JPH06208442A - Image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily execute the segmentation/synthesis of registered image information by substituting a raster image data inputted through a network for a raster image data included in an inputted page description language and outputting the substituted data. CONSTITUTION:Multi-valued raster image information inputted from an input device is transferred to an image storing/synthesizing device 200 connected through a network controller 505 together with a registering code corresponding to other image information. The device 200 respectively stores and manages document information and image information prepared by a digital color copying machine 1000 in a raster image storing part 700 together with a PDL code based upon the registering code of the transferred other image information. A PDL/raster image separating part 500 analyzes the stored PDL code, segments the document information and the image information to a vectorized part and a multi-valued raster image part, generates images appropriate for respective parts and synthetically outputs the images to another image processor through the controller 505.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing system, and more particularly to an image processing system in which a plurality of image processing apparatuses are communicably connected to each other via a communication medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, computer technology has been developed, and along with it, the idea of distributed processing is spreading widely. Along with that, a plurality of devices are connected on the network, a part of the connected device is used as a file server, and one printer is connected to the network system and shared by the plurality of devices. It started like this.

In such a system, there is an increasing number of cases in which document information, image information, etc. created and converted on a network are managed together with definition codes and commands for expressing the information. When printing out this document information or image information, the number of printers that analyze the definition codes and commands inside the printer, perform image expansion processing according to the resolution of the printer, and output it is increasing. It was

[0004]

However, conventionally, both document information and image information are handled in the same manner, and the one to be printed out is printed page by page on his own device. The image data to be processed must be expanded and all image processing must be performed before it can be transmitted to the printer, the communication volume is large, and it is very troublesome.

For example, even in the case of exchanging a part of information, all the images must be transmitted each time, resulting in a very low communication efficiency.

[0006]

The present invention has been made for the purpose of solving the above-mentioned problems, and has the following structure as one means for solving the above-mentioned problems. That is, an input means for inputting in a page description language and an output means for replacing the raster image data included in the page description language input by the input means with the raster image data input via the network and outputting the raster image data. Prepare

Further, a registration unit for registering a plurality of raster images input via the network is provided. And, for example, the output means includes means for outputting to a color printer. Further, in an image composition system in which a plurality of image processing apparatuses are communicatively connected to each other via a communication medium, at least one of the image processing apparatuses uses document information created by another apparatus and the image information as the document information. A registration means for storing together with a PDL code defining the image information is provided, and the PDL code of the registration means is analyzed by another image processing apparatus to convert the document information and the image information into a vectorized portion and a multi-valued raster image portion. Combining means for dividing and generating an image suitable for each and combining and outputting, input means for inputting other image information in addition to the multi-valued raster image portion separated from the PDL code, and input by the input means. And a transfer means for transferring the recorded image together with a registration code corresponding to the other image information to the registration means connected via the communication medium. The image processing apparatus provided to manage on the basis of the registration code of the other image information transferred by the transfer means.

[0008]

With the above arrangement, the registered image information can be easily cut out and combined, and for example, a part of it can be used as a mask image. Further, an input image from another device connected via a communication medium can be easily combined with a registered image and output.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. [Embodiment 1] As a first embodiment according to the present invention, a PDL of information obtained by laying out on a color image synthesizing system, particularly a host computer, creating a color document / image, etc. (Page Descriptio
n Language), and then the command data in the PDL data (data other than raster image data) and the PDL code obtained by separating the raster image data from the PDL code There is a means for inputting not only the value raster image data but also the raster image data, and a plurality of the input means are connected on one network, and the registration code of the raster image input by the plurality of input means. Based on the above, the means for transferring the raster image data to the image registration means connected to the network, and the means for managing the transmitted raster image data on the basis of each registration are obtained from the network. The raster image data thus obtained and the PDL raster image are combined, and the combined image information is received to form and output an image on an image combining medium. The color image synthesis system, characterized in that a means is described as an example.

According to the above construction, the PDL image and a part of the PDL image are used as a mask image, and the mask image is connected to the color multi-value raster image in the PDL or the network. The multi-valued raster image captured by the plurality of scan input devices is subjected to mask logical operation by a process suitable for each, and composite output becomes possible. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a color image synthesis output system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the system of this embodiment includes a digital color image reading unit (hereinafter referred to as “color scanner”) 100 on an upper portion, and a digital color image printing unit (hereinafter referred to as “color printer”) that prints out a digital color image. A digital color copying machine 1000 including an image storage / synthesizing apparatus 200, a control computer (host computer) 400, and a plurality of digital color copying machines 1001 to 1003 connected on a network 10000. Composed.

FIG. 2 shows the detailed construction of the color digital copying machine 1000. In the scanning unit 100, the scanning controller 101 controls the overall control, and performs the following control as the center of the control. The exposure system controller 103 is
The contact type CCD line sensor is used to
Color-separate each color of G and B, and convert into a dot-sequential analog image signal. This analog image signal has a built-in A /
The D conversion unit converts the digital image signal into 8-bit digital image signals, and the RGB colors, which are the luminance, are output to the image processing unit 102 as line-sequential signals.

The image processing unit 102 converts the image signal (digital) from the R, G, and B luminance levels to the levels corresponding to the toner amounts of four colors of C, M, Y, and Bk, which are the densities. Then, at the same time, it is calculated by a color correction unit incorporated therein, and various image processing such as composition, scaling, and movement is performed. In the printer unit 300, the C, M, Y, and Bk digital image signals sent from the scanner unit 100 are converted into lighting signals for the semiconductor laser unit. Then, the laser is controlled by the laser drive unit 310, and the lighting signal of the laser is output as a pulse width corresponding to the level of the digital image signal. In this embodiment, the laser lighting level is 256 levels (corresponding to 8 bits).

The color image is limited for each color of C, M, Y, Bk according to the digital image signal to be output, and the photosensitive drum 315 is sequentially exposed / developed 314 in a digital dot format. Then, it is an electrophotographic laser beam printer in which a plurality of transfers 316 are performed on the sheet and the fixing 322 is finally performed. The color printer unit 300 is controlled by the control of the color scanner unit 100, and is configured to be able to function as the digital color copying machine 1000.

The original image is set on the original table of the color scanner section 100, the copy start key is pressed, the image is read and image processed according to the above-mentioned process, and the exposure, development and transfer in the color printer section 300 are performed. An image is formed and output through the fixing process. FIG. 3 shows a color digital copying machine (1001 to 1001) corresponding to the network shown in FIG.
It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of 1003).

Color digital copying machine (1001-100
3) also reads an image from the color scanner unit 100a and performs image processing according to a process similar to that of the color digital copying machine 1000 described above, and the color printer unit 30
At 0a, an image is formed and output through the processes of exposure, development, transfer and fixing. When operating as a scanner, the scanner controller 101a reads a document on a document table from the CCD by key input on the operation panel 105a, A / D-converts it, and outputs it as a luminance signal via the network controller 104a. Is transmitted to the network device. Other configurations are similar to those of FIG. 2 described above, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the detailed structure of the control host computer 400 shown in FIG. 4, a host computer 400 includes an interface controller 420 for exchanging PDL data codes / commands with the image storage / synthesis device 200, a CPU 405 for central control, temporary registration of image data, and storage of various data. Hard disk controller 45 for
0, a hard disk 451, a main memory 460, and a mouse 431 and a keyboard 441 as means for inputting instructions from an operator.

Also, the display controller 410,
A display memory 411, a color display 412 for layout / editing / menu display, and an image editing controller 413 for performing image layout / editing on the display memory 411. FIG. 5 is a block configuration diagram showing a detailed configuration of the image storage / synthesis device 200 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the image storage / synthesis device 20 is shown.
0 is roughly divided into the following configurations. That is, the main controller 210 that controls the entire image storage / synthesis device 200, analyzes the contents of PDL (Page / Description / Language) data, and commands in PDL data (data other than multi-valued raster images) and masks in the commands. A PDL / mask / raster image separation controller 500 for separating mask-related commands for processing and separating multi-valued raster image data is provided.

Further, a PDL interpreter unit 600 for analyzing and expanding the command data of the separated PDL data, and a mask for analyzing the separated mask command and registering the position / attribute information of the masking target image. The unit 900 stores / manages the separated color multi-valued raster image and its position / attribute information, and the color multi-valued raster image data from the image input unit 100 and its position / attribute information to perform layout. A raster image storage unit 700 is provided.

Furthermore, a mask image is created from a PDL raster image developed by the separated PDL data based on a mask area signal from a mask section 900 that stores and manages the position / attribute information of the mask target image. Further, the mask image data and the separated color multi-valued raster image data are combined by a specified logical operation to generate a cropped multi-valued raster image, and the separated PDL data is used for image development. The PDL raster image (the image in which the area other than the mask target area is valid) and the masked multivalued image data subjected to the logical operation are computer 40.
The PDL raster / raster image synthesizing controller 800, which synthesizes according to the image created above, is divided.

Further, not only the input of the multi-valued image data from the PDL code is separated, but also an image data packet transmitted from the network is received, and the network controller for separating the image data / parameters from the packet. 505, and as an interface, a PDL with the control host computer 400
Interface controller 220 for exchanging the commands / codes of the above, and digital color copying machine 1
000 and image data, and a color digital interface controller 230 for sending and receiving commands.

FIG. 6 is a detailed block diagram of the PDL interpreter unit 600 shown in FIG. PDL controller 610
Is a vector of PDL (non-raster image data) sent from the PDL / raster image separation controller 500.
The system command is received, and the command is temporarily registered in the buffer memory 630. Then, the PDL main controller 610 transmits the PDL command to the PDL raster image memory 640 based on the analysis information from the ROM 631.
Expand the image above. At the time of image development, if a character is designated by the PDL command, the outline font data is extracted from the outline font ROM 650 and developed into a font image in a designated size.

Then, the developed font image is once registered in the RAM 632, and the image is fitted into a designated position on the PDL raster image memory. When the font of the same code is designated again, it is possible to shorten the development time by using the font image already registered in the RAM 632. Finally PD
The image information designated by L is expanded in the PDL raster image memory 640.

FIG. 7 shows a raster image storage unit 700 shown in FIG.
The detailed configuration of is shown. The raster image storage unit 700 is configured to be able to store a plurality of color images, and the image data stored in the raster image storage unit 700 has a plurality of layouts according to an instruction from the control computer 400. Then, it is further combined and output to the color printer 300 to obtain a color print image.

At this time, the color image data is a command from an arbitrary control computer 400 and the color digital copying machine (1001 to 1001) on the above-mentioned network.
By the operation of 3), the control computer 4 is input as an input destination.
00 or other color digital copiers (1001 to 100) from the color scanner 100 or a connecting network.
It is possible to switch from the color scanner of 1003) to the like.

In this embodiment, the image data of the control computer 400 and the image storage / synthesis device 200,
And the instructions are based on a particular format. Similarly, the image data / commands between the color digital copying machine on the network and the image storage / synthesis device 200 are also based on a specific packet format.

The raster image storage unit 700 efficiently arranges the color raster image data in a plurality of registration raster image memories (760 to 761) around the image main controller 210 which controls the color raster image data, and Memory management controller 720 for managing
And an image editing controller 730 that performs image conversion relating to the color of the registered image data and a layout controller 750 that performs layout editing.

In addition, there is a bus controller 740 for controlling the raster image memory 760 and the main bus of the image storage / synthesis device 200. Further, the layout controller 760 is configured to allow a plurality of layouts within one page, and the image main controller 710
It is possible to operate in conjunction with the bus controller 740 according to the instruction of 1), and to send the images with a plurality of layouts to the PDL raster / raster image composition controller 800.

FIG. 8 shows a detailed structure of the mask portion 900 shown in FIG. In the mask unit 900, the mask image main controller 910 creates a mask location table of position information, a unit of position, a mask calculation type, and a mask target plane from the separated mask-based command of the PDL, and registers the plurality of tables. Based on the mask location table 970 and the table data
A mask area signal generation unit 920 for generating a signal of a mask target area on the PDL, and a corresponding code is generated according to the mask operation type. It is constituted by a mask logic operation code generation unit 921.

The operation procedure of the color image synthesizing and outputting system of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described below with reference to FIGS.
The process will be described with reference to the flow chart of the process. First, the flow of the combining process will be described with reference to FIG. (A) Processing in the host computer 400 In the host computer 400, the DTP (desk top publishing) program stored in the hard disk 451 is loaded into the main memory 460, and the CPU 405 executes the program.

The user uses the mouse 431 and the keyboard 4
Using 41, the document and various image data (illustration formed by vector / multivalued image such as natural image captured by scanner) are laid out directly while being confirmed on the display 412. When a multi-valued natural image is laid out on a document image, 2
It is also possible to add a mask process and perform clipping according to the bit map image of the value. The image editing controller 4 processes the processing procedure / multivalued image data / binary bit map mask image, etc. of any document image created during that time.
13 is registered in the main memory 460 at any time, and when the appearance of one page is completed, the hard disk controller 4
50 is controlled and registered on the hard disk 451 as a format for one page.

During this time, the document image developed on the display memory 411 is displayed through the display 412. Then, when the layout of the document image is finally completed, the device driver software stored in the ROM 241 is executed, and various information as a laid out document image registered in the hard disk 451 is laid out. It is converted into PDL (Page / Description / Language) code that defines the created document or image.

The PDL code converted in this way includes vector information such as characters and illustrations, multivalued raster image data such as a laid out natural image, mask command for mask processing, and 2 of the mask data. Value bit map mask image data is included. here,
The CPU 405 of the host computer 400 instructs the interface controller 420 to instruct the external interface controller 2 of the image storage / synthesis device 200.
20 and communicates the converted PDL code to the external interface controller 220 side. (B) Separation of PDL data On the side of the image storage / synthesis device 200 which has received the PDL code by the external interface controller 220, the transferred PDL code is stored in the buffer memory 240 as needed. Then, the main controller 210 receives the received PD
When the L code reaches a certain size, the PDL / mask / raster image separation controller 500 is instructed to separate and analyze the PDL code stored in the buffer memory 240.

The PDL / mask / raster image separation controller 500 judges the contents of the PDL code line by line, and in the case of a command relating to multi-valued raster image data,
First, the layout position of the image, the image size, the number of bits per pixel, the information of the raster image data in the raster data transfer order, and the like are analyzed from the PDL command, and the information is transferred to the raster image storage unit 700.

On the other hand, when the content of the PDL code is not a command related to multi-valued raster image data (vector system
In the (mask system), check whether the command is related to the mask. In the case of a mask command, the command / parameter is duplicated and transferred to the mask unit 900.
The PDL code other than the mask command is transferred to the PDL interpreter unit 600 as it is.

Further, the PDL / mask / raster image separation controller 500 sets the substance of the multivalued raster image data sent following the above-mentioned raster system PDL command to P
The multi-valued raster image data is read from the DL code, and the multi-valued raster image data is transferred to the raster image storage unit 700 after the previously sent information such as the image size and position. In this way, the separated PDL multi-valued raster system command parameters and multi-valued raster image entity data are sent only to the raster image storage unit 500, and not to the PDL interpreter unit 600. As a result, this data is deleted from the PDL data.

Therefore, in the PDL interpreter unit 600, the PDL image is developed by the image without the multi-valued raster image, and the image development speed of the PDL is improved. At that time, the PDL interpreter unit 600 develops the image as binary CMYK data. (C) Processing of vector-based / mask-based PDL data The PDL main controller 610 receives the PD sent from the PDL / multi-valued raster image separation controller 500.
An L vector (non-multivalued raster image data) system / mask system command is received and temporarily registered in the buffer memory 630.

Then, the PDL main controller 610
Develops an image of the sent PDL command on the PDL raster image memory 640 based on the analysis information from the ROM 631. At the time of image development, if a character is designated by the PDL command, font data of outline information is extracted from the outline font ROM 650 and developed into a font image in a designated size.

Then, the developed font image is temporarily RA
It is registered in M632, and the image is fitted to the designated position on the PDL raster image memory 640. At this time, if the font of the same code is designated again, the image development time can be shortened by using the font image already registered in the RAM 632 without performing the image development. Therefore, in this embodiment, the font image already registered in the RAM 632 is used in this case.

At this time, the PDL main controller 610
Is the command / parameter of PDL mask system,
The mask image is created as described above according to the resolution of the printer unit 300, and the image is fitted into the designated position on the PDL raster image memory 640. Finally, the mask / vector image information is stored in the PDL raster image memory 6
Computer 4 as 40 binary CMYK images
The same image as the one created on
It will be developed according to the resolution of 0. (D) Processing of Mask Unit In the mask unit 900, the main controller 21 of the image storage / synthesis device 200 is passed via the bus controller 940.
The mask command / parameter separated from the PDL data transferred according to the instruction of 0 is received. The mask image main controller 910 analyzes the received mask command / parameter, and registers the position / attribute information of the mask target image as a mask location table 970.

An example of the structure of this mask location table 970 is shown in FIG. Mask location table 9
As shown in FIG. 11, reference numeral 70 is composed of mask ID / mask position information unit / mask position information / mask operation type / mask target plane. It is possible to register a plurality of mask location tables, and the mask image controller 910 first assigns an arbitrary mask ID. Next, the target rectangular area of the mask is referred from the mask command / parameter, and the unit of the mask position information and the value of the position coordinate are set in the table.

The area position coordinate is composed of the upper left coordinate of (SX, SY) and the lower right coordinate of (EX, EY), and the coordinate unit (mm / inch, etc.) at that time is the position information. Set in units. As other parameters, a mask image 854 and a multivalued raster image 85 shown in FIG.
Calculation method when calculating 2 and, for example, AND, XOR
Etc. are set to the mask operation type. In addition, when the mask image 854 is created, the PDL raster image 850
Of the CMYK planes for specifying the mask calculation plane is set.

In this way, the mask portion 900 has P
By the commands / parameters separated / created from the DL data, as many mask locations as laid out on one page are registered as mask area data for creating a mask of a multi-valued color image. (E) Processing of Raster Image Data The image main controller 710 of the raster image storage unit 700 is the main controller 2 of the image storage device 200.
According to the instruction of 10, through the bus controller 740,
It receives the image file name / layout designated position information and attribute information of the multi-valued raster image sent from the PDL / mask / raster image separation controller 500. Then, based on this received information, an arbitrary image ID for identifying the raster image is assigned and passed to the memory management controller 720.

The memory management controller 720 stores the substance of the multi-valued raster image data sent from the PDL / mask / raster image separation controller 500, the image ID, the image size, and the attribute thereof in the raster image memory 7.
60 to be stored efficiently. At this time, the attribute information such as the storage position and size of the multi-valued raster image and the previously attached image ID are linked and stored in the position / attribute information memory 770 together with the layout position information / image attribute information. This information is used when the print output is actually performed.

These processes can be performed on a plurality of images, and a plurality of multivalued raster image data can be stored in the raster image memory 760. (F) Network input of multi-valued raster image When the multi-valued raster image laid out by the host computer 400 is replaced with another image, or if it is replaced with a high resolution image, or the layout is arranged. When the image data that has been determined but is to be embedded therein is to be replaced with the data of another user on the network, first, the original image that has been replaced or determined is replaced by a digital color copying machine (1001 to 1100) on the network.
003) on the platen.

Next, the registered image ID of a predetermined image is input through the operation panel 105a. Further, a key input on the operation panel 105a is used to specify which type of RGB color / gray scale / binary bit map is to be used for input processing, and further specify the resolution at the time of input. Then, the instruction to start copying is input.

When the copy start is input, the scanner controller 101a gives an instruction to reduce the brightness information of the RGB colors read from the CCD to the image size designated by the image processing unit 102a. Then, the image data and the parameters of the image data are set in a network work packet to generate a network work packet. Then, the generated network work packet is transferred to the designated image storage device via the network work controller 104.

Here, FIG. 12 shows an example of the structure of the network packet transferred to the network used in this embodiment.
Shown in. As shown in FIG. 12, the basic structure 100 of the packet.
01 is basically a structure in which the address of the other party on the network, the address of the sender, the packet type, the packet length, and the data are sequentially arranged from the beginning.

This data part (10002/10003 /
10004) has several parameter parts (10002) for transferring image data, as shown in FIG.
And an image data section (10003/10004). The image data is divided into a plurality of packets, and the continuous packet ID, image data type, width, and height are set in the first packet (10002) and transferred first. Further, the substance of the actual image data is set from the second pallet unit (10003), and the continuous packet IDs are added and transmitted.

The image storage / synthesis device 200 side checks the destination address of the data packet sent via the network and compares it with its own uniquely determined address. If the two addresses match, the packet is addressed to itself, so the packet is fetched and the data reception data packet is returned to the sender. The network controller 505 starts with the continuous packet I.
Check the value of D to see if it was the first packet (10002) that was captured. When the continuous packet ID is "0", the first packet (10002) is imported, so the type of image data sent by analyzing the inside of the packet, the image registration ID, and the total number of packets. , Size (WIDTH / HEIGHT) parameters are retrieved.

The network controller 505 uses the designated image registration ID and the image size parameter to set the image controller 7 in the raster image storage unit 700.
Instruct 10 to secure the necessary raster image memory. Then, the image type, ID, and size are registered in the attribute information memory 770. In the raster image memory secured in this way, the image data sent in a divided manner will be partially registered.

Next, the network controller 505
Packets sent in succession are sequentially received in the same manner as above, the continuous packet IDs inside are received, a network work packet table is created, and a flag of the corresponding ID is set in the created packet table. (ON). Then, the image data in the packet is partially registered at the total number of packets and the position in the raster image memory (previously secured) calculated from the continuous packet ID.

After the registration, the divided packet IDs in the created packet table are checked, and if all are turned on, it means that the registration of the designated image is completed. Therefore, the image controller 710 of the raster image storage unit 700 is notified of the end of registration of this designated image. On the other hand, if all the packets are not available, the procedure described above is repeated until the designated image data is registered.

FIG. 13 shows an example of creating the network work packet table in this embodiment. In FIG. 13, as the packet table (10006), the registered image ID (1
0007), image type (10007-1), image data size (WIDTH / HEIGHT) (10007-2,1000
7-3), Network Digital Color Copier ID (1
0007-4), the number of total packets N (10008),
It is composed of divided packet ID flags (10009 to 10011) and the like. (G) Link of multi-valued raster image The host computer 400 lays out the raster image based on the position / attribute information of the raster image at the time of outputting, which is previously separated from the PDL code and registered in the position / attribute information memory 770. The information of the image file name, the image size, and the layout position of those image files is displayed as a list on the display 412.

Then, from this, other image data read from the scanner of the color digital copying machine on the network which is desired to be linked at the time of output, or high resolution data is selected. First, a list of image file names and image sizes of images laid out in one page is displayed, and a target image to be replaced (to be linked) is selected with the mouse / keyboard. After selection, a list of image data registered in the raster image storage unit 700 is displayed, and images to be replaced are selected.

As a result, the image data created on the host computer 400 and the image data newly input by the scanner of the color digital copying machine on the network (the data sent via the network is the input destination). (The network address of is displayed) is exchanged, and it is possible to relink with the selected image ID in the selected position / attribute information memory 770.

In the PDL raster / raster image composition controller 800, three processes are performed. Partial detailed configuration of the PDL raster / raster image composition controller 800 and the PDL raster / raster image composition controller 80.
The process of 0 will be described below with reference to FIG. First, a mask image 854 is created from the mask area signal 852 using the PDL raster image 850 that is the target. Then, a logical operation designated by the created mask image and the multi-valued raster image 852 is performed to perform clipping, thereby creating a cropped image 855. Finally, the PDL raster image 85 in which the PDL image of the previous mask target area is cleared
3 and the cropped image 855 are combined to form a combined image 85.
Create 6.

The details of the above procedure will be described below. (H) Mask image creation One page of PD from the host computer 400 to the PDL raster / raster image composition controller 800
When the image development in the L interpreter unit 600 and the above-described raster image link processing in the raster image storage unit 700 are completed, the respective bus controllers (62
Image data (85
0/852) transfer is instructed.

At the same time, the mask area signal generation unit 920 of the mask section 900 turns on the mask target area signal 851 in the mask target area for each line based on the data of the mask location table, and outside the target area, Turns off. The mask creation unit 802 uses this mask target area signal to synchronize the binary P
Binary mask image 854 from DL raster image signal 850
To create. That is, when the mask target area signal 851 is ON, the PDL raster image signal 850 becomes valid, and the PDL raster image signal 850 in the valid range becomes the mask image signal 854. Furthermore, a mask making unit 802
Sets the PDL raster image signal 850 when the mask target area signal 851 is ON to 0,
L is erased and a new PDL raster image signal 853 is created. (I) Creation of Multivalued Cropping Image In the raster image storage unit 700, the layout controller 750 follows the timing of each line from the PDL raster / raster image composition controller 800, and as described above, the position information / attribute information memory 770. The image editing controller 73 is based on the contents of the position information / attribute information replaced with the scanned image read by the scanner.
Multi-valued raster image data registered using 0,
Enlarges or reduces the layout to the specified size. Then, the multi-valued raster image 852 is transferred to the bus controller 740.
Through the PDL raster / raster image composition controller 8
Transfer to 00.

The mask logical operation code generation unit 921 of the mask section 900 sets a specific logical operation code 857 to the mask target image forming unit 803 based on the data of the mask location table. Based on the mask image signal 854 previously created, the masking target image creation unit 803 uses the logical operation A according to the logical operation code 857 to perform the multi-valued raster image 852 synchronized with it.
Clipping processing is performed by a logical operation such as ND / XOR.

For example, the mask target image forming unit 80
When the logical operation code 857 is an AND processing code, if the mask image signal 854 is ON, the signal 3 of the multi-valued raster CMYK image is validated and passed through. on the other hand,
If mask image signal 854 is OFF, multi-valued raster CM
The signal of the YK image is converted to "0", that is, the white level and output.

The mask target image forming unit 803 uses the mask image signal 854 created from the PDL raster image 850 as described above to create an image signal 855 obtained by clipping the multi-valued raster image 852 with a mask. (J) Combining PDL image / raster image The image from the PDL interpreter unit 600 is used as it is for one page, and the data is CMYK line by line.
Is transmitted in frame units. As described above, in this image data, the image of the mask target area is 0 (white level).

PDL raster / raster image synthesizing unit 8
Finally, 01 combines the PDL image and the two raster images of the masked multivalued raster image 855 and outputs the combined image data 856. Main controller 2 of image storage / synthesis device 200
10 is a color data interface controller 2
The composite image data 856 is transferred to the digital color copying machine 1000 via a command 30 to start the print operation.

At this time, the bit ON / OF of the PDL raster image signal 853, which is a binary CMYK image of characters, illustrations, etc. developed by the PDL interpreter unit 600.
F is the maximum density (FFH) of the multi-valued image data.
/ Converted to the lowest density (00H) data and combined with the color multi-valued data of the multi-valued raster image 855. (K) Printer output by digital color copying machine On the side of the digital color copying machine 1000, a print operation start command is received from the main controller 210 of the image storage / synthesis device 200 via the color digital interface controller 230/104. According to the instruction, execute the copying process as described above,
It is possible to obtain an image output of a multivalued composite image signal 856 in which a binary image such as PDL characters / illustrations and a multivalued color raster image are composited.

In addition, the above embodiment is based on the computer 400.
The image control command from is applicable not only to a programmable type such as PDL but also to a control code system of charactor code. The character code data sent from the computer 400 is temporarily sent from the external interface 420 to the image storage / synthesis device 2.
00 buffer memory 240. The data is the PDL / raster image separation controller 5 described above.
A controller for separating the character control code and the raster image data, which corresponds to 00, sequentially checks control code, simple character code, or character code in the order of stored character data. In case of control system code,
The image is sent to the interpreter unit 600 that develops an image corresponding to the control, and the image developing operation is performed based on the processing of the control system code on the ROM 631.

Further, in the case of the image control code, the data size / position information of the image is designated, and thereafter, the actual image data is sent as image data. Therefore, these are sent to the raster image storage unit 700, and the various processes described above are carried out. Is possible. As described above, according to the present embodiment, two series of character images (binary images) and a natural image image (multicolor image) sent from a digital color copying machine on a network that is logically operated and combined with a mask image are transmitted. It is possible to synthesize and output the value image).

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 14 is a system configuration diagram of a color image composition / output system and an image storage / composition device 200 of a second embodiment according to the present invention, which is an extension of the first embodiment described above. Show. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof will be omitted, and the difference from the first embodiment will be described below.

In the second embodiment, a plurality of image storage / synthesis devices 200 that have been performing image synthesis are arranged on one network, and the registration / synthesis destination of the scan input image on the network is arbitrarily set. It is possible to specify. Second
In the case of the embodiment, the user uses the mouse 431 and the keyboard 441 on the computer 400 as in the case of the first embodiment, and the document and various image data (illustrations formed by vectors, multi-valued data captured by a scanner, etc.). Natural paintings, etc.)
Is laid out and confirmed on the display 412 while being directly performed.

When a multi-valued natural image is laid out on a document image, it is also possible to add a mask process to the image for clipping by using a binary bit map image. The image editing controller 413 registers the processing procedure / multi-valued image data / binary bit map mask image etc. of any document image created during that time on the main memory 460 at any time, and when the appearance of one page is completed, The hard disk controller 450 is controlled to be registered on the hard disk 451 as a format for one page.

When the appearance is finally completed, various information of the document layout image stored on the hard disk 451 defines the document created by layout by the device driver software in the ROM. Color multi-valued image data such as a natural image converted into a PDL (Page / Description / Language) code is described in the PDL and transferred to the image storage / synthesis device as in the first embodiment.

On the other hand, the PDL code thus converted is separated into each by the PDL / raster / mask image separation controller and registered as described above.
Then, a digital color copying machine (10
01 to 1003) inputs the ID of the target image storage / synthesis device. As in the first embodiment, the image ID, the image size, the image type, and the resolution are set, the scanner unit 100a is controlled by the copy start key, the document to be laid out is read in high resolution, and the network controller 104a sets a plurality of documents. Image storage / synthesis device 20 selected from
0a / b is registered in the raster image storage unit 700a / b by the packet divided as described above.

The basic structure (10021) of the packet has the same structure as that of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, such as the address of the other party, the address of the sender, the type of packet, the length of the packet, and the data. I'm running. This data part (10022/10023/10024) is composed of several parameter parts and image data in order to transfer the image data as shown in the figure.

The image data is divided into a plurality of packets. The continuous packet ID, image data type, width and height are set in the first packet (10002), and the network digital data to which the image data is transferred is set. The unique ID of the color copier is set. Then, the substance of the actual image data is input from the second packet unit (10003), and the continuous packet IDs are added and set and transmitted as in the first embodiment.

The designated image storage / synthesis device checks the destination address of the data packet sent via the network, compares it with its own unique address, and if it matches, the packet is matched. Receiving and sending back the data receiving data packet to the sender. Further, the network controller 505 checks the value of the first packet (10002) or the continuous packet ID, stores the unique ID of the network digital color copying machine, and sends it as described above. Image data type, image registration ID, total number of packets,
Retrieve the size (WIDTH / HEIGHT) parameter. As a result, the network controller causes the specified image registration I
Based on the parameters of D and image size, a raster image memory is secured for the image controller of the raster image storage unit, and the image type, ID, and size are registered in the attribute information memory 770a.

Next, the network controller receives the packets successively sent, as described above,
Check the unique ID and continuous packet ID of the network digital color copying machine inside it, and check if it is the data from the same network digital color copying machine as the first packet, and as described above, open the packet table. The procedure is repeated using the image data until the designated image data is registered.

Next, as described in the first embodiment, all the layout positions, image file names, image sizes, and attribute information stored in the image storage / synthesis device are read out and displayed as a list on the display. Select the one you want to replace the image data with the image input from the scanner of the digital color copying machine on the network first,
An alternative image is selected from the list of images already registered in the raster image storage unit 700a / b. By this,
Instead of the low resolution image laid out on the host computer, it is possible to relink with the resolution image read from the scanner of the digital color copying machine on the network.

There is no need to transfer large data of high resolution, which leads to high speed and simplification. In this way, images can be registered in a plurality of image storage / synthesis devices from a single digital color copying machine on the network. Then, as in the first embodiment, the image link processing is performed, and the data for one page is stored in the image storage / synthesis device 2.
Host computer 400
The a / b CPU sends a PDL / raster image combination command to the image storage / composition device 200.

According to this command, the main controller of the image storage / synthesis device 200a / b causes the PDL raster /
Using the raster image composition controller 800a / b,
In the same procedure as in the first embodiment, a two-series character image (binary image) and a natural image image (color multi-value image) sent from a digital color copying machine on a network which is logically operated and synthesized with a mask image. (Image) can be combined and output.

As described above, vectorized portions such as documents and illustrations in the PDL code, which are codes and instructions that define documents and images created for printers, and multivalued raster images such as natural images. Separate the data part and PD
By performing a logical operation with the mask image in L, it is possible to combine the images by the optimal process for generating each image.

Further, it becomes possible to set a specific area in the raster image data in which the PDL is expanded as a mask target area of the multi-valued raster image, and other multiple areas input by a plurality of image input means on the network. The value raster image data can be replaced and combined using only the multivalued raster image position / attribute information in the PDL. This is to convert the information obtained by creating a color document / image, etc. and laying it out into a code defined as PDL (Page Description Language), and further to convert the command data (other than the raster image) in the PDL data. Data) and multi-valued raster image data such as a natural image separated from the PDL code obtained by separating the raster image data, as well as a unit for inputting the raster image data. A plurality of means connected to one network and transferring raster image data to the image registration means connected to the network based on the raster image registration codes input from the plurality of input means. And raster image data obtained from the network by means of managing the transmitted raster image data based on each registration. And a means for receiving the combined image information and forming an image on an image combining medium to output the combined image information.

As described above, according to this embodiment, 2
It is possible to combine and output a series of character images (binary image) and a natural image image (color multi-valued image) sent from a digital color copying machine on a network that is logically operated and combined with a mask image. Becomes The present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or an apparatus including a single device.

Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

[0083]

As described above, according to the present invention, the registered image information can be easily cut out and combined, and for example, a part of it can be used as a mask image.
Further, an input image from another device connected via a communication medium can be easily combined with a registered image and output.

Further, a PDL image and a part of it are used as a mask image, and the mask image, a color multi-value raster image in the PDL, and a plurality of image input means connected on the network. The captured multi-valued raster image is subjected to mask logical operation by a process suitable for each, and can be combined and output.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed configuration diagram of the digital color copying machine in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a detailed configuration diagram of the network compatible digital color copying machine in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a detailed configuration diagram of a control host computer in FIG.

5 is a detailed configuration diagram of the image storage / synthesis device in FIG. 1. FIG.

6 is a detailed configuration diagram of a PDL interpreter unit in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a detailed configuration diagram of a raster image storage unit in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a detailed configuration diagram of a mask unit in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a flow of a combining process in the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing PDL raster / raster image combining processing according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a mask location table diagram in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a detailed configuration diagram of the network work packet in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a network work packet table in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a system configuration diagram of a second embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a detailed configuration diagram of a network work packet in the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 digital color image reading unit (color scanner) 101 scanner controller 102 image processing unit 103 exposure system controller 200 image storage / synthesis device 210 main controller 220 external interface controller 230 color digital interface controller 240,630 buffer memory 241,406,631 ROM 242, 632 RAM 300 Digital color image print unit (color printer) 301 Printer unit controller 302 Image forming unit 303 Paper feeding and discharging unit 310 Laser drive unit 312 Surface potential control unit 313 Charging unit 314 Developing unit 315 Photosensitive drum 319 Transfer drum 321 Conveying Part 322 Fixing part 400 Control computer (host computer) 405 CPU 410 Display controller 411 Display memory 412 Display 420 Interface controller 431 Mouse 432 Keyboard 451 Hard disk 460 Main memory 500 PDL / mask / raster image separation controller 505 Network controller 600 PDL interpreter unit 610 PDL main controller 620 PDL bus controller 640 PDL raster image 650 outline font ROM 700 raster image storage unit 710 image main controller 720 memory management controller 730 image editing controller 740, 940 bus controller 750 layout controller 761,762 raster image memory 770 position / attribute information memory 800 PDL / mask / raster image composition controller Roller 801 PDL / mask / raster image composition unit 802 Mask creation unit 803 Mask target image creation unit 805 Timing generation unit 900 Mask unit 910 Mask image main controller 920 Mask area signal generation unit 921 Mask logic operation code generation unit 970 Mask location table 1000 Digital Color Copier 1001-1003 Digital Color Copier 10000 Network

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. Input means for inputting in a page description language, and output for replacing raster image data included in the page description language input by the input means with raster image data input via a network. An image processing system comprising: 2. The image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a registration unit that registers a plurality of raster images input via the network. 3. The output device includes a device for outputting to a color printer.
The image processing system according to any one of 1. 4. An image synthesizing system in which a plurality of image processing devices are communicably connected to each other via a communication medium, wherein at least one of the image processing devices stores document information and image information created by another device. The image forming apparatus further includes a registration unit that stores the document information and the image information together with a PDL code, and analyzes the PDL code of the registration unit in another image processing apparatus to convert the document information and the image information into a vectorized portion and a multi-value raster. Combining means for dividing into image parts, generating and combining and outputting images suitable for each, combining means for inputting other image information in place of the multi-valued raster image part separated from the PDL code, and the input Transfer means for transferring the image input from the means to the registration means connected via the communication medium together with a registration code corresponding to the other image information, An image processing system comprising: an image processing apparatus including the registration unit, which manages other image information transferred by the transfer unit based on a registration code.