JP2001218026A - Image processor and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor and an image forming device, by which work processing time for obtaining the image of a required size can be shortened. SOLUTION: The image processor, which applies a variable magnification processing to inputted image data with magnification which is previously, is provided with a magnification setting part 1 which can set plural magnification setting conditions for inputted image data, a magnification setting/storage part 2a which stores the plural magnification setting conditions which are set by the magnification setting part 1 and a variable magnification processing part 3 which applies the variable magnification processing to image data based on the plural magnification setting conditions stored in the magnification setting/ storage part 2a.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus capable of setting a plurality of magnification setting conditions for each input image data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a well-known method of a scaling process of a digital copying machine, a level value of image data at a virtual sample point at the time of scaling is calculated by using a level value of image data read at a CCD pixel pitch. This is a method of obtaining and using a calculation by a cubic function convolution method or the like. Due to advances in digital technology and the above-described calculation processing methods, it is now possible to set scaling independently in the vertical and horizontal directions of the original paper in the scaling process. It is possible to get a copy. However, such a scaling process is performed for one input image.
One magnification is set, and the scaling process is performed based on the set magnification. Also, when copying multiple originals, if an enlarged copy is required depending on the page that needs to be enlarged or the distribution destination, or conversely, if a specific page is reduced and copied, Is performed in advance, the page for which the magnification is changed and the page to be processed with the normal magnification are scaled in different processes, and the pages are rearranged in order after the magnification processing. When it is desired to embed an image of a designated portion in a predetermined location or cut and paste a scaled image and embed the image, the magnification is determined based on the predetermined location and the size of the document image. Will be determined and created. Therefore, in most cases, an image having a size that can be perfectly embedded in a predetermined location cannot be obtained at one time. In such a case, the desired size can be changed by repeatedly changing the magnification and changing the magnification. You will get a doubled image. For example, a procedure for obtaining a copy of an optimal size that can be perfectly embedded in a predetermined location by a copying machine is to visually measure the size of the document image and the predetermined location, assuming the magnification, and operating keys and the like. To set the magnification. Place the original on the scanning table. Set the copy paper size and press Start Copy. Check if the scaled image obtained by copying is the desired size. If a resized image of the desired size cannot be obtained, the above steps are repeated until the desired size is obtained. Therefore, in the case where a zoomed image of a desired size cannot be obtained by one zooming setting, and the above-described steps are repeated, it takes a very long processing time.

[0003]

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to set a plurality of magnifications, paper sizes and the number of sheets for each of input image data, and change the magnification in accordance with the set magnifications. Provided are an image processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus that reduce the work processing time for obtaining an image of a required size by performing processing and forming an image in accordance with a set sheet size and the number of sheets. It is in.

[0004]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus for performing a scaling process on input image data at a preset magnification. Magnification setting means capable of setting a plurality of magnification setting conditions for each of the data; magnification setting storage means for storing the plurality of magnification setting conditions set by the magnification setting means; and magnification setting storage means. A magnification processing unit for performing a magnification processing of image data based on a plurality of magnification setting conditions.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the scaling unit is configured to perform a single scaling process. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus of the first aspect, the scaling processing means is configured by means for performing a plurality of scaling processes. Further, according to the invention described in claim 4, in claim 2 or 3
In the image processing apparatus described above, the scaling processing unit performs scaling processing only in the main scanning direction. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus of the second or third aspect, the scaling processing means performs scaling processing in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. Things. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus of the fourth or fifth aspect, the image processing apparatus further includes an image area identifying unit that identifies only an image area with respect to the input image data. Only the image area identified by the identification means is subjected to scaling processing based on a plurality of magnification setting conditions stored in the magnification setting storage means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for forming an image based on image data subjected to scaling processing by the image processing apparatus according to the fourth, fifth or sixth aspect. It is characterized by having.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect, further comprising a sheet size setting unit for setting a sheet size formed by the image forming unit for each of the input image data. It is assumed that.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the sheet size setting unit is configured to set a sheet size corresponding to the magnification setting condition set by the scaling unit for each of the input image data. The size is set. In the invention according to claim 10,
10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when the paper size is changed by the paper size setting unit, the magnification already set is changed according to the change ratio of the paper size. is there. According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventh, eighth, ninth or tenth aspect, a sheet number setting means for setting the number of sheets formed by the image forming means for each of the input image data. It is characterized by having. According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, the number of sheets setting means corresponds to the magnification setting condition set by the scaling processing means for each of the input image data. The number of sheets on which is formed is set.

[0006]

In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of magnification setting conditions are set by the magnification setting means for each of the input image data, and the plurality of magnification setting conditions are set by the magnification setting storage means. The magnification setting conditions are stored, and the magnification processing means performs magnification processing on the image data based on the magnification setting conditions, so that a series of magnification settings of a desired size can be obtained. Thus, work processing time can be reduced. According to a second aspect of the invention, in addition to the invention of the image processing apparatus configured as in the first aspect, since the scaling processing means is constituted by a means for performing one scaling processing, it is simple. With the configuration, it can be achieved at low cost. The invention of claim 3 is:
In addition to the invention of the image processing apparatus configured as in claim 1, since the scaling processing means is constituted by means for performing a plurality of scaling processes, it is possible to perform parallel scaling processing. Thus, high-speed zoom processing can be expected. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the image processing apparatus of the second or third aspect, the scaling processing means includes:
Since the scaling process is performed only in the main scanning direction, an image in which the sub-scanning direction is constant and various magnifications are changed in the main scanning direction can be easily obtained in a short time. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the image processing apparatus of the second or third aspect, the scaling processing means includes:
Since the scaling process is performed in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, images with various magnifications changed in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction can be easily obtained in a short time. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the image processing apparatus according to the fourth or fifth aspect, the scaling unit stores the magnification setting only for the image area identified by the image area identifying unit. Since the scaling process is performed based on a plurality of magnification setting conditions stored in the means, the size of the memory and the output medium can be reduced in the process of the scaling process, and cost and output paper can be saved. Become.

Further, the invention of the image forming apparatus according to claim 7 is
By the image forming means, an image can be formed based on the image data subjected to the scaling processing by the image processing device configured as in claim 4, 5 or 6.
An image in which the sub-scanning direction is constant and various magnifications are changed in the main scanning direction or an image in which the magnification is variously changed in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction can be easily formed in a short time. According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the image forming apparatus of the seventh aspect, a sheet size for forming an image can be set for each piece of input image data by a sheet size setting unit. , The image data can be output on paper of a size suitable for each of them in consideration of the input image data and the scaling process. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the image forming apparatus of the eighth aspect, the paper size setting means includes a paper size corresponding to a magnification setting condition set by the scaling processing means. The size of the scaled image is too large to fit on the paper, or the reduced image needs only a small part of the size of the large size paper. As a result, the paper is not wasted and the labor of the paper is saved. According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the invention of the image forming apparatus constructed as in the eighth or ninth aspect, only the change of the paper size by the paper size setting means is performed, and the change in the paper size according to the paper size change ratio is achieved. Double processing becomes possible. Also, the invention of claim 11 is based on claim 7,
In addition to the invention of the image forming apparatus configured as in 8, 9 or 10, the number of sheets on which an image is formed can be set for each of the input image data by the sheet number setting means. The required number of image data can be obtained quickly. According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the image forming apparatus of the eleventh aspect, the sheet number setting means includes a magnification set by the scaling processing means for each of the input image data. Since the number of sheets on which an image is formed is set in accordance with the set conditions, the required number of sheets can be obtained in a fine and reliable manner.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of a main part of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The image forming apparatus 30 includes an image processing apparatus 10 and an image forming unit 5 when roughly classified. The main operation will be briefly described based on the drawings. Scanner control unit 21
Detects the state from each sensor of the original reading unit 20 on the input side of the image data, and transmits the status information to the system control unit 11 of the image processing apparatus 10. The scanner control unit 21 controls the operation of each drive unit of the document reading unit 20 according to the received command information, and causes the document P set on the document table 22 to be exposed to the exposure lamp 2.
A scanning operation is given to a first optical system consisting of 3 and the first mirror 24 and a second optical system consisting of the second mirror 25 and the reflecting mirror 26. The reflected light of the read document image is guided to a CCD image sensor 28 through a filter 27,
The electric signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD image sensor 28 is transferred to the image processing unit 12 of the image processing device 10.
The image processing apparatus 10 mainly includes a system control unit 11, an image processing unit 12, an operation unit 13, an image memory unit 15, and the like. Further, the plotter control unit 31 detects a state from each sensor of the image forming unit 5 which is an image forming unit, and transmits the status information to the system control unit 11 of the image processing apparatus 10. Further, based on the received command information and the image data from the image processing unit 12, the operation of each image forming process unit and the paper transport unit of the image forming unit 5 is controlled to form an image on a sheet. The operation unit 13
Is composed of a key switch and an LCD display unit, etc.
The key input by the operator is detected, and the status information is transmitted to the system controller 11. Also, information such as the status of each unit is displayed on the LCD display unit according to the received command information. Further, some of the key switches of the operation unit 13 are displayed on the LCD display unit for each of the input image data, and a plurality of magnification setting conditions can be set by the magnification setting unit 1 which is magnification setting means. It has become. In some cases, a paper size for forming an image in the image forming unit 5 is set by a paper size setting unit 6 as a paper size setting unit, and an image is formed by a paper number setting unit 7 as a sheet number setting unit. It is possible to set the number of sheets. Further, the plurality of set magnification setting conditions are stored in the magnification setting storage unit 2a of the setting condition storage unit 2, the paper size is stored in the size setting storage unit 2b of the setting condition storage unit 2, and the number of sheets is stored in the setting condition storage unit 2. It is stored in the setting storage unit 2c.

The printer I / F processing unit 14a is provided with a command 1 / F between the system control unit 11 and the external host 40.
The processing is performed, and the image data transferred from the external host 40 is transferred to the image processing unit 12. With such an operation, the image forming apparatus 30 also functions as a printer. Further, the image memory unit 15 transmits status information for notifying a state to the system control unit 11 or accumulates image data transmitted from the document reading unit 20 or the external host 40 according to an instruction of the system control unit 11. Alternatively, the image data processed by the image processing unit 12 is stored. Further, the image processing unit 12 performs A / D conversion, shading correction, scaling processing, and dither processing on the image data transferred from the CCD, and sends the image data to the writing unit 32 of the image forming unit 5 together with the image synchronization signal. Send. A light emitting unit (not shown) emits light based on the image data transmitted to the writing unit 32 and irradiates the surface of the photoreceptor 34 already uniformly charged by the charger 33. Therefore, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data transmitted to the writing unit 32 is formed on the surface of the photoconductor, and is visualized by the toner of the developing unit 35. Further, the visualized toner image is carried downward (in the direction of the arrow) with the rotation of the photoconductor 34. On the other hand, timing of the transfer paper conveyed from the paper feed tray 36 by the paper feed roller 37 is adjusted by the registration roller 38, and the toner image on the photoconductor 34 is transferred to the transfer paper by the action of the transfer charger 39. Further, the toner image transferred to the transfer paper is
1 and is stored in the paper discharge tray by the action of the paper discharge roller 42. On the other hand, the toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor 34 without being transferred to the transfer paper is removed from the surface of the photoconductor 34 by the action of the cleaning unit 40. Also,
The system control unit 11 described above includes a scanner control unit 21,
It communicates with the plotter control unit 31, the operation unit 13, the printer I / F processing unit 14a, the image memory unit 15, the image processing unit 12, and the like to manage the status of each processing unit, set parameters, execute processes, and the like. And a control unit for managing the entire digital copying machine.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, an image processing apparatus 10 (portion surrounded by a dotted line) includes an image input unit 14 that captures image data input from a document reading unit 20 such as a scanner or a computer (not shown).
Image memory unit 1 for storing captured input image data
5. an operation unit 13 having various operation keys and display lamps;
The magnification setting storage unit 2a stores the magnification setting conditions set by the magnification setting unit 1 in the operation unit 13, and changes based on the magnification setting conditions stored in the magnification setting storage unit 2a in the setting condition storage unit 2. It mainly comprises a scaling unit 3 for performing the doubling process, a system control unit 11 for controlling the entire apparatus, and the like. Further, the system control unit 11 includes a CPU 11
a and a ROM / RAM 11b.
Stores an operation program of the CPU 11a.
Further, the image data that has been subjected to the image processing is transferred to the image forming unit 5 via the bus line of the image processing device 10, and an image based on the image data is output. Further, the image forming apparatus 30 of the present invention includes the image processing apparatus 10 and the image forming unit 5 as surrounded by a dashed line. Further, the image processing apparatus 1 according to the present invention
Mainly describing the operation at 0, the image input unit 14 receives input image data from an external device such as the document reading unit 20 or a computer, and takes in the image processing device 10. The fetched input image data is temporarily stored in the image memory unit 15. Further, the magnification setting unit 1 on the operation unit 13
Can set a plurality of magnification setting conditions for each input image data for each document. The set plurality of magnification setting conditions are stored in the magnification setting storage unit 2a in the setting condition storage unit 2. Here, for comparison with FIG. 1, the image input unit 14 is not shown in FIG.
Is assumed to include the printer I / F processing unit 14a. Further, the scaling processing section 3 in the image processing section 12 performs scaling processing on the image data stored in the image memory section 15 based on the magnification setting conditions stored in the magnification setting storage section 2a. . The image processing unit 12 also performs, for example, processing such as mirroring, italicizing, shadowing, and hollowing. Further, the image data on which all the image processing has been performed by the image processing unit 12 is transferred to the image forming unit 5 via the bus line according to an instruction from the system control unit 11, and
An image will be formed. As the image forming unit 5, a printer device or the like is employed. Although the magnification setting unit 1 is arranged on the operation unit 13 in the drawing, it may be set anywhere.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the magnification setting conditions stored in the magnification setting storage unit 2a of the image processing apparatus 10 of FIG. Here, the image data input for each document is the image data of document A and document B, and the set magnifications a1, a2, and a3 are set for the image data of document A, and the image data of document B are Set magnification a1
And a3 are set. If the magnification setting storage unit 2
a to the image forming apparatus 3 shown in FIG.
When 0 is started, the image data of the document A read by the document reading unit 20 is subjected to scaling processing by the scaling processing section 3 with the magnifications a1, a2 and a3 stored in the magnification setting storage section 2a. The scaled image data is transferred to the image forming unit 5 to form a scaled image. Similarly, the image data of the document B is subjected to a scaling process at magnifications a1 and a3, and an image based on the scaled image data is formed by the image forming unit 5. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a main part of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The difference in configuration compared to FIG.
That is, a sheet size setting unit 6 and a sheet number setting unit 7 of the operation unit 13 and a size setting storage unit 2b and a sheet number setting storage unit 2c of the setting condition storage unit 2 are newly added. Therefore, only the functions added to FIG. 2 will be described. A paper size setting unit 6 serving as a paper size setting unit sets a paper size for forming an image. Also,
The paper size set by the paper size setting unit 6 is
It is stored in the size setting storage unit 2b of the setting condition storage unit 2. In some cases, the paper size setting unit 6 can set the paper size in accordance with a plurality of magnification setting conditions that have already been set. FIGS. 5 and 6 show the magnification setting storage unit 2.
2 is an example stored in the size setting storage unit 2b. The set magnification is stored in the magnification setting storage unit 2a, and the paper size is stored in the size setting storage unit 2b. Further, the association between the set magnification stored in the magnification setting storage unit 2a and the paper size stored in the size setting storage unit 2b can be determined according to the document.

In FIG. 5, a plurality of set magnifications are stored in the magnification setting storage unit 2a for the image data of the document A and the document B, and the paper sizes A4 and A3 are stored in the size setting storage unit 2b. In FIG. 6, a plurality of set magnifications are stored in the magnification setting storage unit 2a for the image data of the originals A and B.
And the paper size is stored in the size setting storage unit 2b corresponding to each set magnification. For example, an image of the document A set at the set magnification a3 is formed by the image forming unit 5 with a sheet size of B4. Although not shown, if the paper size is set by the paper size setting unit 6 as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. The set magnification is changed according to the change ratio. For example, in FIG. 6, the set magnification a2 of the document A, the paper size A4
From the state set to (210 × 297), paper size A
When it is changed to 3 (297 × 420), the set magnification a2 is automatically enlarged to (a2 × 1.414). Further, when the document A in FIG. 5 is changed from the setting of the paper size A4 to the paper size A3, all of the set magnifications a1, a2 and a3 are enlarged to 1.414 times. Further, FIG. 3 has a sheet number setting unit 7 as sheet number setting means, and can set the number of sheets when forming an image. Sheet number setting section 7
The number of sheets set in the setting is stored in the number setting storage unit 2c of the setting condition storage unit 2. In some cases, the number-of-sheets setting section 7 can set the number of sheets in accordance with a plurality of magnification setting conditions that have already been set. FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 are examples in which the data are stored in the magnification setting storage unit 2a, the size setting storage unit 2b, and the number setting storage unit 2c. The set magnification is stored in the magnification setting storage unit 2a, the sheet size is stored in the size setting storage unit 2b, and the number of sheets is stored in the number setting storage unit 2c. The setting magnification stored in the magnification setting storage unit 2a, the paper size stored in the size setting storage unit 2b, and the number of papers stored in the number setting storage unit 2c can be determined in association with the original. Has become.

FIG. 7 shows an example in which a plurality of set magnifications and the number of sheets are stored for the image data of the document A and the document B. FIG.
FIG. 9 shows an example in which a plurality of set magnifications, a plurality of paper sizes, and a number of sheets are stored for image data of the document A and the document B. This is an example. Further, for example, in FIG. 8, two images of the document A set at the set magnification a3 are formed by the image forming unit 5 in the A4 sheet size. FIG. 10 shows an example in which a plurality of set magnifications, a plurality of sheet sizes, and a plurality of sheets are stored for the image data of the document A and the document B. The paper size and the number of paper sheets are set according to a plurality of magnification setting conditions that have already been set. Therefore, from FIG.
The image of the set magnification a3 is formed by the image forming unit 5 in a B4 sheet size. Also,
The image area identification unit 4 as the image area identification means can identify only the image area for each of the input image data. The identified image area is stored at a predetermined location in the image memory 15 in a form in which the area line is encoded and corresponding to the input image data. Therefore, if the image area has been identified, the scaling section 3 can perform scaling processing only on the identified image area based on the magnification setting condition stored in the magnification setting storage section 2a. Become like FIG.
An example is shown in which the image area identifying unit 4 recognizes only an image from a document, performs a plurality of scaling processes set only on the recognized image, and forms an image on a designated paper size. FIG. 16A shows an image of a document, and only the image portion of the document indicated by oblique lines is recognized by the image area identification unit 4. FIG. 16B shows an image formed by the image forming unit 5 in which the recognized image is reduced by the scaling unit 3, and FIGS. The image formed by the image forming unit 5 is enlarged by the unit 3. As described above, if the image area identification unit 4 is provided, it is possible to perform only the scaling process on an image on a sheet having the same size as the document size.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a main part of the image processing section 12 provided with one scaling processing circuit in the main scanning direction. The operation will be described. The document placed on the document table 22 of the document reading unit 20 is optically scanned, and the reflected light is guided to a CCD image sensor 28 through a filter 27. The CCD image sensor 28 performs photoelectric conversion and reads as an electric signal, and the image processing device 10
To the image processing unit 12. The image processing unit 12 inputs the electric signal sent from each CCD image sensor 28 to the A / D conversion unit 12a. The signal is converted from an analog signal to a digital electric signal by the A / D converter 12a and sent to a shading correction circuit 12b to be subjected to shading correction. The image data after the shading correction is sent to the next-stage filter circuit 12c, and the level of the target pixel is corrected by the level of the peripheral pixels. The corrected image data is sent to the next-stage scaling processing circuit 12d. The magnification operation of the magnification processing circuit 12d will be described later in detail, but a magnification is input from the magnification setting unit 1. The input magnification is stored in the magnification setting storage unit 2a. Further, the scaling processing section performs scaling processing based on the magnification stored in the magnification setting storage section 2a, and transmits the result to the path control circuit (I) 12e at the next stage. The path control circuit (I) 12e transmits the image data sent from the scaling processing circuit 12d to the image memory unit 15 or the image processing circuit 12h according to the parameters set by the system control unit 11, The image data transmitted from the unit 15 is transmitted to the image processing circuit 12h. That is, the switching process of the image data path is performed. The image processing circuit 12h
Performs image processing such as γ correction processing, dither processing, and error diffusion processing on the image signal sent from the preceding stage, and sends it to the next-stage path control circuit (II) 12k together with the synchronization signal. The print control circuit 12f has a built-in ROM in which information such as kanji data, a confidential pattern, and a management number pattern is encoded and stored. Is transmitted to the path control circuit (II) 12k.

Further, in the path control circuit (II) 12k,
In accordance with the parameters set by the system control unit 11, image data combined with the image data sent via the image processing circuit 12h and the printer I / F processing unit 14a is generated, or the image processing circuit 12h and the printer I
The image data sent via the / F processing unit 14a and the combined image data are selected and sent out from the image processing unit 12. Here, the plurality of magnifications stored in the magnification setting storage unit 2a are transmitted to the scaling processing circuit 12d under the instruction of the path control circuit (I) 12e. The magnification processing circuit 12d performs magnification processing according to the magnification specified from the magnification setting storage unit 2a. Thereafter, the next set magnification is instructed from the magnification setting storage unit 2a, and the image data stored in the image memory unit 15 is again subjected to the scaling processing, and the processed image data is transferred to the path control circuit (I ) 12e. Such a process is repeated until there is no indication of a magnification from the magnification setting storage unit 2a. The operation of the circuit after the path control circuit (I) 12e is as described above. Here, the magnification setting storage unit 2a and the scaling processing circuit 12d are shown as being in the image processing unit 12, but need not be in the image processing unit 12, and may be anywhere. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method of scaling processing performed by the scaling processing circuit 12d. If image data read at a CCD pixel pitch by the CCD image sensor 28 is written on the drum of the photoreceptor 34 at the same pitch, a 1: 1 image can be created. Further, if data is read by dividing the length of the CCD image sensor 28 for 10 pixel pitches into eight equal parts and writing is performed at the same pitch as that at the same magnification, a reduced image of 80% can be created as shown in the figure. .
If the data is read out by dividing the length of the CCD image sensor 28 for 10 pixel pitches into 14 equal parts, and the data is written at the same pitch as that at the same magnification, a 140% enlarged image can be created. However, since there is generally no CCD at a position divided into 8 or 14 parts, there is no data directly read by the CCD image sensor 28. So, in that position CC
Assuming a virtual sample point where D is present, data is complemented from the read values of a plurality of CCD image sensors 28 before and after the virtual sample point. As a complementary method, for example, there is a method using a three-dimensional convolution method. In addition, since the three-dimensional convolution method is widely known in general, the description is omitted.

FIGS. 15A to 15D are examples of a document that has been subjected to scaling processing by the circuit of the image processing unit 12 in FIG. 11 as described above. That is, FIG. 15A shows the text of the manuscript, FIG. 15B shows the text of the manuscript of FIG. 15A reduced to 75% in the main scanning direction (horizontal direction), and FIG. It is a sentence enlarged by 125% in the scanning direction (lateral direction),
(D) is a sentence enlarged 150% in the main scanning direction (horizontal direction). In the sub-scanning direction (vertical direction), the size is the same as that of the original. As described above, if there is a request to fit a text having a fixed number of characters in a space limited in the main scanning direction (horizontal direction), a plurality of magnifications are collectively set and set by the scaling processing circuit 12d. By performing the scaling process one after another according to the set magnification, a scaled image suitable for the purpose can be obtained at a time. Further, the circuit of the image processing unit 12 in FIG. 12 has a configuration having a plurality of scaling processing circuits 12d (1) to 12d (n) in the main scanning direction. Further, a plurality of scaling processing circuits 12d (1)
.About.12d (n) correspond to the magnification set in the magnification setting storage unit 2a before the magnification processing, and have a configuration in which the magnification processing can be performed in parallel. By adopting such a configuration, high-speed scaling processing can be performed. However, when processing of the subsequent image processing circuit 12h or image forming unit 5 is slow, each of the scaling processing circuits 12d (1) to 12d. Needless to say, since the variable-magnification image processed in (n) is held, more memory is required in the image memory unit 15 than usual. The circuit of the image processing unit 12 in FIG. 13 has a configuration in which a scaling processing circuit (I) 12d1 in the main scanning direction and a scaling processing circuit (II) 12d2 in the sub-scanning direction are provided. In the magnification setting storage unit 2a, a plurality of magnifications in the main scanning direction and a plurality of magnifications in the sub-scanning direction are independently set, and the magnification in the main scanning direction is stored in the magnification processing circuit (I) 12d1 in the sub-scanning direction. Is transmitted to the scaling processing circuit (II) 12d2. Further, a scaling processing circuit (I) 12d1 in the main scanning direction and a scaling processing circuit (II) 12 in the sub-scanning direction.
As described with reference to FIG. 11, the scaling process is performed again using the image data stored in the image memory unit 15 every time the scaling process is performed at a different magnification by d2. With such a configuration, it is possible to perform not only the scaling processing in the main scanning direction shown in FIG. 15 but also the scaling processing in the sub-scanning direction. Needless to say. Although not shown, it is possible to have a plurality of scaling processing circuits in the main scanning direction and a plurality of scaling processing circuits in the sub-scanning direction based on the same concept as in FIG. By doing so, it is possible to set individual magnifications in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and perform scaling processing in parallel.

[0017]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention,
A desired size can be easily obtained by a series of magnification setting of the magnification setting means, and an image processing apparatus capable of shortening the work processing time can be provided. According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the image processing apparatus of the first aspect, since the scaling processing means is constituted by means for performing one scaling processing, it is possible to easily reduce the work processing time. It has become possible to provide an image processing apparatus which achieves a low cost with a simple configuration.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the image processing apparatus of the first aspect, since the scaling processing means is constituted by means for performing a plurality of scaling processings, the scaling processing is performed at a high speed. This has made it possible to provide an image processing apparatus in which the work processing time is further reduced. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the image processing apparatus of the second or third aspect, an image in which the sub-scanning direction is constant and various magnifications are changed in the main scanning direction can be easily obtained in a short time. Processing equipment can now be provided. According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the image processing apparatus of the second or third aspect, an image processing apparatus capable of easily obtaining an image with various magnifications in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction in a short time. Can now be provided. According to the invention of claim 6, in addition to the invention of the image processing apparatus of claim 4 or 5, the scaling processing means performs scaling processing only on the identified image area based on a plurality of magnification setting conditions. As a result, the size of the memory and the output medium can be reduced in the process of performing the scaling process, and it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus that saves cost and saves output paper. According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, an image in which the sub-scanning direction is constant and various magnifications are changed in the main scanning direction, or an image in which the magnification is variously changed in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction can be easily formed in a short time. A forming apparatus can be provided.

According to the invention of claim 8, in addition to the invention of the image forming apparatus of claim 7, it is possible to set a paper size for forming an image for each input image data by the paper size setting means. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that outputs to a sheet of a size suitable for each in consideration of the input image data and the scaling process. According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the image forming apparatus of the eighth aspect, the scaled image is too large to fit on the paper, or only a part of the large-sized paper is used. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which wasted paper is prevented from being wasted. According to the tenth aspect, in addition to the image forming apparatus according to the eighth or ninth aspect, it is possible to perform a scaling process in accordance with a change ratio of the paper size only by changing the paper size by the paper size setting unit. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which it is easy to increase or decrease the overall processing according to the paper size. According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the image forming apparatus of the seventh, eighth, ninth, or tenth aspect, a plurality of scaling processes are performed on each of the input image data, and each of them is required. It has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily obtaining the number of sheets and improving the work efficiency.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the image forming apparatus of the eleventh aspect, the number of paper sheets setting means includes a number of paper sheets for forming an image corresponding to a magnification setting condition set by the scaling processing means. Is set, the required number of sheets can be obtained in a fine and reliable manner, and an image forming apparatus with improved work efficiency can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of a main part of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a magnification setting condition stored in a magnification setting storage unit.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a plurality of set magnifications and a paper size stored in a magnification setting storage unit and a size setting storage unit.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a plurality of set magnifications and a plurality of paper sizes stored in a magnification setting storage unit and a size setting storage unit.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a plurality of set magnifications and the number of sheets stored in a magnification setting storage unit and a number setting storage unit.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a plurality of setting magnifications, paper sizes, and the number of sheets stored in a magnification setting storage unit, a size setting storage unit, and a number setting storage unit.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a plurality of set magnifications, a plurality of paper sizes, and the number of sheets stored in a magnification setting storage unit, a size setting storage unit, and a number setting storage unit.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a plurality of set magnifications, a plurality of paper sizes, and a plurality of sheets stored in a magnification setting storage unit, a size setting storage unit, and a number setting storage unit.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a main part of an image processing apparatus provided with one scaling processing circuit in the main scanning direction.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a main part of the image processing apparatus of the present invention including a plurality of scaling processing circuits in the main scanning direction.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a main part of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, which includes one scaling circuit in the main scanning direction and one in the sub-scanning direction.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of performing a scaling process of reduction or enlargement based on a reading pitch of a CCD image sensor.

FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram showing a character string of a document before the scaling processing, and FIG. 15B is a drawing showing a 75% reduction processing of the character string in FIG. 15A in the main scanning direction (horizontal direction). (C) is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the character string of (A) is subjected to a scaling process of 125% enlargement in the main scanning direction (horizontal direction);
(D) shows the character string of (A) as 15 characters in the main scanning direction (horizontal direction).
It is explanatory drawing which showed the example which performed the scaling process of 0% enlargement.

16A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image of a document before a scaling process, and FIG. 16B is an image obtained by performing a scaling process on the image of FIG. Explanatory drawing showing an image formed by the forming unit, (C) is an explanation showing an image formed by the image forming unit after performing the enlargement / reduction processing on the image of (A) recognized by the image area identifying unit. FIG. 9D is another explanatory diagram showing an image formed by the image forming unit by performing the enlargement / reduction processing on the image of FIG. 9A recognized by the image area identification unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 magnification setting section (magnification setting means) 2 setting condition storage section 2a magnification setting storage section (magnification setting storage means) 2b size setting storage section 2c number setting storage section 3 scaling processing section (magnification processing means) 4 image area identification Unit (image area identifying unit) 5 image forming unit (image forming unit) 6 sheet size setting unit (sheet size setting unit) 7 sheet number setting unit (sheet number setting unit) 10 image processing device 11 system control unit 11a CPU 11b ROM / RAM 12 Image processing unit 13 Operation unit 14 Image input unit 15 Image memory unit 20 Document reading unit 30 Image forming apparatus

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for performing scaling processing on input image data at a preset magnification, a magnification setting means capable of setting a plurality of magnification setting conditions for each of the input image data, Magnification setting storage means for storing a plurality of magnification setting conditions set by the magnification setting means, and magnification processing means for performing magnification processing of image data based on the plurality of magnification setting conditions stored in the magnification setting storage means An image processing apparatus comprising: 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scaling unit is configured to perform one scaling process. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scaling unit is configured to perform a plurality of scaling processes. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said scaling processing means performs scaling processing only in a main scanning direction. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the scaling unit performs scaling in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: an image area identifying unit that identifies only an image area of the input image data, wherein the scaling unit identifies the image data by the image area identifying unit. An image processing apparatus characterized in that a scaling process is performed only on the selected image area based on a plurality of magnification setting conditions stored in the magnification setting storage means. 7. An image forming apparatus, comprising: image forming means for forming an image based on image data subjected to scaling processing by the image processing apparatus according to claim 4. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein
An image forming apparatus comprising: a sheet size setting unit that sets a sheet size formed by the image forming unit for each input image data. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper size setting means sets a paper size for each of the input image data in accordance with a magnification setting condition set by the scaling processing means. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when the paper size is changed by said paper size setting means, the magnification already set is changed according to the paper size change ratio. An image forming apparatus comprising: 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a sheet number setting unit for setting the number of sheets formed by said image forming unit for each of the input image data. An image forming apparatus comprising: 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said sheet number setting means forms an image for each of the input image data in accordance with a magnification setting condition set by said scaling processing means. An image forming apparatus for setting the number of sheets.