JP2004159242A - Image processor, image processing method, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor capable of processing even large scale processing contents. <P>SOLUTION: This image processor has: an image processing means 6 for applying image processing to an inputted image signal by using an image processing element and according to an image processing program; a storing means 10 for storing an image signal outputted from the image processing means 5; a printer path B for reading the image signal stored in the storing means 10 and outputting the image signal to a poststage; and a reinput path A for reading the image signal stored in the storing means 10 and reinputting the read image signal to the image processing means 6. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as a printer, a digital copying machine, a facsimile, a multifunction image processing apparatus, an MFP (multifunction printer), an image processing method, a program, and a recording medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an example in which image processing of a digital copying machine is executed using a digital signal processor (DSP).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-165563 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The applicant of the present application further applied for an invention relating to an image processing apparatus that downloads an image processing program via a network, executes the image processing program by a digital signal processor (DSP), and performs image processing, as a prior application of the present application. ing.
[0005]
However, in the invention of the prior application, the size of a program that can be executed is limited by the scale of the digital signal processor (DSP). , The original performance (copy speed) cannot be obtained, or the number of FIFOs and the number of registers are insufficient to perform processing.
[0006]
Further, in the invention of the prior application, when implementing the extended image processing program downloaded via the network, it is determined whether the image processing apparatus can operate the image processing program, and whether the program is transferred is determined. Make a decision. In other words, whether or not the program can be used by the user is determined by whether or not the hardware that can be mounted is in the image processing apparatus.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, a program, and a recording medium that enable processing of large-scale processing contents.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an image processing unit that performs image processing on an input image signal according to an image processing program by an image processing element, and an image signal output from the image processing unit. It has a storage means for storing, a printer path for reading out the image signal stored in the storage means and outputting it to a subsequent stage, and a re-input path for reading out the image signal stored in the storage means and re-inputting it to the image processing means. It is characterized by doing.
[0009]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, a selection unit that selects a required image processing module based on a designated image processing mode, and an image processing module group selected by the selection unit Has a determining means for determining whether or not image processing can be executed with the current image processing apparatus configuration. If the image processing cannot be executed, the user is notified of the fact.
[0010]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, a selection unit for selecting a required image processing module based on a designated image processing mode, and an image processing module group selected by the selection unit And a determination unit for determining whether the image processing unit can execute all of the processes in a single process. The image processing unit performs all of the processes of the image processing module group selected by the selection unit. If the processing can be performed in one processing, the stored image signal is output to the printer path, and all the processing is performed by the image processing means. The selected image processing module group is divided into a plurality of sets, and the selected image processing module group is output to the re-input path. Performs processing a plurality of times by rewriting grams each time, it is characterized by outputting to the printer path After predetermined processing is completed.
[0011]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the image processing program can be downloaded into the image processing apparatus by communication means. Features.
[0012]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, additional information including any of the number of instructions, the required number of FIFOs, the required number of registers, and version information is stored together with the image processing program. It can be downloaded simultaneously by communication means.
[0013]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the second or third aspect, the determination unit determines whether image processing can be executed in the current image processing apparatus configuration, or the image processing unit performs one-time execution. Is determined based on information on the required number of instructions, the required number of FIFOs, and the required number of registers of the selected image processing module.
[0014]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the third aspect, before storing the image signal being processed in the storage unit, whether the image signal is compressed and stored, or The compression method and the compression ratio are controlled based on the content of the image processing performed on the image signal.
[0015]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the seventh aspect, when the image signal is stored in the storage means a plurality of times, the image signal having less compression deterioration in the preceding stage is stored. Features.
[0016]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, a plurality of in-process images generated and accumulated in one image processing step are processed by an image processing job completion. After that, the image is saved without being erased, and when an image processing request for the same image is issued again, the optimum image is extracted from the in-process image accumulated in the previous processing, and the remaining processing is performed. It is characterized by having.
[0017]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, hardware can be added, and all of the hardware can be added in a single process by adding the hardware. Is characterized in that it can be processed.
[0018]
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the third aspect, when an operation of outputting the stored image signal to the re-input path is selected, the image processing content is processed within a predetermined time. It is characterized in that the optimization or addition of the processing content is controlled so as to obtain a processing result that is sufficient to complete and has the highest image quality.
[0019]
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, when an operation of outputting the stored image signal to the re-input path is selected, the image processing unit performs one page before storing. When the image processing means performs processing on the stored image, the image processing means performs processing in accordance with the result of the identification of the image characteristic.
[0020]
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, an external device image signal input from a network or an external device is stored in the storage unit. The external device image signal is processed by outputting the image signal stored in the storage means to the re-input path.
[0021]
According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a required image processing module is selected based on a designated image processing mode, and whether all the processing of the selected image processing module group can be executed by one processing can be performed. If the image processing means can execute all the processing of the selected image processing module group in one processing, the stored image signal is output to the printer path, and the image processing means When all the processes are performed and the process cannot be performed, the stored image signals are output to the re-input path, and the selected image processing modules are divided into a plurality of groups, and the divided image signals are divided. By rewriting the program corresponding to the image processing module each time, processing is performed a plurality of times, and when a predetermined processing is completed, it is output to a printer path. To have.
[0022]
In the invention according to claim 15, a required image processing module is selected based on a designated image processing mode, and whether or not all processing of the selected image processing module group can be executed by one processing is performed. If the image processing means can execute all the processing of the selected image processing module group in one processing, the stored image signal is output to the printer path, and the image processing means When all the processes are performed and the process cannot be performed, the stored image signals are output to the re-input path, and the selected image processing modules are divided into a plurality of groups, and the divided image signals are divided. By rewriting the program corresponding to the image processing module each time, the processing is performed a plurality of times, and when the predetermined processing is completed, the processing for outputting to the printer path is performed. Is a program for realizing the over data.
[0023]
Further, according to the present invention, a required image processing module is selected based on a designated image processing mode, and all processing of the selected image processing module group can be executed by a single processing. If the image processing means can execute all the processing of the selected image processing module group in one processing, the stored image signal is output to the printer path, and the image processing means When all the processes are performed and the process cannot be performed, the stored image signals are output to the re-input path, and the selected image processing modules are divided into a plurality of groups, and the divided image signals are divided. By rewriting the program corresponding to the image processing module each time, the processing is performed a plurality of times, and when the predetermined processing is completed, the processing for outputting to the printer path is performed. A computer-readable recording medium recording a program to be executed by the over data.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0025]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus 1 includes a CPU 3 for controlling the whole, an EEPROM 2, a ROM 4, a RAM 7, an image input unit 5 such as a scanner for inputting an image signal, and an image processing unit for image processing. A digital signal processor (DSP) 6, a printer 8, an NIC (Network Interface Card) 9, and a storage unit 10 for storing image signals subjected to image processing.
[0026]
In the configuration example of FIG. 1, the image signal input by the image input unit 5 is input to the DSP 6 to perform desired image processing. The DSP 6 has a performance of performing image processing of a digital copying machine, for example, and has a SIMD (Single Instruction Multiple Data Stream) type architecture. This architecture is characterized in that a plurality of processors are executed by the same instruction, and a high processing speed can be obtained.
[0027]
When a certain image processing mode is selected by the operation unit (not shown), the CPU 3 reads out an image processing program module corresponding to the selected image processing mode from the ROM 4 and stores it in the RAM 7.
[0028]
Here, the ROM 4 stores, for example, various modules as shown in FIG. That is, in the example of FIG. 2, the ROM 4 stores the scanner γ correction module 17, the filter processing modules 18 to 19, the line width correction module 20, the printer γ correction modules 21 to 23, the halftone processing modules 24 to 25, and the like. ing. From among these, a module corresponding to the selected image processing mode is stored in the RAM 7. For example, in the character mode, five modules are selected and stored in the RAM 7 as shown in FIG. Similarly, in the text / photo mode, five modules as shown in FIG. 4 are selected, and in the photo mode, four modules as shown in FIG. 5 are selected and stored in the RAM 7.
[0029]
The DSP 6 sequentially performs image processing on the image signals in accordance with the contents of the RAM 7, and when all processing is completed, outputs the processed image signals to the storage unit 10.
The storage unit 10 outputs the image data to the printer 8 in parallel with the operation of inputting the image signal from the DSP 6, and executes the printing operation. That is, output to a printer is performed before one image is accumulated. Normally, with such a configuration, a real-time image processing is performed, and an image processing apparatus with a high copy speed capable of obtaining a copy output simultaneously with pressing a copy button is realized.
[0030]
In addition, since the image processing apparatus 1 is provided with a NIC (Network Interface Card) 9, image data can be communicated with an external device and an image processing module can be downloaded. That is, the NIC 9 can access a server 12 that provides an image processing module through a data communication network 11 such as the Internet, so that a user can send an extended image processing module provided by a manufacturer from the server 12 to the image processing apparatus. 1 can be downloaded.
[0031]
For example, a program of a show-through removal module can be downloaded as an extended image processing module provided by a manufacturer. The program downloaded in this manner is stored in an EEPROM (non-volatile memory) 2, and when a user designates image processing using the extended processing module by using an operation panel (not shown) or the like, the CPU 3 causes the EEPROM 2 to operate. The program is read from the RAM 7 and stored in the RAM 7.
[0032]
However, when the extended processing module is added, the CPU 3 determines whether or not the DSP 6 can complete processing for each pixel within a predetermined time, and determines which processing module is stored in the RAM 7. When the extended processing module is downloaded, additional information such as its function, the number of instructions, the required number of FIFOs, the number of registers, the version, and what processing cannot be combined is downloaded in addition to the processing program itself. The CPU 3 calculates the total number of instructions based on these pieces of information, and determines whether all the processes can be stored in the RAM 7 and whether the default copy speed of the image processing apparatus 1 can be satisfied. The number of FIFOs (line memories) and the number of registers in the DSP 6 are finite, and it is not known whether all the processes can be executed by the DSP 6 in one process (hereinafter referred to as one turn). The processing by the DSP 6 is the same as the processing by software, and the processing speed is determined by the number of instructions. Therefore, if the processing module has a large processing scale, the processing is not completed within a predetermined time, and the system cannot be operated. is there. Therefore, management of the processing module is required.
[0033]
The management of the processing modules by the CPU 3 will be described with reference to FIG. Referring to FIG. 6, the CPU 3 selects a required processing module based on the image processing mode instructed by the image processing mode instructing means such as an operation panel (step s1). Then, the total number of instructions of all the processing modules, the total value of FIFO, and the like are calculated (step s2). Then, it is determined whether the total number of instructions is equal to or less than a prescribed number of instructions or not, and whether the total value of the number of FIFOs does not exceed the number of FIFOs held by the DSP 6. It is determined whether the copy speed can be satisfied (step s3).
[0034]
When it is determined that the processing is satisfied, all the selected processing modules are set as one processing module group (step s4).
[0035]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step s3 that the condition is not satisfied, grouping is performed into a plurality of processing module groups (step s5). This grouping is performed so that each group has the feasibility of the system. For example, when the show-through removal module is downloaded from the server and selected to operate in the character mode, the processing modules required for all processes are as shown on the left side of FIG. However, the show-through module is a program that refers to a relatively large image area, and the number of FIFOs is insufficient to perform all processes in one turn (one process). When the determination is made in this manner, the six modules are divided into two groups of three modules as shown on the right side of FIG.
[0036]
Next, the program of the module group to be processed first is read from the ROM 4 and the EEPROM 2 and stored in the RAM 7 (step s6). Here, it is recognized whether there is another module group to be processed (step s7). If there is no module group to be processed, the output path from the storage means 10 is set to the printer path (step s9), and the DSP 6 The process is executed (step s11), and the process ends.
[0037]
On the other hand, when there is another module group to be processed in step s7, the output path from the storage means 10 is set as the re-input path (step s8), and the processing of the corresponding processing module is executed by the DSP 6 ( For example, if it is the first turn, the processing of the first module group is executed) (step s10), and the process returns to step s6 again.
[0038]
In this case, in step s6, a program corresponding to the module group to be processed next is newly read into the RAM 7, and the same processing is repeated until a module group to be processed is exhausted.
[0039]
Note that, in steps s8 and s9, the output path is set to the re-input path and the printer path, respectively, which indicates the re-input path A and the printer path B in FIG.
[0040]
As described above, in the processing example of FIG. 6, when the DSP 6 determines that the processing cannot be executed in one turn (one processing), the image signal that has been partially processed is temporarily stored in the storage unit 10, and is again stored. The data is re-input to the DSP 6, and the remaining processing is executed in the second processing by the DSP 6. By repeating this processing, a program with a large processing scale can be executed without adding hardware. However, at this time, the copy speed of the image processing apparatus itself cannot be realized, but this cannot be helped.
[0041]
By the way, as a cause that the processing by one turn (one processing) cannot be realized by adding the extended processing module, the excess of the number of processing instructions and the excess of the FIFO are mentioned. Can be dealt with by providing an appropriate input buffer 25 between the image input means 5 and the DSP 6 as shown in FIG. When the reading speed of the image input means 5 is higher than the processing speed of the DSP 6 and the reading operation cannot be stopped halfway, the input buffer 25 can be provided as described above. It is not a good idea to increase the cost by adding 25. On the other hand, it is costly to provide a path for temporarily storing post-DSP data as described in the present invention and providing a path for returning the post-DSP data to perform subsequent image processing on the re-input image data. This is an effective method that can cope with an excess of the number of instructions and an excessive number of FIFOs without any.
[0042]
In the above example, the number of instructions and the number of FIFOs are added, and it is determined whether or not the original copy speed can be obtained based on the result of addition. The determination may be made based on a table.
[0043]
As described above, the image processing apparatus of the present invention basically includes an image processing unit that performs image processing on an input image signal according to an image processing program by an image processing element, and an image signal output from the image processing unit. And a printer path for reading out the image signal stored in the storage means and outputting it to the subsequent stage, and a re-input path for reading out the image signal stored in the storage means and re-inputting it to the image processing means. Have. That is, the present invention is based on a configuration having a re-input path.
[0044]
In addition to the above-described basic configuration, the present invention provides a selection unit that selects a required image processing module based on a specified image processing mode, and a group of image processing modules selected by the selection unit in the current image processing apparatus configuration. There is further provided a determining means for determining whether or not the image processing can be executed, and when the image processing cannot be executed, the user is notified of the fact.
[0045]
In addition, in addition to the above basic configuration, the present invention further includes a selection unit that selects a required image processing module based on a designated image processing mode, and all processing of the image processing module group selected by the selection unit. Determining means for determining whether or not the means can be executed in one processing (one turn), wherein the image processing means performs all processing of the image processing module group selected by the selecting means in one processing If the processing can be executed by the printer, the stored image signal is output to the printer path, and all the processing is performed by the image processing means. A signal is output to the re-input path, the selected image processing module group is divided into a plurality of groups, and a program corresponding to the grouped image processing modules is separately provided. Performs processing a plurality of times by rewriting, and outputs it to the printer path After predetermined processing is completed.
[0046]
In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the image processing program can be downloaded into the image processing apparatus by a communication unit. In addition to the image processing program, additional information including any of the number of instructions, the required number of FIFOs, the required number of registers, and version information can be downloaded at the same time.
[0047]
In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the determination unit may determine whether image processing can be performed in the current image processing apparatus configuration or the image processing unit may determine whether processing can be performed in one turn (one process). This is performed based on the required number of instructions, the required number of FIFOs, and the required number of registers of the selected image processing module.
[0048]
By the way, when storing image data in the storage means 10, there is a demand to compress the amount of image data so that more image data can be stored. However, if compression is performed at a very high compression ratio upstream of a series of processing procedures, significant image quality degradation occurs. In general, for image data storage during processing, use a compression method with no compression or a low compression ratio upstream of the processing, and use a compression method with a high compression ratio for image data storage immediately before or at the end of processing. Thus, a system that balances the number of images that can be stored with the image quality can be constructed.
[0049]
It is also effective to determine the compression rate according to what kind of processing has been performed so far when storing the image data and the contents of the processing. For example, if the image quality deteriorates due to compression before the enhancement filter processing, the deterioration becomes very noticeable due to the enhancement filter processing, which is not preferable. In the example of the character / photograph mode shown in FIG. 4, performing a process with a high compression rate before the enhancement filter causes a large deterioration in image quality. Even if the method is applied, there is no significant image quality deterioration.
[0050]
It is also effective to control the compression ratio by the selected module. In a process of performing control based on the edge amount, for example, a filtering process based on the edge amount, a BG / UCR process, a halftone process, and the like, if the edge amount is deteriorated, the image quality is reduced.
In such a case, the image at the time of calculating the edge amount is set to have a relatively low compression ratio so that deterioration due to compression is reduced, and the image having a high compression ratio is used in the subsequent accumulation. Optimizing the compression method is also effective.
[0051]
In addition, in the information attached to each processing module, if the prerequisite data for performing the processing needs to describe what degree of low compression deterioration is required and the required quality for the input image, the module can be described. The compression means to be selected when using is easily selected.
[0052]
As described above, in the image processing apparatus of the present invention, before storing the image signal being processed in the storage unit, whether the image signal is compressed and stored, or any compression method or Whether to perform compression at the compression ratio is preferably controlled based on the content of image processing performed on the image signal.
[0053]
In this case, when the image signal is stored in the storage means a plurality of times, it is preferable to store the image signal with less compression deterioration in the preceding stage.
[0054]
Also, the image once stored during the processing is not necessary if the processing of the next process is completed. However, this image is stored and stored without erasing it, and there is a request for re-copy output later, and the image density is changed. When there is a processing change command, for example, the most efficient image is extracted from the stored in-process images, and the processing is performed, whereby the efficiency and speed of the processing can be improved.
[0055]
In other words, a plurality of in-process images generated and accumulated in one image processing step are stored without being deleted even after the image processing job is completed, and when there is an image processing request for the same image again, the previous image processing is performed. By extracting the optimal image from the in-process images accumulated in the processing and performing the remaining processing, it is possible to increase the processing efficiency and speed.
[0056]
With the above configuration, it is possible to provide the user with additional extended functions without imposing a cost burden, but there is a problem that the copy speed is reduced. In order to solve this, as shown in FIG. 9, a configuration in which an extended DSP 26 is added at the preceding stage of the DSP 6 can be adopted. More specifically, in the case of processing that is extremely sophisticated, such as a show-through removal function, but has a slow processing speed, it is not convenient to continue using the processing at this speed. Therefore, the extended DSP 26 is added as shown in FIG. Thus, the processing power can be increased, and thereby high performance can be obtained while satisfying the original copy speed.
[0057]
As described above, in the configuration example of FIG. 9, a user who rarely uses a function such as show-through removal sacrifice speed when using a high-performance module with the default hardware configuration. For a user who requires speed, an option can be provided that this can be realized by adding an extended DSP.
[0058]
Further, the following charging system can be configured. That is, when a copy is output using the extended image processing program, the charge may be set higher by reflecting the charge on the charge per sheet, or the price may be set in the program itself. good.
[0059]
Also, being able to provide image processing by downloading is very convenient.For example, when fixing a bug in a program, it is possible to easily provide the user with the latest program, and when a program with improved functions is completed The same is true for It is also effective in providing programs that meet user needs by downloading and using programs in the development stage before release and conducting surveys. For the distribution and collection of the questionnaire, the user needs may be grasped by outputting a questionnaire sheet from the image processing apparatus, reading the completed sheet into the image processing apparatus, and collecting it via a network.
[0060]
As described above, in the image processing apparatus of the present invention, hardware can be added, and all the processing can be performed in one turn (one processing) by adding the hardware.
[0061]
Although the configuration example of FIG. 1 shows an example in which processing is performed by only one DSP, as shown in FIG. 10, a first DSP 6 and a second DSP 27 are provided, and a storage unit 10 is provided between them. May be provided. The configuration example of FIG. 10 is convenient when a copy operation is performed and data stored in the storage unit 10 is to be transferred to the outside via the NIC 9. The image to be transferred may be a signal read by a scanner, an image signal after filter processing, data after halftone processing, or various data depending on the user's request. By doing so, it is possible to output a copy image in one turn (one process) and to transfer a desired processing result image. This is because, for example, when it is desired to transfer the image signal after the filter processing, the processing module group is configured such that the processing up to the filter processing is performed by the first DSP 6 and the processing after the filter processing is performed by the second DSP 27. Distribute. When it is desired to transfer the image after the halftone processing, the first DSP 6 performs the processing up to the halftone processing, and the second DSP 27 does nothing (through) to output the image after the halftone processing. This can be realized by distributing the processing module group. Of course, this can be realized without using a DSP, and two pieces of hardware such as an ASIC that can perform a series of processes may be serially arranged to control which process is executed by each chip. This must be provided with a processing module having the same function, which is uneconomical. On the other hand, if a DSP is used, such an uneconomical situation does not occur since the DSP is programmable.
[0062]
In each of the above-described examples, an example is shown in which all are configured by a DSP, but a part thereof may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC. For example, a device requiring an extremely large number of line memories, such as an image area separation circuit, may be more suitably realized by an ASIC from the viewpoint of cost in some cases.
[0063]
By the way, when the processing cannot be executed in one turn (one processing) due to the addition of the extended processing module, the processing is divided into a plurality of module groups and the processing is executed using the re-input path as described above. It is as follows. However, when the modules are divided into a plurality of groups, each group has a large margin for the number of FIFOs and the number of instructions, and may have a processing capacity for incorporating other processing. In such a case, it is possible to add a module having additional different functions or to replace the module itself with a higher-performance module. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the show-through removal module is added as an extension module to the module group in the character mode, the processing cannot be performed in one turn (one processing), and the two module groups (first and 2 modules). However, since the number of FIFOs and the number of instructions remain, the emphasis filter module 18 is replaced with a higher-performance moiré suppression type emphasis filter module 28 in the first module group, and isolated point removal is performed in the second module group. A module 29 is newly added. With this configuration, it is possible to construct an image processing system that makes maximum use of the processing capability of the DSP.
[0064]
Further, when replacing or adding a module, the user is notified of the fact and the replacement / addition processing is performed only when instructed by the user.
[0065]
Thus, in the image processing apparatus of the present invention, when the operation of outputting the accumulated image signal to the re-input path is selected, the image processing content is sufficient to complete the processing within a predetermined time, Further, optimization or addition of the processing content can be controlled so as to obtain the highest image quality processing result.
[0066]
As the additional function, a function of performing image feature identification for one page, such as ACS (auto color select) and automatic background removal, can be performed very easily.
ACS is a process for determining whether a document is a monochrome document or a color document, and is a popular process for reproducing black toner in a single color or performing color reproduction using all CMYK toners according to the determination result. However, this is done by pre-scanning to detect whether there is a color part in one page of the image in advance, or temporarily storing one page of the image for ACS to detect whether there is a color part, Generally, the processing is started after the determination.
[0067]
In the present invention, if the processing cannot be executed in one turn (one processing) due to the addition of the expansion processing module, an operation of temporarily accumulating in the accumulating means accompanies anyway. It is suitable for performing image feature identification over one page. The result may be temporarily stored, and when the image processing unit performs the process again on the stored image, a process according to the identification result may be performed.
In this way, it is possible to easily execute processing such as ACS, which is difficult to achieve in the case of normal one-turn processing, thereby contributing to higher image quality.
[0068]
In this way, when the operation of outputting the stored image signal to the re-input path is selected, the image processing means performs processing for identifying image characteristics for one page before storage, and the image processing means When performing the processing on the image, the processing according to the identification result of the image feature is performed, so that it is possible to easily execute the processing such as ACS which is difficult to be realized in the case of the normal one-turn processing, and to realize the high image quality. Can contribute to
[0069]
Further, in the above-described example, an example has been described in which processing is performed on an image input from an image input unit such as a scanner, but processing may be performed on an image obtained from a network. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 9, the image input from the LAN or the data communication network is stored in the storage unit 10 via the NIC 9, and is output from the storage unit 10 to the re-input path A and is output by the DSP. Processing is performed. In other words, image data input from a network or an external device cannot be controlled in real time by the image processing apparatus due to restrictions on the communication speed of the network, traffic, and transfer rate on the transmitting device side. Needed to accumulate. According to the present invention, storing image data from the network in the storage means 10 can be easily realized, and since there is a path for re-inputting the image data from the storage means 10 to the preceding stage of the DSP, the image data from the network can be stored. Is also easy to handle.
[0070]
As described above, according to the present invention, the external device image signal input from the network or the external device is stored in the storage unit 10 and the image signal stored in the storage unit 10 is output to the re-input path to thereby output the external device image signal. The signal can be processed.
[0071]
As described above, in the present invention, even if a program has a large processing scale, the processing image from the DSP is temporarily stored in the storage unit, a new program is downloaded, and subsequent processing is executed based on the new program. Until the processing is completed, the download, the processing execution, and the storage and storage are repeated, so that the processing cannot be executed even if the copy speed is reduced.
[0072]
Further, when a user is required to achieve both high functions and high copy speed based on the extended image processing contents, additional hardware is provided to meet the demand.
[0073]
Further, image quality deterioration is reduced as much as possible by optimizing a compression method when image accumulation is repeated over a plurality of turns.
[0074]
Further, when the image processing job is processed in a plurality of turns and the DSP has enough processing capacity in each processing turn, the processing in the processing turn is optimized in order to effectively utilize the processing capacity.
[0075]
Although the present invention has been described above using an image processor having an SIMD type architecture as an example of an image processing means, the image processing means may be an image processor having an SISD type or MIMD type architecture. Alternatively, software processing by PLD (Programmable Logic Device) which is programmable hardware typified by an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or the like, or software processing by a CPU (general purpose processor) may be used, provided that the image processing means can be programmed. It is included in the scope of the present invention.
[0076]
Further, the above-described image processing of the present invention can be provided in the form of a program for causing a computer (for example, CPU 3) to realize the image processing.
[0077]
Further, a program for causing a computer (for example, the CPU 3) to implement the above-described image processing of the present invention can be provided, for example, in the form of a software package (specifically, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM).
[0078]
In other words, the image processing apparatus of the present invention may be configured such that a general-purpose computer system reads a program recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and causes a microprocessor of the general-purpose computer system to execute processing. It is possible to implement. In this case, a program for executing the processing of the present invention (that is, a program used in a hardware system) is provided in a state recorded on a medium. The recording medium on which the program or the like is recorded is not limited to a CD-ROM, but may be a ROM, a RAM, a flexible disk, a memory card, or the like. The program recorded on the medium is installed and activated in a storage device incorporated in the hardware system, for example, a hard disk, so that the program can be executed to realize the processing of the present invention.
[0079]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first, third, and fourth aspects of the present invention, image processing is performed on an input image signal by an image processing element in accordance with an image processing program. Means, an accumulating means for accumulating an image signal output from the image processing means, a printer path for reading out the image signal accumulated in the accumulating means and outputting to a subsequent stage, and reading out the image signal accumulated in the accumulating means. Since it has a re-input path for re-inputting to the image processing means (ie, performing image processing using a programmable image processor (DSP), temporarily accumulating the output from the DSP, and accumulating the accumulated data A re-input path for re-input to the DSP and a printer path for output to subsequent processing), so that a high-performance image processing In the case of an additional arm, even in the large processing contents of the scale, it is possible to allow processing.
[0080]
According to the second and sixth aspects of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, a selection unit that selects a required image processing module based on a specified image processing mode, and a selection unit that selects a required image processing module. The image processing module group further includes a determination unit for determining whether the image processing module group can execute image processing in the current image processing apparatus configuration. If the image processing module group cannot execute image processing, the user is notified of that fact (that is, the user It is configured such that it is determined from the number of instructions, the number of FIFOs, and the number of registers whether or not a high-performance image processing program can be executed by the image processing apparatus having the configuration. Therefore, the user can easily know whether the extended function can be used.
[0081]
According to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, since the image processing program can be downloaded by the communication means, the user can easily obtain the latest advanced image processing function via the network. be able to.
[0082]
According to the seventh and eighth aspects of the present invention, before storing an image signal being processed in the storage means, it is determined whether or not the image signal is compressed and stored. Since the compression method or the compression ratio is controlled based on the content of the image processing to which the image signal has been applied, high-quality image reproduction with little image quality degradation can be performed.
[0083]
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of in-process images generated and accumulated in one image processing step are stored without being deleted even after the image processing job is completed, and the same image processing request is issued again. In such a case, an optimum image is extracted from the stored in-process images, and the remaining processing is performed, so that the efficiency and speed of the processing can be improved.
[0084]
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, hardware can be added, and all the processing can be performed in one process by adding the hardware, so that high functionality and high speed are required. It can respond to user needs.
[0085]
According to the eleventh aspect, when the operation of outputting the stored image signal to the re-input path is selected, the content of the image processing is sufficient to complete the processing within a predetermined time, and Since the optimization or addition of the processing content is controlled so as to obtain the highest image quality processing result, if the DSP has enough processing power in each processing turn, the processing in the processing turn is not performed. Optimization can be used to maximize the processing power.
[0086]
According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, when the operation of outputting the stored image signal to the re-input path is selected, the image processing means performs a process of identifying an image feature for one page before storing. When processing is performed on the image after accumulation by the image processing means, processing according to the identification result of the image feature is performed, so that it is difficult to realize ACS in the case of normal one-turn processing. (Auto Color Select) and other processes can be performed easily, contributing to higher image quality.
[0087]
According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, an external device image signal input from a network or an external device is stored in the storage means, and the stored image signal is output to a re-input path to output the external device image signal. Since the signals are processed, it is easy to store the image data from the network in the storage means. Further, there is a path for re-inputting the image data from the storage means to the preceding stage of the DSP. In addition, it is possible to easily process image data from a network.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of various modules stored in a ROM.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of module selection in a character mode.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of module selection in a text / photo mode.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of module selection in a photo mode.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating management of a processing module by a CPU.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a processing operation when a module is added;
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a processing operation when a module is added or replaced.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Image processing device
2 EEPROM
3 CPU
4 ROM
5 Image input means
6 DSP
7 RAM
8 Printer
9 NIC
10 storage means
11 Data communication network
12 servers
13 LAN
14 Scanner
15 MFP
16 Printer
26 Extended DSP
27 Second DSP

Claims (16)

Image processing means for performing image processing on an input image signal by an image processing element in accordance with an image processing program, storage means for storing an image signal output from the image processing means, and reading out of the image signal stored in the storage means An image processing apparatus comprising: a printer path for outputting to a subsequent stage; and a re-input path for reading out an image signal stored in a storage unit and re-inputting the image signal to the image processing unit. 2. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said selecting means selects a required image processing module based on the designated image processing mode, and said image processing module group selected by said selecting means executes image processing in the current image processing apparatus configuration. An image processing apparatus further comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether the processing is possible or not, and when the processing is not executable, a notification to that effect to a user. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects a required image processing module based on the designated image processing mode, and the image processing unit performs one of all processes of the image processing module group selected by the selection unit. Determining means for determining whether or not the image processing module group can be executed by one processing, and when the image processing means can execute all the processing of the image processing module group selected by the selecting means in one processing, When the stored image signal is output to the printer path and all the processing is performed by the image processing means, and it is impossible to execute the processing in one processing, the stored image signal is output to the re-input path. Output and divide the selected image processing module group into a plurality of groups, and rewrite the program corresponding to the grouped image processing modules each time. The performs processing a plurality of times, the image processing device and outputting to a printer path After predetermined processing is completed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing program is downloadable to the image processing apparatus by a communication unit. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, together with the image processing program, additional information including any of the number of instructions, the required number of FIFOs, the required number of registers, and version information can be simultaneously downloaded into the image processing apparatus by communication means. An image processing apparatus comprising: 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines whether image processing can be executed in the current image processing apparatus configuration, or the image processing unit determines whether processing can be executed in one process. An image processing apparatus which is performed based on information on a required number of instructions, a required number of FIFOs, and a required number of registers of a selected image processing module. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein before the image signal being processed is stored in said storage means, whether or not the image signal is compressed and stored, or what compression method or compression ratio is used. An image processing apparatus for controlling whether to perform the image processing based on the image processing content to which the image signal has been applied. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, when the image signal is stored in the storage means a plurality of times, the image signal having less compression deterioration is stored in the preceding stage. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of in-process images generated and accumulated in one image processing step are stored without being deleted even after completion of the image processing job, and When an image processing request for the same image is received again, an optimal image is extracted from the in-process images stored in the previous processing, and the remaining processing is performed. . The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein hardware can be added, and all the processing can be performed by one processing by adding the hardware. An image processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the operation of outputting the stored image signal to the re-input path is selected, the content of the image processing is sufficient to complete the processing within a predetermined time, and An image processing apparatus characterized in that optimization or addition of processing content is controlled so as to obtain a high-quality processing result. 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein when an operation of outputting the stored image signal to the re-input path is selected, the image processing means performs a process of identifying an image feature for one page before storing the image signal. An image processing apparatus characterized in that when an image is stored in an image by an image processing means, a process is performed in accordance with the identification result of the image feature. 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an external device image signal input from a network or an external device is stored in the storage unit, and the image signal stored in the storage unit is converted to an external device image signal. An image processing apparatus configured to process an external device image signal by outputting the image signal to a re-input path. A required image processing module is selected based on the designated image processing mode, and it is determined whether or not the image processing means can execute all the processing of the selected image processing module group in one processing. If the image processing means can execute all the processing of the processing module group in one processing, the stored image signal is output to the printer path, and all the processing is performed by the image processing means. If it is not possible, the stored image signals are output to the re-input path, the selected image processing modules are divided into a plurality of sets, and a program corresponding to the divided image processing modules is rewritten each time. An image processing method, wherein a process is performed a plurality of times by rewriting, and when a predetermined process is completed, the image is output to a printer pass. A required image processing module is selected based on the designated image processing mode, and it is determined whether or not the image processing means can execute all the processing of the selected image processing module group in one processing. If the image processing means can execute all the processing of the processing module group in one processing, the stored image signal is output to the printer path, and all the processing is performed by the image processing means. If it is not possible, the stored image signals are output to the re-input path, the selected image processing modules are divided into a plurality of sets, and a program corresponding to the divided image processing modules is rewritten each time. A program for causing a computer to execute processing in a plurality of times by rewriting, and to output to a printer path when predetermined processing is completed. . A required image processing module is selected based on the designated image processing mode, and it is determined whether or not the image processing means can execute all the processing of the selected image processing module group in one processing. If the image processing means can execute all the processing of the processing module group in one processing, the stored image signal is output to the printer path, and all the processing is performed by the image processing means. If it is not possible, the stored image signals are output to the re-input path, the selected image processing modules are divided into a plurality of sets, and a program corresponding to the divided image processing modules is rewritten each time. A program for causing a computer to execute processing that is divided into a plurality of times by rewriting and output to a printer path when predetermined processing is completed. A computer-readable recording medium.

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