JP2002111992A - Facsimile machine, image transmitting method and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a facsimile machine, an image transmitting method and a control method in which various performances in an image formation of a recipient facsimile machine are recognized as a profile, and image data optimized based on such profile is transmitted. SOLUTION: In a facsimile machine, an image transmitting method and a control method, there are provided read means for reading an image of a copy; transmitting image data generating means for generating transmitting image data in correspondence to a profile of a recipient facsimile machine from read image data read by the read means; and transmitting means for transmitting the transmitting image data to the recipient facsimile machine.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus, an image transmission method, and a control method, and more particularly, to a facsimile apparatus for transmitting image data in accordance with the image reproduction capability of a receiving facsimile apparatus, an image transmission method, and a control method. About the method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, color facsimile machines have appeared,
It is possible to easily transmit a color document to a remote place.

However, the destination facsimile machine does not always have a function of outputting a color image. Further, even if the destination facsimile apparatus has a color image output function, since the transmission facsimile apparatus has a different profile regarding image formation such as resolution, gradation, and image processing method, the transmission source facsimile apparatus has In some cases, the image quality is far from that of the original document to be sent.

Further, in the case of a facsimile apparatus which receives color image data and outputs it as a monochrome image, monochrome halftone processing of color image data varies depending on the apparatus, and this also has an image quality far from that of a document. There was a case.

To solve the above problems, for example,
In the color facsimile apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-298083, each terminal has the same original standard image document, and compares the image quality of the received output standard image with the image quality of the original standard image document to adjust the color difference or luminance. Is performed on the operation panel to correct the received image to a color tone and luminance close to those of the original transmission original, thereby obtaining an image reproduction close to the image quality of the original transmission original regardless of the characteristics of each terminal.

In the color facsimile apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-336281, a color signal conversion process is performed if the receiving-side facsimile device supports color, and a monochrome process is performed if the receiving-side facsimile device supports monochrome. It enables transmission without regard to whether the receiving device is color or monochrome.

[0007]

However, in the color facsimile apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-298083, the correction of image quality is left to the facsimile apparatus on the receiving side, and the image is corrected as intended by the user on the transmitting side. It is not clear whether or not is output by the receiving facsimile machine.

In the color facsimile apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-336281, it is determined whether or not the facsimile apparatus on the receiving side is compatible with color.
No determination is made as to the number of reproducible tones or what image processing is performed when outputting images, and it is also determined whether an image as intended by the transmitting user is output on the receiving facsimile machine. I was not sure.

In any of the above color facsimile apparatuses, there is no way for the transmitting user to know in advance what kind of image is output to the receiving facsimile apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus and an image processing apparatus capable of recognizing various performances related to image formation of a destination facsimile apparatus as a profile and transmitting image data optimized based on the profile. It is intended to provide a transmission method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus and an image transmission method capable of previewing (previewing) an image to be output from a destination facsimile apparatus based on the profile. It is.

[0012]

The above object of the present invention has been attained by the following constitutions.

1. Reading means for reading an image of a document, transmission image data generating means for generating transmission image data according to a profile of a destination facsimile apparatus from the read image data read by the reading means, and transmitting image data. A facsimile apparatus having transmission means for transmitting the data to the destination facsimile apparatus.

2. Acquisition means for acquiring the profile of the destination facsimile machine, and storage means for storing the profile, the transmission image data generating means, when the profile is not stored in the storage means, The acquisition unit connects to the destination facsimile machine to acquire the profile, generates transmission image data according to the acquired profile,
The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the profile is stored in the storage unit in advance, the image data for transmission is generated according to the stored profile.

3. 3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a preview image generating unit configured to generate preview image data based on the read image data and the profile; and a display unit configured to display an image based on the preview image data. .

4. 3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a preview image generating unit that generates preview image data based on the read image data and the profile; and an output unit that outputs an image based on the preview image data. .

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising an image processing operation unit, wherein the transmission image data generation unit generates transmission image data based on the image processing operation from the image processing operation unit and the profile. Facsimile machine.

6. The facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the profile includes at least one of an image processing method, a number of gradations, a color / monochrome type, and a resolution.

[7] 7. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the original is a color original, and the read image data is color image data.

8. A reading step of reading an image of a document, a generating step of generating transmission image data according to a profile of a destination facsimile apparatus from the read image data read in the reading step, and transmitting the transmission image data to the destination Transmitting the image to the facsimile apparatus.

9. An acquisition step of acquiring the profile by connecting to the transmission destination facsimile apparatus, wherein the generation step generates transmission image data according to the profile acquired in the acquisition step. 8. The image transmission method according to 8.

10. 9. The image transmission method according to claim 8, wherein the generation step generates transmission image data according to the profile stored in advance.

11. A preview image generating step of generating preview image data based on the read image data and the profile; and a display step of displaying an image based on the preview image data generated in the preview image generating step. The image transmission method according to any one of the above items 8 to 10.

12. A preview image generating step of generating preview image data based on the read image data and the profile; and an output step of outputting an image based on the preview image data generated in the preview image generating step. The image transmission method according to any one of the above items 8 to 10.

13. 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising an operation step of performing an image processing operation from an image processing operation unit, wherein the generation step generates transmission image data based on the image processing operation in the operation step and the profile. Image transmission method.

14. 14. The image transmission method according to any one of the items 8 to 13, wherein the profile includes at least one of an image processing method, a gradation number, a color / monochrome type, and a resolution. .

15. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the document is a color document, and the read image data is color image data.

16. Reading means for reading an image of a document;
A facsimile apparatus having preview image generating means for generating preview image data based on a profile of a destination facsimile apparatus from the read image data read by the reading means.

17. 17. The facsimile apparatus according to the above item 16, further comprising display means for displaying an image based on the preview image data.

18. 18. The facsimile apparatus according to the above item 16 or 17, further comprising an output unit that outputs an image based on the preview image data.

19. A reading step of reading an image of a document,
A facsimile apparatus control method comprising: generating preview image data based on a profile of a destination facsimile apparatus from the read image data read in the reading step.

20. 20. The control method for a facsimile apparatus according to the above 19, further comprising a display step of displaying an image based on the preview image data.

21. 21. The control method for a facsimile apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising an output unit that outputs an image based on the preview image data.

[0034]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a facsimile apparatus of the present invention. Each component includes a scanner 11, a control unit 12, a modem / TA (terminal adapter) 13,
Image processing unit 14, network I / F (interface) 15, operation unit 16, display unit 17, profile memory 18, image memory 19, preview image output I / F
(Interface) 20.

The scanner 11 is a reading means for reading an image of a document. After reading the document optically, the scanner 11 performs known signal processing to obtain read image data.

The control unit 12 is a CPU that controls the operation of each component of the facsimile apparatus and performs sequence control. The control unit 12 generates transmission image data, transmits, acquires a profile, stores a profile, generates a preview image, It serves as a means for outputting and displaying a preview image and the like.

The modem / TA 13 is an interface for transmitting and receiving image data and the like by connecting to a public line as transmitting means. The modem transmits and receives analog signals, and the TA (terminal adapter) transmits and receives digital signals. Known signal conversion procedures and protocols can be used.

The image processing section 14 has a function as transmission image data generating means or preview image generating means, and transmits image data such as read image data read from the scanner 11 and stored in the image memory 19 to a destination facsimile. Halftone processing and gradation processing (2bi) from a color image to a monochrome image according to the device profile
Known image processing such as t, 4 bits, 8 bits, etc.), edge smoothing processing, resolution conversion (dpi), color matching, conversion processing corresponding to various image processing methods (error diffusion method, dither pattern, etc.) are performed. The image data that has been subjected to the image processing is stored again in the image memory 19 as preview image data or transmission image data. The control unit 12 controls these series of operations.

For example, the following two methods can be considered for performing image processing in the image processing unit 14. According to the profile of the destination facsimile apparatus, optimization is automatically performed by a predetermined program so that the image of the document and the image output by the destination facsimile apparatus are more similar. The image output from the destination facsimile machine when the read image data is transmitted as it is without performing image processing,
The image is displayed as a preview image on an external monitor via the display unit 17 or the preview image output I / F 20, or is output as a hard copy from the image forming unit 21. The output image of the destination facsimile machine at this time is based on the profile of the destination facsimile machine stored in the profile memory 18. The sender views the preview image and selects / inputs an appropriate image processing mode from the operation unit 16 or selects to stop facsimile transmission. When the image processing mode is input, image processing is performed in the input image processing mode. The image data processed here may be displayed and output again as a preview image, or may be stored in the image memory 19 as image data for transmission as it is.

Regarding the image processing, whether or not to perform the above processing may be such that the sender can select a mode such as “preview mode” or “optimization mode” from the operation unit 16.

The network I / F 15 is an interface for connecting to a network such as a LAN (local area network) or a WAN (wide area network). A personal computer, a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, etc. connected to the network. And data including image data is exchanged. The image data taken in from the network I / F 15 can be handled in the same manner as the read image data, and can be appropriately subjected to image processing and converted into image data for transmission.

The operation unit 16 is preferably provided in a place outside the facsimile machine that is easy for the sender to handle.
An operation button, a touch panel, or the like can be employed, and also functions as an image processing operation unit. From here, the sender performs various operation settings (such as dial-up) of the facsimile machine, display / output of a preview image, and input of image processing mode settings. The operation unit 16 may be a liquid crystal touch panel display that is also used as the display unit 17.

The display unit 17 displays a destination telephone number,
It may be one that only displays the transmission / reception status,
What can display a preview image is preferable. A liquid crystal display, a CRT, or the like can be appropriately employed. When the display unit 17 displays a preview image, it functions as a display unit.

The profile memory 18 is storage means for storing a profile, and is a storage device for storing a profile of a destination facsimile machine. The profile of the other party's facsimile machine acquired during facsimile transmission / reception in the past can be stored. At the next transmission, the stored profile is called and image processing corresponding to this profile is appropriately performed. Alternatively, if the profile of the destination facsimile machine is not in the profile memory 18, the image processing apparatus connects to the destination facsimile to acquire a profile before performing image data transmission, performs image processing in accordance with the profile, and then performs transmission. The image data will be transmitted. At this time, it is determined that there is no profile in the profile memory 18, and
The function as an acquisition unit for acquiring a profile by connecting to the destination facsimile machine is performed by the control unit 12.

As described in the description of the image processing unit 14, the profile includes the color / monochrome type, the number of gradations,
This refers to the performance related to image display / output of the destination facsimile device such as resolution and image processing method, and includes at least one of these items.

The number of gradations is the number of shades of an image that can be reproduced in the same color, and greatly affects the color reproducibility of a color image and the reproducibility of an intermediate color in a monochrome image. Generally 256
Gray scale (8 bits), 16 gray scales (4 bits), 2 gray scales (2
bit) and binary (1 bit) are typical.

The resolution is a numerical value indicating the dot density at which to reproduce one image when the image is reproduced by dots (dots). Acts on the smoothness of the part. It is generally expressed in dots per inch (dpi), and the larger the numerical value, the smaller dots can be reproduced.

The image processing method is a process performed on input image data to match the performance of the output means.
It can include any of the known image processing. Representative examples include dither processing to compensate for resolution, error diffusion processing, smoothing processing to express line drawings smoothly, color / monochrome conversion processing to convert color images to monochrome images, and multi-valued images to binary images. There is a threshold process for conversion. In dithering,
The arrangement of the dither matrix and the number of unit dots are also included in the profile. In the error diffusion process and the smoothing process, the number of unit dots to be processed is included in the profile.
In the color / monochrome conversion and the threshold processing, a threshold value for rounding the gradation value is included in the profile.

If there is no profile data corresponding to the destination facsimile machine, the profile of the destination facsimile machine is determined to be equivalent to the profile of the facsimile machine on the transmission side, and the read image data is converted. It may be handled as transmission image data as it is.

As described above, the image memory 19 is a storage device for temporarily holding or storing read image data, preview image data, and transmission image data.

The preview image output I / F 20 is an interface for outputting a preview image to an external monitor as display means. This can be used when the display unit 17 that displays information other than the preview image is insufficient in image quality or screen size, or when the sender wants to perform more precise image evaluation. Of course, it is unnecessary when the display section 17 sufficiently fulfills the function as the display means of the preview image.

The image forming unit 21 is an output unit that outputs a hard copy. As an image forming method, an electrophotographic method, an ink jet method, a heat-sensitive developing method, or the like can be appropriately adopted. The output of the received image data, the output of a preview image, and the like are performed.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of an image transmission method using the facsimile apparatus of the present invention. Each component of the facsimile apparatus is the same as that described in FIG. The flow described here is a case where the facsimile machine automatically optimizes image data to be transmitted to the destination facsimile machine.

First, an image of a document is read by a scanner or the like (S11). This reading step may take in an image signal sent from the network I / F.
The read image data read in the reading step is temporarily stored in the image memory (S12).

Next, the control unit determines whether or not the profile of the destination facsimile machine exists in the profile memory (S13). If not (NO), the control unit calls the destination facsimile machine and receives a call. Thereafter, a profile is obtained (S14), and the obtained profile is stored in the profile memory (S15).

The step of the sender inputting the telephone number of the destination facsimile machine using the operation unit is performed in step S13.
Before S11, for example, before S11 or S1
2 can be performed.

When the profile of the destination facsimile machine exists in the profile memory (YES), and when the profile is acquired from the destination facsimile machine in S15, the profile is called from the profile memory and read once stored in the image memory. The image data is subjected to image processing according to the profile to generate image data for transmission (S16). The image processing is performed by a program determined in advance so that the image quality of the document and the image quality of the destination facsimile machine are similar. As an example of image processing, a 256-color (24-bit) image is converted to a 16-color (12-bit) image, and a 256-color (monochrome 8-bit) image is converted to a certain gray-scale value as a threshold (threshold). The image is converted into a binary (1 bit) image.

The generated transmission image data is stored in a modem /
The data is transmitted to the destination facsimile machine through the TA (S17).

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing another example of the image transmission method using the facsimile apparatus of the present invention. Similarly, the components of the facsimile apparatus are the same as those shown in FIG. 1 and the input of the telephone number of the destination facsimile apparatus is the same as that described with reference to FIG. The flow described with reference to FIG. 3 has a “preview mode” in which the sender can select an image processing mode for converting to transmission image data while checking the preview image.

First, the image of the original is read (S21), and the read image data read in the reading step is temporarily stored in the image memory (S22).

Next, it is determined whether the sender selects the "preview mode" (S23). This determination step may be a form in which the sender voluntarily presses the preview mode key of the operation unit, or a form in which a dialog is displayed on the display unit to respond. If the preview mode is not selected (NO), the process proceeds to the transmission step (S30) using the read image data as it is as transmission image data. Alternatively, as described with reference to FIG. 2, image processing for transmission may be performed by performing image processing according to the profile of the destination facsimile apparatus according to a preset program.

If the preview mode is selected in S23 (YES), the control unit determines whether or not the profile of the destination facsimile machine exists in the profile memory (S24).
O), a call is made to the destination facsimile machine to acquire a profile (S25), and the acquired profile is stored in the profile memory (S26).

At S24, if the profile of the destination facsimile machine exists in the profile memory (YES), and if the profile is acquired and stored from the destination facsimile machine at S26, the profile is called from the profile memory and stored in the image memory. Based on the profile, the read image data once stored in the destination facsimile machine is simulated based on the output image to generate a preview image, and the preview image is displayed on the display unit or output from the output unit (S27). Whether the preview image is displayed on the display means or output from the output means can be appropriately selected.

The sender looks at the preview image and judges whether or not the image can be transmitted as it is as the image data for transmission (S28). If the image can be transmitted (YES), the sender presses the transmission button or the like to perform the operation. Send as it is (S3
1). In S28, when the sender views the preview image and feels that image processing is necessary as appropriate (NO), the sender selects whether or not to cancel true (S29), and otherwise does not cancel (NO). Then, an instruction to change the image quality is input from the operation unit (S30). When transmission is stopped because the preview image is significantly different from the sender's intention (YE
In S), the process ends. As an instruction to change the image quality, the user can select the type of monochrome halftone processing from a color image to a monochrome image, change the number of gradations,
An image processing mode in which an edge smoothing process is selected, a resolution is changed, and a color matching method is changed (items corresponding to profiles) is designated. Image processing is performed on the preview image according to the input instruction, and the generated image data is displayed or output again as a preview image (S27). If further image processing needs to be performed on the preview image, S30 is repeated. When the transmission of the preview image is successful, the preview image data is transmitted as transmission image data to the destination facsimile machine via the modem / TA (S31).

[0066]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a facsimile apparatus, an image transmission method, and a control method capable of recognizing various performances related to image formation of a destination facsimile apparatus as a profile and transmitting image data optimized based on the profile.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image transmission method using a facsimile machine.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image transmission method using a facsimile apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 11 scanner (reading unit) 12 control unit (control unit) 13 modem / TA (transmission unit) 14 image processing unit (transmission image data generation unit, preview image data generation unit) 15 network I / F 16 operation unit (operation unit) 9) 17 display unit (display unit) 18 profile memory (storage unit) 19 image memory 20 preview image output I / F 21 image forming unit (output unit)

Claims (21)

[Claims] A reading means for reading an image of a document; transmission image data generating means for generating transmission image data according to a profile of a destination facsimile apparatus from the read image data read by the reading means; A facsimile apparatus having transmission means for transmitting image data for transmission to the destination facsimile apparatus. 2. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an obtaining unit that obtains a profile of the destination facsimile machine; and a storage unit that stores the profile. The transmission image data generating unit stores the profile in the storage unit. If not, the acquisition unit connects to the destination facsimile machine to acquire the profile, generates transmission image data according to the acquired profile, and stores the profile in the storage unit in advance. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when present, the transmission image data is generated in accordance with the stored profile. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: preview image generating means for generating preview image data based on the read image data and the profile; and display means for displaying an image based on the preview image data. 3. The facsimile apparatus according to 2. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: preview image generating means for generating preview image data based on the read image data and the profile; and output means for outputting an image based on the preview image data. 3. The facsimile apparatus according to 2. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image processing operation unit, wherein the transmission image data generation unit generates transmission image data based on the image processing operation from the image processing operation unit and the profile. The facsimile apparatus according to 3 or 4. 6. The image processing method,
2. The information according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the number of gradations, the color / monochrome type, and the resolution is included.
A facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the original is a color original, and the read image data is color image data. 8. A reading step of reading an image of a document, a generating step of generating transmission image data according to a profile of a destination facsimile apparatus from the read image data read in the reading step, and the transmission image Transmitting the data to the destination facsimile machine. 9. An acquisition step of acquiring the profile by connecting to the destination facsimile machine, wherein the generation step generates transmission image data according to the profile acquired in the acquisition step. The image transmission method according to claim 8, wherein: 10. The image transmission method according to claim 8, wherein in the generation step, transmission image data is generated according to the profile stored in advance. 11. A preview image generating step of generating preview image data based on the read image data and the profile, and a display step of displaying an image based on the preview image data generated in the preview image generating step. The image transmission method according to claim 8, wherein: 12. A preview image generating step of generating preview image data based on the read image data and the profile, and an output step of outputting an image based on the preview image data generated in the preview image generating step. The image transmission method according to claim 8, wherein: 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation step of performing an image processing operation from an image processing operation unit, wherein the generation step generates transmission image data based on the image processing operation in the operation step and the profile. Item 13. The image transmission method according to Item 11 or 12. 14. The profile according to claim 8, wherein the profile includes at least one of an image processing method, a gradation number, a color / monochrome type, and a resolution. The image transmission method described in 1. 15. The image transmission method according to claim 8, wherein the original is a color original, and the read image data is color image data. 16. A reading means for reading an image of a document, and a preview image generating means for generating preview image data based on a profile of a destination facsimile apparatus from the read image data read by the reading means. Facsimile machine. 17. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising display means for displaying an image based on the preview image data. 18. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising an output unit that outputs an image based on the preview image data. 19. A method comprising: a reading step of reading an image of a document; and a preview image generating step of generating preview image data based on a profile of a destination facsimile apparatus from the read image data read in the reading step. A method for controlling a facsimile machine. 20. The control method according to claim 19, further comprising a display step of displaying an image based on the preview image data. 21. The control method for a facsimile apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising an output unit that outputs an image based on the preview image data.