JP2004153567A - Image input/output device and control method therefor, image input/output system and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image input/output device, etc. capable of obtaining a high-quality copied image without deterioration even if a manuscript is copied repeatedly. <P>SOLUTION: The image input/output device includes an image input means for inputting an image data read out from the manuscript, an image output means for outputting the image data, a control means for controlling the image input/output operation corresponding to the set information related to the image input/output operation being set by an external operation, and an property information extraction means for extracting the predetermined property information from the readout image data being input from the image input means. The control means performs different control, depending on a case of the predetermined property information having been extracted from the readout image data, or a case of the information having not been extracted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image input / output device such as a copying machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in an image input / output system, in addition to copying a manuscript, printing an image created by a host computer, and facsimile sending the manuscript, image data read from the manuscript is also attached to an e-mail and transmitted. ing.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, there is a problem in that the image is deteriorated, for example, while the original is repeatedly copied, fine characters are crushed or thin lines are interrupted.
[0004]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described conventional problems, and has as its object to provide an image input / output device and the like that can obtain a high-quality copy image without image deterioration even when a document is repeatedly copied.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an image input / output apparatus according to the present invention includes an image input unit for inputting image data read from a document, an image output unit for outputting image data, and an image input / output set by an external operation. Control means for controlling an image input / output operation according to setting information relating to the operation, and attribute information extracting means for extracting predetermined attribute information from the read image data input by the image input means; The control unit performs different control depending on whether predetermined attribute information is extracted from data or not.
[0006]
In the image input / output system of the present invention, information addition means for adding predetermined attribute information to image data, image input means for inputting image data read from a document, and setting for image input / output operation by external operation Operating means, image output means for printing out input image data including the image data to which the attribute information has been added by the information adding means, and controlling image input / output operations at least in accordance with settings made by the operating means And an output position of the attribute information printed out from the image output means can be set by the operation means.
[0007]
In the image input / output system of the present invention, an information adding unit for adding attribute information to image data, an image input unit for inputting image data read from a document, and an operation for performing settings related to an image input / output operation by an external operation Means, image output means for printing out input image data including image data to which the attribute information has been added by the information adding means, and control for controlling image input / output operations at least in accordance with settings made by the operation means Means for selecting whether or not to add the attribute information can be set by the operation means.
[0008]
According to the control method of the image input / output device of the present invention, the image input means for inputting the image data read from the original, the image output means for outputting the image data, and the setting information relating to the image input / output operation set by the external operation include A control means for controlling an image input / output operation in response to the read image data, the method comprising: extracting predetermined attribute information from read image data input by the image input means; The control unit performs different control depending on whether predetermined attribute information is extracted from data or not.
[0009]
According to the control program of the present invention, an image input means for inputting image data read from a document, an image output means for outputting image data, and an image input / output A computer-readable control program for executing a method of controlling an image input / output device including a control unit for controlling an operation, the control program comprising: a predetermined attribute based on read image data input by the image input unit; A step of performing a process of extracting information, and performing different control by the control unit depending on whether the attribute information is extracted or not.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0011]
[First embodiment]
<Overall configuration of image forming system>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0012]
The image forming system includes an image input / output device 100 including a copying machine and the like, and host computers (PCs) 401 and 402 connected to the image input / output device 100 via a network 400. And a database server 410 connected to the server.
[0013]
The image input / output device 100 includes a reader unit 200, a scanner unit 210, and a printer unit 300.
[0014]
The reader unit 200 optically reads a document image and converts it into image data. The reader unit 200 includes a scanner unit 210 having a function of reading a document, and a document feeding unit 250 having a function of conveying document sheets.
[0015]
The scanner unit 210 has an attribute information analysis unit 280. The attribute information analysis unit 280 extracts and analyzes attribute information added in advance in the read image. The attribute information is information such as a user ID, a creation date and time, and a storage location of the original image data, and is added to the image data as barcode data or a URL, for example.
[0016]
The printer section 300 conveys the recording paper, prints the image data thereon as a visible image, and discharges the recording paper outside the apparatus. The printer unit 300 includes a paper feeding unit 310 having a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes, a marking unit 320 having a function of transferring and fixing image data on recording paper, and a printing unit that sorts and staples printed recording paper, And a paper discharge unit 330 having a function of outputting to
[0017]
The controller unit 110 is electrically connected to the reader unit 200, the printer unit 300, and the external device 190, and further connected to the PCs 401 and 402 and the database server 410 via the network 400.
[0018]
The database server 410 manages the binary image and the multivalued image read by the image input / output device 100 as a database. Also, a file to which attribute information is added by the PC 401 or the like is managed as a database.
[0019]
The controller unit 110 controls the reader unit 200 to read image data of a document, and controls the printer unit 300 to output the image data to recording paper to provide a copy function. A scanner function for converting image data read from the reader unit 200 to code data and transmitting the code data to the PCs 401 and 402 via the network 400, and converting code data received from the PC 401 or 402 via the network 400 into image data. A printer function for converting and outputting the converted data to the printer unit 300 is provided.
[0020]
The operation unit 180 is connected to the controller unit 110, is configured by a liquid crystal touch panel, and provides a user I / F for operating the image input / output device 100.
[0021]
<Hardware Configuration of Reader Unit 200 and Printer Unit 300>
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a hardware configuration of the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300.
[0022]
The document feeding unit 250 of the reader unit feeds the document one by one on the platen glass 211 in the order of the head, and discharges the document on the platen glass 211 after the reading operation of the document is completed. When the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 211, the lamp 212 is turned on, the movement of the optical unit 213 is started, and the document is exposed and scanned. The light reflected from the original at this time is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a CCD) 218 by mirrors 214, 215, 216 and a lens 217. Thus, the scanned image of the document is read by the CCD 218.
[0023]
Reference numeral 222 denotes a reader image processing circuit which performs predetermined processing on image data output from the CCD 218 and outputs the processed data to the controller 110 via the scanner I / F 140.
[0024]
Reference numeral 352 denotes a printer image processing circuit, which outputs image data sent from the controller 110 via the printer I / F 145 to the laser driver.
[0025]
The laser driver 317 of the printer unit 300 drives the laser light emitting units 313, 314, 315, and 316, and emits laser light corresponding to the image data output from the printer image processing unit 352 to the laser light emitting units 313 to 316. Let it. The laser light is applied to the photosensitive drums 325 to 328 by mirrors 340 to 351, and a latent image corresponding to the laser light is formed on the photosensitive drums 325 to 328. 321 to 324 are developing units for developing latent images using black (Bk), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M) toners, respectively. To a full-color printout.
[0026]
Paper fed from one of the paper cassettes 360 and 361 and the manual feed tray 362 at a timing synchronized with the start of laser light irradiation is adsorbed onto the transfer belt 334 via the registration rollers 333 and is conveyed. Then, the developer attached to the photosensitive drums 325, 326, 327, 328 is transferred to a recording sheet. The recording paper on which the developer is loaded is conveyed to the fixing unit 335, and the developer is fixed on the recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 335. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 335 is discharged by a discharge roller 336, and a discharge unit 370 sorts the recording paper by bundling the discharged recording paper and staples the sorted recording paper.
[0027]
When double-sided printing is set, the recording paper is conveyed to the discharge roller 336, the rotation direction of the discharge roller 336 is reversed, and the recording paper is guided to the re-feed conveyance path 338 by the flapper 337. The recording sheet guided to the re-feeding conveyance path 338 is fed to the transfer belt 334 at the timing described above.
[0028]
<Configuration of reader image processing unit>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the reader image processing unit 222.
[0029]
In the reader image processing unit 222, the original on the platen glass 211 is read by the CCD 218 and converted into an electric signal. (If the CCD 218 is a color sensor, RGB color filters are inlined on a one-line CCD in RGB order.) Or a three-line CCD in which an R filter, a G filter, and a B filter are arranged for each CCD, or the filter may be on-chip or the filter may be configured differently from the CCD.) .
[0030]
Then, the electric signal (analog image data) is input to the image processing unit 222, and the clamp & Amp. The sample / hold (S / H) is performed by the & S / H & A / D unit 401, the dark level of the analog image data is clamped to the reference potential, and is amplified to a predetermined amount (the above processing order is not limited to the writing order). It is D-converted and converted into, for example, a digital signal of 8 bits for each of RGB. Then, the RGB signals are subjected to shading correction and black correction by the shading unit 402, and then output to the controller unit 110.
[0031]
<Configuration of controller section>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the controller unit 110.
[0032]
The main controller 111 mainly includes a CPU 112, a bus controller 113, and various I / F controller circuits. The CPU 112 and the bus controller 113 control the operation of the entire controller unit 110. The CPU 112 operates based on a program read from the ROM 120 via the ROM / I / F 121.
[0033]
The operation of interpreting the PDL (page description language) code data received from the PC and developing the data into raster image data is also described in this program and is processed by software. The bus controller 113 controls data transfer input / output from each I / F, and performs arbitration at the time of bus contention and controls DMA data transfer.
[0034]
The DRAM 122 is connected to the main controller 111 by a DRAM I / F 123, and is used as a work area for the operation of the CPU 112 and an area for storing image data.
[0035]
The start-stop synchronous serial communication controller 114 transmits and receives control commands to and from each of the CPUs of the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300 via the serial buses 172 and 173, and performs communication of a touch panel and key inputs of the operation unit 180.
[0036]
The network controller 125 is connected to the main controller 111 by an I / F 127, and is connected to an external network by a connector 126. As a network, Ethernet (registered trademark) is generally used. The serial connector 124 is connected to the main controller 111 and performs communication with an external device. A USB is generally used as the serial bus. The FAN 128 is connected to the main controller 111 and is used to cool the controller unit 110.
[0037]
The temperature monitoring IC 142 is connected to the main controller 111 by a serial bus 143. The temperature monitoring IC 142 is used for controlling the FAN 128 and correcting the temperature of the real-time clock module 137.
[0038]
An expansion connector 135 for connecting an expansion board, an I / O control unit 126, an HD controller 131, and a codec 133 are connected to the general-purpose high-speed bus 130. A general-purpose high-speed bus generally includes a PCI bus.
[0039]
The codec 133 compresses the raster image data stored in the DRAM 122 by a method such as MH / MR / MMR / JBIG / JPEG, and expands the compressed and stored code data into raster image data. The SRAM 134 is used as a temporary work area of the codec 133. Data transfer to and from the DRAM 122 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and DMA-transferred.
[0040]
The HD controller 131 is for connecting an external storage device. In the present embodiment, the hard disk drive 132 is connected via this I / F. The hard disk 132 is used to store programs and image data.
[0041]
The I / O control unit 126 controls the data bus 144 and controls the port 145 and the interrupt 146. The panel I / F 141 is connected to the LCD controller 140 and includes an I / F for displaying on a liquid crystal screen on the operation unit 180 and a key input I / F 171 for inputting hard keys and touch panel keys. Is done.
[0042]
The operation unit 180 includes a liquid crystal display unit, a touch panel input device attached on the liquid crystal display unit, and a plurality of hard keys. A signal input from the touch panel or the hard keys is transmitted to the CPU 112 via the panel I / F 171 described above, and the liquid crystal display unit displays the image data sent from the panel I / F 141. The liquid crystal display unit displays a function display, image data, and the like in operation of the image forming apparatus.
[0043]
The real-time clock module 137 updates and saves the date and time managed in the device, and is backed up by a backup battery 138. The SRAM 139 is backed up by a backup battery 138 and stores user mode, various setting information, file management information of the hard disk drive 132, and the like.
[0044]
The graphic processor 151 performs image rotation, image scaling, color space conversion, binarization, scanner image input, and printer image output processing on image data stored in the DRAM 122. The DRAM 152 is used as a temporary work area of the graphic processor 151. The graphic processor 151 is connected to the main controller 111 via the I / F 150, and the transfer of data to and from the DRAM 122 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and DMA-transferred.
[0045]
The connectors 160 and 155 are connected to the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300, respectively, and include a synchronous serial I / F (173, 172) and a video I / F (163, 162).
[0046]
The scanner image processing unit 157 is connected to the reader unit 200 via the connector 160 and is also connected to the graphic processor 151 via the scanner bus 161 and performs a predetermined process on an image received from the reader unit 200. It also has a function of outputting a control signal generated based on the video control signal sent from the reader unit 200 to the scanner bus 161.
[0047]
The FIFO 158 is connected to the scanner image processing unit 157, and is used to perform line correction of a video signal sent from the reader unit 200. The printer image processing unit 153 is connected to the printer unit 300 via the connector 155, and is connected to the graphic processor 151 via the printer bus 156, and performs predetermined processing on image data output from the graphic processor 151. And a function of outputting the control signal generated based on the video control signal sent from the printer unit 300 to the printer bus 162.
[0048]
The DRAM 154 is connected to the printer image processing unit 153, and is used to delay a video signal for a predetermined time. The transfer of the raster image data developed on the DRAM 122 to the printer unit 300 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and is DMA-transferred to the printer unit 300 via the graphic processor 151, the printer image processing unit 153, and the connector 155. You.
[0049]
<Configuration of ACS counting section>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ACS (auto color select) counting unit.
[0050]
Auto color select (hereinafter, ACS) determines whether a document is color or black and white. In other words, color determination is performed based on how many pixels that are equal to or greater than a threshold value for calculating the saturation of each pixel. However, even for a black-and-white document, there are many color pixels around the edge when viewed microscopically due to the influence of MTF and the like, and it is difficult to simply perform the ACS determination in pixel units. Although various methods are provided for the ACS method, the present embodiment is not limited to the ACS method, and will be described using a very general method.
[0051]
As described above, even in a black-and-white image, when viewed microscopically, there are a large number of color pixels, so whether or not the pixel is really a color pixel is determined by the information of the peripheral color pixel with respect to the target pixel. There is a need. Reference numeral 501 denotes a filter for this, which has a FIFO structure in order to refer to a peripheral pixel with respect to the target pixel. Reference numeral 502 denotes a circuit that creates an area signal 505 to be subjected to ACS based on the values set in the registers 507 to 510 set by the main controller 111 and the video control signal 512 sent from the reader unit 200. The color determination unit 503 refers to a peripheral pixel of the memory in the filter 501 for the target pixel based on the area signal 505 to which the ACS is applied, and determines whether the target pixel is a color pixel or a monochrome pixel. is there. A counter 504 counts the number of color determination signals output by the color determination unit 503.
[0052]
The main controller 111 determines an area to be subjected to ACS with respect to the reading range, and sets the area in registers 507 to 510 (in the present embodiment, the range is determined independently for the document). Further, the main controller 111 compares the value of a counter for counting the number of color determination signals in the area to be subjected to the ACS with a predetermined threshold value, and determines whether the original is color or monochrome.
[0053]
In the registers 507 to 510, the position at which the color determination unit 503 starts the determination and the position at which the determination ends are determined in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction based on the video control signal 512 sent from the reader unit 200. Set it. In the present embodiment, the size is set to be about 10 mm smaller than the actual size of the original.
[0054]
<Configuration of Scanner Image Processing Unit>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a portion that functions as the scanner image processing unit 157.
[0055]
For the image data sent from the reader unit 200 via the connector 160, the connection & MTF correction unit 601 adjusts the delay amount for each line according to the reading speed, and corrects the MTF changed according to the reading speed. If the CCD 218 is a three-line CCD, the splicing process corrects the signal timing so that the reading positions of the three lines are the same. FIFO 158 is used as a buffer for line delay.
[0056]
The digital signal whose read position timing has been corrected corrects the spectral characteristics of the CCD 218 and the spectral characteristics of the lamp 212 and the mirrors 214, 215, and 216 by the input masking unit 602. The output of the input masking unit 602 is sent to the ACS counting unit 405 and the graphic processor 151.
[0057]
<Configuration of Printer Image Processing Unit>
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the printer image processing unit 153.
[0058]
Image data sent from the graphic processor 151 via the printer bus 156 is first input to the LOG converter 701. The LOG conversion unit 701 converts the RGB signals into CMY signals by LOG conversion.
[0059]
Next, the moiré is removed by the moiré removing unit 702. A UCR & masking unit 703 generates a CMYK signal from the CMY signal subjected to the moiré removal processing by the UCR process, and the masking processing unit corrects the signal to an output signal of the printer unit 300. The signal processed by the UCR & masking unit 703 is subjected to density adjustment by the correction unit 704 and then smoothing or edge processing by the filter unit 705.
[0060]
In output switching 706, images are temporarily stored in the DRAM 154 for each CMYK image in order to correct the distance between the photosensitive drums 325 to 328, and the corrected image between the drums is sent to the printer unit 300 via the connector 155. And send.
[0061]
<Configuration of graphic processor>
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the graphic processor 151.
[0062]
The graphic processor 151 includes modules for performing image rotation, image scaling, color space conversion, binarization, scanner image input, and printer image output. The DRAM 152 is used as a temporary work area of each module via the DRAM controller 808.
[0063]
A work area is statically allocated to each module in advance so that work areas of the DRAM 152 used by each module do not conflict. The graphic processor 151 is connected to the main controller 111 via the I / F 150, and the transfer of data to and from the DRAM 122 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and DMA-transferred.
[0064]
The bus controller 113 performs control for setting a mode or the like for each module of the graphic processor 151 and timing control for transferring image data to each module.
[0065]
The input interface 810 inputs the image data input from the I / F 150 to the crossbar switch 809. The image data format handles binary raster image data, multi-value raster image data, JPEG, and the like. In the case of a JPEG image, the input interface 810 converts the image data into raster image data and outputs the data to the crossbar switch 809.
[0066]
The output interface 811 outputs the image data input from the crossbar switch 809 to the I / F 150. Although the image data format input from the crossbar switch 809 is raster image data, the output interface 811 performs JPEG compression and outputs data to the I / F 150.
[0067]
<Process of image rotation unit>
Next, a processing procedure in the image rotation unit 801 will be described.
[0068]
The CPU 112 makes settings for image rotation control from the CPU 112 to the bus controller 113 via the I / F 150. With this setting, the bus controller 113 performs settings necessary for image rotation (for example, image size, rotation direction, angle, and the like) for the image rotation unit 801. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data. According to this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transfer of image data from the DRAM 122 or a device connected via each I / F. Here, the image size to be rotated is set to 32 pixels and 32 lines, and when transferring the image data onto the image bus 2008, the image transfer is performed in units of 24 bytes (8 bits each for RGB, one pixel). I do.
[0069]
As described above, in order to obtain an image of 32 pixels and 32 lines, it is necessary to perform the above-described unit data transfer 3232 times and to transfer image data from discontinuous addresses.
[0070]
The image data transferred by the discontinuous addressing is written to the SRAM 136 such that the image data is rotated at a desired angle at the time of reading. For example, if the rotation is 90 degrees counterclockwise, the transferred image data is written in the Y direction. By reading in the X direction at the time of reading, the image is rotated.
[0071]
After the image rotation of 32 pixels and 32 lines (writing to the DRAM 152) is completed, the image rotating unit 801 reads the image data from the DRAM 152 by the above-described reading method, and transfers the image to the bus controller 113.
[0072]
The bus controller 113 that has received the rotated image data transfers the data to the DRAM 122 or each device on the I / F by continuous addressing.
[0073]
Such a series of processing is repeated until there is no more processing request from the CPU 112 (when processing of the required number of pages is completed).
[0074]
<Process of image scaling unit>
Next, a processing procedure in the image scaling unit 802 will be described.
[0075]
Via the I / F 150, the CPU 112 makes settings for image scaling control in the bus controller 113. With this setting, the bus controller 113 performs settings necessary for image scaling (the scaling ratio in the main scanning direction, the scaling ratio in the sub-scanning direction, the image size after scaling, etc.) for the image scaling unit 802. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data. According to this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transfer of image data from the DRAM 122 or a device connected via each I / F.
[0076]
The image scaling unit 802 stores the received image data in the temporary DRAM 152, and uses the image data as an input buffer. The stored data has the necessary number of pixels and lines according to the main scanning and sub-scanning magnifications. The image is enlarged or reduced by performing an interpolation process corresponding to, thereby performing a magnification process. The data after the scaling is written back to the DRAM 152 again, and the image scaling unit 802 reads the image data from the DRAM 152 using this as an output buffer, and transfers it to the bus controller 113.
[0077]
The bus controller 113 that receives the image data subjected to the scaling process transfers the data to the DRAM 122 or each device on the I / F.
[0078]
<Process of color space conversion unit>
Next, a processing procedure in the color space conversion unit 803 will be described.
[0079]
The CPU 112 makes settings for the color space conversion control from the CPU 112 to the bus controller 113 via the I / F 150. With these settings, the bus controller 113 performs settings (coefficients of matrix operation, table values of the LUT 804, etc., described later) necessary for the color space conversion processing on the color space conversion unit 803 and the LUT (look-up table) 804. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data. According to this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transfer of image data from the DRAM 122 or a device connected via each I / F.
[0080]
The color space conversion unit 803 performs a predetermined matrix operation on each pixel of the received image data. Next, conversion by the LUT 804 is performed on the data after the matrix operation. As a result, nonlinear conversion can be performed. Naturally, by setting a through table, LUT conversion can not be performed substantially.
[0081]
After that, the color space conversion unit 803 transfers the image data subjected to the color space conversion processing to the bus controller 113. The bus controller 113 that has received the color space converted image data transfers the data to the DRAM 122 or each device on the I / F.
[0082]
<Process of image binarization unit>
Next, a processing procedure in the image binarization unit 805 will be described.
[0083]
Via the I / F 150, the CPU 112 makes settings for the binarization control in the bus controller 113. With this setting, the bus controller 113 performs settings (various parameters and the like according to the conversion method) necessary for the binarization processing on the image binarization unit 805. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data. According to this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transfer of image data from the DRAM 122 or a device connected via each I / F.
[0084]
The image binarization unit 805 performs a binarization process on the received image data. In the present embodiment, the binarization method is to simply binarize image data by comparing it with a predetermined threshold. Of course, any method such as a dither method, an error diffusion method, or an improved error diffusion method may be used.
[0085]
After that, the image binarization unit 805 transfers the image data subjected to the binarization processing to the bus controller 113.
[0086]
The bus controller 113 receiving the binarized image data transfers the data to the DRAM 122 or each device on the I / F.
[0087]
<Processing of scanner input unit>
Next, a processing procedure in the scanner input unit 806 will be described.
[0088]
Via the I / F 150, the CPU 112 makes settings for scanner input control in the bus controller 113. With this setting, the bus controller 113 performs necessary settings (various parameters corresponding to input processing, etc.) on the scanner input unit 806. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data.
[0089]
After that, the image data is input to the scanner input unit 806 in synchronization with the synchronization signal input from the scanner image processing unit 157. The scanner input unit 806 temporarily stores the received image data in the DRAM 152 as an input buffer. Thereafter, the scanner input unit transfers the image stored in the DRAM 152 to the bus controller 113. Upon receiving the scanner input image data, the bus controller 113 transfers the data to the DRAM 122 or each device on the I / F.
[0090]
<Process of printer output unit>
Next, a processing procedure in the printer output unit 807 will be described.
[0091]
Via the I / F 150, the CPU 112 makes settings for printer output control in the bus controller 113. With this setting, the bus controller 113 makes necessary settings (various parameters and the like according to output processing) for the printer output unit 807. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data. According to this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transfer of image data from the DRAM 122 or a device connected via each I / F.
[0092]
The printer output unit 807 temporarily stores the received image data in the DRAM 152. After that, the image stored in the DRAM 152 is output to the printer image processing unit 153 according to the synchronization signal input from the printer image processing unit 153.
[0093]
<Operation section overview>
FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the configuration of the operation unit 180.
[0094]
The LCD display unit 3001 has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD, displays an operation screen of the system, and transmits the position information to the controller CPU 112 when a displayed key is pressed. A start key 3002 is used to start a reading operation of a document image. At the center of the start key, there are two-color LEDs of green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key is usable. A stop key 3003 functions to stop an operation in operation. An ID key 3004 is used to input a user ID of a user. A reset key 3005 is used to initialize settings from the operation unit 180.
[0095]
<Sequence when outputting PDL image>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of outputting a PDL image according to the present embodiment.
[0096]
When outputting a PDL image, in step S5001, the user performs print setting of the PDL image output job on the PC 410. The print settings include the number of copies, paper size, single / double-sided, page output order, sort output, and whether or not stapling is performed. FIG. 11 shows an example of a setting screen at that time. In order to make settings for adding attribute information such as a user ID, date and time, and storage location at the time of printing, check the window “Add attribute information” (Z1 in FIG. 11) at the time of print setting. .
[0097]
In step S5002, a print instruction is given on the PC 410, and at the same time, driver software installed on the PC 410 converts code data on the PC 410 to be printed into so-called PDL data, and sets the print setting set in step S5001. The PDL data is transferred to the controller unit 110 of the image input / output device 100 via the network 400 together with the parameter and the attribute information.
[0098]
In step S5003, the CPU 112 of the main controller 111 of the controller unit 110 develops (rasterizes) the PDL data transferred via the connector 126 and the network controller 125 into image data based on the print setting parameters. The development of the image data is performed on the DRAM 122. At this time, if "add attribute information" is selected, barcode data representing attribute information corresponding to the original image data is generated in a form of being overlaid on the original image data. If "add attribute information" is not selected, barcode data is not generated. Upon completion of the image data development, the process advances to step S5004.
[0099]
In step S5004, the main controller 111 transfers the image data developed on the DRAM 122 to the graphic processor 151.
[0100]
In step S5005, the graphic processor 151 performs image processing independently of the print setting parameters. For example, if the paper size specified by the print setting parameters is A4, but the paper supply unit 310 of the printer unit 300 has only A4R paper, the graphic processor 151 rotates the image by 90 degrees. Thus, an image can be output according to the output sheet. Upon completion of the image processing on the image data, the process advances to step S5006.
[0101]
In step S5006, the graphic processor 151 transfers the image data after the image processing to the main controller 111. The main controller 111 stores the transferred image data on the DRAM 122.
[0102]
In step S5007, the main controller 111 controls the printer unit 300 via the graphic processor 151, the printer image processing unit 153, and the connector 155, and transfers image data on the DRAM 122 to the printer unit 300 at appropriate timing.
[0103]
In step S5008, the controller unit 110 controls the printer unit 300 to print out image data. When the transfer of the image data is completed, that is, when the PDL job ends, the print output ends.
[0104]
When the “addition of attribute information” is not selected, the print image obtained by printing the original image as shown in FIG. 12A is an image without a barcode as shown in FIG. Become. When “Add attribute information” is selected, the image is a bar-coded image as shown by B1 in FIG.
[0105]
In the present embodiment, in the print setting in step S5001, an example of the setting screen has been described with reference to FIG. 11, but another example of the setting screen will be described with reference to FIG.
[0106]
In order to add attribute information such as a user ID, date and time, and storage location at the time of printing, and to specify the display position, the display position of the attribute information can be set from the pull-down menu Z2 called "Attribute Information" at the time of print setting. Is selected. In FIG. 13, the setting for displaying the attribute information as an overlay is selected, but other selection examples include “add a cover with only the attribute information printed” and “print the attribute information on the back side”. is there.
[0107]
In step S5003, the PDL data is developed (rasterized) into image data. At this time, if "overlay display" is selected as the display position of the attribute information, the attribute information corresponding to the original image data is displayed. The generated barcode data is generated in a form of overlaying the original image data, and when the original image as shown in FIG. 14A is printed, the printed image has a barcode as shown in FIG. 14B. It becomes an image.
[0108]
As another example, when "add a cover with only the attribute information printed thereon" is selected as the display position of the attribute information, only one page of barcode data representing the attribute information corresponding to the original image data is generated. Then, it is added to the first page of the original image data (see FIG. 14C). When “Print attribute information on back side” is selected, barcode data representing attribute information corresponding to the original image data is generated for the back side and added to the back side of the original image data (FIG. 14 (d)).
[0109]
<Sequence when outputting a copy image>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of outputting a copy image according to the present embodiment.
[0110]
When outputting a copy image, in step S6001, the user performs copy settings for the copy image output job on the operation unit 180. The copy setting contents include the number of copies, paper size, one-sided / two-sided, enlargement / reduction ratio, sort output, and whether or not stapling is performed.
[0111]
In step S6002, when a copy start instruction is given on the operation unit 180, the main controller 111 of the controller unit 110 controls the reader unit 200 via the connector 160 and performs an operation of reading image data of a document. First, the document feeding unit 250 feeds the placed documents one by one onto the platen glass 211. At this time, the size of the document is detected at the same time. The image data is read by exposing and scanning the original based on the detected size of the original. The read image data is compressed in the image format designated by the graphic processor 151 and stored in the DRAM 122. In this embodiment, image data is always read at the same magnification (100%) regardless of the setting of the enlargement / reduction ratio of the copy setting. Regarding the scaling process, the graphic processor 151 is used in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. It shall be performed by.
[0112]
In step S6003, the main controller 111 extracts attribute information from the barcode data added to the image data. As a result, information such as the user ID, the creation date and time, and the storage location of the original file is detected.
[0113]
If the storage location of the original image has not been detected from the attribute information (step S6004), the process proceeds to step S6005. In step S6005, the main controller 111 transfers the image data on the DRAM 122 to the graphic processor 151.
[0114]
In step S6006, the graphic processor 151 performs image processing based on the copy setting parameters. For example, when the enlargement 400% is set, the image scaling unit 802 which is a module in the graphic processor 151 performs the scaling process in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. Upon completion of the image processing on the image data, the process advances to step S6007.
[0115]
In step S6007, the graphic processor 151 compresses and transfers the image data after the image processing to the main controller 111 in the specified image format. The main controller 111 stores the transferred image data on the DRAM 122.
[0116]
In step S6008, the main controller 111 converts the image data stored on the DRAM 122 into a file in a specified file format. Then, the filed image data is transferred to the HD drive 132 via the HD controller 131, and the read image data is stored in the HD drive 132.
[0117]
These operations are repeated as long as the document exists in the DF unit 250.
[0118]
In step S6009, the image data is transferred to the printer unit 300. At this time, if the image data file to be printed does not exist in the DRAM 122, the image file is read from the HD drive 132 and stored in the DRAM 122. The main controller 111 controls the printer unit 300 via the graphic processor 151, the printer image processing unit 153, and the connector 155, and transfers the image data in the DRAM 122 to the printer unit 300 at an appropriate timing.
[0119]
In step S6010, the controller unit 110 controls the printer unit 300 to print out image data.
[0120]
When the transfer of all the image data is completed, that is, when the copy job ends, the print output ends.
[0121]
Next, in step S6004, if the storage location of the original image is detected from the attribute information, the process advances to step S6011. In step S6011, the storage location detected in step S6004 is accessed, and an original image file is picked up. At this time, print setting for PDL image output on the PC 410 is performed based on the settings in step S6001.
[0122]
In step S6012, a print instruction is given on the PC 401, and at the same time, the driver software installed on the PC 401 converts code data on the PC 401 to be printed into so-called PDL data and sets the code data in step S6001. The PDL data is transferred to the controller unit 110 of the image input / output device 100 via the network 400 together with the print setting parameters.
[0123]
In step S6013, the CPU 112 of the main controller 111 of the controller unit 110 develops (rasterizes) the PDL data transferred via the connector 126 and the network controller 125 into image data based on the print setting parameters. The development of the image data is performed on the DRAM 122. Upon completion of the image data development, the flow advances to step S6014. At this time, if "add attribute information" is selected, barcode data representing attribute information corresponding to the original image data is generated in a form of being overlaid on the original image data. If "add attribute information" is not selected, barcode data is not generated.
[0124]
In step S6014, the main controller 111 transfers the image data developed on the DRAM 122 to the graphic processor 151.
[0125]
In step S6015, the graphic processor 151 performs image processing independently of the print setting parameters. For example, if the paper size specified by the print setting parameters is A4, but the paper supply unit 310 of the printer unit 300 has only A4R paper, the graphic processor 151 rotates the image by 90 degrees. Thus, output can be performed in accordance with the output sheet. Upon completion of the image processing on the image data, the process advances to step S6016.
[0126]
In step S6016, the graphic processor 151 transfers the image data after the image processing to the main controller 111. The main controller 111 stores the transferred image data on the DRAM 122.
[0127]
In step S6017, the main controller 111 controls the printer unit 300 via the graphic processor 151, the printer image processing unit 153, and the connector 155, and transfers the image data on the DRAM 122 to the printer unit 300 at an appropriate timing. Then, the process proceeds to step S6010.
[0128]
In step S6010, the controller unit 110 controls the printer unit 300 to print out image data. When the transfer of all the image data is completed, that is, when the copy job ends, the print output ends.
[0129]
<Sequence during scan transmission>
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of scan transmission according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a description will be given assuming that multivalued image data is transmitted.
[0130]
When performing scan transmission, in step S7001, the user performs copy setting of the scan job on the operation unit 180. The scan setting contents include a transmission address, color / monochrome reading, reading resolution, and one-sided / two-sided.
[0131]
In step S7002, when a scan start instruction is given on the operation unit 180, the main controller 111 of the controller unit 110 controls the reader unit 200 via the connector 160, and performs an operation of reading image data of a document. First, the document feeding unit 250 feeds the placed documents one by one onto the platen glass 211. At this time, the size of the document is detected at the same time. The image data is read by exposing and scanning the original based on the detected size of the original. The read image data is compressed in the image format designated by the graphic processor 151 and stored in the DRAM 122. In this embodiment, image data is always read at 600 dpi regardless of the resolution setting of the scan setting, and the resolution conversion is performed by the graphic processor 151 in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction.
[0132]
In step S7003, the main controller 111 transfers the image data in the DRAM 122 to the graphic processor 151, and performs image processing such as image rotation, resolution conversion, and color space conversion based on the scan setting parameters. The graphic processor 151 transfers the image data after the image processing to the main controller 111, and the main controller 111 stores the transferred image data on the DRAM 122.
[0133]
In step S7004, it is checked whether the destination at the time of the scan transmission is an e-mail. The main controller 111 converts the image data stored on the DRAM 122 into a file in a specified file format. The filed image data is transferred to the HD drive 132 via the HD controller 131, and the read image data is stored in the HD drive 132.
[0134]
In step S7006, the main controller 111 transmits, for example, to an e-mail server (not shown) if the transmission address is E-mail, and to the database server 410 if the transmission address is a database via the network controller 125 and the local area network 400. When the transmission address is set in the printer unit 300, the image data in the DRAM 122 is transmitted to the printer unit 300 at an appropriate timing while controlling the printer unit 300 via the graphic processor 151, the printer image processing unit 153, and the connector 155. Transfer to section 300.
[0135]
If e-mail transmission is to be performed in step S7004, the image data size in the DRAM 122 is compared with the upper limit set in the user mode from the operation unit 180 in step S7007. If the image data size is equal to or smaller than the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S7005, and the image data is transmitted as it is. If the image data size exceeds the upper limit, the image data on the DRAM 122 is transferred to the graphic processor 151 in step S7008, and the resolution is reduced by the image scaling unit 802 according to the image data size. For example, if the image data size greatly exceeds the upper limit, the resolution is set low, and if the image data size slightly exceeds the upper limit, the image scaling unit 802 is set to slightly lower the resolution. .
[0136]
In step S7009, the compression rate of the output interface 811 is set to be higher than the setting in step S7002, and the image data with the changed resolution and compression rate is stored in the DRAM 122. The size of the image data stored again in the DRAM 122 is compared with the upper limit in step S7007. If the size is larger than the upper limit, steps S7008 and S7009 are repeated again.
[0137]
When the transmission of the image data is completed, that is, when the transmission ends, the scan transmission ends.
[0138]
<Workflow using the image input / output device 100>
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a workflow using the image input / output device 100.
[0139]
At T1 in the figure, first, the PC 401 creates original image data, adds attribute information such as a user ID, date and time, and storage location, and performs print settings. The original image data is stored on the PC 401 according to the attribute information.
[0140]
At T2, an image in which attribute information is added as a barcode to the original image data is printed as set at T1.
[0141]
At T3, a document to which attribute information has been added is set, necessary settings are made, and copying is performed.
[0142]
At T4, attribute information is extracted from the barcode of the read document, and the original file is picked up from the PC 401.
[0143]
At T5, the original image data is printed as set at T3.
[0144]
In the above example, the attribute information is described as being added as a barcode (see FIG. 12C). However, instead of the barcode, for example, as shown in FIG. The display of the storage location may be added. In this example, it can be seen that the file is "\ ABC \ ffmc-data \ new product information \ xxxx.pdf".
[0145]
In the above example, the original image data is stored on the PC 401. However, the original image data may be stored not on the PC 401 but on the server 410 connected to the image input / output apparatus 100 via a network. . In this case, the server 410 is designated as the storage location of the original image data of the attribute information, and the original file is picked up from the server 410. Also, the original image data may be stored in the HD 132 in the image input / output device 100 instead of the server 410. Also in this case, the HD 132 in the image input / output device 100 is designated as the storage location of the original image data of the attribute information, and the original file is picked up from the HD 132 in the image input / output device 100.
[0146]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the attribute information added to the original is read, and the original image is searched for from the attribute information and printed. Therefore, even if the image is repeatedly copied, a beautiful copy image is obtained without image deterioration. be able to. If the original image is a color original even if the original is printed in black and white, the original image is searched for from the attribute information added to the original and printed, so that a color copy image without image deterioration can be obtained.
[0147]
The present invention is not limited to the apparatus of the above-described embodiment, and may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or an apparatus including a single device. A storage medium storing program codes of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. It goes without saying that it will be completed by doing so.
[0148]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, or ROM is used. Can be. When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS or the like running on the computer performs the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where some or all of the functions are performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.
[0149]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the expansion is performed based on the instruction of the next program code. It goes without saying that the CPU of the expansion board or the expansion unit performs the processing and performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0150]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to always obtain an output image without image deterioration even when a document is repeatedly read.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a hardware configuration of a reader unit 200 and a printer unit 300.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a reader image processing unit 222.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a controller unit 110.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ACS (auto color select) counting unit.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a portion that functions as a scanner image processing unit 157.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a printer image processing unit 153.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the graphic processor 151.
FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of an operation unit 180.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of outputting a PDL image according to the embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print image.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of another print setting screen.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of another print image.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of outputting a copy image in the embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of scan transmission in the embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a workflow using the image input / output device 100.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print image.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 100 Image input / output device 200 Reader unit 210 Scanner unit 250 Document feed unit 280 Attribute information analysis unit 300 Printer units 401 and 402 Host computer (PC)
410 Database Server

Claims (14)

Image input means for inputting image data read from a document,
Image output means for outputting image data;
Control means for controlling the image input / output operation according to the setting information regarding the image input / output operation set by the external operation,
Having attribute information extracting means for extracting predetermined attribute information from the read image data input by the image input means,
An image input / output apparatus, wherein different control is performed by the control unit depending on whether predetermined attribute information is extracted from the read image data or not. 2. The image input / output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the extraction of the predetermined attribute information by the attribute information extracting means is performed by reading a barcode added to the document. 2. The image input / output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the extraction of the predetermined attribute information by the attribute information extracting means is performed by reading URL information printed on a document. When the storage location of the original image corresponding to the read image data is detected by the extraction of the predetermined attribute information by the attribute information extraction unit, the original image is taken out from the storage location and output by the image output unit. The image input / output device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: Information adding means for adding predetermined attribute information to the image data;
Image input means for inputting image data read from a document,
Operating means for performing settings relating to image input / output operations by external operation,
Image output means for printing out input image data including image data to which the attribute information is added by the information adding means,
Control means for controlling the image input / output operation according to at least the setting by the operation means,
An image input / output system, wherein an output position of the attribute information printed out from the image output means can be set by the operation means. The image input / output system according to claim 5, wherein the output position of the attribute information is a page different from the original image data corresponding to the image data input from the image input unit. The image input / output system according to claim 5, wherein the output position of the attribute information is a back surface of the original image data corresponding to the image data input from the image input unit. Information adding means for adding attribute information to the image data;
Image input means for inputting image data read from a document,
Operating means for performing settings relating to image input / output operations by external operation,
Image output means for printing out input image data including image data to which the attribute information is added by the information adding means,
Control means for controlling the image input / output operation according to at least the setting by the operation means,
An image input / output system, wherein selection of whether to add the attribute information can be set by the operation means. 9. The image input / output system according to claim 5, wherein the information adding unit adds barcode data constituting the attribute information to the image data in a form of overlaying the barcode data. The attribute information includes a user ID, a creation date and time, and storage location information of original image data corresponding to the image data input from the image input means, and the information is represented by barcode data. The image input / output system according to claim 9. 9. The image input / output system according to claim 8, wherein said information adding means adds header image data constituting the attribute information to the image data so as to be overlaid thereon. The image input / output system according to claim 11, wherein the header image data represents a storage location of original image data corresponding to the image data input from the image input unit. Image input means for inputting image data read from a document, image output means for outputting image data, and control means for controlling image input / output operations in accordance with setting information on image input / output operations set by an external operation A method for controlling an image input / output device comprising:
Extracting predetermined attribute information from the read image data input by the image input means,
A control method for an image input / output apparatus, wherein different control is performed by the control means depending on whether predetermined attribute information is extracted from the read image data or not. Image input means for inputting image data read from a document, image output means for outputting image data, and control means for controlling image input / output operations in accordance with setting information on image input / output operations set by an external operation A computer-readable control program for executing a method of controlling an image input / output device having:
Performing a process of extracting predetermined attribute information from the read image data input by the image input unit, and performing different control by the control unit depending on whether the attribute information is extracted or not. A control program characterized by having a control program.

Images