JP2003274075A - Image processing apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a time required for a first copy for an application of a copying machine in a concrete example and to decrease a data transfer amount on a parallel path. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing apparatus ACP is characterized in that it is provided with: a parallel bus Pb; a storage memory MEM 2; a memory control IMAC for reading/writing/transferring data between the memory and the bus; an image processing IPP for reading the image data and correcting a formed image; and a transfer control CDIC for transmitting corrected image data to the bus and transferring the data read from the storage memory to the bus by memory control to the image processing, and the image processing outputs print output image data, and also with; an input side memory MEM 1 other than the storage memory, after the transfer control stores once the input image data to the input side memory, the transfer control transmits the data to the image processing, which outputs print output image data, and the image processing also transmits the corrected image data to the storage memory. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention selectively selects, for example, an image scanner for reading an image of a paper original, a film scanner, a digital camera, a DVD, a CG, and the like, and an image data supplying means for outputting image data and / or a printer. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that is connected to an image processing apparatus for correcting output or input image data into image data suitable for print output, and an image forming apparatus using the image processing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, an original image is converted into a digital signal, and one page of a transferred image is stored in a frame memory via a data bus or temporarily stored in an auxiliary storage device such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk or a hard disk. A copying function for transferring one or more pages of image signals from the auxiliary storage device to the frame memory at the time of output and then sending these image signals to the printer engine to obtain a copied image, and a LAN (local area network) or serial / parallel interface A multi-function copying apparatus having a printer function of receiving a print command from a personal computer via a computer, developing a print image in a frame memory while accessing a font memory, and then transmitting these image signals to a printer engine to obtain a print image. JP 2000- 16063 JP is presented.

In this multi-function copying machine, image data of a document scanner is input to a CDIC (compression / expansion and data interface control). CD is used to transfer image data between the functional devices of the multi-function copying machine and the data bus.
IC controls. The CDIC is a document scanner, a parallel bus, an IPP (image processor) for image data.
It transfers data between them and communicates between the system controller that controls the overall control of the multi-function copying machine and the process controller that controls the image forming process. The image data from the document scanner is transferred to the IPP via the CDIC,
P corrects the signal deterioration due to the quantization to the optical system and the digital signal (which is assumed to be the signal deterioration of the scanner system), and C again
Output to DIC.

The data transferred from the IPP to the CDIC is sent from the CDIC to the IMAC (image memory access control) via the parallel bus. Here, based on the control of the system controller, the image data and the access control of the image storage memory MEM (memory module), the expansion of the print data of the external PC (personal computer), and the compression / expansion of the image data for effective use of the memory. I do.

The data sent to the IMAC is stored in the MEM after data compression, and the stored data is read out as needed.
Read data is expanded and restored to the original image data IM
It is returned from the AC to the CDIC via the parallel bus. CD
After the transfer from the IC to the IPP, the image quality processing and the pulse control of the writing signal are performed by the laser writing I / F (interface), and the reproduced image is formed on the transfer paper in the image forming unit.

At the time of execution of copying, the image data of the original scanner is transferred to CDIC, IPP, and CDIC, and is transferred to the CD
It is stored in the frame memory MEM from the IC via the parallel bus and the IMAC. After that, the image data is sent from the frame memory MEM to the CDIC via the IMAC and the parallel bus, and the IPP and the write I / O
F, and sent to the image forming unit to obtain a transfer image. here,
Image data from the original scanner can be transferred to CDIC, IPP, CD
Transfer to IC, send to parallel bus via CDIC parallel data I / F, and memory controller IM
A data path stored in the frame memory MEM via the AC is called an S2M path. Meanwhile, the memory MEM to IM
AC, parallel bus, parallel data I / in CDIC
Write I / F via F, path to send to image forming unit,
Called M2P path. At the time of copying, the image is transferred to the M2P path after passing through the S2M path, and a transfer image is obtained.

[0007]

However, in such image transfer, since the transfer path is long from the acquisition of the image data by the document scanner to the transmission to the image forming unit, the copying speed, especially the first sheet The time required for the first copy from reading the image data to obtaining the transferred image becomes long. When using a copying machine, there are many cases in which one copy of an original is taken, and therefore reducing the time required for this first copy is an important issue.
This can be seen from the fact that the time required for the first copy is specified in the specifications of the copying machine. Also, since various units are connected to the parallel bus, the data transfer amount of the parallel bus increases, which may reduce the copy speed.

It is an object of the present invention to reduce the time required for the first output, in which the input image data is read, the image data is processed and the memory is written, and the data is read from the memory and output. The specific example aims to reduce the time required for the first copy in the application of the copying machine, reduce the data transfer amount on the parallel bus as much as possible, and improve the copying speed.

[0009]

[Means for Solving the Problems] (1) Parallel bus (Pb) for transferring image data, memory (MEM2) for accumulating images,
A memory control unit (IMAC) that controls reading / writing of data from / to the storage memory (MEM2) and writes the data of the parallel bus to the storage memory, and reads data from the storage memory to the parallel bus. An image processing unit (IPP) for converting into image data, and transfer of input image data to the image processing unit, sending the image data corrected by the image processing unit to the parallel bus, and the memory control unit storing memory. Transfer control means (C which transfers the data read from the parallel bus to the image processing means).
DIC), the image processing means, in the image processing device (ACP) for outputting the image data converted for print output, further comprises an input side memory (MEM1) different from the storage memory, the transfer The control means temporarily stores the input image data in the input side memory, then transmits it to the image processing means to output the image data for print output from the image processing means, and stores the corrected image data from the image processing means in the storage memory. The image processing apparatus is also characterized in that:

According to this, when the input image data is stored in the input side memory (MEM1) and is output to the printer (100), the image data is output from the input side memory (MEM1) in synchronization with the synchronization signal on the printer side. Since it can be read and sent to the storage memory (MEM2) and output from the image processing means (IPP) to the printer (100), from receiving the first image data until outputting the image data for print output. It is possible to shorten the time required for the first print output, which is the time of.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION (2) The image data in the input side memory (MEM1) is transmitted to the image processing means (IPP), and the image data for print output is output from the image processing means (IPP) and When sending the corrected image data from the processing means (IPP) to the storage memory (MEM2), the storage memory (MEM2)
And a path for outputting image data for print output from the image processing means (IPP) independently, and the transfer control means (CDIC) transmits the image data at a transmission speed given to each. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

According to this, since the above two paths are separately provided, the image data transfer from the input side memory (MEM1) to the image forming unit is performed in synchronization with the synchronizing signal on the printer (100) side, and In the path from the memory (MEM1) to the storage memory (MEM2), input image data can be transmitted at high speed one after another.

(3) The image processing apparatus (ACP) according to the above (1) or (2); and an image on a transfer paper based on the image data for print output output by the image processing means (IPP). An image forming apparatus including a printer (100) for forming.

In the aspect of the image forming apparatus in which the printer (100) is connected to the image processing apparatus (ACP) described in (1) or (2), the effect described in (1) or (2) can be similarly obtained. Obtainable.

(4) Accumulation when the same image is formed on a plurality of transfer sheets based on one set of image data, or when a trouble occurs in feeding or conveying the transfer sheets to the printer (100). The image data is read from the memory (MEM2) and transmitted to the image processing means (IPP), and the image data for print output is output from the image processing means (IPP) to the printer (100); the image described in (3) above. Forming equipment.

When the image data is transmitted from the input side memory (MEM1) to the printer (100), the image data is also transmitted to the storage memory (MEM2), so that the printer (100) causes a print trouble such as a paper jam. Even if the trouble is resolved and the image data is not input again, the storage memory (MEM2)
Read the image data stored in the printer (100)
You can print it out at.

(5) When image data is transmitted from the input side memory (MEM1) to both the storage memory (MEM2) and the printer (100) via the image processing means (IPP), the transfer control means (C
The DIC sends image data to both the storage memory (MEM2) and the printer (100) in synchronization with the write sync signal of the printer (100); the image forming apparatus according to (3) or (4) above.

When the image data is transmitted from the input side memory (MEM1) to the printer (100), the image data is transmitted in synchronization with the writing synchronization signal of the printer (100), and at this timing, the storage memory (MEM2 Since the image data is also sent to (1), the number of image data transfer paths between the input side memory (MEM1) and the image processing means (IPP) is only one channel, and the increase in circuit scale can be suppressed.

(6) When an image is formed on only one sheet of transfer paper based on one set of image data, the transfer control means (C
The DIC) does not send the image from the input side memory (MEM) to the storage memory (MEM2), reads it from the input side memory (MEM), corrects the image data by the image processing means (IPP), and prints the image. The image forming apparatus according to (3) or (4) above, which is converted into data and transmitted to the printer (100).

When printing only one sheet, it is possible to prevent the image data from being sent on the parallel bus (Pb), so the transfer load of the parallel bus (Pb) can be reduced, and the parallel bus (Pb) can be reduced. The data transfer of other units connected to the bus can be prevented from being hindered, and the data transfer efficiency of the image processing print system can be improved.

(7) After the image data obtained by digitally converting the optical image by the image pickup means (10) is processed into usable image data, the processed image data is written in the storage memory, and then the image is processed. Read data from storage memory,
An image processing device that processes recorded image data that can be output as a transfer image, and corrects the image data of the imaging unit (10) separately from the storage memory (MEM2) and converts it into image data for print output. The input side memory (MEM1) is provided on the input side of the image processing unit (IPP), the image data of the image pickup means (10) is temporarily stored in the input side memory (MEM1), and then transmitted to the printer (100) to transfer the transferred image. An image forming apparatus comprising means (CDIC, IMAC) for obtaining and transmitting to a storage memory (MEM2) as well.

This image processing apparatus has an input side memory (MEM1), stores image data generated by the image pickup means (10) in the input side memory (MEM1), and uses it as a write synchronization signal during transfer (printing). Since the image data can be synchronously read from the input side memory (MEM1) and transmitted to the storage memory (MEM2), and the image data can be output to the printer (100), the transfer image generation speed, particularly the image data of one screen can be captured by the image pickup means. The time required for the first print (copy), which is the time from the occurrence of (10) to the acquisition of the first transfer image, can be shortened.

(8) When a plurality of transfer images of the same screen are obtained or when a paper jam occurs during transfer, the image data stored in the storage memory (MEM2) is read out and the image processing unit (IPP) is read. The image forming apparatus according to (7) above, which outputs the image to a printer (100) via the.

When the image data is sent from the input side memory (MEM1) to the printer (100), the image data is also sent to the storage memory (MEM2). A read image can be obtained by reading the image data stored in the storage memory (MEM2) without reading the original image data.

(9) Input side memory (MEM1) to storage memory
When transmitting image data to both the (MEM2) and the printer (100), the image data is transmitted to both the printer (100) and the storage memory (MEM2) in synchronization with the write synchronization signal of the printer (100). The image forming apparatus according to (7).

When the image data is transmitted from the input side memory (MEM1) to the printer (100), the image data is transmitted in synchronization with the write synchronization signal of the printer (100), and at this timing, the storage memory (MEM2 ), The image data is sent to the input side memory (MEM1), and the image path from the input side memory (MEM1) to the transfer control means (CDIC) and image processing unit (IPP) is only one channel, and the increase in the circuit scale can be suppressed. .

(10) When image data is transmitted from the input side memory (MEM1) to both the storage memory (MEM2) and the printer (100), the route and printer for transmission to the storage memory (MEM2)
The image forming apparatus according to (7) above, which has an independent transmission path to (100) and transmits an image at a transmission speed given to each.

A channel for transmitting image data from the input side memory (MEM1) to the printer (100) and the input side memory (MEM1)
Since there is a separate channel for transmitting image data from the input memory (MEM1) to the printer (1
The image data of the input memory (MEM1) is transferred from the input memory (MEM1) to the storage memory (MEM2) in the transfer channel. Can be sent one after another at high speed.

(11) After the image data obtained by digitally converting the optical image by the image pickup means (10) is processed into usable image data, the processed image data is written in the storage memory, and then the image is recorded. An image processing device that reads data from a storage memory and processes it so that it becomes recorded image data that can be output as a transfer image.
Separately from the above, an input side memory (MEM1) is provided on the input side of an image processing unit (IPP) that corrects the image data of the image pickup means (10) and converts it into image data for print output. If only one image is to be printed out from the input side memory (MEM1) to the storage memory (MEM2), the image is not sent from the input side memory (MEM1) to the printer (10) via the image processing unit (IPP).
An image processing device characterized in that a transfer image is obtained by directly transmitting to (0).

When printing only one sheet, it is possible to prevent the image data from being sent on the parallel bus (Pb), so that the transfer load of the parallel bus can be reduced and the data can be connected on the parallel bus. Further, it is possible to prevent the data transfer of other units from being hindered, and it is possible to improve the data transfer efficiency of the system.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0032]

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) 30 and an operation board 2.
0, color scanner 10, and color printer 100
A finisher 34 with a tray on which a stapler and image-formed sheets can be stacked, and a double-sided drive unit 33.
And a paper feed bank 35 and a large-capacity paper feed tray 36. In-flight image data processing device A
The CP (Fig. 3) has a LAN (Lo
cal area network) is connected, and the telephone line PN is connected to the facsimile control unit FCU (Fig. 3).
The exchange PBX connected to the (facsimile communication line) is connected. The printed paper of the color printer 100 is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 108 or the finisher 34.

FIG. 2 shows the mechanism of the color printer 100. The color printer 100 of this embodiment is a laser printer. In this laser printer 100, 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 on the photoconductor drums 111M, 111C and 11D.
A photoconductor unit 110M having 1Y and 111K,
110C, 110Y and 110K, and developing unit 1
20M, 120C, 120Y and 120K. Further, the arrangement of each toner image forming unit is such that the rotation axes of the photoconductor drums 111M, 111C, 111Y and 111K in each photoconductor unit are parallel to the horizontal x-axis.
In addition, the transfer paper moving direction (on the y and z planes, 4
It is set so as to have an arrangement of a predetermined pitch on the left upward line (which forms 5 °).

In addition to the toner image forming unit described above, the laser printer 100 also carries an optical writing unit 102 for laser scanning, paper feed cassettes 103 and 104, a pair of registration rollers 105, and a transfer paper to carry each toner image. A transfer / conveying belt 160 that conveys so as to pass the transfer position of the forming unit.
A transfer belt unit 106 having the above, a fixing unit 107 of a belt fixing system, a paper discharge tray 108, a double-sided drive (surface reversal) unit 33, and the like. The laser printer 100 also includes a manual feed tray, a toner supply container, a waste toner bottle, and the like, which are not shown.

The optical writing unit 102 includes a light source, a polygon mirror, an f-θ lens, a reflection mirror, etc., and each photoconductor drum 111M, 111C, 11 based on image data.
The surface of 1Y and 111K is irradiated with laser light while being swung in the x direction. Further, the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 2 indicates the transfer paper conveyance path. Paper feed cassette 103, 10
The transfer paper fed from No. 4 is transported by the transport rollers while being guided by a transport guide (not shown), and is sent to the registration roller pair 105. The transfer paper sent to the transfer / transport belt 160 at a predetermined timing by the registration roller pair 105 is carried by the transfer / transport belt 160, and is transported so as to pass through the transfer position of each toner image forming unit.

Photosensitive drum 111 of each toner image forming unit
The toner images formed on M, 111C, 111Y, and 111K are transferred onto the transfer paper carried and conveyed by the transfer / conveyance belt 160, and the transfer paper on which the color toner images are superposed, that is, the color image is formed, is a fixing unit. Sent to 107. That is, the transfer is a direct transfer method in which the toner image is directly transferred onto the transfer paper. When passing through the fixing unit 107, the toner image is fixed on the transfer paper. The transfer paper on which the toner image is fixed is discharged or fed to the paper discharge tray 108, the finisher 36, or the double-sided drive unit 33.

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. As described above, the yellow Y toner image forming unit corresponds to the photoconductor unit 110Y.
And a developing unit 120Y. The photoconductor unit 110Y includes, in addition to the photoconductor drum 111Y, 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, and a discharge lamp for irradiating the surface of the photoconductor drum with light. , A non-contact type charging roller for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum, and the like.

In the photoconductor unit 110Y, on the surface of the photoconductor drum 111Y, which is uniformly charged by the charging roller to which the AC voltage is applied, the optical writing unit 102 modulates it based on the print data and deflects it by the polygon mirror. When the laser light L is emitted while being scanned, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 111Y. The electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 11IY is the developing unit 20Y.
Is developed into a yellow Y toner image. At the transfer position on the transfer / transport belt 160 where the transfer paper passes, the toner image on the photoconductor drum 11IY is transferred to the transfer paper. After the toner image is transferred, the surface of the photoconductor drum 111Y is coated with a predetermined amount of lubricant by a brush roller, cleaned by a blade, and discharged by light emitted from a discharge lamp to remove static electricity. Prepared for forming a latent image.

The developing unit 120Y contains a two-component developer containing a magnetic carrier and a negatively charged toner. Then, a developing roller provided so as to be partially exposed from the opening of the developing case 120Y on the side of the photosensitive drum,
Conveyor screw, doctor blade, toner concentration sensor,
Equipped with a powder pump. The developer contained in the developing case is triboelectrically charged by being stirred and conveyed by the conveying screw. 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 111Y. 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.

The transfer / conveying belt 160 of the transfer belt unit 106 is provided on the photosensitive drum 111 of each toner image forming section.
It is wound around four grounded tension rollers so as to pass through the respective transfer positions in contact with and opposed to M, 111C, 111Y and 111K. Of these tension rollers,
An electrostatic attraction roller to which a predetermined voltage is applied from a power source is arranged so as to face the inlet roller on the upstream side in the transfer paper moving direction indicated by the two-dot chain line arrow. The transfer paper passing between these two rollers is electrostatically adsorbed on the transfer / transport belt 160. 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 come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the transfer / transport belt 160. The bias roller removes foreign matter such as toner adhering to the transfer / transport belt 160.

Further, the photosensitive drums 111M, 111C,
A transfer bias applying member is provided so as to come into contact with the back surface of the transfer / conveying belt 160 that forms a contact facing portion that contacts and faces 111Y and 111K. These transfer bias applying members are fixed brushes made of Myra, and a transfer bias is applied from each transfer bias power source. By the transfer bias applied by the transfer bias applying member, transfer charge is applied to the transfer / transport belt 160, and a transfer electric field having a predetermined strength is formed between the transfer / transport belt 160 and the surface of the photosensitive drum at each transfer position. .

FIG. 3 shows the system configuration of the image processing system of the copying machine shown in FIG. In this system, a color original scanner 12 including a reading unit 11 and an image data output I / F (Interface) 12 is used as an image data interface control C of an image data processing device ACP.
It is connected to a DIC (hereinafter simply referred to as CDIC).
The image data processing device ACP also includes a color printer 1
00 is connected. The color printer 100 includes an image data processing device IPP (Imag (Imag) of the image data processing device ACP.
e Processing Processor; simply described as IPP below)
Then, the write I / F 134 receives the recorded image data and the image forming unit 135 prints it out. The image forming unit 135 is the one shown in FIG.

Image data processing apparatus A which is an image processing apparatus
CP (hereinafter simply referred to as ACP) is a parallel bus P
b, image memory access control IMAC (hereinafter, simply I
MAC)), a second memory module MEM2 (hereinafter simply described as MEM2) that is an image memory, system controller 1, RAM 4, non-volatile memory 5, operation board 20, font ROM 6, first memory module ME.
M1 (hereinafter simply referred to as MEM1), CDIC, IP
P and so on. A facsimile control unit FCU (hereinafter simply referred to as FCU) is connected to the parallel bus Pb.

Reading unit 11 for optically reading a document
Is a photoelectric converter for converting the light reflected by the lamp onto the original by a CCD to generate R, G, B image data, and outputs the output I / F 12
Is converted into RGB image data, shading corrected, and sent to the CDIC.

The CDIC outputs I / O for image data.
Data transfer between the F12, MEM1, parallel bus Pb, and IPP, and communication between the process controller 131 and the system controller 1 that controls the entire ACP are performed. Further, the RAM 132 is the process controller 131.
Used as a work area of the non-volatile memory 133, and the non-volatile memory 133 stores a boot program of the process controller 131 and the like.

The IPP is a programmable arithmetic processing means for performing image processing. Output I / F12 to MEM1
The image data written to the CDIC from the MEM1 and transferred to the CDIC from the MEM1 is transferred to the IPP via the CDIC, and the IPP causes signal deterioration (signal deterioration of the scanner system) due to quantization into the optical system and the digital signal. Corrected,
It is output (transmitted) to the CDIC again.

The image memory access control IMAC (hereinafter, simply described as IMAC) controls writing / reading of image data to / from the MEM2. The system controller 1 controls the operation of each component connected to the parallel bus Pb. The RAM 4 is used as a work area of the system controller 1, and the non-volatile memory 5 stores a boot program of the system controller 1 and the like.

The operation board 20 inputs the processing to be performed by the ACP. For example, the type of processing (copying, facsimile transmission, image reading, printing, etc.) and the number of processings are input. As a result, the image data control information can be input.

The processing of the image data read by the reading unit 11 includes a job of storing the read image data in the MEM 2 for reuse and a job of not storing the read image data in the MEM 2, and the respective cases will be described. As an example of accumulating the read image data in the MEM2, there is a case where a plurality of sheets are copied for one original document. In this case,
The reading unit 11 is operated only once, and the reading unit 1
Write the image data read by 1 to MEM1,
Read from MEM1 and print the first sheet
Accumulates in EM2. Then, the image data accumulated in the MEM 2 is read out a plurality of times and the second and subsequent sheets are printed.

As an example of not using the MEM2, there is a case where only one original is copied, and in this case, the read image data may be reproduced as it is.
It is not necessary for C to access MEM2.
When the MEM2 is not used, the image data output from the document scanner 10 is written to the MEM1 via the CDIC and then input to the IPP. Then, "scanner image processing" is performed by the IPP and then transferred to the CDIC. CDIC
The data transferred to the IPC is returned to the IPP from the CDIC again. In the IPP, "image quality processing" is performed. In "image quality processing", RGB signals are color converted into YMCK signals,
It performs printer γ conversion, gradation conversion, and gradation processing such as dither processing or error diffusion processing.

The image data after the image quality processing is transferred from the IPP to the writing I / F 134. The write I / F 134 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 135, and the image forming unit 135 forms a reproduced image on the transfer paper.

Next, the flow of image data when the image data is accumulated in the MEM 2 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 based on the control of the system controller 1, access control of the image data and MEM, a personal computer PC (not shown) connected on the LAN (hereinafter, simply PC.
(Notation) is expanded, and image data is compressed / expanded for effective use of MEM2.

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 13
4 and the reproduced image is formed on the transfer paper in the image forming unit 135.

In the flow of image data, the function of the digital multi-function peripheral is realized by the bus control by the parallel bus Pb and the CDIC.

Facsimile transmission is performed by performing image processing on the read image data by IPP and transferring it to the FCU via the CDIC and the parallel bus Pb. The FCU converts data into a communication network and sends it to the public line PN as facsimile data. The facsimile reception is performed by converting the line data from the public line PN into image data by the FCU and transferring the image data to the IPP via the parallel bus Pb and the CDIC. In this case, no special image quality processing is performed, the writing I / F 134 outputs the image, and the image forming unit 135 forms a reproduced image on the transfer paper.

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 13
The allocation of the usage right of the bus 5 and the parallel bus Pb to the job is controlled by the system controller 1 and the process controller 131. Process controller 1
Reference numeral 31 controls the flow of image data, the system controller 1 controls the entire system, and manages the activation of each resource. Further, the function selection of the digital multi-function peripheral is performed on the operation board 20, and the selection contents of the operation board 20 set the processing contents such as the copy function and the facsimile function.

The system controller 1 and the process controller 131 communicate with each other via the parallel buses Pb, CDIC and serial bus Sb. Specifically, communication between the system controller 1 and the process controller 131 is performed by performing data format conversion for a data interface between the parallel bus Pb and the serial bus Sb in the CDIC.

Various bus interfaces such as parallel bus I / F 7, serial bus I / F 9, local bus I / F 3 and network I / F 8 are I / F.
It is connected to the MAC. Controller unit 1
Connects with related units via multiple types of buses in order to maintain independence within the entire ACP.

The system controller 1 controls other functional units via the parallel bus Pb. The parallel bus Pb is used for transferring image data.
The system controller 1 issues an operation control command for accumulating image data in the MEM to the IMAC. This operation control command is IMAC, parallel bus I /
It is sent via F7 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 ACP system controller 1
Is called as a printer function from a PC,
Functions as a printer controller, network control, and serial bus control. If via the network, the IMAC receives the print output request data via the network I / F 8.

In the case of general-purpose serial bus connection, IMA
C receives the print output request data via the serial bus I / F 9. The general-purpose serial bus I / F 9 supports multiple types of standards, for example, USB (Universal
It corresponds to the interface of the standard such as Serial Bus), 1284 or 1394.

The print output request data is expanded into image data by the system controller 1. The deployment destination is an area in MEM2. Font data necessary for expansion is the local bus I / F 3 and local bus Rb.
It is obtained by referring to the font ROM 6 via. The local bus Rb connects the controller 1 to the nonvolatile memory 5 and the RAM 4.

Regarding the serial bus Sb, in addition to the external serial port 2 for connection with a PC, there is also an interface for transfer with the operation board 20 which is the operation unit of the ACP. This is not print data, IM
It communicates with the system controller 1 via AC, receives processing procedures, and displays the system status.

Data transmission / reception between the system controller 1, the MEM 2 and various buses is performed via the IMAC. Jobs using MEM2 are centrally managed in the entire ACP.

FIG. 4 shows the structure of the CDIC shown in FIG. The CDIC inputs the document data by the image data input control 161a and the memory input / output control 161b and stores the image data in the input side memory MEM1. Thereafter, in synchronization with the write sync signal of the write I / F 134, the original data is read from the input side memory MEM1 by the memory input / output control 161b and the image data output control 161c,
Output to IPP. Then, the data after the scanner image processing is received by the image data input control 161d, and the image data output control 161e again transmits the image data for transfer to the IPP via the multiplexer MUX162. At the same time, the image data is sent to the data compression unit 166 and sent to the IMAC side via the post-compression data conversion unit 164 and parallel data interface 165.

FIG. 6 shows an outline of image processing of IPP. The image data of the document scanner 10] is I
It is transmitted from the input I / F of PP to the scanner image processing unit. For the purpose of correcting the deterioration of the read image signal, shading correction, scanner γ correction, MTF correction and the like are performed in the “scanner image processing”. Not a correction process, but enlargement /
Also performs scaling processing for reduction. After the “scanner image processing”, which is the correction processing of the read image data, is completed, the image data is transferred to the CDIC via the output I / F.

The output to the transfer paper receives the image data from the CDIC from the input I / F, and the area gradation processing is performed in the "image quality processing" section. The data after the image quality processing is output to the write I / F 134 (FIG. 3) via the output I / F.

Area gradation processing includes density conversion, dither processing,
There is error diffusion processing, etc., and the area approximation of gradation information is the main processing. Once the image data subjected to the “scanner image processing” is stored in the memory MEM2, various reproduced images can be confirmed by changing the “image quality processing”.
For example, the atmosphere of the reproduced image can be changed by 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 read the document from the original scanner 10 every time the process is changed, and if the stored image is read from the MEM 2, different processes can be performed on the same data many times. In the case of making one copy per original, the “scanner image processing” and the “gradation processing” are performed together and output to the CDIC. The processing content is changed to programmable. The switching of processing, the change of processing procedure, etc. are managed in "command control".

FIG. 7 shows an outline of the structure of the IMAC. I
The MAC includes an access control 172, a memory control 173, a compression / expansion module 176, and an image editing module 17.
7, system I / F 179, local bus control 18
0, parallel bus control 171, serial port control 17
5, serial port 174 and network control 17
Eight. The compression / expansion module 176, the image editing module 177, the parallel bus control 171, the serial port control 175, and the network control 178 are
Each is connected to the access control 172 via a DMAC (Direct Memory Access Control).

The system I / F 179 sends and receives commands or data to and from the system controller 1. Basically, the system controller 1 controls the entire ACP. Further, the system controller 1 manages the resource allocation of the MEM, and the control of other units is controlled by the system I / F.
179, parallel bus control 171, and parallel bus Pb.

Each unit of the ACP is basically connected to the parallel bus Pb. Therefore, the parallel bus control 171 manages the transmission / reception of data to / from the system controller 1 and the MEM 2 by controlling the bus occupation.

The network control 178 controls the connection with the LAN. The network control 178 manages transmission / reception of data to / from an external expansion device connected to the network. Here, the system controller 1 does not participate in the operation management of the connected devices on the network, but the IM
It controls the interface in AC. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, 100BASE
A control for -T is added.

The serial port 174 connected to the serial bus has a plurality of ports. The serial port control 175 has a number of port control mechanisms corresponding to the types of buses prepared. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, port control for USB and 1284 is performed. In addition to the external serial port, it also controls the reception and transmission of data relating to command reception or display with the operation unit.

The local bus control 180 interfaces with the local serial bus Rb to which the RAM 4, the non-volatile memory 5, and the font ROM 6 for expanding the printer code data necessary for starting the system controller 1 are connected.

For the operation control, command control by the system controller 1 from the system I / F 179 is carried out. The data control focuses on MEM2 and manages MEM2 access from external units. Image data is CDIC
Is transferred to the IMAC via the parallel bus Pb.
Then, the image data is taken into the IMAC by the parallel bus control 171.

The memory access of the captured image data is separated from the management of the system controller 1. That is, the memory access is performed by direct memory access control (DMAC) independent of system control. Regarding access to MEM2, the access control 172 arbitrates access requests from a plurality of units. Then, the memory control 173 controls the access operation of the MEM 2 or the reading / writing of data.

When accessing the MEM2 from the network, the data fetched from the network into the IMAC via the network control 178 is transferred to the MEM2 by the direct memory access control DMAC.
The access control 172 arbitrates access to the MEM2 in multiple jobs. The memory control 173 is a MEM
Read / write data from / to 2.

When accessing MEM2 from the serial bus, the data taken into the IMAC via the serial port 174 by the serial port control 175 is transferred to the MEM2 by the direct memory access control DMAC. The access control 172 is the M for multiple jobs.
Arbitrate access to EM2. Memory control 17
3 reads / writes data from / to the MEM 2.

The print output data from the PC connected to the network or the serial bus is expanded by the system controller 1 in the memory area in the MEM 2 using the font data on the local bus.

The system controller 1 manages the interface with each external unit. IMAC
Regarding the data transfer after being taken in, each DMAC shown in FIG. 7 manages the memory access. In this case, since the DMACs execute data transfer independently of each other, the access control 172 collides jobs related to access to the MEM2 or gives priority to each access request.

Here, in order to access MEM2, each D
In addition to the access by the MAC, the access from the system controller 1 via the system I / F 179 for developing the bitmap of the stored data is also included. In the access control 172, the DMAC data permitted to access the MEM2 or the data from the system I / F 179 is directly transferred to the MEM2 by the memory control 173.

The IMAC has a compression / expansion module 176 and an image editing module 177 regarding data processing inside the IMAC. The compression / decompression module 176
The data is compressed and expanded so that the image data or the code data can be effectively stored in the MEM2. The compression / decompression module 176 controls the interface with the MEM2 by the DMAC.

The image data once stored in MEM2 is
MEM by direct memory access control DMAC
2 is called by the compression / expansion module 176 via the memory control 173 and the access control 172. The image data thus converted is returned to the MEM 2 or output to the external bus by the direct memory access control DMAC.

The image editing module 177 controls the MEM2 by the DMAC and processes the data in the MEM2. Specifically, in addition to clearing the memory area, the image editing module 177 performs image data rotation processing, combining different images, etc. as data processing. The image editing module 177 performs editing for converting data to be processed by address control on the memory.

The image editing module 177 processes the bitmap image developed on the MEM2. The image editing module 177 cannot edit the compressed code data and printer code data. Therefore, image compression for effective memory storage is performed on the data after image editing.

Referring again to FIG. The difference from the conventional configuration is the parallel bus P such as IMAC, MEM2, FCU.
The document scanner 1 is located on the other side from b.
0, CDIC, IPP, printer 100, etc. have a memory MEM1 on the input side. The original document image is read by the original document scanner 10 and is temporarily stored in the memory MEM1 on the input side via the CDIC. Then, after that, the image data is read from the input side memory MEM1 and "scanner image processing" is performed via the CDIC and IPP. After that, the IPIC is transferred from the CDIC in line data units in synchronization with the write synchronization signal on the printer 100 side.
Then, the image data is transmitted to the printer 100 through the print output path P1mp to obtain the first transfer image. At the same time, from the CDIC via the parallel bus Pb,
IMAC, image data is sent to MEM2 with a path P1mm to the storage MEM2 and the original image is stored.

After that, when the second transfer image is to be obtained, or when the transfer image of the same original image is to be obtained when the printer 100 has a trouble such as a paper jam, the ME
A transfer image can be obtained by transferring image data from M2 through the path P2mp via the IMAC and the parallel bus Pb, and by path P1mp to the CDIC, IPP, and the printer 100.

FIG. 5 shows the timing of reading and writing the original image. The SCAN_START signal is an image reading start signal sent from the process controller 131 to each unit, whereby reading of the original image is started. When the reading of the original image is started, the line data R_DATA of the image is stored in the input side memory MEM1 from the original scanner 10 via the CDIC in synchronization with the image line synchronization signal S_LDSB. PRINT
The _START signal is sent from the process controller 131
An image writing start signal sent to the printer 100,
As a result, the transfer of the image is started. This start signal is C
When the DIC receives the write I / F1 of the printer 100
Write line sync signal W_LDS input from
In synchronization with B, the image data is read from the input side memory MEM1 and sent to the IPP, and at the same time, the data after the “scanner image processing” is received from the IPP, and the IPP is used for transfer.
Image data M2P_DATA to the
The same image data S2M_DATA is transmitted to M2. Since the image data M2P_DATA for writing and the image data S2M_DATA for transmission to the storage MEM2 are transferred at the same timing because they are synchronized with the writing synchronization signal.

As the flow of the original image data in FIG. 3, CDIC, IPP, CD after being read from the input side memory
Since the data is transferred to the IC, IPP, and printer 100, and the data transfer path is shorter than in the conventional example, the time from reading the original to obtaining the first transfer sheet, that is, the time from the first copy is reduced. You can

Further, when it is desired to copy only one original in FIG. 3, the original image data is not transmitted to the storage MEM2, and the VD is input from the input side memory via the CDIC and IPP.
C. The transferred image can be obtained by sending it to the image forming unit. This reduces the data transfer on the parallel bus and does not delay the data transfer on the parallel bus of other units connected on the parallel bus.
The system efficiency can be improved.

Second Embodiment The outline of the hardware of the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment described above, except that the IPP and CDIC hardware and the image data transfer mode of the original scanner 10 are transferred. Is a little different. FIG. 8 shows an outline of the image data processing system of the second embodiment. An image transfer path P1mp for obtaining the first transfer image from the input side memory MEM1, and a memory MEM
1 to the image transfer path P1 to be stored in the storage memory MEM2
mm are provided separately.

FIG. 9 shows the CD used in the second embodiment (FIG. 8).
The structure in IC is shown. This CDIC has the first path from the memory input control to the IPP of the image data output control 161c and the second path from the memory input / output control 161b to the IPP of the image data output control 161f. 4 is different from the CDIC of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 shows the I used in the second embodiment (FIG. 8).
This shows the internal structure of PP, and "scanner image processing"
It has two channels each for input path to and output path from "scanner image processing", and parallel transfer is possible.

FIG. 11 shows the transfer timing of each image path in the second embodiment. SCAN_START, S_LD
The timing of reading the original image of SB and R_DATA is the same as that shown in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment.
In addition, PRINT_START, W_LDSB, M2P
_DATA input side memory MEM1 to printer 100
The transfer timing to is also the same as that shown in FIG.
The difference from FIG. 5 is the timing of the image data S2M_DATA from the input side memory MEM1 to the storage memory MEM2.

In FIG. 11, since the transfer path from the input side memory MEM1 to the storage memory MEM2 is provided separately from the print output image data transfer path as described above, the storage M
Writing synchronization signal W when transmitting image data to EM2
It is not necessary to synchronize with _LDSB, parallel bus Pb
It is possible to transmit at high speed as long as the transfer capability of the above permits. As a result, the image path can be transferred from the document scanner 10 to the system controller side at high speed, and the document images are read one after another and the read document image data is transmitted to the storage memory MEM2 without being influenced by the writing timing. It becomes possible. As described above, the original can be read at high speed when copying the original, and the waiting time of the operator can be shortened.

[0098]

The input image data is stored in the input side memory (MEM1), and when output to the printer (100), the image data is read out from the input side memory (MEM1) in synchronization with the synchronization signal of the printer side and stored. It can be sent to the memory (MEM2) and output from the image processing means (IPP) to the printer (100). It is possible to shorten the time required for the first print output, which is the time from the reception of the first image data to the output of the image data for the print output.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the outer appearance of a multi-function copying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view showing an outline of an image forming mechanism of the printer 100 shown in FIG.

3 is a block diagram showing an outline of an image data processing system of the multi-function copying machine shown in FIG.

4 is a block diagram showing an outline of a functional configuration of the CDIC shown in FIG.

5 is a time chart showing the timing of reading and writing an original image by the system shown in FIG.

6 is a block diagram showing an outline of a processing function of the IPP shown in FIG.

7 is a block diagram showing an outline of a memory read / write control function of the IMAC shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an outline of an image data processing system of a second embodiment.

9 is a block diagram showing an outline of a functional configuration of the CDIC shown in FIG.

10 is a block diagram showing an outline of processing functions of the IPP shown in FIG.

11 is a time chart showing the timing of reading and writing an original image by the system shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10: Color manuscript scanner 20: Operation board 30: Automatic manuscript feeder 100: Color printer PC: Personal computer PBX: Exchanger PN: Communication line 102: Optical writing unit 103, 104: Paper feed cassette 105: Registration roller pair 106: Transfer Belt unit 107: Fixing unit 108: Paper discharge trays 110M, 110C, 110Y, 110K: Photoreceptor units 111M, 111C, 111Y, 111K: Photoreceptor drums 120M, 120C, 120Y, 120K: Developing device 160: Transfer conveyance belt ACP: Image data processing device CDIC: Image data interface control IMAC: Image memory access control IPP: Image data processor

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F term (reference) 5B047 AA01 AB04 BC23 CB25 EA02                       EA07 EA09 EB01 EB17                 5C062 AA05 AA14 AB03 AB12 AB17                       AB20 AB21 AB43 AC02 AC03                       AC22 AC24 AC25 AC69 AE03                       BA04                 5C073 CA02 CC01

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A parallel bus for transferring image data, a memory for accumulating images, and controlling reading / writing of data from / to the accumulating memory to write data on the parallel bus to the accumulating memory and read data from the accumulating memory to the parallel bus. Memory control means, image processing means for correcting image data and converting to image data for print output, and input image data transferred to the image processing means, and the image data corrected by the image processing means is transferred to the parallel bus. An image processing apparatus that includes a transfer control unit that transmits the data, which is read from the storage memory to the parallel bus by the memory control unit, and transfers the data to the image processing unit, and the image processing unit outputs the image data converted for print output. In the above, the transfer control means further comprises an input side memory different from the storage memory, Data is temporarily stored in the input side memory, then transmitted to the image processing means to output image data for print output from the image processing means, and at the same time, the corrected image data from the image processing means is also transmitted to the storage memory; An image processing device characterized by the above. 2. The image data in the input side memory is transmitted to the image processing means, the image data for print output is output from the image processing means, and the corrected image data is also transmitted from the image processing means to the storage memory. In this case, the transmission control means transmits the image data at a transmission speed given to each of them, independently having a path for transmitting to the storage memory and a path for outputting the image data for print output from the image processing means; The image processing apparatus according to item 1. 3. An image forming apparatus comprising: the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2; and a printer that forms an image on a transfer sheet based on image data for print output output by the image processing unit. apparatus. 4. When the same image is formed on a plurality of transfer papers based on one set of image data, or when a trouble occurs in feeding or carrying the transfer papers to a printer, the image data is stored in the storage memory. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus reads out the image data, transmits the image data to the image processing unit, and outputs the image data for print output from the image processing unit to the printer. 5. When the image data is transmitted from the input side memory to both the storage memory and the printer via the image processing means, the transfer control means synchronizes with the write synchronization signal of the printer to both the storage memory and the printer. Image data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4. 6. When forming an image on only one sheet of transfer paper based on a set of image data, the transfer control means reads the image from the input side memory without transmitting the image from the input side memory to the storage memory. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image processing unit corrects the image data, converts the image data into image data for print output, and transmits the image data to the printer.