JP2003283747A - Image processing apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus and method capable of reading and reproducing and outputting other image data so as to enhance the function and the operability even when an image processing apparatus body reproduces and outputs an image. <P>SOLUTION: In copying an original, a read unit 1301 reads an original and an image forming unit 1306 reproduces and outputs the image. The image data of the original are transferred to an external device connected to an external interface via an interface controller 101. Thus, in the case of an operation request for using the image processing apparatus body to read, reproduce and output a new original, when the imaging unit 1306 is in a reproduction output operation, the image data of the original are transferred to the external device connected to the external interface via the interface controller 101 to allow the external device to reproduce and output the image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital image processing apparatus, which includes a scanner, a copier, a printer, and an FA.
X, and a device for reproducing an image on a transfer paper by using a digital image signal, such as a complex machine thereof, and particularly applied to a device that reads an image from a scanner and reproduces the image on the transfer paper. More specifically, The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and method capable of reading another image and printing out the image while the image processing apparatus itself is printing an image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a multifunction peripheral (MFP) such as a copy machine, a fax machine, a printer, a scanner, etc., effective use of memory and easiness of function improvement accompanying performance improvement of peripheral units,
Ease of function division with a single scanner and single printer,
In addition, the system is being effectively used. Image processing algorithms and parameters for processing can be easily updated, and even systems with different microprocessors and data transfer performance can follow the system with minimal unit changes, and memory can be effectively used for multiple functional operations. Image processing devices have been proposed.

Further, with the recent development of the Internet, these image processing apparatuses are easily connected to an external network and are organically combined with other image processing apparatuses (MFP, printer, scanner, personal computer, server, etc.). New developments between devices are expected.

FIG. 13 is a system block diagram showing an image processing apparatus of a conventional invention (disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 13-169022) previously filed by the present applicant. This image processing apparatus performs digital image processing, and is an apparatus that reproduces a digital image signal as an image on a transfer sheet, particularly an apparatus that reads an image from a scanner and reproduces the image on the transfer sheet. The configuration of each unit will be described below.

A reading unit 13 for optically reading a document
Reference numeral 01 collects the reflected light of the lamp irradiation on the document on the light receiving element by the mirror and the lens. A light receiving element (for example, CCD) is mounted on the sensor board unit 1302, and an image signal converted into an electric signal in the CCD is converted into a digital signal, and then the sensor board unit 1302.
It is output from the unit 1302. Sensor board
The image signal output from the unit 1302 is input to the image data control unit 1303. The image data control unit 1303 controls transmission of image data between the functional device and the data bus.

The image data control unit 1303 transfers the image data between the sensor board unit 1302, the parallel bus 1320, the image processing processor 1304, the system controller 1331 that controls the entire system, and the process controller 1311 for the image data. To communicate with each other. The image signal from the sensor board unit 1302 is the image data control unit 13.
The signal is transferred to the image processing processor 1304 via 03, the signal deterioration due to the quantization into the optical system and the digital signal (signal deterioration of the scanner system) is corrected, and it is output to the image data control unit 1303 again.

A case will be described in which image data is stored in a memory and additional processing such as rotation in the image direction and image composition is performed when the image is read. The data transferred from the image processor 1304 to the image data control unit 1303 is sent from the image data control unit 1303 to the image memory access control unit 1321 via the parallel bus 1320. Here, under the control of the system controller 1331, the image data and the access control of the memory module 1322, the expansion of the print data of the external PC (personal computer) 1323, and the compression / expansion of the image data for effective use of the memory are performed.

The data sent to the image memory access control unit 1321 is stored in the memory module 1322 after data compression, and the stored data is read out as needed. The read data is decompressed, restored to the original image data, and returned from the image memory access control unit 1321 to the image data control unit 1303 via the parallel bus 1320.

After transfer from the image data control unit 1303 to the image processing processor 1304, image quality processing and pulse control in the video data control unit 1305 are performed.
The image forming unit 1306 forms a reproduced image on the transfer paper. In this way, in the flow of image data, the function of the multifunction peripheral is realized by the bus control by the parallel bus 1320 and the image data control unit 1303.

In the FAX transmission function, the read image data is subjected to image processing by the image processing processor 1304 and transferred to the facsimile control unit 1324 via the image data control unit 1303 and the parallel bus 1320. The facsimile control unit 1324 converts the data into a communication network and sends it to the public line 1325 as FAX data. In the FAX reception, the line data from the public line 1325 is converted into image data by the facsimile control unit 1324 and transferred to the image processing processor 1304 via the parallel bus 1320 and the image data control unit 1303. In this case, no special image quality processing is performed, dot rearrangement and pulse control are performed in the video data control unit 1305, and the image forming unit 1
At 306, a reproduced image is formed on the transfer paper.

The above-mentioned plural jobs, for example, copy function, F
When the AX transmission / reception function and the printer output function operate in parallel, the reading unit 1301 and the image forming unit 13
The system controller 1331 and the process controller 1311 control allocation of the 06 and parallel bus 1320 usage rights to jobs. The process controller 1311 controls the flow of image data, and the system controller 1331 controls the entire system and manages activation of each resource. The function selection of the multi-function peripheral is selected and input on the operation panel 1334, and the processing contents such as the copy function and the FAX function are set. On the serial bus 1310,
RAM 1312 and R for the process controller 1311
An OM 1313 is provided.

The system controller 1331 and the process controller 1311 communicate with each other via the parallel bus 1320, the image data controller 1303 and the serial bus 1310. Image data control unit 1303
Inside the parallel bus 1320 and serial bus 131
Performs data format conversion for data interface with 0.

In the above configuration, there are a job for storing the read image in the memory (memory module 1322) for reuse and a job for not storing the read image in the memory. As an example of storing in a memory, when a plurality of originals are copied, the reading unit 1301 is operated only once to store in the memory and the stored data is read out a plurality of times. As an example of not using the memory, when copying only one original, it is sufficient to reproduce the read image as it is, and thus it is not necessary to access the memory.

When the memory is not used, the data transferred from the image processing processor 1304 to the image data control unit 1303 is returned from the image data control unit 1303 to the image processing processor 1304 again. The image processing processor 1304 performs image quality processing for converting the luminance data by the CCD into area gradation. The image data subjected to the image quality processing is transferred from the image processing processor 1304 to the video data control unit 1305, and post-processing regarding dot arrangement and pulse control for reproducing dots are performed on the signal changed into the area gradation. The image forming unit 1306 forms a reproduced image on the transfer paper.

Next, the contents of the copy processing by the conventional image processing apparatus will be described with reference to the flow chart. Figure 1
4 to 17 are flowcharts showing the flow of the copy process when the copy key on the operation panel 1334 is pressed.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing when the copy key is pressed. When the copy key is pressed (step S1401), the document is being read (step S1).
402) or during printing (step S140)
3) to determine. The document is not being read (step S14
02: No), and when printing is not in progress (step S1403: No), document reading processing (step S1404) and printing processing (step S140).
Execute 5). During document reading (step S1402:
Yes) or during printing (step S140)
If the answer is 3: Yes, the reserved copy process is executed (step S1406).

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the document reading process. When the document can be read (for example, when no error has occurred or when preparation is ready) (step S1501: Yes), the reading unit 13
01 reads one document (step S1502). Until the number of sheets is read (step S1503: N
o), the process returns to step S1501 and is repeated, and ends when the number of read sheets ends (step S1503: Yes).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of print processing. If it is in a printable state (step S1601: Yes), one sheet is printed (step S1602), and until the predetermined number of prints is reached (step S1603: No), step S16.
Return to 01 and repeat until the number of prints ends (step S
1603: Yes).

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the flow of the reserved copy process (step S1406) described with reference to FIG. The conventional reserved copy processing is executed when both the document reading and the printer are in use. As shown in the figure, in the reserved copy process, is the document being read (step S1)?
701), whether printing is in progress (step S1702)
Respectively detected.

When the document is being read (step S170)
1: Yes, if printing is in progress (step S170)
2: Yes), the reserved state is maintained (loop returning to the initial state via step S1705). If the document is not being read (step S1701:
No), the process of reading the reserved document is executed (step S1703). If printing is not in progress (step S1702: NO), print processing is executed (step S1704). The reserved copy process is repeated until the number of reserved copies is completed (step S1705: No), and when the reserved number of originals are read and the printing is completed (step S1705: Yes), the reserved copy process ends.

[0021]

However, when the copy function is in use, the above-mentioned multifunction machine waits until the copy is completed or sets a reserved copy so that only the original document is copied. It was intended to be read.
For this reason, in order to obtain another copy, it was necessary to wait until the end of the previous copy, and the operability could not be improved.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, the present invention enables reading and reproducing output of other image data even if the image processing apparatus main body reproduces and outputs an image, and has a function and operability. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing device and method capable of improving the image quality.

[0023]

[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the object, the image processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 is a document reading unit, an image processing unit that performs image processing capable of outputting image data of the read document as a visible image, and image processing is performed. In an image processing apparatus having an image forming unit for reproducing and outputting image data, an external interface for outputting the image data to the outside, and the image data of the read document are output to the outside using the external interface. When the image forming unit is in the reproduction output operation at the time of an operation request for reading and reproducing and outputting a new document, the management unit includes control means for controlling the image data of the document via the external interface. And output to an external device connected to the external interface for reproduction output.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the image processing apparatus makes a copy by reading an original and reproducing and outputting the original,
When the device is already copying, reproduction output (operation equivalent to copying) can be performed from an external device via the external interface. Therefore,
A copy can be obtained quickly at a necessary time, and the function and operability of the image processing apparatus can be improved.

The image processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the image processing means matches the reproduction output characteristic of an external device connected to the external interface. It is characterized in that predetermined image processing is performed on the image data.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform the optimum image processing in accordance with the reproduction output characteristic of the external device as the output destination, and to reproduce the image even when the reproduction output is performed using the external device. Higher image quality can be achieved.

The image processing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the image processing means includes arithmetic means for executing the predetermined image processing. It is characterized in that the function of the image processing to be executed can be changed in a programmable manner by loading a program created based on the reproduction output characteristic of the external device.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the reproduction output characteristics of various kinds of external equipment can be flexibly dealt with by loading the program into the arithmetic means.

The image processing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the management unit stores the image data to be output to the external interface. When the image forming unit is in the reproduction output operation at the time of an operation request to read and reproduce and output the new document in a state in which a possible external device is connected, the read image data is transferred to the external device. It is characterized in that reproduction output is possible from an external output device connected to an external device.

According to the invention of claim 4, after the image data is transferred to the external device, the external device controls the reproduction output of the image data to the external output device, so that the congestion degree of the external interface is affected. It is possible to increase the speed of reproduction output (copying) of a plurality of sheets of the same original while preventing the receiving of the same.

The image processing method according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is an image processing method in which image data obtained by reading an original is subjected to image processing capable of being output as a visible image and is reproduced and output, and a new original is read and reproduced and output. When the reproduction / output operation of the image data is being performed when the operation is requested, the switching control for outputting the image data of the original document to the external device is performed.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, when the image processing apparatus makes a copy by reading an original and reproducing and outputting the original,
When the device is already copying, reproduction output (operation equivalent to copying) can be performed from an external device via the external interface. Therefore,
A copy can be obtained quickly at a necessary time, and the function and operability of the image processing apparatus can be improved.

The image processing method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the image processing method according to the fifth aspect, wherein the image processing function for the image data is executed by an arithmetic means. It is characterized in that the image processing function can be changed in a programmable manner by loading a program created based on the reproduction output characteristic of the device.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform the optimum image processing in accordance with the reproduction output characteristic of the external device as the output destination, and to reproduce the image even when the reproduction output is performed using the external device. Higher image quality can be achieved.

[0035]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of an image processing apparatus and method according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an image processing apparatus according to this embodiment of the present invention.
In this figure, the same components as those explained in the above-mentioned prior art are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in the figure, the image processing apparatus of the present invention has a new interface controller (IFC).
101 is provided. The interface controller 101 is used to interface the image processing device with other devices.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an external device connected to the outside of the interface controller 101.
As shown in the figure, the image data is processed by a personal computer (PC) 202 which is an external processing device, a server 203, a scanner 204 which is an external input device, and a printer 20 which is an external output device.
5 and the like are connected via the external interface 201. As the external interface 201, for example, Ethernet (R), USB, SCSI or the like is used. PC 202 has a local interface 2
The scanner 207 and the printer 208 are connected via 06.

Interface controller 101
Is controlled by the system controller 1331 and passes commands necessary for interface control and image data to the PC 202, the server 203, the scanner 204, and the printer 205. In the following description, a document is read by this image processing apparatus and the external interface 20
A data flow when image data is output to the printer 205 connected to No. 1 will be described.

The image data of the document optically read by the reading unit 1301 is digitized via the sensor board unit 1302, and then the image data control unit 1
Image memory access control unit 132 via 303
It is stored in the memory module 1322 under one control. Then, at the timing of the external interface 201, the data is output from the memory module 1322 to the PC 202 via the interface controller 101.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing a waiting time that generally occurs when a plurality of copy operations are performed. For JOB-1 and JOB-2, each one original is 4
This is a job to make one copy. After the original is read by the scanner of the reading unit 1301 by JOB-1 (step S301), the original is stored in the memory module 1322 and the data is repeatedly sent to the image forming unit 1306 four times to obtain four copies (step S302). ~ S30
5).

When it is desired to perform JOB-2 during the operation of JOB-1, the reading unit 1301 is empty, and the original can be read (step S306). And
The image data can be stored in another area of the memory module 1322. However, since JOB-1 occupies the image forming unit 1306, copy output cannot be performed, and a waiting time (step S307) occurs.
Therefore, JOB-2 ends at the time of outputting the fourth sheet (step S311).

FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the waiting time that occurs when a plurality of copying operations are performed by the image processing apparatus of the present invention. The timing for JOB-1 is the same as in FIG. For JOB-2, after the document is read by the reading unit 1301 (step S40
1) When the image forming unit 1306 is in use, an external output device (printer 20) provided outside the image processing apparatus is used.
5, refer to FIG. 2) to output the copy data.

At this time, the predetermined server 2
The image data of the read original is transmitted to interface 03 via the interface controller 101. The server 203 has a function of a print server, and the printer 2
The data is sent to 05 (step S402a), and the copy data is output (step S402b). This is repeated for four sheets (to steps S405a and S40).
5b).

By the above processing, when the operator comes to this image processing apparatus to make a copy, the reading unit 1301 reads the original even if a large amount of copy is being performed by the operation of another person. If the process is completed, the original can be read immediately, the image data can be transferred to the printer 205 outside the image processing apparatus, and the copy output can be performed.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing at the time of reserved copy according to the present invention. The reserved copy process is executed when both the document reading and the printer are in use. The image processing apparatus is configured to be able to select whether or not to perform external output at the time of reserved copy. When the external output mode is set, the external output process is automatically executed after the reserved copy.

As shown in the figure, in the reserved copy processing, whether the document is being read (step S501), the external output mode is set (step S504), or the external output mode is not set (step S501). S50
4: No), whether printing is in progress (step S505)
Respectively detected. Then, when the external output mode is set (step S504: Yes), the external output process of externally outputting the image data to the outside of the image forming apparatus is executed as described above (step S507).

When the document is being read (step S501:
Yes), if printing is in progress (step S505: Yes)
In either case of s), the reserved state is maintained (loop returning to the initial state via step S503). If the document is not being read (step S501: No), the process of reading the reserved document is executed (step S50).
2). If the external output mode has not been set (step S504: No) and printing is not in progress (step S505: No), print processing is executed (step S506). The reserved copy process is repeated until the number of reserved copies is completed (step S5).
03: No), when the reserved number of originals have been read and the printing has been completed (step S503: Yes), the reserved copy process is ended.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing at the time of external output. First, it is detected whether external output is possible (step S601), and when external output is possible (step S6).
(01: Yes), the read image data of one original is output to the PC 202 and the server 203 which are external processing devices via the interface controller 101 (step S602). After the output of one image data, it is detected whether the number of read sheets has been reached (step S603). If the number of read sheets has not been reached (step S603: No), the process returns to step S601. When the reading designation is reached (step S603: Yes), this external output processing is ended.

The external output device (printer) 205 has different output characteristics (print density, character edge output, etc.) from the image forming unit 1306 provided in the image processing apparatus. Needs to change the image processing.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the arrangement related to image processing provided in the image processor 1304. As illustrated, when a copy image is printed out from the printer 205 via the PC 202 and the server 203, which are external processing devices, shading correction is performed on the image data by the shading correction unit 701 (correction of uneven illuminance distribution of the light source). Predetermined filtering processing by the filter processing unit 702, color correction processing by the color correction processing unit 703, image scaling processing by the scaling processing unit 704, density correction processing unit 7
The density correction processing by 05 and the gradation processing (image quality processing) by the gradation processing unit 706 are performed and output.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of loading the image processing program into the image processing processor 1304. Each processing unit 701 to 706 shown in FIG.
The processing function of can be changed programmable by using an image processing program. First, the image data is sent to the PC 202,
It is detected whether external output is possible to the server 203 (step S8).
01), when external output is possible (step S801: Ye
s), the image processing program is loaded into the image processing processor 1304 (step S802), and the image data of the read one original is sent to the PC 202, which is an external processing device, via the interface controller 101.
Output to the server 203 (step S803). After the output of one image data, it is detected whether the number of read sheets has been reached (step S804). If the number of read sheets has not been reached (step S804: No), the process returns to step S801.
If the reading designation is reached (step S804: Yes),
This external output process ends.

This image processing program is executed by the printer 20.
Image processing processor 13 with processing contents suitable for 5
Load 04. In addition, the image processor 130
The program of No. 4 is the processing units 701 to 70 shown in FIG.
6 to replace all the processing functions, or a specific processing function, for example, the density correction processing unit 705 and the gradation processing unit 706.
Printer 205, such as when replacing only the processing function of
You can also select and load only the ones you need in.

FIG. 9 (FIG. 9B) is a timing chart showing the flow of processing for speeding up the copy operation when an external output device is used. FIG. 9 shows a flow (conventional example) of steps S301 to S305 described with reference to FIG.
It is also shown in (a). In the present invention, in the image data flow described with reference to FIG. 4, even when a plurality of image data of one original is copied, the image data of each original is transferred to the printer 205.

On the other hand, in the flow of processing shown in FIG. 9B, only one image data of the original is transferred (step S
901) and stores it in the server 203 (step S
902) and thereafter, the designated number of images (a total of four in this example) are transferred between the server 203 and the printer 205 (steps S903 to S906). In this case, compared to the conventional example, the time can be shortened as shown in step S907.

By the way, at the time of external output via the external interface 201, the external interface 20
The print time may be delayed due to the influence of the congestion degree of 1. In order to deal with this, after the image data is transferred from the image processing apparatus to the external processing apparatus (PC 202 or server 203), the external processing apparatus (PC in the illustrated example
A printer 208 connected to the printer 202 via the local interface 206 may take a route for print output. This enables high-speed printing regardless of the congestion level of the external interface 201.

FIG. 10 shows the operation panel 13 of the image processing apparatus.
34 is an example of a first screen 1001 displayed on the screen 34. The operation panel 1334 is a touch type of a liquid crystal screen, and when a key on the screen is touched, the operation panel 1334 is switched to the second screen and, if necessary, the third and fourth screens.

At the time of the reserved copy processing, the operation of the "reserved copy" key 1002 becomes valid, and when the "reserved copy" key 1002 is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. Figure 11
Is an example of the second screen 1101 for reserved copy setting. In this second screen 1101, an “external output” key 1103 is displayed in a “special setting screen area” 1102. The "external output" key 1103 is set by pressing after setting a mode other than the external output mode described above (for example, character, character / photo mode, density setting, paper size, etc.). As a result, the screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the first screen 1001. FIG. 12 is an example of the first screen showing the setting of the external output. As shown in the figure, the “external output” display 1201 is displayed, and it can be confirmed that the reserved copy is set to the external output mode.

In the image processing method described in this embodiment, a program prepared in advance is personalized.
It can be realized by executing on a computer such as a computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a floppy (R) disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, or a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer.
Further, this program can be distributed through the recording medium and a network such as the Internet.

[0059]

As described above, according to the invention described in claim 1, the document reading means, the image processing means for performing the image processing capable of outputting the image data of the read document as a visible image, In an image processing apparatus provided with an image forming means for reproducing and outputting image-processed image data, an external interface for outputting the image data to the outside and the image data of the read original document are used by using the external interface. Management means for controlling the output to the outside, the management means, when the image forming means is in the reproduction output operation at the time of an operation request for reading and reproducing and outputting a new original, the management means outputs the image data of the original. The image is read and reproduced by the image processing device because it can be output and reproduced via an external interface to an external device connected to the external interface. If the force, when already device is in reproduction output, it is possible to perform reproduction output from the external device via the external interface. Therefore, it is possible to quickly obtain a reproduced output image at a necessary time, and it is possible to improve the function and operability of the image processing apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the image processing means matches the reproduction output characteristic of an external device connected to the external interface. Since predetermined image processing is performed on the image data, it is possible to perform optimal image processing that matches the playback output characteristics of the external device that is the output destination, and the image is output even when playback output is performed using the external device. The effect is that high image quality can be achieved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the image processing means includes an arithmetic means for executing the predetermined image processing, and the arithmetic means comprises: By loading a program created based on the playback output characteristics of the external device, the function of the image processing to be executed can be changed in a programmable manner, so it is possible to flexibly respond to the playback output characteristics of various types of external devices. Play.

According to the invention described in claim 4, in the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 3, the management means can store the image data to be output to the external interface. When the image forming unit is in the reproducing and outputting operation at the time of the operation request for reading and reproducing and outputting the new original with the external device connected, the read image data is transferred to the external device and Since it is possible to reproduce and output from the external output device connected to the device, after transferring the image data to the external device, the external device controls the reproduction output of the image data to the external output device. In addition to being less affected by the congestion level of the above, the reproduction output of a plurality of sheets of the same document can be speeded up.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, in the image processing method for reproducing and outputting the image data obtained by reading the image data of the original as a visible image, the operation of reading and reproducing and outputting a new original. When the image data is being reproduced and output at the time of the request, switching control is performed to output the image data of the original document to an external device. Therefore, when the image processing apparatus reads and reproduces and outputs the original document, the apparatus is already reproducing and outputting. At some time, it becomes possible to perform playback output from an external device via the external interface. Therefore, it is possible to quickly obtain a reproduced output image at a necessary time, and it is possible to improve the function and operability of the image processing apparatus.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the invention of the fifth aspect, in the configuration in which the image processing function for the image data is executed by the arithmetic means, the external device for the arithmetic means is provided. Since the image processing function can be changed programmatically by loading a program created based on the reproduction output characteristic of, the optimum image processing according to the reproduction output characteristic of the external device of the output destination is performed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the image quality of an image even during reproduction output using an external device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a device connected to the outside of an interface controller.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing a waiting time that generally occurs when a plurality of copy operations are performed.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing waiting times that occur when a plurality of copy operations are performed by the image processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing at the time of reserved copy according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing at the time of external output.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to image processing provided in the image processing processor.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of loading an image processing program into an image processor.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing the flow of processing for speeding up the copy operation when an external output device is used.

FIG. 10 shows the first displayed on the operation panel of the image processing apparatus.
It is an example of a screen.

FIG. 11 is an example of a second screen for setting a reserved copy.

FIG. 12 is an example of a first screen showing settings for external output.

FIG. 13 is a system block diagram showing a conventional image processing apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when a copy key is pressed.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for reading an original.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of print processing.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of a reserved copy process.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 Interface Controller (IFC) 201 External interface 202 Personal computer (PC) 203 server 204 scanner 205 printer 206 Local Interface 207 scanner 208 printer, 701 Shading correction unit 702 Filter processing unit 703 Color correction processing unit 704 Scale processing unit 705 Density correction processing unit 706 gradation processing unit 1001 First screen 1002 "Reserved copy" key 1101 2nd screen 1102 "Special setting screen area" 1103 "External output" key 1201 "External output" display 1301 reading unit 1302 Sensor board unit 1303 Image data control unit 1304 Image Processor 1305 video data control unit 1306 Image forming unit (engine) 1310 serial bus 1311 Process controller 1320 parallel bus 1321 image memory access control unit 1322 memory module 1323 PC (personal computer) 1324 Facsimile control unit 1325 public line 1331 system controller 1334 Operation panel

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An original reading means, an image processing means for performing image processing capable of outputting image data of the read original as a visible image, and an image forming means for reproducing and outputting the image-processed image data. The image processing apparatus includes an external interface for outputting image data to the outside, and a management unit for performing control to output the image data of the read document to the outside using the external interface, wherein the management unit is When the image forming unit is in the reproduction output operation at the time of the operation request to read and reproduce and output a new original, the image data of the original is output to the external device connected to the external interface via the external interface. An image processing device capable of reproducing and outputting. 2. The image processing means performs predetermined image processing on the image data in accordance with a reproduction output characteristic of an external device connected to the external interface. Image processing device. 3. The image processing means includes arithmetic means for executing the predetermined image processing, and the arithmetic means executes image processing by loading a program created based on reproduction output characteristics of the external device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the function of is programmable. 4. The image forming unit when the operation request for reading and reproducing and outputting the new document is made in a state where an external device capable of accumulating the image data to be externally output is connected to the external interface. 2. When the playback output operation is in progress, the read image data can be transferred to the external device and played back from an external output device connected to the external device.
The image processing device according to any one of 3 to 3. 5. An image processing method for reproducing and outputting by performing image processing capable of outputting image data obtained by reading a document as a visible image, when the image data reproducing and outputting operation is being performed at the time of an operation request for reading and reproducing and outputting a new document. In the image processing method, switching control for outputting the image data of the original document to an external device is performed. 6. The image processing function, wherein the image processing function for the image data is executed by an arithmetic means, by loading a program created on the arithmetic means based on a reproduction output characteristic of the external device, The image processing method according to claim 5, wherein the image processing method is programmable.