JP2004167755A - Image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize image recording in which toner consumption is reduced while sustaining required recognizability and/or readability. <P>SOLUTION: In an image processor for realizing printing in toner saving mode, a printer language analyzing section 204 generates bit map data 208 and identification information 209 indicative of the position of an object of specified attribute in a bit map image. Based on the identification information 209, an image processing section 205 applies different conversion characteristics to the object of specified attribute and other objects, and converts the bit map data 208 to obtain bit map data 210. A printer section 206 forms an image using the bit map data 210 thus obtained. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing technique when printing and outputting while saving toner consumption.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in offices and copy shops, color and monochrome multifunction peripherals have been increasingly installed. A multifunction device has a plurality of functions such as a copying function, a printing function, and a facsimile function. By purchasing one such multifunction device, all of the above functions can be used, and by connecting to a network, a plurality of users can use these functions via a plurality of host computers. Become.
[0003]
However, the running cost of the color MFP is high. One of the causes is consumption of toner. For this reason, in the case where the department management of the color multifunction peripheral is strict, there is a situation in which the user cannot output the test output to check the configuration of the output product.
[0004]
Therefore, such a multifunction peripheral is often equipped with a function for reducing the amount of toner consumed in the printing function of the multifunction peripheral in order to reduce the running cost. Particularly in the case of a color multifunction peripheral having a high running cost, such a toner saving function is an effective function. Further, the usefulness of such a toner saving function is not limited to a multifunction device, but also applies to a printer which is a single function device.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when printing is performed using the toner saving function, the amount of consumed toner is reduced, but decoding may not be possible due to the small amount of applied toner. There is no point in printing out if you can't decipher it. In addition, in order to obtain a readable output, it is necessary to increase the amount of applied toner in the entire image, that is, to increase the amount of consumed toner. Is a story that is not thankful.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to enable image recording with reduced toner consumption while maintaining necessary recognition and / or readability.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An image processing method according to the present invention for achieving the above object,
An image processing method for printing in a toner-saving mode,
A bitmap image, and a generating step of generating identification information indicating a position of an object having a predetermined attribute in the bitmap image;
Based on the identification information, applying a different conversion characteristics between the object of the predetermined attribute and other objects, a conversion step of converting the bitmap image,
An output step of outputting the bitmap image converted in the conversion step.
[0008]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0009]
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the data processing system according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numerals 101 and 102 denote host computers, and reference numeral 103 denotes a color MFP. A network 104 connects the host computers 101 and 102 and the color MFP 103. The color MFP 103 has a plurality of functions such as a copying function, a printing function, and a facsimile function, and at least some of these functions can be used by the host computers 101 and 102 connected via the network 104. I have.
[0010]
In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a color multifunction peripheral will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is applied to a single-function device such as a (color or monochrome) printer. It is also possible.
[0011]
In the multifunction peripheral 103 according to the first embodiment, when printing out using the toner saving function, a predetermined object in a document consumes a larger amount of toner than other objects. In particular, in the first embodiment, a black character portion is set as such a predetermined object. That is, in the black character portion of the output image, the printout is performed so that the black character portion is not so thin even in the toner saving mode, so that it is possible to maintain the legibility of the black character which is often present in the document.
[0012]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the print output function according to the first embodiment. When using the print function of the color MFP 103, the user creates a document file using application software on the host computer 101 or 102 (hereinafter, represented by the host computer 101). The created document file is transmitted to the color MFP 103 as a print job 207 via the printer driver 202 on the host computer 101.
[0013]
The print job 207 transmitted to the color MFP 103 is expanded by the printer language analysis unit 204 in the color MFP 103 and converted into bitmap data 208. In the case of the toner saving mode, identification information 209 (which will be described later in detail) indicating whether or not each pixel of the bitmap data 208 belongs to an object having a predetermined attribute (in the present embodiment, whether or not the object is a black character). Generated. When the toner saving mode is set, the image processing unit 205 changes the pixel value of the bitmap data 208 for the toner saving mode with reference to the identification information 209.
[0014]
Here, when the toner saving mode is set, the image processing unit 205 refers to the LUT for converting each pixel value to a value suitable for toner saving printing, and refers to the gradation of the bitmap data 208. Decrease the value. The LUT referred at this time is switched based on the identification information 209. The bitmap data 210 obtained by converting the bitmap data 208 in this manner is transmitted to the printer unit 206, and the printout 211 is printed out.
[0015]
Hereinafter, the toner-saving printing operation according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[0016]
<Create print job by host computer>
FIG. 3 shows an example of a printer driver menu displayed on the host computer 101 screen. The printer driver 202 displays a menu as shown in FIG. 3 on a display of the host computer. To use the toner saving mode, the user selects the toner saving mode “ON” button 31 in the printer driver menu 30 shown on the screen of the host computer 101 shown in FIG. 3 and shown in FIG. When such settings are made, the printer driver 202 on the host computer 101 selects the toner saving mode when generating the print job 207. When the toner saving mode is not used, the “OFF” button 32 of the toner saving mode is selected in the printer driver menu 30 displayed on the screen of the host computer 101.
[0017]
(Print job generation)
When a print button 33 in the printer driver menu 30 is clicked, the printer driver 202 on the host computer 201 creates a print job 207 corresponding to each printer language. If “ON” of the toner saving mode is set in the printer driver menu 30 shown in FIG. 3, a description of the toner saving mode: ON is added to the print job 207. The print job 207 created in this manner is transmitted to each printer language analysis unit 204 in the color MFP 103.
[0018]
<Operation of Color MFP 103>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a printing operation performed by the color MFP 103. This process is started when the print job 207 is received from the host computer 101. Upon receiving the print job 207, the printer language analysis unit 204 generates bitmap data 208 (step S401). Further, the printer language analysis unit 204 checks whether the print job 207 has a toner save mode ON description. If the toner save mode is ON, the printer language analysis unit 204 identifies pixels belonging to an object having a predetermined attribute (black characters). The identification information is generated (S402, S403). Thus, the bitmap data 208 and the identification information 209 are supplied to the image processing unit 205. The image processing unit 205 refers to the identification information 209 and converts bitmap data into data for a toner-saving mode using different LUTs for pixels belonging to an object having a predetermined attribute and other pixels.
[0019]
The bitmap data converted for toner saving is provided to the printer unit 206 and printed out. On the other hand, if the toner save mode ON is not described in the display list 207, the process proceeds from step S402 to step S405, and printout is performed using the bitmap data generated based on the print job 207 as it is.
Hereinafter, the operation of each unit will be described in more detail.
[0020]
(Printer language analysis unit 204 (steps S401 to S403))
Upon receiving the print job 207 generated by the printer driver 202 on the host computer 101, the printer language analysis unit 204 in the multifunction peripheral 103 analyzes the print job 207 and creates bitmap data 208 (S401). At this time, the object included in the bitmap data 208 is identified. The objects refer to a text portion, an image portion, and a graphic portion, and can be identified in a process of analyzing the print job 207.
[0021]
When the toner saving mode is selected by the printer driver 202 (that is, when the print job 207 includes a description of the toner saving mode ON), the printer language analysis unit 204 determines the text part and further prints in black. , Cyan, magenta, and yellow. Then, identification information 209 is created to distinguish the text-designated and black-printed object from other objects (S402, S403). More specifically, the identification information 209 is, for example, a bitmap that indicates whether each pixel belongs to a text part and an object designated for printing in black or another object. The bitmap data 208 and the identification information 209 thus created are transmitted to the print image processing unit 205 in the color MFP 203.
[0022]
(Image processing unit 205 (step S404))
In the case of the toner saving mode, the image processing unit 205 receives the bitmap data 208 and the identification information 209, switches the LUT while referring to the identification information 209, and converts the bitmap data 208 into the toner saving mode bitmap data. Convert to 210.
[0023]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the image processing unit 205 in the color MFP 103. When the toner save mode is “ON”, the identification information 209 describes a text portion and a portion designated as black. When converting each pixel of the bitmap data 31 into a pixel value for the toner-saving mode, the image processing unit 205 keeps the applied amount of toner at a visible level for the text portion and the black designation portion of the bitmap data 208. The pixel value is converted using the lookup table A303. The look-up table A303 reduces the toner consumption compared to normal printing, but the reduction is suppressed to a legible level. On the other hand, for the other portions (color character portion, graphic portion, and image portion), the pixel value is converted by using the lookup table B302 that minimizes the amount of consumed toner.
[0024]
As described above, in the bitmap image 301, the lookup table A303 and the lookup table B302 are selectively used according to the attribute of the object, and the bitmap image 304 is generated. Thereafter, necessary image forming processing is performed, and bitmap data 210 is generated and transmitted to the printer unit 206 in the color MFP 103.
[0025]
(Printer 206 (S405))
The printer 206 in the color multifunction peripheral 203 that has received the bitmap data 210 prints out a printout 211 according to the bitmap data 210.
[0026]
As described above, according to the image processing method for realizing printing in the toner-saving mode in the first embodiment, a bitmap image is generated and the position of an object having a predetermined attribute in the bitmap image is indicated. Identification information is generated. Then, based on the identification information, different conversion characteristics are applied between the object having the predetermined attribute and another object, the bitmap image is converted, and the converted bitmap image is output for printing. With this configuration, the amount of toner reduction in the toner saving mode can be controlled for each object according to the attribute, and toner saving mode printing that maintains legibility and recognition can be realized.
[0027]
More specifically, the conversion step includes a first conversion process (for example, a process using the LUT 303) having a first conversion characteristic for realizing the toner saving mode, and the first conversion process for realizing the toner saving mode. 1 has a second conversion process (for example, a process using the LUT 302) that is different from the first conversion characteristic. The first conversion process is applied to an object having a predetermined attribute (for example, a character portion designated as black), Apply the second conversion process. More specifically, the predetermined attribute is a black character portion, and the first conversion process is a conversion in which the degree of reduction of the recording material is smaller than that of the second conversion process.
[0028]
In the above embodiment, the application of the printer to the toner saving mode has been described, so that the bitmap image and the identification information are generated based on the print job. However, the toner saving mode printing of the present invention can also be applied to a copying function or the like. However, when applied to the copy function, a known area division process is applied to a bitmap image obtained by optically reading an original to extract a text area, a graphic area, and the like, and to obtain a predetermined attribute. The identification information indicating the position of the object will be generated.
[0029]
[Second embodiment]
In the first embodiment, a character portion designated as black is selected, the pixel value of a pixel belonging to the selected character portion is converted using a lookup table A303, and the pixel value of another pixel is converted using a lookup table B302. However, the selection for switching the LUT is not limited to black characters designated as black. In the second embodiment, the switching of the LUT is controlled by selecting not only the black designation but also all character portions.
[0030]
The system configuration and the like of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5). FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a printing operation by the color MFP according to the second embodiment.
[0031]
Upon receiving the print job 207 generated by the printer driver 202 on the host computer 101, the printer language analysis unit 204 in the color MFP 103 analyzes the print job 207 and creates bitmap data 208 (step S401). At this time, an object included in the bitmap data 208 is identified. An object refers to a text part, an image part, and a graphic part. Then, when the toner saving mode is selected by the printer driver 202, the printer language analysis unit 204 determines a text part from the identified objects. Then, identification information 209 for distinguishing the object in the text part from other objects is created (steps S402 and S601). The created bitmap data 208 and identification information 209 are transmitted to the image processing unit 205 in the color MFP 103.
[0032]
In the case of the toner saving mode, the image processing unit 205 controls the switching of the LUT with reference to the identification information 209 and converts the bitmap data 208 for the toner saving mode. That is, in the case of a text portion, a look-up table A303 is employed in which the amount of applied toner is kept at a visible level regardless of the color. For other image portions and graphic portions, the amount of consumed toner is reduced. The look-up table B302 to be minimized is adopted (S404).
[0033]
The subsequent flow is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0034]
As described above, according to the image processing method for realizing printing in the toner-saving mode of the second embodiment, the identification information indicating the position of the object having the character portion attribute is generated, and In the conversion, the conversion is performed such that the degree of reduction of the recording material in the character portion is smaller than that of the other objects. Regardless of black or color, legibility of characters can be improved.
[0035]
[Third embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, objects having predetermined fixed attributes are selected. However, the user may be allowed to specify an attribute to be selected. In the third embodiment, such a configuration will be described.
[0036]
The system configuration and the like of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1, 2, and 5). FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a printing operation by the color multifunction peripheral according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 shows an example of a printer driver menu displayed on the host computer screen in the third embodiment.
[0037]
The printer driver 202 displays a printer driver menu 80 as shown in FIG. This printer driver menu 80 is displayed, for example, when ON of the toner saving mode is selected in the printer driver menu 30 shown in FIG. By using the printer driver menu 80, the user can select an object for which the toner saving function is desired to be reduced by operating the buttons 81 to 83. The ON of the toner saving mode and the selection of the object for which the toner saving function is desired to be reduced are described in the print job 207 and notified to the printer.
[0038]
Upon receiving the print job 207 generated as described above, the printer language analysis unit 204 in the color MFP 103 analyzes the print job 207 and creates bitmap data 208 (step S401). At this time, an object included in the bitmap 208 is identified. An object refers to a text part, an image part, and a graphic part. When the toner saving mode is selected by the printer driver 202, the printer language analysis unit 204 selects an object selected by the user from the identified objects. For example, as shown in the menu of FIG. 8, when a character portion and an image portion are selected, a bitmap for distinguishing pixels belonging to the character portion and the image portion is generated as the identification information 209 (S402). , S702).
[0039]
The bitmap data 208 and identification information 209 created as described above are transmitted to the print image processing unit 205 in the color MFP 103. As a result, if the object is selected by the user, the look-up table A303 in which the amount of applied toner is maintained at a visible level is adopted, and the other image portions and graphic portions are used to maximize the amount of consumed toner. The suppression lookup table B302 is employed to generate the bitmap data 210 for the toner-saving mode. The subsequent flow is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0040]
As described above, according to each of the above-described embodiments, in the toner saving mode, the amount of toner reduction for an object having a predetermined attribute is suppressed, so that necessary objects can be kept relatively clear. For example, according to the first embodiment, black characters that are frequently used in a general document can be reduced by reducing the amount of toner consumption that can be read by a human, and the remaining objects can be reduced as much as possible. , The user can read what is written on the output, and reduce the amount of toner consumed. That is, when printing is performed in the toner-saving mode for the purpose of saving toner consumption, it is possible to solve the problem that legibility is impaired if the consumption toner amount is reduced for all objects in the document.
[0041]
Further, as in the second embodiment, the toner consumption is not limited to black characters, but can be adapted so that the entire character portion can be read. Further, according to the third embodiment, an environment for designating a desired attribute is provided to the user, and the degree of toner saving is changed between the object having the designated attribute and other objects. This is convenient because an object that maintains recognizability can be set according to a user's request.
[0042]
In the above-described embodiment, the host computer specifies the toner saving mode and the attribute for suppressing the toner reduction amount. However, the printer may perform the specification. In this case, there is no need to describe the toner save mode ON or OFF or the designated attribute in the print job 207.
[0043]
Note that the above bitmap data generation processing can be performed by a printer driver in the host computer. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus to store the storage medium in the storage medium. This is also achieved by reading and executing the stored program code.
[0044]
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.
[0045]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, and the like can be used.
[0046]
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0047]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided on a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0048]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform image recording with reduced toner consumption while maintaining necessary recognizability and / or readability.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a data processing system according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a print output function according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printer driver menu displayed on a screen of a host computer 101.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a printing operation performed by the color MFP according to the first exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an image processing unit 205 in the color MFP 103.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a printing operation performed by the color multifunction peripheral 103 according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a printing operation performed by the color MFP according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printer driver menu displayed on a host computer screen according to a third embodiment.

Claims (1)

An image processing method for printing in a toner-saving mode,
A bitmap image, and a generating step of generating identification information indicating a position of an object having a predetermined attribute in the bitmap image;
A conversion step of converting the bitmap image by applying different conversion characteristics between the object having the predetermined attribute and another object based on the identification information,
An output step of outputting the bitmap image converted in the conversion step.

Images