JP2005176130A - Image recording method and image recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recording method and an image recording apparatus capable of switching recording processing of an original image of original image data and recording processing of a rotated image by transposed image data through simple processes. <P>SOLUTION: The image recording apparatus sequentially carries out operations for original image data or transposed image data of one page. The operations comprises: expansion of the original image data or the transposed image data by one page to a page memory 10; transposition processing of writing of the image data in units of pixels, the number of which is the same in row and column directions (e.g., 8×8 pixels), from the page memory 10 to a buffer in its row direction and thereafter reading of the image data from the buffer 11 to the page memory 10 in its column direction; and writing of transposed image data after the transposition processing to original 8×8 address areas of the page memory 10. The image recording apparatus reads the original image data after the transposition processing or the transposed image data from the page memory 10 to a recording section 3 and prints out the image in response to the image data to paper. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording method and an image recording apparatus for recording an image according to original image data for one page and a rotated image according to transposed image data obtained by transposing the original image data.

  For image recording devices that record images according to image data, such as facsimile machines, digital copiers, printers, or multifunction devices that integrate these functions, input from the original image data read by itself or from external devices Some have a function of recording an image corresponding to the original image data and an image corresponding to the rotated image data obtained by rotating the original image data by 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise on a sheet. (For example, see Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3). In the image recording process according to the original image data and the rotated image data, when the long and short directions of the graphic drawn by the image data are made coincident with the long and short directions of the paper for easy viewing, there is no paper set in the predetermined direction. This is also useful when recording processing is continued with other sheets set with the direction changed by 90 degrees.

Conventionally, image recording processing according to original image data or rotated image data in such an image recording apparatus is generally performed as follows using an image memory, a codec unit, and a page memory. . When recording an image according to the original image data, the original image data that has been encoded and stored in the image memory is read out, the encoded original image data that has been read out is decoded by the codec unit, and one page after decoding is decoded. The original image data is expanded in the page memory, and the expanded original image data is read out and sent to the recording unit. When an image corresponding to the rotated image data is recorded, it is encoded and stored in the image memory. The original encoded image data is read out, the read encoded original image data is decoded by the codec unit, and the rotation process is performed. The decoded image and the rotated image data for one page are expanded in the page memory, and the expanded rotation is performed. Image data is read out and sent to the recording unit.
JP 2001-326810 A JP-A-8-274773 JP 2000-181642 A

  In a conventional image recording apparatus, in either case of recording an image corresponding to original image data or an image corresponding to rotated image data, the encoded original image data is stored in a codec unit. Since decoding is performed in the page memory after decoding, decoding processing by the codec unit and expansion processing to the page memory are indispensable when switching between recording processing using original image data and recording processing using rotated image data. There is a problem that is complicated and troublesome. In particular, when the recording process using original image data and the recording process using rotated image data are frequently repeated alternately, the entire process takes a long time.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an image recording method and an image recording apparatus capable of switching between an original image recording process based on original image data and a rotated image recording process based on transposed image data by simple processing. The purpose is to provide.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image recording method in which the time required for the entire process can be shortened even when the original image recording process based on the original image data and the rotated image recording process based on the transposed image data are frequently switched. An object is to provide an image recording apparatus.

  An image recording method according to a first aspect of the invention records an original image corresponding to original image data for one page expanded two-dimensionally in a memory and a rotated image corresponding to transposed image data obtained by transposing the original image data. In the image recording method, the original image data or the transposed image data for one page is read out in units of the same number of pixels in the row direction and the column direction, and transposed. The transposed data is stored in the memory. Writing to the original address is repeated over one page.

  In the image recording method according to the first aspect of the present invention, the same number of pixels in the row direction and the column direction, that is, n × n (with respect to the original image data or transposed image data for one page expanded two-dimensionally in the memory. n: a natural number) is read in units of square pixels, and a transposition process in which the row direction and the column direction are switched is performed, and the data after the transposition process is written in the original address area of n × n of the memory, This is sequentially performed on the original image data or transposed image data for one page. Therefore, it is possible to simply output desired original image data or transposed image data and record an image corresponding to the output image data without performing the decoding process by the codec unit and the expansion process to the page memory as in the past. . As a result, switching between the original image recording process based on the original image data and the rotated image recording process based on the transposed image data can be easily performed.

  An image recording apparatus according to a second invention is an image recording apparatus for recording an original image corresponding to original image data for one page and a rotated image corresponding to transposed image data obtained by transposing the original image data. Page memory for storing the data or the transposed image data in two dimensions, and partial image data having the same number of pixels in the row direction and the column direction in the original image data or the transposed image data stored in the page memory A buffer for storing the partial image data, means for executing transposition processing of the partial image data by reading the partial image data into the buffer and writing the partial image data from the buffer to the page memory, and transposing from the page memory Means for reading original image data or transposed image data for one page after processing.

  In the image recording apparatus of the second invention, the same number of pixels in the row direction and the column direction, that is, n × n (n: n: n) with respect to the original image data or transposed image data for one page developed in the page memory. Data after the transposition processing is performed by transposing the row direction and the column direction by writing in the row direction from the page memory to the buffer in the row direction and reading from the buffer to the page memory in the column direction in units of multiple square pixels Is sequentially performed on the original image data or the transposed image data for one page, and the original image data or the transposed image data subjected to the transposition processing is read out from the read address. By controlling and reading out, the transposed image data or the original image data is simply output. Therefore, it is possible to easily record an image or a rotated image according to either desired original image data or transposed image data without performing decoding processing by the codec unit and expansion processing to the page memory, and the original image based on the original image data It is possible to easily switch between the recording process and the rotated image recording process using the transposed image data.

  An image recording apparatus according to a third invention is characterized in that, in the second invention, the rotation angle of the image data is 90 degrees or -90 degrees.

  In the image recording apparatus of the third invention, the rotation angle of the image data is 90 degrees or -90 degrees, and an image rotated 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise can be recorded on the paper.

  In the present invention, since the image data for the original image or the rotated image is obtained by the transposition process by the data writing / reading between the page memory and the buffer, the decoding process and the page by the codec unit as in the prior art are obtained. There is no need to perform development processing on a memory, and any desired original image data or transposed image data can be easily output, and an image corresponding to the output image data can be easily recorded. In addition, since the switching between the recording process of the original image based on the original image data and the recording process of the rotated image based on the transposed image data can be easily performed, the switching of these recording processes can be completed in a short time.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile composite apparatus 20 as an image recording apparatus of the present invention.

  The facsimile multifunction device 20 includes a control unit 1, a reading unit 2, a recording unit 3, a display unit 4, an operation unit 5, a ROM 6, a RAM 7, a codec unit 8, an image memory 9, a page memory 10, a buffer 11, a modem 12, an NCU ( Network Control Unit) 13, a PC interface unit 14 and the like. The facsimile multifunction device 20 reads a document by the reading unit 2 to obtain image data, read image data, image data received by facsimile communication, or image data corresponding to image data received from an externally connected PC. The recording section 3 has a recording function and a transmission function for facsimile transmission of the read image data or the received image data.

  Specifically, the control unit 1 is configured by a CPU, and is connected to the above-described hardware units of the facsimile multifunction device 20 via the bus 15. The control unit 1 controls them and is stored in the ROM 6. Various software functions are executed according to the control program. The reading unit 2 reads a document using a CCD image sensor, for example, and outputs the read image data. The optical unit irradiates and scans the original fed to the platen glass, and the reflected light from the original is taken into the CCD image sensor via a mirror, a lens, etc., and the scanned original image data is read. The read image data is output after being subjected to shading processing or the like.

  The recording unit 3 is an electrophotographic printer device, and is an image corresponding to image data of a document read by the reading unit 2, image data received by facsimile communication, image data sent from an external PC, and the like. On the paper. The recording unit 3 is an A4 cassette that stores A4 size paper in the vertical direction, an A4R cassette that stores A4 size paper in the horizontal direction, and a B4 size paper as the paper feed cassette that stores recording paper in the vertical direction. And a B4R cassette (both not shown) for horizontally storing B4 size paper. The recording unit 3 includes a paper feed sensor 3a that detects the presence or absence of paper in each of the paper feed cassettes. Normally, an image corresponding to the image data is recorded on the paper fed from the A4 cassette and the B4 cassette. However, when the paper feed sensor 3a detects that the paper in the A4 cassette and the B4 cassette has run out. The image corresponding to the transposed image data obtained by transposing the image data is recorded on the paper fed from the A4R cassette and the B4R cassette, so that the recording stop due to running out of paper does not occur. Yes.

  The display unit 4 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device or a CRT display. The display unit 4 displays an operation state of the facsimile multifunction device 20, displays a screen for prompting an operation input to the user, and reads an image of a document read for transmission. Data, image data transmitted from other facsimile machines or PCs, etc. are displayed. The operation unit 5 includes character keys, numeric keys, abbreviated dial keys, one-touch dial keys, various function keys, and the like necessary for operating the facsimile composite apparatus 20. The operation unit 5 sets, as a function key, either an original image corresponding to the original image data as it is or a rotated image corresponding to the transposed image data obtained by transposing the original image data. It has a recording process setting key 5a. In addition, it is also possible to substitute a part or all of the various keys of the operation unit 5 by using the display unit 4 as a touch panel system.

  The ROM 6 stores in advance various software programs + necessary for the operation of the facsimile multifunction peripheral 20. The RAM 7 is composed of SRAM, flash memory, or the like, and stores temporary data generated when software is executed. The codec unit 8 encodes and compresses image data and decodes the image data that has been encoded and compressed. The image memory 9 stores image data encoded by reading a document, image data received and encoded from another facsimile machine or PC, and the like.

  The page memory 10 is composed of an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory), and one page of original image data read by the reading unit 2 and one page received from another facsimile machine or PC. Original image data and one page of transposed image data obtained by transposing these original image data are stored. The original image data or transposed image data for one page stored in the page memory 10 is read out by the recording unit 3, and an image corresponding to the image data is recorded. The buffer 11 has 64 flip-flops arranged in an 8 × 8 matrix, and each flip-flop holds binary data of each pixel. Data can be written / read between the page memory 10 and the buffer 11 in units of 8 × 8 64 pixel data of the page memory 10, and this data can be written as necessary. The conversion from the original image data to the transposed image data and the conversion from the transposed image data to the original image data are performed by the / reading control.

  The modem 12 is connected to the bus 15 and is composed of a facsimile modem capable of facsimile communication. Similarly, the modem 12 is directly connected to the NCU 13 connected to the bus 15. The NCU 13 is hardware that performs operations of closing and opening the line L1 with a public switched telephone network (PSTN), and connects the modem 12 to the PSTN as necessary. The facsimile composite apparatus 20 is connected to other facsimile apparatuses by PSTN so that normal facsimile communication can be performed. The PC interface unit 14 is connected to an external PC via a communication line L2 such as a LAN, and exchanges data with the PC. Various image data created and edited by an external PC are transmitted to the facsimile multifunction apparatus 20 (PC interface unit 14) via the communication line L2, and an image corresponding to the transmitted image data is transmitted to the facsimile multifunction apparatus 20. The data is printed out on a sheet at (recording unit 3).

  The operation of the recording process in the facsimile multifunction machine 20 having such a configuration will be described below. First, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 2 showing the operation procedure when either the original image corresponding to the original image data or the rotated image corresponding to the transposed image data is recorded on only one sheet based on the original image data. To explain. 3 to 5 are diagrams for explaining the 90-degree rotation processing of the original image data in the clockwise direction.

  One page of original image data read by the reading unit 2 or original image data received from another facsimile machine or PC is stored in the page memory 10 (step S1). Based on the setting state of the recording process setting key 5a, the control unit 1 determines whether or not rotational recording is set (step S2). When the rotation recording is not set (S2: NO), the original image data is read from the page memory 10 to the recording unit 3 in the same order as written in the page memory 10 (step S8), and the read original image data is converted into the read original image data. The corresponding normal original image is printed out on a sheet by the recording unit 3 (step S9).

  When the rotation recording of the original image data is set (S2: YES), 64 pixels of 8 × 8 square shape in the original image data stored in the page memory 10 is used as a unit (block). One block of data is read from the page memory 10 and written to the buffer 11 (step S3). In this case, data is written in the row direction of the buffer 11. After this writing is completed, the data written in the buffer 11 is read from the column direction, and the read data is written in the original 8 × 8 memory area of the page memory 10 (step S4). Through the transposition process described above, transposed image data is generated as intermediate data for rotational recording. The control unit 1 determines whether transposed image data generation in units of 8 × 8 pixels is completed over one page stored in the page memory 10 (step S5). (S5: NO), the operation returns to S3 to generate transposed image data in the next block. When transposition image data generation is completed over one page (S5: YES), the operation proceeds to step S6.

  FIG. 3 shows the initial data accumulation state in the page memory 10, and the original image data for one page is divided into a total of 6 blocks of 3 in the row direction and 2 in the column direction. FIG. 4 shows transposed image data that has been transposed by reading / writing data with the buffer 11.

  Next, the read address is controlled, the transposed image data is read from the page memory 10 to the recording unit 3 (S6), and the rotated image corresponding to the read transposed image data is printed out on the sheet by the recording unit 3 (step S7). ). In this case, the reading of each line from the page memory 10 is performed in the order described at the left end of FIG. 4, and one line is read alternately by two blocks. By controlling the readout address, an image rotated 90 degrees clockwise as shown in FIG. 5A is recorded on the paper. If rotation recording is not set, a normal image as shown in FIG. 5B is recorded on the paper.

  Next, the flowchart of FIG. 6 showing the operation procedure in the case where an original image corresponding to original image data or a rotated image corresponding to transposed image data is recorded on a plurality of sheets based on one type of original image data. The description will be given with reference.

  In the facsimile composite apparatus 20 (image recording apparatus) of the present invention, original image data (see FIG. 3) and transposed image data (FIG. 4) are obtained by transposition processing by writing / reading data between the page memory 10 and the buffer 11. Conversion). That is, when original image data is stored in the page memory 10, the original image data is converted into transposed image data by performing a transposition process on the original image data, and the transposed image data is stored in the page memory 10. In this case, the transposed image data is converted into original image data by performing a transposition process on the transposed image data.

  First, one page of original image data is stored in the page memory 10 (step S11). The control unit 1 determines whether or not the recording direction (either recording using original image data or recording using transposed image data) has been changed since the previous recording process (step S12). At this time, the control unit 1 determines the presence or absence of this change based on the setting state of the recording process setting key 5a. Further, when the paper feed sensor 3a detects that the sheets in the A4 cassette and the B4 cassette have run out, the control unit 1 determines that the recording direction has been changed.

  When the recording direction has been changed (S12: YES), the transposition processing as described above (data writing / reading between the page memory 10 and the buffer 11 in units of 8 × 8 pixels over one page) , S3 to S5 in FIG. 2 are performed to convert the original image data (or transposed image data) stored in the page memory 10 into transposed image data (or original image data) (step S13). Then, the original image data or the transposed image data is read from the page memory 10 to the recording unit 3 (step S14), and an image corresponding to the read image data is printed out on a sheet by the recording unit 3 (step S15). On the other hand, when the recording direction is not changed (S12: NO), the original image data or the transposed image data is read from the page memory 10 to the recording unit 3 without performing the transposition process (S14), and the read image data An image corresponding to the above is printed out on a sheet by the recording unit 3 (S15).

  The control unit 1 determines whether or not the recording process for the set number of sheets has been completed (step S16). If it has not been completed (S16: NO), the operation returns to S12 to perform a recording process on the next sheet. When the recording process for all the set number of sheets is completed (S16: YES), the operation ends.

  The image recording function that can be switched between the recording process of the original image corresponding to the original image data and the recording process of the rotated image corresponding to the transposed image data is performed when the sheet is exhausted while printing on the sheet from the A4 cassette. Rotate image data and print on paper from A4R cassette to prevent recording interruption, and when the sorter function is not installed, print by using different numbers of paper from A4 cassette and A4R cassette. This is convenient for the purpose of making it easy to understand the boundary of the predetermined number of copies, and for making it easy to see the recorded image by selecting one of the A4 cassette and A4R cassette according to the length direction of the figure in the original image data. In the present invention, when changing the recording direction when executing such an application, it is not necessary to perform the decoding process by the codec unit and the development process to the page memory again as in the prior art. Even if the change can be made frequently, the time required for the entire process can be shortened.

  Next, address control of the page memory 10 using SDRAM will be described. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing data write / read operations in the SDRAM. Data writing and reading are continuously performed with 4 words (1 word is 8 bits) as a set while sequentially switching the four banks 0 to 4.

  First, a case where image data after transposition processing is generated will be described. When generating the image data after the transposition processing, data is written / read out in the vertical direction (sub-scanning direction) instead of in the horizontal direction (main scanning direction). 8A, 8B, 9C, and 9D, when k is an integer, one line is 4k words, (4k + 1) words, (4k + 2) words, and (4k + 3) words. It is a figure which shows the address and bank in the case of comprising. When one line is composed of (4k + 1) words or (4k + 3) words, the access banks in the first column are 0, 1, 2, 3,... Or 0, 3, 2, 1,. A continuous access of words is possible. On the other hand, when one line is composed of 4k words or (4k + 2) words, the access banks in the first column are 0, 0, 0, 0,... Or 0, 2, 0, 2,. Thus, continuous access of 4 words cannot be performed.

  Therefore, when one line is composed of 4k words or (4k + 2) words, one address where no actual data exists is provided at the end of each line. That is, in order to make each line an odd word, dummy data of one word is added at the end. The addresses and banks in this case are shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b), respectively. As a result, the access banks in the first column circulate in the order of 0, 1, 2, 3,... Or 0, 3, 2, 1,.

  Next, a case where the generated image data after the transposition process is read from the page memory 10 will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating banks in each line of each block. Since the image data after the transposition processing is generated in units of 8 × 8 pixels, in FIG. 11, 1 block 1 line 1 word, 2 blocks 1 line 1 word, 3 blocks 1 line 1 word,. ..., 1 line 1 word of the last block, 2 lines 1 word of 1 block, 2 lines 1 word of 2 blocks, ..., 2 lines 1 word of the last block, ..., 8 lines 1 word of 1 block, .., 8 lines 1 word of the last block, 1 line 2 words of 1 block,..., And 8 lines last word of the last block are accessed in this order. At this time, the banks to be accessed are 0, 0, 0,..., 0 in one line and one word of each block, and 1, 1, 1,. Therefore, continuous access cannot be performed.

  Therefore, one address where no actual data exists is provided at the end of the eighth line (final line) in each block. That is, dummy data of one word is added at the end of the eighth line (final line). FIG. 12 shows addresses and banks in such a case. FIG. 12 shows an example in which one line is composed of 4k words, and a dummy address is provided at the end of the eighth line of each block. Since one line is composed of 4k words, a dummy address is provided at the end of each line as described above, and two dummy addresses are provided in the eighth line. Even when one line is composed of (4k + 1) words, (4k + 2) words, and (4k + 3) words, a dummy address is similarly added to the end of the eighth line of each block. .

  By providing dummy addresses on the 8th line (final line) in this way, as shown in FIG. 13, 1 block 1 line 1 word, 2 blocks 1 line 1 word, 3 blocks 1 line 1 word,. The access banks become 0, 1, 2,... In the order, and they circulate in different banks, thereby enabling continuous access of 4 words.

  In the above-described image recording apparatus of the present invention, the SDRAM is used as the page memory. Therefore, the image data can be rotated with a simple configuration using an inexpensive memory.

  In the above-described embodiment, the 90-degree rotation process of the image data in the clockwise direction has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to the process of rotating the image data by 90 degrees in the counterclockwise direction. Of course.

  In the above-described embodiment, the transposed image data is generated in units of 8 × 8 pixels. However, this is an example, and square pixel blocks are used as units, for example, in units of 16 × 16 pixels. If so, the value of n may be arbitrary. A dummy address may be added at the end of the nth line of each block so that continuous bank access can be performed in the page memory 10 made of SDRAM.

  Further, although the facsimile complex apparatus has been described as an example, it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to all apparatuses such as a facsimile apparatus, a digital copying machine, and a printer that rotate and output acquired image data.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image recording apparatus (facsimile multifunction apparatus) according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of recording processing in the facsimile multifunction peripheral. It is a figure for demonstrating the 90 degree rotation process to the clockwise direction of original image data. It is a figure for demonstrating the 90 degree rotation process to the clockwise direction of original image data. It is a figure for demonstrating the 90 degree rotation process to the clockwise direction of original image data. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of recording processing in the facsimile multifunction peripheral. 6 is a timing chart showing data write / read operations in the SDRAM. It is a figure which shows an address and a bank in case one line is comprised with 4k word and (4k + 1) word. It is a figure which shows an address and a bank in case one line is comprised with (4k + 2) word and (4k + 3) word. It is a figure which shows the example of addition of the dummy address in each line in this invention. It is a figure which shows the bank in each line of each block. It is a figure which shows the example of addition of the dummy address in the last line in this invention. It is a figure which shows that a continuous bank access is possible.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control part 2 Reading part 3 Recording part 3a Paper feed sensor 5 Operation part 5a Recording process setting key 6 ROM
7 RAM
10 page memory 11 buffer 20 facsimile compound device (image recording device)

Claims (3)

  In an image recording method for recording an original image corresponding to original image data for one page expanded two-dimensionally in a memory and a rotated image corresponding to transposed image data obtained by transposing the original image data, Reading the original image data or the transposed image data in the row direction and the column direction in units of the same number of pixels and executing the transposition process, and writing the data after the transposition process to the original address of the memory over one page An image recording method characterized by repeating.   In an image recording apparatus for recording an original image corresponding to original image data for one page and a rotated image corresponding to transposed image data obtained by transposing the original image data, the original image data or the transposed image data is two-dimensionally recorded. A page memory for developing and storing; a buffer for storing partial image data of the same number of pixels in the row direction and column direction in the original image data or transposed image data stored in the page memory; and the partial image data Means for executing transposition processing of the partial image data by reading the partial image data into the buffer and writing the partial image data from the buffer to the page memory, and original image data for one page after the transposition processing from the page memory Alternatively, an image recording apparatus comprising: means for reading transposed image data. 3. The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the rotation angle of the image data is 90 degrees or -90 degrees.

Images