CN100574361C

CN100574361C - Image processing equipment, image forming apparatus and image processing method

Info

Publication number: CN100574361C
Application number: CNB2007100958307A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 原田浩介; 冈野时行; 樋口诚; 高田聪一
Original assignee: Sharp Corp
Current assignee: Sharp Corp
Priority date: 2006-04-05
Filing date: 2007-04-05
Publication date: 2009-12-23
Anticipated expiration: 2027-04-05
Also published as: JP4450810B2; JP2007281823A; CN101052092A

Abstract

The memory block of stores compressed data is divided into the zoning that a plurality of data lengths are Ls.Each zoning is divided into two zones, that is, data length is that first area and the data length of Ld is the second area of La.A plurality of first areas begin to gather together to low order address from the high address, thus the memory block of the view data that is configured for compressing.A plurality of second areas gather together from the high address to the low order address, thereby are configured for the memory block of compressed attribute data.Begin from the high address of the memory block of the view data that is used to compress to write the view data of compression in order to low order address.Begin to write compressed attribute data in order from the high address of the memory block that is used for compressed attribute data to low order address.

Description

Image processing equipment, image forming apparatus and image processing method

Technical field

The present invention relates to image processing equipment and image processing method, and image forming apparatus with image processing equipment, wherein image processing equipment and image processing method are used for storing image data and attribute data, and this attribute data is to obtain by the feature of extracting view data.

Background technology

In recent years, increase along with information content or speed, with the internet is representative, the digital multi product that is installed in the office has multiple function, except the processing of fax, printing and duplicating etc., also have such as archive and handle, i.e. the file of Sheng Chenging, drawing etc. are merged in the database and filing.Like this, the shared digital multi product of a plurality of users begins to handle at high speed the great amount of images data.

By convention, the digital multi product has: as the quick read semiconductor memory of main storage device (video memory) with as the relatively low hard drive of the reading speed of secondary storage device (HDD).Be compressed by the view data that reads the original copy acquisition, and the view data of compression is stored on the HDD and is cached in the main storage device simultaneously, therefore a large amount of view data is handled as far as possible apace, and has reduced the memory capacity of whole memory device.Alternately, will be by reading the Image Data Compression that original copy obtains, and with the image data storage of compression to HDD.Then, from HDD, read the view data of compression when needed, be used for that view data that data that image forms are based on the compression of being read generates, and the data that are used for image formation that generate form (print processing) through image, and be cached in the main storage device simultaneously, thus, handle a large amount of view data and reduced the memory capacity of whole memory device as far as possible apace.

As the example that reduces memory capacity, Japan Patent discloses 11-239321 number and has proposed a kind of digital camera, in this digital camera, camera data being carried out the compression of jpeg format handles, and above the view data of compression is overwritten at, so that the camera data zone that the cancellation uncompressed is handled, thereby reduced memory capacity.

In the digital multi product; in order to implement reproduction to the high image quality of various files; except that view data, the feature of the view data concentration information or the concentration gradient of the observed pixel peripheral region that obtains by local mask (for example) also is extracted out.Then, based on the result who extracts, be created on the attribute data (for example, literal or photo) that will use when determining the original copy type and carrying out necessary processing.View data is different with attribute data, and their compression method is also different.

Like this, when view data and attribute data are compressed and are cached in the main storage device (video memory), need be respectively view data and provide different memory blocks with attribute data.For example, Figure 1A and 1B all are schematic diagrames of the exemplary memory mapped of expression traditional images memory.Figure 1A shows memory block d1 and memory block a1, the memory block d1 view data that is used to compress wherein, memory block a1 is used for compressed attribute data, and these two memory blocks are used for (for example being stored in secondary storage device in the view data and the compressed attribute data of compression, HDD) view data and the compressed attribute data of the compression of last buffer memory (storage) before, the view data of compression and compressed attribute data are to by reading the original copy (A4 of single page, colored) and the view data that obtains is compressed and is obtained, for example, attribute data is based on the view data generation.The memory block d1 of the view data that is used to compress and the memory block a1 that is used for compressed attribute data are provided with continuously.

When having the multipage original copy, the memory block of the view data that is used to compress and be used for compressed attribute data memory block d2, a2, d3, a3 ... (all not shown) also is provided with continuously, be used for storing respectively with from second page of original copy, the 3rd page of original copy ... the view data and the compressed attribute data of the middle corresponding compression of image data unit that obtains.The memory block d1 of the view data that is used to compress and the memory size that is used for the memory block a1 of compressed attribute data are recently to be provided with by pre-determining the compression separately of view data and attribute data.Figure 1B shows the occupancy of the video memory when being written in the view data of compression and compressed attribute data.

When view data and the compressed attribute data compressed are extracted, and generate the data that are used for image formation based on the view data of this decompress(ion) and the attribute data of decompress(ion), when this metadata cache is in the main storage device (video memory), need be respectively the view data of decompress(ion) and the attribute data of decompress(ion) different memory blocks is set then.

For example, Fig. 2 is the schematic diagram of another example memory mapping of the traditional video memory (main storage device) of expression.For example, be compressed by reading view data and the attribute data thereof that single page original copy (A4, colour) obtains, and the view data of compression and compressed attribute data be stored in secondary storage device (for example, HDD) in.When based on being stored in view data among the HDD when forming image, the view data and the attribute data that are stored among the HDD are stored (buffer memory) in video memory.In this case, as shown in Figure 2, the memory block of the attribute data of the memory block of view data of store compressed and store compressed is set continuously.

The view data and the compressed attribute data that are stored in the compression in the video memory are read out, the view data and the compressed attribute data of the compression that reads out are extracted, and generate the data (YMCK data) that are used for image formation based on view data that obtains by decompress(ion) and attribute data.Be used for data that image forms and be written to different memory block, memory block with the view data and the compressed attribute data of store compressed, carried out thus being used for the buffer memory of the data that image forms.

Summary of the invention

Yet in Japan Patent disclosed 11-239321 number example, although can be by reducing memory span in the zone that packed data is covered the storage unpacked data, the data that compress only have one type; Like this, just need a kind of like this digital multi product, in this product, even when the different pieces of information unit of operation such as view data and attribute data, memory span also can be reduced.

In the conventional example shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B, the memory block d1 of the view data that is used to compress of Bao Liuing is configured to bigger size with the memory block a1 that is used for compressed attribute data in advance, even so that at compression ratio because the features of view data etc. are former thereby when changing, also can not conflict in the memory block and the data guaranteeing to compress can be buffered.When the view data of actual compression and attribute data, if the view data of compression and compressed attribute data are more much smaller with the memory block a1 that is used for compressed attribute data than the memory block d1 of the view data that is used to compress, then can generate relatively large separation memory block f1 of size and f2 (seeing Figure 1B).As seen, jumbo video memory needs the service efficiency of preparation in advance and this video memory low, like this, just needs to reduce the capacity and the raising service efficiency of video memory.

In the conventional example shown in Fig. 2, the memory block that is used for packed data need be separately positioned on video memory with the memory block that is used for decompressed data.Like this, the capacity of video memory can not reduce, and needs jumbo memory; Therefore, just exist the problem that equipment cost increases.

The present invention makes in light of this situation, and the image forming apparatus that the purpose of this invention is to provide a kind of image processing equipment and image processing method and have image processing equipment, in this image processing equipment and method, the memory block is divided into a plurality of continuous zonings with tentation data length, each zoning is divided into two zones, promptly, first area and second area with first data length with second data length, the view data of compression is stored in the first area, and compressed attribute data is stored in the second area, thus, the capacity that can reduce video memory also can improve service efficiency.

The image forming apparatus that another object of the present invention provides a kind of image processing equipment and image processing method and has image processing equipment, in this image processing equipment and method, when view data is read, the view data of compression and compressed attribute data are stored in the zoning in the memory block that is arranged on storing image data, thus, video memory is used to view data and packed data in shared mode, and the capacity of video memory can further be reduced and can improve service efficiency.

The image forming apparatus that another purpose of the present invention provides a kind of image processing equipment and image processing method and has image processing equipment, in this image processing equipment and method, the memory block is divided into a plurality of continuous zonings with tentation data length, each zoning is divided into two zones, promptly, first area and second area with first data length with second data length, the view data of handling is stored in the first area, and attribute data is stored in the second area, even when needs are operated different data cells, also can reduce the capacity of video memory and can improve service efficiency thus.

The image forming apparatus that another purpose of the present invention provides a kind of image processing equipment and image processing method and has image processing equipment, in this image processing equipment and method, the memory block is divided into a plurality of continuous zonings with tentation data length, each zoning is divided into two zones, promptly, first area and second area with first data length with second data length, the image data storage of compression is in the first area, compressed attribute data is stored in the second area, the view data of the compression of being stored and compressed attribute data are read in order from high address side or low order address side, be used for data that image forms and be based on that view data and attribute data generate, and this view data and attribute data are to obtain by the view data of the compression of reading and compressed attribute data are carried out decompress(ion), with the view data of the corresponding compression of data that is used for image formation that generates and a plurality of continuous zoning that compressed attribute data is stored, be set at the low order address side or the high address side of the memory block of the data that storing is used to communicate by letter forms, and the data that are used for image formation that generate are to store in order from the high address side of memory block or from the low order address side, thus, video memory is to be used to decompressed data and packed data in shared mode, this can reduce the capacity of video memory, and can improve service efficiency.

The image forming apparatus that another purpose of the present invention provides a kind of image processing equipment and image processing method and has image processing equipment, in this image processing equipment and method, first data length or second data length are changed, thus, do not consider the view data compressed and the size of compressed attribute data, the separate picture memory is minimized, and this can improve service efficiency.

The image forming apparatus that another purpose of the present invention provides a kind of image processing equipment and image processing method and has image processing equipment, in this image processing equipment and method, compression ratio based on view data and/or attribute data changes first data length or second data length, thus, even when changing compression ratio according to various images, the separate picture memory is minimized, and this can improve service efficiency.

The image forming apparatus that another purpose of the present invention provides a kind of image processing equipment and image processing method and has image processing equipment, in this image processing equipment and method, according on the basis of each view data and/or the compression ratio that calculates on the basis at each attribute data, calculate view data and/or attribute data compression ratio statistical value (for example, average compression ratio), and change first data length or second data length according to the statistical value that calculates, thus, the service efficiency of video memory can improve according to user's service condition.

The present invention aims to provide a kind of image processing equipment, and in this image processing equipment, view data and the attribute data that obtains by the feature of extracting view data are compressed, and the view data and the compressed attribute data of compression are stored.Image processing equipment comprises: the device that is used for the memory block is divided into a plurality of zonings with tentation data length continuously, with the device that is used for each zoning is divided into two zones, wherein the first area has first data length, second area has second data length, wherein, the image data storage of compression is in the first area, and compressed attribute data is stored in the second area.

Memory block (for example, the memory block of video memory) is divided into a plurality of continuous zoning with tentation data length from the high address to low order address.Each zoning is divided into two zones,, has the first area and the second area with second data length of first data length that is.When beginning from the high memory address to the low memory address to the view data of compression and compressed attribute data when storing, the view data of compression is stored in the first area of zoning according to priority, and compressed attribute data is stored in the second area of zoning according to priority.The view data of compression and in the compressed attribute data each all are that the zoning from the high address side begins to store in order.The view data and the compressed attribute data of compression take the memory block according to the order from the high address side to the low order address side.

Thus, in the situation as conventional situation, be preserved for the memory block of the view data compressed from the high address side of memory block to the low order address side in order continuously and be used for the memory block of compressed attribute data, and according to begin to come the view data and the compressed attribute data of store compressed from the high memory address to the order of low memory address, when the view data of compression and the size of compressed attribute data during less than desired value, each that then is suppressed at the memory block of the view data that is used for compressing and the memory block that is used for compressed attribute data generates the relatively large untapped memory block of separating, and makes untapped separation memory block little than under the conventional situation.

As mentioned above, by the memory block being divided into a plurality of continuous zonings with tentation data length, each zoning is divided into two zones, promptly, first area and second area with first data length with second data length, the image data storage of compression in the first area, is stored in compressed attribute data in the second area, can reduces the capacity of video memory and can improve the service efficiency of video memory.In addition,, can reduce cost by reducing the size of the video memory that will install, and can further downscaled images treatment facility.In addition, when the secondary storage device used such as HDD, can in video memory (main storage device), keep enough buffering areas.Therefore, compared with cushioning between secondary storage device and video memory, owing to be not subjected to the restriction of the message transmission rate of secondary storage device, secondary storage device can be used in shared mode by other function at an easy rate.

Can comprise according to image processing equipment of the present invention: the device that is used for storing image data; Be used for being provided with continuously the setting device of a plurality of zonings in the memory block of storing image data; Reading device with the view data that is used to read storage, wherein, when view data was read device and reads, the view data and the compressed attribute data of the compression that obtains based on view data can be stored in the zoning, and wherein the zoning is arranged in the memory block of storing image data.

When reads image data, in the view data of the compression that obtains based on view data and the first area and second area that compressed attribute data is stored in the zoning, wherein the zoning is arranged in the memory block of storing image data.Therefore, when beginning from the high address when the view data that is stored in the memory block is read on low order address ground in order, view data and compressed attribute data with the corresponding compression of view data of reading, cover the memory block that data had been read out and had been configured to not use state, thus, the memory block is used to view data and the view data and the compressed attribute data that are used to compress in shared mode.

As mentioned above, when reads image data, be stored in the zoning by view data and compressed attribute data compression, wherein the zoning is arranged in the memory block of storing image data, data after video memory is used to view data and compresses in shared mode, this just feasible capacity and raising service efficiency that can further reduce video memory.

The present invention aims to provide a kind of image processing equipment, and wherein, storage is by carrying out the image data processing that predetermined process obtains to view data and attribute data, and this attribute data is to obtain by the feature of extracting view data.Image processing equipment comprises: the device that is used for the memory block is divided into a plurality of zonings with tentation data length continuously; With the device that is used for each zoning is divided into two zones, that is, have the first area and second area of first data length with second data length, wherein, image data processing is stored in the first area, and attribute data is stored in the second area.

The memory block is divided into a plurality of continuous zonings from the high address to the low order address, these zonings have predetermined data length.Each zoning is divided into two zones,, has the first area and the second area with second data length of first data length that is.When beginning from the high memory address to come image data processing and attribute data stored to the low memory address, image data processing is stored in the first area of zoning in order, and attribute data is stored in the second area of zoning in order.Thus, begin in order stores processor view data and attribute data respectively from the zoning of high address side, and image data processing and attribute data ground takies the memory block in order from the high address side to the low order address side.Thus, make untapped separation memory block little than under the conventional situation.

As mentioned above, by the memory block being divided into a plurality of continuous zonings with tentation data length, each zoning is divided into two zones, promptly, first area and second area with first data length with second data length, image data processing is stored in the first area, and attribute data is stored in the second area, when handling different data cells, even need keep the buffer zone, also can reduce the capacity of video memory and can improve service efficiency for different separately data cells.

The present invention aims to provide a kind of image processing equipment, and wherein, view data and the attribute data that obtains by the feature of extracting view data are stored.Image processing equipment comprises, is used for the memory block is divided into the device of a plurality of zonings with tentation data length continuously; Be used for each zoning is divided into two zones, have the first area of first data length and have the second area of second data length, device; The view data that is used to compress and the compression set of attribute data; Be used for will compression image data storage be stored in device in the second area in the first area and with compressed attribute data; Be used for from the high address side or begin to read in order the view data of compression of storage and the reading device of compressed attribute data from the low order address side; Be used for the view data of the compression of reading and the decompression device that compressed attribute data is carried out decompress(ion); Be used for generating the generating apparatus that is used for the data that image forms according to the view data behind the decompress(ion) and attribute data; Be used for the setting device that the low order address side of memory block of the data that image forms or high address side are provided with a plurality of continuous zonings with being used in storage, the view data and the compressed attribute data of the corresponding compression of data that is used for image formation that storage and generating apparatus are generated in this continuous zoning, wherein, generating apparatus generated is used for data that image forms and begins or begin to store in order from the low order address side of memory block from the high address side of memory block.

Memory block (for example, the memory block of video memory) is divided into a plurality of continuous zonings with tentation data length from the high address to the low order address.Each zoning is divided into two zones,, has the first area and the second area with second data length of first data length that is.The view data and the compressed attribute data of compression are begun to store in order by the zoning from the high address side respectively.The view data and the compressed attribute data of compression take the memory block from the high address side in order to the low order address side.When the view data of compression of storage and compressed attribute data are read, from high address side or the view data and the compressed attribute data that begin to read in order compression from the low order address side.The view data and the compressed attribute data of the compression of reading are extracted, and generate the data that are used for image formation based on the view data and the attribute data of decompress(ion).A plurality of continuous zonings are arranged on the low order address side or the high address side of the memory block of storing the data that are used for image formation, and be used for data that image forms and be beginning or beginning to store in order storage and the view data and the compressed attribute data that are used for the corresponding compression of data that image forms that generate in wherein a plurality of continuous zonings from the low order address side of memory block from the high address side of memory block.Thus, the memory block (a plurality of continuous zoning) that is used for packed data is arranged in the low order address side or the high address side of the memory block of storing the data that are used for image formation, begin or begin to read in order the view data and the compressed attribute data of compression from the low order address side from the high address side, be used for the data that image forms with generation, and begin or begin to store in order the data that image forms that are used for of this generation from the high address side of memory block from the low order address side, the view data of Cun Chu compression and compressed attribute data just can be avoided being used to the data that image forms and cover thus, and the memory block is used to data that image forms in shared mode and is used that also compressed view data and compressed attribute data are used.

As mentioned above, by the memory block being divided into a plurality of continuous zonings with tentation data length, each zoning is divided into two zones, promptly, first area and second area with first data length with second data length, with the compression image data storage in the first area, compressed attribute data is stored in the second area, begin or begin to read in order the view data and the compressed attribute data of the compression of storage from the low order address side from the high address side, generate the data that are used for image formation based on view data and attribute data, wherein view data and attribute data are to obtain by the view data of the compression of reading and compressed attribute data are carried out decompress(ion), be used in storage on the low order address side of memory block of the data that image forms or the high address side a plurality of continuous zonings being set, the view data and the compressed attribute data of the corresponding compression of data that is used for image formation of storage and generation in these zonings, and the data that image forms that are used for that begin or begin to store in order generation from the high address side of memory block from the low order address side, the decompressed data and the packed data that are used for image formation that are extracted use video memory in shared mode, this can reduce the capacity of video memory, and can improve service efficiency.In addition, by reducing the size of the video memory that will install, cost also can reduce, just further downscaled images treatment facility.In addition, when the secondary storage device used such as HDD, can in video memory (main storage device), reserve enough buffering areas.Therefore, compared with situation about cushioning between secondary storage device and video memory, owing to needn't be subject to the message transmission rate of secondary storage device, secondary storage device can easily be used in shared mode by other function.

Can comprise the modifier that is used to change first data length and second data length according to image processing equipment of the present invention.

Modifier changes first data length or second data length.For example, when by increasing by first data length (or by reducing second data length), increase the size (perhaps reducing the size of compressed attribute data) that the view data compressed in the single zoning takies, and when beginning to the view data of low order address ground store compressed and compressed attribute data from the high address of memory block, the view data of compression can increase the degree that takies of memory block.When passing through to reduce first data length (or by increasing by second data length), increase the size that compressed attribute data takies in the single zoning (or size of the view data of minimizing compression), and when beginning to the view data of low order address ground store compressed and compressed attribute data from the high address of memory block, compressed attribute data can increase the degree that takies of memory block.

As mentioned above, by changing first data length or second data length,, the separate picture memory is minimized and can improve service efficiency regardless of the size of view data of compressing and compressed attribute data.

Can comprise the calculation element of the compression ratio that is used for the computed image data according to image processing equipment of the present invention, wherein, modifier can recently change first data length and second data length according to the compression that calculation element calculates.

The compression ratio of the view data ratio of the size of raw image data (size of the view data of compression with) is calculated, and recently changes first data length or second data length according to the compression that calculates.For example, under the situation of the compression ratio in view data very high (compression degree is very low), when increasing by first data length (or reducing by second data length) and beginning from the high address of memory block to low order address in order when the view data of store compressed and compressed attribute data, the view data of compression can increase the degree that takies of memory block.Under the situation of the compression ratio in view data very low (compression degree is very high), when reduce first data length (or increasing by second data length) and from the high address of memory block to low order address in order when the view data of store compressed and compressed attribute data, the view data of compression can reduce the degree that takies of memory block.

Can comprise calculation element according to image processing equipment of the present invention, it is used for according to the compression that calculates based on each view data statistical value of the compression ratio of computed image data recently, wherein, modifier can change first data length or second data length according to the statistical value that calculation element calculates.

According to the compression ratio that on the basis of each view data, calculates, calculate the statistical value (for example, average compression ratio or maximum compression ratio) of the compression ratio of view data, and change first data length or second data length according to the statistical value that calculates.For example, when the view data that is used for multipage is handled by first operation, calculate the compression ratio of the view data of each page, and calculate the average compression ratio of first operation.When handling second operation, the average compression ratio according to obtaining in first operation place changes first data length or second data length.In follow-up processing, same, according to the average compression ratio that on the basis of every operation, calculates, change first data length or second data length of the next item down operation.Thus, can grasp the compression degree with the view data of use, and this compression degree is applied to the next item down operation for every operation user.

Can comprise the calculation element of the compression ratio that is used for the computation attribute data according to image processing equipment of the present invention, wherein, modifier can recently change first data length or second data length according to the compression that is calculated by calculation element.

The compression ratio of the attribute data ratio of the size of primitive attribute data (size of compressed attribute data with) is calculated, and recently changes first data length or second data length according to the compression that calculates.For example, under the situation of the compression ratio at attribute data very high (compression degree is very low), when increasing by second data length (or reducing by first data length) and begin to the view data of the low order address store compressed of memory block and compressed attribute data from the high address of memory block, compressed attribute data can improve the degree that takies of memory block.Under the situation of the compression ratio at attribute data very low (compression degree is very high), when reducing second data length (or increasing by first data length) and begin to the view data of the low order address store compressed of memory block and compressed attribute data from the high address of memory block, compressed attribute data can reduce the degree that takies of memory block.

Can comprise calculation element according to image processing equipment of the present invention, it is used for according to the compression ratio that calculates on the basis of each attribute data, come the statistical value of the compression ratio of computation attribute data, wherein, modifier can change first data length or second data length according to the statistical value that calculation element calculates.

According to the compression ratio that on the basis of each attribute data, calculates, calculate attribute data compression ratio statistical value (for example, average compression ratio or maximum compression ratio), and, change first data length or second data length according to the statistical value that this calculates.For example, when the attribute data of multipage is handled by first operation, calculate every page attribute data compression ratio and calculate the average compression ratio of first operation.When handling second operation, the average compression ratio according to obtaining in first operation place changes first data length or second data length.In subsequent treatment, same, based on the average compression ratio that on the basis of every work, calculates, change first data length or second data length of the next item down operation.Thus, can grasp with for the compression degree of every operation user with the corresponding attribute data of view data that uses, and this compression degree is applied in the next item down operation.

As mentioned above, recently change first data length or second data length by compression according to view data and/or attribute data, even when changing compression ratio according to various images, regardless of compression ratio, the separate picture memory can both be minimized and its service efficiency can be enhanced.

By according on the basis of each view data and/or the compression that calculates on the basis at each attribute data recently the compression ratio of computed image data and/or attribute data statistical value (for example, average compression ratio), change first data length or second data length with the statistical value that calculates by basis, for example, determine the view data that to use for every operation user, and can improve the service efficiency of video memory.

Image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises any in above-mentioned image processing equipment and the image processing system, and wherein image processing system is used for according to by image processing equipment the view data of its carries out image processing being formed image.

Description of drawings

Figure 1A and 1B are the schematic diagrames of the example memory mapping of expression traditional images memory (main storage device);

Fig. 2 is the schematic diagram of another example memory mapping of expression traditional images memory (main storage device);

Fig. 3 is the block diagram of expression according to the internal configurations of digital multi product of the present invention;

Fig. 4 A and 4B are the schematic diagrames of example memory mapping (first embodiment) of the video memory of the expression view data that is used to compress and compressed attribute data;

Fig. 5 is the sequential chart of the step of presentation video data storage processing;

Fig. 6 is the table of relation between the size of data after presentation video data compression ratio and the compression;

Fig. 7 is the table of relation between the size of data after representation attribute data compression ratio and the compression;

Fig. 8 be the memory block of the expression view data that is used to compress and the memory block that is used for compressed attribute data these two continuous data length and the table of the relation between the compression ratio;

Fig. 9 be the memory block of the expression view data that is used to compress and the memory block that is used for compressed attribute data these two continuous data length and the table of the relation between the compression ratio;

Figure 10 A and 10B are illustrated under the situation that the difference between the number of zoning is reduced the schematic diagram of the exemplary memory mapped of video memory;

Figure 11 be illustrated in will compression view data and compressed attribute data write the schematic diagram that the example memory under the situation in the memory block of (coverings) storing image data is shone upon;

Figure 12 is the schematic diagram of another example memory mapping (second embodiment) of the video memory of the expression view data that is used to compress and compressed attribute data;

Figure 13 is illustrated in the schematic diagram that the YMCK data is write the example memory mapping under the situation in the memory block of the view data of (covering) store compressed and compressed attribute data;

Figure 14 is the sequential chart of the step of expression YMCK data storage processing; With

Figure 15 is illustrated in the schematic diagram that the example memory mapping under the situation in the memory block of the view data of (covering) store compressed and compressed attribute data is cut apart and be written into to the YMCK data.

Embodiment

Below will specifically describe the present invention based on the accompanying drawing that embodiments of the invention are shown.(first embodiment)

Below will describe according to digital multi product of the present invention, as example images forming device with image processing equipment.Fig. 3 is the block diagram of expression according to the internal configurations of digital multi product 100 of the present invention.As shown in Figure 3, digital multi product 100 comprises image processing equipment 10, image fetching unit 30, print process unit 40 etc.Image processing equipment 10 comprises image input unit 11, video memory control unit 12, graphics processing unit 13, Image Data Compression unit 14, attribute data compression unit 15, video memory 16, memory cell 17, control unit 18, ROM 19, RAM 20, view data decompress(ion) unit 21, attribute data decompress(ion) unit 22, print image generation unit 23, etc.

Image fetching unit 30 is, for example, and Automatic Document Feeder (ADF).Image fetching unit 30 detects the original copy that is placed on the pallet by original copy transducer (not shown), and transmits detected original copy, simultaneously with irradiate light to the original copy that transmits.Then, the light that image fetching unit 30 reflects original copy by the CDD (not shown) carries out opto-electronic conversion and generates analog signal, and by the A/D converter (not shown) analog signal conversion that obtains is become digital signal.Image fetching unit 30 will output to image processing equipment 10 by the digital signal (RGB data) that is converted to.

Image input unit 11 has interface function, is used for the RGB data (view data) from image fetching unit 30 inputs are outputed to video memory control unit 12.

Video memory control unit 12 comprises address appointment register, signal generation unit etc., wherein the address specifies register and signal generation unit all not to be illustrated, and address appointment register specifies in view data, the compressed attribute data that is used for storage (buffer memory) view data, compression in the video memory 16 or is used for the address of the data (YMCK data) of image formation; The signal generation unit is provided for instruction that data are read or write.Video memory controller 12 will be from the view data of image input unit 11 input (for example, view data on the single page original copy) is divided into a plurality of data blocks, on the basis of each data block, generate the write signal be used for view data is written to video memory 16, and with image data storage in video memory 16.When having the view data of multipage, view data is stored in the video memory 16 in order.

In addition, the view data that video memory control unit 12 will be stored in the single page original copy in the video memory 16 is divided into a plurality of data blocks, and generates the signal that reads that is used for from video memory 16 reads image data on the basis of each data block.Then, video memory control unit 12 is read view data from video memory 16, and the view data of reading is outputed to graphics processing unit 13.When having the view data of multipage, reads image data from video memory 16 in order, and the view data of reading outputed to graphics processing unit 13.

The view data executive editor of 13 pairs of inputs of graphics processing unit handles, such as, treatment for correcting, the processing that the color balance of view data is regulated, concentration conversion process, scaling factor converting are handled and the concentration counter-rotating, wherein, treatment for correcting is the processing of removing the various distortion of generation in illuminator at image fetching unit 30, image formation system, the imaging system etc.View data after graphics processing unit 13 will be handled outputs to Image Data Compression unit 14.

In addition, graphics processing unit 13 generates attribute data according to the view data of input, and this attribute data is used for determining that each pixel of original image belongs to character area, photo zone or is different from other zone in these two zones, and separates these zones.More specifically, graphics processing unit 13 is according to the view data of input, comprise by setting pixel observed in the image M * N pixel mask (for example, 3 * 3 pixels) and extract concentration information or the such feature of concentration gradient, generate attribute data based on each pixel (or based on each block of pixels) such as observed pixel and its neighborhood pixels.Then, graphics processing unit 13 is exported to attribute data compression unit 15 with the attribute data that generates.

Image Data Compression unit 14 has, and for example, carries out the function of data compression by the JPEG method.Image Data Compression unit 14 is by carrying out data compression to carrying out lossy compression method from the view data of graphics processing unit 13 inputs.Image Data Compression unit 14 pre-determines the data block of size of data based on each, and the view data after will compressing is in order exported to video memory control unit 12.Be noted that compression method is not limited to the JPEG method, any other method can be used.

Attribute data compression unit 15 has, for example, and the function of carrying out data compression by LHA method or similar approach.Attribute data compression unit 15 is carried out data compression by the attribute data from graphics processing unit 13 inputs is carried out lossless compress.Attribute data compression unit 15 pre-determines the data block of size of data based on each, and the attribute data after will compressing is in order exported to video memory control unit 12.It should be noted that this compression method is not limited to LHA method or similar approach, other any method can be used.

Video memory control unit 12 will be respectively be divided into a plurality of data blocks from the view data and the compressed attribute data of the compression of Image

Data Compression unit

14 and 15 inputs of attribute data compression unit.Then, video memory control unit 12 is based on each data block, generation be used for will compression view data and the compressed attribute data write signal that is written to video memory 16, and the view data and the compressed attribute data of compression stored in the video memory 16.Thus, video memory control unit 12 (for example stores memory cell 17 in view data and the compressed attribute data with compression, the secondary storage device of forming by HDD) before in, the view data and the compressed attribute data of compression is cached in the video memory 16.

Video memory control unit 12 comprises compression ratio calculator 12a, and the image size after image size before it is handled according to compression and compression are handled is come each the compression ratio in computed image data and the attribute data.In addition, video memory control unit 12 comprises statistical value calculator 12b, and it is stored as each compression ratio that calculates in view data and the attribute data, and calculates the statistical value (average compression ratio, maximum compression ratio etc.) of compression ratio according to a plurality of compression ratios.In addition, video memory control unit 12 comprises modifier 12c, it changes the numerical value that will be arranged in the address appointment register according to compression ratio that calculates or statistical value, and change the view data be used to compress memory block D1 continuous data length L d and be used for the continuous data length L a of the memory block A1 of compressed attribute data, below will describe (seeing Fig. 4 A and Figure 12) in detail.

Fig. 4 A and 4B are the schematic diagrames of example memory mapping of the video memory 16 of the expression view data that is used to compress and compressed attribute data.Shown in Fig. 4 A, on every page basis, begin from the high address to be provided with continuously and be used for the memory block of stores compressed data to low order address.The used memory block of single page is divided into the zoning that a plurality of data lengths are Ls.Each zoning is divided into two zones, that is, data length is the first area of Ld and the second area (Ls=Ld+La) that data length is La.A plurality of first areas begin to gather to low order address from the high address, have formed the memory block D1 of the view data that is used to compress thus.A plurality of second areas begin to gather to low order address from the high address, have formed the memory block A1 that is used for compressed attribute data thus.Second page configuration is identical with first page configuration.Be noted that this configuration can make high address among the figure in the low order address side, and low order address is in the high address side.

Shown in Fig. 4 B, when video memory control unit 12 with the view data of compression and compressed attribute data when being written in the video memory 16, the view data that video memory controller 12 begins to write in order to low order address compression from the high address of the memory block D1 of the view data that is used to compress, and begin to write compressed attribute data in order to low order address from the high address of the memory block A1 that is used for compressed attribute data.Thus, the view data of compression and compressed attribute data are respectively that the high address side from video memory 16 begins to store in order, and the compressed view data in memory block and compressed attribute data ground takies in order from the high address side to the low order address side.Like this, just can suppress to generate relatively large untapped separation memory block, and untapped separation memory block (memory block F1) is minimized.

Video memory control unit 12 generates and is used for reading the read signal of storage (buffer memory) in the view data of the compression of video memory 16 and compressed attribute data.Then, video memory control unit 12 reads the view data and the compressed attribute data of compression from video memory 16, so that the view data and the compressed attribute data of compression all are divided into a plurality of data blocks, and the view data of the compression that will read and compressed attribute data are stored in the memory cell 17.

When on record-paper, forming (printing) image according to view data that is stored in the compression in the memory cell 17 and compressed attribute data, video memory control unit 12 is read the view data and the compressed attribute data of compression from memory cell 17, and the view data of the compression that will read and compressed attribute data output to view data decompress(ion) unit 21 and attribute data decompress(ion) unit 22 respectively.

The 21 pairs of view data from the compression of video memory control unit 12 inputs in view data decompress(ion) unit are carried out decompression processing, and the view data after will handling is exported to print image generation unit 23.The 22 pairs of compressed attribute data from 12 inputs of video memory control unit in attribute data decompress(ion) unit are carried out decompression processing, and the attribute data after will handling is exported to print image generation unit 23.

Control unit 18 is made of for example microcomputer, and all processing of control image processing equipment 10.Particularly, control unit 18 will be stored among the ROM 19 and provide the control program of the controlled step of control unit 18 to be loaded among the RAM 20, thereby and control the operation of image processing equipment 10 according to the controlled step that control program provided.For example, carry out job management by control unit 18, control unit 18 can command diagram calculates the average compression ratio of the compression ratio of a plurality of image data unit of being handled by the individual event operation as memory control unit 12, and order is provided with the data length Ld of the memory block D1 of the view data that is used to compress and the data length La that is used for the memory block A1 of compressed attribute data, the average compression that calculates when use is recently compressed the next item down operation view data to be processed and when the image data storage of compression is in video memory 16, is used this two data length.

Print image generation unit 23 according to the input view data and with the corresponding attribute data of view data, the RGB data transaction is become the YMCK data.Then, the view data (YMCK data) after print image generation unit 23 will be changed by video memory control unit 12 is exported to print process unit 40.More specifically, print image generation unit 23 becomes the CMYK color space according to attribute data with the RGB data transaction, and carry out according to the characteristic of print process unit 40, for example, color correction process, tint correction are handled or binary conversion treatment or predetermined tone images generate and handle.

Print process unit 40 forms image, and discharges the paper that is formed with image on it according to the view data from image processing equipment 10 inputs on paper.Print process unit 40 comprises, for example, photosensitive drums, charged device, laser write device, developing apparatus and transfer apparatus (all not shown among the figure), wherein, charged device is used to make photosensitive drum charging to arrive predetermined electromotive force, the laser write device forms electrostatic latent image on the surface of photosensitive drums, developing apparatus is used for the electrostatic latent image supplying toner on the photosensitive drum surface so that can electrostatic latent image is visual, and transfer apparatus is transferred to the toner image on the photosensitive drum surface on the paper.Be noted that print process unit 40 is not limited to electrophotographic method, other method arbitrarily, such as, ink-jet method or thermal transfer can use.

Now, will the operation of image processing equipment 10 be described.Fig. 5 is the sequential chart of the step of presentation video data storage processing.The RGB data (view data) that image input unit 11 will read from single page original copy are for example exported to video memory control unit 12.Video memory control unit 12 uses the RGB data of input as triggering, and t1 generates write signal since the time, and carries out based on each predetermined data block the RGB data are write processing in the video memory 16.

Video memory control unit 12 generates the signal that reads be used for reading the RGB data that are stored in video memory 16 at time t2, wherein time t2 is the time that begins to have passed through the time period (writing RGB data time necessary) of pre-fixed length from the time point that generates write signal, and write signal begins at time t1.Then, video memory control unit 12 is carried out the processing of reading the RGB data from video memory 16 based on each predetermined data block.

Video memory control unit 12 will output to graphics processing unit 13 from the RGB data that video memory 16 reads.At time t3, graphics processing unit 13 outputs to Image Data Compression unit 14 and attribute data compression unit 15 respectively with the RGB data with based on the attribute data that the RGB data generate.

Image Data Compression unit 14 and attribute data compression unit 15 will output to video memory control unit 12 by compressing view data and the compressed attribute data of handling the compression that obtains respectively based on each predetermined data block.Video memory control unit 12 generates write signal at time t4, and write signal is to be used for the view data and the compressed attribute data of compression are stored (buffer memory) signal to video memory 16.Then, video memory control unit 12 is based on each predetermined data block, and view data that execution will be compressed and compressed attribute data write the processing in the video memory 16.

At time t5, this moment from the time point that begins to generate write signal over and done with the time period of pre-fixed length (writing the view data and the compressed attribute data time necessary of compression), wherein generating write signal begins at time t4, video memory control unit 12 generates read signal, and read signal is the signal that is used for reading the view data and the compressed attribute data of the compression that is stored in video memory 16.Then, video memory control unit 12 is carried out the view data of compression and the processing in the compressed attribute data write storage unit 17 based on each predetermined data block.Thus, the view data of compression and compressed attribute data are retained in the memory cell 17.The view data that original copy from second page and continued page reads is also carried out same processing.

Fig. 6 is the compression ratio of presentation video data and the table of the relation between the size of data after the compression.In this case, the size of the raw image data before the compression is about 100MB.For example, when compression ratio was 10%, raw image data (about 100MB) was compressed into 9.96MB.

Fig. 7 is the compression ratio of representation attribute data and the table of the relation between the size of data after the compression.In this case, the size of the primitive attribute data before the compression is about 33MB.For example, when compression ratio was 10%, primitive attribute data (about 33MB) were compressed into 3.32MB.

Fig. 8 is the table of the relation between the compression ratio of the memory block D1 of expression continuous data length L d and La and the view data that is used to compress and the memory block A1 that is used for compressed attribute data.In Fig. 8, the size of the raw image data before the compression is about 100MB, and the size of the primitive attribute data before the compression is about 33MB.The continuous data length L d that is used for view data is Ls with the total length that is used for the continuous data length L a of attribute data, and in this case, Ls is 21048 bytes.This shows, when, for example, when reading the original copy that is about the A4 size and RGB and respectively be 8 bits (totally 24 bits) with 600dpi, the size of view data is: 7016 pixel * 4961 row, and 7016 pixel * 24 bits=every row of 21048 bytes, like this can 21048 byte be set to the data length of every row.

The continuous data length L d that is used for view data can be configured to, for example, and as following.Particularly, Ld=Ls * (Ds * RD)/(Ds * RD+As * RA).Here, Ls is the data length (data length of zoning) of every row, and Ds is the size of the view data before the compression, and RD is the compression ratio of view data, and As is the size of the attribute data before the compression, and RA is the compression ratio of attribute data.

As shown in Figure 8, the compression ratio of view data is 10%, and when the compression ratio of attribute data when 20% reduces, for example, the continuous data length L d of the memory block D1 of the view data that is used to compress increases, and the continuous data length L a that is used for the memory block A1 of compressed attribute data reduces.Thus, when the high address from the memory block began to the view data of low order address store compressed and compressed attribute data, the view data of compression increased the degree that takies of memory block, and compressed attribute data reduces the degree that takies of memory block.Thus, when the view data of compression and compressed attribute data when being stored in the video memory 16, difference between the number of the number of the zoning that is taken by view data and the zoning that taken by attribute data is reduced, and this just makes untapped split memory is minimized.

Fig. 9 is the table of the relation between the compression ratio of the memory block D1 of expression continuous data length L d and La and the view data that is used to compress and the memory block A1 that is used for compressed attribute data.In example shown in Figure 9, the compression ratio of attribute data is 20%, and when the compression ratio of view data when 20% reduces, for example, the continuous data length L d of the memory block D1 of the view data that is used to compress reduces, and is used for the continuous data length L a increase of the memory block A1 of compressed attribute data.Thus, when the high address from the memory block began to the view data of low order address store compressed and compressed attribute data, compressed attribute data increased the degree that takies of memory block, and the view data of compression reduces the degree that takies of memory block.Thus, when the view data of compression and compressed attribute data when being stored in the video memory 16, difference between the number of the number of the zoning that is taken by view data and the zoning that taken by attribute data is reduced, and this makes untapped split memory is minimized.

Figure 10 A and 10B are illustrated under the situation that the difference between the number of zoning is reduced the schematic diagram of the example memory mapping of video memory 16.Shown in Fig. 8 and 9, when the high address from the memory block begins to the view data of low order address store compressed and compressed attribute data, view data by regulating compression is to the degree that takies of memory block or regulate the take degree of compressed attribute data to the memory block, shown in Figure 10 A, the difference Δ L with the number of the zoning that is taken by compressed attribute data can be reduced by the number of the zoning that takies of view data of compression.

Shown in Figure 10 B, when the difference Δ L of zoning number very little (for example,

) time, the low order address side of storing each memory block of first page the view data of compression and compressed attribute data roughly is aligned, and like this, just can remain maximum connected storage.Thus, the start address of storing each memory block of second page the view data of compression and compressed attribute data (for example can be configured to the highest storage address, can start address be set at the amount place that equals Δ A to the high address side shifting), make to make full use of the memory block.

Figure 11 be illustrated in will compression view data and compressed attribute data write the schematic diagram that the example memory under the situation in the memory block of (coverings) storing image data is shone upon.As shown in figure 11, when video memory control unit 12 from video memory 16 during reads image data (raw image data), video memory control unit 12 connects delegation ground or multirow connects multirow ground reads image data from high address side delegation.Be compressed when the view data of reading with based on the attribute data that view data generates, and when the view data of compression and compressed attribute data are written in the video memory 16, video memory control unit 12 writes the view data and the compressed attribute data of compression in the memory block, wherein, this memory block is from wherein reading view data (raw image data) and wherein being provided with the memory block D1 of the view data that is used to compress and being used for the memory block of the memory block A1 of compressed attribute data.Thus, the memory block can be used to the view data and the compressed attribute data of view data (raw image data) and compression in shared mode, makes it possible to reduce the memory capacity of video memory 16.It should be noted that in Figure 11, space from start (start gap) suitably is set before raw image data is read, is capped with the raw image data of avoiding being stored in the video memory 16.

Although first embodiment has described storage (buffer memory) overcompression is handled in video memory 16 view data and attribute data, the present invention is not limited to this situation; Even when the compression processing was not carried out, the present invention also can use.Particularly, the present invention also can be applied in video memory 16 storage (buffer memory) different pieces of information unit, that is, attribute data and passed through the processing of image processing after view data, rather than view data and the compressed attribute data compressed.Thus, when operation different pieces of information unit,, still can reduce the capacity of video memory and can improve service efficiency even need keep buffering area for each different data cell.

(second embodiment)

Now, will describe second embodiment, wherein, except the view data and compressed attribute data of compression, the data (YMCK data) that image forms that are used for that generate based on view data and attribute data also are stored (buffer memory) at video memory 16.The configuration of describing among the configuration that it should be noted that the digital multi product 100 of realizing second embodiment and first embodiment is identical.

Figure 12 is the schematic diagram of example memory mapping of the video memory 16 of the expression view data that is used to compress and compressed attribute data.As shown in figure 12, on every page basis, begin from the high address memory block of stores compressed data to be set continuously to low order address.The memory block that is used for single page is divided into the zoning that a plurality of data lengths are Ls.Each zoning is divided into two zones, that is, data length is the first area of Ld and the second area (Ls=Ld+La) that data length is La.A plurality of first areas begin to be integrated into together to low order address from the high address, thus the memory block D1 of the view data that is configured for compressing.A plurality of second areas begin to be integrated into together to low order address from the high address, thereby are configured for the memory block A1 of compressed attribute data.Second page configuration is identical with first page configuration.

When video memory control unit 12 with the view data of compression and compressed attribute data when writing in the video memory 16, video memory control unit 12 begins from the high address of the memory block D1 of the view data that is used to compress to write the view data of compression in order to low order address, and begins to write compressed attribute data in order to low order address from the high address of the memory block A1 that is used for compressed attribute data.Thus, the view data of compression and compressed attribute data all begin to store in order from the high address side of video memory 16, and the compressed view data in memory block and compressed attribute data take to the low order address side in order from the high address side.Like this, just can avoid generating untapped separation memory block.

Video memory control unit 12 generates and is used for reading the read signal of storage (buffer memory) in the view data of the compression of video memory 16 and compressed attribute data.Then, video memory control unit 12 reads the view data and the compressed attribute data of compression from video memory 16, be divided into a plurality of data blocks respectively with view data and compressed attribute data that will compression, and the view data and the compressed attribute data of the compression that will read of video memory control unit 12 are stored in the memory cell 17.

When video memory control unit 12 forms (printing) image according to the view data that is stored in the compression in the memory cell 17 and compressed attribute data on record-paper, video memory control unit 12 reads the view data and the compressed attribute data of compression from memory cell 17, generation is used for the view data of the compression of will read and the write signal that compressed attribute data writes video memory 16, and with the view data of compression and compressed attribute data storage (buffer memory) in video memory 16.Still in this case, video memory control unit 12 begins from the high address of the memory block D1 of the view data that is used to compress to write the view data of compression in order to low order address, and begins to write compressed attribute data in order to low order address from the high address of the memory block A1 that is used for compressed attribute data.

Video memory control unit 12 generates the signal that reads that is used for reading from video memory 16 view data that is stored in the compression the video memory 16 and compressed attribute data, and reads the view data and the compressed attribute data of compression from video memory 16.Then, the view data and the compressed attribute data of the compression that will read of video memory control unit 12 output to view data decompress(ion) unit 21 and attribute data decompress(ion) unit 22 respectively.In the case, video memory control unit 12 begins to read the view data of compression in order to low order address from the high address of the memory block D1 of the view data that is used to compress, and reads compressed attribute data from the high address of the memory block A1 that is used for compressed attribute data in order to low order address.The reading and reading simultaneously of compressed attribute data carried out of view data to compression.

Print image generation unit 23 becomes the YMCK data according to the view data of 21 inputs from view data decompress(ion) unit and the attribute data of importing with the corresponding dependency data decompression of view data unit 22 with the RGB data transaction.Then, the YMCK data after print image generation unit 23 will be changed (being used for the data that image forms) output to video memory control unit 12.More specifically, print image generation unit 23 becomes the CMYK color space according to attribute data with the RGB data transaction, and carries out for example color correction process, tint correction processing or binaryzation or predetermined tone images generation processing according to the characteristic of print process unit 40.

Video memory control unit 12 generates and is used for writing the write signal of video memory 16 from the YMCK data of print image generation unit 23 inputs, and with the YMCK storage in video memory 16.In this case, video memory control unit 12 begins to write the YMCK data in order to low order address from the high address of the memory block that is used to store the YMCK data.Thus, the YMCK data are stored (buffer memory) in video memory 16.

Figure 13 is the schematic diagram of the example memory mapping under the situation about being illustrated in the memory block that the YMCK data are written into the view data of (covering) store compressed and compressed attribute data.As shown in figure 13, the low order address side in the memory block of storing the YMCK data is furnished with a plurality of continuous zonings, and the view data and the compressed attribute data of the compression corresponding with the YMCK data stored in these a plurality of continuous zonings.Particularly, the start address of the memory block of storage YMCK data is with the start address of the memory block (zoning) of the view data of store compressed, the tentation data of being separated by length L.It should be noted, in Figure 13, suitably be provided with and finish (end gap) at interval, before being read, just covered by the YMCK data with view data and the compressed attribute data of avoiding being stored in the compression in the video memory 16.

As shown in figure 13, when video memory control unit 12 when video memory 16 reads the view data of compression and compressed attribute data, video memory control unit 12 from the high address side simultaneously delegation meet delegation or multirow reads the view data and the compressed attribute data of compression with connecing multirow.On the other hand, when video memory control unit 12 will write in the video memory 16 according to the YMCK data that view data and compressed attribute data generated of the compression of reading, video memory control unit 12 began to write the YMCK data to the order of low order address according to the high address from the memory block.In this case, above-mentioned data length L can be configured such that, last column of the view data of the compression of in reading the zoning, storing and each of compressed attribute data (or last multirow) before, these data can not be based on the view data of the compression that last column (or last multirow) reads before and compressed attribute data and the YMCK data that generate cover.

Thus, the memory block can be used by the view data of YMCK data and compression and compressed attribute data in shared mode, this feasible memory capacity that can reduce video memory 16.

Video memory control unit 12 will be stored (buffer memory) YMCK data in video memory 16 and export to print process unit 40.

The operation of image processing equipment 10 now will be described.Figure 14 is the sequential chart of the step of expression YMCK data storage processing.Video memory control unit 12 reads view data and the compressed attribute data that is stored in the compression in the memory cell 17.Then, at time t11, video memory control unit 12 generates write signals, and the view data of the compression that will read and compressed attribute data write in the video memory 16.

At time t12, promptly count the time period (write operation time necessary) of having passed through pre-fixed length since the moment that time t11 generates write signal, or it is slower, video memory control unit 12 generates the read signal of the view data and the compressed attribute data that are used for reading the compression that is stored in video memory 16, and carries out the processing of the view data and the compressed attribute data that read compression from video memory 16.

The view data of the compression that video memory control unit 12 will be read from video memory 16 and compressed attribute data output to view data decompress(ion) unit 21 and attribute data decompress(ion) unit 22 respectively.Print image generation unit 23 is exported to the RGB data of decompress(ion) and the attribute data of decompress(ion) respectively at time t13 or slower in view data decompress(ion) unit 21 and attribute data decompress(ion) unit 22.

Print image generation unit 23 generates the YMCK data according to the RGB data and the attribute data of input, and the YMCK data that generate are exported to video memory control unit 12.

Video memory control unit 12 moment t14 generate be used for will be from the YMCK storage (buffer memory) of print image generation unit 23 inputs to video memory 16 write signal, and the YMCK data are write in the video memory 16.

At moment t15, promptly since the moment that moment t14 generates write signal count passed through pre-fixed length time period (for example, write YMCK data time necessary, perhaps time that is provided with according to data are transferred to the time of HDD, or the like), video memory control unit 12 reads the YMCK data that are stored in the video memory 16, and the YMCK data of reading are exported to print process unit 40.Thus, carried out the image formation of single page original copy.When existing the multipage original copy to want carries out image to form, carry out identical processing.

Relation between the size of data after the compression ratio of view data and the compression and middle describe the same of first embodiment (Fig. 6).Relation between the size of data after the compression ratio of attribute data and the compression also with first embodiment (Fig. 7) in describe the same.In addition, the relation between the memory block D1 of continuous data length L d, La and the view data that is used for compressing and the memory block A1 that is used for compressed attribute data also with first embodiment (Fig. 8 and Fig. 9) describe the same.Like this, as first embodiment, the used continuous data length L d of view data can be arranged so that Ld=Ls * (Ds * RD)/(Ds * RD+As * RA).

In a second embodiment, equally, as first embodiment, when the view data of compression and compressed attribute data when being stored in the video memory 16, difference between the number of the zoning that the number of the zoning that view data takies and attribute data take is reduced, and makes untapped split memory is minimized.In addition, in a second embodiment, when the view data of the compression of reading storage from video memory 16 simultaneously and compressed attribute data, the memory block enters unused state from the high address side in order to the low order address side; Like this, the memory block is not separated, just can make untapped zone big than under the conventional situation.

It should be noted that in above-mentioned example when the YMCK data were written in the video memory 16, the YMCK data can be divided into Y data, M data, K data and C data and be written into.Figure 15 is the schematic diagram that the example memory under the situation about being illustrated in the memory block of dividing the YMCK data and the YMCK data being write the view data of (coverings) store compressed and compressed attribute data is shone upon.

As shown in figure 15, the single file memory block of storage YMCK data can be divided into four zones, and Y data, M data, C data and K data can be stored in separately in these zones.In this case, same, the low order address side in the memory block of storing the YMCK data is arranged a plurality of continuous zonings, these a plurality of continuous zonings storages and the view data and the compressed attribute data of the corresponding compression of YMCK data.

Storage (buffer memory) is at video memory 16 although second embodiment has described view data that overcompression is handled and attribute data and YMCK data (being used for the data that image forms), and the present invention is not limited to this situation; Even when not carrying out the compression processing, also can use the present invention.Particularly, the present invention can also be applied to the situation of different data cell storage (buffer memory) in the video memory 16, and different data cell wherein is view data and the compressed attribute data such as view data and attribute data and YMCK data rather than compression.Thus, when operation different pieces of information unit,, also can reduce the capacity of video memory and can improve service efficiency even need keep buffering area for each different data cell.

Although the configuration among second embodiment is, the view data of store compressed and the zoning of compressed attribute data are set up (layout) in the memory block of storage YMCK data, and on the low order address side of memory block, but the present invention is not limited to this situation; For example, this configuration can be that the low order address side of the memory block of the high address side of the view data of store compressed and the zoning of compressed attribute data and storage YMCK data is sides that have.

As mentioned above, in the present invention, the capacity of video memory can be reduced, and the service efficiency of video memory can be enhanced.In addition, the size by the video memory that reduces to install can reduce cost, and this just makes further downscaled images treatment facility.In addition, when the secondary storage device used such as HDD, just can in video memory (main storage device), keep enough big buffering area.Therefore, compared with cushioning between secondary storage device and video memory, owing to be not subjected to the restriction of the data transfer printing speed of secondary storage device, secondary storage device can easily be used with sharing mode by other function.By video memory being used for view data and packed data in shared mode, perhaps by video memory being used for the data of YMCK data and compression in shared mode, the capacity of video memory can further be reduced, and service efficiency can further be enhanced.

Although the configuration among each embodiment is feasible, recently change according to the compression of the compression ratio of view data and attribute data the view data that is used to compress memory block D1 continuous data length L d and be used for the continuous data length L a of the memory block A1 of compressed attribute data, but the present invention is not limited to this situation; Can change data length Ld and La according to one in the compression ratio of the compression ratio of view data and attribute data.

In each embodiment, when the compression according to the compression ratio of view data and attribute data recently change the view data that is used to compress memory block D1 continuous data length L d and when being used for the continuous data length L a of memory block A1 of compressed attribute data, the table that compression ratio and continuous data length can be associated is stored in the memory cell 17, perhaps can utilize computing circuit to wait and carry out calculating.

In each embodiment, data length Ls, Ld and La only are exemplary, and the present invention is not limited.

Claims

1. image processing equipment comprises:

Compression unit, it compresses view data and the attribute data that obtains by the feature of extracting described view data;

Memory cell, its storage is by the view data and the compressed attribute data of the compression of described compression unit compression; With

Control unit, its execution:

Handle (i), the memory block of described memory cell is divided into a plurality of continuous zonings with tentation data length;

Handle (ii), each described zoning is divided into two zones, have the first area and second area of first data length with second data length; With

Handle (iii), the image data storage of described compression in described first area, and is stored in described compressed attribute data in the described second area.

2. image processing equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein

Described cell stores view data, and

Described control unit is carried out:

Handle (iv), in the memory block of the described memory cell of storing described view data, a plurality of described zonings are set continuously; With

Handle that (v), when described view data was read, the view data and the compressed attribute data of the compression that will obtain based on described view data were stored in the described zoning, and described zoning is arranged in the described memory block of the described view data of storage.

3. image processing equipment comprises:

Memory cell, view data after its stores processor and attribute data, the view data after the wherein said processing is to obtain by view data is carried out predetermined processing, described attribute data is to obtain by the feature of extracting described view data; With

Control unit, its execution:

Handle (iii), the image data storage after the described processing in described first area, and is stored in described attribute data in the described second area.

4. image processing equipment comprises:

Memory cell, its storing image data and the attribute data that obtains by the feature of extracting described view data;

Compression unit, it compresses described view data and described attribute data;

The decompress(ion) unit, its view data and described compressed attribute data to described compression is carried out decompress(ion);

Generation unit, its view data after based on decompress(ion) and attribute data generate and are used for the data that image forms; With

Control unit, its execution:

Handle (ii), each described zoning is divided into two zones, have the first area and second area of first data length with second data length;

Handle (iii), will be in described first area by the image data storage of the compression of described compression unit compression, and will be stored in the described second area by the compressed attribute data of described compression unit compression;

Handle (iv), read the view data and the compressed attribute data of the compression of described storage from the high address side in order;

Handle (v), be used in storage on the low order address side of memory block of the data that image forms a plurality of continuous zonings being set, view data and the compressed attribute data with the corresponding compression of data that is used for image formation stored in described a plurality of continuous zoning, describedly be used for the data that image forms and generate based on view data and attribute data, and described view data and attribute data are to obtain by the view data of the compression of reading and compressed attribute data are carried out decompress(ion) by described generation unit; With

Handle that (vi), the high address side that is used for the memory block of the data that image forms from described storage is stored in order by what described generation unit generated and describedly is used for the data that image forms.

5. image processing equipment comprises:

Control unit, its execution:

Handle (iv), read the view data and the compressed attribute data of the compression of described storage from the low order address side in order;

Handle (v), be used in storage on the high address side of memory block of the data that image forms a plurality of continuous zonings being set, view data and the compressed attribute data with the corresponding compression of data that is used for image formation stored in described a plurality of continuous zoning, describedly be used for the data that image forms and generate based on view data and attribute data, and described view data and attribute data are to obtain by the view data of the compression of reading and compressed attribute data are carried out decompress(ion) by described generation unit; With

Handle and (vi), to be used for the low order address side of the memory block of the data that image forms, to store in order by what described generation unit generated and describedly be used for the data that image forms from described storage.

6. as each described image processing equipment in the claim 1 to 5, further comprise the change unit that changes described first data length or described second data length.

7. image processing equipment as claimed in claim 6 further comprises the computing unit of the compression ratio that calculates described view data, wherein

Described change unit recently changes described first data length or described second data length according to the compression of the described view data that calculates.

8. image processing equipment as claimed in claim 7 further comprises, according to the compression ratio that calculates on the basis of each view data, calculates the computing unit of statistical value of the compression ratio of described view data, wherein

Described change unit changes described first data length or described second data length according to the statistical value of the compression ratio of the described view data that calculates.

9. image processing equipment as claimed in claim 6 further comprises the computing unit of the compression ratio that calculates described attribute data, wherein

Described change unit changes described first data length or described second data length according to the compression ratio of the described attribute data that calculates.

10. image processing equipment as claimed in claim 9 further comprises, according to the compression ratio that calculates on the basis of each attribute data, calculates the computing unit of statistical value of the compression ratio of described attribute data, wherein

Described change unit changes described first data length or described second data length according to the statistical value of the compression ratio of the described attribute data that calculates.

11. an image forming apparatus comprises:

As each described image processing equipment in the claim 1 to 5; With

Image formation unit, it forms image according to the view data of being carried out image processing by described image processing equipment.

12. an image processing method, in described method, view data and the attribute data that obtains by the feature of extracting described view data are compressed, and the compression view data and compressed attribute data be stored, said method comprising the steps of:

The memory block is divided into a plurality of continuous zonings with tentation data length;

Each described zoning is divided into two zones, has the first area and second area of first data length with second data length; With

The image data storage of described compression in described first area, and is stored in described compressed attribute data in the described second area.

13. an image processing method, in described method, view data and the attribute data that obtains by the feature of extracting described view data are stored, and said method comprising the steps of:

Each described zoning is divided into two zones, has the first area and second area of first data length with second data length;

Compress described view data and described attribute data;

The image data storage of compression in described first area, and is stored in compressed attribute data in the described second area;

Read the view data and the described compressed attribute data of the described compression of being stored in order from the high address side;

View data and described compressed attribute data to the described compression of reading are carried out decompress(ion);

Generate the data that are used for image formation according to view data behind the decompress(ion) and attribute data;

On the low order address side of the described memory block that is used for the data that image forms of storage, a plurality of continuous zonings are set, storage and the view data and the compressed attribute data that are used for the corresponding compression of data that image forms that will generate in the described zoning; With

The high address side that is used for the memory block of the data that image forms from described storage is stored the data that image forms that are used for of generation in order.

14. an image processing method, in described method, view data and the attribute data that obtains by the feature of extracting described view data are stored, and said method comprising the steps of:

Compress described view data and described attribute data;

Read the view data and the described compressed attribute data of the described compression of being stored in order from the low order address side;

On the high address side of the described memory block that is used for the data that image forms of storage, a plurality of continuous zonings are set, storage and the view data and the compressed attribute data that are used for the corresponding compression of data that image forms that will generate in the described zoning; With

The low order address side that is used for the memory block of the data that image forms from described storage is stored the data that image forms that are used for of generation in order.