JP2002204365A - Apparatus and method of image processing - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten the needed time until the desired output image data adjusted in quality as intended by a user is displayed and recognized. SOLUTION: In an apparatus of image processing, when desired image quality adjusting range is selected from the image quality adjusting range presented by an operation part, image processing conditions are set with sequential switching according to the selected desired range, output image data image- processed according to the set conditions is stored into a plurality of image memory 210, so that a CPU 240 controls each output image data sequentially read out to display for previews on a monitor 229 every request of output image data choices to be displayed on the monitor 229 for previewing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method having a reader unit for reading an original image, and outputting the image data read by the reader unit to a printer unit while performing predetermined image processing on the image data. It is about.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for higher speed in an image processing apparatus capable of forming a color image by performing image processing by performing communication between a scanner unit and a printer unit constituting a digital color copying machine. Have been. In order to respond to this, for example, four photosensitive drums are juxtaposed, and each drum is provided with a developing device for each of Y, M, C, and K, and each color image is transferred onto a conveyed recording medium. A color LBP for forming a color image has been proposed.

In such an image processing apparatus, an image memory for compensating for a spatial displacement between drums is indispensable, and it is desirable to have a full page image memory in order to realize more advanced image processing.

[0004] Digital color copiers have high image quality.
It has become more sophisticated and can meet the user's expectations with respect to the color of the output image and the editing process. In such a situation, in many cases, an image must be displayed on a recording sheet many times in order to obtain a desired output image, which is inefficient in terms of time and cost.

Therefore, in order to eliminate the useless processing as described above, the processed image is not output on a recording sheet, but is output.
2. Description of the Related Art An image processing apparatus having a so-called preview function for confirming an image by displaying the image on a display device such as a monitor has been proposed and commercialized.

[0006]

However, when the image quality is set, for example, the user presses an image quality adjustment key which provides an effect such as "bright", "calm", "light", "heavy", and the like. However, when trying to change the image quality, the image processing effect desired by the user is not always obtained.

[0007] That is, different users have different tastes and judgments, such as a lack of effect or an excessively strong effect, even with the same image processing effect. Also, even if the user can set the strength of the image processing effect such as "sharpness",
It was not possible to determine what value should be set and what image would be obtained without setting some pattern values and comparing the differences.

In the above situation, even with the use of the preview system, it is necessary to change the settings little by little while watching the preview monitor to determine an optimal image, which is time and cost consuming. It was inefficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to present a plurality of different image quality adjustment ranges for determining image processing conditions. When a desired image quality adjustment range is selected from the adjustment range, image processing conditions are sequentially switched and set in accordance with the selected desired image quality adjustment range, and output image data subjected to image processing according to the set image processing conditions is output. By storing a plurality of output image data candidates to be preview-displayed to the display means and controlling each output image data sequentially read out to be displayed on the display means for each request, it is simple and easy. With a small number of operations, it is possible to cyclically display output image data candidates of which image quality has been adjusted with different amounts of change in the read document image, so that the user intends. To provide a quality adjusted desired image processing unit output image data determined in a short time with excellent usability which can be efficiently printed and an image processing method.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reader unit for reading a document image, and the image data read by the reader unit is output to a printer unit while performing predetermined image processing on the image data. An image processing apparatus that presents a plurality of different image quality adjustment ranges for determining image processing conditions (the CPU 240 shown in FIG. 3 operates on the liquid crystal display unit 50004 shown in FIG. ), Selecting means for selecting a desired image quality adjustment range from the image quality adjustment ranges presented by the presenting means, and image processing conditions according to the desired image quality adjustment range selected by the selecting means. Setting means for sequentially switching and setting (set by CPU 240 in FIG. 3 according to a control program stored in ROM 241) and an original image read by the reader unit Storage means (corresponding to the image memory 210 shown in FIG. 3) for storing a plurality of output image data obtained by performing image processing on the data according to the image processing conditions set by the setting means; Instructing means (corresponding to a candidate key 50207 shown in FIG. 8) for instructing a request for output image data candidates to be output, and sequentially reading out from the storage means for each request for output image data candidates to be preview-displayed by the instruction means. And a control unit (corresponding to the preview processing unit 230 shown in FIG. 3) for preview-displaying each output image data on the display unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the storage means is capable of storing a plurality of image data.

A third invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the presenting means presents image quality information for changing a plurality of different image quality adjustment ranges for variably setting the set image processing conditions stepwise. is there.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image display apparatus, the presenting means includes image quality information for changing a plurality of different image quality adjustment ranges for variably setting image processing conditions that have been set, and color strength information. And it is presented with.

A fifth invention according to the present invention has parameter storage means for storing a plurality of candidate combinations of parameters according to image processing conditions sequentially switched and set by the setting means, wherein the control means comprises: Image processing is performed on the image data read from the storage unit in accordance with the image processing conditions set to be sequentially switched according to the parameters read from the parameter storage unit.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a selection means (a start key shown in FIG. 4) for selecting desired output image data to be output to the printer unit from each output image data stored in the storage means. (Equivalent to 50001).

In a seventh aspect according to the present invention, the control means displays the output image data sequentially read from the storage means each time the instruction means requests output image data candidates to be preview-displayed. When a preview is displayed, numerical values are displayed together with parameters based on image output conditions set for each output image data.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus having a reader unit for reading a document image and performing predetermined image processing on image data read by the reader unit and outputting the processed image data to a printer unit. A presentation method for presenting a plurality of different image quality adjustment ranges for determining image processing conditions (step (40) shown in FIG. 12).
1), (402)), a selection step of selecting a desired image quality adjustment range from the image quality adjustment range presented in the presentation step (step (402) shown in FIG. 12), and a desired image selected in the selection step. A setting step (step (405) shown in FIG. 12) for sequentially switching and setting image processing conditions according to the image quality adjustment range, and an image processing condition set for the original image data read by the reader unit in the setting step. A storage step (not shown) for storing a plurality of output image data subjected to image processing in a memory, and an instruction step for instructing a display unit to request output image data candidates to be preview-displayed (step (40 in FIG. 12)
4)) and a control step of previewing each output image data sequentially read from the memory on the display means for each request of output image data candidates to be preview-displayed in the instruction step (step (406) shown in FIG. 12). ).

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the memory is capable of storing a plurality of image data.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the presenting step, the presenting step is performed by presenting image quality information for changing a plurality of different image quality adjustment ranges for variably setting image processing conditions that have been set. is there.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the presentation step, the image quality information and the tint intensity information for changing a plurality of different image quality adjustment ranges for variably setting the set image processing conditions are set. And it is presented with.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the control step, candidate combinations of parameters according to the image processing conditions are determined for the image data read from the memory in accordance with the image processing conditions sequentially switched and set in the setting step. Image processing is performed in accordance with parameters read from a plurality of parameter storage means.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a selecting step (step (408) shown in FIG. 12) for selecting desired output image data to be output to the printer unit from among the output image data stored in the memory. )).

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the control step, each time the output image data candidate to be preview-displayed is requested in the instruction step, each output image data sequentially read from the memory is sent to the display means. At the time of preview display, numerical values are displayed together with parameters based on image output conditions set for each output image data.

[0024]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system to which an image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

In the figure, reference numeral 103 denotes a copying machine main body;
101 is a CRT used at the time of preview, and the main body is a VG
They are connected by the A interface.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A color reader unit (reader unit) 351 for reading a color original and further performing a digital editing process and the like. And a printer unit 352 that has a different image carrier and reproduces a color image in accordance with a digital image signal of each color sent from the reader unit 351.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 301 denotes a polygon scanner for scanning a photosensitive drum with a laser beam, and 302 denotes an image forming unit for magenta (M) in the first stage, which has the same structure as cyan (C) and yellow (Y). ) And plaque (K) are denoted by 303, 304, and 305, respectively. L1 is an exposure lamp that illuminates a document on a document table.

The polygon scanner 301 scans a laser beam from a laser element for each color, which is driven independently of MCYK by a laser control unit (not shown), on a photosensitive drum of each color. And, it is provided with a BD detection means (BD sensor) for detecting each scanned laser beam and generating a main scanning synchronization signal.

In the case where two polygon mirrors are arranged on the same axis and rotated by one motor as in this embodiment, for example, M, C and Y, K laser beams are used for main scanning. The scanning directions are opposite to each other. Therefore, normally, one of the M and C image data and the other Y and K image data are mirror images in the main scanning direction. In the image forming unit of the printer unit 352 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 18 denotes a photosensitive drum that forms a latent image by exposure to laser light, and 313 denotes a developing unit that performs toner development on the photosensitive drum 318. A sleeve 314 applies a developing bias in the developing device 313 to perform toner development.

Reference numeral 315 denotes a primary charger, which is a photosensitive drum 318.
Is charged to a desired potential. A cleaner 317 cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 318 after the transfer. Reference numeral 316 denotes an auxiliary charger, and the photosensitive drum 31 cleaned by the cleaner 317.
The surface of No. 8 is neutralized so that good charging can be obtained in the primary charger 315. Reference numeral 330 denotes a pre-exposure lamp for erasing residual charges on the photosensitive drum 318. Reference numeral 319 denotes a transfer charger, which discharges from the back surface of the transfer belt 306 to transfer the toner image on the photosensitive drum 318 to a transfer member.

Reference numerals 309 and 310 denote cassettes for storing transfer members. Reference numeral 308 denotes a paper feed unit, and cassettes 309 and 31
The transfer member is supplied from 0. Reference numeral 311 denotes an attraction charger, which transfers the transfer member fed by the sheet feeding unit 308 to the transfer belt 30.
Adsorb to 6. Reference numeral 312 denotes a transfer belt roller which is used for rotating the transfer belt 306 and at the same time
The transfer member is attracted and charged to the transfer belt 306 in combination with the transfer belt 1.

Reference numeral 324 denotes a static eliminator, which facilitates separation of the transfer member from the transfer belt 306. Reference numeral 325 denotes a peeling charger, which prevents image disturbance due to peeling discharge when the transfer member is separated from the transfer belt 306. Reference numerals 326 and 327 denote pre-fixing chargers, which supplement the toner adsorbing force on the transfer member after separation to prevent image disturbance.

Reference numerals 322 and 323 denote transfer belt static eliminators, which remove static electricity from the transfer belt 306 and electrostatically initialize the transfer belt 306. A belt cleaner 328 removes dirt from the transfer belt 306. 307 is a fixing device which is separated from the transfer belt 306, and
At 7, the toner image on the recharged transfer member is thermally fixed on the transfer member. Reference numeral 340 denotes a paper ejection sensor, which is a fixing device 307.
Is detected on the transfer path passing through the transfer path.

A paper leading edge sensor 329 detects the leading end of the transfer member fed onto the transfer belt 306 by the paper feeding unit 308, and sends a detection signal from the paper leading edge sensor 329 to the reader unit 351 from the printer unit 352. And the reader unit 351
Is used to generate a sub-scanning synchronizing signal when a video signal is sent from the printer to the printer unit 352. A monitor (CRT) 229 previews output image data as described later.

FIG. 3 shows the color reader section 35 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating one digital image processing configuration. Hereinafter, the configuration and the image processing operation will be described.

In FIG. 3, for example, a color document on the document table shown in FIG. 2 is exposed by a halogen lamp L1.
As a result, a reflected image is captured by the CCD 201, and further, A
A after sample / hold in / D & S / H section 202
/ D conversion to generate digital signals of three colors RGB.

Each of the color separation data is subjected to shading and black correction by a shading unit 203, and is corrected to an NTSC signal by an input masking unit 204, and the result is input to a synthesis unit 205.

A synthesizing unit 205 is for synthesizing the image data of the reflection document and the output data of the image memory 210, and the like.
The result is subjected to color space compression in a color space compression section 207 and LOG correction processing in a LOG conversion section 208. In addition, by selecting a path by the selector 206, it is also possible to pass the image signal through the color adjustment processing of the color adjustment processing unit 220 and then perform the color space compression of the color space compression unit 207. In addition,
The image memory 210 has a capacity to hold the output image data for two or more sides, for example, the size of the image memory 210 for one document is the image size 6 of the monitor 229 for each of R, G, and B.
It is assumed that it has a size of nine times (1920 × 1440 dots) of 40 × 480 dots.

Further, a scaling unit 209 performs a scaling process (when scaling is set). Here, in the scaling processing, since the compression processing performed in the image memory unit 208 functions as a low-pass filter, specifically, enlargement processing is performed. Further, the output of the scaling unit 209 is input to the memory controller 211.

The memory controller 211 controls writing and reading of the image memory 210, and reads CMY data before output masking corresponding to each of the four drums.

Reference numeral 212 denotes an output masking unit that generates a color signal for each drum, and generates a color signal suitable for printer characteristics. The selector 213 outputs the image signal to the γ correction unit 214 or the color editing unit 227.
Output to the color editing unit can be selected.

When an image signal is output to the color editing unit 227, the scaling / oblique unit 226 performs scaling / oblique, and the texture unit 225 performs texture processing. Then, the γ correction is performed by the γ correction unit 214, the magnification is changed (specifically, reduction processing) by the scaling unit 225, the edge is enhanced by the edge enhancement unit 226, and the image is sent to the color LBP 231.

Reference numeral 229 denotes a CRT for displaying image information in the image memory 210. In this case, the read image is simply displayed on the CRT 229 in full color, and the desired editing process is not reflected on the display result on the CRT 229 even if the desired editing process is set from an operation unit (not shown). Therefore, the memory information stored in the memory 223 is configured to be arbitrarily accessible by the CPU 240.
6, an editing process equivalent to the color editing unit 227 and the outline / shadow generation unit 228 is performed by software to obtain a final image.

Reference numeral 221 denotes an area generating unit which generates an area signal for each editing process. This part includes a bitmap memory unit that stores each area signal and a bitmap memory control unit that controls the bitmap memory (for example, an AGDC (Advanced Display Platform), as described later).
y Controller), the writing is performed by the CPU, and the reading is performed in synchronization with the output DTOP of the image sensor (not shown) and the HSNC signal (not shown) (in synchronization with the optically scanned original image data). Is an area code.

The area code is subjected to scaling and italic processing in the scaling / slanting section 222 as necessary, and is written in the area memory 223 by the memory controller 224. Then, although not shown, the area code is YMCK
Each color is converted and input to the contour / shadow processing generation unit (contour / shadow generation unit) 228. When the output to the color editing unit 227 is selected by the selector 213, it is input to the color editing unit 227 together with the image signal, and the color editing is performed for each area.

Reference numeral 240 denotes a CPU, and a CPU bus 243
Through the program ROM 241, work RAM 242
Control. Each of the image processing units is similarly set through the CPU bus.

Reference numeral 230 denotes a preview processing unit which converts color image information YMCK output from the edge emphasizing unit 216 to the LBP printer 231 to signal lines 601-1 to 601-4.
Through the CRT 229, and converts it into an RGB signal.
Color display.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 3, the flow of the video signal and the setting of the I / O port in each mode will be described with reference to FIG.
The flow is shown based on the code shown in FIG.

The flow of a video signal during normal copying is shown in FIG.
201 → 202 → 203 → 204 → 205 →
206 → 207 → 208 → 209 → 211 → 212 → 2
13 → 214 → 215 → 216 → 231.

On the other hand, when the output image is displayed on the CRT 229, the flow of the video is represented by reference numerals 201 → 202 shown in FIG.
→ 203 → 204 → 205 → 206 → 220 → 207 →
208 → 209 → 211 → 212 → 213 → 227 → 2
26 → 225 → 214 → 215 → 216 → 230 → 22
It becomes 9.

If the operation unit instructs to preview an image scanned in the past, the memory controller is controlled by the CPU 240 and the image stored in the memory in the image memory 210 is read. The flow will start at 208.

On the other hand, the video flow at the time of writing the first image when displaying the synthesized result on the CRT 229 is represented by reference numerals 201 → 202 → 203 → 204 → 205 shown in FIG.
→ 206 → 207 → 208 → 209 → 211 → 210.

When the synthesized result is displayed on the CRT 229 and synthesized with the second image, and then written into the image memory 210 again, the flow of the video shown in FIG.
11 → 212 → 213 → 214 → 215 → 216 → 20
It becomes 5. Here, through is set in the output masking section 212.

The video flow of the reflection original is as shown in FIG. 3 at 201 → 202 → 203 → 204 → 205.

Further, the flow of video at the time of synthesizing and outputting to the CRT 229 is shown in FIG.
07 → 208 → 209 → 211 → 212 → 213 → 21
4 → 215 → 216 → 230 → 229.

FIG. 4 is a plan view for explaining the configuration of the operation unit provided on the document table of the scanner unit 351 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 4, 50000 is a numeric key, 5
0001 is a copy start key, 50002 is a stop key, 50003 is a residual heat key, 50004 is a touch panel type liquid crystal display unit, and 50005 is a key for instructing image processing.

FIG. 5 shows the liquid crystal display unit 5000 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on No. 4 and corresponds to a standard screen.

In the standard screen shown in FIG.
Is a device status message, for example, "Copy is possible" is displayed. Reference numeral 50102 denotes a copy number display, for example, “1” is displayed as an initial state.

Reference numeral 50103 denotes a paper size, for example, "auto paper" which is automatically selected is displayed. 50104
Is a copy magnification, which is “100” indicating an equal magnification as an initial state.
% "Is displayed. A preview mode key 50105 includes touch keys.

FIG. 6 shows the liquid crystal display 5000 shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed when a one-touch adjustment key 50005 displayed on the screen No. 4 is pressed, and a key (left side in the figure) for specifying an image processing type for performing one-touch adjustment and an adjustment range thereof; Key (right side in the figure) for specifying fine adjustment to be performed.

FIG. 7 shows the liquid crystal display 5000 shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a return display screen displayed in FIG. 4, which is displayed when an OK key is instructed on the one-touch adjustment screen illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows the liquid crystal display 5000 shown in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a view for explaining an example of a preview display setting screen displayed in FIG. 4 and corresponds to an example of a screen displayed when a one-touch adjustment key KEY1 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 8, reference numeral 50201 denotes an image reading key, which is shaded if no image is read,
Unusable state. It is assumed that the operator first sets the document on the document table or feeder and sets the display direction (vertical or horizontal) of the document using the display direction setting key 50202. Here, the image reading key 5
When 0201 is pressed, reading of a document image is started.

An area monitor 50203 sets an image area to be displayed on the monitor in conjunction with an instruction from the display position setting key 50204. Reference numeral 50205 denotes a display magnification setting key.
This button is pressed to set the display magnification (in a state where “2 ×” is currently specified) when scaling the data in the image memory and transferring the data to the monitor 229. Reference numeral 50206 denotes an area adjustment key. 50207 is a catch key and 50208 is a cancel key.

FIG. 9 shows the preview processing unit 2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a CRT 229, which corresponds to a circuit for displaying a final image obtained by reading image data via all processing circuits on a CRT 229. The same components as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 9, according to an instruction from the operation unit,
When recalling an image stored in the image memory 210 in the past to make it the final image, the CPU 24 shown in FIG.
In accordance with 0, the image read in the past is read from the image memory 210 via the memory controller 211, subjected to image processing after the output masking section 212, and input to the preview processing circuit 230.

The above-mentioned final image data Y1, M1, C
8-bit YMCK data 601-1 that is 1, K1
601-4 is a 4 × 3 inverse masking correction circuit (4 × 3 inverse masking unit) 230- for converting to RGB.
1 and are subjected to arithmetic processing based on the following equation (1). This corresponds to the inverse operation by the input masking unit 204 shown in FIG.

Y2 = a11 * Y1 + a12 * M1 + a13 * C1 + a14 * K1 M2 = a21 * Y1 + a22 * M1 + a23 * C1 + a24 * K1 C2 = a31 * Yl + a32 * M1 + a33 * C1 + a34 * K1 In the above formula (1), Coefficients a11 to a34 are CP
Arbitrary coefficients can be set from U240 via CPU bus 243, respectively.

Here, from the information of four colors, information Y2 and M of three colors are obtained.
2, C2, and then three-color information Y2, M2, C
2 is input to an antilogarithmic conversion correction circuit (antilogarithmic conversion unit) 230-2 having an LUT for performing the inverse operation of the LOG conversion unit 208 shown in FIG. Note that the CPU 240 can set any correction data for the parameters of the LUT. By this operation, the YMCK density data is converted into luminance data, and the display becomes a state in which it can be displayed on the CRT 229 (converted into video signals R1, G1, B1). The reproduction range also varies, and a means for adjusting this is required.

Reference numeral 230-3 denotes a 3 × 3 monitor color correction unit, which performs arithmetic processing based on the following equation (2) to correct the monitor color characteristics of the video signals R1, G1, and B1. .

R2 = b11 * R1 + b12 * G1 + b13 * B1 G2 = b21 * R1 + b22 * G1 + b23 * B1 B2 = b31 * R1 + b32 * G1 + b33 * B1 In the above equation (2), the coefficients b11 to b33 are CP.
Arbitrary coefficients can be set from U240 via CPU bus 243, respectively.

A monitor gamma correction unit 230-4 corrects the gamma characteristic of the connected monitor 229. The gamma characteristic is configured so that the CPU 240 can set arbitrary correction data.

Reference numeral 230-5 denotes a display editing circuit,
Make various edits when displaying on monitor 9, monitor 2
29, such as horizontal and vertical synchronization.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining a detailed configuration of a main part of the preview processing circuit shown in FIG. 9, and corresponds to a detailed configuration of the display editing circuit 230-5 and processes a read image. And a portion for generating additional information such as a frame or a character in the image. The same components as those in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 10, the video data R after the correction processing by the monitor gamma correction unit 230-4 shown in FIG.
3, G3, B3 are memories 230-11, 2
The CPU bus 24 is fetched by an address 230-21 of the write address control circuit 230-17 in the display controller 230-10 so that writing can be performed from an arbitrary position in the memory.
3, the start address and the end address in the X and Y directions can be set.

In this embodiment, each memory 230-
The size of 11, 230-12, 230-13 is 640x
It is assumed that it is composed of three colors of 480 × 9 × (8 bits). Further, when writing, it is possible to write in a reduced size according to the original image size, and the magnification is determined by the CPU 2.
40.

Further, the write address control circuit 230-17 controls the image data to be arbitrarily rotated depending on whether the image size to be displayed is portrait or landscape. At this time, in the area other than the start / end address, that is, in the area where no image is written, since the previous image remains or the display color is fixed, the area other than the write area can be displayed in any color. Display color as CP
The configuration is such that setting can be performed from U240.

Reference numeral 230-18 denotes a read address control circuit which is written in the memories 230-11, 230-12, 230-13 based on an arbitrary coordinate designation by the CPU 240, and then displayed on the monitor 229 for display on the monitor 229.
11, 230-12 and 230-13 are designated. Thereby, display can be performed in real time by designation from the touch panel keys of the operation unit.

Further, since the image size of the monitor 229 of this embodiment is, for example, 640 × 480 dots, it is necessary to display the image by thinning it out in order to display the whole memory, and the thinning rate is also set by the CPU. It has become possible.

In the present embodiment, as will be described later, a 1 × mode for displaying the entire memory, and 2/9 for displaying 4/9 of the memory.
It is configured to be able to select either a double mode or a triple mode displaying 1/9 of the memory.

Reference numeral 230-20 denotes a memory for additional processing, which is used for adding various figures and characters to the image information separately from the image information, and has a memory size of 640 × 480 × 9.
× (4 bits). In other words, it is configured such that different figures and characters for four sides can be developed independently of each other.

In this embodiment, these pieces of information are
A case where the information is directly expanded on the memory 230-20 by the PU 240 is shown.
A dedicated controller such as NEC AGDC may be used.

Reference numeral 230-19 denotes a read address control circuit which sets a read start position and a thinning rate for the memory 230-20 in the same manner as the read address control of the read address control circuit 230-18 described above. can do.

Reference numeral 230-14 denotes a selector to which data read from each of the memories 230-11, 230-12, and 230-13 is input, and for example, a signal is read in accordance with a signal read from the memory 230-20. 230-24
Is "L", the image data 230-25 to 230-27
Is output as it is, and when it is "H", R, G, and B (8-bit) data corresponding to four surfaces are output.

These R, G and B data are stored in the CPU 240
More settings are possible, and it is possible to add an arbitrary color to figures and characters drawn on each of the four surfaces.

The signal processed by this selector is
The signal is converted into a monitor analog signal by the D / A converter 230-16 and displayed on the monitor 229 as a final image.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the memory 230 shown in FIG.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of image data written to 11, 230-12, and 230-13.

In the present embodiment, the size of the image memory 210 for one document is 1920 × 1440, which is nine times the image size of 640 × 480 dots for each of R, G, and B monitors.
It has the size of a dot.

Therefore, data is transferred from the image memory to the monitor 2.
29, the display controller 230-
According to 10, it is necessary to change the data of the image memory based on the image size of the monitor 229 and the display magnification set by the display magnification setting key 50205 and transfer the data to the monitor 229.

For example, the image memories 230-11 to 230-
13, the image data 50601 is written. At this time, if the display magnification setting key 50205 is used to set the display magnification to 1 (the same magnification), the entire data area of the image memory becomes 1/1/2 of the display controller 230-10.
9 is displayed on the monitor 229 as shown in the display image data 50602.

When the double key of the display magnification setting key 50205 is pressed, the image memory 230-11 outputs 4 /
The data of the area 9 is the display controller 230-
The image data is transferred by being reduced to 1/4 by 10 and displayed on the monitor 229 as shown in the display image data 50603, so that a part of the image memory is enlarged twice as much as the display at the time of 1 time. Is displayed with.

Similarly, when the 3 × key of the display magnification setting key 50205 is depressed, the 1/9 area of the image memory is transferred to the display memory at the same magnification, thereby obtaining the display image data 50604 as shown in FIG. A part of the image is magnified three times and displayed on the monitor 229.

Next, with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 12, a preview image display processing operation of a read image in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of an image data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. (401) to (409) indicate each step.

First, in step (401), when the name of the image quality adjustment keys shown in FIG. 4 is pressed by the one-touch adjustment key, the screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 50004. Next, in step (402), the user selects which image processing is to be performed. Here, for example, if the “bright” key is selected, the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit 50004 returns to the standard screen shown in FIG.
In 3), when the touch key in the preview mode shown in FIG. 6 is pressed, the preview screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 50004. Here, the selected “vividly” image is displayed. When it is desired to preview an image in which the processing parameters are changed little by little, the candidate key 50207 is pressed. However, it is assumed that the candidate key 50207 is shaded if the scanner unit 351 has not read the document image once in response to a press instruction of the image reading key 50201, and is in an unusable state.

The procedure for reading the image by pressing the image reading key 50201 is as follows.

The operator first sets the document on the document table or feeder on the scanner unit 351 shown in FIG. 2, and sets the display direction (vertical or horizontal) of the document by using the display direction setting key 50202 shown in FIG. I do. This display direction is
The image from the original abutment position on the original platen is rewritten by the write address control circuit 230-17 into the memory 230-1.
1, 230-12, and 230-13 and displayed from the upper right of the monitor 229.

When the display direction setting key 50202 is pressed, the display of the display direction setting key 50202 is inverted to black, and the image from the original abutting position is rotated by 90 degrees by the write address control circuit 230-17, and the image is rotated. A 90-degree rotated image is displayed on the monitor to be written to the memories 230-11, 230-12, 230-13.

When the operator presses an image reading key 50201 as a pre-pew start key, if a document is set on the feeder, the document is sent from the feeder to the document table, and the pre-scan is set. If there is, a scan is performed to detect the size of the original placed on the original platen.

Then, a scan operation for reading an image is started to start image capture. After the captured image data is subjected to various set editing processes, the 4 × 3 Reverse masking part 2
30-1, is sent to the antilogarithmic conversion unit 230-2, and is converted into video signals R1, G1, and B1, and then is monitored by the 3 × 3 monitor color correction unit 230-3 and the monitor gamma correction unit 230-4. To be video signals R2, G2 and B2,
Further, the image signals are sequentially corrected to the video signals R3, G3, and B3, and are stored in the image memories 230-11 and 23 based on the display direction, magnification, and document size set by the display editing circuit 230-5.
The most efficient size in which the entire image fits in the areas 0-12 and 230-13 is calculated and data is written, and the display controller 230-10 transfers the data to the re-monitor 229 to display a preview image.

Incidentally, the image memory 210 for one document
Is the image size of R, G, and B monitor respectively.
It has a size of 1920 × 1440 dots, which is nine times as large as 40 × 480 dots. Therefore, when the data is transferred from the image memory to the monitor 229, the display controller 230-10 scales the data in the image memory based on the image size of the re-monitor 229 and the display magnification set by the display magnification setting key 50205 to monitor. 229 needs to be transferred.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, image data 5060 is stored in the image memories 230-11 to 230-13.
1 is written. At this time, the display magnification setting key 5
When the display magnification of 1 is set in 0205, the entire data area of the image memory is stored in the display controller 230-.
The display image data 506 is reduced to 1/9 by
02 is displayed on the monitor 229.

When the double key of the display magnification setting key is depressed, the data in the area of 4/9 from the image memory 230-11 is reduced to 1/4 by the display controller 230-10 and transferred to display the image. Data 50603
Is displayed on the monitor 229, a part of the image memory is displayed twice as large as the display at the time of 1 time.

Similarly, when the triple key is depressed, the 1/9 area of the image memories 230-11 to 230-13 is transferred to the display memory at the same magnification, and the display image data 5
As indicated by reference numeral 0604, a part of the image is enlarged three times and displayed on the monitor 229.

Also, the display magnification setting key 50205 is used for 2
When the double or triple is set, the image memory 230-
Since a part of 11 to 230-13 is displayed on the monitor 229, the read position of the memory area is changed and the monitor 2 is changed.
29, the portion not displayed on the monitor can be displayed.

That is, when the display magnification setting key is set to 2 times, an image of an arbitrary 1/4 size of the image memory is displayed on the monitor 230-10. At this time,
When the downward arrow key of the display position setting key 50204 is pressed, the size of the image memory read start position is moved by 4 dots downward, and a quarter of the size is transferred to the monitor. The image at the bottom of the screen can be displayed.

At this time, if a part of the read area of the memory is located at the edge of the memory, the next time the read start position is moved toward the edge, the read start position is outside the range of the image memory.
The display position setting key in the end direction is shaded in order to make the operator recognize that the user cannot move further in the end direction, so that key sensing cannot be performed.

Further, an area monitor 50203 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed so that the operator can recognize which area of the memory is displayed on the monitor when the image is moved.

As described above, first, the original image is read from the scanner unit 351 once, the candidate key 50207 is validated, and when the candidate key 50207 is selected, the default image processing parameters are set in step (405). The parameter that is changed little by little is read from the ROM 241 in the main body, and in step (406), image data using the parameter is displayed on the monitor 229.

As described above, each time the candidate key 50207 is pressed, the image is similarly changed in the image memory 21 while changing the parameters little by little as much as the memory capacity allows.
0, and can be displayed on the monitor 229 at the same time.

At this time, if an image quality adjustment item allows the user to set a parameter value, the parameter value is also displayed to indicate which value should be set to obtain the image. When the image data amount reaches the maximum memory capacity, the image is stored in the image memory 2.
10 are sequentially read. At this time, the flow of the video signal corresponds to the image memory 210, the memory controller 211, the output masking unit 212, the selector 2 shown in FIG.
13, gamma correction unit 214, scaling unit 215, edge enhancement unit 216, preview processing unit 230, monitor (CRT)
229. The number of output image candidates that can be displayed depends on the capacity of a built-in image memory. At this time, the video signal flows from the memory controller 211 to the output masking unit 212, the selector 213, the gamma correction unit 214, the scaling unit 215, the edge emphasizing unit 216, and the synthesizing unit 205. However, in this case, the combining unit 2
In the synthesizing process 05, nothing is synthesized, and the image data is stored in the image memory 210 by the memory controller 211 through the selector 206, the color space compression unit 207, the LOG conversion unit 208, and the scaling unit 209. Become.

Then, in a step (407), it is determined whether or not an image display switching request has been made based on an instruction to press the candidate key 50207. If YES, the process returns to the step (405) to repeat the above-described processing, and The image processed according to the parameters is displayed on the monitor 229. When no image is desired, the user presses the erase key 50208 shown in FIG.
It is sufficient to return to the standard screen shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (407) that the image display switching request has not been made, it is determined in step (408) that the start key 50001 on the operation unit shown in FIG. 4 has been pressed. If detected, in step (409), the image processing data currently displayed on the monitor 229 is transferred to the printer unit 352 and printed out, and the process is terminated.

As described above, the preview screen is switched as necessary, and if a desired output image is obtained, ie,
After confirming the display image to be printed on the monitor 229, a simple operation of pressing the start key 50001 repeatedly displays and prints out many times while setting the parameters many times as in the related art. Anyone can easily print out a document image of the intended color tone without any paper burden.

According to the above-described embodiment, a memory for holding two or more output images is mounted, and several image examples in which the effect of the desired image quality adjustment key is slightly changed are written in the memory. Since the user can check the images sequentially on the preview screen, the user can see at a glance what value to use and what kind of image can be obtained. The decision is made easier.

Further, since it is possible to print out the image displayed on the preview screen as it is, the image whose setting value is changed little by little as in the related art is output many times on paper or the preview screen each time. Without having to do so, it is now possible to easily confirm and output. As a result, the time required for the user to make settings for obtaining a desired image has been greatly reduced.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program that can be read by a composite image forming system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by the composite image forming system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, such as version information and a creator, is also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, such as a program, An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. Also, a program for installing various programs on a computer, and a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed, may be stored in some cases.

The functions shown in FIG. 12 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, C
D-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, etc. can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

When a plurality of images to which the parameters are applied are displayed on a CRT by using the parameter candidates for the image quality setting held in the main body, what parameters are set in the output image data candidates? As can be seen, each time the image is switched, the parameter value may be displayed.

[0129]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the fourteenth aspect, a plurality of different image quality adjustment ranges for determining image processing conditions are presented, and when a desired image quality adjustment range is selected from the presented image quality adjustment ranges, the selected image quality adjustment range is selected. Image processing conditions are sequentially switched and set according to a desired image quality adjustment range, a plurality of output image data subjected to image processing according to the set image processing conditions are stored, and output image data to be preview-displayed on a display means. Since each output image data sequentially read is controlled to be preview-displayed on the display means for each candidate request, the image quality can be adjusted with a different amount of change with respect to the read document image with a simple and small operation. It is possible to display a plurality of output image data candidates cyclically, and it is necessary to confirm display of desired output image data whose image quality has been adjusted as intended by the user. That by shortening the time, the effect of such can be constructed image processing system with excellent convenience of the output image data can be efficiently printed to the desired user is.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system to which an image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a digital image processing configuration of a color reader unit illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of an operation unit disposed on a document table of the scanner unit illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit shown in FIG.

6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed when a one-touch adjustment key displayed on the liquid crystal display unit illustrated in FIG. 4 is instructed to be pressed;

7 is a diagram showing an example of a return display screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit shown in FIG.

8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a preview display setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a preview processing unit illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a main part of a preview processing circuit illustrated in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of image data written to a memory illustrated in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the composite image forming system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 201 CCD 202 A / D & S / H section 203 Shading section 204 Input masking section 205 Combining section 206 Selector 207 Color space compression section 208 LOG conversion section 209 Zoom section 210 Image memory 211, 224 Memory controller 212 Output masking section 213 Selector 214 Gamma Correction unit 215 Magnification unit 216 Edge enhancement unit 217 Controller 218 Input masking unit 219 Gamma correction unit 220 Color adjustment processing unit 221 Area generation unit 222 Scaling / Italic unit 223 Area 225 Texture unit 226 Scaling / Italic unit 227 Color editing unit 228 Contour and shadow generation unit 229 Monitor (CRT) 230 Preview processing unit 240 CPU 241 ROM 242 RAM

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Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus having a reader unit for reading a document image and outputting the image data read by the reader unit to a printer unit while performing predetermined image processing, wherein image processing conditions are determined. Means for presenting a plurality of different image quality adjustment ranges, a selection means for selecting a desired image quality adjustment range from the image quality adjustment ranges presented by the presentation means, and a desired image quality adjustment range selected by the selection means Setting means for sequentially switching and setting image processing conditions according to the following, and storage means for storing a plurality of output image data obtained by subjecting the original image data read by the reader unit to image processing according to the image processing conditions set by the setting means Instruction means for instructing the display means to request output image data candidates to be preview-displayed; An image processing apparatus comprising: control means for previewing output image data sequentially read from the storage means on the display means for each request for output image data candidates to be view-displayed. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said storage means is capable of storing a plurality of image data. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the presenting unit presents the image processing condition using image quality information for changing a plurality of different image quality adjustment ranges for variably setting the set image processing conditions in a stepwise manner. Image processing device. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the presenting means presents image quality information for changing a plurality of different image quality adjustment ranges and color strength information for changing the set image processing conditions in a stepwise manner. The image processing device according to claim 1. 5. Parameter setting means for storing a plurality of parameter combination candidates according to image processing conditions sequentially switched and set by said setting means, wherein said control means sets image processing conditions sequentially switched and set by said setting means. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image processing is performed on the image data read from the storage unit according to the parameters read from the parameter storage unit. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit that selects desired output image data to be output to the printer unit from each output image data stored in the storage unit. . 7. The control unit, when each of the output image data candidates to be preview-displayed by the instruction unit is requested, when each output image data sequentially read from the storage unit is preview-displayed on the display unit, 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a parameter based on an image output condition set in the output image data is displayed together with a value. 8. An image processing method in an image processing apparatus having a reader unit for reading a document image and outputting the image data read by the reader unit to a printer unit while performing predetermined image processing. A presentation step of presenting a plurality of different image quality adjustment ranges for determining conditions; a selection step of selecting a desired image quality adjustment range from the image quality adjustment ranges presented by the presentation step; and a request selected by the selection step. A setting step of sequentially switching and setting image processing conditions in accordance with the image quality adjustment range of the image processing apparatus; and output image data obtained by subjecting the original image data read by the reader unit to image processing according to the image processing conditions set in the setting step. A storage step of storing a plurality of output image data candidates to be preview-displayed on the display means; And a control step of, for each request for output image data candidates to be preview-displayed in the instruction step, previewing each output image data sequentially read from the memory on a display means. . 9. The image processing method according to claim 8, wherein said memory is capable of storing a plurality of image data. 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein in the presenting step, the image processing condition is set using image quality information for changing a plurality of different image quality adjustment ranges for variably setting image processing conditions. Image processing method. 11. The presenting step is characterized in that the presenting step presents image quality information for changing a plurality of different image quality adjustment ranges for gradually setting image processing conditions that have been set and color strength information. 9. The image processing method according to claim 8, wherein: 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control step includes reading a plurality of parameter combination candidates according to the image processing conditions for the image data read from the memory in accordance with the image processing conditions sequentially switched and set by the setting step. 8. The image processing method according to claim 7, wherein the image processing is performed in accordance with the parameters. 13. The image processing method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of selecting desired output image data to be output to said printer unit from each output image data stored in said memory. 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control step includes: requesting output image data candidates to be preview-displayed by the instruction step;
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein when the output image data sequentially read from the memory is preview-displayed on the display unit, numerical values are displayed together with a parameter based on an image output condition set for each output image data. Image processing method.