JP3592061B2 - Image communication system and processing method thereof - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image communication system including an image processing device and an additional communication device connected to the image processing device, and a processing method therefor.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a system capable of coping with multiple PSTN lines, ISDN lines, and G4 facsimile communication by adding an optional unit to a G3 facsimile apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as a main apparatus) that accommodates one PSTN line. Has been proposed.
[0003]
In such a system, image data transfer between the main device and the option unit is performed in units of blocks of a predetermined size. For data transfer, the image data is encoded using a specific encoding method or using an encoding method that matches the capability of the partner terminal notified by an initial identification signal of the facsimile procedure or the like. It is configured to transfer data.
[0004]
In order to carry out the image data transfer described above, a RISC chip CPU such as NEC's V810 series is used for both the main unit and the optional unit, and the main unit is mounted with a plurality of 8 MB SIMMs, for example. In some cases, it is premised that the apparatus has an HDD or the like, can store a large amount of image data, can perform high-speed processing, and is expensive. These are due to the following reasons.
[0005]
That is, for example, when the transfer of image data is a specific encoding method, in order to perform an operation of sequentially transmitting a read image by facsimile (hereinafter, referred to as document transmission), the reading and encoding processing speed is equal to that of facsimile transmission. It had to be fast enough to meet the standards. If the speed of the reading and encoding processing is slow, in order for the image data transfer to be performed in units of blocks of a predetermined size, a general manuscript which starts reading after the facsimile procedure enters the image transmission phase. In the transmission control, there is a possibility that the supply of the image data may not be able to keep up with the time of the G3 transmission. Although it is possible to solve the problem by changing the start timing of reading or making the block size of data transfer variable according to the situation, there is a disadvantage that the processing becomes complicated.
[0006]
On the other hand, when the main unit generates image data of an encoding method suitable for the capability of the partner terminal notified by the initial identification signal of the facsimile procedure or the like and uses the encoded data for transfer of the image data, the processing of the main unit is performed. The ability had to be high enough. If the processing capacity of the main unit is low, when both the encoding process and the communication control process of the transmission to the line accommodated by the main unit and the transmission to the line accommodated by the option unit are simultaneously executed, The entire system may fail in time.
[0007]
In order to solve this problem, there is provided a unit for notifying the encoding unit of the image data read by the main device to the option unit, and a unit for transferring the image data of the notified encoding system. In the case of, the image data as read (hereinafter referred to as RAW data) is encoded into the MMR data which can minimize the memory usage otherwise, and all are stored in the image memory. It is proposed to temporarily store the MMR data and transfer the MMR data from a main device to an option unit.
[0008]
As a result, even if the capability of image reading and encoding processing is not so high and the memory for storing image data is a relatively inexpensive main unit that does not have many mounted memories as described above, adding an optional unit , PSTN, and ISDN lines and G4 facsimile communication.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional example has the following problem. For example, ITU-T A4 size No. When one standard original is read at a resolution of 8 [dots / mm] × 3.85 [lines / mm] (hereinafter referred to as a standard mode), the data amount exceeds 240 [KB] in RAW, but MMR In this case, it is 12 [KB] or less, and the MH is also about 16 [KB]. Here, assuming that the block size when transferring image data to the option unit is 2 [KB], the block transfer procedure must be performed more than 120 times in the case of RAW, but only six times in the case of MMR. Even in this case, A4 size data read in the standard mode can be transferred by the block transfer procedure of about eight times. Further, when the above-described original is read in the standard mode, if the main unit uses a CISC chip such as the TLSC900 series of TOSHIBA as the CPU, for example, the black-and-white change point of the read image is small. Encoding can be performed to an extent that the processing time required for data transfer can be satisfied.
[0010]
Further, when the read RAW data is directly transferred to the option unit, the option unit must convert the RAW data into encoded data according to the capability of the partner terminal. When encoding RAW data, depending on the configuration of the option unit, RAW / RL conversion is performed once, which is a compression process based on the run length of white pixels and black pixels, and desired encoded data is obtained from the output RL data. There are cases. In the case of the above-described chart read in the standard mode, the RAW data has an overwhelmingly larger data amount than the encoded data. Therefore, the RAW / RL conversion processing that requires scanning in a large amount of bits requires decoding of the encoded data. It may take more time than processing.
[0011]
In other words, in a system that simply transfers RAW data when transmitting a document as in the above proposal, the overhead of the image data transfer procedure and the time required for a large amount of bit scanning require the above-described chart read in the standard mode. In some cases, the transmission time is longer than when the image data is transferred to the option unit by encoding on the main device.
[0012]
On the other hand, an A4 size photo manuscript is read at a resolution of 8 [dots / mm] × 7.7 [lines / mm] (hereinafter referred to as fine mode), and error diffusion or the like is performed to create pseudo halftone data. When the RAW image processing is performed, the RAW data is about 480 [KB] regardless of the image processing, whereas the MMR may exceed 400 [KB].
[0013]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problem, and has been made by changing the format of data transferred between an image processing apparatus and an additional communication apparatus according to a transmission method and an image reading method. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image communication system capable of high-speed data transfer without increasing the memory capacity, and a processing method therefor.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, the present invention is an image communication system including an image processing device and an additional communication device connected to the image processing device, The image processing device includes: Change the format of the read image data according to the transmission method of the additional communication device and the image reading method of the image processing device When the transmission method of the additional communication device is a memory transmission, the image data is changed to a data format of an MMR encoding method, the transmission method of the additional communication device is a document transmission, and the image processing of the image processing device is performed. When the reading method is a method of binarizing with a predetermined threshold value, the image data is changed to a data format of the MH encoding method, the transmission method of the additional communication device is original transmission, and the image data of the image processing device is Do not change the data format of image data if the reading method is a halftone method Data format change means, storage means for storing data in the data format changed by the data format change means, and data transfer means for transferring the data stored in the storage means from the image processing device to the additional communication device When Has , The additional communication device, Data transferred by the data transfer means To the encoding method for communication notified from the destination terminal. It has a communication means for performing communication.
[0015]
Further, the present invention is a processing method of an image communication system including an image processing device and an additional communication device connected to the image processing device, The image processing device includes: Change the format of the read image data according to the transmission method of the additional communication device and the image reading method of the image processing device When the transmission method of the additional communication device is a memory transmission, the image data is changed to a data format of an MMR encoding method, the transmission method of the additional communication device is a document transmission, and the image processing of the image processing device is performed. When the reading method is a method of binarizing with a predetermined threshold value, the image data is changed to a data format of the MH encoding method, the transmission method of the additional communication device is original transmission, and the image data of the image processing device is Do not change the data format of image data if the reading method is a halftone method A data format change step, a storage step of storing data in the data format changed in the data format change step, and a data transfer step of transferring the data stored in the storage step from the image processing device to the additional communication device When Has , The additional communication device, Data transferred in the data transfer step To the encoding method for communication notified from the destination terminal. A communication step for performing communication is provided.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image processing apparatus and the additional communication unit A according to the embodiment. In the figure, an image processing apparatus 1001 includes modules 1002 to 1013. First, each module of the image processing apparatus 1001 will be described.
[0018]
A CPU 1002 is connected to each module via a bus 1013, for example, using a TLCS900 manufactured by Toshiba, and controls the entire image processing apparatus. A ROM 1003 stores a control program of the CPU 1002 described later, various initial values, and the like. Reference numeral 1004 denotes an electrically backed-up S-RAM, which stores various setting values such as the name of the sender of the user, the facsimile number, and management data of the apparatus. Reference numeral 1005 denotes a D-RAM, which is used not only for storing image data but also as various work buffers.
[0019]
A display unit 1006 includes an LCD, an LED, and the like, and notifies the user of various information such as a current time and a reading mode. Reference numeral 1007 denotes an operation unit. By registering a numeric keypad for inputting a telephone number, a telephone number, or the like in advance, it is possible to specify a destination with fewer operations than a normal telephone number input using the numeric keypad. It is composed of a one-touch dial key, a speed dial key, and the like, and receives various inputs by a user such as a destination telephone number and registration data. A reading unit 1008 includes a CS image sensor that optically reads a document, a document transport mechanism, an image processing device, and the like. The reading unit 1008 reads a document optically, converts the document into electrical image data, and performs various correction processes. To generate high-definition image data. The image processing device also includes a RAW / RL conversion device that performs run-length compression of binary RAW data in bit units.
[0020]
A recording unit 1009 is configured by an inkjet printer or the like, and performs recording of communication management information and various settings performed by a user, in addition to recording of received image data. A modem 1010 performs modulation / demodulation of a facsimile procedure signal, modulation of image data stored in the D-RAM 1005 in advance to a facsimile image signal, demodulation of a facsimile image signal to image data, and the like. Reference numeral 1011 denotes an NCU which controls connection / disconnection of the image processing apparatuses 1001 and 1014 to / from the PSTN line. The modem 1010 and the NCU 1011 are connected to each other, and mediate transmission and reception of a facsimile procedure signal and a facsimile image signal with a remote image communication device. Reference numeral 1012 denotes an external input / output unit, which is configured by a parallel input / output LSI or the like, and controls input / output of control commands, various parameters, data, and the like between the image processing apparatus 1001 and an additional communication unit A described later.
[0021]
On the other hand, the additional communication unit A1101 includes modules 1102 to 1107. Hereinafter, each module of the additional communication unit A1101 will be described.
[0022]
A CPU 1102 is connected to each module via a bus 1108, for example, using an NEC V810, and controls the entire additional communication unit. A ROM 1103 stores a control program for the CPU 1102, various initial values, and the like. Reference numeral 1104 denotes a D-RAM, which is used not only for storing image data but also as various work buffers.
[0023]
A modem 1105 performs modulation / demodulation of a facsimile procedure signal, modulation of image data temporarily stored in the D-RAM 1104 to a facsimile image signal, demodulation of a facsimile image signal to image data, and the like. An NCU 1106 controls connection / disconnection of the additional communication units A1101 and 1109 with the PSTN line. The modem 1105 and the NCU 1106 are connected to each other, and mediate transmission and reception of a facsimile procedure signal and a facsimile image signal with a remote image communication device. Reference numeral 1107 denotes an external input / output unit which includes a parallel input / output LSI or the like, and controls input / output of control commands, various parameters, data, and the like between the image processing apparatus 1001 and the additional communication unit A1101.
[0024]
Note that the image processing apparatus 1001 and the additional communication unit A1101 are connected by an i / f cable 1015 via respective external input / output units 1012 and 1107.
[0025]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a task related to image transmission and a data flow among programs stored in the ROM 1003 of the image processing apparatus 1001 and the ROM 1103 of the additional communication unit A 1101 described above.
[0026]
In the figure, 2001 to 2009 are tasks on the image processing apparatus 1001, which are managed and executed by a real-time monitor mounted on the image processing apparatus 1001. Each task exchanges messages using the inter-task communication function of the real-time monitor.
[0027]
The operation control task 2001 monitors the operation unit 1007 shown in FIG. 1 and accepts a user's request for transmission reservation. Then, when a transmission reservation is requested by the user, a message requesting reading of a document is sent to the reading control task 2002. The reading control task 2002 receives the document reading request message from the operation control task 2001, controls the reading unit 1008 shown in FIG. 1, conveys the document to a predetermined position, and starts reading. The reading control task 2002 sends a message to the reading encoding processing task 2003 requesting encoding of the same scanning line every time reading of one scanning line is completed.
[0028]
The read encoding task 2003 receives the encoding request message from the read control task 2002, encodes the specified scan line, and returns the result to the read control task 2002 as a message. The reading control task 2002 sequentially stores the encoded data from the reading encoding processing task 2003 in the image pool 2011 prepared in the D-RAM 1005 shown in FIG. Then, when reading of all the documents set on the platen is completed, the reading control task 2002 notifies the operation control task 2001 of the completion of reading.
[0029]
When the operation control task 2001 receives the read completion notification from the read control task 2002, the operation control task 2001 inputs a transmission event including the correspondence information with the actual encoded data stored in the image pool 2011 to the transmission queue 2010.
[0030]
The communication control task 2004 periodically monitors the transmission queue 2010, and communicates via the communication i / f task 2005 on the image processing apparatus 1001, the state of the communication processing task 2006, the state of the line control task 2007, and the decoding processing for communication. A message is exchanged between the task 2009 and the communication i / f task 2005 on the image processing apparatus 1001 and the communication i on the additional communication unit A1101 in addition to the state of the line of the image processing apparatus 1001 and the progress of communication. A message is exchanged with the communication i / f task 2012, the communication processing task 2013, and the line control task 2014 on the additional communication unit A1101 via the / f task 2012, and the state of the line and the communication of the additional communication unit A1101 are exchanged. It also manages progress.
[0031]
The communication processing task 2006 on the image processing apparatus 1001 and the communication processing task 2013 on the additional communication unit A1101 are both based on the T.T. It manages and executes procedures for facsimile transmission of the 30 recommendations.
[0032]
The line control task 2014 on the image processing apparatus 1001 and the line control task 2014 on the additional communication unit A1101 are respectively based on the PSTN line 1014 shown in FIG. Also, the status of the PSTN line 1109 is managed and controlled.
[0033]
The communication processing task 2006 on the image processing apparatus 1001 sets the encoding method of the data related to the communication in the real image stored in the image pool 2011 in advance according to the T.T. In order to convert to the encoding method at the time of communication notified from the partner terminal by the facsimile transmission procedure of Recommendation 30, the decoding processing of the real image data of the image pool 2011 is first performed by the decoding processing for communication on the image processing apparatus 1001. Request to task 2008. Next, the communication processing task 2006 on the image processing apparatus 1001 determines the output result of the communication decoding processing task 2008 on the image processing apparatus 1001 in order to obtain the data of the encoding method at the time of communication notified from the partner terminal. To the communication encoding task 2009 on the image processing apparatus 1001.
[0034]
As described above, the communication decoding task 2008 and the communication encoding task 2009 on the image processing apparatus 1001 perform decoding and encoding of image data based on the request of the communication processing task 2006 on the image processing apparatus 1001. I do.
[0035]
On the other hand, in FIG. 2, 2012 to 2016 are tasks on the additional communication unit A1101, which are managed and executed by a real-time monitor mounted on the additional communication unit A1101. Each task exchanges messages using the inter-task communication function of the real-time monitor. It should be noted that the same real-time monitor of the image processing apparatus 1001 and the additional communication unit A1101 in the embodiment is mounted.
[0036]
The communication processing task 2013 on the additional communication unit A1101 sets the encoding method of the actual image data relating to the communication transmitted via the i / f cable 1015 to the T.T. In order to convert to the encoding method at the time of communication notified from the partner terminal by the facsimile transmission procedure of Recommendation 30, the decoding processing of the actual image data relating to the transmitted communication is firstly performed by the additional communication unit A1101 for decoding for communication. Request to the processing task 2015. Next, the communication processing task 2013 on the additional communication unit A1101 determines the output result of the communication decoding processing task 2015 on the additional communication unit A1101 in order to obtain the data of the encoding method at the time of communication notified from the partner terminal. To the communication encoding task 2016 on the additional communication unit A1101. Note that the communication decryption processing task 2015 also includes a RAW / RL conversion process for run-length compressing the RAW data.
[0037]
As described above, the communication decoding task 2015 and the communication encoding task 2016 on the additional communication unit A1101 perform decoding and encoding of image data based on the request of the communication processing task 2013 on the additional communication unit A1101. I do. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a normal message sequence at the time of transmitting an image of one page passing through the i / f cable 1015 shown in FIG.
[0038]
Among the messages shown in FIG. 3, the message sent from the image processing apparatus to the additional communication unit A is changed from the communication control task 2004 on the image processing apparatus 1001 shown in FIG. 2 to the communication i / f task 2005 on the image processing apparatus 1001. And the communication i / f task 2012 on the additional communication unit A1101 via the i / f cable 1015, and further from the communication i / f task 2012 to the communication processing task 2013 or the line control task 2014 on the additional communication unit A1101. It will be delivered. Also, among the messages shown in FIG. 3, the message sent from the additional communication unit A to the image processing apparatus is temporarily transmitted from the communication processing task 2013 or the line control task 2014 on the additional communication unit A 1101 shown in FIG. Is transmitted to the communication control task 2004 on the image processing apparatus 1001 via the i / f cable 1015 and the communication i / f task 2005 on the image processing apparatus 1001. In the following description of the message, the description of the above route will be omitted.
[0039]
Here, all messages used for communication between tasks in the image processing terminal 1001 and the additional communication unit A1101 of the embodiment have a uniform format, including messages flowing over the i / f cable 1015. The details will be described later.
[0040]
A “Connect Req.” Message 3001 indicates that the communication control task 2004 on the image processing apparatus 1001 shown in FIG. 2 has detected a call waiting transmission event in the transmission queue 2010, and the image processing apparatus 1001 and the additional communication unit A1101. When it is determined from the state of the line and the progress of the communication that the calling / transmission should be performed using the additional communication unit A1101, the communication control task on the image processing apparatus 1001 is requested to request the calling. Issued from 2004 to the line control task 2014 on the additional communication unit A1101.
[0041]
A “Connect Cnf.” Message 3002 is generated when the line control task 2014 on the additional communication unit A1101 shown in FIG. 2 receives the “Connect Req.” Message 3001 and makes a call. When the call connection is completed, the additional communication unit A1101 The line control task 2014 is issued to the communication control task 2004 on the image processing apparatus 1001. In the parameter of the message, "call connection completed" is set.
[0042]
A “Communication Req.” Message 3003 is used to request the start of facsimile transmission when the communication control task 2004 on the image processing apparatus 1001 receives a “Connect Cnf.” Message 3002 indicating “call connection completed”. The communication control task 2004 on the image processing apparatus 1001 issues the communication processing task 2013 on the additional communication unit A1101.
[0043]
The “Remote Identification Ind.” Message 3004 is generated when the communication processing task 2013 on the additional communication unit A 1101 receives the “Communication Req.” Message 3003, starts facsimile transmission processing, and receives an initial identification signal from the partner terminal. From the communication processing task 2013 on the additional communication unit A1101 to the communication control task 2004 on the image processing apparatus 1001, the communication processing task 2013 on the additional communication unit A1101 transmits the capability of the other party terminal, such as the receivable image data encoding method and the other party's telephone number. publish. The content of the initial identification signal is set in the parameter of the message.
The “Remote Identification Rsp.” Message 3005 indicates that the communication control task 2004 on the image processing apparatus 1001 does not depend on receiving the “Remote Identification Ind.” Message 3004 and transmitting based on the notified content. Therefore, the communication control task 2004 on the image processing apparatus 1001 issues the communication processing task 2013 on the additional communication unit A1101.
[0044]
A “Page Information Ind.” Message 3006 is generated when the communication processing task 2013 on the additional communication unit A1101 continues communication according to the “Remote Identification Rsp.” Message 3005, and the facsimile communication procedure reaches the image data transmission phase. From the communication processing task 2013 on the additional communication unit A1101 to the communication control task 2004 on the image processing apparatus 1001, in order to obtain information such as the encoding method, resolution, and main scanning line length of the image data to be transferred from now on. Issued. The details will be described later.
[0045]
The “Page Information Rsp.” Message 3007 is used by the communication control task 2004 on the image processing apparatus 1001 to receive the “Page Information Ind.” Message 3006 and notify the image processing apparatus 1001 of information on image data to be transferred. The upper communication control task 2004 issues the communication processing task 2013 on the additional communication unit A1101. The information of the image data to be transferred is set in the parameter of the message. The details will be described later.
[0046]
A “PIX Transmission Ind.” Message 3008 indicates that the communication processing task 2013 on the additional communication unit A1101 has been notified of the “Page Information Rsp.” Message 3007 by transmitting the image data of the encoding method, resolution, and main scanning line length. It is issued to request the communication control task 2004 on the processing device 1001. The details will be described later.
[0047]
The “PIX Transmission Rsp.” Message 3009 indicates that the communication control task 2004 on the image processing apparatus 1001 receives the “PIX Transmission Ind.” Message 3008 and transmits the image data stored in the image pool 2011 on the image processing apparatus 1001. Is issued when the data is divided into data of a predetermined size and transferred to the communication processing task 2013 on the additional communication unit A1101. The details will be described later.
[0048]
The “PIX Transmission Ind.” Message 3008 and the “PIX Transmission Rsp.” Message 3009 are repeatedly issued until data transfer of one page of a predetermined image is completed.
[0049]
The “End of Page Ind.” Message 3010 is a facsimile transmission of the one-page image data transferred by the communication processing task 2013 on the additional communication unit A1101 in one or more “PIX Transmission Rsp.” Messages 3009 to the destination. It is issued when notifying the communication control task 2004 on the image processing apparatus 1001 that the transmission has been completed.
[0050]
If the transmission is a multi-page transmission, a message is issued again from a “Page Information Ind.” Message 3006.
[0051]
The “Communication Cnf.” Message 3011 indicates to the communication control task 2004 on the image processing apparatus 1001 that the communication processing task 2013 on the additional communication unit A1101 has notified that the facsimile transmission indicated by the “Communication Req.” Message 3003 has been completed. Issued when notifying.
[0052]
The “Disconnect Req.” Message 3012 is used by the communication control task 2004 on the image processing apparatus 1001 to request the disconnection of the call connected by the “Connect Req.” Message 3001 in response to the “Communication Cnf.” Message 3011. Is issued to the line control task 2014 on the additional communication unit A1101.
[0053]
The “Disconnect Cnf.” Message 3013 is image-processed to indicate that the line control task 2014 on the additional communication unit A1101 has received the “Disconnect Req.” Message 3012 and disconnected the call connected with the “Connect Req.” Message 3001. It is issued when notifying the communication control task 2004 on the device 1001.
[0054]
According to the above message sequence, an image of one page is transmitted by the additional communication unit A1101.
[0055]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a general format of a message used for inter-task communication in the image processing terminal 1001 and the additional communication unit A1101 according to the embodiment.
[0056]
The message is composed of a header section composed of “Session ID” 4001 to “Stream data length” 4008, “Parameter” 4009 having different contents depending on each message, and “Stream data” 4010 which may be added by the message. You.
[0057]
The “Session ID” 4001 of the header portion indicates the individual communication executed by the communication processing task 2006 on the image processing apparatus 1001 and the communication processing task 2013 on the additional communication unit A 1101 shown in FIG. The above communication control task 2004 is used to manage individually. When starting each communication, a unique value is assigned by the communication control task 2004 on the image processing apparatus 1001. Until one communication is completed, the assigned value is always set to, for example, the “Session ID” 4001 of a series of messages shown in FIG. 3 and is used to identify which communication the message relates to.
[0058]
In the “Command ID” 4002 of the header portion, a unique value for identifying each message such as “Connect Req.” 3001 or “Connect Cnf.” 3002 shown in FIG. 3 is set. In the “Source ID” 4003 and “Destination ID” 4004 of the header part, the identifier of the task that issued the message and the identifier of the task that issued the message are set, respectively, and are used for message delivery. However, the message flowing on the i / f cable 1015 shown in FIG. 2 has no meaning.
[0059]
In the “Parameter length” 4005 of the header part, the data length M (bytes) of “Parameter” 4009 following the header part is set. “Source address” 4006, “Destination address” 4007, and “Stream data size” 4008 in the header are valid only when the message has “Stream data” 4010. The “Source address” 4006 and the “Destination address” 4007 include the memory address of the source of the “Stream Data” 4010 and the memory address of the destination of the “Stream Data” 4010 (that is, the request source of the “Stream Data” 4010), respectively. Is set. In “Stream data size” 4008, the data length N (bytes) of “Stream Data” 4010 is set.
[0060]
“Parameter” 4009 differs in content and size M (bytes) depending on the message. An example of “Parameter” 4009 of “Page Information Ind.”, “Page Information Rsp.”, And “PIX Transmission Rsp.” Will be described later. “Stream data” 4010 may be added by a message. An example of “Stream data” 4010 of “PIX Transmission Rsp.” Will be described later.
[0061]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of “Page Information Ind.” And “Page Information Rsp.” Messages flowing on the i / f cable 1015 shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, reference numerals 5001 to 5009 denote examples of “Page Information Ind.” Messages.
[0062]
In the “Session ID” 5001, a value i for identifying a communication is set. Reference numeral 5002 denotes a “Command ID” 4002 field illustrated in FIG. 4 in which a unique value indicating “Page Information Ind.” Is set. Reference numerals 5003 and 5004 denote “Source ID” 4003 and “Destination ID” 4004 shown in FIG. 4, and are invalid on the i / f cable 1015 shown in FIG.
[0063]
In “Parameter length” 5005, “2” is set as the data length of “Page number” 5009 which is “Parameter” 4009 shown in FIG. Since the “Page Information Ind.” Message does not include “Stream data” 4010 shown in FIG. 4, “Source address” 5006, “Destination address” 5007, and “Stream data length” 5008 are NULL and NULL, respectively. NULL, 0 is set.
[0064]
In the “Page Information Ind.” Message, “Parameter” 4009 shown in FIG. 4 is used only as “Page number” 5009. In “Page number” 5009, a page number p for which information such as an encoding method, a resolution, and a main scanning line length is to be obtained is set.
[0065]
5101 to 5114 shown in FIG. 5 are examples of a “Page Information Rsp.” Message.
[0066]
In the “Session ID” 5101, a value i for identifying a communication is set. Reference numeral 5102 denotes a field of “Command ID” 4002 shown in FIG. 4, in which a unique value indicating “Page Information Rsp.” Is set. 5103 and 5104 are “Source ID” 4003 and “Destination ID” 4004 shown in FIG. 4, and are invalid on the i / f cable 1015 shown in FIG.
[0067]
In “Parameter length” 5105, 12 is set as the data length from “Page number” 5109, which is “Parameter” 4009 shown in FIG. 4, to “Number of line” 5114. Since the “Page Information Rsp.” Message does not include “Stream data” 4010 shown in FIG. 4, “Source address” 5106, “Destination address” 5107, and “Stream data length” 5108 are NULL and ULL, respectively. , 0 are set.
[0068]
In the “Page Information Rsp.” Message, “Parameter” 4009 shown in FIG. 4 is used in items from “Page number” 5109 to “Number of line” 5114.
[0069]
In the “Page number” 5109, the page number p specified in the “Page Information Ind.” Message is set. In “Code” 5110, MH is set as a coding method. In “Width” 5111, 1728 [bits] is set as the main scanning line length. In “Horizontal Res.” 5112, 8 [dots / mm] is set as the main scanning resolution. In “Vertical Res.” 5113, 7.7 [lines / mm] is set as the sub-scanning resolution. In “Number of line” 5114, the total number of lines of the specified page is set.
[0070]
Using the above-mentioned “Page Information Ind.” And “Page Information Rsp.” Messages, an arbitrary page encoding method related to a transmission image handled by the communication processing task 2013 on the additional communication unit A1101 shown in FIG. Information such as resolution and main scanning line length can be obtained.
[0071]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of “PIX Transmission Ind.” And “PIX Transmission Rsp.” Messages flowing on the i / f cable 1015 shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, reference numerals 6001 to 6008 denote examples of a “PIX Transmission Ind.” Message.
[0072]
In the “Session ID” 6001, a value i for identifying a communication is set. Reference numeral 6002 denotes a field of “Command ID” 4002 shown in FIG. 4, in which a unique value indicating “PIX Transmission Ind.” Is set. Reference numerals 6003 and 6004 denote “Source ID” 4003 and “Destination ID” 4004 shown in FIG. 4, and are invalid on the i / f cable 1015 shown in FIG.
[0073]
Since the “PIX Transmission Ind.” Message does not include “Parameter” 4009 shown in FIG. 4, “Parameter Length” 6005 is set to 0. The “PIX Transmission Ind.” Message does not include “Stream data” 4010 shown in FIG. “Source address” 6006 and “Stream data length” 6008 are set to NULL and 0, respectively. However, “PIX Transmission Ind.” Is a message requesting transfer of image data, and the “PIX Transmission Rsp.” Message that is a response includes “Stream data” 4010 shown in FIG. 4, so “Destination address” 6007 Is set as a request source memory address of “Stream Data” 4010.
[0074]
In FIG. 6, reference numerals 6101 to 6110 denote examples of a “PIX Transmission Rsp.” Message. In the “Session ID” 6101, a value i for identifying a communication is set. Reference numeral 6102 denotes a field of “Command ID” 4002 shown in FIG. 4, in which a unique value indicating “PIX Transmission Rsp.” Is set. Reference numerals 6103 and 6104 denote “Source ID” 4003 and “Destination ID” 4004 shown in FIG. 4, and are invalid on the i / f cable 1015 shown in FIG.
[0075]
In “Parameter length” 6105, 2 is set as the data length of “Flags” 6109, which is “Parameter” 4009 shown in FIG. The “PIX Transmission Rsp.” Message includes “Stream data” 4010 shown in FIG. In the “Source address” 6106, x is set as the memory address of the source of the “Stream Data” 4010. In “Destination address” 6107, y, which is a request source memory address of “Stream Data” 4010 specified in the “PIX Transmission Ind.” Message, is set. In “Stream data length” 6008, 100h is set as the data length of “Stream data” 6110.
[0076]
In the “PIX Transmission Rsp.” Message, “Parameter” 4009 shown in FIG. 4 is used only as “Flags” 6009. In “Flags” 6109, a value indicating whether or not the subsequent “Stream data” 6100 is the last block of the image data of one page is set. In addition, “Stream data” 6110 includes, in the image data of one page whose MH is notified by “Code” 5110 shown in FIG. 5, the size of 1000 h bytes notified by “Stream data length” 6108 A part of certain image data is stored.
[0077]
Using the above “PIX Transmission Ind.” And “PIX Transmission Rsp.” Messages to acquire one page of image data related to transmission handled by the communication processing task 2013 on the additional communication unit A1101 shown in FIG. Can be.
[0078]
FIG. 7 shows a transmission reservation process executed by the operation control task 2001 on the image processing apparatus 1001 shown in FIG. 2, and a read control task 2002, a read encoding process task 2003, and a communication control task 2004 related to the process. 5 is a flowchart showing a partial operation of the first embodiment.
[0079]
First, in step S701, all image data is temporarily stored in the image pool 2011 shown in FIG. 2, and “image transmission” for facsimile transmission of the image is performed, and read images are sequentially transmitted by facsimile using the image pool 2011 as a buffer. The user is caused to select one of the transmission methods of “document transmission”. Further, the user is required to input the telephone number of the destination to which the image is to be transmitted. Next, in step S702, it is determined whether the transmission method is memory transmission or document transmission. If it is a memory transmission, the process proceeds to step S703, and if it is a document transmission, the process proceeds to step S705.
[0080]
In step S703, the operation control task 2001 on the image processing apparatus 1001 illustrated in FIG. 2 starts the reading control task 2002 and the reading encoding processing task 2003, reads an image to be transmitted, and converts the image into image data of the MMR encoding method. The image data is converted and stored in the image pool 2011. If all the image data has been stored in the image pool 2011, the process proceeds to step S704.
[0081]
In step S704, the event of memory transmission is input to the transmission queue 2010 on the image processing apparatus 1001 shown in FIG. The communication control task 2004 on the image processing apparatus 1001 converts the image data of the MMR encoding system stored in the image pool 2011 based on the message sequence shown in FIG. 3 into the communication processing task 2013 of the additional communication unit A1101 as it is. Transfer and facsimile transmission are performed.
[0082]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S702 that the transmission is a document transmission, the flow advances to step S705 to input a document transmission event into the transmission queue 2010 of the image processing apparatus 1001 shown in FIG. Then, in step S706, the process waits until document transmission is started. If the communication control task 2004 on the image processing apparatus 1001 detects a document transmission event input to the transmission queue 2010 and starts transmission, the process proceeds to step S707.
[0083]
In step S707, the communication control task 2004 on the image processing apparatus 1001 activates the reading control task 2002 or the reading control task 2002 and the encoding processing task for reading 2003, and the reading control task 2002 reads an image to be transmitted and reads the image to be transmitted. Data is stored in the image pool 2011. The communication control task 2004 sequentially transfers the image data stored in the image pool 2011 to the communication processing task 2013 of the additional communication unit A1101, based on the message sequence shown in FIG. 3, and executes facsimile transmission. The details of the storage of the image data will be described later.
[0084]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the processing in step S707 shown in FIG. First, in step S801, it is determined whether the reading mode of the document is binary reading or halftone reading. If the reading is binary, the process proceeds to step S802, and if the reading is halftone, the process proceeds to step S803.
[0085]
In step S802, the operation control task 2001 on the image processing apparatus 1001 illustrated in FIG. 2 starts the reading control task 2002 and the reading encoding processing task 2003, reads an image to be transmitted, and converts the image to image data of the MH encoding method. The image data is converted and stored in the image pool 2011. When reading of one page is completed, the process proceeds to step S804.
[0086]
On the other hand, in the case of halftone reading in step S801, in step S803, the operation control task 2001 on the image processing apparatus 1001 shown in FIG. 2 starts the reading control task 2002, reads an image to be transmitted, and converts RAW data into an image. It is stored in the pool 2011. When reading of one page is completed, the process proceeds to step S804.
[0087]
In step S804, it is determined whether there is a next original. If there is a next page, the process returns to step S801; otherwise, the image data storing process for document transmission is ended.
[0088]
As described above, the image processing apparatus 1001 according to the embodiment stores MMR data in the image pool 2011 when the transmission method is memory transmission, and starts reading one-page original when the transmission method is original transmission. If the reading mode is binary reading, which is generally selected for a text document, MH data is stored in the image pool 2011 if halftone reading is generally selected for a photo document. The data can be stored, sent to the additional communication unit A1101 via the i / f cable, and facsimile transmission can be performed.
[0089]
[Modification]
Next, as a modified example of the above-described embodiment, a case where an additional communication unit B that performs facsimile transmission via an ISDN line is connected instead of the additional communication unit A that performs facsimile transmission via a PSTN line will be described. .
[0090]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing device and an additional communication unit B according to a modified example of the above-described embodiment. In the figure, an image processing apparatus 1001 is composed of modules 1002 to 1012, just like the image processing apparatus 1001 shown in FIG.
[0091]
On the other hand, the additional communication unit B9001 includes modules 9002 to 9009. Hereinafter, each module of the additional communication unit B9001 will be described.
[0092]
The CPU 9002 is connected to each module via a bus 9010 using, for example, NEC V810, and controls the entire additional communication unit. The ROM 9003 stores a control program of the CPU 9002, various initial values, and the like.
[0093]
The D-RAM 9004 is used as a buffer for various works in addition to storing image data. The modem 9005 performs modulation / demodulation of a G3 facsimile procedure signal, modulation of image data temporarily stored in the D-RAM 9004 to a G3 facsimile image signal, demodulation of a G3 facsimile image signal to image data, and the like. Do.
[0094]
The CODEC 9006 quantizes the output of the modem 9005 and performs A / D conversion. The ISDN i / f 9007 controls connection / disconnection between the additional communication unit B9001 and the ISDN line 9011. The HDLC control unit 9008 performs HDLC framing / deframing of each layer in ISDN.
[0095]
The modem 9005, the CODEC 9006, the ISDN i / f 9007, and the HDLC control unit 9008 are connected to each other, and mediate transmission and reception of a G3 / G4 facsimile procedure signal and a G3 / G4 facsimile image signal with a remote image communication device. The external input / output unit 9009 is configured by a parallel input / output LSI or the like, and controls input / output of control commands, various parameters, data, and the like between the image processing apparatus 1001 and the additional communication unit B9001.
[0096]
The image processing apparatus 1001 and the additional communication unit B9001 are connected by an i / f cable 1015 via respective external input / output units 1012 and 9009.
[0097]
Here, even if the additional communication unit is switched from that for PSTN (G3) to that for ISDN (G4 / G3), by performing control in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, when the transmission method is memory transmission, MMR Data is stored in the image pool 2011, and when the transmission method is original transmission, MH data is stored in the image pool 2011 if the reading mode at the start of the original transmission is binary reading, and RAW data is stored if the reading mode is halftone reading. The data can be sent to the additional communication unit B9001 via the i / f cable to perform facsimile transmission.
[0098]
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the process returns to step S801 for each page to determine the reading mode. However, the user rarely changes the reading mode for each page. If step S801 is executed only at the start of document transmission and that state is held, and step S802 or step S803 is executed as long as there is a document according to the state at the time of document transmission start, the message shown in FIG. Synchronization processing between transmission / reception control and reading control can be simplified, and a system can be more easily constructed.
[0099]
Further, the image processing apparatus 1001 shown in FIGS. 1 and 9 both has a modem 1010 and an NCU 1011 and accommodates a PSTN line 1014. However, the modem 1010 and the NCU 1011 of the image processing apparatus 1001 are not particularly required.
[0100]
Further, by removing the modem 1010 and the NCU 1011 and attaching the additional communication unit A or the additional communication unit B, the PSTN + G3 model or the ISDN + G4 model can be easily switched.
[0101]
As described above, according to the embodiment, in addition to a transmission method such as transmission of a document, a coding mode of image data to be transferred to the option unit is switched by focusing on a reading mode selected by a user according to the document. As a result, it is possible to add an optional unit to a relatively inexpensive main unit that does not have very high image reading and encoding processing capabilities and does not have much memory for storing image data. While avoiding as much as possible, it becomes possible to easily support PSTN multi-line, ISDN line and G4 facsimile communication.
Note that 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.), but a device including one device (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, etc.). May be applied.
[0102]
Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code thus read.
[0103]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0104]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, and the like can be used.
[0105]
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where some or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.
[0106]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0107]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the memory capacity is increased by changing the format of data transferred between the image processing device and the additional communication device according to the transmission method and the image reading method. It is possible to perform high-speed data transfer without causing the data transfer.
[0108]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus and an additional communication unit A according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a task related to image transmission and a data flow among programs stored in a ROM 1003 of an image processing apparatus 1001 and a ROM 1103 of an additional communication unit A1101 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a normal message sequence at the time of transmitting one page of an image passing over the i / f cable 1015 shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a general format of a message used for inter-task communication in the image processing terminal 1001 and the additional communication unit A1101.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of “Page Information Ind.” And “Page Information Rsp.” Messages flowing on the i / f cable 1015 shown in FIG. 2;
6 is a diagram illustrating an example of “PIX Transmission Ind.” And “PIX Transmission Rsp.” Messages flowing on the i / f cable 1015 illustrated in FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing transmission reservation processing executed by an operation control task 2001 on the image processing apparatus 1001.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a detailed process in step S707 shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing device and an additional communication unit B according to a modification.
[Explanation of symbols]
1001 Image processing device
1002 CPU
1003 ROM
1004 S-RAM
1005 D-RAM
1006 Display
1007 Operation unit
1008 Reading unit
1009 Recorder
1010 modem
1011 NCU
1012 External input / output unit
1013 bus
1014 PSTN line
1015 i / f cable
1101 Additional communication unit A
1102 CPU
1103 ROM
1104 D-RAM
1105 Modem
1106 NCU
1107 External input / output unit
1108 Bus
1109 PSTN line

Claims (2)

An image communication system including an image processing device and an additional communication device connected to the image processing device,
The image processing device includes:
The format of the read image data is changed according to the transmission method of the additional communication device and the image reading method of the image processing device, and when the transmission method of the additional communication device is memory transmission, the image data is MMR encoded. If the transmission method of the additional communication device is a document transmission and the image reading method of the image processing device is a method of binarizing with a predetermined threshold, the image data is converted to an MH code. Data format that does not change the data format of the image data when the transmission method of the additional communication device is original transmission and the image reading method of the image processing device is a halftone method. Change means;
Storage means for storing data in the data format changed by the data format changing means,
And a data transfer means for transferring to the additional communication device the data stored in said storage means from said image processing apparatus,
The additional communication device,
An image communication system comprising: a communication unit that converts data transferred by the data transfer unit into a communication coding system notified from a destination terminal and performs communication. A processing method of an image communication system including an image processing device and an additional communication device connected to the image processing device,
The image processing device includes:
The format of the read image data is changed according to the transmission method of the additional communication device and the image reading method of the image processing device, and when the transmission method of the additional communication device is memory transmission, the image data is MMR encoded. If the transmission method of the additional communication device is a document transmission and the image reading method of the image processing device is a method of binarizing with a predetermined threshold, the image data is converted to an MH code. Data format that does not change the data format of the image data when the transmission method of the additional communication device is original transmission and the image reading method of the image processing device is a halftone method. Change process,
An accumulation step of accumulating data in the data format changed in the data format change step,
And a data transfer step of transferring the data stored in the storage step from the image processing apparatus to the additional communication device,
The additional communication device,
A processing method for an image communication system, comprising a communication step of performing communication by converting data transferred in the data transfer step into a communication coding scheme notified from a partner terminal .

Images