JP2003224711A - Image processing apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a degree of freedom in individual processing of respective images to be composed. <P>SOLUTION: In an image processing device ICR equipped with an image processor IPP for applying correcting processing to image data, an image memory MEM, a parallel bus Pb, a memory managing means IMAC, a bus managing means CDIC for controlling image data transfer among the parallel bus Pb, a scanner SCR and a printer PTR and a 'composition' processing means, and an image forming device using the processing device, the image processor IPP is equipped with an extracting/masking means for extracting the images to be composed and masking unwanted images and a means for applying image expression processing including magnification, editing and/or gradation processing individually to the respective selected images and the respective images processed by the image expression processing means are composed by the 'composition' processing means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

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 for synthesizing images and an image forming apparatus using the same,
In particular, the present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having an image processing function and an image synthesizing function for performing image representation processing including image scaling processing, image editing processing and / or gradation processing on an image, and an image forming apparatus using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art According to a conventional image forming apparatus, for example, an original document (hereinafter, referred to as a fixed format document) has an area (image combining area) in which a specified area (image When images are formed by combining the images in the extraction area) (hereinafter referred to as composite copy), first, the image data in the image composition area of the original document image is deleted by the editing function, and then the image in the image extraction area is deleted. The image is formed by using the image shift function by performing a scaling process to a size that can be combined with the image combining area of the original document.

An example of a device capable of performing such a synthetic copy is a "digital image forming apparatus" disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-269569. As a conventional technique, digital image data corresponding to a standard format sheet can be stored in an external storage means and read out at any time, such as an “image forming apparatus” disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-172864. By doing so, a standard format sheet image can be formed.

FIG. 20 shows an example of a conventional image data processing function at the time of composition. Image data R (red), G (green), B (blue) generated by reading an original image (first image) by an original image scanner which is one type of image information supplying means.
Undergoes "shading correction", and R (red), G
Compensation of synchronization deviation between (green) and B (blue) lines "Inter-line correction" received, calculation for dot misregistration "dot correction"
Receive. "Synthesis" goes through. That is, it is not executed. It is then stored in memory. After that, the image area (extraction area) used for the composition is read from the memory, and the magnification is scaled to an arbitrary magnification by "main / sub-magnification," and stored again in the memory. After that, the other original image (second image) is read and the image of the extraction area is output from the memory in synchronization with the output results of “shading correction”, “line correction”, and “dot correction”, and “composite” is performed. The image of the extraction area (the extraction area of the first image) is embedded in the second image and synthesized.

Thereafter, writing to the field memory and image area "separation" are performed as in the case where "composite" is not performed. In the image area "separation", whether the image data is the character area or the photograph area of the image, the character edge or the middle of the character (within the character line width),
It is determined whether it is chromatic or achromatic, and each determination result is represented by 1 bit, and image area separation data of 3 bits in total is generated. Then, the image data is read from the field memory in synchronization with the image area separation data, and the "scanner γ" conversion of the conversion characteristic corresponding to the image area separation data is performed. Then, "filter" processing corresponding to the image area separation data is performed. This "filter"
In the processing, a filter coefficient that sharpens the image edge is used in the character area, and a filter coefficient that smoothes the gradation change is used in the photographic area. In the next "ADS", the image density adjustment mainly for removing the background is performed, and in the next "color correction", the RGB image data is converted into the YMCK image data with the color conversion characteristic corresponding to the image area separation data. . After this color correction, only 1 bit indicating a character / photograph in the 3-bit image area separation data is set as the image area separation data.

In the next main scanning magnification change, interpolation, sampling enlargement / reduction (dpi change) in the main scanning direction is performed as necessary. It should be noted that similar interpolation, enlargement and reduction by sampling (change of dpi) are performed in the subsequent "sub-scanning magnification". In the "printer γ" conversion, γ conversion for standard print output is performed with conversion characteristics corresponding to characters / photos. In the next "gradation processing", gradation processing is performed with conversion characteristics corresponding to characters / photos for standard print output. Then, the image in the invalid area on one image is erased by the "mask" processing, the "sub scanning magnification" is performed, and the required image editing processing is performed by the "create".
Semiconductor memory of a printer controller or HDD (hard disk device) by reducing the data amount of MCK image data and image area separation data (1 bit representing text / photo)
Accumulate in. Here, necessary image processing such as image rotation and inversion (mirror processing) may be performed. Reduction of the amount of YMCK image data is compression or thinning, but reduction of the amount of image area separation data is thinning.

When the stored image is printed out,
Image data is read from the controller's semiconductor memory or HDD, decompressed, and the thinned image area separation data is supplemented by interpolation to match the image forming (color expression) characteristics and image area separation data (text / photo) of the printer used. Convert the "printer gamma" of the conversion characteristics, and then perform "gradation processing" that matches the image forming (density expression) characteristics of the printer and the image area separation data (text / photo). Print out.

[0008]

As described above, the prior art is as follows.
After performing the "composite" process, various image processes for one image are added as in the case where the composite process is not performed. However, when the images are combined, an image representation process including a scaling process, an image editing process and / or a gradation process desired by the user is performed for each image in order to make each image more characteristic. It is desirable to be able to add. That is, partial images are selected from the first and second images, and each selected image is individually subjected to image representation processing such as scaling processing, image editing processing, gradation processing, and the like, and combining is performed by utilizing individual image characteristics. It is desirable to be able to do it.

For example, one of the two images to be combined is scaled,
The other image is embedded in the masked part of the fixed format which is the other image, and the composite image is arbitrarily scaled as a whole, or the fixed format is scaled and the masked part is not scaled And then combine and synthesize the combined image as desired, or perform gradation processing for a picture on one image, and gradation processing for characters on the other image of a fixed format. Image processing with a high degree of freedom, such as applying, is desired.

An object of the present invention is to increase the degree of freedom of individual processing of each image to be combined.

[0011]

(1) Image processing means (IPP) for applying correction processing to digital image data, image memory (MEM), parallel bus (Pb), and transmission / reception of image information between them are controlled. Memory management means (IMA
C), a bus management means (CDIC) for sending the image data from the image information supply means (SCR) to the parallel bus and sending the image data received from the parallel bus to the image forming means (PTR), and a synthesis processing means. In the image processing apparatus (ICR) including the above, the image processing means (extracting / masking means for extracting an image to be combined and masking unnecessary images, and means for individually performing image expression processing on each image selected by the image processing means ( To prepare for IPP);
An image processing apparatus, wherein each image processed by the image representation processing means is combined by the combining processing means.

In order to facilitate understanding, reference numerals or corresponding matters of corresponding elements in the embodiments shown in the drawings and described later are added in parentheses for reference. The same applies to the following.

According to this, for example, "extraction / masking"
When the first and second images are selected and combined by the means,
Since each image can be image-represented individually, the degree of freedom in individual processing of each image is high. An image processing means (IP) for adding correction processing to digital image data for selection of each image and image representation processing.
P), the image data from the image information supply means (SCR) is sent to the parallel bus (Pb) by the bus management means (CDIC), and the image data of the parallel bus (Pb) is sent by the memory management means (IMAC). Image processing means (I
PP) to select the image and perform the desired image representation processing there.

Further, the combined image or each image before combination is transferred from the image processing means (IPP) to the memory management means (I
The image data can be easily stored in the image memory (MEM) via the MAC, and the image data can be efficiently transferred between the image memory (MEM) and the image processing means (IPP).

[0015]

(2) The image processing apparatus according to (1) above, wherein the processing of the image representation processing means is at least one of scaling processing, image editing processing and gradation processing.

In a mode in which the processing of the image representation processing means has a scaling processing, the scaling of the first image and the scaling of the second image can be individually performed before the synthesis, and the scaling of the image after synthesis is performed. It becomes possible to individually select the scaling factor in consideration of.

In a mode in which the image expression processing means includes an image editing process, the image editing of the first image and the image editing of the second image can be individually performed before the synthesizing, and each image on the image after the synthesizing can be performed. It is possible to individually select the content of image editing in consideration of the balance / unbalance.

If gradation processing is included in the processing of the image representation processing means, gradation processing is performed before combining, so that the first image and the second image are processed.
Different gradation processing of images is possible. It is possible to perform gradation processing after scaling, without disturbing the periodicity such as dither.

(1a) The image processing apparatus according to the above (1), wherein the processing of the image representation processing means is a scaling processing, an image editing processing and a gradation processing.

That is, the image processing means (IPP) for adding the correction processing to the digital image data, the image memory (ME
M), a parallel bus (Pb), image management data (IMAC) for controlling transmission / reception of image information between them, and image data from an image information supply means (SCR) are sent to the parallel bus and received from the parallel bus. Bus management means (CD) for sending image data to the image forming means (PTR)
IC) and an image processing device (ICR) including a synthesis processing unit, the image processing unit (IPP) is
Extraction to extract images to be combined and mask unnecessary images
The masking means, the scaling processing means for the image selected by the masking means, the edit processing means for the selected image, and the gradation processing means for the selected image are provided. An image processing apparatus, wherein the image data of the selected image is combined by the combining processing means.

According to this, the scaling of the first image and the scaling of the second image can be individually performed before the combining, and the scaling is individually performed in consideration of the scaling of the combined image. It becomes possible to choose. The image edit of the first image and the image edit of the second image can be individually performed before the combination, and the content of the image edit is individually selected in consideration of the balance / unbalance of each image on the image after the combination. Things will be possible. Since gradation processing is performed before composition, different gradation processing can be performed on the first image and the second image. Gradation processing can be performed after scaling and editing to prevent periodicity such as dither.

(1b) Bus management means (CDIC)
Includes image area separation means for detecting image characteristics represented by the image data, and sends the image area separation data representing the image characteristics detected by the image area separation means to the parallel bus together with the image data; the memory management means. (IMAC) gives the image data and the image area separation data sent from the parallel bus to the image processing means (IPP); the gradation processing means of the image processing means (IPP) corresponds to the contents of the image area separation data. The gradation processing to perform is added to the image data, the above (1a)
Image processing device.

According to this, the gradation processing of each of the first image and the second image is performed by the characteristics of each image (image area separation data).
The processing characteristic corresponding to can be automatically determined.

(1c) Bus management means (CDIC)
Compresses and thins out the image data and the image area separation data to be transmitted to the parallel bus respectively; the memory management means (IMAC) expands and interpolates to restore the image data and the image area separation data; and (1c) above. Image processing device. According to this, the transfer efficiency of the image data using the parallel bus (Pb) can be increased.

(3) The synthesis processing means is any one of the image processing means (IPP), memory management means (IMAC) and bus management means (CDIC), and the above-mentioned (1).
The image processing device according to any one of (1) to (2).

In the mode (FIG. 8) in which the synthesizing means is the image processing means (IPP), the first image and the second image to be synthesized can be easily transferred to the synthesizing means. In the mode (FIG. 9) in which the synthesis processing means is in the memory management means (IMAC), the first image to be synthesized is stored in the image memory (MEM).
It is possible to easily perform memory-based combining, which stores the first image while reading the first image while processing the second image. In the mode (FIG. 10) in which the synthesis processing means is in the bus management means (CDIC), the load of the synthesis control of the image processing means (IPP) and the memory management means (IMAC) is small.

(3a) The extraction / masking means and the image representation processing means are a pair of one for selecting and processing an image from one image and one for selecting and processing an image from another image. The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3) above (FIG. 8). According to this, since the image representation processing of the first image and the second image to be combined can be performed in parallel, the productivity of the combined copy can be increased.

(4) The synthesis processing means is in the memory management means (IMAC); the memory management means (IMAC)
Is selected and processed by the extraction / masking means and the image expression processing means from the first image, stored in the image memory (MEM), and similarly selected and processed from the second image. The image is then supplied to the combining processing means together with the first image in the image memory; the image processing apparatus of (3) above (FIG. 9). According to this, the bus management means (C
The amount of image data transferred to the DIC) can be reduced.

(5) The synthesis processing means is in the bus management means (CDIC); the memory management means (IMAC)
Is selected and processed by the extraction / masking means and the image expression processing means from the first image, stored in the image memory (MEM), and similarly selected and processed from the second image. And gives the first image in the image memory together with the first image to the bus management means (CDIC); the bus management means (CDIC) synthesizes the first and second selected images by using the synthesis processing means to produce an image. It is sent to the forming means (PTR); the image processing apparatus of the above (3) (FIG. 10). According to this, it is possible to reduce the processing load of the memory management means (IMAC) at the time of image combination.

(6) Image memory (MEM), parallel bus (Pb), memory management means (IMAC) for controlling transmission / reception of image information between them, image information supply means (S)
Image processing means (IPP) for applying correction processing to the image data from the CR, image data processed by the image processing means (IPP), and the parallel bus or image forming means (P).
An image processing apparatus (ICR) having a bus management means (CDIC) for sending image data sent to TR) and received from the parallel bus to the image processing means (IPP), and an image processing apparatus (ICR) provided with a synthesis processing means extracts an image to be synthesized. The memory management means (IMAC) is provided with an extraction / masking means for masking unnecessary images, a scaling processing means for the images selected thereby, and the synthesis processing means.
An image processing device (IPP) comprising the composite image editing processing means and gradation processing means; an image processing apparatus (FIGS. 12 and 13).

According to this, before the synthesis, the first and second
Since the image is scaled, each scaling factor can be designated, and the scaling factor can be designated in consideration of the scaling factor for the image after fitting and combining. Further, since gradation processing is performed after scaling, the periodicity such as dither is not disturbed. The image stored in the image memory (MEM) is not subjected to scaling, extraction / masking, and gradation processing, so it is easy to reuse it when reprinting the stored image (scaling, extraction / masking, and gradation processing). It can be changed for each reprint).

(7) Image memory (MEM), parallel bus (Pb), memory management means (IMAC) for controlling transmission / reception of image information between them, image information supply means (S)
Image processing means (IPP) for applying correction processing to the image data from the CR, image data processed by the image processing means (IPP), and the parallel bus or image forming means (P).
An image processing apparatus (ICR) having a bus management means (CDIC) for sending image data sent to TR) and received from the parallel bus to the image processing means (IPP), and an image processing apparatus (ICR) provided with a synthesis processing means extracts an image to be synthesized. The memory management means (IMAC) is provided with an extraction / masking means for masking unnecessary images and a scaling processing means of the image selected thereby; the synthesis processing means is provided with a bus management means (CDIC); An image processing apparatus (IPP) comprising edit processing means and gradation processing means for a composite image;
5).

According to this, before the synthesis, the first and second
Since the image is scaled, each scaling factor can be designated, and the scaling factor can be designated in consideration of the scaling factor for the image after fitting and combining. Further, since gradation processing is performed after scaling, the periodicity such as dither is not disturbed. The image stored in the image memory (MEM) is not subjected to scaling, extraction / masking, and gradation processing, so it is easy to reuse it when reprinting the stored image (scaling, extraction / masking, and gradation processing). It can be changed for each reprint).

(8) Image memory (MEM), parallel bus (Pb), memory management means (IMAC) for controlling transmission / reception of image information between them, image information supply means (S)
Image processing means (IPP) for applying correction processing to the image data from the CR, image data processed by the image processing means (IPP), and the parallel bus or image forming means (P).
An image processing apparatus (ICR) having a bus management means (CDIC) for sending image data sent to TR) and received from the parallel bus to the image processing means (IPP), and an image processing apparatus (ICR) provided with a synthesis processing means extracts an image to be synthesized. The bus management means (CDIC) is provided with an extraction / masking means for masking unnecessary images, a scaling processing means for the images selected thereby, and a synthesizing means for the bus management means (CDIC); An image processing device (IPP) is provided with a processing means;

[0035] According to this, the first and second
Since the image is scaled, each scaling factor can be designated, and the scaling factor can be designated in consideration of the scaling factor for the image after fitting and combining. Further, since gradation processing is performed after scaling, the periodicity such as dither is not disturbed. The image stored in the image memory (MEM) is not subjected to scaling, extraction / masking, and gradation processing, so it is easy to reuse it when reprinting the stored image (scaling, extraction / masking, and gradation processing). It can be changed for each reprint).

(9) The synthesizing processing means is a synthesizing / separating means for synthesizing the selected images and generating identification data as to which of the original images each part of the synthesized image belongs to. The image processing device according to (7) or (8).

According to this, the first of the combined image data
The identification data of the image and the second image can be used to individually edit and perform gradation processing, and the parallel processing of the first image and the second image in the image processing means (IPP) is not necessary, and the image processing means is eliminated. The circuit scale of (IPP) can be reduced.

(10) Image memory (MEM), parallel bus (Pb), memory management means (IMAC) for controlling transmission / reception of image information between these, image data supply means (SCR) correction processing to image data Image processing means (IPP) for adding image data, image data processed by the image processing means (IPP) is sent to the parallel bus or image forming means (PTR), and image data received from the parallel bus is received by the image processing means (IPP). In an image processing device (ICR) including a bus management means (CDIC) for sending to a computer and an image processing device (ICR) including a synthesis processing means, an extraction / masking means for extracting an image to be synthesized and masking an unnecessary image and a scaling of an image selected by the extraction / masking means Processing means in a group of bus management means (CDIC) and said memory management means (IMAC); Editing means-option image, gradation processing means and the combining processing unit image processing means (I
Image processing apparatus (FIGS. 17, 18, and 19).

[0039] According to this, the first and second
Since the image is scaled, each scaling factor can be designated, and the scaling factor can be designated in consideration of the scaling factor for the image after fitting and combining. Further, since gradation processing is performed after scaling, the periodicity such as dither is not disturbed. The image stored in the image memory (MEM) is not subjected to scaling, extraction / masking, and gradation processing, so it is easy to reuse it when reprinting the stored image (scaling, extraction / masking, and gradation processing). It can be changed for each reprint). Since the first and second images can be edited and gradation processed in parallel in the image processing means (IPP), it is possible to omit the generation of the identification data of the first and second images after combination. become.

(10a) Image memory (MEM), parallel bus (Pb), memory management means (IMAC) for controlling transmission / reception of image information between them, image data from image information supplying means (SCR) Image processing means (IPP) for adding image data, image data processed by the image processing means (IPP) is sent to the parallel bus or image forming means (PTR), and image data received from the parallel bus is received by the image processing means (IPP). In an image processing device (ICR) including a bus management means (CDIC) for sending to a computer and an image processing device (ICR) including a synthesis processing means, an extraction / masking means for extracting an image to be synthesized and masking an unnecessary image and a scaling of an image selected by the extraction / masking means The memory management means (IMAC) is provided with a processing means; each image selected from one image and another image Each pair of editing means and the gradation section as well as the image the image processing unit means for synthesizing, each of which handles provided were to (IPP); an image processing apparatus characterized by (17, 18).

According to this, before the synthesis, the first and second
Since the image is scaled, each scaling factor can be designated, and the scaling factor can be designated in consideration of the scaling factor for the image after fitting and combining. Further, since gradation processing is performed after scaling, the periodicity such as dither is not disturbed. The image stored in the image memory (MEM) is not subjected to scaling, extraction / masking, and gradation processing, so it is easy to reuse it when reprinting the stored image (scaling, extraction / masking, and gradation processing). It can be changed for each reprint). In order to perform parallel editing and gradation processing on the first and second images in the image processing means (IPP),
It is not necessary to generate the identification data of the first image and the second image after combining.

(10b) Image memory (MEM), parallel bus (Pb), memory management means (IMAC) for controlling transmission / reception of image information between them, and image data supplied from image information supply means (SCR). Image processing means (IPP) for adding image data, image data processed by the image processing means (IPP) is sent to the parallel bus or image forming means (PTR), and image data received from the parallel bus is received by the image processing means (IPP). In an image processing device (ICR) including a bus management means (CDIC) for sending to a computer and an image processing device (ICR) including a synthesis processing means, an extraction / masking means for extracting an image to be synthesized and masking an unnecessary image and a scaling of an image selected by the extraction / masking means Bus management means (CDIC) is provided with processing means; edit processing means and gradation processing means for the selected image Image processing means preliminary synthesis means (IP
Image processing apparatus (see FIG. 1).
9).

According to this, before the synthesis, the first and second
Since the image is scaled, each scaling factor can be designated, and the scaling factor can be designated in consideration of the scaling factor for the image after fitting and combining. Further, since gradation processing is performed after scaling, the periodicity such as dither is not disturbed. The image stored in the image memory (MEM) is not subjected to scaling, extraction / masking, and gradation processing, so it is easy to reuse it when reprinting the stored image (scaling, extraction / masking, and gradation processing). It can be changed for each reprint). In order to perform parallel editing and gradation processing on the first and second images in the image processing means (IPP),
It is not necessary to generate the identification data of the first image and the second image after combining.

(10c) The extraction / masking means and the scaling processing means are commonly used for selecting and processing an image from one image and selecting and processing an image from another image. The image processing device according to any one of (1) to (10) (FIGS. 12, 14, and 17).

Since the extraction / masking process and the scaling process are shared by the processes of the first and second images, the circuit scale for these processes can be reduced.

(10d) The extraction / masking means and the scaling processing means are independently provided for selecting and processing an image from one image and selecting and processing an image from another image. The image processing device according to any one of (6) to (10) (FIGS. 13, 15, 16, and 18).

Since the extraction / masking process and the scaling process are provided independently for each of the first and second image processes, they can be processed in parallel and the synthesizing process can be performed at high speed.

(10e) The memory management means (IMA
C) is an image processing means (IPP), an image memory (ME
The image processing device according to any one of (1) to (10d) above, which controls transmission / reception of image information between M) and the parallel bus (Pb) and an external device.

According to this, at least one of the first and second images to be combined can be obtained from the external device, and the combined image data can be transferred to the external device. It is also possible to perform a variety of image compositing using image data of external devices or processing functions.

(11) An image forming apparatus including the image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10) above, and a printing unit that forms a visible image based on the image data output by the image processing apparatus.

According to this, in the image forming apparatus, the operational effect described in any one of the above (1) to (10) can be obtained.

[0052]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a multi-function full color digital copying machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. This full-color copying machine is roughly composed of an automatic document feeder ADF, an operation board OPB,
Each unit is composed of a color scanner SCR and a color printer PTR. In-flight image processing device ICR
The LAN (Local A) connected to the PC is shown in (Fig. 3).
area network), and the exchange PBX connected to the telephone line PN (facsimile communication line),
A facsimile control unit FCU (FIG. 3) of a facsimile board is connected to the exchange PBX. The printed paper of the printer PTR is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 8.

FIG. 2 shows the mechanism of the color printer PTR. The color printer PTR of this embodiment is a laser printer. In this laser printer PTR, four sets of toner image forming units for forming images of magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (black: K) are arranged in a moving direction of the transfer paper. They are arranged in this order along (from the lower right to the upper left in the figure). That is, 4
It is a continuous drum type full-color image forming apparatus.

The magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y) and black (K) toner image forming units are respectively provided with photoconductor units 10M and 10C having photoconductor drums 11M, 11C, 11Y and 11K. , 1
0Y and 10K and developing units 20M, 20C, 20
Y and 20K. Further, the arrangement of each toner image forming unit is such that the photosensitive drum 11 in each photosensitive unit is arranged.
Predetermined so that the rotation axes of M, 11C, 11Y, and 11K are parallel to the horizontal x-axis, and in the transfer paper moving direction (upward leftward line that forms approximately 45 ° with the y-axis on the y and z planes). It is set so that it becomes an array of pitches.

In addition to the toner image forming unit, the laser printer PTR carries an optical writing unit 2 by laser scanning, paper feed cassettes 3 and 4, a pair of registration rollers 5, and a transfer paper to carry each toner image. A transfer belt unit 6 having a transfer / conveying belt 60 that conveys so as to pass through the transfer position of the forming portion, a fixing unit 7 of a belt fixing system, a paper discharge tray 8 and the like are provided. Also, laser printer PTR
Includes a manual feed tray, a toner replenishing container, a waste toner bottle, a double-sided / reversing unit, a power supply unit, and the like, which are not shown.

The optical writing unit 2 is provided with a light source, a polygon mirror, an f-θ lens, a reflection mirror, etc., and outputs a laser beam to the surface of each of the photosensitive drums 11M, 11C, 11Y and 11K based on the image data, x. Irradiate while swinging and scanning in the direction. Further, the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 2 indicates the transfer paper conveyance path. The transfer paper fed from the paper feed cassettes 3 and 4 is conveyed by the conveyance rollers while being guided by a conveyance guide (not shown), and is then sent to the registration roller pair 5. The transfer sheet sent to the transfer / conveyance belt 60 at a predetermined timing by the registration roller pair 5 is carried by the transfer / conveyance belt 60 and conveyed so as to pass through the transfer position of each toner image forming unit.

Photoreceptor drum 11M of each toner image forming section,
The toner images formed on 11C, 11Y and 11K are
The transfer paper, which is carried and transferred by the transfer / conveyance belt 60, is transferred to the fixing unit 7 by superposing the toner images of the respective colors, that is, the transfer paper on which the color image is formed. When passing through the fixing unit 7, the toner image is fixed on the transfer paper. The transfer paper on which the toner image is fixed is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 8. That is, the transfer is a direct transfer method in which the toner image is directly transferred onto the transfer paper.

The outline of the yellow Y toner image forming unit will be described below. The other toner image forming units have the same structure as that of the yellow Y. The yellow Y toner image forming unit includes the photoconductor unit 10Y and the developing unit 20Y as described above. Photoconductor unit 1
In addition to the photoconductor drum 11Y, 0Y is a brush roller for applying a lubricant to the surface of the photoconductor drum, a swingable blade for cleaning the surface of the photoconductor drum, a charge eliminating lamp for irradiating the surface of the photoconductor drum with light, and a photoconductor. A non-contact type charging roller for uniformly charging the drum surface is provided.

In the photoconductor unit 10Y, on the surface of the photoconductor drum 11Y which is uniformly charged by the charging roller to which an AC voltage is applied, the optical writing unit 2 modulates it based on the print data and deflects it by the polygon mirror. When the laser beam L is emitted while being scanned, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 11Y. Photoconductor drum 1
The electrostatic latent image on IY is developed by the developing unit 20Y and becomes a yellow Y toner image. At the transfer position on the transfer / transport belt 60 where the transfer paper passes, the toner image on the photoconductor drum 1IY is transferred to the transfer paper. After the toner image is transferred, the surface of the photoconductor drum 11Y is coated with a predetermined amount of lubricant by a brush roller, is then cleaned by a blade, and is neutralized by the light emitted from the static elimination lamp.
Prepare for the next electrostatic latent image formation.

The developing unit 20Y contains a two-component developer containing a magnetic carrier and a negatively charged toner. The developing case 1Y is provided with a developing roller, a conveying screw, a doctor blade, a toner density sensor, a powder pump, and the like which are arranged so as to be partially exposed from the opening on the side of the photosensitive drum. The developer contained in the developing case is triboelectrically charged by being stirred and conveyed by the conveying screw with a damaged frame. Then, a part of the developer is carried on the surface of the developing roller. The doctor blade uniformly regulates the layer thickness of the developer on the surface of the developing roller, the toner in the developer on the surface of the developing roller is transferred to the photoconductor drum, and the toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image is transferred to the photoconductor. Appears on the drum 11Y. The toner density of the developer in the developing case is detected by the toner density sensor. When the density is insufficient, the powder pump is driven to replenish the toner.

Next, the outline of the transfer belt unit 6 will be described. The transfer / conveyance belt 60 is wound around four grounded tension rollers so as to pass through the transfer positions in contact with and facing the photoconductor drums 11M, 11C, 11Y and 11K of the toner image forming portions. . Among these tension rollers, an electrostatic attraction roller to which a predetermined voltage is applied from a power source is arranged so as to face an inlet roller on the upstream side in the transfer paper moving direction indicated by a two-dot chain line arrow. The transfer paper passing between these two rollers is electrostatically adsorbed on the transfer / transport belt 60. Further, the outlet roller on the downstream side in the transfer paper moving direction is a drive roller that frictionally drives the transfer conveyance belt, and is connected to a drive source (not shown). Further, a bias roller to which a predetermined cleaning voltage is applied from a power source is arranged so as to contact the outer peripheral surface of the transfer / conveying belt 60. The bias roller removes foreign matter such as toner attached to the transfer / conveyance belt 60.

Further, the photosensitive drums 11M, 11C, 11
A transfer bias applying member is provided so as to come into contact with the back surface of the transfer / conveying belt 60 that forms a contact facing portion that contacts and faces Y and 11K. These transfer bias applying members are fixed brushes, and transfer bias is applied from each transfer bias power source. By the transfer bias applied by the transfer bias applying member, the transfer conveyance belt 60 is
A transfer charge is applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum, and a transfer electric field having a predetermined strength is formed between the transfer / transport belt 60 and the surface of the photosensitive drum at each transfer position.

FIG. 3 shows a main part of the electrical system of the copying machine shown in FIG. In the reading unit 21, the color original scanner SCR that optically reads an original collects the reflected light of the lamp irradiation on the original on the light receiving element by the mirror and the lens. Light receiving element (CCD in this embodiment)
Is in a sensor board unit (hereinafter simply referred to as SBU) of the reading unit 21, and an RGB image signal converted into an electric signal in the CCD is given to an input I / F (interface) 22.

The input I / F 22 outputs 8 RGB image signals each.
Converted to bit multi-valued R, G, B image data. Then, after shading correction and dot correction are added, a bus management control CDIC (hereinafter simply referred to as CDIC)
Output to.

The input I / F 22 also determines whether the RGB image data represents a copy-prohibited object such as a bill or a bill (hereinafter simply referred to as bill recognition). If the result of the banknote recognition is a copy prohibited item, the system controller 10
6 is notified of this. In response to this notification, the system controller 106 refers to the image processing condition incidental to the reading of the original image by the color original scanner SCR (for example, in the case of a copy instruction, whether full-color reading is performed),
When the copying condition for faithful copying is set, a control tag for instructing image damage is added to the image data output to the CDIC. In addition, RGB with this control tag
When the image data is converted into YMCK image data by the image processor IPP (hereinafter simply referred to as IPP), the IPP is
A scanner γ for image damage that makes the reproduced image greatly different in color
Perform the conversion.

The CDIC performs data transfer between the color original scanner SCR and the color printer PTR and the parallel bus Pb, and communication for other control. C
The DIC internally performs data format conversion for a data interface between the parallel bus Pb and the serial bus Sb. The CDIC adds primary compression (encoding) to the RGB image data from the color original scanner SCR in order to increase the efficiency of data bus transfer.
Then, the compressed data is sent to the parallel bus Pb.

The transfer destination via the parallel bus Pb is I
The PP or the image memory MEM (hereinafter simply referred to as MEM), and which is the transfer destination is determined by the image memory access control IMAC (hereinafter simply referred to as IMAC). I
When transferring to the IPP, the MAC decompresses (decodes) the primary compression, that is, performs the primary decompression to restore the RGB image data and then outputs the RGB image data to the IPP.
When writing to M, in order to use memory efficiently,
Add lossless secondary compression.

When the RGB data is read from the image memory MEM, the secondary compression expansion, that is, the secondary expansion is performed. As a result, primary-compressed RGB image data is obtained.
This RGB image data is sent to an IPP, a personal computer PC or an external serial port, or via a parallel bus Pb to a facsimile control unit FCU (hereinafter simply referred to as F
CU).

When the RGB image data read from the image memory MEM is given to the IPP, the IMAC is primarily expanded. Then, the YMCK image data converted by the IPP is subjected to the same primary compression as the primary compression performed by the CDIC by the IMAC, and then sent to the FCU or the CDIC via the parallel bus Pb, or further reversible 2 Subsequent compression is applied and written in MEM.

When the CDIC receives the YMCK image data subjected to the primary compression, the CDIC decompresses the data and serially sends it to the color printer PTR.

FIG. 4 shows an outline of the structure relating to the data transfer of the CDIC. The image data input / output control 122 receives the RGB image data output from the color original scanner SCR and writes it in the field memory. Along with this, the image area "separation" determines whether the image data is a character area or a photograph area of the image, whether it is a character edge or a character (within the character line width), and whether it is chromatic or achromatic. The image data and the image area separation data are generated in synchronization with the reading of the image data of the pixel to which the image area separation data is addressed from the field memory by generating 3-bit image area separation data represented by 1 bit. To the data compression & thinning-out 123.

In the data compression / decimation 123, the image data is primarily compressed and the image area separation data is decimated to reduce the data amount. The combined data of the compressed and thinned image data and the image area separation data is serially input to the data conversion unit 124. The data conversion unit 124 converts this serial data for data transfer using the parallel bus Pb, that is, converts it into parallel, and sends it to the parallel bus Pb via the parallel data I / F 125.

Parallel data I / from the parallel bus Pb
The YMCK image data and the image area separation data input via F125 are transferred to the write I / F 104 of the color printer PTR by the image data output control 127. The write I / F 104 of the color printer PTR is
Four sets of image data, one for each of M, C, and K, are output in parallel to the image forming unit 105.

FIG. 5 shows an outline of the internal structure of the IPP.
IPP is the output I / F 10 of the color original scanner SCR.
The input / output port 131 is used to receive image data from and to input / output image data to / from the CDIC. The input / output image data is temporarily stored in a data buffer including a bus switch and a buffer memory or the input / output data register 132, and then input to the processor array 134 via the memory control 133 or output to the CDIC. The data for controlling the IPP and the image processing program (the program and the processing parameters) of the IPP are given from the system controller 106, the CDIC or the process controller 101 to the host buffer 137, and the data RAM 136 and the program RAM 135.
Written in.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic functional configuration of the IMAC. In the parallel bus control 141, the parallel bus P
It manages the input and output of image data to and from b, stores / reads the image data to / from MEM, and mainly uses an external personal computer P.
Controls expansion of code data input from C into image data. The code data input from the PC is stored in the line buffer in the local bus control 153. That is, the code data stored in the local area and stored in the line buffer is stored in the local bus control 153 based on the expansion processing instruction from the system controller 106 input via the system controller I / F 144. Expand to image data.

The expanded image data is primary compressed / decompressed 1.
At 46, primary compression is performed by the same compression method as the primary compression used by the CDIC, and then secondary compression is further performed at secondary compression / expansion 147 and stored in the MEM. Parallel data I / F 14
Since the image data input from the parallel bus Pb via 1 is first-compressed, it is second-compressed and stored in the MEM. In this case, the memory access control 154 uses ME
The secondary compressed data is stored in the MEM while managing the address of M. In reading the image data stored in the MEM, the read destination address is controlled by the memory access control 154, and the read image data is secondarily expanded by the second compression / expansion 147. The decompressed image data is primary-compressed for transfer by the parel bus Pb, and when transferred to the parallel bus Pb, the parallel data I
Data is transferred via / F141. 143a-14
3 f is a DMAC (Direct Memory Access Controller).

The color image processor IPP applies the scanner γ conversion to the RGB image data as shown in FIG. 7 when processing one image. Then, filtering and color correction are performed on the YMCK based on the image area separation result of the CDIC.
YM is converted to multi-valued image data, scaled if there is a scaled setting, and then subjected to gradation processing based on the image area separation result.
The CK multi-valued image data is converted into YMCK binary (1 bit for each color) or quaternary (2 bits for each color) YMCK image data. The gradation processing includes simple binarization, density conversion, dither processing, error diffusion processing, etc., and the area approximation of gradation information is the main processing. A series of Y, M, C, and K colors, a total of four binary or four-valued YMCK image data, is output to the IMAC.

The YMCK image data is sent to the laser printer PTR via the IMAC, parallel bus and CDIC.
Image forming unit 105, Y, M,
The electrostatic latent images for image formation of the respective colors, which are applied to the laser modulators of the C and K image forming units, are transferred to the photosensitive drums 11Y and 11Y.
Formed on M, 11C and 11K.

Referring again to FIG. In the IMAC, access control of the image data and the image memory MEM based on the control of the system controller 106, development of print data of an external personal computer PC (hereinafter simply referred to as PC) (character code / character bit conversion), external personal computer PC It also sends image data to other devices, and performs secondary compression and expansion of image data for effective memory utilization. The data secondarily compressed by the IMAC is accumulated in the image memory MEM, and the accumulated data is read out as needed. The read data is 2 in IMAC
Next expansion (expansion of lossless secondary compression) is performed to restore primary compressed data.

The facsimile control unit FCU for FAX transmission / reception shown in FIG. 3 converts the image data into a communication format and transmits it to the external line PN, or the external line P.
The data from N is returned to image data and recorded and output in the image forming unit 105 via the external I / F unit and the parallel bus Pb. The FCU comprises a FAX image processing unit, an image memory, a memory control unit, a facsimile control unit, an image compression / expansion unit, a modem and a network control unit. Regarding the image data output buffer function, a part of the function is supplemented by IMAC and MEM.

FAX transmission / reception unit FCU configured in this way
Then, when the transmission of the image information is started, the facsimile control unit instructs the memory control unit in the FCU, and the FCU
The accumulated image information is sequentially read out from the image memory inside. The read image information is restored to the original signal by the FAX image processing in the FCU, and the density conversion processing and the scaling processing are performed and added to the facsimile controller. The image signal applied to the facsimile controller is coded and compressed by the image compressor / decompressor, modulated by the modem, and then sent to the destination via the network controller. Then, the image information that has been transmitted is deleted from the image memory.

At the time of reception, the received image is temporarily stored in the image memory in the FCU, and if the received image can be recorded and output at that time, it is recorded and output when the reception of one image is completed.

In the image processing system described above, the bus management means CDIC and the memory management means IMAC are connected by the parallel bus Pb. The independent color original scanner SCR and color printer PTR are not directly connected to the parallel bus Pb but are connected to the CDI.
By connecting the parallel bus Pb through C and the IPP through the IMAC to the parallel bus, the data transfer of the color original scanner SCR / color image processor IPP / color printer PTR, that is, the copying function group is established. To do. Since the IPP is connected to the IMAC that manages the image memory MEM, the color original scanner SC
After storing the RGB image data generated by R in the MEM, the RGB image data of the MEM is transferred to an external device, passed to the IPP and converted into YMCK image data, or the YMCK image data output by the IPP is output to the MEM. Since the parallel bus Pb is not used for image data transfer such as storage or transfer to an external device, traffic on the parallel bus is reduced accordingly.

As described above, in the CDIC, the job of primary-compressing the RGB image data and sending it to the parallel bus Pb and the data sent from the parallel bus Pb to the YMC.
There is a job for expanding the K image data and outputting it to the color printer PTR. In the IMAC, the job of decompressing the RGB image data that has been losslessly primary-compressed sent from the parallel bus Pb and gives it to the IPP, the job of losslessly secondary-compressing it without storing it and storing it in the MEM, and reading it from the MEM
A job for reproducing the RGB image data by performing the secondary expansion and the primary expansion, that is, the secondary expansion and the primary expansion, and giving it to the IPP, and the YMCK image data output by the IPP reversible 1
Job, IPP, which is then compressed and sent to the parallel bus Pb
A YMCK image data output from the YMCK image data that is losslessly primary- and secondary-compressed and stored in the MEM, and the YMCK data that is read from the MEM and is secondarily expanded and then primary-compressed.
There is a job to send image data to the parallel bus Pb. In addition, there is a job to send / receive print information and image data to / from an external device such as a personal computer PC.

FIG. 7 shows an outline of the flow of image data and an outline of image processing in the image processing system shown in FIG.
As an example of accumulating (storing) in the image memory MEM, when copying a plurality of one document, one reading unit 21 is used.
It is operated only once, and RGB image data or YMCK image data obtained by converting the RGB image data by IPP is stored in the memory MEM.
There is a way to read the accumulated data multiple times.

As an example in which the memory MEM is not used, if only one original is copied, the RG of the scanner SCR is used.
YMC which output B image data to IPP and converted by IPP
The K image data is output to the printer PTR. First, when the memory MEM is not used, the R output from the scanner SCR
GB image data is sent from the CDIC to the IPP. If additional processing such as rotation in the image direction and image composition is performed when the data is accumulated in the memory MEM and read out from the memory MEM, the RGB image data is stored in the MEM before the IMA.
In C, the position of the read data of MEM on the screen is changed by changing the address and output to IPP, or ME
Rewriting to M is also used. YMCK output by IPP
Address conversion may be performed when the image data is written in the MEM, and / or address conversion may be performed when the YMCK image data is read from the MEM.

In the above image data flow, the IMA
C, image memory read / write control for the image memory MEM and parallel bus Pb, and CDIC
Bus control between the parallel bus Pb and the color original scanner SCR and the color printer PTR realizes a composite function of the digital copying machine.

In a situation where a plurality of jobs, such as a copy function, a FAX transmission / reception function, and a printer output function, operate in parallel, the color original scanner SCR, the color printer PTR, the parallel bus Pb, and the IPP usage right are assigned to the jobs. , The system controller 106 and the process controller 101.

The process controller 101 controls the flow of image data, and the system controller 106 controls the entire system and manages the activation of each resource. Function selection of this digital multi-function color copying machine
Select and input with PB, and set the processing contents such as copy function and FAX function. The print command of the personal computer PC sets the processing contents of the printer output function in response to the print command of the personal computer PC.

The image composition is designated by the operator on the operation board OPB or PC, and the image selection area and the image processing contents (for example, scaling, editing, etc.) of the first and second originals are designated.
Printer γ and / or gradation processing) is the operation board OPB
Alternatively, the operator inputs or specifies on the PC. Such input information is saved (held) in the system controller 106.

RG output by color original scanner SCR
Once the B image data is stored in the memory MEM,
Various reproduced images can be confirmed by changing the processing performed by the IPP. For example, the atmosphere of the reproduced image can be changed by changing the γ conversion characteristic, changing the density of the reproduced image, or changing the number of lines of the dither matrix. At this time, it is not necessary to reread the image by the color original scanner SCR every time the processing is changed, and different processing can be performed on the same data many times by reading the stored image from the MEM.

FIG. 8 shows an image processing apparatus ICR for image composition.
2 shows a functional configuration of CDIC, IMAC, and IPP configuring the above. The contents of the various processing functions shown in FIG. 8 are the same as the conventional functions shown in FIG.

In the image processing apparatus ICR of the first embodiment, the shading correction read by the scanner SCR and the correction of the line synchronization deviation between the R (red), G (green) and B (blue) colors and the dot correction are performed. The RGB image data of the first original, which has been subjected to, is written in the field memory in the CDIC. At this time, the CDIC is an image area “separated”, and the image data is determined as an image characteristic of any one of a character area / photo area, a character edge / character, and chromatic / achromatic. Then, a total of 3 bits of image area separation data indicating each determination result with 1 bit is generated,
R from field memory in synchronization with image area separation data
The GB image data is read out and the image data is primarily compressed,
Image area separation data is thinned out to reduce the amount of data,
It is temporarily stored in MEM via IMAC.

At this time, the image selection area and the image processing contents (for example, scaling, editing, printer γ and / or gradation processing) held by the system controller 106 and input or designated by the operator using the operation board OPB or PC.
To the MEM as the processing attribute information of the first manuscript.
Is written in the header portion of the data frame of the first original. This matter is the same in any of the other embodiments described later, and hence the repetitive description will be omitted below.

Thereafter, the reading of the second original document and the data processing in the CDIC are similarly performed, and the first original document is transferred from the MEM to the IMAC in synchronization with the data output of the second original document from the CDIC to the IMAC via the parallel bus Pb. Read the data of. IMAC is 1 for each of the first and second manuscripts.
The next compressed data is expanded to the image data by the primary expansion, each image area separation data is returned to the pixel correspondence by interpolation, this is performed in parallel for the first and second originals, and is input in parallel to the IPP.

When the image data of the first original is given to the IPP, the above-mentioned processing attribute information (image selection area and image processing content) of the first original in the MEM is given to the IPP and the image data of the second original is given. To the IPP, the above-mentioned processing attribute information of the second original document held in the MEM or the system controller 106 is given to the IPP, and the IPP sets each information in the processing attribute information for each processing. For example, the image selection areas of the first and second originals are set as the two “extraction / masking” of the IPP (FIG. 8) and used as image selection area (extraction, masking area) information. The characteristic selection information of various processes included in the image processing content is set to the corresponding process in the IPP. These characteristics are higher than automatic selection of processing characteristics by image area separation data (text / photo),
It is determined by the operator selecting the processing mode. The setting corresponding to the first and second originals (first and second images) is the same in any of the other embodiments described later, and therefore the repetitive description will be omitted below.

The IPP performs "scanner γ" to "color correction processing" on the two types of image data in parallel, and each image data (first image data) of each selected area in each image data of the first and second originals. 1 and the second image). This selection is performed by extraction (extraction) or masking (erasing) in "extraction / masking".

Thereafter, a "main / sub-variable magnification / reduction" process is performed. In this scaling processing, if the first image is reduced by 50% in the main / sub, the second image is enlarged by 100% in the main / sub, and the image after the fitting and combining is enlarged by 200% in the main / sub, this is taken into consideration. A scaling process of 100% main / sub magnification for the first image and 200% main / sub magnification for the second image is preset. After that, the image “edit” (mirror, black and white inversion, etc.) is applied to the first image and the second image,
The “printer γ” and the “gradation processing” are also applied to each. After that, fitting is performed, “composite” is performed, and the image is transferred to the printer via the IMAC and the CDIC.

Second Embodiment The hardware of the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the outline of the configuration of the image processing apparatus ICR of the second embodiment is shown in FIG. It is similar to the one.

FIG. 9 shows an image processing apparatus ICR of the second embodiment.
2 shows the functional configuration of the CDIC, IMAC, and IPP that compose the above when combining images. In the second embodiment, the IMAC has a “composite” function, and the IPP has only one series of “scanner γ” to “gradation processing”.

The RGB image data of the first original is written in the field memory in the CDIC by the scanner SCR.
At this time, the CDIC determines the image characteristics in the image area “separation” to generate the image area separation data, and reads the RGB image data from the field memory in synchronization with the image area separation data. Next compression, the image area separation data is thinned out to reduce the data amount and is given to the IMAC via the parallel bus Pb. The IMAC restores (reproduces) the image data and the image area separation data by decompressing and interpolating the data and gives them to the IPP.

The IPP applies the "scanner γ" to "color correction" to the image data based on the given image area separation data, and selects the image data selected by the "extraction / masking" (first
"Main / Sub-variable magnification" to "Gradation processing" is applied only to
The MAC writes the output data of gradation processing in the MEM.

Thereafter, the second original is read and the CDIC
Similarly, the data processing in the IPP is performed, and the output data of the second image is output to the IMAC from the “gradation processing” of the IPP. At this time, the IMAC outputs the image data of the first image from the MEM at the fitting position of the first image (from the MEM). (Gradation processing output) is read out, the first image is combined with the second image, and the result is transferred to the printer PTR via the CDIC.
Perform image formation.

Third Embodiment The hardware of the third embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the outline of the configuration of the image processing apparatus ICR of the third embodiment is shown in FIG. It is similar to the one.

FIG. 10 shows an image processing apparatus IC according to the third embodiment.
The functional configuration of the CDIC, IMAC, and IPP that configure R at the time of image composition is shown. In the third embodiment, the CDIC has a “composite” function, and the IPP has only one series of “scanner γ” to “gradation processing”.

The RGB image data of the first original is written in the field memory in the CDIC by the scanner SCR.
At this time, the CDIC determines the image characteristics in the image area “separation” to generate the image area separation data, and reads the RGB image data from the field memory in synchronization with the image area separation data. Next compression, the image area separation data is thinned out to reduce the data amount and is given to the IMAC via the parallel bus Pb. The IMAC restores (reproduces) the image data and the image area separation data by decompressing and interpolating the data and gives them to the IPP.

The IPP performs "scanner γ" to "color correction" on the image data based on the given image area separation data, and the image data selected by the "extraction / masking" (first
"Main / Sub-variable magnification" to "Gradation processing" is applied only to
The MAC writes the output data of gradation processing in the MEM.

Thereafter, the second original is read and the CDIC
Similarly, the data processing in the IPP is performed, and the output data of the second image is output to the IMAC from the “gradation processing” of the IPP. At this time, the IMAC outputs the image data of the first image from the MEM at the fitting position of the first image (from the MEM). The gradation processing output) is read and the image data of the second image and the first image is transferred to the CDIC. The CDIC performs the fitting synthesis of the first image with respect to the second image and transfers it to the printer PTR to form an image.

Fourth Embodiment The hardware of the fourth embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the outline of the configuration of the image processing apparatus ICR of the fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. It is a thing.

In the image processing system shown in FIG. 11, the color original scanner SCR is connected to the field memory of the image processing apparatus ICR. A color printer PTR is also connected to the image processing device ICR. The color printer PTR uses the IPP of the image processing device ICR to
The recording I / F 104 receives the recorded image data, and the image forming unit 105 prints it out. Image forming unit 10
5 is what is shown in FIG.

The CDIC of this embodiment, regarding image data, transfers data between the input I / F 22, the parallel buses Pb and IPP, and communicates between the process controller 101 and the system controller 106 which controls the image processing apparatus ICR as a whole. Perform. The RAM 132 is used as a work area of the process controller 101, and the non-volatile memory 133 stores a boot program of the process controller 101 and the like.

The IPP is a programmable arithmetic processing means for performing image processing. Input I / F22 to CDIC
The image data input to is sent to IPP via CDIC.
The signal deterioration (signal deterioration of the scanner system) due to the quantization into the optical system and the digital signal is corrected by the IPP, and is output (transmitted) to the CDIC again.

The image memory access control IMAC (hereinafter simply referred to as IMAC) controls writing / reading of image data to / from the MEM. The system controller 106 controls the operation of each component connected to the parallel bus Pb. The RAM 4 is used as a work area for the system controller 106, and the non-volatile memory 108 stores a boot program for the system controller 106.

The processing of the image data read by the scanner SCR includes a job of storing the read image data in the MEM for reuse and a job of not storing the read image data in the MEM.
As an example of storing the read image data in the MEM,
There are cases where a plurality of originals are copied, and in this case, the reading unit 11 is operated only once, the image data read by the reading unit 11 is stored in the MEM, and the image data stored in the MEM is stored. Read multiple times.

As an example of not using the MEM, there is a case where only one original is copied, and in this case, the read image data may be reproduced as it is.
Access to the MEM is not required. ME
When M is not used, the data transferred from the IPP to the CDIC is returned from the CDIC to the IPP again. I
In the PP, the RGB signal by the CCD in the input I / F 22 is color-converted into a YMCK signal, and image quality processing such as printer γ conversion, gradation conversion, and gradation processing such as dither processing or error diffusion processing is performed.

The image data after the image quality processing is transferred from the IPP to the writing I / F 104. The write I / F 104 is
Laser control is performed on the tone-processed signal by pulse width and power modulation. After that, the image data is sent to the image forming unit 105, and the image forming unit 105 forms a reproduced image on the transfer paper.

Next, the flow of image data when it is accumulated in the MEM and additional processing is performed at the time of image reading, for example, rotation in the image direction, image composition, and the like will be described. The image data transferred from the IPP to the CDIC is C
It is sent from the DIC to the IMAC via the parallel bus Pb.

The IMAC is the system controller 106.
Based on the control of the image data, the access control of the MEM, the expansion of the print data of a personal computer (not shown) PC (hereinafter simply referred to as PC) connected on the LAN, ME
Performs compression / expansion of image data for effective use of M.

The image data sent to the IMAC is stored in the MEM after data compression, and the stored image data is read out as needed. The read image data is
The image data is decompressed, restored to the original image data, and returned from the IMAC to the CDIC via the parallel bus Pb. After transfer from CDIC to IPP, image quality processing is performed and write I / F 10
4 and the reproduced image is formed on the transfer paper in the image forming unit 105. In the flow of image data, the function of the digital multi-function peripheral is realized by bus control by the parallel bus Pb and the CDIC.

In a situation in which a plurality of jobs, for example, a copy function, a facsimile transmission / reception function, and a printer output function operate in parallel, the reading unit 11 and the image forming unit 10
The system controller 106 and the process controller 101 control the allocation of the usage right of the parallel bus Pb and the parallel bus Pb to the job. The process controller 101 controls the flow of image data, the system controller 106 controls the entire system, and manages activation of each resource.

The system controller 106 and the process controller 101 communicate with each other via the parallel buses Pb, CDIC and serial bus Sb. Specifically, communication between the system controller 106 and the process controller 101 is performed by performing a data format conversion for a data interface between the parallel bus Pb and the serial bus Sb in the CDIC.

The system controller 106 controls other functional units via the parallel bus Pb.
The parallel bus Pb is used for transferring image data. The system controller 106 issues an operation control command to the IMAC to store the image data in the MEM. This operation control command is sent via the IMAC and the parallel bus Pb.

In response to this operation control command, the image data is transferred from the CDIC to the parallel bus Pb and the parallel bus I.
/ F 7 to IMAC. Then, the image data is stored in the MEM under the control of IMAC.

On the other hand, the system controller 106 of the image processing apparatus ICR functions as a printer controller, network control, and serial bus control when called from the PC as a printer function. When via the network, the IMAC receives the print output request data via the network I / F.

The print output request data is expanded into image data by the system controller 106. The deployment destination is an area in MEM. The font data necessary for development can be obtained by referring to the font ROM FONT via the local bus I / F and the local bus Rb. The local bus Rb is the controller 106
Is connected to the nonvolatile memory 108 and the RAM 107.

Data transmission / reception between the system controller 106 and the MEM and various buses is performed via the IMAC. A job using MEM is an image processing apparatus I.
Centrally managed within the entire CR.

FIG. 12 shows an image processing device IC of the fourth embodiment.
CDIC, IMAC and IP constituting R (FIG. 11)
The functional structure of P at the time of image composition is shown. In the fourth embodiment,
There is a field memory between the scanner SCR and the IPP, the IPP has an image area “separation” function, the CDIC has a primary “compression” function, a “decimation” function and a primary “expansion” function, and the IMAC has an “extraction” function. -It has a "masking" function, a "main / sub-variable magnification" function, and a "composite / separation" function. "Synthesis
The "separation" function is in addition to the function of "combining" the first image and the second image, and the image data of the first image includes the image area separation data (1 bit representing a character / photo) and the first image. 2 bit separation data is added to the first / second image identification bit (1 bit) indicating that the image area separation data (also 1 bit) and the second image data are added to the image data of the second image. 2-bit separation data is added together with the identification bit (1 bit) indicating that it is an image.
/ Has a second image "separation" function.

If the first / second image identification bit indicates the first image (first original), the IPP (FIG. 12)
Indicates the processing modes of “edit”, “printer γ”, and “gradation processing” in the above-mentioned processing attribute information (image selection area and image processing content) of the first original in the MEM or system controller 106. The “edit”, “printer γ” and “gradation processing” in the IPP are set to process the first image with processing characteristics corresponding to the image area separation data (text / photo). The first / second image identification bit is the second image (second
The original IPP (FIG. 12) is the ME.
Each of the processing modes of “edit”, “printer γ”, and “gradation processing” in the processing attribute information (image selection area and image processing content) of the second document in M or the system controller 106 is set in the IPP. “Edit”, “Printer γ”, and “Gradation processing” are set, and the second image is processed with processing characteristics corresponding to the image area separation data (text / photo).

The RGB image data of the first original is written in the field memory by the scanner SCR. IP at this time
P is an image area “separation”, determines image characteristics, generates image area separation data, and performs each processing of “scanner γ” to “color correction” in synchronization with the image area separation data, By "color correction", only 1 bit representing a character / photograph in the image area separation data is extracted as image area separation data, and is sent to the CDIC together with the YMCK image data generated by color correction. C
The DIC first compresses image data, thins out image area separation data to reduce the data amount, and temporarily stores them in the MEM via the IMAC.

After that, the image data of the second original is processed in the same manner and starts to be stored in the MEM. On the other hand, the first original data stored in the MEM is extracted from the MEM, the image data of the first image and the image area separation data are selected by the "extraction / masking" in the IMAC, and the Scaling processing is performed in each of the scanning and sub-scanning directions, and the results are stored again in the MEM. After that, the data of the second manuscript accumulated in the MEM is transferred to the ME
The image data of the second image and the image area separation data are selected by the “extraction / masking” in the IMAC, and the main scanning and sub-scanning scaling processes are performed by the “main / sub-scaling”, and again. Accumulate in MEM.

In the above "main / sub-variable magnification / reduction", the first image is changed to main / sub 5
If 0% reduction, the second image is 100% magnified and magnified, and the image after fitting is magnified by 200% magnified, this is taken into consideration. The two images are subjected to a scaling process of main / sub 200% enlargement.

After that, the data of the first and second images are synchronized and again taken out from the MEM to the IMAC to be embedded and combined. At this time, image area separation data (1 bit: character / photo) of the first image part and the second image part of the composite image at the same time
To the first / second image identification bit (1 bit),
The image area separation data is set to 2 bits. The image area separation data and the composite image data are synchronized with each other to obtain a CDIC.
To the IPP via.

The combined image data is expanded by the CDIC and then output to the IPP. The IPP performs "editing" processing, "printer γ" processing and "gradation processing" while switching the processing characteristics based on the 2-bit image area separation data, and transfers the data to the printer PTR for image formation.

-Fifth Embodiment- The hardware of the fifth embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the outline of the configuration of the image processing apparatus ICR of the fifth embodiment is shown in FIG. It is similar to the one.

FIG. 13 shows an image processing apparatus IC according to the fifth embodiment.
The functional configuration of the CDIC, IMAC, and IPP that configure R at the time of image composition is shown. In the fifth embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, there is a field memory between the scanner SCR and the IPP, the IPP has an image area “separation” function, and the CDI.
C has a primary "compression" function, a "thinning" function and a primary "expansion" function, and an IMAC has an "extraction / masking" function, a "main / sub-scaling" function and a "composite / separation" function.

The image data of the first original is processed by the IPP and CDIC as in the fourth embodiment, and is temporarily stored in the MEM via the IMAC. After that, the image data of the second original document is similarly processed and starts to be stored in the MEM.
At the same time, the image data of the first and second originals is extracted from the MEM in synchronization with the IMAC, and the image data of one (for example, the first original) is extracted by "extraction / masking".
The other image data (the second original) is masked, the first image and the second image are selected by this, and then the main scanning and sub-scanning scaling processing is performed on both images by "main / sub-scaling". It is applied to the data, and then it is embedded and synthesized, expanded in the CDIC and transferred to the IPP. At this time, in "compositing / separation", the first / second image identification bit (1 bit) is added to the image area separation data (1 bit: character / photo) of the first image part and the second image part, The image area separation data is set to 2 bits.

In the "major-sub-magnification changing" process, the first image is magnified by 50%, the second image is magnified by 100%, and the image after fitting is magnified by 200%. In consideration of this, the scaling process of the main image and the sub image of 100% is enlarged for the first image and the main image is enlarged by 200% for the second image.

In the IPP, the processing characteristics are selected by the 2-bit image area separation data, and the "editing" processing and the "printer γ" processing are performed.
Processing, "gradation processing" is performed.

Sixth Embodiment The hardware of the sixth embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the outline of the configuration of the image processing apparatus ICR of the sixth embodiment is shown in FIG. It is similar to the one.

FIG. 14 shows an image processing apparatus IC of the sixth embodiment.
The functional configuration of the CDIC, IMAC, and IPP that configure R at the time of image composition is shown. In the sixth embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, there is a field memory between the scanner SCR and the IPP, and the IPP has an image area “separation” function. In the sixth embodiment, the CDIC has a primary "compression" function, a "thinning" function, a primary "expansion" function, and a "composite / separate" function, and an IMAC "extract / masking" function and "main / sub change" function. There is a "double" function.

The image data of the first original is processed by IPP and CDIC as in the fourth embodiment, and is temporarily stored in MEM via IMAC. After that, the image data of the second original document is similarly processed and starts to be stored in the MEM.
On the other hand, the image data of the first original stored in the MEM first
The image is taken out from the EM, subjected to the "extraction / masking" process in the IMAC to select the first image, and then subjected to the scaling process in each of the main scanning and sub-scanning directions in the "main / sub-scaling" and again stored in the MEM. After that, the image data of the second original stored in the MEM is taken out, and the “extraction / masking” process is performed in the IMAC to select the second image. Second if the first image is an extraction
The image is selected by masking the second original. After that, in the "main / sub-variable magnification", the magnification / reduction processing in each direction of the main scanning and the sub-scanning is performed, and the result is stored again in the MEM. In the scaling processing, if the first image is reduced by 50% in the main / sub, the second image is enlarged by 100% in the main / sub, and the image after the fitting and combining is enlarged by 200% in the main / sub, The first image is magnified / magnified 100%, and the second image is magnified 200%.

Then, the first image and the second image are synchronized with each other, read from the MEM, and transferred to the CDIC via the IMAC.
After decompressing inside, fitting and combining are performed by "combining / separating" and transferred to the IPP. At this time, the image area separation data (1 bit: character / photo) of the first image part and the second image part is
A second image identification bit (1 bit) is added to make the image area separation data 2 bits.

In the IPP, the processing characteristics are selected by the 2-bit image area separation data, and the "editing" processing and the "printer γ" processing are performed.
Processing, "gradation processing" is performed.

-Seventh Embodiment- The hardware of the seventh embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the outline of the configuration of the image processing apparatus ICR of the seventh embodiment is shown in FIG. It is similar to the one.

FIG. 15 shows an image processing device IC according to the seventh embodiment.
The functional configuration of the CDIC, IMAC, and IPP that configure R at the time of image composition is shown. In the seventh embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, there is a field memory between the scanner SCR and the IPP, and the IPP has an image area “separation” function.
The IC has a primary "compression" function, a "thinning" function, a primary "expansion" function and a "composite / separation" function, and an IMAC has an "extraction / masking" function and a "main / sub-scaling" function.

The image data of the first original is processed by IPP and CDIC as in the fourth embodiment, and is temporarily stored in MEM via IMAC. After that, the image data of the second original document is similarly processed and starts to be stored in the MEM.
At the same time, the image data of the first and second originals is extracted from the MEM in synchronization with the IMAC, and the image data of one (for example, the first original) is extracted by "extraction / masking".
The other image data (the second original) is masked, the first image and the second image are selected by this, and then the main scanning and sub-scanning scaling processing is performed on both images by "main / sub-scaling". It is applied to the data, decompressed in the CDIC, embedded by "composite / separation", combined, and transferred to the IPP. At this time, in the "composite / separation", the first area is added to the image area separation data (1 bit: character / photo) of the first image part and the second image part.
/ Add the second image identification bit (1 bit) to make the image area separation data 2 bits.

In the "major / minor variable magnification" process, the first image is magnified by 50%, the second image is magnified by 100%, and the image after fitting is magnified by 200%. In consideration of this, the scaling process of the main image and the sub image of 100% is enlarged for the first image and the main image is enlarged by 200% for the second image.

In the IPP, the processing characteristics are selected by the 2-bit image area separation data, and the "edit" processing and the "printer γ" processing are performed.
Processing, "gradation processing" is performed.

-Eighth Embodiment- The hardware of the eighth embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the outline of the configuration of the image processing apparatus ICR of the eighth embodiment is shown in FIG. It is similar to the one.

FIG. 16 shows an image processing device IC of the eighth embodiment.
The functional configuration of the CDIC, IMAC, and IPP that configure R at the time of image composition is shown. In the eighth embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, there is a field memory between the scanner SCR and the IPP, and the IPP has an image area “separation” function.
The IC has a primary "compression" function, a "thinning" function, a primary "expansion" function, an "extraction / masking" function, a "main / sub-scaling" function, and a "composite / separation" function.

The image data of the first original is processed by IPP and CDIC as in the fourth embodiment, and is temporarily stored in MEM via IMAC. After that, the image data of the second original document is similarly processed and starts to be stored in the MEM.
At the same time, the image data of the first and second originals are read out synchronously from the MEM through the IMAC and given to the CDIC,
In the IC, the first "expansion" is performed and then "extraction / masking" is performed to extract one image data (for example, the first original document) and mask the other image data (the second original document). Select one image and the second image, and then perform main scanning and sub-scanning scaling processing on both image data by "main / sub-scaling", perform fitting and combining by "combining / separating", and transfer to IPP. To do. At this time,
In "Synthesis / Separation", the image area separation is performed by adding the first / second image identification bit (1 bit) to the image area separation data (1 bit: character / photo) of the first image part and the second image part. Make the data 2 bits.

In the "major / minor variable magnification" process, the first image is magnified by 50%, the second image is magnified by 100%, and the image after fitting is magnified by 200%. In consideration of this, the scaling process of the main image and the sub image of 100% is enlarged for the first image and the main image is enlarged by 200% for the second image.

In the IPP, the processing characteristics are selected by the 2-bit image area separation data, and the "edit" processing and the "printer γ" processing are performed.
Processing, "gradation processing" is performed.

-Ninth Embodiment-The hardware of the ninth embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the outline of the configuration of the image processing apparatus ICR of the ninth embodiment is shown in FIG. It is similar to the one.

FIG. 17 shows an image processing device IC according to the ninth embodiment.
The functional configuration of the CDIC, IMAC, and IPP that configure R at the time of image composition is shown. In the ninth embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, there is a field memory between the scanner SCR and the IPP, and the IPP has an image area “separation” function. In addition, in the ninth embodiment, a pair of "edit" processings are added to the IPP,
There is a “printer γ” process and a “gradation process”, and a processing function of “compositing” the first image and the second image that have undergone each gradation process.

The image data of the first original is processed by the IPP and CDIC as in the fourth embodiment, and is temporarily stored in the MEM via the IMAC. After that, the image data of the second original document is similarly processed and starts to be stored in the MEM.
On the other hand, the image data of the first original stored in the MEM first
The image is taken out from the EM, subjected to the "extraction / masking" process in the IMAC to select the first image, and then subjected to the scaling process in each of the main scanning and sub-scanning directions in the "main / sub-scaling" and again stored in the MEM. After that, the image data of the second original stored in the MEM is taken out, and the “extraction / masking” process is performed in the IMAC to select the second image. Second if the first image is an extraction
The image is selected by masking the second original. After that, in the "main / sub-variable magnification", the magnification / reduction processing in each direction of the main scanning and the sub-scanning is performed, and the result is stored again in the MEM. In the scaling processing, if the first image is reduced by 50% in the main / sub, the second image is enlarged by 100% in the main / sub, and the image after the fitting and combining is enlarged by 200% in the main / sub, The first image is magnified / magnified 100%, and the second image is magnified 200%.

Thereafter, the first image and the second image are synchronized with each other, read from the MEM, and transferred to the CDIC via the IMAC.
After decompressing inside, transfer to IPP. At this time, each image area separation data (each 1 bit) of the first image and the second image is simultaneously transferred to the IPP via the CDIC.

In the IPP, the "editing" process, the "printer γ" process and the "gradation process" are executed in parallel on the first image and the second image, and they are processed by the image area separation data addressed to each image. The processing characteristics of are switched. After that, fitting is performed and “composite” is performed. The combined image data is transferred to the printer PTR to form an image.

-Tenth Embodiment- The hardware of the tenth embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the outline of the configuration of the image processing apparatus ICR of the tenth embodiment is shown in FIG. It is similar to the one.

FIG. 18 shows an image processing apparatus I of the tenth embodiment.
The functional configuration of the CDIC, IMAC, and IPP forming the CR at the time of image combination is shown. In the tenth embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, there is a field memory between the scanner SCR and the IPP, and the IPP has an image area “separation” function. In addition, in this tenth embodiment, a pair of "edits" is added to the IPP.
There are a processing function, a “printer γ” processing and a “gradation processing” processing function, and a processing function of “compositing” the first image and the second image subjected to each gradation processing.

The image data of the first original is processed by the IPP and CDIC as in the fourth embodiment, and is temporarily stored in the MEM via the IMAC. After that, the image data of the second original document is similarly processed and starts to be stored in the MEM.
At the same time, the image data of the first and second originals is extracted from the MEM in synchronization with the IMAC, and the image data of one (for example, the first original) is extracted by "extraction / masking".
The other image data (the second original) is masked, the first image and the second image are selected by this, and then the main scanning and sub-scanning scaling processing is performed on both images by "main / sub-scaling". Apply to data, expand in CDIC and IP
Transfer to P. At this time, each image area separation data (each 1 bit) of the first image and the second image is simultaneously transferred to the IPP via the CDIC.

In the IPP, the "editing" process, the "printer γ" process and the "gradation process" are executed in parallel for the first image and the second image, and they are processed by the image area separation data addressed to each image. The processing characteristics of are switched. After that, fitting is performed and “composite” is performed. The combined image data is transferred to the printer PTR to form an image.

-Eleventh Embodiment-The hardware of the eleventh embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the outline of the configuration of the image processing apparatus ICR of the eleventh embodiment is shown in FIG. It is similar to the one.

FIG. 19 shows an image processing apparatus I according to the eleventh embodiment.
The functional configuration of the CDIC, IMAC, and IPP forming the CR at the time of image combination is shown. In the eleventh embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, there is a field memory between the scanner SCR and the IPP, and the IPP has an image area “separation” function. In addition, in this eleventh embodiment as well, a pair of "edits" are added to the IPP.
There are a processing function, a “printer γ” processing and a “gradation processing” processing function, and a processing function of “compositing” the first image and the second image subjected to each gradation processing. The CDIC has a primary "compression" function, a "thinning" function, a primary "expansion" function, an "extraction / masking" function, and a "main / sub-scaling" function.

The image data of the first original is processed by IPP and CDIC as in the fourth embodiment, and is temporarily stored in MEM via IMAC. After that, the image data of the second original document is similarly processed and starts to be stored in the MEM.
At the same time, the image data of the first and second originals is taken out from the MEM via the IMAC in synchronization with the CDIC, expanded to the image data by the primary “expansion”, and then extracted by the “extraction / masking” (for example, The image data of one document) is extracted, the image data of the other (second document) is masked, the first image and the second image are selected, and then the main scan, Sub-scanning scaling processing is applied to both image data, expanded in the CDIC, and transferred to the IPP. At this time, the image area separation data (1 bit each) of the first image and the second image are also simultaneously recorded in the CDI.
Transfer to IPP via C. In the scaling processing, if the first image is reduced by 50% in the main / sub, the second image is enlarged by 100% in the main / sub, and the image after the fitting and combining is enlarged by 200% in the main / sub, The first image is the main sub 100
A scaling process of primary / secondary 200% enlargement is set in advance for the 100% magnification and the second image.

In the IPP, the "editing" process, the "printer γ" process and the "gradation process" are executed in parallel on the first image and the second image, and they are processed by the image area separation data addressed to each image. The processing characteristics of are switched. After that, fitting is performed and “composite” is performed. The combined image data is transferred to the printer PTR to form an image.

[0167]

When the first and second images are selected and combined by, for example, "extraction / masking", for example, "magnification processing", "image editing processing" and / or "gradation processing" Since the images can be image-represented individually, the degree of freedom in individual processing of each image is high.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a full-color copying machine having a composite function according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view showing an outline of an image forming mechanism of the printer PTR shown in FIG.

3 is a block diagram showing an outline of an image data processing system of the copying apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an outline of functions of the bus management control CDIC shown in FIG.

5 is a block diagram showing an outline of a hardware configuration of the image processor IPP shown in FIG.

6 is an image memory access control unit IMA shown in FIG.
It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the function of C.

FIG. 7: CDIC, IPP and IMAC shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of functions during single image processing.

FIG. 8 shows the CDIC, IPP and IMAC shown in FIG.
3 is a block diagram showing the outline of a data processing function at the time of image combination. FIG.

FIG. 9: CDIC, IP used in the second embodiment of the present invention
It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the data processing function at the time of image combination of P and IMAC.

FIG. 10: CDIC, I used in the third embodiment of the present invention
It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the data processing function at the time of image synthesis of PP and IMAC.

FIG. 11: CDIC, I used in the fourth embodiment of the present invention
It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the data processing function at the time of image synthesis of PP and IMAC.

FIG. 12: CDIC, I used in the fifth embodiment of the present invention
It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the data processing function at the time of image synthesis of PP and IMAC.

FIG. 13: CDIC, I used in the sixth embodiment of the present invention
It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the data processing function at the time of image synthesis of PP and IMAC.

FIG. 14: CDIC, I used in the seventh embodiment of the present invention
It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the data processing function at the time of image synthesis of PP and IMAC.

FIG. 15: CDIC, I used in the eighth embodiment of the present invention
It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the data processing function at the time of image synthesis of PP and IMAC.

FIG. 16: CDIC, I used in the ninth embodiment of the present invention
It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the data processing function at the time of image synthesis of PP and IMAC.

FIG. 17 is a CDIC used in a tenth embodiment of the present invention,
It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the data processing function at the time of image synthesis of IPP and IMAC.

FIG. 18 is a CDIC used in the eleventh embodiment of the present invention,
It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the data processing function at the time of image synthesis of IPP and IMAC.

FIG. 19 is a CDIC used in the twelfth embodiment of the present invention,
It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the data processing function at the time of image synthesis of IPP and IMAC.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an outline of a data processing function at the time of image combination of the conventional image processing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

ADF: Automatic document feeder SCR: Color original scanner OPB: Operation board PTR: Color printer PC: Personal computer PBX: Exchanger PN: Communication line 2: Optical writing unit 3,4: Paper feed cassette 5: Pair of registration rollers 6: Transfer belt unit 7: Fixing unit 8: Paper ejection tray 10M, 10C, 10Y, 10K: photoconductor unit 11M, 11C, 11Y, 11K: Photosensitive drum 20M, 20C, 20Y, 20K: Developing device 60: Transfer / Conveyor Belt IPP: Image processor CDIC: Bus management control IMAC: Image memory access control HDD: Hard disk device MEM: Image memory LAN: Local Area Network FONT: Font ROM R: R image data G: G image data B: B image data Fd: image area data Y: Y image data M: M image data C: C image data K: K image data

Continued front page    F term (reference) 5B057 AA11 BA02 BA24 BA26 CD07                       CE08 CE09 CE12 CE13 CG01                       CH02 CH11 CH14 CH18                 5C076 AA02 AA13 AA21 AA22 AA27                       BA05 BB03 BB06 CA01 CA02                       CB01 CB02

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An image processing means for applying correction processing to digital image data, an image memory, a parallel bus, a memory management means for controlling transmission / reception of image information between them, and image data from an image information supply means for the parallel bus. An image processing apparatus including a bus management unit for sending image data received from the parallel bus to the image forming unit and a synthesizing unit for extracting an image to be synthesized and masking unnecessary images.
The image processing means includes masking means and means for individually performing image expression processing on each image selected by the masking means; each image processed by the image expression processing means is subjected to composition processing by the composition processing means; An image processing device characterized by the above. 2. The processing of the image representation processing means is scaling processing,
At least one of image editing processing and gradation processing,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. 3. The synthesizing means is the image processing means,
In either the memory management means or the bus management means,
The image processing device according to claim 1. 4. The image processing means comprises a memory management means; the memory management means selects and processes an image from the first image by the extraction / masking means and the image representation processing means. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image processing apparatus stores the image in the same manner, selects an image from the second image in the same manner, processes the image, and supplies the processed image to the combining processing unit together with the first image in the image memory. 5. The synthesizing processing means is in a bus managing means; the memory managing means selects and processes an image from the first image by the extracting / masking means and the image representation processing means to process the image memory. In the same manner, selecting an image from the second image, processing it, and giving it to the bus managing means together with the first image in the image memory; The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second selected image is combined and sent to the image forming unit. 6. An image memory, a parallel bus, a memory management means for controlling transmission / reception of image information between them, an image processing means for applying correction processing to image data from the image information supplying means, and the image processing means. An image processing apparatus including a bus management unit that sends image data to the parallel bus or the image forming unit and sends image data received from the parallel bus to the image processing unit, and an image processing apparatus that includes a combining processing unit extracts an image to be combined. Extraction to mask unnecessary images
The masking means, the scaling processing means of the image selected by the masking means, and the synthesizing processing means are provided in the memory management means; the editing processing means and the gradation processing means of the synthetic image are provided in the image processing means; An image processing device characterized by the above. 7. An image memory, a parallel bus, memory management means for controlling transmission / reception of image information between them, image processing means for applying correction processing to image data from the image information supplying means, and the image processing means. An image processing apparatus including a bus management unit that sends image data to the parallel bus or the image forming unit and sends image data received from the parallel bus to the image processing unit, and an image processing apparatus that includes a combining processing unit extracts an image to be combined. Extraction to mask unnecessary images
The memory management means is provided with masking means and the scaling processing means of the image selected by the masking means; The synthesis processing means is provided with the bus management means; Equipped to the means;
An image processing device characterized by the above. 8. An image memory, a parallel bus, a memory management means for controlling transmission / reception of image information between them, an image processing means for applying correction processing to image data from the image information supplying means, and the image processing means. An image processing apparatus including a bus management unit that sends image data to the parallel bus or the image forming unit and sends image data received from the parallel bus to the image processing unit, and an image processing apparatus that includes a combining processing unit extracts an image to be combined. Extraction to mask unnecessary images
The masking means, the scaling processing means for the image selected by the masking means, and the synthesizing processing means are provided in the bus managing means; The editing processing means and the gradation processing means for the synthetic image are provided in the image processing means; An image processing device characterized by: 9. The synthesizing processing means is synthesizing / separating means for synthesizing the selected images and generating identification data as to which of the original images each part of the synthesized image belongs.
The image processing device according to claim 7 or 8. 10. An image memory, a parallel bus, a memory management means for controlling transmission and reception of image information between them, an image processing means for applying correction processing to image data from the image information supply means, and the image processing means. An image processing apparatus including a bus management unit that sends image data to the parallel bus or the image forming unit and sends image data received from the parallel bus to the image processing unit, and an image processing apparatus that includes a combining processing unit extracts an image to be combined. Extraction to mask unnecessary images
The masking means and the scaling processing means of the image selected by the masking means are provided in the group of the bus management means and the memory management means; the editing processing means, the gradation processing means and the synthesizing processing means of the selected image are provided. An image processing apparatus comprising: image processing means; 11. An image forming apparatus comprising: the image processing apparatus according to claim 1; and a printing unit that forms a visible image based on image data output by the image processing apparatus.