JPH01261080A - Picture transmitter and picture receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce a transmission time further by varying the minimum transmission time by plural lines into a required minimum length in response to the content of picture information of each line in case of lending picture information by plural line numbers in a batch. CONSTITUTION:The maximum recording time required for both recording and feeding operations of a recording medium by one line is selected as a 1st setting time and the maximum feed time required for the feeding of the recording medium only by one line is set as a 2nd setting time and they are stored in the reception side. Then coded picture information is sent by a prescribed line number in a batch and full white level line number and non full white level line number included therein are counted. The product sum of the 1st setting time and the non full white level line number and the full white line number and the 2nd setting time is used as the minimum transmission time of picture information by a prescribed line number and when the actual transmission time is not reached to the minimum transmission time, pseudo picture information of a length corresponding to the difference is inserted after the picture information by a prescribed line number and the result is sent. Thus, the effect of reducing the transmission time is further improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image transmitting device that transmits encoded image information for the purpose of compressing the amount of information, and to image reception.

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional device of this kind, as shown in FIG. 5, which shows an example of the format of transmission data, image data D1 to D5 encoded in line units are separated by line by line end code EOL. Transmit. This transmission is performed by determining a minimum transmission time for each line in order to match the recording speed on the receiving side.

In the example shown in the figure, the minimum transmission time is 10m5ec.
I'm keeping it. This is in accordance with the maximum recording time of 10 m8ee required for the receiving side to record one line of image information.

In this case, when transmitting the image data D3 encoded with a line including pixels outside the daylight, that is, a non-all-white line, because the amount of information in the image data D3 is relatively large, only the image data D3 and the EOL can be transmitted. By simply transmitting the actual information, it is possible to secure a transmission time (10+ a ) m5ec, which is longer than the minimum transmission time of 10 m5ec.

However, the image data DI, D2. D4. When transmitting image data D5, the image data Di, D2 . D4. Because the amount of information (number of bits) of the all-white line code that constitutes D5 is small,
Each image data DI, D2. D4. By inserting FILL, which is pseudo image information, after D5, a minimum transmission time of 10 m5ec is ensured for each line.

As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the minimum transmission time for each line is 10 m
Image information is transmitted while securing ec. For this,
In the example shown in the figure, image information for four all-white lines and one non-all-white line is transmitted in (50+a) msB.

However, in this field there is a very strong demand for reducing transmission time, and the following improvement measures have been disclosed for this purpose.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the format of data transmitted by the apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-24160, corresponding to FIG.

In the example shown in the same figure, first, image data D1 to D5 for a predetermined number of lines, that is, 5 lines in this case, are simply attached with an EOL for each line, and FI, which is pseudo image information, is processed.
They are transmitted all at once without adding any LL. And this 5
Transmission time of image data D1 to D5 grouped into lines is 5
If the minimum transmission time for a line is less than 50m5ec, the FI
By inserting LL, the minimum transmission time for 5 lines is 5
Secure 0m5ec.

On the receiving side, by providing a buffer memory that can temporarily store image information for 5 lines, recording can be performed by allocating a maximum recording time of 10 msec to each line.

As a result, in the example shown in the same figure, the image information for four all-white lines and one non-all-white line is converted to
It can be transmitted in 50m5ec, which is shorter than msec.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the format of data transmitted by the apparatus described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-56661, corresponding to FIG.

In the example shown in the figure, the minimum transmission time is switched line by line depending on the content of the image information to be transmitted.

That is, when transmitting the image data D3 representing a non-white line, the minimum transmission time for one line is set to 10 m5ec, matching the maximum recording time on the receiving side. In addition, image data DI consisting only of all-white line codes.

D2. D4. When transmitting D5, the minimum transmission time for one line is shortened to 5m5ec, which is in line with the maximum sending time, which is shorter than the maximum recording time, and this shortened minimum transmission time of 5m8e (!) is secured for each line. After each image data, FI of the required length is added.
Insert LL.

In this case, the maximum recording time of 10 msec ensures that the receiving side can both print and record one line of image information in the main scanning direction of the recording medium and send the recording medium by one line width in the sub-scanning direction. This is the time when you can do it. Further, the minimum feeding time of 5 m5ec is a time during which the receiving side can reliably perform only a feeding operation in the sub-scanning direction without performing a recording operation in the main scanning direction.

On the receiving side, when receiving the image data D3 of a non-all-white line, an operation is performed to record the image information content of the image data D3 in the main scanning direction, but the image data Di of the all-white line code is recorded.
, D2. D4. When D5 is received, a recording operation in the main scanning direction is not performed, but only a feeding operation in the sub-scanning direction is performed.

As a result, in the example shown in the figure, the time required to transmit image information for four all-white lines and one non-all-white line is 4 x 5 m5ec+ (10+a) Xlm5
ec = (30 + a) m5ec, so (500a) msec in Figure 5 and 50 m s in Figure 6
e c Yoshi is also shortened.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, with this configuration, it is difficult to transmit image information in which non-all-white lines with a relatively small amount of information are intermittently inserted between all-white lines. There is a problem in that the effect of reducing transmission time is not necessarily sufficient.

The above problem arises for the following reasons.

That is, in either method shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7, although the amount is reduced compared to the method shown in FIG. 5, there is still a considerable amount of pseudo image information, that is, FILL.
remains in the transmitted information. This FILL is used to adapt the transmission speed to the recording speed on the receiving side,
It is a nuisance when it comes to shortening transmission time. Therefore, unless the amount of FILL can be sufficiently reduced, the effect of shortening the transmission time cannot be sufficiently obtained.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image transmitting device and an image receiving device that can further enhance the effect of reducing transmission time without complicating the configuration. .

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention sets the maximum recording time necessary for performing both the recording and feeding operations of one line of the recording medium on the receiving side as the first setting time, Further, on the receiving side, the minimum feeding time necessary to perform only one line of the recording medium feeding operation is held as the second set time, while the encoded image information is transmitted in batches for a predetermined number of lines. , counts the number of non-all-white lines and the number of all-white lines included in the picture information for the predetermined number of lines, and calculates the number of counted non-all-white lines, the first set time, the counted number of all-white lines, and the first set time. The sum of the products of the set times in step 2 is the minimum transmission time for image information for the predetermined number of lines, and when the actual transmission time for image information for the predetermined number of lines is less than the minimum transmission time, This apparatus has a configuration in which pseudo image information having a length corresponding to the difference is inserted after the image information for the predetermined number of lines and transmitted.

Effect.

With the above configuration, the present invention allows image information for a predetermined number of lines to be transmitted all at once without intervening pseudo image information, and the minimum transmission time for image information for the predetermined number of lines for each individual line. By variably setting the minimum amount according to the image information content, the amount of pseudo image information inserted after the image information for the predetermined number of lines is minimized in order to ensure the minimum transmission time. Therefore, the effect of reducing transmission time can be further enhanced without complicating the configuration.

Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an image transmitting device and an image receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The image transmitting device and image receiving device shown in the figure are configured as facsimile devices, and include a facsimile transmitting device 1 and a facsimile receiving device 2.

First, the facsimile transmitting device 1 will be explained.

The facsimile transmitting device 1 includes a reading unit 10 that reads an image of a document or the like line by line, a compression unit 12 that encodes image information for information compression, and a buffer memory 14 that temporarily stores encoded image information for multiple lines. , a line control unit 16 that inserts FILL, which is pseudo image information, into encoded image information, a modem 18 that modulates image information to transmit it to the line, and a modem 18 that performs connection/disconnection of the line, making calls, etc. It is composed of a line control section 24, a line end code detection section n1, an all-white line code detection section 24, and a control section A that centrally controls the operation of each section.

Here, the compression unit 12 encodes the image information from the reading unit 10. The encoded image information is the line end code EOL
The output is separated by one line at a time.

The buffer 14 temporarily stores the encoded image information output from the compression unit 12 together with the EOL. The stored image information is read line by line in the order in which it was stored and output, in response to commands from the control section. The encoded image information output from the buffer memory 14 is input to the modem 18 via the line control section 16.

The line end code detection unit n detects EOL from the output of the buffer memory 14. Further, the all-white line code detecting unit detects all-white line codes from the output of the buffer memory IJ 14. The output of the rain detection section n, 24 is input to the control section a.

The control unit is constructed using a microcircuited general-purpose information processing device, so-called a micro combinator, and has the following functions in addition to the control functions of a normal 7 axis + 7 transmitter.

That is, the image information encoded by the compression unit 12 is transmitted in batches for a predetermined number of lines Ns. Along with this,
Based on the output of the detection unit n, 24, the number Nw of non-all white lines included in the fraction information for the Ns lines is counted, and the counted number Nt of non-all white lines, the first set time t1, and the count are calculated. The product sum (NtXtl + NwXt2) of the total white line number Nw and the second set time t2 is calculated as the minimum transmission time Tm (Tm=NtXtl+Nw) of image information for the above Ns lines.
Xt2).

Then, the actual transmission time T of image information for the above Ns lines
When x is less than the minimum transmission time Tm, the difference between the two times (Tm - Tx) is determined via the line control section 16.
Pseudo image information FILL having a length corresponding to , is inserted after the image information for the Ns lines and transmitted. In this case, the first set time t1 is the maximum recording time (1
0m5ec). In addition, the second
The setting time t2 is the maximum feeding time (5m5ec) required for one line of recording medium feeding on the receiving side.
).

FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the control function described above.

As shown in the figure, the above-mentioned control function includes a line number counting section 52 that counts the number of transmission lines Ns from the output of the line end code detection section n, and a number of all white lines Nw from the output of the all white line detection section 24. Total white line number counting section 54, first
and a setting data holding unit 56, Ns, Nw, t1 that generates the second setting times tl, t2.

Minimum transmission time Tm for Ns lines based on t2: Tm
= (Ns-Nw)Xtl+NwXt2=NtXtl
The time required to actually transmit image information for Ns lines based on the information amount (number of bits) of image information for Ns lines output from the minimum transmission time calculation unit 58 and buffer memory 14 which calculates A real information transmission time counting unit 60 that counts Tx compares the magnitude of Tx and Tm and determines that Tx<
A comparison calculation unit 62 outputs a command value according to Tm Tx when Tm, and a line control unit 16 outputs pseudo image information FILL having a length corresponding to the command value (Tm-Tx).
It is composed of a pseudo data generating section 64 and the like.

In this case, when the image information content for 1217 minutes output from the buffer memo I) 14 is a non-all-white line, the control section sets the above-mentioned first time interval until reading the image information of the next line. If a set time t1 (10m5ec) is set for the line, and the line is completely white, the second set time t2 (
5 msec), and pseudo image information FILL is inserted into the compressed image information output from the buffer memo IJ 14 as necessary.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the facsimile transmitting apparatus 1 described above.

As shown in the figure, the above-mentioned facsimile transmission device l transmits encoded image information line by line.
The transmission time Tx is counted (Sl).

At the same time, the number of transmission lines Nx, the number of all-white undertones Nw, and the number of non-all-white lines Nt are counted based on the terminal code EOL and all-white line code detected from the transmission image information (S2.S3, 84 .S5). Then, the number of transmission lines Nx is a predetermined number of lines Ns (for example, N5 = 5 lines)
, the minimum transmission time Tm (Tm=Ntxt 1 +NwX t2 ) of 83247 minutes is calculated based on the line-by-line information of the transmission image information for the predetermined number of lines Ns (86.87), where , the time Tx required to transmit 83247 minutes of image information is the minimum transmission time T
If it is less than m, the difference between both times Tm + Tx (T
(88.89).

After this, each count value Tx, Nx, Nw, N
After initializing (resetting to zero) t and the calculated value Tm, the same operation is repeated while transmitting the next 83247 pieces of encoded image information to the lines (89→si).

FIG. 4 shows an example of the format of data transmitted by the above-mentioned facsimile transmitting device 1, corresponding to FIG. 5.6.7.

In the figure, D3 indicates image data having image information content of a non-all-white line, Di, D2 . D4. D5 indicates image data expressed only by all-white line codes. These five lines of image data D1 to D5 are outputted all at once, separated by EOL every line, without inserting FILL.

The image data DI to D5 for 5 lines are stored in the buffer memory 14.
, and the image data for those 5 lines D1~
The minimum transmission time Tm is determined based on the line-by-line information content of D5. As described above, this minimum transmission time Tm is determined by the number of non-white lines Nt (1) and the first set time t.
1 (t 1 = 10 m5ec), the number of all white lines Nw (4 lines), and the above second set time t 2 (t 2
=5msec) product sum (Nt X t 1 +NwX
t2). Therefore, in the case of the example shown in the figure, the minimum transmission time Tm is Tm=Nt
+NW X t2=IX10+4X5=30 m B e e.

Here, as shown in Figure A, only the line transmission time for the image data D3 of the non-white line is (10 + a + b ) m
If the net transmission time Tx of the 5 lines of image data Di-D5 exceeds the above minimum transmission time Tm = 30 msec due to the relatively long time required for the 5 lines of image data DI-D5, The minimum time Tm=30 msec is ensured by the actual transmission time Tx alone.

As a result, in the example shown in FIG.
Minimum transmission time T for 5 lines without inserting any ILL
Transmission can be performed while ensuring m=30 msec.

FILL, which is pseudo image information, is inserted only when the required transmission time Tx of the image data D1 to D5 for 5 lines is less than the minimum transmission time Trn = 30 msec, as shown in Figure B. It will be done. In the example shown in Figure B, only the line transmission time for the image data D3 of the non-white line is (
10+ a) m5ec, but other image data DI, D2. D4. The line transmission time at D5 is s m
Since it is smaller than 5ec, the entire transmission time T for 5 lines is
x is shorter than the minimum transmission time of 30 m5ec.

Therefore, in this case, the image data D1 for 5 lines
After ~D5 is transmitted together, both times Tx e T
It is sufficient to insert FILL with a length corresponding to the difference in rn.

On the other hand, on the receiving side, while temporarily storing the received encoded image information in a buffer memory, the stored image information is read out and recorded in units of 1247 minutes. In this case, when the image data D3 of a non-all-white line is read out, an operation is performed to record the image information content of the image data D3 in the main scanning direction and an operation to feed the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction. Code image data DI.

D2. D4. When D5 is received, a recording operation in the main scanning direction is not performed, but only a feeding operation in the sub-scanning direction is performed. Also, FILL is ignored. Thereby, the received image can be recorded in the minimum necessary time depending on the content of the image information.

As described above, in the facsimile transmitting device 1 described above,
When transmitting image information for multiple lines at once without FILL, the minimum transmission time Tm for multiple lines can be varied to the minimum required length according to the image information content of each individual line, thereby reducing FILL. Insertion can be minimized. This makes it possible to improve the transmission efficiency of image information and further shorten the transmission time while adapting to the recording speed of the receiving side. Furthermore, since the all-day line is detected from the compressed image information, the processing time required for detection can be shortened. Furthermore, since the all-white line code detection section 24 is located immediately before the line control section 16, the control section 26
When inputting the detection of an all-white line, it can immediately instruct the line control unit 16 to perform FILL necessary for the set time t1 or the set time t2.

Next, the facsimile receiving device 2 will be explained.

The facsimile receiving device 2 shown in FIG. 1 includes a line control unit 32 that performs line connection/disconnection and incoming call processing, a modem word that demodulates received image information, and removes FILL, which is pseudo image information, from the received image information. A line control unit, a buffer memory that can temporarily store encoded image information for a predetermined number of lines or more, and an expansion unit 40 that decodes the encoded image information that is output line by line from this buffer memory;
A recording unit 42 that prints and records decoded image information on a recording medium line by line, and a line end code detection unit 4 that detects a line end code EOL from the output of the buffer memo +733.
4. It is composed of an all-white line detection section 46 that detects all-day lines from the output of the expansion section 40, and a control section 48 that centrally controls the operation of each section.

With the above configuration, the facsimile receiving device 2
Image information transmitted in the format illustrated in Figure 4,
Record it as follows.

That is, in FIGS. 1 and 4, first, the received encoded image information is inputted to the buffer memory 33 and stored after the line control section ADFILL is removed. On the other hand, the encoded image information once stored in the buffer memory is read line by line in the input order based on the output of the line end code detector 44 and input to the decompressor 40 .

This encoded image information is decoded by the decompression unit 4 and then recorded line by line by the recording unit 42.

At this time, when the recording unit 42 records the image data D3 of the non-white line based on the command from the control unit 48,
An operation of recording the image information content of the image data D3 in the main scanning direction of the recording medium and an operation of transporting the recording medium by one line width in the sub-scanning direction are performed.

These two operations are performed within the first set time of 10 m5ec. In addition, the image data DI and D2 of the all-white line
．． D4. When recording D5, only a feeding operation is performed in the sub-scanning direction without performing a recording operation in the main scanning direction. This operation is performed within the second set time of 5 m5ee.

As described above, the received image can be recorded in the minimum necessary time depending on the content of the image information. Furthermore, since the all-white line detection section 46 is located immediately before the recording section 42, the control section 48 can immediately switch the recording/feeding operation or the feeding operation for the recording section 42 when the detection of all-day lines is input. can.

Incidentally, the example shown in FIG. 4 shows the minimum transmission time Tm grouped into small sections for each 5 lines of image information, but the small sections are regulated to a predetermined amount depending on the capacity of the buffer memory of the receiving device. Ru. Therefore, the number of lines included in a subsection increases or decreases depending on the presence or absence of image information. The larger the capacity of the buffer memory of the receiving device is, the closer the actual transmission time Tx can be to the minimum transmission time Tm, and the total amount of FILL insertion in the transmitting device can be increased.

Effects of the Invention As is clear from the above explanation, the present invention provides a first set time for the maximum recording time necessary for both recording and feeding of the recording medium for one line on the receiving side, and The maximum feeding time required to feed the recording medium for one line is held as the second setting time, and the encoded image information is transmitted in batches for a predetermined number of lines. The number of non-all-white lines and the number of all-white lines included in the drawing information for a predetermined number of lines are counted, and the counted non-all-white lines/number, the first setting time, the counted number of all-white lines, and the second The sum of the products of the set times is defined as the minimum transmission time of image information for the predetermined number of lines, and when the actual transmission time of image information for the predetermined number of lines is less than the minimum transmission time, the difference between the two times is By inserting and transmitting the pseudo image information with a length corresponding to the predetermined number of lines after the image information for the predetermined number of lines, the image information for the predetermined number of lines is transmitted all at once without intervening the pseudo image information. At the same time, by variably setting the minimum transmission time of the image information for the predetermined number of lines to be the minimum according to the image information content of each line,
Since the pseudo image information inserted after the image information for the predetermined number of lines can be minimized to ensure the minimum transmission time, the effect of reducing the transmission time can be further enhanced without complicating the configuration. This has the effect that it is possible to

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image transmitting device and an image receiving device according to one implementation of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration example of the device, and FIG. 3 is an example of the operation of the above device. Flowchart, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the format of data transmitted by the above device, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the format of data transmitted by the conventional device, and FIG.
This figure is a diagram showing an example of the format of data transmitted by another conventional device, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the format of data transmitted by yet another conventional device. L... Line, 1... Facsimile transmission device, 10.
. . . Reading section, 12 . , column...all-white lie/code detection unit, 26...control unit, 2.
...Facsimile receiving device, 32...Line control unit, modem, audience...Line control unit, ah...buffer memory, 40...expansion unit, 42...recording unit, 44
. . . line end code detection unit, 46 . . . all white line detection unit, 48 . . . control unit, Di, D2. D4. D5...
・Image data consisting of all white line code, D3...Image data of non-all white line, EOL...Line end code, FI
LL...pseudo image information, Tx...actual transmission time, T
m...minimum transmission time, tl...first setting time (1
0m5ec), t2...Second set time (5msec)
c) , Nx: number of transmission lines, Nt: number of non-all-white lines, Nw: number of all-white lines, Ns: number of set lines. Name of agent: Patent attorney Toshio Nakao and 1 other person 2nd
Figure 3

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A storage means for storing a series of compressed image information and a line end code, a first code detection means for detecting the line end code, and the compressed image information according to the detection by the first code detection means. a first line counting means for counting a predetermined number of lines; a second code detecting means for detecting an all-white line code from the compressed image information; a second line counting means for counting the number of white lines; and a setting data holding means for holding a first setting time required for recording/feeding operation of image information for one line and a second setting time required for the feeding operation. and the first and second
calculate the number of non-all-white lines from the count value of the line counting means, and calculate the sum of the products of the number of non-all-white lines and the first set time, and the counted number of all-white lines and the second set time. a minimum transmission time calculating means for calculating a minimum transmission time; and a pseudo image information inserting means for inserting a length corresponding to the difference between the two times when the transmission time of the compressed image information of the predetermined number of lines is less than the minimum transmission time. An image transmitting device comprising: (2) pseudo image information removing means for removing pseudo image information from the received compressed image information, a storage means according to claim 1, and a first code detection according to claim 1 connected to the output side of this storage means. a decompressing means for decoding the compressed image information line by line in response to the detection by the first code detecting means; and a recording means for recording or feeding the decoded image information;
A second code detecting means according to claim 1 located immediately before the recording means, and a recording control that controls only the feeding operation of the recording means when the second code detecting means detects an all-white line. An image receiving device comprising means.