JP5277651B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing device, etc., for preferably generating and quickly displaying preview images according to the purpose of the preview. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing device includes: a preview image generating means for reducing original image data of an image scanned by a scanning means to generate a preview image; a memory control means for saving preview image data of the preview image in a memory and further reading the preview image data from the memory; a transferring means for transferring the preview image data saved in the memory to a displaying means; an information input means for entering information indicating a relationship between a main scanning direction in which the image is scanned and an upper side of the image; and an image turning means for changing an arrangement order of pixels in the preview image data such that the main scanning direction extends from a left side to a right side and the sub scanning direction extends from the upper side to a lower side of the preview image, as viewed with the upper side of the preview image at the top. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a computer program.

Conventionally, in an image processing apparatus that processes image data obtained by reading an image, a preview display of the read image or the processed image may be performed. For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-248057 (Patent Document 1) discloses an invention of an image forming apparatus that sets a copy mode corresponding to a finished image selected by an operator based on a finished image selection screen. Has been.
JP 2004-2448057 A

  However, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not consider at what timing a finished image that is a preview image is generated and displayed. The preview image is subjected to a scaling process for reducing the input image data, and further, if necessary, a rotation process, a processing process such as an aggregation process for outputting two images together, It is generated by reflecting post-processing such as punching and stapling on the reduced image data. Therefore, for example, if reduced image data is generated every time a preview image is displayed, it takes time to display the preview image.

  Also, whether the purpose of previewing by the operator can be realized by a rough image, for example, confirming the vertical direction of the image, etc., or relatively detailed such as confirming the direction of characters included in the image. The reduction ratio when reducing the image data differs depending on whether the image data is realized. Therefore, every time a request by the operator is generated, if the reduced image data corresponding to the request is generated, not only does it take time to display the preview image, but the same processing is repeated. This causes a problem that the resources of the apparatus cannot be used efficiently.

  Furthermore, in the process of reducing the image data, it is more preferable that the scaling process is made different depending on the nature of the image, such as a character area or a non-character area, or a chromatic image or an achromatic image. Although reduced image data can be generated, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 does not consider such a case.

  The present invention has been invented in order to solve these problems in view of the above points, and an image processing apparatus and an image processing method for suitably generating and quickly displaying a preview image according to the purpose of the preview It is an object to provide a computer program.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image processing apparatus of the present invention employs the following configuration.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a preview image generation unit that generates a preview image by reducing original image data of an image read by the reading unit;
Memory control means for storing preview image data of the preview image in a memory, and further reading the preview image data from the memory;
Transfer means for transferring preview image data stored in the memory to display means;
Information input means for inputting information related to the relationship between the main scanning direction of the reading and the top direction of the image;
The main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of reading of the image by the reading unit coincide with the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction when the preview image is displayed on the display unit with the top of the preview image facing up, respectively. If not, the pixels of the preview image data are in order of scanning from left to right with the top of the preview image facing up as the main scanning and scanning from the top of the preview image toward the ground direction as the sub scanning. Image rotation means for changing the order of the images,
I have a,
The reading unit further generates information relating to attributes for each region in the image,
The preview image generating means has a plurality of scaling means, and the original scaling data obtained by reading the image is based on information related to the attributes of the areas for each of the areas. Generating the preview image by selecting and executing any one of the scaling means;
The information relating to the attribute is character area information indicating whether or not the area is a character area and / or chromatic information indicating whether the area is a chromatic area or an achromatic area,
The first scaling unit among the scaling units performs the same scaling process on the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of reading the image by the reading unit,
The second scaling unit among the scaling units performs different scaling processes for the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of reading of the image by the reading unit,
The preview image generating means includes
For the area of information in which the information relating to the attribute represents an achromatic area, the first scaling unit is selected and executed,
The second scaling unit may be selected and executed for an information area in which information relating to the attribute represents a chromatic color area .

  Thereby, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus that suitably generates and quickly displays a preview image according to the purpose of the preview.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention may be an image processing method for executing the functions of the respective units included in the image processing apparatus, or a computer program for causing the image processing method computer to execute the functions.

  According to the image processing apparatus, the image processing method, and the computer program of the present invention, an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a computer program for suitably generating and quickly displaying a preview image according to the purpose of the preview are provided. It becomes possible to do.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
Embodiment of the present invention
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining “heaven” and “ground” of an image in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, when an image is arranged in a direction in which the user reads or views the image, the upper part of the image is called “heaven” and the lower part is called “ground”. In this embodiment, an image is read by a reading device, or an image is displayed by a display device. Of the arrangement order of pixels processed at the time of reading or displaying, the direction of the line along the line of consecutive pixels at the time of reading or displaying is called the “main scanning direction”. The direction when moving to the line processing is referred to as “sub-scanning direction”. In FIG. 1, the main scanning direction is indicated by three thin line arrows, and the sub-scanning direction is indicated by thick line arrows.

  In FIG. 1, when reading or displaying, pixels for one line are processed from left to right in the main scanning direction, and after the processing of pixels for one line is completed, the next line in the sub-scanning direction is processed. Move on to processing.

(The figure explaining the relationship between the read image and the arrangement on the memory)
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the read image and the arrangement of the image data of the image on the memory in the present embodiment. In the figure, for convenience, the arrangement on the memory is shown two-dimensionally. However, in actuality, image data is stored in the memory by a one-dimensional address in which a pixel on one line is followed by a pixel on the next line. Good.

  In the example of FIG. 2, a reduced image for generating a preview image of the image is generated from the read image data and stored in the memory. In the present embodiment, the reduced image is used. In addition, image data obtained by reading (hereinafter referred to as “original image data”) is also stored in the memory.

  FIG. 2A is a diagram for explaining that image data obtained by reading from the top of an image is stored in a memory. In FIG. 2A, since the reading process is performed from the top of the image, pixels of the acquired original image data are arranged line by line from the top to the ground. Therefore, the reduced image obtained from the original image data has a configuration in which pixels are lined up line by line from the sky to the ground.

  FIG. 2B is a diagram for explaining that image data is obtained by reading from a direction different from the top direction of the image. In FIG. 2B, for example, an image is read from a direction parallel to a line connecting the top and bottom directions. Therefore, in the acquired original image data, the pixels are arranged so that the line from the ground direction to the celestial direction advances to the right with the celestial direction upward, line by line. Therefore, the reduced image b1 obtained by reducing the original image data has a configuration in which a plurality of lines from the ground direction to the celestial direction are arranged in the same manner.

  By the way, when displaying an image, as in the reading process, a plurality of lines are formed in the sub-scanning direction in which pixels constituting the image data are arranged one by one in the main scanning direction. Therefore, when the reduced image b1 is displayed as it is, the sky direction is on the right side of the display device, which makes it difficult to see for the operator. Therefore, as in the reduced image b2, it is necessary to rearrange the pixels constituting the image data so that the top direction is upward. This rearrangement process is equivalent to the process of rotating the image 90 degrees to the left. Therefore, in the following embodiment, “reordering process” is also referred to as “rotating process”.

(Example of functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. 3 includes, for example, a reading unit 100, a preview image generation unit 210, a control unit 220, a memory 400, an operation panel 500, and a storage unit 600.

  The reading unit 100 reads an image from the medium on which the image is formed, and acquires original image data of the image. The reading unit 100 is configured as a scanner, for example. Further, when reading the image, the reading unit 100 may acquire an attribute for each region included in the image. The attribute for each area is, for example, information indicating whether the area is a “character area” or a “non-character area”. For example, the area is a color, that is, a “chromatic area”. Or monochrome, that is, “achromatic region”.

  The preview image generation unit 210 performs a scaling process for reducing the original image data acquired by the reading unit 100 to generate a reduced image. The preview image generation unit 210 may further generate a preview image by reflecting processing, post-processing, and the like performed on the original image data on the reduced image. Thereby, a preview image of the image output from the image processing apparatus 1 can be generated.

  The preview image generation unit 210 includes scaling units 211 and 212, for example. The scaling unit 211 and the scaling unit 212 both perform a scaling process, but the scaling process methods are different from each other. Therefore, a preview image suitable for the purpose of the preview is preferably generated by selecting a scaling unit that performs a scaling process suitable for each region based on information related to the attribute of the region read by the reading unit 100. can do. More specifically, for example, a scaling unit that reduces the collapse or missing of characters is selected for a character region, and a scaling unit that optimizes color balance is selected for a color image region.

  When generating a plurality of preview images having different resolutions, each scaling unit may generate a preview image having a plurality of resolutions. For example, a scaling unit corresponding to each resolution is provided. Also good.

  The control unit 220 stores each image data in the memory 400 or the storage unit 600, and performs processing based on information input from the operation panel 500, transfer of image data to be displayed on the operation panel 500, and the like.

  The control unit 220 includes, for example, a memory control unit 221, an image rotation unit 223, and a transfer unit 225. The memory control unit 221 determines an address for each pixel when the original image data and the preview image data are stored in the memory 400, and stores the image data in the memory 400.

  The image rotation unit 223 performs rotation processing on the image data stored on the memory 400. By this rotation processing, the line from the top left to the right direction of the image data from the top to the right is defined as the main scanning line, and the direction in which the line advances one by one is defined as the sub-scanning line. The processing order for each pixel in the display means 520 included in the panel 500 and the arrangement order of the pixels in the image data can be made the same.

  The image rotation unit 223 may be provided as one unit with the preview image generation unit 210 in addition to the control unit 220. More specifically, for example, the image data acquired by the reading unit 100 may be configured as one ASIC that is processed.

  The transfer unit 225 transfers the image data stored in the memory 400 to the display unit 520 or the storage unit 600 included in the operation panel 500. The transfer unit 225 may be configured as, for example, a DMA controller. In that case, for example, the transfer unit 225 may be provided inside the memory control unit 221 or the image rotation unit 223.

  The memory 400 is storage means for storing original image data or preview image data. The operation panel 500 is a user interface included in the image processing apparatus 1 and includes, for example, an information input unit 510 and a display unit 520.

  The information input unit 510 receives information for setting an instruction to execute the process, the contents of the process, and the like to the image processing apparatus 1. The information input means 510 further receives information related to the relationship between the sky direction of the image read by the reading means 100 and the main scanning direction of the reading process. Thus, the control unit 220 can determine whether or not to perform rotation processing on the input preview image data.

  More specifically, when the reading unit 100 starts reading from the top of the image, the rotation process is not performed. When the reading unit 100 starts reading from the edge that is not the top of the image, the pixel order is rearranged so that the image data stored in the memory is arranged in order from the top of the image by rotation processing. It is done.

  The display unit 520 displays a state of the image processing apparatus 1 and a preview image of an image processed by the image processing apparatus 1. The display unit 520 realizes image display by repeating in the sub-scanning direction that the pixels constituting the image are arranged one line at a time in the main scanning direction.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which a preview image is displayed on the display unit 520 of the image processing apparatus 1 will be described. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this example. You may display a preview image on the display means controlled by the personal computer etc. which were connected with the image processing apparatus 1. FIG.

  The storage unit 600 is a unit that stores original image data and preview image data. For example, unlike a hard disk device, the storage unit 600 holds data once stored until it is deleted regardless of power supply. It is a means for continuing and further storing large amounts of data.

(Example of image control device)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the image control apparatus 20 that processes the image data acquired by the reading apparatus 10. The image control device 20 corresponds to, for example, the preview image generation unit 210 and the control unit 220 in FIG.

  The image control device 20 is connected to the reading device 10, the CPU 30, the memory 40, and the operation panel 50 via a bus. The image control apparatus 20 includes, for example, an original image transfer unit 29, a small preview generation unit 21a, a large preview generation unit 21b, a rotation unit 23, and an operation panel transfer unit 25. These units are connected via a data transfer bus and an activation / setting bus. The data transfer bus is a bus to which image data is transferred, and the activation / setting bus is a bus to which commands are transmitted. Each unit further includes a DMA controller. Thus, DMA transfer can be performed while processing image data using the data transfer bus.

  The original image transfer unit 29 outputs the input original image data as it is. The small preview generation unit 21a and the large preview generation unit 21b each generate a preview image from the input original image data. Here, the preview image generated by the small preview generation unit 21a has a lower resolution than the preview image generated by the large preview generation unit 21b.

  The preview image generated by the small preview generation unit 21a is provided to check the top and bottom of the image, the position of post-processing, and the like, for example, and is a preview image of an image with many non-character areas such as a picture, a figure, and a photo. Is suitable. The preview image generated by the large preview generation unit 21b is suitable as a preview image when processing an image having a large number of character areas, for example.

  In the following embodiments, the preview image generated by the small preview generation unit 21a is referred to as “small preview”, and the preview image generated by the large preview generation unit 21b is referred to as “preview large”.

  The rotation unit 23 performs a rotation process on the image data. The operation panel transfer unit 25 transfers the image data on the memory to the operation panel 50 to realize image display.

  The memory 40 stores image data processed by the image control apparatus 20, and the operation panel 50 displays a preview image and inputs an instruction.

The CPU 30 controls the image control apparatus 20 according to the following procedure.
(1) Settings and activation are performed for each DMA controller included in the original image transfer unit 29, the small preview generation unit 21a, and the small preview generation unit 21b.
(2) An instruction to transfer original image data is output to the reading device 10.
(3) The transfer of original image data is executed.
(4) When the transfer of the original image data is completed, a completion notification is output to the CPU 30 from each DMA controller included in the original image transfer unit 29, the small preview generation unit 21a, and the small preview generation unit 21b.
(5) The CPU 30 sets and activates the DMA controller included in the rotating unit 23.
(6) The rotation unit 23 performs image data rotation processing. This process is realized by storing the image data stored in the memory 40 in another area on the memory 40 while changing the arrangement order of the pixels.
(7) When the rotation process is completed, a completion notification is output to the CPU 30 from the DMA controller of the rotation unit 23.
(8) The CPU 30 sets and activates the DMA controller included in the operation panel transfer unit 25.
(9) The operation panel transfer unit 25 transfers the preview image data stored in the memory 40 to the operation panel 50.
(10) When the data transfer to the operation panel 50 is completed, a completion notification is output to the CPU 30 from the DMA controller included in the operation panel transfer unit 25.

(Example of processing to generate and display a preview image)
FIGS. 5 to 11 are diagrams illustrating an example of processing for generating and displaying a preview image. 5 to 11, an example in which a preview image is displayed on the operation panel 50 will be described. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this example. A preview image may be displayed on a display means connected via a network or the like. In that case, instead of DMA transfer to the operation panel 50, preview image data is transmitted by communication via the network. Good.

(When the image is read from the sky)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a process for generating a preview image when an image is read from the top by the reading device 10.

  In step S <b> 101 of FIG. 5, a request to start processing is output from the operation panel 50 to the CPU 30. This request includes the contents of processing. Here, the contents of processing include reading from the top of the image, performing preview display, storing image data in the HDD 60, no editing processing such as aggregation, and the like.

  Progressing to step S102 following step S101, the CPU 30 determines a processing procedure based on the content of the processing. Here, it is determined that the processing is executed in the order of image input and preview image generation, transfer processing to a small preview operation panel, and transfer processing to a large preview operation panel.

  Progressing to step S103 following step S102, the CPU 30 outputs a request for starting transfer of the original image data to the reading device 10. Progressing to step S104 following step S103, based on this request, the original image data of the image read by the reading device 10 is output to the image control device 20.

  Progressing to step S105 following step S104, the image control apparatus 20 stores the original image data in the memory, and further generates a preview image. Here, two preview images having different resolutions of small preview and large preview are generated, and the data is stored in the memory. Progressing to step S106 following step S105, the image control apparatus 20 outputs a notification that the generation of the preview image and the storage of the image data in the memory are completed to the CPU 30.

  Progressing to step S107 following step S106, the small preview image data generated in step S105 is transferred to the operation panel 50. As a result, a small preview image is displayed on the display means of the operation panel 50. Progressing to step S108 following step S107, the preview-size image data generated in step S105 is transferred to the operation panel 50. As a result, a preview-sized image is displayed on the display means of the operation panel 50.

  In the example of FIG. 5, the transfer process to the operation panel 50 is first performed for the small preview and then for the large preview. By processing the large preview that requires more time than the small preview later, the time until the first preview image is displayed on the operation panel can be shortened.

  The processing after step S109 is based on the fact that the operator determines to execute the processing corresponding to the preview image based on the preview image displayed in step S107 or step S108, and the instruction is input. .

  In step S109, the operation panel 50 outputs to the CPU 30 a notification that execution of the process corresponding to the preview image has been determined. Proceeding to step S110 following step S109, the CPU 30 determines a processing procedure based on the notification of step S109. Here, it is determined that three image data of original image data, large preview, and small preview are stored in the HDD 60 in order.

  In step S111 following step S110, the CPU 30 outputs an instruction to transfer image data to the image control apparatus 20. In steps S112 to S114, based on the instruction in step S111, the original image data, the large preview image data, and the small preview image data are transferred from the image control apparatus 20 to the HDD 60 and stored in the HDD 60, respectively. . Note that the order of execution of the processing from step S112 to step S114 is not limited.

  Progressing from step S112 to step S115 following step S114. The processing after step S115 may be executed, for example, during “idle” time when no other job is performed. In step S <b> 115, image data with a small preview is transferred from the HDD 60 to the image control apparatus 20. Progressing to step S116 following step S115, the image control device 20 generates thumbnail image data in which the small preview is further reduced. Progressing to step S117 following step S116, thumbnail image data is output from the image control apparatus 20 to the HDD 60.

  The thumbnail is, for example, a reduced image when a list of image data stored in the HDD 60 is displayed, and is an image having a lower resolution than the small preview. In FIG. 5, thumbnails are generated after the small preview image data is read from the HDD 60, but when the small preview image data is stored in the memory, instead of reading from the HDD 60, Image data on the memory may be used.

(When the image is read from a different direction from the sky)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating processing for generating a preview image when an image is read by the reading device 10 from a direction different from the top direction.

  In step S <b> 201 of FIG. 6, a request to start processing is output from the operation panel 50 to the CPU 30. This request includes the contents of processing. Here, the contents of the processing include reading from a direction different from the top direction of the image, performing a preview display, storing image data in the HDD 60, no editing processing such as aggregation, and the like.

  Progressing to step S202 following step S201, the CPU 30 determines a processing procedure based on the content of the processing. Here, it is determined that the processing is executed in the order of image input and preview image generation, preview small rotation processing and operation panel transfer processing, preview large rotation processing and operation panel transfer processing. .

  Progressing to step S203 following step S202, the CPU 30 outputs a request for starting transfer of original image data to the reading apparatus 10. Progressing to step S204 following step S203, based on this request, the original image data of the image read by the reading device 10 is output to the image control device 20.

  Progressing to step S205 following step S204, the image control device 20 stores the original image data in the memory, and further generates a preview image. Here, two preview images having different resolutions of small preview and large preview are generated, and the data is stored in the memory. Proceeding to step S206 following step S205, the image control apparatus 20 outputs a notification that the generation of the preview image and the storage of the image data in the memory are completed to the CPU 30.

  Progressing to step S207 following step S206, the CPU 30 outputs an instruction to rotate the small preview to the image control apparatus 20. Progressing to step S208 following step S207, the image control apparatus 20 performs a rotation process on the image data of the small preview. This processing is realized by DMA transfer in which image data of a small preview stored in the memory is read and stored in another area on the memory. Progressing to step S209 following step S208, the image control apparatus 20 outputs a notification of completion of the rotation process to the CPU 30.

  Progressing to step S210 following step S209, the preview small image data rotated in step S208 is transferred to the operation panel 50. As a result, a small preview image is displayed on the display means of the operation panel 50.

  The processing from step S211 to step S214 following step S210 is the rotation processing for the image data of the large preview and the transfer processing to the operation panel 50, and is the same as the processing related to the small preview from step S207 to step S210. Then, explanation is omitted. Further, the processing from step S215 to step S223 is the same as the processing from step 109 to step S117 in FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 6, the rotation process and the transfer process to the operation panel 50 are first performed on the small preview, and then performed on the large preview. By processing the large preview that requires more time than the small preview later, the time until the first preview image is displayed on the operation panel can be shortened.

(Example of copy processing)
5 and 6 describe the process of storing image data in the HDD 60. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process of outputting image data without storing it in the HDD 60. A process for outputting without storing in the HDD 60 includes, for example, a copy process.

  In step S <b> 301 of FIG. 7, a request to start processing is output from the operation panel 50 to the CPU 30. This request includes the contents of processing. Here, the processing contents include reading from a direction different from the top direction of the image, performing a preview display, not storing the image data in the HDD 60, no editing processing such as aggregation, and the like.

  Since the processing from step S302 to step S314 following step S301 is the same as the processing from step S202 to step S214 in FIG. 6, the description thereof is omitted here.

  Proceeding to step S315 following step S314, the operation panel 50 outputs to the CPU 30 a notification that it has been decided to perform processing corresponding to the displayed preview image. Proceeding to step S316 following step S315, the CPU 30 determines a processing procedure. Here, it is determined that image data is output.

  Proceeding to step S317 following step S316, the CPU 30 outputs a notification for transferring the original image data to the image control unit 20. Progressing to step S318 following step S317, the original image data is transferred from the image control apparatus 20 to an image output apparatus (not shown), and output processing is performed.

(Example of aggregation from reading from the sky)
8 to 11 are diagrams for explaining an example in the case of aggregation. 8 and 9 are examples in the case of collecting image data obtained by reading from the top direction of the image. FIGS. 10 and 11 are obtained by reading from a direction different from the top direction of the image. It is an example in the case of collecting collected image data. The circled numbers in the figure indicate the order of the first, second, etc. of the read original corresponding to the image data.

  In FIG. 8, a reduced image is generated from original image data obtained by reading from the top of the image. Here, since the 2-in-1 process of consolidating two images into one is performed, reduced image c1 and reduced image c2 are generated from different original image data, respectively. The reduced images c <b> 1 and c <b> 2 are stored in the memory in the order of pixels in the order from the upper left to the right with the top direction of the image facing up.

  When generating an aggregated preview image from the reduced images c1 and c2, a scaling process for reducing the reduced images c1 and c2 is performed. Here, the address on the memory in which the image data resulting from the scaling process is written is controlled, and the image data based on the reduced image c1 and the image data based on the reduced image c2 are arranged side by side like an image c3. The pixels are arranged in the formed form. The aggregated preview image c3 is generated by this variable magnification DMA transfer.

  FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing of FIG. In step S <b> 401 of FIG. 9, a request to start processing is output from the operation panel 50 to the CPU 30. This request includes the contents of processing. Here, the contents of processing include reading from the top of the image, performing a preview display, storing image data in the HDD 60, performing aggregation, and the like.

  Progressing to step S402 following step S401, the CPU 30 determines a processing procedure based on the content of the processing. Here, image input and preview image generation are performed in succession, preview small generation and scaling processing, transfer to the operation panel, preview size generation and scaling processing, operation panel It is determined that the processing is executed in the order of the transfer processing to.

  The processing from step S403 to step S410 subsequent to step S402 is an instruction to transfer original image data and a reduced image generation process based on the instruction, and steps S403 to S406 are processes related to the first image. Steps S407 to S410 are processes related to the second image. Note that the reduced image generated here is the original image when generating a “preview image” in which processing such as aggregation is reflected. In the following description, for the sake of simplicity, these reduced images are reduced. The images are referred to as “small preview” and “large preview” as in the description of FIG. Since these processes are the same as the processes from step S103 to step S106 in FIG. 5, the description thereof is omitted here.

  Progressing to step S411 following step S410, the CPU 30 outputs an instruction to the image control apparatus 20 to change the preview size of the first image. Proceeding to step S412, following step S411, the image control apparatus 20 reads the small preview of the first image from the memory, performs a scaling process, and stores it in another position on the memory.

  At this time, the address on the memory is controlled so that the preview size of the second image to be scaled later is stored in the relationship indicated by c3 in FIG. More specifically, as shown in c3 of FIG. 8, in the case where they are attached to the left and right, it is preferable to have a configuration in which one line in the main scanning direction is provided at a one-dimensional memory address. In addition, the address on the memory in the case of aggregation that is pasted up and down may be configured such that the small preview of the second image follows the small preview of the first image.

  Progressing to step S413 following step S412, the image control apparatus 20 outputs a notification that the scaling process has been completed to the CPU 30.

  The processing from step S414 to step S416 following step S413 is processing related to the small preview of the second image, and the difference from the processing related to small preview of the first image from step S411 to step S413 is the step. The storage address of the preview small scaled in S415 is determined to have a predetermined relationship with the first preview small scaled in step S412.

  More specifically, in the case of aggregation that is attached to the left and right, as shown in c3 in FIG. 8, the first line of the second preview small is followed by the first line of pixels of the first small preview. This is the same for the second and subsequent lines. Also, in the case of aggregation that is pasted up and down, the preview preview of the second image follows immediately after the preview preview of the first image.

  Progressing to step S417 following step S416, the completed aggregated preview image is transferred from the image control apparatus 20 to the operation panel 50 and displayed.

  The processing from step S418 to step S424 following step S417 is processing related to the large preview, and the content thereof is the same as the processing related to small preview from step S411 to step S416, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  As a result of the above processing, an aggregated preview image with a small preview with a low resolution is first displayed on the operation panel, and then an aggregated preview image with a large preview with a high resolution is displayed on the operation panel. Thereby, it is possible to shorten the time until the first preview image is displayed to the operator. Further, by displaying the small preview and the large preview, it is possible for the operator to present a more preferable preview image corresponding to the purpose of the preview.

  The processing from step S425 to step S430 following step S424 is processing for storing the original image data, preview large, and small preview of the first image and the second image in the HDD 60, respectively. Since it can be easily understood from the processing from step S109 to step S114, the description is omitted here. Steps S431 and S432 following step S430 are processes related to the third and subsequent images, and are the same as the processes related to the first and second images, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

(Example of reading from a different direction from the sky and consolidating)
10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating an example in which image data acquired by reading from a direction different from the top of the image is collected. In FIG. 10, a reduced image is generated from original image data obtained by reading from a direction different from the top direction of the image. Here, since 2 in 1 processing is performed to combine two images into one, reduced images d1 and d2 are generated from different original image data, respectively.

  These reduced images are arranged so that the order of the pixels is not displayed when the image is displayed on the display means. Therefore, a rotation process for changing the pixel arrangement order is performed. Here, by controlling the address on the memory where the resultant image data obtained by the rotation process is written, the image data based on the reduced image d1 and the image data based on the reduced image d2 are arranged side by side as an image d3. Pixels are arranged in a bonded form. By this DMA transfer, an aggregated image d3 is generated. Furthermore, a preview image d4 is generated by performing a scaling process on the image d3.

  As shown in FIG. 10, memory access can be efficiently performed by first performing aggregation while performing rotation processing by DMA transfer and then performing scaling processing. More specifically, reading and writing of pixels arranged in a one-dimensional manner on the memory are performed by reading or writing the arranged pixels in a lump. Therefore, as shown in FIG. The number of pixels that are continuously read out during processing increases, and memory access can be suitably performed.

  FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing of FIG. In step S501 in FIG. 11, a request to start processing is output from the operation panel 50 to the CPU 30. This request includes the contents of processing. Here, the contents of the process include reading from a different direction from the top of the image, performing a preview display, storing image data in the HDD 60, performing aggregation, and the like.

  Progressing to step S502 following step S501, the CPU 30 determines a processing procedure based on the content of the processing. Here, the input of the image and the generation of the preview image are performed in succession, the small preview is generated and the rotation processing is performed for each image, the images that are pasted together are subjected to the scaling process, and further to the operation panel Forward. Subsequently, it is determined that the large preview is executed in the same manner as the small preview.

  Since the processing from step S503 to step S510 following step S502 is the same as the processing from step S403 to step S410 in FIG. 9, the description thereof is omitted here.

  Progressing to step S511 following step S510, the CPU 30 outputs an instruction to rotate the preview small of the first image to the image control apparatus 20. Progressing to step S512 following step S511, the image control device 20 reads the small preview from the memory, realizes rotation processing by DMA transfer by controlling and writing the address to another area on the memory.

  Here, the address on the memory at the time of writing is, for example, as shown in d3 of FIG. In addition, it is preferable that an area for the preview small data of the second image is provided. Also, for example, in the case of aggregation that is pasted up and down, a preview small of the second image may be stored following a small preview of the first image.

  Progressing to step S513 following step S512, the image control apparatus 20 outputs a notification of completion of the rotation process to the CPU 30.

  The processing from step S514 to step S516 subsequent to step S513 is processing related to the small preview of the second image, and the difference from the processing related to small preview of the first image from step S511 to step S513 is different from step S513. The storage address of the preview small rotated in S515 is determined so as to have a predetermined relationship with the first preview small rotated in step S512.

  More specifically, in the case of aggregation that is attached to the left and right, as shown in d3 in FIG. 10, the first line of the second preview small is followed by the pixels of the first preview small first line. This is the same for the second and subsequent lines. Also, in the case of aggregation that is pasted up and down, the preview preview of the second image follows immediately after the preview preview of the first image.

  Proceeding to step S517 following step S516, the CPU 30 outputs an instruction to the image control apparatus 20 to reduce the size of the pasted preview image by scaling. Progressing to step S518 following step S517, the image control device 20 reads the pasted small preview from the memory, performs scaling processing, and writes it in the area on the memory. Progressing to step S519 following step S518, the image control apparatus 20 outputs a notification that the scaling process has been completed to the CPU 30. Thereby, for example, an aggregated preview image is generated as shown by d4 in FIG.

  Progressing to step S520 following step S519, the aggregated preview image is transferred from the image control apparatus 20 to the operation panel 50, and the preview image is displayed on the operation panel.

  The processing from step S521 to step S530 following step S520 is processing related to the large preview, and is the same as the processing related to small preview from step S511 to step S520, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  Steps S531 to S538 following step S530 are also the same as the processes from step S425 to step S432 in FIG.

(Description of processing for generating reduced image)
12 to 15 are diagrams for explaining processing for generating a reduced image. FIG. 12 is an example of the configuration of the image control apparatus 20, and shows a portion related to the scaling process in FIG. 4 in more detail. The image control apparatus 20 in FIG. 12 includes, for example, an original image transfer unit 29, a small preview generation unit 21a, and a large preview generation unit 21b.

  The original image transfer unit 29 is a DMA controller that transfers and outputs input original image data. The small preview generation unit 21a and the large preview generation unit 21b generate and output reduced images with different resolutions. In the figure, there are two reduction scales. However, a plurality of reduction scales may be provided for each resolution of a reduced image, and one reduction scale may generate reduced images of a plurality of resolutions. Also good. Thereby, a plurality of reduced images having different resolutions can be generated.

  The small preview generation unit 21a and the large preview generation unit 21b apply, to the input original image data, a reduction method corresponding to the attribute of each region of the image based on the input separation information. Generate a reduced image. The separation information is information for identifying a region included in an image and information related to the attribute of the region. The attribute for each area is, for example, information indicating whether the area is a “character area” or a “non-character area”. For example, the area is a color, that is, a “chromatic area”. Or monochrome, that is, “achromatic region”.

  Thus, the reduction method corresponding to the attribute for each region is provided for the following reason. For example, when generating a preview image or a thumbnail image, if the original image data is processed by the uniform reduction / scaling method, a defect may occur in either a character area or an image area. For example, when a reduction scaling method suitable for a character area is uniformly performed, a rough image is produced in the image area. Further, for example, if the reduction scaling method suitable for the image area is uniformly performed, an image in which characters are crushed can be formed. Furthermore, if the color image is processed for each color component such as RGB, the color balance may be lost.

  Therefore, by changing the scaling method according to the attribute of the region and applying the scaling method suitable for each region, a higher-quality preview image and thumbnail image can be generated.

(Configuration of a reduction variable magnification device having a plurality of variable magnification units)
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the reduction variable power converter 21 of FIG. The small preview generation unit 21a includes, for example, a separation information calculation unit 213a, a first reduction scaling unit 211a, a second reduction scaling unit 212a, and a selector 214.

  The separation information calculation unit 213a analyzes the separation information input corresponding to the original image data, and acquires the attribute of the region to which the pixel belongs. The separation information is, for example, 1-bit information corresponding to each pixel, and has a value such as 1 for a character area and 0 for a non-character area. The separation information may also have a value such as 1 for an achromatic color region and 0 for a chromatic color region, for example.

  It should be noted that the separation information output from the separation information calculation unit 213a may have a value corresponding to each pixel of the output reduced image. Therefore, for example, when it is determined whether or not it is a character area, the amount of character information is counted based on the scaling factor. When the count amount is reduced by a certain amount, for example, a quarter, if it is 2 or more in the 4 × 4 region, it is determined as a character region. Further, for example, when determining whether or not the area is a chromatic color area, the amount of chromatic information is counted based on the scaling factor. When the count amount is reduced by a certain amount, for example, a quarter, if it is 4 or more in a 4 × 4 region, it is determined as a chromatic color region.

  The first reduction / magnification unit 211a and the second reduction / magnification unit 211b use the different reduction / magnification methods to scale the input original image data based on the input magnification and reduce the reduced image. Generate. The selector 214 selects any output based on the separation information output from the separation information calculation unit 213a for each pixel output from the first reduction scaling unit 211a and the second reduction scaling unit 212a.

(Example of the configuration of the zooming unit)
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of the reduction scaling unit. 14 includes a line buffer 201, a calculator 202, a buffer 203, a calculator 204, and an output buffer 205.

  The line buffer 201 stores data for each line in the main scanning direction. The calculator 202 performs a scaling process on the pixel data for each line based on the input scaling ratio information. For example, when generating a reduced image whose vertical and horizontal dimensions are ½ of the original image data, one reduced pixel data is generated from the two pixel data, and the original image data is When generating a reduced image of 1/4, one reduced pixel data is generated from four pixel data.

  The buffer 203 stores the reduced pixel data generated by the calculator 204. The calculator 204 generates pixel data of a reduced image from the reduced pixel data of a plurality of lines. For example, when generating a reduced image whose vertical and horizontal directions are halved with respect to the original image data, pixel data of one reduced image is generated from the reduced pixel data for two lines, and the original image data On the other hand, when a reduced image having a length and width of 1/4 is generated, pixel data of one reduced image is generated from the reduced pixel data for four lines.

  The output buffer 205 stores the pixel data of the reduced image generated by the calculator 204. In FIG. 14, the output buffer 205 has a configuration capable of storing pixels for four lines, and the line buffer 201 has a configuration capable of storing pixels for eight lines. Therefore, when generating a reduced image whose vertical and horizontal dimensions are ½ with respect to the original image data, the output from all the lines of the output buffer 205 may be acquired as reduced image data. Further, when generating a reduced image having a length and width of a quarter of the original image data, outputs from two lines of the output buffer 205 may be acquired as reduced image data. Furthermore, when generating a reduced image having an aspect ratio of 1/8 with respect to the original image data, an output from one line of the output buffer 205 may be acquired as reduced image data.

(Calculator configuration corresponding to region attributes)
Details of the processing of the calculator 202 and the calculator 204 will be described below. When generating a reduced image, for example, there are the following two filter processes.
(1) OR thinning-out method: A method in which one pixel is selected from a plurality of pixels according to certain conditions, and the value of the pixel is used as the reduced pixel value. There are a method for selecting a pixel having a maximum value, a method for selecting a pixel having a minimum value, and the like.
(2) Averaging method: A method of calculating an average value of a plurality of pixels and setting the value as a pixel value after reduction.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the OR thinning method is applied to the reduction processing for the character region, and the averaging method is applied to the reduction processing for the non-character region. Thereby, the crushing and blurring of characters can be reduced in the character region, and a well-balanced image can be obtained in the non-character region.

  More specifically, for example, in the first reduction scaling unit 211a, the calculator 202 and the calculator 204 are OR calculators, and in the second reduction scaling unit 212a, the calculator 202 and the calculator 204 are averaged. The selector 214 selects the output of the first reduction scaling unit 211a as a pixel in the character area, and selects the output of the second reduction scaling unit 212a as a pixel in the non-character area.

  In the present embodiment, for the reduction processing for the chromatic color region, both the OR thinning method and the averaging method may be applied to the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction, respectively. An averaging method may be applied to the reduction process for the achromatic region. As a result, a smooth reduced image with good color balance can be obtained in the chromatic color region.

  More specifically, for example, in the first reduction scaling unit 211a, the calculator 202 is an OR calculator and the calculator 204 is an average calculator. In the second reduction scaling unit 212a, the calculator 202 and the calculator 204 are average calculators. The selector 214 selects the output of the first scaling unit 211a as a pixel in the chromatic color region, and selects the output of the second scaling unit 212a as a pixel in the achromatic color region. In the first reduction scaling unit 211a corresponding to the chromatic color region, the calculator 202 may be an average calculator and the calculator 204 may be an OR calculator.

(Scaling process flow)
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the reduction scaling unit of FIG. In step S601 in FIG. 15, input of original image data to the line buffer 201 is started. Here, the counter i in the main scanning direction and the counter j in the sub scanning direction are initialized to zero. Progressing to step S602 following step S601, scaling processing is performed once in the main scanning direction, and the counter i is incremented by one. Progressing to step S603 following step S602, it is determined whether or not the value of the counter i is equal to the scaling factor n. Note that the scaling factor n is the reciprocal of the reduction ratio, and is 4 when performing reduction by a quarter, for example. If the counter i is equal to the scaling factor n, the process proceeds to step S604. If not, the process of step S602 is repeated.

  In step S604 following step S603, a scaling process is performed once in the sub-scanning direction, and the counter j is incremented by one. Progressing to step S605 following step S604, it is determined whether or not the value of the counter j is equal to the scaling factor n. If the counter j is equal to the scaling factor n, the process proceeds to step S605, and if not, the process of step S604 is repeated. In step S606 following step S605, one pixel data of the reduced image is output.

  A reduced image is generated by repeating the above processing until all the pixels of the reduced image are generated.

(Example of configuration of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus having the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus in FIG. 16 includes an image input unit 10a, an image processing device 20, an arithmetic processing unit 30a, a memory 40, a main storage unit 41, an auxiliary storage unit 42, an image processing device 70, and an image output unit 80.

  The image input unit 10a is configured as a scanner, for example. The image processing apparatus 20 performs image conversion or scaling for image data input from the image input unit 10a. The image processing apparatus 20 may be further configured as an ASIC having means for realizing these image processing functions, an arbiter, and a DMA controller.

  The arithmetic processing unit 30a includes, for example, a CPU and a PCI controller, and controls the entire image forming apparatus. The memory 40 stores image data to be processed. The main storage unit 41 is a storage unit such as a RAM, and the auxiliary storage unit 42 is a storage unit of the HDD device.

  The image processing device 70 processes image data output to the image output unit 80. The image processing apparatus 70 may be further configured as an ASIC having means for realizing these image processing functions, an arbiter, and a DMA controller. The image output unit 80 is configured as a plotter, for example.

(Computer configuration)
FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of a computer that realizes the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The computer in FIG. 17 includes a main processing unit 900, an input device 910, a display device 920, a printer 930, a scanner 940, and an HDD 990. The main processing unit 900 is a main part that realizes the functions of a computer, and includes a CPU 901, a ROM 908, and a RAM 909. The CPU 901 executes the computer program according to the present embodiment by reading the computer program from the ROM 908 or the like and developing it in the RAM 909. A ROM 908 is a non-volatile memory and holds a program executed by the CPU 901 such as a computer program, parameters necessary for controlling the image processing apparatus, and the like. A RAM 909 is a work memory when the CPU 901 performs processing.

  The input device 910 is a keyboard or the like, for example, and is used when an operator inputs an instruction. The display device 920 displays the status of the computer. The printer 930 is a device that forms and outputs an image on a medium, and the scanner 940 is a device that optically reads an image formed on the medium. The HDD 990 stores a large amount of data such as image data.

  In addition to being stored in the HDD 990 or the ROM 908, the computer program of this embodiment may be stored in a recording medium that can be inserted into a drive device (not shown).

(Example of image processed by this embodiment)
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image processed by the present embodiment. Although FIG. 18 shows an achromatic image, these images are all chromatic images.

  18A shows an image based on original image data, and FIGS. 18B and 18C show images based on reduced image data. In FIG. 18B, the reduction process is performed by the averaging method. On the other hand, in FIG. 18C, the OR thinning method is applied in the main scanning direction, and the averaging method is applied in the sub scanning direction. FIG. 18C shows that the curve portion is less crushed than FIG. 18B.

(Example in which the thinning process is different between the luminance component and the color difference component of the image data)
FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an image processing apparatus having a configuration in which thinning processing is made different between a luminance component and a color difference component of image data. The image processing apparatus 1000 in FIG. 19 performs a thinning process on the input color original image data and outputs a preview image. The image processing apparatus 1000 in FIG. 19 includes an RGB → YUV conversion unit 1100, an average / OR thinning unit 1210, a simple thinning unit 1220, a scaling factor setting unit 1230, and a YUV → RGB conversion unit 1300.

  The RGB → YUV conversion unit 1100 converts the RGB original image data into a YUV format composed of a luminance component and a color difference component. For example, the following formula (1) is used for the conversion from RGB to YUV.

ＲＧＢ→ＹＵＶ変換部１１００から出力される画像データのうち、輝度成分は、平均／ＯＲ間引部１２１０に入力され、色差成分は、単純間引部１２２０に入力される。

Among the image data output from the RGB → YUV conversion unit 1100, the luminance component is input to the average / OR thinning unit 1210, and the color difference component is input to the simple thinning unit 1220.

  The average / OR thinning unit 1210 performs a thinning process on the input luminance component by an averaging method or an OR thinning method, and outputs reduced image data. The average / OR thinning unit 1210 has, for example, the same configuration as the small preview generation unit 21a of FIG.

  The simple thinning unit 1220 performs a simple thinning process for thinning out pixels at a predetermined interval on the input color difference component. In the simple decimation process, line and pixel information that is not included in the output image data is lost. Therefore, when a line or pixel having important information is not selected, the image quality is greatly deteriorated. A line or pixel having important information is, for example, an array of pixels corresponding to a thin line having a width of one pixel. When such a pixel is not selected, a thin line is missing. However, since the color difference component has less influence on the subjective quality of the image quality than the luminance component, even if important information in the color difference component is lost due to simple decimation, the effect on the image quality of the generated preview image is very small. .

  Furthermore, the simple decimation process makes the configuration of the apparatus simpler than the process by the averaging method or the OR decimation method, and the circuit scale can be reduced when realized by hardware. For example, in an apparatus that implements the OR thinning method or the averaging method, a line buffer is necessary to perform processing across a plurality of lines. However, when implementing simple thinning processing, a line buffer is not necessary. Become.

(Drawing that realizes the average thinning process with two line buffers)
FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the realization of the average thinning process for reducing the image data to 1/4 in both the vertical and horizontal directions using two line buffers.

  In FIG. 20, the added value for every four pixels of the image data of the first line is input to the line buffer A. The number of values input to the line buffer A is equal to the width of the image data after scaling in the main scanning direction. Following the processing of the first line, the addition value for every four pixels of the image data of the second line is added to the value stored in the line buffer A in which the phase of the image data after scaling is the same in the main scanning direction. And stored in the line buffer B.

  Subsequent to the processing of the second line, the image data of the third line is also added to the value stored in the line buffer B every four pixels, as in the second line, and the added value is stored in the line buffer A. Is done. After the processing of the third line, the addition value for every four pixels of the image data of the fourth line and the value stored in the line buffer A are added as in the second line, and the resulting addition value is added. On the other hand, the result of division by 16 is the pixel after the 1/4 thinning process.

  Returning to FIG. 19, the scaling factor setting unit 1230 sets the scaling factor and outputs it to the average / OR thinning unit 1210 and the simple thinning unit 1220. The average / OR thinning unit 1210 and the simple thinning unit 1220 perform a scaling process using a scaling factor set by the scaling factor setting unit 1230.

  The YUV → RGB conversion unit 1300 converts the YUV format image data composed of the luminance component scaled by the average / OR thinning unit 1210 and the color difference component scaled by the simple thinning unit 1220 into RGB format. Is converted into image data by, and a preview image is output.

  The preview image obtained by the scaling process by the image processing apparatus 1000 is generated with little loss of the characteristics of the original image. Furthermore, the configuration of the image processing apparatus 1000 can reduce the circuit scale for realizing the thinning process.

(Example of processing corresponding to the data format of image data)
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image processing apparatus that realizes processing corresponding to a data format of image data. 21 includes an RGB → YUV conversion unit 1100, an average / OR thinning unit 1210, a simple thinning unit 1220, a scaling factor setting unit 1230, a YUV → RGB conversion unit 1300, an 8-bit conversion unit 2400, RGB → Has an sRGB conversion unit 2500 and a format determination unit 2600 In the image processing apparatus 2000 of FIG. 21, processing units having the same functions as those of the image processing apparatus 1000 of FIG. 19 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  The format determination unit 2600 determines the bit depth of the pixels of the input original image data. Information on the bit depth of the pixel determined by the format determination unit 2600 is output to the 8-bit conversion unit 2400. The bit depth of input image data is, for example, 8 bits, 4 bits, 2 bits, or 1 bit per color component. The format determination unit 2600 further determines whether or not the input image data is sRGB, and outputs the resulting information to the RGB → sRGB conversion unit 2500.

  Based on the bit depth information of the pixel determined by the format determination unit 2600, the 8-bit converting unit 2400, when the bit depth of the input original image data pixel is not 8 bits, the YUV → RGB conversion unit 1300 The bit depth of the pixel of the RGB format image data output from is set to 8 bits. Thereby, the data of the preview image output from the image processing apparatus 2000 can be made compatible with JPEG compression.

  Based on the determination by the format determination unit 2600, the RGB → sRGB conversion unit 2500 converts the RGB format image data output from the 8-bit conversion unit 2400 into the sRGB format when the format of the input image data is not the sRGB format. Convert to

  Although the best mode for carrying out the invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described in the best mode. Modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The figure explaining the "heaven" and the "ground" of the image in this embodiment. The figure explaining the relationship between the read image and arrangement | positioning on memory. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The figure explaining the example of an image control apparatus. The sequence diagram explaining a process in case an image is read from a celestial direction. The sequence diagram explaining a process in case an image is read from the direction different from a top direction. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of processing for outputting image data without accumulating. The figure explaining the example read and collected from the celestial direction of an image. The sequence diagram explaining the process which reads and aggregates from the celestial direction of an image. The figure explaining the example read and gathered from the direction different from the celestial direction of an image. The sequence diagram explaining the process which reads and integrates from the direction different from the top direction of an image. The figure explaining the image control apparatus which produces | generates a reduction image. The figure explaining the structure of the reduction | restoration zoom device which has a some zooming means. The figure explaining an example of a reduction scaling unit. The flowchart explaining the example of the process in a reduction scaling unit. 2 is a configuration example of an image forming apparatus. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a computer that realizes an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment; An example of the image processed by this embodiment. An example in which the thinning process is made different between the luminance component and the color difference component of the image data. The figure which shows implement | achieving an average thinning-out process with two line buffers. An example of processing corresponding to the data format of image data.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1000,2000 Image processing apparatus 10 Reading apparatus 10a Image input part 20 Image control apparatus 21a Small preview generation part 21b Large preview generation part 23 Rotation part 25 Operation panel transfer part 29 Original image transfer part 30 CPU
30a Arithmetic processing unit 40, 400 Memory 41 Main storage unit 42 Auxiliary storage unit 50, 500 Operation panel 60 HDD
70 image control device 80 image output unit 100 reading unit 201 line buffer 202, 204 calculator 203 buffer 205 output buffer 210 preview image generating unit 211, 212 scaling unit 211a first reduction scaling unit 212a second reduction scaling unit 213a Separation information calculation unit 214 Selector 220 Control unit 221 Memory control unit 223 Image rotation unit 225 Transfer unit 510 Information input unit 520 Display unit 600 Storage unit 900 Computer main processing unit 901 CPU
908 ROM
909 RAM
910 Input device 920 Display device 930 Printer 940 Scanner 990 HDD
1100 RGB → YUV conversion unit 1210 average / OR thinning unit 1220 simple thinning unit 1230 scaling ratio setting unit 1300 YUV → RGB conversion unit 2400 8-bit conversion unit 2500 RGB → sRGB conversion unit 2600 format determination unit

Claims (11)

Preview image generation means for reducing the original image data of the image read by the reading means to generate a preview image;
Memory control means for storing preview image data of the preview image in a memory, and further reading the preview image data from the memory;
Transfer means for transferring preview image data stored in the memory to display means;
Information input means for inputting information related to the relationship between the main scanning direction of the reading and the top direction of the image;
The main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of reading of the image by the reading unit coincide with the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction when the preview image is displayed on the display unit with the top of the preview image facing up, respectively. If not, the pixels of the preview image data are in order of scanning from left to right with the top of the preview image facing up as the main scanning and scanning from the top of the preview image toward the ground direction as the sub scanning. Image rotation means for changing the order of the images,
I have a,
The reading unit generates information related to attributes for each region in the image,
The preview image generating means has a plurality of scaling means, and the original scaling data obtained by reading the image is based on information related to the attributes of the areas for each of the areas. Generating the preview image by selecting and executing any one of the scaling means;
The information relating to the attribute is character area information indicating whether or not the area is a character area and / or chromatic information indicating whether the area is a chromatic area or an achromatic area,
The first scaling unit among the scaling units performs the same scaling process on the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of reading the image by the reading unit,
The second scaling unit among the scaling units performs different scaling processes for the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of reading of the image by the reading unit,
The preview image generating means includes
For the area of information in which the information relating to the attribute represents an achromatic area, the first scaling unit is selected and executed,
An image processing apparatus that selects and executes the second scaling unit for an area of information in which information relating to the attribute represents a chromatic area . The preview image generating means generates a plurality of preview images having different resolutions,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image rotation unit changes the arrangement order of pixels in order from preview image data of a preview image with a small resolution.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transfer unit transfers the preview image data of a preview image having a low resolution in order to the display unit. When there are a plurality of images, the preview image generation means generates a preview image in the order in which the images are input for each of the plurality of images.
The image according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image rotation unit executes a process of changing an arrangement order of pixels of the preview image data every time a preview image of the one image is generated. Processing equipment.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores the preview image data. A preview image generating step for generating a preview image by reducing the original image data of the image read by the reading unit;
Storing the preview image data of the preview image in a memory;
A reading step of reading the preview image data from the memory;
A transfer step of transferring the preview image data stored in the memory to a display means;
An information input step for inputting information relating to the main scanning direction of the reading and the top direction of the image;
The main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of reading of the image by the reading unit coincide with the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction when the preview image is displayed on the display unit with the top of the preview image facing up, respectively. If not, the pixels of the preview image data are in order of scanning from left to right with the top of the preview image facing up as the main scanning and scanning from the top of the preview image toward the ground direction as the sub scanning. An image rotation step that changes the order of the images,
I have a,
The reading means includes generating information relating to attributes for each area in the image;
In the preview image generation step, for the original image data obtained by reading the image, for each of the areas, any one of a plurality of scaling means based on information relating to the attribute of the area The preview image is generated by selecting and executing means,
The information relating to the attribute is character area information indicating whether or not the area is a character area and / or chromatic information indicating whether the area is a chromatic area or an achromatic area,
In the preview image generation step,
A scaling unit that performs the same scaling process for the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of reading of the image by the reading unit is selected for an information area in which the attribute information represents an achromatic region. Let it run
Select and execute a scaling unit that performs different scaling processes in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of reading of the image by the reading unit with respect to an information area in which the attribute information represents a chromatic color region. image processing method causes. In the preview image generation step, a plurality of preview images having different resolutions are generated,
The image processing method according to claim 6 , wherein, in the image rotation step, the pixel arrangement order is changed in order from the preview image data of the preview image having a low resolution. The image processing method according to claim 7 , wherein, in the transfer step, the preview image data of a preview image having a low resolution is sequentially transferred to the display unit. When there are a plurality of images, the preview image generation step generates a preview image in the order in which the images are input for each of the plurality of images.
The image according to any one of claims 6 to 8 , wherein, in the image rotation step, a process of changing an arrangement order of pixels of the preview image data is performed every time a preview image of the one image is generated. Processing method. The image processing method according to claim 6, further comprising a step of storing the preview image data in a storage unit. A computer program for causing a computer to execute the image processing method according to any one of claims 6 to 10 .

Images