JP2003244451A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor with which productivity by an ACS can be improved without prescanning by controlling imaging operation in accordance with the color original decided result. <P>SOLUTION: In the case of pattern processing (C/P signal= 0), an image processing part 102 performs smoothing by an RGB filter part 204 and skeleton black processing is performed by a UCR part 206. A CMYBkγ correction part 209 selects a curve regarding linearity (gradation) as important and in a CMYBk filter part 208 and a gradation processing part 210, processing regarding the gradation as important is performed. In the case of character processing (C/P signal = 3 and B/C signal = L), on the other hand, the UCR part 206 performs full black processing, the CMYBkγ correction part 209 selects a curve regarding contrast as important, and in the CMYBk filter part 208 and the gradation processing part 210, processing regarding a resolution as important is performed. <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 capable of performing appropriate image processing in ACS (automatic color document determination mode).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital color copying machines capable of printing color images have been widely used. Generally, in a conventional digital color copying machine, one photosensitive drum is Y (yellow) M (magenta) C (cyan) Bk.
A full-color image is obtained by repeating the development and transfer processes of four colors (black) for each color a total of four times. By the way, in order to read the document, 4
Since the scan is performed twice, the YMC
Since the image of Bk is obtained, it takes time. Therefore, recently, an image memory for accumulating the image data read by one scan is provided and each Y
A color copying machine has been proposed in which a drum is prepared for each MCBk and a transfer process is performed in sequence. In the case of such a color copying machine, compression and expansion of image data are simultaneously performed.

In the case of a one-drum copying machine, the copying time for color and black-and-white is four times different. Therefore, color and black-and-white are judged. When color copying is performed, four scans are performed, and the printer section produces four-color YMCBk colors. The image is scanned once for black-and-white copying, and the printer unit forms an image of one color of Bk. As an image processing apparatus for such a one-drum type, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-208467 discloses an image area which is discriminated and determined by prescanning, and parameters are switched for each determined area to generate image data. An image area identification method of an image processing apparatus to be adjusted is described.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent No. 2887044 discloses that
There is described an image processing apparatus in which prescanning can be omitted by setting the initial image forming color to black.
Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-65530 describes a color image forming apparatus that performs black and white processing at the start of copying and switches the processing during copying when it is determined that the original is in color.

[0005]

However, in the case of a color copying machine having four drums, the copying time is the same in color and black and white, but it is necessary to use only one color developing machine in black and white copying. Instead, a four-color developing machine in full color is used, and in full-color copying, the developing machine consumes four times as much as in black-and-white copying. In this way, there is a difference in mechanical cost between color copying and black and white copying. In addition, when the copy operation is performed after the document is prescanned once, the copy speed is longer than that of the normal copy by the amount of the prescan. Furthermore, by determining the first image forming color to be black and omitting the prescan, the reproduction method of Bk differs depending on whether the original is a monochrome original or a full-color original. A little deterioration will occur. In addition, it is said that it is preferable to stack the color material (Y), which has excellent spectral characteristics, on the transfer paper. Due to the structure of the recording unit, Bk is always imaged first when color reproduction is important. It's not good.

Further, when the processing is switched as in the color image forming apparatus described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-65530, a step is generated at the image forming portion at the time of switching. JP-A-10-123766, JP-A-10-1
82021, JP-A-10-210245,
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-317861 discloses a sheet through
An image processing apparatus capable of reading a plurality of times is described by allowing the document feeder to read one original once and having an image memory for four colors even with one drum. However, it is difficult to secure the reading position accuracy for each scan by moving the document.

Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of preventing a decrease in work efficiency by performing color document determination without prescanning when it has four drums. It is to be. Second of the present invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus capable of preventing a decrease in work efficiency by not starting Bk image formation in the case of one drum. A third object of the present invention is to store the image data of at least Bk and the first image forming color by controlling the image forming operation in accordance with the result of the color original determination, thereby improving the productivity by ACS without prescanning. An object is to provide an image processing device that can be improved.

A fourth object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of improving the productivity by ACS without pre-scanning by reading one original once.
A fifth object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of performing ACS processing without pre-scanning by reading once by storing all image data.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an image data acquisition unit that reads a document image and acquires it as image data, and a chromatic color in which the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit have a plurality of colors. A determination unit that determines whether the color is a color or an achromatic color (black and white), and stores image data of at least two chromatic colors among the image data according to the determination by the determination unit. The image data storage means stores the image data in Y (yellow) M (magenta) C (cyan) Bk (black).
Image forming means for forming an image on a sheet using any one of the colors, and color determining means for determining a color at the time of image formation by the image forming means based on the determination result by the determining means. Thus, the first, second and third objects are achieved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the color determining means is based on the image data obtained by one reading of one original by the image data obtaining means. The fourth objective is achieved by determining the color. According to a third aspect of the invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the image data storage means stores all the image data acquired by the image data acquisition means, thereby achieving the fifth object. To achieve.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the invention according to any one of the first, second and third aspects, the image forming means can simultaneously form an image of four colors of the YMCBk. Thus, the first, second, and third objects are achieved. In the invention according to claim 5, in the invention according to any one of claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, and claim 4, the image forming unit is
The fourth object is achieved by performing image formation in the order of the image data acquired by the image data acquisition means. In the invention according to claim 6, in the invention according to any one of claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, and claim 5, the image data acquisition means is via a communication line. By obtaining the image data from the connected information processing device, the first and second objects are achieved.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. First, a 4-drum image processing apparatus will be described as a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus reads an image data from an original, converts the image data (analog signal) into digital data and outputs the original data, and an image data read by the original reading unit 101 ( An image processing unit 102 that performs various correction processes on (digital data) and document recognition such as line drawing recognition and color determination; and an image recording unit that records an image on recording paper based on the image data from the image processing unit 102. 103, and an external I / F (interface) 104 for exchanging image data with an external device
And an operation unit 105 for starting copying and operating the image mode.
And a system controller 106 that manages data settings and states of the respective units 101 to 104.

In this case, the original reading unit 101 reads color image data of three colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue) (hereinafter referred to as RGB data), and the image processing unit 102 This RGB data is used as C (cyan), M (magenta), (yellow), Bk.
Color image data of four colors of (black) (hereinafter, CMY
It is assumed that the image is converted into Bk data) and the image recording unit 103 outputs a color image on a recording sheet based on the CMYBk data. External I / F is a general-purpose I / F
/ F, connect to general-purpose devices such as personal computers and networks. RGB data (digital data) is input from the document reading unit 101 and input to the image processing unit 102.

Here, the image processing unit 102 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing unit 102 uses the R
RG that converts the reflectance data of GB data into density data
Based on the RGB data input from the Bγ correction unit 201 and the document reading unit 101, it is determined whether it is a character region or a pattern region, a C / P signal is output to the RGB filter unit 205 in the next stage, and the presence of the document region is determined. Based on the RGB data input from the document recognizing unit 202 that determines whether the color region or the achromatic region and outputs the B / C signal to the RGB filter unit 205, and whether the read document is a color document or not. And a color document determination unit 203 for determining.

Further, the image processing unit 102 inputs the RGB data from the RGBγ correction unit 201, and the document recognition unit 202.
Delay unit 204 for delaying the RGB data in order to synchronize with the output result of R, and R for performing MTF correction on the RGB data.
A GB filter unit 205 and a color correction unit 206 for converting RGB data into CMY data by primary masking or the like,
A UCR unit 207 that performs UCR (addition color removal) processing on the common portion of the CMY data to generate Bk data, a scaling unit 208 that performs enlarging / reducing or equal-magnification processing in the main scanning direction, or the external I / F 104. An image memory 209 that compresses and stores image data from the CMYBk filter unit 210 that performs smoothing processing and sharpening processing, and a CMYBkγ correction unit 21 that performs γ correction according to the frequency characteristics of the image recording unit 103.
1 and a gradation correction unit 212 that performs quantization such as dither processing and error diffusion processing.

C output from the document recognition unit 202
The / P signal is a 2-bit signal, the C / P signal is "3" to indicate a character edge area, and "1" is a character inside area,
"0" indicates the picture area. This C / P
The signals are the RGB filter unit 205, the color correction unit 206, U
CR unit 207, scaling unit 208, image memory 209, CM
The YBk filter unit 210, the CMYBkγ correction unit 211, and the gradation correction unit 212 are cascade-connected and output in synchronization with image data. The logic of the B / C signal (1 bit signal) is such that H indicates an achromatic region and L indicates a chromatic region. The B / C signal is cascade-connected to the RGB filter unit 205, the color correction unit 206, and the UCR unit 207, and is output in synchronization with the image data.

The RGB filter unit 205 is a filter for MTF-correcting RGB data, and is composed of an N × N matrix. When the C / P signal is "3", the sharpening process is performed, and when the C / P signal is "0, 1", the smoothing process is performed and the image is output as it is. The color correction unit 206 sets RGB to Y
Color correction to MC data. The UCR unit 207 is for improving the color reproduction of the image data, and the color correction unit 2
The common portion of the CMY data input from 06 is subjected to UCR (addition color removal) processing to generate Bk data, and CMYBk data is output. Here, when the C / P signal is other than "3", Bk generation of skeleton black is performed. When the C / P signal is "3", full black processing is performed. Further C /
When P signal is "3" and B / C signal is H, C ・ M ・ Y
Erase the data in. This is to represent only a black component in the case of a black character.

The scaling unit 208 performs scaling processing for main scanning. At this time, the C / P signal is also scaled to match the position with the image data. The image memory 209 is a memory in which reading and writing can be performed at the same time. When writing to the memory, the image memory 209 compresses and stores image data and separation data, and expands when outputting. In the case of a 4-drum image processing apparatus, YMCBk is not formed simultaneously in image formation, but the images are formed by shifting them temporally. Therefore, the output of the image memory is shifted to the next stage by shifting the image forming timing of each YMCBk. At that time, the C / P signal is output with the timing shifted for each color of YMCBk. Therefore, four sets of C / P signals are required. The memory here is assumed to store four colors. The four colors are stored because all the data from the external I / F 104 is stored, and only one reading is required for each copy.

The CMYBk filter unit 210 performs smoothing and sharpening processing by using an N × N spatial filter according to the frequency characteristic of the image recording unit 103 and the C / P signal. CM
The YBkγ correction unit 211 changes and processes the γ curve according to the frequency characteristics of the image recording unit 103 and the C / P signal.
When the C / P signal is "0, 1", the image is faithfully reproduced γ
A curve is used, and when the C / P signal is “3”, the γ curve is set up to emphasize the contrast. The gradation correction unit 212
Quantization such as dither processing is performed according to the gradation characteristics of the image recording unit 103 and the C / P signal.

In the case of Bk image formation, gradation-oriented processing is performed when the C / P signal is "0", and resolution-oriented processing is performed when the C / P signal is other than "0". For images other than Bk, C
When the / P signal is "0, 1", gradation-oriented processing is performed, and C
When the / P signal is other than "0, 1", the processing with emphasis on resolution is performed. As is clear from the configuration of each unit of the image processing unit 102, in the image processing unit 102, pattern processing (C / P signal =
In the case of 0), the smoothing process is performed by the RGB filter unit 204.
The UCR unit 207 performs skeleton black processing, and C
The MYBkγ correction unit 211 selects a curve that emphasizes linear (gradation), and the CMYBk filter unit 210 and the gradation correction unit 212 perform processing that emphasizes gradation.

On the other hand, character processing (B / C when C / P signal = 3)
When the signal is L), the RGB filter unit 205 performs emphasis processing, and the UCR unit 207 performs full black processing, CMY.
The Bkγ correction unit 211 selects a curve with emphasis on contrast, and the CMYBk filter unit 210 and the gradation correction unit 212 perform processing with emphasis on resolution. Further, as the black character processing (B / C signal = H when C / P signal = 3), CMY data is not printed during CMY except Bk. This is to prevent the surroundings of black characters from being colored due to misalignment. Also,
The RGB filter of the Bk data at this time may be made stronger and sharper than in the case of color characters.

Further, in the case of area processing (C / P signal = 1) in the character, the RGB filter section 205 performs smoothing processing, and the UCR section 207 performs skeleton black processing.
The CMYBkγ correction unit 211 selects a curve that emphasizes linear (gradation), and the CMYBk filter unit 210 performs processing that emphasizes gradation. Further, the gradation correction unit 212 also performs processing with emphasis on gradation. In this way, the image processing unit 102 can perform three kinds of processing of the picture, the edge of the character, and the character on the picture. Further, the output of the color original determination section is such that the determination signal indicating whether or not the original is a color original is communicated even if the original is read in color when the original is color-determined. Since the external I / F 104 has the YMCBk format as the standard format of the printer, the image memory can be handled by one of the YMCBk.

Here, the color document determination unit 203 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the color document determination unit 203. The RGB data for each pixel output from the document reading unit 101 is the color document determination unit 2
Given to 03. The color original determination unit 203 uses RGB
The maximum value of the difference (d [i, j] = ΔRGB) is calculated (portion 791 in FIG. 2). Next, the number of pixels in which d [i, j] is smaller than the threshold th1 determined in units of 4 lines × 4 pixels is counted (792 to 795 in the figure). When this number is larger than the threshold value th2 in 16 pixels,
It is determined that this block is a chromatic color block (795 to 7).
98). The determination signals for each of these blocks include two counters 797, 7 for counting the chromatic color block frequency and continuity.
It has 99 and both are designed to count up. The continuity counter 799 is reset when the block determination result becomes achromatic. When one of the two counters 797 and 799 reaches a preset value, it is determined that this document is chromatic. The chromatic color determination is operated only during Bk image formation, or the determination result is valid only during Bk image formation.

Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. A description will be given of a case where color copying is performed, a case where black and white copying is performed, a case where it is determined to be color in ACS (automatic color document determination mode) (ACS (color)), and a case where it is determined to be non-color (ACS (black and white)). FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a case of color copying. At the same time when the document is scanned, the image data is stored in the image memory 209. The image memory 209 shifts the image forming time of the four colors, shifts the image data in the order of Y, M, C, and Bk, and outputs the shifted image data. This makes it possible to make a copy in a single reading time. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a case of black-and-white copying. At the same time when the document is scanned, the image data is stored in the image memory 209. The image memory 209 outputs only Bk. This makes it possible to make a copy in a single reading time.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a case of color copying by the conventional ACS. Even if an attempt is made to operate without pre-scanning, it is not known whether the original is color or black and white. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the recording unit cannot operate until one reading is completed, which is substantially the same as pre-scanning. There will be no. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a case of black and white copying by the conventional ACS. As in the case of conventional color copying by ACS, as shown in FIG. 6, the recording unit cannot operate until one reading is completed, which is substantially the same as prescanning. .

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing color copying when there is a color area in the central portion of the document. At the same time when the document is scanned, the image data is stored in the image memory 209. If the original has a color area, the color original determination unit 203
Notify the system controller. From this notification, the system controller determines that the original is a color original and performs an image forming operation. The image memory 209 shifts the image forming time of the four colors, shifts the image data in the order of Y, M, C, and Bk, and outputs the shifted image data. As a result, since the operation as a color original is possible, the copy operation can be completed quickly. In general, color originals are often full-color, so
It is possible to determine the color as soon as the reading is started. Substantially, it is possible to make almost no time difference from the full-color operation. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a case of black and white copying by ACS. Since all the originals are non-colored, the system controller is notified that there is no color area in the originals, and image formation cannot be started until the reading is completed, and the normal monochrome copying operation is performed. In the present embodiment, the color original is determined during one reading, and the operation of the recording unit is started. Therefore, the speed of the copy operation for the color original can be improved.

Next, a one-drum image processing apparatus will be described as a second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image processing apparatus of the second embodiment.
In the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment, the same components as those of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 9, the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment includes an original reading unit 101 that reads image data from an original, converts the image data (analog signal) into digital data, and outputs the digital data. 101
Image data (digital data) read by the image processing unit 102 is subjected to various correction processes and the like, and an image processing unit 102 which performs document recognition such as line drawing recognition and color determination, and an image on recording paper based on the image data from the image processing unit 102. An image recording unit 103 for recording, an external I / F 104 for exchanging image data with an external device, an operation unit 105 for starting a copy operation and an image mode operation, and managing data settings and states of the respective units 101 to 104. The system controller 106 is provided.

Here, in the document reading section 101, color image data (RGB data) of three colors of R, G, and B are used.
Is read by the image processing unit 102.
The data is color image data of four colors C, M and Bk (CM
YBk data), and the image recording unit 103 outputs a color image on a recording sheet based on the CMYBk data. Document reading unit 10
RGB data (digital data) is input from 1 and is input to the image processing unit 102.

Here, the image processing unit 102 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 9, the image processing unit 102 uses the R
RG that converts the reflectance data of GB data into density data
Based on the RGB data input from the Bγ correction unit 201 and the document reading unit 101, it is determined whether it is a character region or a pattern region, a C / P signal is output to the RGB filter unit 205 in the next stage, and the presence of the document region is determined. Based on the RGB data input from the document recognizing unit 202 that determines whether the color region or the achromatic region and outputs the B / C signal to the RGB filter unit 205, and whether the read document is a color document or not. And a color document determination unit 203 for determining.

Further, the image processing unit 102 inputs the RGB data from the RGBγ correction unit 201, and the document recognition unit 202.
Delay unit 204 for delaying the RGB data in order to synchronize with the output result of R, and R for performing MTF correction on the RGB data.
A GB filter unit 205 and a color correction unit 206 for converting RGB data into CMY data by primary masking or the like,
A UCR unit 207 that performs UCR (addition color removal) processing on the common portion of the CMY data to generate Bk data, a scaling unit 208 that performs enlarging / reducing or equal-magnification processing in the main scanning direction, or the external I / F 104. A memory 209 for compressing and storing image data from the CM, and a CM for performing smoothing processing and sharpening processing
A CMYBk γ correction unit 211 that performs γ correction according to the frequency characteristics of the YBk filter unit 210 and the image recording unit 103.
And a gradation correction unit 212 that performs quantization such as dither processing and error diffusion processing.

C output from the document recognition unit 202
The / P signal is a 2-bit signal, the C / P signal is "3" to indicate a character edge area, and "1" is a character inside area,
"0" indicates the picture area. This C / P
The signals are the RGB filter unit 205, the color correction unit 206, U
CR unit 207, scaling unit 208, image memory 209, CM
The YBk filter unit 210, the CMYBkγ correction unit 211, and the gradation correction unit 212 are cascade-connected and output in synchronization with image data. The logic of the B / C signal (1 bit signal) is such that H indicates an achromatic region and L indicates a chromatic region. The B / C signal is cascade-connected to the RGB filter unit 205, the color correction unit 206, and the UCR unit 207, and is output in synchronization with the image data.

The RGB filter unit 205 is a filter for MTF correction of RGB data, and is composed of an N × N matrix. When the C / P signal is "3", the sharpening process is performed, and when the C / P signal is "0, 1", the smoothing process is performed and the image is output as it is. The color correction unit 206 sets RGB to Y
Color correction to MC data. The UCR unit 207 is for improving the color reproduction of the image data, and the color correction unit 2
The common portion of the CMY data input from 06 is subjected to UCR (addition color removal) processing to generate Bk data, and CMYBk data is output. Here, when the C / P signal is other than "3", Bk generation of skeleton black is performed. When the C / P signal is "3", full black processing is performed. Further C /
When P signal is "3" and B / C signal is H, C ・ M ・ Y
Erase the data of. This is because in the case of a black character, it is expressed only by the black component. The output signal IMG is
It is a frame sequential color that outputs one of C, M, Y and Bk. In other words, by scanning the original four times,
Generate full-color (4 colors) data. Further, in the case of black-and-white copying, one Bk image formation is sufficient, so that one-time document reading is sufficient. If the color document determination unit 203 determines whether the document is a color document or not, the number of times of reading depends on the document, so that the operator does not need to determine whether the document is a color document or a black-and-white document and perform copying.

The image memory 209 is a memory capable of reading and writing simultaneously, and stores image data and separated data in a compressed form at the time of writing to the memory and expands at the time of output. In the case of the one-drum image processing apparatus of the second embodiment, since YMCBk image formation is performed in the frame sequential image data, the output of the image memory is output to the next stage in the YMCBk frame sequential. The memory here stores four colors. Four
The color is stored because all the data from the external I / F 104 is stored, and it is only necessary to read once for each copy. The CMYBk filter unit 210
Depending on the frequency characteristic of the image recording unit 103 and the C / P signal,
Smoothing and sharpening processing is performed using an N × N spatial filter.

The CMYBkγ correction unit 211 changes and processes the γ curve according to the frequency characteristics of the image recording unit 103 and the C / P signal. When the C / P signal is "0, 1", the γ curve that faithfully reproduces the image is used, and when the C / P signal is "3", the γ curve is set up to enhance the contrast. The gradation correction unit 212 is configured to adjust the gradation characteristics and C / P of the image recording unit 103.
Quantization such as dither processing is performed according to the signal. In the case of Bk image formation, gradation-oriented processing is performed when the C / P signal is "0", and resolution-oriented processing is performed when the C / P signal is other than "0". When images other than Bk are used, the C / P signal is "0, 1".
In the case of, gradation-oriented processing is performed and the C / P signal is "0, 1".
In other cases, processing with emphasis on resolution is performed.

As is clear from the configuration of each part of the image processing unit 102, the image processing unit 102 has a pattern processing (C / P
When the signal = 0), the RGB filter unit 205 performs smoothing processing, the UCR unit 207 performs skeleton black processing, and the CMYBkγ correction unit 211 selects a curve that emphasizes linear (gradation), and the CMYBk filter is selected. Part 210
And the gradation correction unit 212 performs processing with emphasis on gradation. On the other hand, character processing (C / P signal = 3 and B / C signal =
In the case of L), the emphasis processing is performed by the RGB filter unit 205 by U
The CR unit 207 performs full black processing, and CMYBkγ
In the correction unit 211, a curve that emphasizes contrast is selected, and the CMYBk filter unit 210 and the gradation correction unit 21 are selected.
In 2, the processing with emphasis on resolution is performed.

Black character processing (B / B when C / P signal = 3)
C signal = H) and CMY except Bk
Do not print the data. This is to prevent the surroundings of black characters from being colored due to misalignment. Also, B at this time
The k-data RGB filter may be made stronger and sharper than in the case of color characters. Further, in the case of processing in characters (C / P signal = 1), the RGB filter unit 205 performs smoothing processing, the UCR unit 207 performs skeleton black processing, and the CMYBkγ correction unit 211 performs linear (gradation). Select a curve that emphasizes CMYBk
The filter unit 210 performs processing with emphasis on gradation. Further, the gradation correction unit 212 also performs processing with emphasis on gradation.

As described above, the image processing unit 102
It is possible to perform three types of processing, that is, the edge of the character and the character on the pattern. The color original determination signal output from the color original determination unit 203 is connected to the system controller, and when the original is color determined, it is notified even when the color original is being read. There is. The external I / F 104 has the YMCBk format as the standard format of the printer.
The image memory 209 can be handled by one of YMCBk. Further, the configuration of the color document determination unit 203 is
Since it is the same as the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 2), description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. A description will be given of a case where color copying is performed, a case where black and white copying is performed, a case where it is determined to be color in ACS (automatic color document determination mode) (ACS (color)), and a case where it is determined to be non-color (ACS (black and white)). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a case of color copying.
At the same time when the document is scanned, the image data is stored in the image memory 209. In the image memory 209, Y, M, C,
Data is output in a Bk frame sequential manner to sequentially form an image. This makes it possible to make four image copies with one reading. That is, copying is completed in substantially four image forming times. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a case of black-and-white copying. At the same time when the document is scanned, the image data is stored in the image memory 209. The image memory 209 outputs Bk.
In this way, the image forming copy is completed in substantially one image forming time.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a case of color copying by the conventional ACS. Even if I try to operate without prescan, I do not know whether the original is color or black and white.
As shown in 2, the recording unit cannot operate until one reading is completed, which is substantially the same as pre-scanning. Further, FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a case of monochrome copying by the conventional ACS. As in the case of a conventional color copying machine using ACS, as shown in FIG. 13, the recording unit cannot operate until one reading is completed, which is substantially the same as prescanning. .

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing color copying when there is a color area in the central portion of the document. At the same time when the document is scanned, the image data is stored in the image memory 209.
If the original has a color area, the color original determination unit 203
Notifies the system controller. From this notification, the system controller determines that the original is a color original and performs an image forming operation. The image memory 209 shifts the image forming time of the four colors, shifts the image data in the order of Y, M, C, and Bk, and outputs the shifted image data. As a result, since the operation as a color original is possible, the copy operation can be completed quickly. In general, a color original is often full-color, so that it is possible to determine the color when reading is started. Substantially, it is possible to make almost no time difference from the full-color operation.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a case of black and white copying by ACS. Since all the originals are non-color, the system controller is notified that there are no color areas in the originals, and image formation cannot be started until scanning is complete.
Perform normal black-and-white copying operation. In the present embodiment, the color original is determined during one reading, and the operation of the recording unit is started. Therefore, the speed of the copy operation for the color original can be improved. Although the present embodiment has been described as having a memory for all colors, ACS color copying can be performed by storing Bk and the first image forming color in the memory.

[0042]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a determining means for determining whether the image data acquired by the image data acquiring means is a chromatic color having a plurality of colors (color) or an achromatic color (black and white). An image data storage unit that stores at least two chromatic color image data among the image data according to the determination by the determination unit; and a color determination unit that determines a color at the time of image formation by the image forming unit, By storing at least Bk and the image data of the first image forming color, it is possible to shorten the copy operation time at the time of ACS color determination without prescanning.

In the invention according to claim 2, the color determining means is
Since the color at the time of image formation is determined based on the image data acquired by one-time reading of one original by the image data acquisition means, it is possible to shorten the copy operation time at the time of ACS color determination without prescanning. .

According to the third aspect of the invention, since the image data storage means stores all the image data acquired by the image data acquisition means, it is possible to perform ACS processing without prescanning by one reading.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the image forming means forms an image simultaneously with four colors of YMCBk, so that the image forming means can be applied to an image processing apparatus having four drums.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the image forming means performs image formation in the order of the image data acquired by the image data acquiring means, so that the image forming means can be applied to a one-drum image processing apparatus.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the image data acquisition means acquires the image data from the information processing device connected via the communication line, and therefore, the image data from the outside can also be output.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to this embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a color document determination unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a case of color copying.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a case of black-and-white copying.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a case of color copying by conventional ACS.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a case of monochrome copying by a conventional ACS.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing color copying when there is a color area in the center of the document.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a case of black and white copying by ACS.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus of a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a case of color copying.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a case of black-and-white copying.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a case of color copying by conventional ACS.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a case of black and white copying by a conventional ACS.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing color copying when there is a color area in the center of the document.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a case of monochrome copying by ACS.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 original reading section 102 image processing unit 103 image recording unit 104 External I / F (interface) 105 Operation part 106 system controller 201 RGBγ correction unit 202 Document recognition unit 203 Color Document Judgment Section 204 Delay unit 205 RGB filter section 206 Color correction unit 207 UCR section 208 Zoom unit 209 image memory 210 CMYBk filter section 211 CMYBkγ correction unit 212 gradation correction

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 2H027 DB01 EE01 EJ15 FA28 FB05                       FB11 FB15 FD08 ZA07                 2H030 AB02 AD06 AD07 AD08 AD12                       AD17 BB02 BB21                 5B057 AA11 BA02 CA01 CA02 CA08                       CA12 CA16 CB01 CB02 CB08                       CB12 CB16 CE11 CE17 CE18                       CH18 DA20 DB02 DB05 DB06                       DC25 DC36                 5C077 LL16 LL18 MP08 PP32 PP33                       PP46 PQ08 PQ12 PQ17 SS02                       TT06                 5C079 HB01 HB03 LA03 LA31 MA11                       NA11 NA18 PA02

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image data acquisition unit that reads a document image and acquires it as image data, and the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit is chromatic (color) or achromatic (black and white) having a plurality of colors. Determination means for determining whether or not there is, image data storage means for storing image data of at least two or more chromatic colors among the image data according to the determination by the determination means, and the image data for Y ( An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet using any one of yellow, M (magenta) C (cyan), and Bk (black), and image formation by the image forming unit based on the determination result by the determination unit. An image processing apparatus comprising: a color determining unit that determines a color of time. 2. The color deciding means decides a color at the time of image formation based on image data acquired by one reading of one original by the image data acquiring means. Image processing device. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data storage means stores all the image data acquired by the image data acquisition means. 4. The image forming means forms an image simultaneously with the four colors of the YMCBk.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 and 3. 5. The image forming means forms an image in the order of the image data acquired by the image data acquiring means, claim 1, claim 2, claim 3,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. 6. The image data acquisition means acquires image data from an information processing device connected via a communication line, claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5.