JP2005086726A - Image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten an image transfer processing time by selectively using two communication routes, i.e., a command communication path and an image communication path when an image is transferred, properly using each video data signal line in response to the number of jobs under processing among the four Video data signal lines being the image communication path, and enabling the parallel processing of the image transfer of the job. <P>SOLUTION: An image processing system changes-over the communication path when image data of an original inputted from an image reading part is transmitted from an image processing controller to an image generating controller on the basis of whether the image data is transmitted from the image generating controller to the image processing controller. The four image data communication paths are utilized when the image data of the original inputted from the image reading part is transmitted from the image processing controller to the image generating controller on the basis of the kind of the image data transmitted from the image generating controller to the image processing controller. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system such as a network printer, and more particularly to a system for forming an image on a paper medium by a PDL print job described in a page description language (PDL).

  The present invention also provides an image processing controller unit and an image generation controller unit that input image data from the image reading unit and store the image data in its storage means, and then output it to a host device, or an image generation controller unit and an image processing controller. The present invention relates to an image processing system that performs processing such as outputting image data input from an image reading device to an image forming unit, an image processing method thereof, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the control program. .

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus and an image reading apparatus are connected to an image processing controller connected by a command I / F for exchanging commands with a PDL controller and a video I / F for exchanging image data. A connected image processing system has been used (for example, Patent Document 1).

  The PDL controller analyzes the received PDL job from a host computer connected via a network or the like, forms a raster image, and constructs the image processing controller based on the analysis result via the command I / F. A command sequence is sent, and then image data is sent via the Video I / F.

  The image processing controller activates the image forming unit based on the received command sequence and image data, forms an image on a paper medium, and outputs the image outside the apparatus.

Also, it is called an image reading device such as a scanner that reads image data of a document, an image forming device such as a printer that forms (prints) an image on paper based on the image data, and a controller that is connected to these and processes image data. An image processing system comprising an image processing device and a host device such as a host computer using the image processing device, and as described above, image data is input from the image reading device to the image processing device and stored in the storage means. An image processing system is provided that performs processing such as output (transfer) to a host device after storage or generation of image data input from an image reading device and output to an image forming device in the image processing device. Yes. In this system, the image reading apparatus and the image forming apparatus may be configured integrally as a copying machine, and the image processing apparatus may be configured integrally therewith. A plurality of host apparatuses are connected to the image processing apparatus via a network such as a LAN.
JP-A-6-214918

  However, in this conventional image processing system, the Video I / F that is an image transfer path is occupied regardless of the type of job to be processed such as a scan job or a print job. Therefore, if there is a scan job and a print job at the same time, image data transfer cannot be performed at the same time, and image data transfer for the next job must be performed until image data transfer for the job being processed is completed. I can't.

  In addition, RGB image data input from the image reading device is transmitted to the Video I / F, which is four image transfer paths of YMCK, through three video data signal lines, or transmitted only through the command communication path. Therefore, it cannot be said that efficient image data transfer processing is performed.

The present invention has been made in view of this problem,
It is possible to selectively use two communication paths, a command communication path and an image communication path, for image transfer, image transfer of two (or more) types of different jobs can be performed in parallel, and image transfer processing time The purpose is to improve the processing efficiency of the image processing controller and the image generation controller.

  In addition, by using all four video data signal lines (YMCK) that are image communication paths for image transfer, each video data signal line (YMCK) is properly used according to the number of jobs, and image transfer of jobs is performed. The purpose is to enable parallel processing, shorten the image transfer processing time, and improve the processing efficiency of the image processing controller and the image generation controller.

  And by reducing the processing load related to the image data transfer of the image processing controller and the image generation controller, it is possible to quickly process both the print job and the scan job in the waiting state, There is an effect that the processing of the image generation controller is made efficient.

In view of the above problems, in the image processing system of the present invention,
An image reading unit that reads image data of a document, an image generation controller that generates raster image data of an image according to an instruction from a host computer, an image forming unit that forms an image on a paper medium, and the image forming unit And an image processing controller that sends image data at a timing requested by the image forming unit, and at least two or more data and / or command communication paths are provided between the image generation controller and the image processing controller. The image forming system includes four image data communication paths (YMCK) and command communication paths between the image processing controller section and the image generation controller section.

  In addition, at least one of the two or more communication paths is a bidirectional command communication path that mainly transmits and receives commands and statuses for notifying each other's state, and at least another of the two or more communication paths. One is characterized in that it is an image data communication channel that mainly transmits the generated raster image data.

  Further, depending on whether image data is sent from the image generation controller unit to the image processing controller unit, the image data (RGB) of the document input from the image reading unit is transferred from the image processing controller unit to the image generation controller unit. When transmitting to, the communication path is switched.

  Further, when YMCK full-color image data is sent from the image generation controller unit to the image processing controller unit using an image data communication channel (YMCK), image data (RGB) of a document input from the image reading unit Is transmitted from the image processing controller unit to the image generation controller unit, RGB image data is transmitted using a command communication path.

  Further, depending on the type of image data sent from the image generation controller unit to the image processing controller unit, image data of the document input from the image reading unit is transmitted from the image processing controller unit to the image generation controller unit. In this case, the method of using the four image data communication paths (YMCK) is switched.

  In the above, when there is no image data to be sent from the image generation controller unit to the image processing controller unit, the image data of the document input from the image reading unit is transferred from the image processing controller unit to the image generation controller unit. When transmitting, RGB image data is transmitted in units of one page in the order of R, G, and B using four image data communication paths (YMCK).

  In the above description, when image data of a document input from the image reading unit is transmitted from the image processing controller unit to the image generation controller unit, RGB image data is converted using four image data communication paths (YMCK). It is characterized in that four lines for each color are transmitted simultaneously.

  In the above, when only K image data is sent from the image generation controller unit to the image processing controller unit, the image data of the document input from the image reading unit is transferred from the image processing controller unit to the image generation controller. When transmitting to the unit, RGB image data is transmitted through the CMY image data communication path using four image data communication paths (YMCK).

(Example 1)
Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an image forming system used in this embodiment.

[Description of image processing system configuration]
The image processing controller 10 is controlled by the CPU 101 and includes an HDD 104 and a memory (not shown). A network I / F unit 102 and a video I / F unit 103 are provided, and are connected to the PDL controller via these. Further, it is connected to an image reading unit (scanner) 12 and an image forming unit (printer) 13 via an I / F (not shown). In addition, a user I / F unit including a key and a liquid crystal display (not shown) is provided.

  The I / F to the image forming unit 13 and the image reading unit 12 is dedicated and includes a control signal line and a video data signal line. The video data signal line is a signal line for transmitting or receiving image data, and the control signal line is for transmitting / receiving timing control of video data and transmitting various control commands to the image reading unit or the image forming unit. This is a signal line.

  The image reading unit 12 includes a CCD, can read an image of a document set on a document table, generate electronic data of a raster image, and send it to an image processing controller. Depending on the configuration, a DF (Automatic Document Feeder) may be provided to continuously read images of a plurality of documents.

  The image forming unit 13 includes a print engine such as a laser beam printer, and can form image data sent from the image processing controller 10 on a paper medium and output the image data to the outside of the apparatus. Depending on the configuration, it is also possible to provide a plurality of paper feed stages, select a plurality of different sizes and types of media, feed them, and form an image. Further, depending on the configuration, it is possible to provide a specific finishing apparatus, sort a plurality of output originals, and perform booklet-type saddle binding.

  The image processing controller 10 can perform processing such as compressing the received image, storing it in the HDD 104, rotating it in a desired direction, and enlarging or reducing it to a desired size. Also performs color adjustment such as smoothing and calibration. The image processing controller also includes a memory (not shown), and is also used as a work area for performing these processes. These processes are mainly performed by software by a program stored in a ROM (not shown) or HDD 104 that runs on the CPU 101, but some image processing is hardwareized and a hardware image processing unit is provided for speeding up. It is of course possible to do so. In addition, a video I / F unit 103 for receiving raster image data from the PDL controller and a network I / F 102 for exchanging commands and statuses are provided.

  Further, the image data (RGB) input from the image reading unit 12 is transmitted to the PDL controller 11 via the video I / F unit 103 or the network I / F 102 for exchanging commands and statuses. Is also possible.

  The PDL controller 11 is controlled by a program that runs on the CPU 111. An external I / F (not shown) is provided, and a print job described in a page description language (PDL) is received from a host computer or the like via the external I / F. Based on the received PDL job, a print job sequence is assembled, an image is developed, and the print job is started. In response to a command from the host computer or the like, it is also possible to send a document reading command to the image processing controller and execute a scan job for sending the sent image data (RGB) to the host computer or the like. The network I / F unit 112 is an I / F for mainly exchanging commands and status with the image processing controller, and the Video I / F unit 113 is an I / F for transmitting an image to be printed to the image processing controller. It is. The memory 214 is also used as a work area for program operation and a frame buffer for temporarily storing the developed image. In addition, an HDD (not shown) is provided, which is used to store an OS, a program, job data, and a developed image.

[Description of copy and scan operations]
In the system including the image processing controller 10, the image reading unit 12, and the image forming apparatus 13 in FIG. 1, a copying operation and a scanning operation can be performed. When a user issues a copy operation start command in a user I / F unit (not shown), the image processing controller 10 first generates a copy job sequence in accordance with a preset copy mode such as finishing or color mode. .

  First, an image reading command is issued to the image reading unit 12, the image data is read from a document set on a document table (not shown) of the image reading unit, and the read image data is temporarily stored in a frame in the HDD 104 or the memory. Store in buffer.

  In the case of copying, next, a print start command is issued to the image forming unit 13 and stored in the HDD 104 or the frame buffer in the order of images based on the copy job sequence in accordance with the image destination signal sent from the image forming unit. The image data that is being sent is transmitted.

  At this time, if the finishing operation is designated by the user I / F (not shown), the CPU 101 designates the finishing operation mode in accordance with the print start command. The image forming unit 13 starts an operation in accordance with the mode designation, sequentially forms the sent images on a paper medium, and outputs them to the finisher. In Finisher, according to the designated Finishing mode, operations such as stapling and bin feeding are performed for each specific number of sheets, and the Finishing operation is executed.

  When the image reading unit 12 includes a DF (not shown), a plurality of originals set in the DF can be continuously read one by one. The reading interval for each sheet at this time can be specified by a program operating on the CPU 101 in accordance with the configuration of the image processing controller 10. For example, when the image processing controller has an HDD 104 or a memory having a sufficient capacity, all originals are once read and stored, and then one image at a time in the desired order in accordance with a form such as Finishing in the image forming unit. Data may be sent, and if there is not enough capacity or if you want to shorten the time until the first one is output, start the image forming unit in parallel with the start of image reading. Each time one image is read, the image may be output in accordance with the image destination timing of the image forming unit.

  In addition, in order to eliminate a mismatch between the size of the read image and the size and direction of the paper on which the image is formed, a sequence is formed so that the image is output to the image forming unit 13 after performing processing such as enlargement / reduction and rotation. Is also possible.

  In the case of scanning, the scanned image data is temporarily stored in the HDD 104 or the frame buffer in the memory, and then passed through the video I / F unit 103 or the network I / F 102 for exchanging commands and statuses. To the PDL controller 11.

  When the image reading unit 12 includes a DF (not shown), a plurality of originals set in the DF can be continuously read one by one. The reading interval for each sheet at this time can be specified by a program operating on the CPU 101 in accordance with the configuration of the image processing controller 10. For example, when the image processing controller has an HDD 104 or a memory with a sufficient capacity, all the originals may be read and stored once, and then sent to the PDL controller 11 or when there is not enough capacity If it is desired to shorten the time until the first sheet is output, it may be transmitted to the PDL controller 11 every time an image is read in parallel with the start of image reading.

[Description of I / F between Printer and Image Processing Controller]
The image forming unit 13 in this embodiment can receive a color multi-value image signal and a monochrome binary image signal as an input image. It is also possible to receive a TAG signal for each pixel.

  In the case of a color multi-valued image, a 32-bit signal in total of 8 bits for each color of YMCK is received per pixel. The pixel clock at that time is capable of forming a 600 dpi image in accordance with the image forming speed. That is, in the case of color, image formation of 600 dpi is fundamental, but when a TAG signal is attached to a specific pixel, the gradation is improved by reducing the resolution at 300 dpi with two adjacent pixels as a set unit. Thus, it is possible to form an image. That is, the TAG signal can be distinguished from the character area as a signal representing the area of the photographic image, and good image formation suitable for the characteristics can be performed for each area. As the hard signal lines, there are a total of six signal lines of 8 bits × 4 (YMCK) and 2 bits × 1 for TAG. Of course, there are also control signal lines. These signal lines may be parallel signal lines, but it is possible to virtually realize 6 + α signal lines by using high-speed serial lines and drivers at both ends.

  In contrast, in the case of a monochrome binary image, a 1-bit signal is received per pixel. The image clock at this time is capable of image formation at 1200 dpi. Since it is a black and white binary image, processing such as dithering that provides gradation in the photographic area has already been performed by the host device, that is, the image processing controller or PDL controller, so it is necessary to change the processing by the TAG bit. Absent. It is not necessary to have the hardware signal lines independently, and the same signal lines as those in the case of the color multi-value can be shared. For example, in the monochrome binary mode, a 1-bit TAG signal line can be used as an image signal line, and can be operated as a double speed clock (4 times the speed when combined with sub-operations), or 4 bits of each least significant 1 bit of YMCK May be extracted as image information of a clock corresponding to 1200 dpi by using the 600 dpi clock as it is.

  Of course, in addition to these, for example, a monochrome multi-value 8-bit × 1 color mode can be implemented. In this case, of the YMCK signal lines, only K may be used and the TAG bit may also be used.

[Description of I / F Between Image Reading Apparatus and Image Processing Controller]
The image reading unit 12 in this embodiment can receive a color multi-value image signal and a monochrome binary image signal as an output image.

  A total of 24-bit signals of 8 bits for each color of RGB are received per pixel. The pixel clock at that time is capable of forming a 600 dpi image in accordance with the image forming speed. In the case of color, the image formation is basically 600 dpi. As the hard signal lines, there are 8 bit × 3 (RGB) signal lines.

[Description of I / F between PDL Controller and Image Processing Controller]
In the present embodiment, the first I / F between the PDL controller and the image processing controller is a network I / F using an Ether net. It mainly exchanges commands such as a print command and mode designation between the controllers, and status information such as whether the image forming unit and the image reading unit are Ready or an error has occurred. Of course, a configuration using a serial line such as RS232C, USB, or IEEE1394 or a parallel line such as Centro I / F may be used instead of the Ether net.

  The second I / F is a Video I / F that transfers image data as shown in FIG. This I / F is an 8-bit signal for each YMCK, a 2-bit TAG bit signal line representing the nature of the image area, a pixel clock (VCLK) representing the pixel unit of the signal, and a Line enable signal representing the separation for each line. The signal lines (VLD_N) are logically sent in parallel.

  The network I / F is a general-purpose Ether net I / F, and the amount of information that can be sent at one time is relatively small, and is a relatively low-speed I / F. However, a general-purpose protocol such as TCP / IP is used, and a multi-channel configuration is possible in which a plurality of addresses and ports are set and a plurality of types of information are exchanged at a time. In the system of this embodiment, the network I / F has ports for different purposes such as a print port, a management port, and an event port as separate channels in parallel.

  On the other hand, the Video I / F is designed for exclusive use in consideration of the system performance and can transfer data at a sufficiently high speed. In addition, four (YMCK) image data can be sent at a time.

  Also, when transmitting image data (RGB) input from the image reading unit 12 to the PDL controller 11, R is assigned to Y, G is assigned to M, and B is assigned to C for four (YMCK) Video signal lines. It is also possible to simultaneously send four lines of the same color to a method of sending image data or a YMCK Video signal line.

  When four (YMCK) Video signal lines are used for image data transfer of a print job, it is also possible to compress and send the RGB image to the network I / F 102 for exchanging commands and status.

[Description of print operation flow]
First, the PDL controller 11 receives a print job from a host computer via an external I / F (not shown) such as a network I / F, USB, or IEEE1394. A print job is a PDL job format written in a so-called page description language (PDL) such as PS, PCL, or LIPS, and is generated via a print driver from an application program running on a host computer or the like. Is. That is, the PDL job includes information required for constructing a sequence such as the paper size and media required for each page, double-sided / single-sided designation, color mode, and finishing (mode designation) and the PDL format of each page. I have image data together.

  Then, the PDL controller 11 extracts the mode designation from the received PDL job, analyzes and analyzes how many sheets are fed from which paper feed stage including finishing and double-sided processing, and to which paper discharge stage. Alternatively, a series of job sequences such as the number of sheets to be switched on the way is assembled.

  At the same time, the image data portion in the PDL job is taken out and developed into raster image data as a bitmap image in a frame buffer area on the memory. The expanded image data is compressed and temporarily stored in a memory or HDD. This is done for all pages of the job.

  First, the image processing controller is notified via the print port in the form of a command sequence for realizing the constructed job sequence. The image processing controller prepares for image reception in the Video I / F unit based on the received job sequence. When the preparation is completed, the PDL controller is notified via the print port that preparation for image reception has been completed.

  When it is confirmed that the image processing controller is ready to accept images, the PDL controller uses the Video I / F unit to transfer the image data to the image processing controller in synchronization with control signals such as an image clock and line enable.

  The transfer process is performed for each page, and transfer Start and End commands are exchanged at the print port for each page. If for some reason the processing of the image processing controller cannot keep up with the transfer rate, the image processing controller notifies the PDL controller that reception has failed and requests retransmission of the image data on the same page.

  After confirming the image transfer of all pages, the print processing of the PDL controller is completed. Of course, the above is an example, and image data expansion and image data transfer are performed between command transmissions while performing command sequence transmission processing at the time when one or more pages of image expansion and storage processing have been completed. It is also possible to perform these processes in parallel.

  The image data sent from the PDL controller 11 to the image processing controller 10 is temporarily stored in the HDD or memory. At this time, it waits until all pages are received by setting the finishing of the print sequence sent in advance or other various modes, or activates the image forming unit when one or more pages are received depending on the mode. .

  When starting up the image forming unit, a mode such as a paper feed stage, double-sided printing, or finishing is specified based on the job sequence sent from the PDL controller, and the image data is converted into image data in the order of pages required by the operation of the image forming apparatus. Related page information is placed in an internal queue on a memory (not shown). At this time, at least the first image data to be transmitted is developed in a frame buffer on the memory, and the image data stored in the remaining HDD is sequentially transferred from the HDD to the memory as soon as the frame buffer is available. To.

  Then, in synchronization with the image destination signal from the image forming unit, the image data is sent to the image forming unit in the order of the queued page information. The image forming unit forms an image for each page that is sent on a medium in a designated paper feed stage, performs a designated finish, and discharges the image outside the apparatus.

[Explanation of scan operation flow]
When the PDL controller 11 issues a scan job start instruction to the image processing controller 10, two methods are provided. One is to receive a scan job start command from the host computer via an external I / F (not shown) such as a network I / F, USB, or IEEE1394. The other is that a scan job start command is received by a user pressing a button from an operation panel (not shown) provided in the image reading unit 12 or the image forming unit 13.

  At this time, the PDL controller 11 sends various settings such as a color mode, a paper size, and an image data storage location to the image processing controller 10 simultaneously with the received scan job start command. Based on these settings, the image processing controller 10 causes the image reading unit 12 to start a scanning operation.

  The image reading unit 12 reads image data from a document set on a document table (not shown), and temporarily stores the read RGB image data in the HDD 104 or a frame buffer in the memory.

  The PDL controller 11 determines whether the read RGB image data is in the designated storage location, and if it exists, acquires the RGB image data via the Video I / F unit or the network I / F unit.

  When acquiring RGB image data via the Video I / F unit, the PDL controller acquires RGB image data in synchronization with a control signal such as an image clock or a Line enable in the Video I / F unit.

  The transfer process is performed for each page, and transfer Start and End commands are exchanged in the Video I / F unit for each page. After confirming the image transfer of all pages, the scanning process of the PDL controller is completed.

  When acquiring RGB image data via the network I / F unit, the PDL controller performs transfer processing for each page, and exchanges Start and End commands for each page.

[Raster data generated by the PDL controller]
The PDL controller in the present embodiment can generate two types of raster data, a color multi-value image and a monochrome binary image. The type of image to be generated is based on the designation from the driver on the host computer, but if not designated, it follows the default setting designated in advance in the PDL controller.

  If the original PDL data to be developed is monochrome multi-value, or if the original is multi-color, but the designation in the driver is monochrome, the developed monochrome multi-value image is converted to a monochrome binary image. To do. At this time, the multi-value image is converted into a binary image by dithering or the like. In the case of the present embodiment, in the case of black and white binary, the expansion is performed at 1200 dpi. Therefore, the smoothing process is performed on the character and graphic areas from 600 dpi to 1200 dpi to smooth edges and the like. At the time of development, based on the description in the PDL language, it is possible to determine whether the specific area of the image is a character / graphic or an original bitmap image such as a photograph. The image processing controller stores these pieces of information together as region information when developing into a raster image. Thus, it can be used for smoothing processing in the case of the above-described black and white binary, and generation of a TAG signal for the image processing controller.

[Transfer images for black and white binary]
When the image sent from the PDL controller to the image processing controller is a color multi-valued image, (8 bits × 4 (YMCK) +2 bits (TAG)) × one page of data corresponding to the number of pixels is an image per page. It becomes the amount of data. However, in the case of monochrome binary, the number of pixels is 1 bit × 1 page, and in this embodiment, monochrome is 1200 dpi for color 600 dpi, so the data amount is about 1/8 or less.

[Description of Transfer of Scanned Image to PDL Controller 11]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing scan image transfer processing to the PDL controller 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In this processing, when the PDL controller 11 is executing image data transfer of a print job, and when the contents of the image data are color multivalued and monochrome binary, scanned image data Is switched to control the video data signal line and the path for sending the image data to the image processing controller. Hereinafter, the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 3 will be described in detail.

  The PDL controller determines whether image data transfer of the print job is being executed at the start of the scan job (S301).

  If the image data transfer of the print job is executed in S301, it is determined whether the image type is a color image or a monochrome image. (S302).

  In S302, in the case of color, a network communication path is used for data transfer of the scanned image (S303). Then, RGB image data for one page is acquired (S304).

  Since the page number is usually uniquely determined in the job, a unique job ID can be assigned to the generated scan job, and the job ID + page ID can be used as a label for the scan data.

  In S302, in the case of monochrome, the Video I / F signal line K is used in the print job, so three Video I / F signal lines (YMC) are used for data transfer of the scanned image (S305). For transfer of RGB data as a scan image, Y of the video I / F signal line is used for transfer of an R image, M for a G image, and C for transfer of a B image. (S306). Then, RGB image data for one page is acquired (S307).

  If image data transfer of the print job is being executed in S301, four Video I / F signal lines (YMCK) are used for data transfer of the scanned image (S308).

  For each YMCK video signal line of Video I / F, the Y signal line is the first line, the M signal line is the second line, the C signal line is the third line, and the K signal line is the fourth line. As the line, R scanned image data for four lines is sent simultaneously (S309).

  It is determined whether or not the transfer of the R scan image data for one page has been completed (S310). If the transfer has not been completed, the process returns to S309 to send the scan image data for the next four lines. This process is repeated until the transfer of R scanned image data for one page is completed.

  Similarly, for each video signal line of Video I / F YMCK, the Y signal line is the first line, the M signal line is the second line, the C signal line is the third line, and the K signal line is As the fourth line, four lines of G scan image data are sent simultaneously (S311).

  It is determined whether the transfer of the G scan image data for one page has been completed (S312). If not, the process returns to S311 to send the next four lines of scan image data. This process is repeated until the transfer of G scanned image data for one page is completed.

  Similarly, for each YMCK video signal line of Video I / F, the Y signal line is the first line, the M signal line is the second line, the C signal line is the third line, and the K signal. With the line as the fourth line, the scanned image data of B for four lines is sent simultaneously (S313).

  It is determined whether the transfer of the scanned image data of B for one page has been completed (S314). If not completed, the process returns to S313 to send the scanned image data for the next four lines. This process is repeated until the transfer of B scanned image data for one page is completed.

  When transferring scanned image data, timing commands indicating the start and end of each page are separately sent over a network communication path.

  Since the scan job may be composed of a plurality of pages, the scan image data transfer process is repeated for each page.

  In the description of the present embodiment, the present invention is limited to the case where the presence / absence of a print job is determined and the image type of the print job is determined only at the start of the scan job. Usually, the scan job is composed of a plurality of pages. Therefore, the above determination can be performed for each page, and the data transfer path of the scanned image can be switched for each page, or the video I / F signal line can be controlled for each page.

It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure figure of the image processing system in the Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of Video I / F in the Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the scan job data transfer process of the PDL controller in the Example of this invention.

Claims (8)

An image reading unit that reads image data of a document, an image generation controller that generates raster image data of an image according to an instruction from a host computer, an image forming unit that forms an image on a paper medium, and the image forming unit And an image processing controller that sends image data at a timing requested by the image forming unit, and at least two or more data and / or command communication paths are provided between the image generation controller and the image processing controller. An image forming system comprising:
An image processing system comprising four image data communication paths (YMCK) and a command communication path between the image processing controller section and the image generation controller section.   At least one of the two or more communication channels is a bidirectional command communication channel that mainly transmits and receives commands and statuses that inform each other's state, and is at least one of the two or more communication channels. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing system is an image data communication path that mainly transmits the generated raster image data.   Depending on whether image data is sent from the image generation controller unit to the image processing controller unit, image data (RGB) of the document input from the image reading unit is transmitted from the image processing controller unit to the image generation controller unit. 3. The image processing system according to claim 2, wherein the communication path is switched when performing the processing.   When YMCK full-color image data is sent from the image generation controller unit to the image processing controller unit using an image data communication channel (YMCK), the image data (RGB) of the document input from the image reading unit is 4. The image processing system according to claim 3, wherein when transmitting from the image processing controller unit to the image generation controller unit, RGB image data is transmitted using a command communication path.   When transmitting image data of a document input from the image reading unit from the image processing controller unit to the image generation controller unit according to the type of image data sent from the image generation controller unit to the image processing controller unit The image processing system according to claim 2, wherein a method of using four image data communication paths (YMCK) is switched. In claim 5,
When there is no image data to be sent from the image generation controller unit to the image processing controller unit, when transmitting image data of the document input from the image reading unit from the image processing controller unit to the image generation controller unit 6. The image processing system according to claim 5, wherein the RGB image data is transmitted in units of one page in the order of R, G, and B using four image data communication channels (YMCK). In claim 6,
When transmitting image data of a document input from the image reading unit from the image processing controller unit to the image generation controller unit, four image data communication paths (YMCK) are used to convert RGB image data into four lines for each color. 6. The image processing system according to claim 5, wherein transmission is performed simultaneously. In claim 5,
When image data of only K is sent from the image generation controller unit to the image processing controller unit, the image data of the document input from the image reading unit is transferred from the image processing controller unit to the image generation controller unit. 6. The image processing system according to claim 5, wherein the RGB image data is transmitted through the CMY image data communication path using four image data communication paths (YMCK).

Images