JP2005142987A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus that is capable of selecting proper image processing conditions without reciprocating between an image processing apparatus such as a conbined apparatus and a PC many times when performing a network scanning. <P>SOLUTION: When there is a scan start input (step ST12), it is decided whether a plurality of image processing conditions are set (step ST13) and when the plurality of image processing conditions are set, the plurality of image processing conditions (e.g. No1, No2, No3) which have different combinations of a plurality of processing items s(e.g. resolution, contrast correction, compressibility, color/monochromatic identification) set and stored in an image processing condition table 5a are successively read out to apply image reading and image processing for each image processing condition so that transfer image data are generated and stored (steps ST15-ST17). Image data generated on the image processing conditions are transferred to the PC (step ST22). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral having a copying function, a FAX function, a scanner function, and the like.

  In general, a multi-function peripheral has a network scan function for transmitting and storing image data obtained by scanning a document to an external processing device such as a PC via a network. In this type of MFP, when performing network scan under certain image processing conditions, the image quality of the obtained image or how much data size (file size) will be up to the place where the PC is located Return and check using the PC display.

By the way, as a method of performing image processing on a plurality of document images, a first mode in which a plurality of document images are continuously read and stored, and then image processing is performed on the plurality of image data; There is disclosed a technique having a second mode in which image processing is performed each time one original is read (reading and image processing are performed one by one) (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-8-317199

  In a conventional multifunction device, a PC display is used to check the quality of an image obtained when a network scan is performed under a certain image processing condition. As a result of checking and confirming the image, if a desired image is not obtained, it is necessary to return to the location of the multifunction peripheral, change the image processing conditions, and perform a network scan again. When it is difficult to obtain desired image data, it is inconvenient because the user needs to reciprocate between the multifunction device and the PC many times.

  This inconvenience cannot be solved even if the technique described in Patent Document 1 is adopted.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned problems. When performing a network scan, an appropriate image processing condition is selected without reciprocating between an image processing apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral and a PC many times. An object of the present invention is to provide an obtained image processing apparatus.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus capable of network scanning, and includes a processing condition designating unit that collectively designates a plurality of different image processing conditions, and an input of a reading start instruction that is designated collectively. Control means for automatically executing image reading once or a plurality of times and generating transfer image data for each image processing condition.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention further comprises file name assigning means for assigning a file name to each of the generated plurality of transfer image data, and the file name assigning means is obtained by reading the same original with each file name. A file name that can be recognized as a file can be given.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention further comprises processing condition registration means for registering the plurality of different image processing conditions as the same group, and a plurality of different image processing conditions registered as the same group can be collectively designated by group designation. You may do it.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, can the control unit generate transfer image data corresponding to all the image processing conditions by a plurality of designated image processing conditions by one-time image reading? Alternatively, in order to generate transfer image data corresponding to all image processing conditions, it is determined whether a plurality of times of image reading are necessary, and all image processing conditions are supported by one image reading. When it is determined that transfer image data can be generated, the read image data obtained by one-time image reading is subjected to image processing corresponding to a plurality of designated image processing conditions, thereby In order to generate image data for transfer and generate image data for transfer corresponding to all image processing conditions, when it is determined that multiple image readings are required, For a plurality of the read image data obtained by the image reading it may be generate image data for a plurality of transfer by applying each image process corresponding to the specified plurality of image processing conditions.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of transfer image data different for each image processing condition can be generated and stored for the same document by a series of operations in response to a single reading start instruction. You can select what you need from the data.

  Further, according to the present invention, a file name is assigned to the generated plurality of transfer image data so that it can be recognized that each file name is obtained by reading the same document. It can be seen that the read image data of the same document is obtained simply by looking at.

  In addition, according to the present invention, different image processing conditions are registered as the same group, and the group can be specified, so that different image processing conditions can be easily specified simply by specifying the group.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an entire color image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The color image processing apparatus according to this embodiment is configured as a color complex machine having a facsimile function and a copy function, and capable of handling color as well as monochrome as an image. This color multifunction peripheral includes an MPU 1, an NCU (Network Control Unit) 2, a MODEM 3, a ROM 4, a RAM 5, a DRAM (image memory) 6, an image reading unit 7, and a reading / communication CODEC 8. A display unit 9, an operation unit 10, a printer 11, an image processing circuit 12, a page memory 13, a printer 14, a LAN I / F 15, and a bus 16.

  MPU1 controls each part which comprises this apparatus. This control includes control when a monochrome image or a color image is transmitted to or received from the partner machine, in addition to control of document image reading processing, print processing of a read image / received image, and the like. The NCU 2 controls the connection with the telephone line network (PSTN) 17 which is a communication line, and also transmits a dial signal corresponding to the telephone number (including the FAX number) of the other party and a function for detecting an incoming call. It has. MODEM3 is an ITU (International Telecommunication Union) -T recommendation T.264. 30, T.M. Based on the facsimile transmission control procedure according to 4 or the like, 17, V. 27ter, V.I. The transmission data is modulated and the received data is demodulated in accordance with 29. Alternatively, V. 34, the transmission data is modulated and the received data is demodulated.

  The ROM 4 stores a program for controlling this device. The RAM 5 temporarily stores data necessary for various control processes. The RAM 5 includes an image processing condition table 5a. The image processing condition table 5 a stores a plurality of different image processing conditions used when scanning is performed by the image reading unit 7, scan data is obtained and stored in the image memory 6. An example of the storage is shown in FIG. The example of FIG. 2 shows a case where a plurality of, that is, three image processing conditions are stored. Image processing condition No. 1 stores low resolution, contrast correction, low compression rate, and color as the first image processing condition. Further, the image processing condition No. 2 stores a processing condition different from the first image processing condition as the second image processing condition. Furthermore, the image processing condition No. 3 stores a processing condition different from the first and second image processing conditions as the third image processing condition. A DRAM (image memory) 6 stores monochrome or color received image data and monochrome or color read image data read by the image reading unit 9 in a compressed state. The DRAM 6 stores image data after image processing is performed for each condition item stored in the table 5a.

  The image reading unit 7 optically scans a document to read image data, performs predetermined image processing, and outputs it when performing FAX transmission or copying. The image reading unit 7 can execute monochrome reading and color reading.

  The reading / communication CODEC 8 encodes or decodes the read image data by the MH, MR, MMR method, JPEG method or the like in order to transmit or store the read image data.

  The display unit (LCD) 9 displays icons, key buttons, message contents necessary for data transmission / reception, and the like. The operation unit 10 includes a start key, a mode switching key, a cassette selection key, a numeric keypad, a registration key, and other keys.

  The printer CODEC 11 performs decompression decoding in order to record the compressed image data read from the DRAM 6. The image processing circuit 12 reads the image data output from the image reading unit 7 and stored in the page memory 13 and performs predetermined image processing on the image data. In the image processing circuit 12, image data subjected to image processing is encoded by the CODEC 8 and stored in the DRAM 6. The page memory 13 stores binary or multivalued image data output from the image reading unit 7 for a predetermined page.

  The printer 14 is an electrophotographic printer, and records received image data and image data of a document read by the image reading unit 9 on a recording sheet in a copying operation. The printer 14 can also perform color printing. The LAN I / F 15 is connected to a PC (personal computer) or other external device constituting the LAN 18 (local area network), and exchanges data with the external device via the LAN I / F 15. When print data is transferred from an external PC, it is stored in the DRAM 6 or the page memory 13. In addition to the LAN I / F 15, a USB I / F and / or a parallel I / F may be provided.

  Next, processing in the case of setting a plurality of image processing conditions in the color multifunction peripheral of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the job processing routine is entered, it is determined in step ST1 whether image processing conditions are set. If the image processing condition setting key of the operation unit 10 is operated in order to set a plurality of image processing conditions when the image reading unit 7 reads the document and transmits the document image to an external PC, step ST2 Migrate to

  In step ST2, a plurality of image processing conditions input by the operator are received and stored in the image processing condition table 5a. Here, the image processing conditions refer to, for example, predetermined processing condition items for resolution, presence / absence of contrast correction, compression rate, and color / monochrome identification. In the present embodiment, a plurality of image processing conditions can be set for one job. The plurality of image processing conditions are a plurality of image processing conditions in which any one of the condition items is set differently. One specific image processing condition is, for example, the case of the image processing condition No. 1 shown in FIG. 2 with low resolution, contrast correction, low compression rate, and color. In FIG. 2, three sets of image processing conditions are shown. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step ST3.

  In step ST3, the variable n is incremented by one. This variable indicates the set number of image processing conditions, and the initial value is n = 0. Therefore, at the time when the setting of the first image processing condition is completed, in this step ST3, n = 1. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step ST4. In step ST4, it is determined whether n ≧ N. Here, N is the number of processing condition groups that can be stored in the image processing condition table 5a. If N = 3, the determination whether n ≧ N at the stage where the setting of the first image processing condition is completed (the stage before setting the second image processing condition) is NO, and then The process proceeds to step ST5. In step ST5, it is determined whether or not the setting of image processing conditions has been completed. When a setting end instruction is input such that the processing condition setting key of the operation unit 10 is operated again, the setting process ends. On the other hand, if the setting end instruction has not been input, the process returns to step ST2. Only one image processing condition can be set by inputting a setting end instruction after setting one image processing condition.

  In step ST2 after returning from step ST5, the next image processing condition input again by the operator is received and stored in the image processing condition table 5a as the second image processing condition. One specific second image processing condition is, for example, the case of No. 2 medium resolution, no contrast correction, medium compression rate, and color shown in FIG. Next, the process proceeds to step ST3. In step ST3, the variable n is incremented by 1 so that n = 2. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step ST4. In step ST4, it is determined whether or not n ≧ N. In this case as well, the determination is NO. Similarly to the above, the process proceeds to step ST5 with determination NO, and returns to step ST2 unless a setting end instruction is input. . In step ST2, the third image processing condition input by the operator is received and stored in the image processing condition table 5a as the third image processing condition. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step ST3.

  In step ST3, the variable n is incremented again so that n = 3. Next, the process proceeds to step ST4. In step ST4, since n ≧ N is YES, the setting of the image processing conditions ends here even if there is no setting end instruction. Here, the setting contents of the image processing conditions are as shown in FIG. 2, for example. In this embodiment, the number N of image processing conditions that can be set is set to 3, but in practice, N may be set large or the limit of the constant N may be eliminated.

  Next, an operation in the case of performing the scanner process under a predetermined image processing condition in the color multifunction peripheral according to this embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. At the start of the job, image processing conditions are set in step ST11. The operator sets the image processing conditions. The operator sets (specifies) the image processing conditions of the network scan job after setting the document in the document cassette section. After setting the image processing conditions, the document can be set before the scan start instruction is input. It can also be set in the operation unit 10 of the multifunction peripheral, or can be set in the operation unit of a PC connected to the network.

  Also, with this setting, a plurality of image processing conditions can be set (three in the example of FIG. 2). A plurality of image processing conditions can be set before image reading. The plurality of image processing conditions can be set one by one as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  In addition, if a plurality of image processing conditions are registered as the same group, a plurality of image processing conditions can be collectively specified by designating the group. Next, the process proceeds to step ST12. In step ST12, it is determined whether a scan start instruction has been input by the operator. The scan start instruction can be input from the operation unit 10 of the multifunction peripheral, or can be input from the operation unit of the PC connected to the network. When a scan start instruction is input, the process proceeds to step ST13.

  In step ST13, it is determined whether or not a plurality of different image processing conditions are set. If a plurality of different image processing conditions are set, the process proceeds to step ST14. On the other hand, if a plurality of different image processing conditions are not set, the process proceeds to step ST20. In step ST14, it is determined whether or not a plurality of transfer image data corresponding to a plurality of different image processing conditions can be generated by only one reading. In other words, in order to generate a plurality of transfer image data corresponding to a plurality of different image processing conditions, it is determined whether or not a plurality of readings are necessary. When it is possible to generate a plurality of transfer image data corresponding to a plurality of different image processing conditions by one reading, the process proceeds to step ST18. On the other hand, if it is not possible with one reading, the process proceeds to step ST15.

  In step ST15, image reading is executed under the mth image processing condition, image processing is performed, and mth image data is generated and stored. The image processing is executed in the image reading unit 7 and / or the image processing circuit 12. The generated transfer image data is stored as a file in the DRAM 6 with the image processing conditions as attribute data. The attribute data (image processing conditions) can be displayed on the multifunction peripheral and / or the display unit of the PC. Next, the process proceeds to step ST16.

  In step ST16, it is determined whether further image reading is necessary. If the generation of transfer image data corresponding to all the set image processing conditions has not been completed, the process proceeds to step ST17. On the other hand, if no further image reading is necessary, the process proceeds to step ST22.

  In step ST17, the variable m is incremented by 1, and the process returns to step ST15 again.

  In step ST18, image reading is executed under conditions corresponding to a plurality of set image processing conditions, and read image data is generated. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step ST19. In step ST19, one read image data generated by one reading (step ST18) is subjected to image processing under a plurality of image processing conditions, and a plurality of transfer image data is generated and stored. The image processing is executed in the image reading unit 7 and / or the image processing circuit 12. The plurality of image processes are executed in parallel or sequentially. The generated transfer image data is stored as a file in the DRAM 6 with the image processing conditions as attribute data. The attribute data (image processing conditions) can be displayed on the multifunction peripheral and / or the display unit of the PC. Next, the process proceeds to step ST22.

  In step ST20, image reading is executed under the set image processing conditions. Here, since only one image processing condition is set, image reading is performed only once. Next, the process proceeds to step ST21.

  In step ST21, image processing is performed under the set image processing conditions, and transfer image data is generated and stored. Here, since only one image processing condition is set, only one transfer image data is generated and stored. As in the case of generating and storing a plurality, the image data is stored as attribute data with an image processing condition. Next, the process proceeds to step ST22.

  In step ST22, the stored transfer image data is transferred to the PC. The image data file for transfer stored in the DRAM 6 is transferred to the PC via a predetermined data transfer I / F such as a LAN, USB, or parallel I / F. Image data is transferred together with image processing conditions that are attribute data. The contents of the attribute data are displayed on the display unit of the PC. The attribute data includes data size information (data capacity) in addition to the image processing conditions.

  In the above embodiment, when the same document is read under a plurality of image processing conditions and stored in the image memory 6, file names may be assigned to the plurality of image data. In this case, it is preferable that the file name be such that each file can be recognized as being obtained by reading the same document. Specifically, for example, serial number assignment (a file name including numbers or alphabets, and consecutive numbers or alphabets are assigned to the numeric part or alphabet part for each condition) or branch number assignment (file containing branch numbers) And a sequential number or alphabet is assigned to the branch number portion for each condition.

  In the above embodiment, only one set of the three image processing conditions illustrated in FIG. 2 is described as an example of the image processing condition. However, as another embodiment, for example, this combination is shown in FIG. A combination of a plurality of different image processing conditions such as No4, No5, and No6, for example, and three image processing conditions No7, No8, and No9 are registered under the name “scanning condition 1”. It is also possible to register a combination of these under the names “scanning condition 2” and “scanning condition 3”, respectively.

  Then, when performing a network scan, when a document is set, for example, “scanning condition 1” is selected and a start instruction is given, the same as described with reference to FIG. Scan three times to generate and store three files. In this case, scan condition 1, scan condition 2, and scan condition 3 can be collectively designated. As described above, a plurality of groups may be registered in advance, and one or a plurality of groups may be selected from the registered groups when performing a network scan.

  In each of the above embodiments, when scanning is performed three times, when reading a plurality of documents continuously by FBS reading, the number of scans is read for each page. That is, the page 1 is read in the order of image processing condition 1 → image processing condition 2 → image processing condition 3, page 2 image processing condition 1 → image processing condition 2 → image processing condition 3,.

  When continuously reading a plurality of originals by ADF reading, the user resets the originals as many times as the number of times of scanning. However, in an apparatus that can automatically return the original to the supply position after reading, there is no need to reset it.

  Also, depending on the difference between the image processing conditions, a plurality of files (transfer image data) corresponding to the plurality of image processing conditions may be generated and stored by scanning only once and switching only the image processing. You can also. For example, when the mechanical control (carriage speed, etc.) is different, such as when the resolution and enlargement ratio are different, or when switching processing upstream of the page memory, multiple scans are required. When only the downstream processing is switched, a plurality of files can be generated by only one scan. The page memory here refers to a memory that stores the read image data obtained by performing image reading in a state where one page is prepared. Specific processing downstream of the page memory differs depending on the configuration, but for example, “color adjustment”, “output color space conversion (CMYK conversion)”, “compression”, “smoothing / sharpening” (contrast correction) And so on. In the example of FIG. 2, since the resolutions are all different in conditions 1 to 3, image reading is required for each condition. In the example of FIG. 2, when only the compression ratios differ between conditions 1 to 3, the read image data obtained by one image reading is stored in the page memory for one page, and then differs from the read image data. Three transfer image data can be generated by performing the compression process. That is, when only the compression rate is different between a plurality of conditions, it is not necessary to read the image a plurality of times. The same applies to the case where only the contrast correction is different, and transfer image data with contrast correction and transfer image data without contrast correction can be generated without performing multiple image readings.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a color multifunction machine in which the present invention is implemented. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory content of the image processing condition table of the color multifunction device of the same embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining setting registration processing of an image processing condition table of the color multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating network scan processing of the color MFP according to the embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory content of the image processing condition table of other embodiment color multifunction peripheral.

Explanation of symbols

1 MPU
2 NCU
3 MODEM
4 ROM
5 RAM
5a Image processing condition table 6 DRAM (image memory)
7 Image reader 8 CODEC for reading / communication
9 Display unit 10 Operation unit 11 CODEC for printer
12 Image processing circuit 13 Page memory 14 Printer 15 LAN I / F
16 Bus 17 Public telephone line 18 LAN

Claims (4)

An image processing apparatus capable of network scanning,
A processing condition specifying means for collectively specifying a plurality of different image processing conditions;
Control means for automatically executing one or more image readings on the same document and generating transfer image data for each image processing condition when a reading start instruction is input in a batch designation;
An image processing apparatus comprising:   A file name assigning unit for assigning a file name to each of the generated plurality of transfer image data. The file name assigning unit can recognize that each file name is obtained by reading the same document. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a name is given. Processing condition registration means for registering the plurality of different image processing conditions as the same group;
3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of different image processing conditions registered as the same group can be collectively designated by group designation.   The control unit can generate transfer image data corresponding to all the image processing conditions by a single image reading, or can correspond to all the image processing conditions. In order to generate the transfer image data to be transferred, it is possible to determine whether it is necessary to read a plurality of times, and transfer image data corresponding to all image processing conditions can be generated by reading the image once. Is determined, the read image data obtained by one image reading is subjected to image processing corresponding to a plurality of designated image processing conditions to generate a plurality of transfer image data. In order to generate transfer image data corresponding to the image processing conditions, a plurality of read image data obtained by a plurality of image readings when it is determined that a plurality of image readings are required. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of image data for transfer is generated by performing image processing corresponding to a plurality of designated image processing conditions. Image processing device.

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