparation via the sync manager 4080. The print manager 4090 issues a print instruction to the printer. The completion of print image transfer is transmitted to the image manager 4110 by an interrupt signal from hardware (not shown). In response to the print completion from the image manager 4110, the sync manager 4080 notifies the print manager 4090 of the print completion. The print manager 4090 receives the completion of paper discharge from the printer unit, returns an end notification to the job manager 4040, and the job manager 4040 returns it to the copy application unit 4020 via the common interface 4030. The copy application unit 4020 notifies the UI control unit 4010 of the end of the job when scanning and printing are completed.

  In the case of a remote copy scan job or transmission job, the file store manager 4100 receives a request from the job manager 4040 instead of the print manager 4090. When the scan image has been stored in the HDD, a storage completion notification is received from the sync manager 4080, and this is notified via the common interface 4030 to the copy application unit 4020 for remote copying and to the transmission application unit 4021 for transmission jobs. After this notification, the copy application unit 4020 and the transmission application unit 4021 request the network application 4120 to transmit the file stored in the HDD. The network application 4120 that has received the request transmits the file. The network application 4120 receives setting information regarding copying from the copy application unit 4020 at the start of the job, and also notifies the remote device of the setting information. In the case of remote copy, the network application 4120 performs transmission using a device-specific communication protocol. In the case of a transmission job, a standard file transfer protocol such as FTP or SMB is used.

  In the case of fax transmission, after the file is stored, the transmission application unit 4021 instructs the FAX manager 4041 to transmit via the common interface 4030 and the job manager 4040. The FAX manager 4041 negotiates with the other device via the Modem 2050, requests the image manager 4110 to perform necessary image processing (color-> black and white conversion, multi-value binary conversion, rotation, scaling), and converts the converted image. Send using Modem.

  If there is a printer at the transmission destination, the transmission application unit 4021 issues a print instruction as a print job via the common interface 4030. The operation at that time is the same as that of the remote copy print job described below. When the transmission destination is a box destination in the device, the file store manager 4100 stores it in the file system in the device.

  At the time of FAX reception, the FAX manager 4041 receives an image using Modem and stores it in the HDD 2004 as an image file. When the box application 4022 is notified after the HDD 2004 is stored, a reception print instruction is issued from the box application 4022 to the job manager 4040 via the common interface 4030. Thereafter, the operation is the same as that of a normal box print job, and the description is omitted.

  In the case of a remote copy print job, the network application 4120 stores an image from the transmission side in the HDD and issues a job to the copy application unit 4020. The copy application unit 4020 submits a print job to the job manager 4040 via the common interface 4030. Unlike local copy, the file read manager 4060 receives a request from the job manager 4040 instead of the scan manager 4050. A request for expanding the received image from the HDD to the memory is sent to the image manager 4110 via the sync manager 4080. The image manager 4110 expands the image in the memory. When the development is completed, the image manager 4110 notifies the file read manager 4060 and the print manager 4090 of the completion of the development via the sync manager 4080. When an image is stored in the memory, the print manager 4090 selects a paper feed stage designated by the job manager or a stage having the paper size via the device I / F, and issues a print request. In the case of automatic paper, a paper feed stage is determined from the image size and a print request is issued. At the same time, a print image processing request is sent to the sync manager 4080. When the sync manager 4080 receives a request from the print manager 4090, it requests a print image processing setting from the image manager 4110 (at this time, for example, when there is no optimum size paper and rotation is required, a separate rotation instruction is also requested. If this happens, the image manager uses the image rotation 2019 to rotate the image.) The image manager 4110 sets the printer image processing unit, and notifies the print manager 4090 of completion of print preparation via the sync manager 4080. The print manager 4090 issues a print instruction to the printer. The completion of print image transfer is transmitted to the image manager 4110 by an interrupt signal from hardware (not shown). Upon receiving the print completion from the image manager 4110, the sync manager 4080 notifies the file read manager 4060 and the print manager 4090 of the print completion. The file read manager 4060 returns an end notification to the job manager 4040. In response to the completion of paper discharge from the printer unit, the print manager 4090 returns an end notification to the job manager 4040. The job manager 4040 returns an end notification to the copy application unit 4020 via the common interface 4030. The copy application unit 4020 notifies the UI control unit 4010 of the end of the job when scanning and printing are completed.

  In the case of a PDL data development storage job, a request from the host PC that has input the PDL print is transmitted to the PDL application 4023 via the network application 4120. The PDL application instructs the job manager 4040 via the common interface 4030 for a PDL data development storage job. At this time, the PDL manager 4070 and the file store manager 4100 receive a request from the job manager 4040. An image input portion after completion of RIP of the image is the same as that of the above-described scan job. The image on the memory (including the character / photo determination signal) is stored in the HDD 2004. Color / monochrome information is stored in an unillustrated SRAM as image accompanying information, and a PDL image, color space CMYK or RGB is also stored as an image input source. When the storage of the PDL image in the HDD 2004 is completed, a storage completion notification is received from the sync manager 4080 and is notified to the PDL application 4023 via the common interface 4030. After this notification, the PDL application 4023 notifies the network application 4420 of completion of storage in the HDD, and this information is transmitted to the host PC that has entered the PDL print. In the case of a PDL print job, an image developed on the memory is printed by the PDL manager 4070 and the print manager.

  To print an image that has been developed and stored in PDL, a stored document instructed to be printed by the UI is issued to the BOX application 4022 as a print job. The BOX application unit 4022 inputs a print job to the job manager 4040 via the common interface 4030. Unlike local copy, the file read manager 4060 receives a request from the job manager 4040 instead of the scan manager 4050. A request for expanding an image instructed to be printed from the HDD to the memory is made to the image manager 4110 via the sync manager 4080. The subsequent operation is the same as that described in the remote copy print job, and is therefore omitted.

  Next, gamma correction 2605 performed in the printer unit will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 15 shows a procedure for creating a gamma correction table. First, in step S0101, a test chart (FIG. 16) for creating a gamma correction table is output from the printer unit 2017. As shown in FIG. 16, the test chart is obtained by printing patches of 64 gradations out of density values of 0 to 255 for each of four colors of cyan / magenta / yellow / black on the output sheet. . The test chart is scanned in the next step S0102, all the patches for 64 gradations of cyan / magenta / yellow / black are read (step S0103), and gradation characteristics as shown in FIG. 17A are obtained for each color. . Next, a gamma correction table (FIG. 17B) is calculated from the gradation characteristics (FIG. 17A) for each color and the target gradation characteristics (FIG. 17C) (step S0104). This process ends. By using the calculated gamma correction table, it is possible to perform gamma correction corresponding to the paper on which the printer characteristics and patches are printed. In the image forming apparatus, when a plurality of paper types are used, the gamma correction table is calculated in advance for each paper, and the gamma correction table is switched according to the paper type fed from the paper feed cassette. use.

  Next, a procedure for setting different types of paper in the paper feed cassettes 2703, 2704, and 2705 will be described with reference to FIGS. However, it is assumed that there are four paper feed cassettes for convenience of explanation.

  When the user feeds paper, first, in step S0201, an initial screen for feeding shown in FIG. 19A is displayed on the LCD display unit 2801. In the initial screen (FIG. 19A), a window 6101 for inputting a paper code corresponding to the paper type, a paper code and a paper type registered in each paper cassette are displayed, and a cassette is selected. Next, buttons 6102 to 6105 for the user to press and a window 6106 for instructing the user to perform the next operation are displayed. In this initial screen (FIG. 19A), the user inputs a paper code for the paper he / she wants to set, or selects a paper feed cassette in which the paper is to be set. If the user has entered a paper code, the process proceeds to step S0202, where a search is made from the paper cassette registration data shown in FIG. For example, when the paper code F001 is input), the process proceeds to step S0211, and FIG. 19B is displayed as a list of paper feed cassettes that can feed paper. If the paper code input in step S0202 is not found, the process advances to step S0203 to search the paper cassette registration data in FIG. When there is an unregistered sheet cassette (for example, when the sheet cassette 4 is unused), the process proceeds to step S0211, and FIG. 19C is displayed as a list of sheet cassettes that can be fed. Next, in step S0212, the user selects a paper feed cassette on which paper is to be set from a list of selectable paper feed cassettes (FIG. 19B or FIG. 19C). In step S0213, the selected paper feed cassette is unlocked, and the paper can be set in the paper feed cassette. If it is determined in step S0203 that there is no paper feed cassette in which no paper code is set, it is necessary to change the paper code already set in the paper feed cassette. Accordingly, the process proceeds to step S0204, and FIG. 19D is displayed as a list of paper feed cassettes so that the user can select a paper feed cassette whose setting is to be changed (FIG. 19D shows for convenience of explanation). (It is assumed that the paper codes are registered in all of the cassettes 1 to 4 and the user inputs a code other than the paper codes registered in the cassette). Next, in step S0205, the user changes the setting and selects a paper feed cassette to which paper is to be added (assuming that cassette 4 is selected for convenience of explanation here), and the process proceeds to step S0206. In step S0206, the selected paper cassette is unlocked, the paper can be set in the paper cassette, and in step S0207, a message as shown in FIG. Prompts you to remove paper remaining in the selected paper cassette. In step S0208, the user sets paper in the selected paper cassette, and in step S0209, the input paper code is updated to paper cassette registration data (FIG. 6003). However, if the user directly selects a paper feed cassette in step S0201, it is not necessary to update the paper code. Finally, in step S0210, the paper cassette is locked, and a series of processing for setting paper in the paper cassette is completed.

  As described above in detail, according to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the paper feed cassette is provided with the locking means, and the lock release when the paper is replenished is performed by inputting the paper code, so that the user can enter the paper feed cassette. The set paper can be correctly supplied, and the print control according to the paper can be reliably performed.

Diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming system The figure which shows the whole structure of an image forming apparatus Relationship between packet image and whole image Diagram showing structure of packet image Block diagram of scanner image processing of the present invention Block diagram of printer image processing of the present invention External view of input / output device of image forming apparatus External view of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus Explanatory drawing of the transmission screen of the operation part of this invention Detailed explanatory diagram of the transmission screen of the operation unit of the present invention Explanatory drawing of the copy screen of the operation unit of the present invention Explanatory drawing of the box screen of the operation unit of the present invention Detailed explanatory diagram of the box screen of the operation unit of the present invention Software configuration diagram showing the software configuration of the present invention Gamma correction table generation flowchart Test chart for gamma correction table generation Diagram showing gamma correction table Flow chart for loading paper into the paper cassette Illustration of the paper setting screen in the paper cassette Diagram showing paper cassette registration data Diagram showing gamma correction table registration data Illustration of the screen that prompts the user to remove paper

Explanation of symbols

2703 to 2705 Paper cassette 2801 LCD display unit 6101 Window for inputting paper code 6102 to 6105 Button 6106 for the user to press to select a cassette Window for instructing the user of the next operation

Claims (3)

An image processing apparatus having one or more paper cassettes,
Paper code input means;
Paper code setting means for associating the input paper code with the paper cassette;
Print control means for performing print control according to the paper to be printed at the time of printing;
A paper cassette locking means for locking the paper cassette;
Means for unlocking the paper cassette from the input paper code and the paper code set in the paper cassette;
An image processing apparatus comprising:   2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input of the paper code is a bar code input means which substitutes by scanning a bar code printed on a paper wrapping paper or the like. . The print control means according to claim 1 is a gamma correction means,
Gamma correction test chart generating means for printing patches of a plurality of gradations for each color of cyan / magenta / yellow / black on paper;
A sampling means for scanning the gamma correction test chart and sampling a patch on the chart;
Gamma correction table generating means for generating a gamma correction table from the gradation characteristics created by the sampling means and the target gradation characteristics;
Gamma correction table changing means for changing the gamma correction table used in the gamma correction means according to the paper to be printed;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: