JPH0818724A - Picture processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a picture processing system capable of preventing the generation of illegal connection by deteriorating an output picture at the time of connecting an illegal device with respect to a picture processing system mutually connecting a picture input device, a picture processor and a picture output device. CONSTITUTION:In the picture input device, a key signal for identifying a data conversion table selected by a table selecting part 20 is generated by a key signal generating part 21 and outputted through a key signal transmitting/ receiving part 23 and a switch 24. The key signal, is inputted to the picture processor through a return line, inputted to a key signal decoding part 421 through a switch 422 and a key signal transmitting/receiving part 423 and decoded by the decoding part 421. so that a data reverse conversion table is selected by a table selecting part 424.

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 an image input device, an image processing device and an image output device are connected.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional image processing system is generally a device such as a copying machine in which image data is input and output by a single device. However,
In recent years, networking of image processing devices has progressed, and there is a strong tendency to configure a system by combining devices having necessary functions, such as a scanner as an image data input device and a printer as an output device. There is. In particular, a color copying machine is provided with an interface unit for a scanner and a printer, and by inputting and outputting an image to an external computer, a function for performing various image processing that cannot be realized only by combining the scanner and the printer. Came to be equipped with. That is, the computer can be used as an external image processing device.
In such a system, the scanner and printer can be controlled by an external host computer, and the operability is excellent.

[0003]

However, in the conventional image processing system as described above, for example, video between the scanner and the printer, between the scanner and the image processing apparatus (computer), and between the image processing apparatus (computer) and the printer. There is no standard interface, and each device has its own interface specifications.

On the other hand, in the communication line and the image data line forming the video interface, it is possible to monitor the data actually being communicated, and various commands available to each printer are disclosed. .
Considering these, it is possible for a third party to recognize the signal form of the video interface to some extent.

Therefore, for example, by connecting an external device having an interface that meets the video interface specifications to the image processing device, connection with a device that is not originally supposed to be connected in the image processing system (hereinafter,
There is a possibility that an unauthorized connection will be actually made. Under such unauthorized connection, not only the original performance of the image processing system may not be fully exerted, but also an unpredictable accident may occur.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing system capable of preventing an illegal connection by deteriorating an output image at the time of an illegal connection.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention comprises the following constitutions.

That is, in the image processing system in which the image input device, the image processing device, and the image output device are connected, the image input device and the image processing device respectively convert the image data by a predetermined conversion method. The image processing apparatus and the image processing apparatus, which include a data conversion unit that performs the conversion, an image transmission unit that transmits the image data converted by the data conversion unit, and a conversion method transmission unit that transmits information indicating the predetermined conversion method. The image output devices respectively include image receiving means for receiving image data, conversion method receiving means for receiving information indicating the predetermined conversion method, and conversion method receiving means for the image data received by the receiving means. It is characterized in that it has a data reverse conversion means for performing a reverse conversion to the predetermined conversion method indicated by the received information.

Further, each of the image input device and the image processing device has a conversion method holding means for holding a plurality of predetermined conversion methods by the data conversion means, and the conversion method transmitting means, the conversion method holding means. A conversion method selecting means for selecting one of the plurality of conversion methods held by the conversion method; a key generating means for generating a first key signal indicating the conversion method selected by the conversion method selecting means; A first key transmitting means for transmitting a first key signal, and a first key for switching between the first key signal and a predetermined reference level signal
The image processing apparatus and the image output apparatus each have inverse conversion method holding means for holding a plurality of inverse conversion methods by the data inverse conversion means, and the conversion method receiving means includes: First key receiving means for receiving one key signal, and an inverse conversion method for selecting one of a plurality of inverse conversion methods held in the inverse conversion method holding means based on the first key signal. Selecting means and the first
And a second switching means for switching between the key signal and the predetermined reference level signal.

For example, the conversion method holding means holds a data conversion table.

For example, the data conversion table is a lookup table.

For example, the inverse conversion method retaining means retains a data inverse conversion table.

For example, the data reverse conversion table is a lookup table.

For example, the conversion method selection means selects a different conversion method for each predetermined area of the image data.

For example, the predetermined area is an area for one scan in the main scanning direction of the image input device.

For example, the first key transmitting means and the first key receiving means may use a return line paired with a communication data line used by the image transmitting means and the image receiving means. Characterize.

For example, the first switching means and the second switching means
The switching means is normally switched to a predetermined reference level signal and to the first key signal when the data conversion table is selected.

For example, the predetermined reference level signal is a ground level.

For example, the key generating means is characterized by generating the first key signal based on the stored address of the data conversion method selected by the selecting method selecting means.

For example, the key generation means uses the address in which the data conversion method selected by the selection method selection means is stored as a key signal.

Further, the key generation means simultaneously generates a first key signal and a second key signal, and the conversion method transmission means includes a second key transmission means for transmitting the second key signal. And the conversion method receiving means includes second key receiving means for receiving the second key signal, and the inverse conversion method selecting means includes both the first key signal and the second key signal. One of a plurality of data inversion methods is selected based on

For example, the key generating means is characterized in that the second key signal is generated by dividing the first key signal.

For example, the inverse conversion method selecting means selects one of a plurality of data inverse conversion methods based on only the first key signal.

For example, the second key transmitting means and the second key receiving means use communication data lines used by the image transmitting means and the image receiving means.

[0025]

With the above configuration, the image data converted by the data conversion table selected from the image input device between the image input device and the image processing device is represented by the communication data line, and the first data indicating the data conversion table type. By transmitting the key signal of 1 to the image processing apparatus using the return line paired with the communication data line, the image processing apparatus can restore the pre-conversion image data based on the first key signal. Also, between the image input device and the image output device,
The same applies between the image processing device and the image output device.

Therefore, if an unauthorized connection is made to any of the image input device, the image processing device, and the image output device, only a deteriorated image can be obtained, so that the unauthorized connection can be prevented. The effect is obtained.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment> In the present embodiment, a scanner unit which is an image input device and a printer unit which is an image output device are used as one device as a scanner printer and are connected to a computer as an image processing device. A memory unit including an image memory will be described as an example.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a scanner printer including a color scanner and an inkjet printer. By placing a document under a pressure plate 105 and pressing a copy start key 104, a color copy image can be produced by the scanner printer 101 alone. Obtainable. Further, the image read by the scanner printer 101 is simultaneously processed by the interface cable 107.
It can also be sent to the external memory unit 201 as digital data via the. The image data sent to the memory unit 201 is, for example, a general-purpose I / F such as GP-IB.
It is sent to the host computer 301 via 108, and various image editing processes are possible. The image data processed in the host computer 301 is sent to the scanner printer 101 via the memory unit 201, and an edited image can be output.

Next, a detailed configuration of the scanner printer 101 is shown in FIG. 2 and will be described.

In FIG. 2, the left side shows the configuration of the scanner section, and the right side shows the configuration of the printer section with a switch unit 7 described later as a boundary. Further, each component is controlled by the CPU 19.

In the scanner section, 1 is a CCD line sensor (hereinafter referred to as CCD), and 3 is an enlarged view thereof. As shown by 3, the CCD 1 has R,
G, B, R, G, B, ... Sensors of each color are lined up,
One set of R, G, and B is one pixel.

FIG. 4 shows how the CCD 1 scans. FIG.
As shown in, CCD1 is a CCD in the lateral direction with respect to the original.
The main scan and the vertical CCD sub-scan are sequentially performed to scan the entire document. The CCD main scanning is performed in synchronization with the VE signal, and the CCD sub-scanning is sequentially performed as the first scanning, the second scanning, ... In synchronization with the BVE signal. CCD
1 is a CPU 1 driven by, for example, a pulse motor or the like.
By the control of 9, an arbitrary area can be scanned.

In this embodiment, the CCD 1 sends the read data to the printer unit and the memory unit 20.
The scanning method is different from the case of sending to 1. Hereinafter, the difference will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining a scanning method when image data is transferred to the printer section.
First, in the first scan, the reading width of CCD 1 is CCD
The total pixel width is 1, and 132 pixels of pixels 1 to 132 are read. However, if the printer output width is pixel 2
128 pixels of 129 are output and other pixels are discarded.
This is because when the printer unit outputs the data, the data around the output data such as the error diffusion method is used for binarization.
This is because the valuation method is adopted. Then, in the second scan, the area for four pixels is read again as shown in the figure, and is used as the connecting process in the binarization and as the output data. In this way, when outputting to the printer unit, the CCD 1 performs several pixel overwriting for each scanning.

On the other hand, FIG. 5B shows the memory unit 2
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a scanning method when transferring read data to 01. In FIG. 5B, the overlapping portion between the first scan and the second scan is eliminated, and the reading is performed with the full reading width of 132 pixels of the CCD 1.
This is because the read image data is stored in the memory unit 201.
This is because it is not necessary to perform binarization processing only by transferring the data to. Therefore, when the image data is transferred to the memory unit 201, the number of times of scanning can be reduced as compared with the case where the image data is output to the printer unit, so that the speed of scanning can be increased.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the scanning mode of the CCD 1 is changed between the case of outputting to the printer section and the case of transferring to the memory unit 201.

In FIG. 2, the analog image signal read by the CCD 1 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 2 and processed as a digital signal hereinafter.

FIG. 6 shows a timing chart at the time of reading an original in the scanner section described above. In FIG. 6A, the BVE pulse is the CCD for the document.
The main scanning start point is shown, and the VE pulse determines the CCD main scanning timing. The CCD 1 reads an image for each VE while moving in the main scanning direction. Figure 6
(B) of FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the reading of the image data in one VE shown in (a) of FIG.
In synchronization with the video clock VCLK, each pixel has R, G,
The data is transferred in a dot-sequential manner with B as one pixel.

The image signal is then processed by the shading correction unit 4
Is input to the CPU 1 and white / black correction is performed according to the characteristics of the CCD 1. The signal output from the shading correction unit 4 is input to the black character processing unit A5. Here, black characters in the original document are detected, processing is performed to eliminate color bleeding during printing, and to sharpen black characters. After detecting a black character, the image data input to the black character processing unit A5 is added with 8-bit data X for determining processing of the pixel for each pixel. FIG. 6C shows a state of the image data after the black character processing, and FIG. 7 shows detailed information of the data X. As shown in FIG. 7, the presence or absence of black character processing is added to the 0th bit of the data X. Further, as shown in the figure, other image processing information is also added.

Returning to FIG. 2, the image data to which the data X is added in the black character processing unit A5 is scaled (enlarged / reduced) to a desired size in the scaling unit 6 and input to the LUT unit 17. . At this time, one of a plurality of data conversion tables (LUTs) stored in advance in the ROM 20 is selected by the random number generated by the CPU 19, and the selected one is written in the RAM forming the LUT unit 17. Random number generation, data conversion table selection, and LUT unit 1 described above
Writing to 7 is performed every band scan (BVE, one sub-scan). Then, the LUT set in the LUT unit 17 performs different data conversion for each band.

The image data converted by the LUT unit 17 for each band is transferred to the memory unit 201 via the switch unit 7 and the interface cable 107. When the memory unit 201 is not connected to the switch unit 7, the LU is selected depending on the selection.
The image data output from the T unit 17 is directly transferred to the LUT unit 1
It is also possible to transfer the data to the printer 8, and in this case, the scanner printer 101 alone performs color copying. When the scanner printer 101 makes a single copy, for example, the LUT
The data output from the scaling unit 6 may be directly input to the data X decoding unit 8 without passing through the unit 17 and the LUT unit 18.

The switch unit 7 sends the image data from the memory unit 201 to the scanner printer 101.
It is also possible to select to output to the LUT unit 18 of. The image memory 407 in the memory unit 201
Has a capacity capable of storing image data for three bands.

LUT unit 17 or memory unit 20
The image signal output from the interface cable 107 is output from the switch unit 7 to the LU
It is input to the T section 18. In the LUT unit 18, the LUT unit 1
The LUT having the opposite characteristic to the LUT selected for each band in 7 is R
It is selected by the OM 20 and the original image data is restored.
Next, the image data is input to the data X decoding unit 8.
The data X decoding unit 8 decodes the content of the data X added to each pixel data, and outputs the control signal having the content shown in FIG. 7 described above to each processing block. Then, each processing block performs image processing based on the control signal.

The image data is subjected to density conversion in the LOG converter 9 and masking unit 10 and masking calculation processing in accordance with the ink characteristics, and then the image is sharpened in the edge processor 11. It is input to the head shading unit 12. Here, the printer head 16
Since the ink ejection amount, the direction, etc. are not constant among the pixels due to the variation of the above, these corrections are performed by signal processing. The γ table 13 is a conversion table that determines the output density, and can be adjusted by the operator to a desired density. The binarization unit 14 converts multivalued image data into binary image data based on the control signals MIXDATA, NEGA, and PHOTO shown in FIG. Then, the black character processing unit B15 performs black character processing based on the control signal KB, and the inkjet printer head 16 outputs an image. The output timing of the printer head 16 is also the same as the above-mentioned CCD.
As in the case of 1, it follows the synchronization signals such as BVE and VE.

The detailed structure of the memory unit 201 will be described below with reference to FIG.

Each component of the memory unit 201 is controlled by the CPU 414. The ROM 420 stores a plurality of LUTs, like the ROM 20 in the scanner printer 101 described above.

The image data transferred from the scanner printer 101 to the memory unit 201 via the interface cable 107 is first input to the LUT unit 417. In the LUT unit 417, the scanner printer 101
LUT selected by the LUT unit 17 for each band
The LUT having the reverse characteristic is selected from the ROM 420, and the original image data is restored.

Here, the communication of the key signal representing the LUT type selected in the LUT unit 17 between the scanner printer 101 and the memory unit 201 will be described with reference to FIG.
Will be described in detail with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

FIG. 8 shows an LU in the scanner printer 101.
T unit 17 and LUT unit 417 in the memory unit 201
It is a figure which shows the detailed structure of. Both LUT units are connected via a switch unit 7 and an interface cable 107 (not shown). In FIG. 8, the image data is communicated via the communication data line, but the details thereof will be omitted.

In the LUT unit 17, a random number is first generated by the CPU 19, one of a plurality of LUTs stored in advance in the ROM 20 is selected by the table selection unit 20, and then by the key signal generation unit 21. A key signal representing the selected LUT type is generated and supplied to the key signal transmission / reception unit 23. The key signal transmitted by the key signal transmitting / receiving unit 23 is connected to the A terminal of the switch 24. The B terminal of the switch 24 is at the ground level (GN
D) and the switch 24 is normally connected to the B terminal side, but is connected to the A terminal side when the LUT is selected.

The key signal transmitted from the switch 24 is
The data is transferred to the LUT unit 417 in the memory unit 201 via the return line paired with the communication data line, and the switch 4
22 is supplied to the C terminal. The key signal transmitting / receiving unit 423 is connected to the A terminal of the switch 422, and the B terminal is GND.
Is normally connected to the B terminal side, and when the LUT is selected, it is connected to the A terminal side. Key signal transmitter / receiver 42
The key signal received at 3 is input to the key signal decoding unit 421, and the table selection unit 2 of the scanner printer 101 is input.
The LUT type selected with 0 is determined, and the determination result is output to the table selection unit 424. Table selection unit 424
In the above, the inverse LUT having the inverse characteristic of the LUT selected by the table selection unit 20 is selected from the ROM 420.

Returning to FIG. 3, the image data restored via the LUT unit 417 is input to the input masking unit 401. Since the image data sent to the memory unit 201 has the characteristics of the color separation filter of the CCD 1 as it is, the calculation for conforming to a general standard such as the NTSC standard is performed here. By the above calculation, the color data handling in the host computer 301 can be unified, and the color reproducibility at the time of printer output can be standardized. In the input masking section 401, the data X of each pixel is passed through without being calculated.

The image data after the input masking process is input to the smoothing section 402 and the combining section 403.
In the smoothing unit 402, smoothing processing is performed to prevent image deterioration due to moire. At this time, the matrix used for smoothing is 2 × 1, 2 × 2, 3 ×
It is possible to select from 3 and 3 levels.
The data set from 4 can be selected. It should be noted that the smoothing unit 402 also does not calculate the data X. The operation of the synthesizing unit 403 will be described later.

The image data output from the smoothing unit 402 is input to the γ table unit 404, and the image input by the scanner printer 101 is converted into the gradation characteristics desired by the operator. The γ table used at this time is also the same as the γ table 13 in the scanner printer 101 described above.
It is configured so that it can be set from the CPU 414.
Both the smoothing unit 402 and the γ table unit 404 are
CP by command from host computer 301
The operator can freely select the processing mode via U414.

The image data corrected by the γ table unit 404 is sent to the image memory 40 via the FIFO 405.
7 is stored in the address designated by the address generator 408.

The image memory 407 and the address generation unit 408 are not controlled by the timing of the image synchronization clock VCLK from the scanner printer 101, but are controlled by the clock IVCLK obtained from the OSC unit 409 in the memory unit 201. Various controls such as refresh control are performed. Therefore, V
In order to perform clock conversion from CLK to IVCLK, FIFOs 405 and 406 are provided at the time of inputting / outputting image data to / from the image memory 407. Due to this, for example, some abnormality occurs in the scanner printer 101,
Even when the clock VCLK is stopped, the image memory 40
It is possible to recover quickly without losing the contents of 7.

FIG. 9 shows the address configuration of the image memory 407. In FIG. 9, the memory address is BVE
It is assumed that the direction is linear. The image data stored in the image memory 407 is different from the format of the image data used in the scanner printer 101.
In the case of the input / output mode (hereinafter, referred to as video mode) to / from, the calculation of the address on the image memory 407 becomes more complicated. On the other hand, from the host computer 301 to the I / O 41
5, when the image data is transferred to the image memory 407 by the control of the CPU 414 via DMA (for example, DMA transfer) (hereinafter referred to as CPU / DMA mode), the image data in the host computer 301, that is, the image file format is horizontal. (BVE direction) Line-sequential lines are often used for each line, and therefore the address calculation on the image memory 407 is easy.

Hereinafter, in the image memory 407, "write image data from the scanner printer 101", "read image data to the host computer 301", "write image data from the host computer 301", "image data to the scanner printer 101". "Reading" will be described.

[Data Writing from Scanner Printer to Image Memory] FIG. 10 shows a timing chart of the image data input from the scanner printer 101 and the address output from the address generator 408. BVE, V
By the timing control of E, the image data is sequentially written in the FIFO 405 in synchronization with the clock VCLK. After a short time, the address generator 408 sends
The ORE signal is output, and the image data is sequentially read from the FIFO 405 in synchronization with the clock IVCLK. At the same time, the address generation unit 408 also sequentially counts up or performs calculation, and the address A on the image memory 407
Data is written to the address specified as.

Here, when the application software of the host computer 301 does not support the data X, it can be dealt with only by changing the address calculating means. In this case, other data can be stored in the storage area of the data X of the image memory 407 by sequentially outputting the addresses as shown in the address B of FIG. 10 from the address generation unit 408. That is, in FIG. 10, after the second line of VE, the address (n, n +) where the data X is stored is stored.
Write the R data of the next line to (3, ...). The resulting address configuration of the image memory 407 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 11, the data X eventually disappears (is not stored) in the image memory 407. As a result, even if the host computer does not support the data X, the image memory 407 can be effectively used, and in this embodiment, data for four bands can be stored.

Next, FIG. 12 shows the detailed structure of the address generator 408 for generating the address of the image memory 407 as described above, and FIG. 13 shows the timing chart thereof.

As shown in FIG. 13, the scanner printer 1
When the image reading is started for 01, the selector 9 shown in FIG.
A signal 19 controlled by the CPU 414 selects a read start address previously set in the register 901. When the HS signal generated by the OSC unit 409 based on the VE signal becomes L level during this period, the selector 902 selects the start address,
The start address is loaded into the counter 903 according to the clock IVCLK (time t1). At this time, the start address is also set in the flip-flop 904. Then, at the same time that BVE becomes H level, the image request signal REQ becomes L level (time t2).

Generation of the line enable signal LE which defines the data read period of one line will be described. H
The output of the counter 905 reset by the S signal is input to the comparator 906 and compared with the line enable start value preset in the register 907, and when the values match, a match pulse is output to the flip-flop 908. (Time t3). Similarly, when the comparator 909 matches the write enable enable value set in the register 910, it outputs a match pulse to the flip-flop 908. Flip-flop 908 is a JK flip-flop and is the period of these two coincidence pulses, namely register 907 and register 9
The line enable signal LE can be output for a period determined by the value set to 10. This line enable signal LE
Becomes a read enable signal for the counters 911 and 903 and the FIFO 405, and the sequentially read data is stored at the specified address.

The counter 911 for counting the clock IVCLK and the set value of the register 913 are compared by the comparator 9
By comparing with 12, the comparator 912 generates the load signal LD every four clocks IVCLK. The generated load signal LD becomes the load signal of the counter 903, and the value obtained by adding the output address of the counter 903 and the value preset in the register 915 by the adder circuit 914 is added to the counter 90 via the selector 902.
Load to 3. The value set in the register 915 is “m” in the example of FIG. 9 (see address A in FIG. 10) and “n” in the example of FIG. 11 (see address B in FIG. 10).

When the count advances and the next HS is input,
The value set in the flip-flop 904 and the value set in the register 916 described above are added by the adder circuit 91.
It is added in 7 and passed through selectors 918, 919 and 902, and is loaded into the counter 903 as the head address of the next line. The value set in the register 916 is changed depending on whether or not the data X is supported as described above. Taking FIG. 9 as an example, it is “4” (see address A in FIG. 10), and taking FIG. 11 as an example, it is “3” (see address B in FIG. 10). As described above, the address output from the counter 903 is given to the image memory 407 via the selector 1201, and the read image data is stored in the image memory 407. The details of the selector 1201 and the counter 920 will be described later.

[Reading of Data from Image Memory to Host Computer] In FIG. 3, the image data stored in the image memory 407 is sent to the I / O 415 by DMA transfer under the control of the CPU 414 and is sent to the host computer via the interface cable 108. It is transferred to 301. The read address of the image memory 407 in this case is also generated by the address generator 408. The detailed configuration of the address generation unit 408 when reading data from the image memory 407 to the host computer 301 is shown in FIG.
4 and will be described. In FIG. 14, the selector 1
201 and the counter 903 are the same as that of FIG. 12 mentioned above.

In FIG. 14, the image memory 407 has different address generating means in the above-mentioned video mode and CPU / DMA mode. This is because the transfer rate is high in the video mode and the same access means as in the CPU / DMA mode cannot be taken.

In FIG. 14, the selector 1201 switches between the video mode and the CPU / DMA mode,
It can be selected by the CPU 414 according to the mode desired by the operator. A mode in which the selector 1202 can be directly accessed by the CPU 410 (hereinafter, referred to as CPU mode)
And a mode for performing DMA transfer (hereinafter referred to as a DMA mode) can be selected. For example, when the CPU mode is selected, an address obtained by adding the address output from the CPU 414 and the value set in the register 1204 by the adding circuit 1203 is output. In this embodiment, the data X
The image memory 407 stores image data for three bands in the case of supporting the above, which is a capacity that the CPU 414 deviates from the directly addressable memory space. Therefore, in this embodiment, the memory space accessible by the CPU 414 is expanded by adding addresses.

In the DMA mode, the register 1206 for setting the DMA start address and the read signal IO
The data obtained by adding the outputs of the flip-flops 1207 using RD or the write signal IOWR as a clock is output as an address. Flip flop 1207
Outputs the output signal of the adder circuit 1209 as the signal IORD.IO.
It is latched for each WR pulse and the output is registered in the register 120.
It is returned to the adder circuit 1209 which adds the set value of 8.
Thereby, for example, the set value of the register 1208 is "3".
In the case of, the multiple of 3 is obtained as the output of the flip-flop 1207, and in the case of “4”, the multiple of 4 is obtained.

Therefore, the address output as a result in the DMA mode is the signal IORD at the start address.
-It is an address obtained by adding a certain integer multiple for each IOWR pulse. This is because the image data is stored dot-sequentially in the linear address direction as shown in FIG. 9 described above. This is because it is necessary to generate an address obtained by adding a multiple. Also, the flip-flop 1207 is reset when the start address is set.

Further, the IOWR pulse is input to the rate multiplier 1210, and the IOWR pulse itself is thinned out by this output, whereby the host computer 30
Reduction transfer is also possible at the time of image transfer from 1. this is,
This is because the address of the image memory 407 is not updated by thinning out the IOWR pulse.

As described above, the address generator 40
8, the selector 1201 is a video mode and CPU
-The address generation can be switched to the DMA mode.

[Data Writing from Host Computer to Image Memory] Next, a case where image data is written from the host computer 301 to the image memory 407 will be described.

In FIG. 3, the host computer 301
The image data edited in (4) is sequentially transferred to the I / O 415 via the interface cable 108. The transferred image data is stored in the image memory 407 by the above-mentioned DMA transfer in the memory unit 201. At this time, the start address register 120 shown in FIG.
Addresses are sequentially generated by the signal IORD from the start address set to 6.

For example, in the case of line sequential, the register 1208 is used to generate the address of "3" or "4".
Set the value of. If the host computer 301 supports the data X, the image memory 407 stores the image data as shown in FIG. 9 by setting the setting value to “4”, and does not support the data X. In this case, by setting the setting value to "3", the image data other than the data X is stored as shown in FIG.

[Reading Data from Image Memory to Scanner Printer] The case where image data is read from the image memory 407 to the scanner printer 101 will be described in detail below.

When the transfer of the image data from the host computer 301 to the image memory 407 is completed, the signal from the counter 903 is selected by the selector 1201 shown in FIG. 14 to set the address bus to the video mode. To read an image from the image memory 407 in the video mode,
As in the case of writing, BVE, VE, and IV from the start address set in the register 901 shown in FIG.
Addresses are sequentially calculated by timing control of CLK, and reading is performed according to this address.

FIG. 15 shows a read timing chart when the host computer 301 does not support the data X as shown in FIG. LE signal is L
At the same time when the level is reached (time t11), the counters 903 and 911 shown in FIG. 12 start counting and generate an address. At this time, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 15, the data R is always read extra. at the same time,
The 2-bit counter 920 is also operated to generate the 2-bit signal γSEL. The signal γSEL is γ shown in FIG.
This is for inputting to the table 410 and selecting the γ table for each color, and enables the adjustment of color balance or the function as a color palette. γ
When the SEL is "0", the R table is selected, when it is "1", the G table is selected, and when it is "2", the B table is selected. When γSEL is "3", the data X generation table is selected.
The data X generation table is the host computer 301.
If the data X supports the data X, the data through is set. If the data X does not support, the constant data is set to be output as the data X for any input data. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the data R is always read extra and converted to the data X.

In this embodiment, the host computer 30
When the image data is output from the scanner printer 101 from the first computer, the first operation from the host computer 301 to the image memory 407 is performed while the address is calculated as described above.
When the data transfer for the scan is completed, the data for the first scan is output from the image memory 407 to the scanner printer 101. Then, the image data for the second scan is transferred from the host computer 301 to the image memory 407,
Next, the image data for the second scan is transferred to the scanner printer 10.
It is output to 1. By repeating this process, one image is output from the host computer 301 to the scanner printer 101.

When outputting the image data to the scanner printer 101, the connection process shown in FIG. 5A is also necessary, and the process will be described below.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the relationship between the output image from the scanner printer 101 and the image stored in the image memory 407. In FIG. 16, when the transfer of the first transfer pixels (for the first scan) is completed by the first transfer from the host computer 301 to the image memory 407,
From the image memory 407, 132 pixels are read out in the VE direction. Of these, the output from the printer head 16 is 1 for pixels 2 to 129.
It has 28 pixels. Other pixels are processed as the connecting process as described in FIG. 5A, and are not output. The memory 407 at the time of the second scan of the printer head 16.
The read start address of the image data read from is corresponding to the pixel 129 at the time of the first scanning, but since the pixels up to the pixel 132 have already been transferred from the host computer 301 to the image memory 407, the data transfer start address of the second transfer image. Is transferred to the vacant area of the image memory 407 for which output has been completed, as 132 pixels after the pixel 133.

As described above, by sequentially performing the transfer processing from the host computer 301 to the image memory 407, the image memory 407 can be used efficiently, and at the same time, the number of data transfers on the interface cable 108 can be reduced.

The image data read from the image memory 407 as described above is stored in the γ table 41 shown in FIG.
0, the image is enlarged to a desired size through the enlargement interpolation unit 411, and the black character processing unit C416 performs black character processing. Then, it is input to the FIFO 406, the clock is converted from IVCLK to VCKL, and the combining unit 41
Entered in 2. At this time, when the original image data is simultaneously read from the scanner unit of the scanner printer 101, the image (memory image) stored in the image memory 407 by the combining unit 412 and the scanner printer 101 are read.
A composite output (real-time composite output) with a new image (scanner image) read by can be obtained. This combining timing is performed based on the SELECT signal generated by the area signal generating unit 413, and each image data can be combined at a desired position.

The image data output from the combining unit 412 is processed in the LUT unit 418 for each band in the same manner as the LUT unit 17 of the scanner printer 101 described above, and is transferred to the scanner printer 101 via the interface cable 107. To be done. Then, it is sent to the LUT unit 18 by the switch unit 7, and the LUT unit 18 reproduces the original image data as in the case of the LUT unit 417 described above.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the scanner printer 101 and the memory unit 201 are connected to each other, the operation of which is not guaranteed, the data conversion by the LUT for each band causes normal operation. Since the image cannot be reproduced, it is possible to prevent unauthorized connection.

<Second Embodiment> The second embodiment according to the present invention will be described below.

In the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 8, the selected data conversion table (LUT) between the scanner printer 101 and the memory unit 201.
The key signal indicating the type is communicated via the return line paired with the communication data line. Second here
In the embodiment, an example will be described in which the "false key signal" is transmitted via the communication data line and the "true key signal" is transmitted via the return line forming a pair with the communication data line. .

The device configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, so the description thereof is omitted.
The detailed structure of the T portion is different from that shown in FIG. 8 in the first embodiment. LUT unit 17 and LUT in the second embodiment
FIG. 17 shows the detailed configuration of the unit 417 via the interface cable 107. In FIG. 17, the above-mentioned FIG.
The same numbers are attached to the same configurations as.

In FIG. 17, the scanner printer 101
Random numbers are generated by the CPU 19 and a plurality of data conversion tables (LUTs) stored in advance in the ROM 20.
One of them is selected by the table selection unit 20, and then a key signal representing the LUT type selected by the key signal generation unit 21 is generated and supplied to the true key signal transmission / reception unit 23. In addition, the key signal generation unit 21 is the LU described above.
In addition to the key signal indicating the T type, a false key signal is generated and supplied to the false key signal transmitting / receiving unit 22.

The true key signal transmitted by the true key signal transmitting / receiving unit 23 is connected to the A terminal of the switch 24. The B terminal of the switch 24 is connected to GND,
The switch 24 is usually connected to the B terminal side, and the LU
When T is selected, it is connected to the A terminal side.

On the other hand, the false key signal transmitted from the false key signal transmitting / receiving unit 22 is the interface cable 107.
Is transmitted to the memory unit 201 through the communication data line of No. 1, received by the false key signal transmitting / receiving unit 420, and input to the key signal decrypting unit 421.

The true key signal transmitted from the switch 24 is transferred to the LUT unit 417 in the memory unit 201 via the return line paired with the communication data line,
It is supplied to the C terminal of the switch 422. Switch 422
A key signal transmitter / receiver 423 is connected to terminal A of
The terminal is connected to GND, which is normally connected to the B terminal side and the A terminal side when the LUT is selected. The true key signal received by the true key signal sending / receiving unit 423 is input to the key signal decrypting unit 421.

The key signal decoding unit 421 receives a true key signal and a false key signal. The true key signal is used to determine the LUT type selected by the table selection unit 20 of the scanner printer 101, and the The judgment result is output to the table selection unit 424. And the table selection unit 4
In 24, an inverse LUT having an inverse characteristic to the LUT selected by the table selecting section 20 is selected from the ROM 420.

As described above, according to the second embodiment,
Since the encryption strength of the interface between the scanner printer 101 and the memory unit 201 can be further improved, illegal connection can be prevented more thoroughly.

<Third Embodiment> The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the return line paired with the communication data line on the memory unit 201 side, that is, the LUT section 417 side is GND due to illegal connection.
When a (true) key signal representing the selected LUT type is transmitted from the scanner printer 101, the communication driver output (not shown) is short-circuited, and the circuit current increases, which causes communication for communication. There is a risk of deterioration of driver characteristics.

Therefore, the third embodiment has a structure in which a current limiting section for limiting the current to the return line is added.

The device configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment described above, so the description thereof will be omitted.
The detailed configuration of the T portion is different from that shown in FIG. 17 in the second embodiment. LUT unit 17 and LU in the third embodiment
FIG. 18 shows a detailed configuration of the T section 417 via the interface cable 107. 18, the same numbers are attached to the same configurations as those in FIG. 17 described above.

In FIG. 18, 25 is a current limiting section,
As described above, the current flowing from the true key signal transmitting / receiving unit 23 to the return line is prevented from increasing.

As described above, according to the third embodiment,
It is possible to prevent specific deterioration of the communication driver due to a short circuit of the communication driver due to improper connection.

<Fourth Embodiment> The fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

In the above-described second embodiment, an example has been described in which the "true key signal" and the "false key signal" are generated to prevent unauthorized connection. In the fourth embodiment, the key signals are "first key signal" and "second key signal".
An example of dividing and transmitting to and will be described.

The device configuration of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the above-mentioned first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted.
The detailed structure of the T portion is different from that shown in FIG. 8 in the first embodiment. LUT unit 17 and LUT in the third embodiment
The detailed configuration of the unit 417 via the interface cable 107 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 19, the above-mentioned FIG.
The same numbers are attached to the same configurations as.

In FIG. 19, the scanner printer 101
Random numbers are generated by the CPU 19 and a plurality of data conversion tables (LUTs) stored in advance in the ROM 20.
One of them is selected by the table selection unit 20 and sent to the key signal generation unit 21. The key signal generation unit 21 generates a key signal representing the selected LUT type. In the fourth embodiment, this key signal is selected by L.
It is set as the start address of the UT and is further divided into two. Then, one of the divided keys is connected to the first key signal transmitting / receiving unit 2
6, and the other is supplied to the second key signal transmitting / receiving unit 27.

FIG. 20 shows an example of key classification in the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 20, if the selected LUT is stored in the area indicated by the hatched leading address “0E” on the ROM 20, the first key signal is “0” and the second key signal is “E”. Send as Similarly, for the area of the head address "39", the first key signal is "3" and the second key signal is "9".

In FIG. 19, the second key signal transmitting / receiving unit 2
The second key signal transmitted by 7 is connected to the A terminal of the switch 24. The B terminal of the switch 24 is connected to GND, the switch 24 is normally connected to the B terminal side, and is connected to the A terminal side when the LUT is selected.

On the other hand, the first key signal transmitted from the first key signal transmitting / receiving unit 26 is the interface cable 10
7 is transmitted to the memory unit 201 via the communication data line 7, is received by the first key signal transmitting / receiving unit 426, and is input to the key signal decoding unit 421.

The second key signal transmitted from the switch 24 is transferred to the LUT unit 417 in the memory unit 201 via the return line paired with the communication data line,
It is supplied to the C terminal of the switch 422. Switch 422
The second key signal transmitting / receiving unit 427 is connected to the A terminal of
The B terminal is connected to the GND, and is normally also connected to the B terminal side, and when the LUT is selected, the A terminal side. The second key signal received by the second key signal transmission / reception unit 427 is
It is input to the key signal decryption unit 421.

The key signal decoding unit 421 receives the first key signal and the second key signal and synthesizes them to obtain a key signal, thereby determining the LUT type selected by the table selection unit 20 of the scanner printer 101. Judgment is made and the judgment result is output to the table selection unit 424. Then, the table selection unit 424 selects, from the ROM 420, an inverse LUT having an inverse characteristic to the LUT selected by the table selection unit 20.

In the fourth embodiment, the first key and the second key
The content of the key may be reversed.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment,
Since the encryption strength of the interface between the scanner printer 101 and the memory unit 201 can be further improved, illegal connection can be prevented more thoroughly.

<Fifth Embodiment> The fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The device configuration of the fifth embodiment is similar to that of the above-described fourth embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

In the above-mentioned fourth embodiment, an example in which the "first key signal" and the "second key signal" are transmitted by simply dividing the key signal at the start address of the LUT has been described. In the fifth embodiment, the ROM 20 in which a plurality of LUTs are stored in advance is divided into banks, and the LUT number in each bank is determined. Then, the key signal is determined by the bank identification number in which the selected LUT exists and the LUT number in the bank.

FIG. 21 shows an example of key classification in the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 21, when the “6” th LUT in the bank (1) indicated by the diagonal lines on the ROM 20 is selected, the first key signal is transmitted as “6” and the second key signal is transmitted as “1”. Similarly, when the “1” th LUT of the bank (7) is selected, the first key signal is transmitted as “1” and the second key signal is transmitted as “7”.

In the fifth embodiment, the first key and the second key
The content of the key may be reversed.

Also, the method of key classification may be different during communication (during transmission) from the scanner printer 101 to the memory unit 201 and vice versa (during reception). For example, at the time of transmission, it is conceivable that the key is set by the method described in the above-mentioned fourth embodiment, and the key is set by the method of the fifth embodiment at the time of reception, and of course the reverse is also possible.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment as well, the encryption strength of the interface between the scanner printer 101 and the memory unit 201 can be further improved, so that illegal connection can be prevented more thoroughly. it can.

In the first to fifth embodiments described above, an ink jet printer has been described as an example of the printer unit of the scanner printer 101, but any printer such as an electrophotographic printer may be used. good.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the interface between the scanner printer 101 and the memory unit 201 connected to the host computer 301 has been described, but the memory unit 201 is included in the host computer 301, for example. It may be configured as described above, or without being connected to the host computer 301,
The memory unit 201 alone may be capable of image processing.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

[0122]

As described above, according to the present invention, in an image processing system including an image input device, an image processing device, and an image output device, when devices whose operation is not guaranteed are connected to each other, Data conversion by the data conversion table for each makes it impossible to reproduce a normal image, so that it is possible to prevent unauthorized connection.

Therefore, not only the original characteristics of the image processing system can be fully exhibited, but also an unpredictable accident or the like can be prevented.

[0124]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing system in an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a scanner printer in this embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a memory unit in this embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining scanning of a CCD line sensor in the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a relationship between a document reading width and an output width in the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart at the time of reading an original according to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the content of each bit of data X in the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration for communication processing between a scanner printer and a memory unit according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing image memory contents when data X is supported in the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing the operation of the address generator in this embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing image memory contents when data X is not supported in the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of an address generation unit in a video mode in the present embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart of the address generator in the video mode in this embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of an address generator in the CPU / DMA mode in the present embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a timing chart of the address generator in the CPU / DMA mode in this embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining image output to the printer unit in this embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration for communication processing between a scanner printer and a memory unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration for communication processing between a scanner printer and a memory unit according to a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration for communication processing between a scanner printer and a memory unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing how keys are classified in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing how keys are classified in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 scanner printer 107 interface cable 201 memory unit 301 host computer 1 CCD line sensor 16 printer head 17, 18, 417, 418 LUT unit 20, 424 table selection unit 21 key signal generation unit 421 key signal decoding unit 23, 423 key signal transmission / Reception unit 24,424 Switch 407 Image memory 408 Address generation unit

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. In an image processing system in which an image input device, an image processing device, and an image output device are connected, each of the image input device and the image processing device converts image data by a predetermined conversion method. The image processing device and the image processing apparatus, which include: a data conversion unit that performs the conversion; an image transmission unit that transmits the image data converted by the data conversion unit; The image output devices respectively include image receiving means for receiving image data, conversion method receiving means for receiving information indicating the predetermined conversion method, and the conversion method receiving means for the image data received by the receiving means. An image processing system, comprising: a data inverse conversion unit that performs an inverse conversion of the conversion method indicated by the received information. 2. The image input device and the image processing device each further include conversion method holding means for holding a plurality of predetermined conversion methods by the data conversion means, and the conversion method transmission means, the conversion method holding means. A conversion method selecting means for selecting one of a plurality of conversion methods held by the means; a key generating means for generating a first key signal indicating the conversion method selected by the conversion method selecting means; The image processing apparatus and the image output apparatus respectively include a first key transmitting unit that transmits a first key signal, and a first switching unit that switches the first key signal and a predetermined reference level signal. Further comprising an inverse conversion method holding means for holding a plurality of inverse conversion methods by the data inverse conversion means, wherein the conversion method receiving means receives a first key signal. Receiving means, inverse conversion method selecting means for selecting one of a plurality of inverse conversion methods held in the inverse conversion method holding means based on the first key signal, and the first key signal 2. A second switching means for switching between the predetermined reference level signal and the predetermined reference level signal.
The image processing system described. 3. The image processing system according to claim 2, wherein the conversion method holding unit holds a data conversion table. 4. The image processing system according to claim 3, wherein the data conversion table is a lookup table. 5. The image processing system according to claim 2, wherein the inverse conversion method holding unit holds a data inverse conversion table. 6. The image processing system according to claim 5, wherein the data reverse conversion table is a lookup table. 7. The image processing system according to claim 2, wherein the conversion method selection means selects a different conversion method for each predetermined area of the image data. 8. The predetermined area is an area for one scan in the main scanning direction of the image input device.
The image processing system described. 9. The first key transmitting means and the first key receiving means use a return line paired with a communication data line used by the image transmitting means and the image receiving means. The image processing system according to claim 2, which is characterized in that. 10. The first switching means and the second switching means are normally switched to a predetermined reference level signal and to the first key signal when the data conversion table is selected. The image processing system described. 11. The image processing system according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined reference level signal is a ground level. 12. The image according to claim 2, wherein the key generation unit generates the first key signal based on the stored address of the data conversion method selected by the selection method selection unit. Processing system. 13. The image processing system according to claim 2, wherein the key generation means uses an address in which the data conversion method selected by the selection method selection means is stored as a key signal. 14. The key generation means simultaneously generates the first key signal and the second key signal, and the conversion method transmission means includes second key transmission means for transmitting the second key signal. The conversion method receiving means further includes second key receiving means for receiving the second key signal, and the inverse conversion method selecting means includes the first key signal and the second key signal. 3. The image processing system according to claim 2, wherein one of the plurality of data inversion methods is selected based on both of the above. 15. The image processing system according to claim 14, wherein the key generation unit generates the second key signal by dividing the first key signal. 16. The image processing system according to claim 14, wherein the inverse conversion method selection means selects one of a plurality of data inverse conversion methods based on only the first key signal. 17. The communication data line used by the image transmitting means and the image receiving means is used for the second key transmitting means and the second key receiving means. Image processing system.