JP2000175064A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor that copes with a high speed image output and adaptation to network processing while complicated configuration of its network interface is prevented. SOLUTION: The image processor is provided with a plurality of color conversion means 32a-32d that convert a color separation signal obtained from a color into a coloring material signal used for an output of the color image and with a conversion control means 34 controlling the conversion processing of a plurality of the color conversion means 32a-32d. Then the conversion control means 34 allows each of the color conversion means 32a-32d to conduct parallel processing or any of the color conversion means 32a-32d to conduct serial processing selectively for the conversion of the color separate signal into the coloring material signal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of converting color separation signals such as B (blue), G (green) and R (red) obtained from a color image into Y (yellow), M The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a function of converting color material signals such as (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a copying machine capable of supporting a color image, a BGR read from a color image to be copied is read.
The signal is once converted into an L ^* a ^* b ^* signal, which is a signal in a uniform color space, and then converted into Y, M, C, and K color material signals, so that a signal on a medium such as a recording paper can be obtained. Outputting color images. In such a copying machine, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-116775, four image output units (drums and the like) provided corresponding to respective colors of Y, M, C, and K are provided. ) Are operated in parallel to increase the speed of image output, which is a so-called tandem method. Further, with the spread and progress of the network environment in recent years, for example, as disclosed in JP-A-6-78138, an image reading function of a copying machine is used as a scanner, and data read by the image reading function is used. Some of them can be transferred to an external device such as a personal computer or a printer, which is compatible with so-called networking.

[0003] That is, conventionally, the BGR signal is represented by Y, M, C,
As an image processing apparatus having a function of converting each of the K color material signals, for example, there is an image processing apparatus configured as shown in FIG. For details, an image reading unit (Image Input Terminal; hereinafter referred to as “II”) for reading a BGR signal from a color image
T) 61, a color space conversion processing unit 62 that converts the BGR signal into an L ^* a ^* b ^* signal, and converts the L ^* a ^* b ^* signal into Y, M, C, and K color material signals. Conversion processing unit 63
a to 63d and an image output terminal (Image Output Terminal;) for outputting each color material signal of Y, M, C, and K as a color image.
Hereinafter referred to as “IOT”) 64, and furthermore, LAN
Network 70 such as (local area network)
Are provided with a network interface (hereinafter referred to as "NET-I / F") 65 connected to the network 70 for transferring the Y, M, C, and K color material signals to the external devices 71, 72,. Some have been configured.

[0004] Among them, IOT64 is composed of Y, M, C, and K.
Image forming units (Raster
Output Scanner; hereinafter referred to as "ROS") 64a to 64
d. In addition, these four ROSs 64a-6
4d, the conversion processing units 63a to 63d also output Y,
Four are provided for each of the colors M, C, and K. By operating these in parallel, this image processing apparatus achieves high-speed image output when a color image is output by the IOT 64.

[0005]

By the way, a network 70 connecting the above-mentioned image processing apparatus and the external apparatuses 71, 72,... Normally transmits the Y, M, C, K color material signals in parallel. Can not be transferred to Therefore, N
When the ET-I / F 65 outputs the Y, M, C, and K color material signals to the external devices 71, 72,... On the network 70, the ET-I / F 65 needs to sequentially transfer each color material signal one by one.

However, each of the conversion processing units 63
Each of a to 63d converts the L ^* a ^* b ^* signal into each of the Y, M, C, and K color material signals in parallel. For this purpose, the NET-I / F 65 must include four color memories 65a corresponding to the respective colors of Y, M, C, and K in order to sequentially output each color material signal one color at a time.
Moreover, in order to sequentially output each color material signal one color at a time, it is necessary to provide a controller 65b capable of coping with complicated bus control. Further, if the NET-I / F 65 is not connected to all of the conversion processing units 63a to 63d, the color material signals for four colors cannot be transferred to the external devices 71, 72,.

In other words, in the above-described conventional image processing apparatus, when the tandem method is used to increase the speed of image output and to cope with networking, the NE is required.
The configuration of the T-I / F 65 may be complicated or the control thereof may be complicated, which may result in an increase in size and cost of the device.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus which can cope with both high-speed image output and networking, and can suppress complication of an interface with the network. The purpose is to:

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus devised to achieve the above object, wherein a color separation signal obtained from a color image is converted into a color material signal used for outputting the color image. A plurality of color conversion means for converting; a parallel processing for converting the color separation signals into color material signals for a plurality of colors in parallel using the plurality of color conversion means; and one of the plurality of color conversion means And a conversion control means for selectively performing serial processing for sequentially converting the color separation signals into color material signals for a plurality of colors using one of the color separation signals.

According to the image processing apparatus having the above-described configuration, when converting a color separation signal obtained from a color image into a color material signal used for outputting the color image, the conversion control means includes a plurality of color conversion means. To selectively perform either the parallel processing or the serial processing. Therefore, in this image processing apparatus, for example, when a high-speed image output is required, a plurality of color conversion means perform parallel processing, and when signal transfer to an external device or the like is required, any one of the color conversion means is required. It is possible to cause the color conversion means to perform serial processing. In other words, even if the communication line with the external device does not support the parallel transfer of the color material signals for a plurality of colors, the color conversion means performs the serial processing, so that the memory and the complicated bus for the plurality of colors are provided. Eliminates the need for controls and the like.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an example of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an IOT configuration in the image processing device.

The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is constituted by a copying machine or the like capable of reading and outputting a color image, and is compatible with so-called networking. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, this image processing apparatus includes an IIT 10, an IOT 20, an image processing unit (Im
age Processing System; hereinafter referred to as “IPS”) 30
And a NET-I / F 40.
External devices (such as personal computers and printers) 51 on a network 50 such as a LAN via the I / F 40,
52...

The IIT 10 is for optically reading a BGR signal from a color image to be read. It is assumed that the IIT 10 has a memory (not shown) for temporarily holding the read BGR signal.

The IOT 20 is for outputting each color material signal of Y, M, C, and K as a color image on a medium such as recording paper by using a well-known electrophotographic technique. However, the IOT 20 uses Y,
Four ROSs 21a to 21 corresponding to each color of M, C, and K
d. More specifically, as shown in FIG.
Along with the four ROSs 21a to 21d, photosensitive drums 22a to 22d and developing units 23a to 23d corresponding to respective colors of Y, M, C, and K are arranged in parallel along an intermediate transfer belt 24 as an image carrier. And each photosensitive drum 22a-
The so-called tandem method is intended to speed up image output by sequentially transferring the latent images formed in parallel on the intermediate transfer belt 22d onto the intermediate transfer belt 24 and then transferring them collectively onto the medium. is there.

In FIG. 1, the IPS 30 has an IIT
Reference numeral 10 is for converting the read BGR signal into Y, M, C, and K color material signals. For this conversion,
The IPS 30 includes a color space conversion processing unit 31, conversion processing units 32a to 32d, a picture / character separation processing unit 33, and a processing control unit 34.

The color space conversion processing unit 31 converts the BGR signal read by the IIT 10 into an L ^* a signal of a uniform color space.
^* b ^* signal.

The conversion processing units 32a to 32d convert the L ^* a ^* b ^* signals converted by the color space conversion processing unit 31 into Y, M,
This is converted into C, K color material signals. However, four conversion processing units 32a to 32d are provided for each of the Y, M, C, and K colors corresponding to the four ROSs 21a to 21d in the IOT 20. Each conversion processing unit 32a
32d are constituted by the same hardware, but correspond to each color of Y, M, C, and K depending on the difference in parameters used in the conversion processing. Each of the conversion processing units 32a to 32d performs a conversion process in accordance with an instruction from the processing control unit 34, as described in detail later.

The picture / character separation processing section 33 specifies a specific one of the L ^* a ^* b ^* signals converted by the color space conversion processing section 31 in order to enable high-quality character output at the time of image output. It separates color (for example, K) character signals. Specifically, in order to enable edge enhancement and the like of a character portion, a portion corresponding to a picture or photograph, etc. L ^* a ^* b ^* signal and the portion of the L ^* a ^* b ^* signal corresponding to the K color of a character Are separated from each other. Since this separation process uses a well-known technique (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
116775), and a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

The processing control unit 34 controls the processing of the IPS 30 as a whole. It is assumed that the processing control unit 34 previously stores parameters and the like necessary for processing control in a memory (not shown) accessible by the processing control unit 34.

The NET-I / F 40 includes external devices 51 and 5
2 are connected to the network 50 so as to enable communication with. The communication performed by the NET-I / F 40 includes, for example, transmission of each color material signal converted by the IPS 30 to the external devices 51, 52,. To realize this, the NET-I / F 40 includes a controller 41 that performs communication control such as bus control, and an external device 5.
And a memory 42 functioning as a buffer for a color material signal to be transmitted to 1, 52,. This memory 42 has 1
It is assumed that it has a capacity corresponding to a color material signal for each color.

The controller 41 is connected to the external device 5
It is also possible to support communication for outputting color material signals from 1, 52,. for that reason,
The NET-I / F 40 has a four-color memory 43a for temporarily storing color material signals from the external devices 51, 52,.
To 43d are provided. Further, before the IOT 20, each color material signal converted by the IPS 30 and the NET-I
Are provided from the external devices 51, 52,... Via the / F40, and selectors 44a to 44d for selectively transmitting any of the color material signals to the IOT 20.

Next, an example of a processing operation in the image processing apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a timing chart illustrating an outline of a processing operation example in an example of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

First, a description will be given of an example of a processing operation in a case where the BGR signal read by the IIT 10 is converted into Y, M, C, and K color material signals and then output as a color image by the IOT 20.

When performing output at the IOT 20, the IIT
When the 10 reads the BGR signal, in the IPS 30, the color space conversion processing unit 31 converts the BGR signal into an L ^* a ^* b ^* signal, and the picture / character separation processing unit 33 outputs the L ^* a ^* b ^* signal.
^The K color character signal is separated from the ^* a ^* b ^* signals.

Here, the processing control unit 34 of the IPS 30
As shown in FIG. 3A, each of the conversion processing units 32a to 32d
To perform parallel processing. That is, each of the conversion processing units 32a to 32a
32d outputs the L ^* a ^* b ^* signals in parallel,
Conversion into Y, M, C and K color material signals (step 10)
1 to 104; hereinafter, the step is abbreviated as S). At the same time, the processing control section 34 sends the K color character signal separated by the picture / character separation processing section 33 only to the K color conversion processing section 32d (S105), and the K color conversion processing section 32d Is converted into a color material signal together with the L ^* a ^* b ^* signal.

When the conversion into each of the Y, M, C, and K color material signals is performed, each of the conversion processing units 32 a to 32 d sends each of the color material signals to the IOT 20. As a result, in the IOT 20, the ROSs 21a to 21d can perform image forming processing in parallel. In other words, the IOT 20 is executed by the parallel processing in each of the conversion processing units 32a to 32d.
In this case, the ROSs 21a to 21d can be operated in parallel, and as a result, the speed of image output when a color image is output can be increased.

Up to this point, it is almost the same as the conventional case.
Therefore, subsequently, the characteristic processing in the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment, that is, the BGR read by the IIT 10
After converting the signals into Y, M, C, and K color material signals, the signals are converted to external devices 51, 52,.
An example of a processing operation in the case where the data is transmitted to the external devices 51 and 52 and output by the external devices 51, 52.

Also in this case, the conversion in the color space conversion processing section 31 and the separation of the character signal in the picture / character separation processing section 33 are performed in the same manner as in the case of outputting in the IOT 20.
However, when transmitting each color material signal to the NET-I / F 40, the processing control unit 34 of the IPS 30 causes the conversion processing units 32a to 32d to perform serial processing as shown in FIG. 3B.

That is, the processing control unit 34 operates only one of the conversion processing units 32a to 32d, for example, only the Y color conversion processing unit 32a, and operates the Y color conversion processing unit 32a.
a sequentially converts the L ^* a ^* b ^* signals into Y, M, C, and K color material signals (S201 to S204). The processing control unit 34 converts the K color character signal separated by the picture / character separation processing unit 33 into a K color material signal by the Y color conversion processing unit 32a (hereinafter, referred to as a “K cycle”). (S205), and is converted into a color material signal in the K cycle.

Each time the conversion into the Y, M, C, and K color material signals is performed, the Y color conversion processing section 32a sends the respective color material signals to the NET-I / F 40. Thereby, in the NET-I / F 40, the controller 41 can sequentially transfer each color material signal. That is, the NET-I / F is executed by the serial processing in the Y color conversion processing unit 32a.
In 40, only the memory 42 for one color is used,
Also, it is possible to transfer signals to the external devices 51, 52,... Without complicating the transfer control by the controller 41. As a result, it is possible to suppress the configuration of the NET-I / F 40 from becoming complicated. become able to.

The processing control unit 34 determines whether to perform parallel processing or serial processing in the following manner. For example, when the output from the IOT 20 is designated on the operation panel of the image processing apparatus,
In accordance with an instruction from the system control unit (not shown) of the image processing apparatus that recognizes the fact, the processing control unit 34 determines that parallel processing is to be performed. On the other hand, NET-I / F4
When a command to request a color material signal is issued from the external device 51, 52... Through the processing control unit 34 in accordance with an instruction from the system control unit that recognizes the command.
Determines that serial processing is to be performed.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a processing operation when the processing control unit 34 determines that serial processing is to be performed.
This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing an operation example in the case of serial processing in detail.

As shown in the figure, when the processing control unit 34 determines that the serial processing is to be performed, the processing control unit 34 first gives the Y color conversion processing unit 32a a parameter to be used at the time of the Y color conversion processing. A conversion process to a color material signal is performed. That is, the Y color conversion processing unit 32a synchronizes with a page sync signal (hereinafter, referred to as a “Psync signal”) that defines the operation timing of the entire image processing apparatus, and outputs the L ^* a ^* from the color space conversion processing unit 31 ^. b ^* signal is converted into a Y color material signal,
This is sent to the NET-I / F 40 (S201).

When the conversion process into the Y color material signal is completed,
Subsequently, the processing control unit 34 gives the Y color conversion processing unit 32a a parameter used in the conversion processing of the M color, and performs the conversion processing to the M color material signal. That is, the Y color conversion processing unit 32a synchronizes with the next cycle of the Psync signal,
The L ^* a ^* b ^* signal read from the memory in the IIT 10 again and converted by the color space conversion processing unit 31 is converted into an M color material signal, and transmitted to the NET-I / F 40 (S202). ).

Further, when the conversion processing into the M color material signal is completed, the processing control section 34 gives the Y color conversion processing section 32a a parameter to be used at the time of the C color conversion processing, and converts it into the C color material signal. Is performed. That is, the Y color conversion processing unit 32a synchronizes with the next cycle of the Psync signal,
The L ^* a ^* b ^* signal read from the memory in the IIT 10 again and converted by the color space conversion processing unit 31 is converted into a C color material signal, and sent to the NET-I / F 40 (S203). ).

When the conversion process into the color material signal of C is completed,
The processing control unit 34 recognizes the falling edge of the Psync signal at that time by interruption (A in the figure), and raises a K-cycle port in response to the falling edge (B in the figure). That is, the processing control unit 34 outputs a K-cycle signal by starting a K-cycle port (S
205), which reveals that the next is the K cycle.

By the way, the Y color conversion processing unit 32a
In parallel with the sequential conversion of each of the M and C color material signals,
A character signal is output from the picture / character separation processing unit 33 each time (S301 to S304). This means that every time the Y color conversion processing unit 32a performs conversion to a color material signal, a conversion process in the color space conversion processing unit 31 is required. This is because character signals are also separated. However, since the picture / character separation processing unit 33 separates the K color character signal, the character signal output from the picture / character separation processing unit 33 is converted into Y, M, C color material signals. It is completely unnecessary at the time of processing.
This is necessary only at the time of the conversion process into the color material signal.

Therefore, the processing control unit 34 sends the character signal to the Y color conversion processing unit 32a only when the character signal is output from the picture / character separation processing unit 33 and the K cycle signal is output. Sending is performed (S305). In other cases, even if a character signal is output, the character signal is not sent to the Y color conversion processing unit 32a.

After starting the output of the K cycle signal, the processing control section 34 gives the Y color conversion processing section 32a parameters to be used in the conversion processing of the K color, and performs the conversion processing to the K color material signal. Let That is, the Y color conversion processing unit 32
a is a color material signal of both the L ^* a ^* b ^* signal from the color space conversion processing unit 31 and the character signal from the picture / character separation processing unit 33 in synchronization with the next cycle of the Psync signal. And sends it to the NET-I / F 40 (S20
4). It should be noted that when the process of converting the K color material signal is completed,
The processing control unit 34 shuts down the port of K cycle,
The output of the K cycle signal ends.

Thus, in the NET-I / F 40, Y
Since the respective color material signals of Y, M, C, and K are sequentially transmitted from the color conversion processing unit 32a, as described above, only the memory 42 for one color is used, and the transfer by the controller 41 is performed. The signal transfer to the external devices 51, 52,... Can be performed without complicating the control, and as a result, the configuration of the NET-I / F 40 can be suppressed from becoming complicated.

As described above, in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the BGR signal obtained from the color image is converted to each of the Y, M, C, and K color material signals as in the first aspect of the present invention. In performing the conversion, the processing control unit 34 causes the conversion processing units 32a to 32d to selectively perform either the parallel processing or the serial processing. For this reason, in this image processing apparatus, when it is necessary to increase the speed of image output, the conversion processing units 32a to 32d perform parallel processing, and when it is necessary to transfer signals to the external devices 51, 52,. For example, it is possible to cause the Y color conversion processing unit 32a to perform serial processing.

Therefore, if this image processing apparatus is used, even if the network 50 does not support the parallel transfer of the color material signals for a plurality of colors, the memory 42 having the capacity of one color is used.
Can be used to transfer signals to the external devices 51, 52,... Without complicating the transfer control by the controller 41. In other words, this image processing apparatus can cope with both high-speed image output and networking, while suppressing the complexity of the NET-I / F 40 required for the networking. This does not lead to an increase in the size and cost of the apparatus.

In the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment,
As in the invention according to claim 2, when performing the output in the IOT 20, the processing control unit 34 controls the conversion processing units 32a to 32
. d to perform parallel processing, and when performing signal transfer to the external devices 51, 52,... through the NET-I / F 40, the processing control unit 34 causes the Y color conversion processing unit 32a to perform serial processing. Accordingly, in this image processing apparatus, the NET-I / F 40 can cope with networking without inducing complexity and the like while realizing high-speed image output. It is very suitable for application to machines.

Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, as in the third aspect of the present invention, the IPS 30
A character separation processing unit 33 is provided, and a processing control unit 34 controls a character signal output from the picture / character separation processing unit 33 using a K cycle signal when performing serial processing. I have. Therefore, this image processing apparatus can cope with both high-speed image output and networking, even when high-quality character output is enabled at the time of image output.

In the present embodiment, the case where the Y color conversion processing unit 32a performs serial processing has been described as an example.
The present invention is not limited to this, and if any one of the conversion processing units 32a to 32d, the other conversion processing units 32b to 32d may perform serial processing. However, which of the conversion processing units 32a to 32d performs the serial processing is determined in advance.

In this embodiment, the case where the IOT 20 is of the tandem type has been described as an example.
The present invention is not limited to this, but may be applied to other types as long as it has a plurality of image output units that can operate in parallel. That is, the number of the conversion processing units 32a to 32d and the ROSs 21a to 21d are not limited to four.

[0047]

As described above, the image processing apparatus of the present invention converts a color separation signal obtained from a color image into a color material signal used for outputting the color image. Has a plurality of color conversion means selectively perform either the parallel processing or the serial processing. For this reason, if this image processing apparatus is used, for example, when speeding up of image output is required, a plurality of color conversion means are performed in parallel, and when signal transfer to an external device or the like is required, For example, it is possible to cause one color conversion unit to perform serial processing. Therefore, even if the communication line with the external device does not support the parallel transfer of the color material signals for a plurality of colors, the color conversion means performs the serial processing, so that the memory for a plurality of colors and the complicated bus are used. Since there is no need for control or the like, there is an effect that it is possible to suppress an increase in the size and cost of the apparatus while coping with both the high-speed image output and the networking.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an example of an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of an IOT in the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

3A and 3B are timing charts illustrating an outline of a processing operation example in an example of an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of parallel processing, and FIG. FIG.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing in detail an operation example when serial processing is performed in an example of the embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an example of a conventional image processing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 IIT (image reading unit), 20 IOT (image output unit), 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d ROS (image forming unit), 30 IPS (image processing unit), 32a Y color conversion processing unit, 32b: M color conversion processing unit, 32c: C color conversion processing unit, 32d: K color conversion processing unit, 33: picture / character separation processing unit, 34: processing control unit, 40: NET-I / F,
41: controller, 42: memory, 50: network, 51, 52: external device

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Kenji Ueda 2274 Hongo, Ebina-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Ebina Works F-term (reference) 5B057 AA11 BA02 CA01 CA06 CA08 CA12 CB01 CB06 CB08 CB12 CE18 CH14 DB06 DB08 DB09 5C077 LL17 LL18 LL20 MP06 MP08 PP31 PP32 PP33 PQ08 TT06 5C079 HA01 HB01 HB02 HB12 LA06 NA11

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A color separation signal obtained from a color image,
A plurality of color conversion means for converting into color material signals used for outputting the color image; and a parallel processing for converting the color separation signals into color material signals for a plurality of colors in parallel using the plurality of color conversion means. And serial processing for sequentially converting the color separation signal into color material signals for a plurality of colors using any one of the plurality of color conversion means,
An image processing apparatus comprising: a conversion control unit that selectively performs the conversion. 2. An image output means for outputting each of the plurality of color material signals in parallel to form the color image on a medium, and outputting the plurality of color material signals to produce the color image. And a connection unit for connecting via a communication line to an external device capable of forming a color material signal. The conversion control unit is configured to transmit the color material signals for the plurality of colors to the image output unit. Let it do the processing,
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the color material signals for the plurality of colors are transmitted to the external device via the connection unit, the serial processing is performed. 3. A picture / character separation processing unit for separating a character signal of a specific color from the color separation signal, and the conversion control unit includes: The conversion into the material signal is performed by the color conversion unit corresponding to the specific color during the parallel processing, and the one of the color conversion units is performed at the processing timing corresponding to the specific color during the serial processing. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: