JP2006085606A - Image processing apparatus and image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing method by which an editing/processing is performed by request from a PC using images stored in an MFP machine through a network, the consistency of image quality between monitor display of the PC and the printout is secured and an image processing without causing any image quality deterioration in a printout contrary to user's intention. <P>SOLUTION: This MFP machine 100 reads out RGB image data stored in a storage medium 13 through a scanner input path by request of a client PC 200, the PC side displays the RGB image data on the monitor display 27d, and a third image processing unit 14 applies color correction to data to be transferred to the PC to be CMYK data by output characteristics of a plotter 18p when an application applies editing and processing such as image quality adjustment to an image, performing CMYK←→RGB (for display) conversion with the display. In editing and printing, a second image processing unit 16 performs color correction and data that stores results of PC editing/processing is used. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is based on image data input and stored in a scanner, such as an MFP (combining multiple functions such as a copy function, a facsimile function, and a scanner function) having a distribution function. In addition to print output, an image processing apparatus that performs predetermined processing such as color space conversion on an image for distribution to an external information processing apparatus such as a PC and use at a distribution destination. In particular, the present invention relates to an image processing apparatus including means for supporting processing such as image editing performed by a client PC or the like that uses stored images, and an image processing system that includes the image processing apparatus and an external information processing apparatus such as a PC.

In recent years, MFPs that have become digital copiers and combine functions such as scanners, printers, facsimiles, etc., in addition to copy functions, are becoming common. Due to the network technology that supports these functions, A network distribution / capture function for transmitting and receiving image data read by a scanner unit to / from other information devices such as a computer connected to a network has also been installed.
In addition, a technique for storing such image data in a storage medium serving as a database, a technique for editing / processing data when the stored image data is used, and outputting the stored image data to various destination devices Related technical fields such as technology are also expanding.
For example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 listed below can be shown as conventional techniques for configuring a system that uses a stored image shared between devices connected to a network using such a technique.
According to Patent Document 1, a client system having an image input device and an image printing device is provided with an image display display, and a server connected to the network in accordance with a layout operation performed by the client system performs an input image of the client system, a stored image of the server, and the like. Is used to edit the image, distribute the edited image from the server to the client system, and use it for output such as printing.
Patent Document 2 relates to a digital color copier that can connect a workstation via a network. Here, the RGB color system image data read from the scanner and the image data converted from the RGB color system to the CMYK color system are stored in the HDD, sent to the workstation, and the printing process in the copier, respectively. In correspondence with the image data of RGB color system and CMYK color system, the image quality is deteriorated and the processing delay is prevented. In the prior art column, there is a description of a technique in which a CMYK color system image received from a color copying machine is converted into an RGB color system on the host side and displayed on a display.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-228867 discloses that an image stored in an HDD as CMYK data that is convenient for print output performed in the MFP is distributed according to a request from a distribution destination according to a request of a distribution destination. Color space) and file formats (general-purpose file formats such as JPEG and TIFF) are used for display display etc. without causing inconvenience in an external device such as a PC that uses stored images via a network. I am trying to do that.
As the above-mentioned proposal represents the situation, the conventional image data storage performed in the digital copying machine is a backup when the image is not output well from the device. However, recently, based on the architecture of the network system, the addition of a function to use stored images with external devices such as PCs has made it possible to share image data between devices connected to the network. Data storage functions such as enabling and re-printing and using them in external devices after accumulating image data are becoming more important.

The MFP machine is equipped with a printer function. When a normal printer system is instructed to draw in PDL (Printer Description Language) from a PC or the like, an output device that receives a print output request draws in a single color space regardless of the color space specified in PDL. To do.
That is, since a request by a normal application such as Windows (registered trademark) as a request at the time of print output is a request in RGB data format, output of CMYK data by Postscript (registered trademark) is also required. The mainstream is the accumulation of CMYK data that can satisfy the above requirements, and even if drawing is instructed in RGB or CMYK by the PDL, the drawing is performed in CMYK and the image is accumulated.
The adoption of such a method has no problem with the efficiency of device development as long as the printer controller is used only for printing an image. However, in a system for sharing accumulated image data on a network, The rendered data is stored inside the MFP and used by merging with the data read from the scanner, or the data stored inside the MFP is taken out and stored in an external PC and output from another MFP. In some cases, it does not necessarily meet the requirements of users. For example, when scanner and copy data are stored in RGB, considering the sharing of data with these, it is desirable that the printer also draws RGB and stores images.
For this reason, in the printer, by changing the stored data format according to the user's purpose, the image drawn in RGB is stored in RGB, and the image drawn in CMYK is stored in CMYK.・ It is in a direction to satisfy the functions.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-244827 JP 2002-36750 A JP 2004-159035 A

By the way, in a system that makes it possible to use a stored image of a color MFP machine connected to a network, the stored image of the color MFP machine is displayed on a PC or the like on the network for browsing, and this image is edited and processed. There is a request to return an image obtained as an editing result from the PC to the color MFP and print again.
However, in this case, the data format of the stored image may differ depending on the input path as described above. ~ 3. That is,
1. A mechanism for ensuring the consistency between the display on the display and the print output, that is, the consistency between the image quality (color, resolution, etc.) appearing on the print output and the image quality displayed on the display, and reflecting the editing result for the displayed image on the print output But it does n’t exist. This is because when the MFP stores image data in a standard color space format such as sRGB, the adjustment on the PC is the adjustment in the RGB color system, and the manufacturer's RGB → This is because the CMYK conversion must be performed, so that the user's intended color cannot be adjusted.
2. A system for displaying on a PC and editing and processing the image corresponding to the case where the image is stored in a different format, such as an image stored by print data input using the printer function, and Even when the above solution is achieved and an editing operation is performed while viewing the display on the display by the application tool on the PC side, there is no mechanism for reflecting the editing result on CMYK for print output.
3. When an image obtained as an editing result from a PC is transmitted to an MFP color machine and printed, the network load increases and printing takes time.
Such a problem may occur.
In Patent Document 1, a server connected to a client system (color copying machine) via a network is a server having an editing process and an image storage function. The client system (PC) is requested by a device (PC) on the network. When the image data is edited and printed instead of the system that operates the color copying machine), the user has to bother to go to the place where the copying machine is located and perform the editing operation.
In Patent Documents 2 and 3, various stored images of the MFP color machine are viewed on a PC or the like on a network, image processing such as editing is performed on the image, and the resulting image is transferred from the PC to the MFP color. There is no system recognition of returning to the printer and printing again. ~ 4. It does not provide a solution.

The present invention allows print output based on the stored image data through the scanner input path and the print data input path (using the printer function), and distribution to an information processing apparatus such as an external PC. After receiving the stored image distributed and the image processing such as editing, the image is returned to the image processing apparatus such as the color MFP machine and printed again. In view of the above-mentioned problems in the image processing system configured by connecting the information processing apparatus such as a PC connected via a network to the network, the problem to be solved is as follows. In accordance with a request from the information processing apparatus, output processing such as print output performed using the stored image of the image processing apparatus of the color MFP machine via the network, in particular, storage The image is displayed on an information processing apparatus such as a PC on the network for browsing, and this image is subjected to image processing such as editing and processing, and the result is transferred from the information processing apparatus such as the PC to the image processing apparatus of the color MFP. When printing back and printing again, it is possible to ensure the consistency of the image quality of the display and print output, and to perform image processing that does not cause degradation of the image quality against the user's will. It is to provide a means to do.
In addition, even when images are stored in different formats, such as images stored using print data that has been input using the printer function, the stored images are displayed on an information processing device such as a PC on the network for viewing. And providing means for performing image processing such as editing and processing on the image, returning the result from the information processing apparatus such as a PC to the image processing apparatus of the color MFP, and performing printing again. Is a second problem to be solved.
In addition, the image stored in the image processing apparatus of the color MFP machine is displayed and displayed on an information processing apparatus such as a PC on the network, and image processing such as editing and processing is performed on the image, and the result is displayed on the PC or the like. To provide a means for reducing the network load and efficiently performing the image processing operation for returning to the image processing apparatus of the color MFP machine from the information processing apparatus and performing printing again This is the third issue that should be done.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image input means for inputting the document image, the first image processing means for performing image processing on the input document image according to the variable setting condition, and the first image processing means are passed. An image storage unit capable of storing an image; a second image processing unit that performs processing as print output data on the stored image of the image storage unit according to variable setting conditions; and an information processing apparatus via a network A network interface that enables data transmission / reception, and a third image processing means for processing the stored image output via the network interface and the image input via the network interface according to variable setting conditions The first image processing means uses the processed output image data as standard color space data. An image processing apparatus comprising color conversion means, wherein the third image processing means includes means for converting image data output via the network interface into device-dependent CMYK data. Plan.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the second image processing means changes from a standard color space to device-dependent CMYK image data in the third image processing means. The same means as the means for performing the conversion is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing system comprising the image processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect and an information processing apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus via a network interface. As a client of the image processing apparatus, a system that includes means for editing / processing CMYK image data obtained from the image processing apparatus solves the problem.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the third aspect, the information processing apparatus displays the device-dependent CMYK image data received from the image processing apparatus as display display image data. It is a system characterized by having means for performing conversion to a color space in accordance with characteristics.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the fourth aspect, the means for performing conversion into a color space in accordance with display characteristics of the information processing apparatus is transferred from the image processing apparatus. This is a system characterized in that it is means for using conversion parameters.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to any of the third to fifth aspects, the second image processing means of the image processing apparatus requests a print output for the edited / processed image data. The system is characterized in that the processing conditions are switched depending on whether or not.

In the invention of claim 7, an image input means for inputting a document image, a first image processing means for performing image processing on the input document image according to variable setting conditions, a means for inputting print data, an input Printer drawing means for generating an image based on the printed data, a network interface capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the information processing apparatus via a network, and an image to be transmitted via the network interface according to variable setting conditions And a second image processing means for processing an image received via the network interface, an image passed through the first image processing means, an image generated by the printer drawing means, and a network interface, An image accumulator capable of accumulating images through the second image processing means And a third image processing means for performing processing as print output data on the image stored in the image storage means in accordance with variable setting conditions, wherein the first image processing means The printer drawing means and the second image processing means are means for enabling processing according to a condition that images stored in the image storage means are image data of a plurality of types of standard color spaces. The image processing means converts the image data of a plurality of types of standard color spaces stored in the image storage means, which is transmitted via the network interface, into the color space required by the information processing apparatus of the client that is the transmission destination. The problem is solved by an image processing apparatus which is a means for performing the above.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the third image processing unit is device-dependent on the image data of a plurality of types of color spaces stored in the image storage unit. It is a means for performing conversion to CMYK image data.

The invention according to claim 9 is an image processing system comprising the image processing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8 and an information processing apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus via a network interface. An apparatus comprising, as a client of the image processing apparatus, means for requesting the image processing apparatus to transmit image data in a designated standard color space, and editing / processing the image data obtained from the image processing apparatus We will solve the problem with this system.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image processing system according to the ninth aspect, wherein the information processing device has display characteristics in the image data of the standard color space received from the image processing device as display display image data. It is a system characterized by having means for performing conversion to a combined color space.

In the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the image input means for inputting the document image, the first image processing means for performing image processing on the input document image in accordance with the variable setting condition, the information processing apparatus and the data via the network A network interface capable of transmitting and receiving, a second image processing means for processing an image transmitted via the network interface according to a variable setting condition, and a reception via the network interface according to a variable setting condition A third image processing means for processing the processed image, an image that has been input through the first image processing means and a network interface, and an image that can be stored through the third image processing means Storage means and print output data on the image stored in the image storage means according to variable setting conditions; A fourth image processing unit that performs all the processing, wherein the data processed by the second image processing unit is stored as transmission image data to the information processing device of the client. An image storage means and an image processing apparatus having a client color conversion means for converting the image data stored in the transmission image storage means into a color space requested by a client information processing apparatus as a transmission destination , To solve the problem.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, the client color conversion means converts the transmission image data to the information processing apparatus of the client into a standard color space. It is characterized by.
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, the color conversion unit for the client matches the display characteristics of the information processing apparatus with the image data transmitted to the information processing apparatus of the client. It is a means for performing conversion to space.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the eleventh to thirteenth aspects, the first image processing means and the third image processing means transmit an image stored in the image storage means to a device display. The present invention is characterized in that it is a means that makes it possible to perform processing according to the conditions for image data in a pendant color space.
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect, the device-dependent color space is a CMYK color space.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image processing apparatus according to any one of the eleventh to fifteenth aspects, further comprising means for encoding image data to be transmitted via the network interface by a reversible encoding method. It is a feature.
The invention according to claim 17 is the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 15, further comprising means for encoding image data to be transmitted via the network interface by an irreversible encoding method. It is characterized by.

The invention of claim 18 is an image processing system comprising the image processing device according to any one of claims 11 to 17 and an information processing device connected to the image processing device via a network interface, wherein the information The problem is solved by a system in which the processing device is a device including, as a client of the image processing device, means for requesting the image processing device to transmit image data for display display.
According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the eighteenth aspect, the information processing apparatus includes, as a client of the image processing apparatus, a means for giving an instruction for editing / processing to the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus includes means for editing and processing the transmission image to be edited stored in the transmission image storage means in accordance with an editing / processing instruction given from the image processing apparatus. This is a system characterized by that.

(1) According to the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, the image data stored in the image processing apparatus (for example, MFP) from the external information processing apparatus (for example, client PC) connected via the network is used as the device characteristics of the plotter. The combined CMYK image is read out, the read image is displayed on the display, and the user edits and adjusts the color, etc., and uses the edited / processed data to output an image such as a print output on the MFP. The image quality of the display display and the image output such as the print output is ensured, and editing and processing without causing the image quality to deteriorate against the user's will It becomes possible to apply to.
In addition, by obtaining and using the color conversion parameters necessary for the above operation from the connected MFP machine, the application software of the client PC can be used without being changed. Furthermore, when printing output on the MFP machine, the edited / processed image data stored in a different format in the storage medium can be switched without changing the processing path, thereby compromising the edited / processed data. The printout can be performed (claim 6).

(2) According to the seventh to tenth aspects of the invention, various image formats (color spaces) such as the case where the image data stored in the MFP includes scanner input data and print data (using the printer function). Even when it is data, when this stored image is read out from the client PC via the network, it can be transferred after being converted into the color space required by the client PC. By performing conversion for displaying the image on the display (claim 10), the user can easily perform editing, adjustment of color, and the like.
Further, the conversion to device-dependent CMYK image data for print output corresponding to the image data of a different format (color space) is performed in the print output path of the MFP, so that the client PC side Thus, it is possible to print out the image data that has been edited and processed and returned to the MFP.

(3) According to the inventions of claims 11 to 19, the image data stored in the MFP is read out from the client PC connected via the network as an image that matches the device characteristics of the plotter (claims 14 and 15), The read image is displayed on the display, the image is confirmed, and editing, color, etc. are adjusted (claim 19), and the data is printed out by the MFP machine after confirmation or after editing / processing. The image quality of image output such as display and print output is ensured to be consistent, and editing that does not cause degradation of the image quality against the user's will.・ Processing can be applied to images.
Moreover, since color conversion suitable for display on the client PC (claims 12 and 13) is performed on the MFP side, it can be applied to a client PC having no color conversion means.
In addition, since the MFP unit has means for color conversion and editing / processing necessary for the above operations, images can be checked according to user instructions from the client PC without imposing a load on the network. Alternatively, it is possible to output an image such as a print output of an image obtained by editing and processing the image (claim 19).
Further, by performing exchange of data between the MFP machine and the client PC by a reversible encoding method, an editing / image backup function without image deterioration is realized on the image processing system (claim 16). When the data exchange between the machine and the client PC is performed with highly compressed image data using an irreversible encoding method, the image transfer time can be shortened and the processing result can be shortened if there is no problem with some degradation in image quality. Can be obtained quickly (Claim 17).

Embodiments relating to an image processing apparatus and an image processing system of the present invention will be described below.
In all of the embodiments described below, an image processing apparatus (for example, an image processing apparatus that enables distribution to an information processing apparatus such as a PC, in addition to performing print output based on the image data input by the scanner and accumulated. In a system in which an MFP color copier or the like) and an information processing apparatus such as a PC that uses the stored image of the image processing apparatus are connected via a network, they are used in accordance with a user request from the information processing apparatus such as a PC. It is possible to read the stored image, confirm the read image on the display, or edit and process the image, and use the image after confirmation, editing and processing to perform image output processing such as print output on the system And
In the following, it will be described as “Embodiment 1” to “Embodiment 7”, but it can be roughly divided into three. In “Embodiment 1”, image data stored in the MFP machine from the client PC is stored in the plotter. Read out as CMYK images according to device characteristics, display the read-out image on the display and make adjustments such as editing and color by the user, and use the edited and processed data to print out on the MFP. The feature is that the image is output.
Further, “Embodiment 2” may be data in various color spaces, as in the case where image data stored in the MFP includes scanner input data and print data (input data using a printer function). When this stored image is read from the client PC, it is converted into a color space according to the user's request and transferred. On the client PC side, the read image is converted to be displayed on the display. It is characterized in that editing, color adjustment, etc. are performed.
In the remaining “Embodiment 3” to “Embodiment 7”, the image data stored in the MFP machine is read from the client PC as an image that matches the device characteristics of the plotter, and the read image is displayed on the display. In the image processing system that enables the MFP machine to output an image such as a printout using the data after the confirmation, color conversion suitable for the display on the client PC is performed on the MFP machine side. Features a point.

“Embodiment 1”
In “Embodiment 1” shown below, a digital color copying machine (MFP machine) equipped with functions such as a copy function, a scanner distribution function, and a stored image data distribution function is used as an image processing apparatus, and a PC connected to this network Is configured as an information processing apparatus that uses the stored image of the MFP. Further, in this image processing system, in accordance with a request from a PC (client PC), an image stored in a storage medium such as an HDD in the MFP machine is edited and processed, and an image obtained as an editing result is used in the MFP machine. A processing function for performing print output can be realized on the system.
In the present embodiment, when using the above functions, the stored image data read to the client PC is displayed on the display as CMYK data that matches the device characteristics of the plotter, and the display and image output (print output, etc.) The image quality matching is ensured, and editing, image quality adjustment, and the like are performed while checking the image displayed on the display. In this way, the image quality is not lowered (changed) in the output image by the processed image data after processing such as editing and image quality adjustment is performed on the image against the will of the user. It is possible to do.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an image processing system according to this embodiment including a color MFP as an image processing apparatus and a client PC.
First, referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of each part of the color MFP machine and the processing at the time of copying performed in the process of reading a document image, accumulating the read image, and printing output using the accumulated image are performed in accordance with the flow. explain.
When reading an original, the scanner 1s of the scanner unit 1 reads the set original as 8-bit image data of each color separated into R, G, and B (R: Red, G: Green, B: Blue). .
The read image data is sent to the first image processing unit 12 and subjected to various corrections and conversions. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the first image processing unit 12. As shown in FIG. 2, here, a scanner γ process 12g, a spatial filter process 12f, a color correction process (1) 12c, and a scaling process are shown. Each process of 12v and the process by the compressor 12m is performed.
In the scanner γ processing 12g, γ correction is performed according to the device characteristics of the scanner unit 1, and in the spatial filter processing 12f, an image signal such as a sharp image or a soft image is subjected to edge enhancement or smoothing according to user preference. A process of changing the frequency characteristics of is performed. ′
The RGB color signals input to the scanner are converted into R'G'B 'color signals by color correction processing (1) 12c. R′G′B ′ is RGB data of sRGB, NTSC, or a standard color space provided with a manufacturer-specific standard. In the embodiment, it is also possible to use the RGB data as it is input from the scanner without using the color correction processing (1) 12c.
The 8-bit color data of R′G′B ′ after scaling is compressed by a fixed-length compressor 12m. The compression / decompression method may be a general-purpose JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) method or JPEG2000 method. The compressed image data is written and stored in the storage medium 13 such as an HDD through the general-purpose bus I / F 15.
Image data is stored in the storage medium 13 in order to avoid reading the original again even when the paper is printed when the data is printed out, that is, when printing is not normally completed, or image data such as electronic sorting is used. This is to perform the operation. In addition to this, it supports a re-output function that stores the read originals and prints them out or distributes them over the network when necessary.

When printing out, the compressed RGB data in the storage medium 13 is sent to the second image processing unit 16 through the general-purpose bus. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the second image processing unit 16. As shown in FIG. 3, here, the decompressor 16e, the color correction process (2) 16c, the printer γ process 16g, and the halftone process 16h are shown. Each process is performed.
The decompressor 16e decompresses the image data and restores it to RGB 8-bit image data again. The color correction process (2) 16c converts RGB data into CMYK data. Thereafter, printer γ correction 16g is performed on each color of CMYK, and then halftone processing 16h according to the plotter unit 18 is performed.
Next, when the plotter unit 18 is a four-drum machine, the CMYK plates are processed in parallel. Therefore, each plate has an output I / F delay memory 16p so as to match the image forming timing of each plate, and delay adjustment is performed. After that, it is sent to the plotter 18p and printed on the transfer paper.
By performing the above flow, the color MFP realizes a copy operation, and after the image data is output from the plotter unit 18, the image data passing through the scanner input path is accumulated on the storage medium 13. In addition to the copying operation, the stored image can be used from the client PC 200 as data shared between networks as described later.

Next, editing / processing and editing / printing for the image data stored in the storage medium 13 of the color MFP, which is a processing function of the image processing system (the edited / processed data is returned to the MFP and printed out) The processing flow of the operation of performing (1) will be described. In this processing flow, here, the process of distributing the stored image from the MFP machine to the client PC 200 → displaying the display of the distributed image on the PC 200 → editing and processing on the PC 200 → editing printing on the MFP machine is followed.
Here, the image editing / processing function includes a function of performing processing such as color adjustment processing on the image in addition to editing processing such as image deletion, movement, and masking. As described above, in image editing / processing performed through display display, it is required to ensure consistency in image quality between display display and image output (print output, etc.), but color adjustment is performed. In this case, this need has a more important meaning. In the present embodiment, an example having a mechanism for performing adjustment with CMYK values according to plotter characteristics in order to ensure image quality consistency is shown.
In the example shown below, the stored image is edited and processed, but the same applies to the case where print output is performed simply by confirming the image on the display without processing. obtain.

Hereinafter, the above-described processing steps will be sequentially described with reference to FIG.
“Distribution of stored images to client PC”
As described in the above copy processing, after the image data input from the scanner unit 11 is subjected to image processing by the first image processing unit 12, the image data stored in the storage medium 13 is sRGB in the standard color space. Alternatively, it is RGB data with a manufacturer-specific standard. For this reason, in the third image processing unit 14 that processes the distribution image, it is necessary to convert the edited print into a CMYK value corresponding to the plotter characteristic and transfer it to the client PC. As described above, the necessity of this conversion is to ensure consistency with the image quality of the print output.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the third image processing unit 14. As shown in FIG. 4, here, each process of the decompressor 14e, the color correction process (3) 14c, and the compressor 14m is performed. Done.
The third image processing unit 14 receives the RGB compressed data stored in the storage medium 13 via the general-purpose bus, and converts it again into RGB 8-bit image data by the decompressor 14m in the third image processing unit 14.
Next, the decompressed RGB 8-bit image data is converted from RGB to CMYK data by color correction processing (3) 14. At this time, in the color correction processing (3) 14, processing is performed with the same conversion parameters as the same color correction processing performed in the color correction processing (2) 16c of the second image processing unit 16. As a result, it is possible to perform conversion into CMYK data according to the plotter characteristics.
Thereafter, the CMYK data converted by the third image processing unit 14 is compressed by the compressor 14m, and the compressed CMYK data is transferred to the client PC 200 via the network I / Fs 19 and 29. The reason why the compression process is performed is to reduce the data amount and shorten the transfer time. The transfer to the client PC 200 may be performed via a dedicated interface instead of via the network. The CMYK image data transferred to the client PC 200 is accumulated in the storage medium 23 inside the client PC 200.

“Distributed image display”
As shown in FIG. 1, the client PC 200 is installed with dedicated application software 25 for editing and printing, and can perform image processing such as editing / processing including image color tone adjustment processing. For the image data to be processed by the application software 25, the CMYK compressed data stored in the storage medium 23 in the client PC 200 is expanded and stored in another storage area in the storage medium 23.
On the display 27d of the client PC 200, an image to be subjected to image processing by the dedicated application software 25 is displayed. The color system of the display 27d is a color system such as sRGB which is a standard of PC. For this reason, when the display supports sRGB, the display color conversion processing software 25d of the client PC 200 separately converts the image data to be subjected to image processing from CMYK data to sRGB data as display image data. Conversion needs to be done. Since the CMYK data stored in the storage medium 23 of the client PC 200 is adapted to the plotter characteristics of the color MPF machine 100, the client PC 200 is connected to the color MFP machine 100 when the color MFP machine 100 is connected. The conversion parameters for CMYK → sRGB color conversion are acquired from the network via the network. By responding by switching the conversion parameter, even when a plurality of color MFPs 100 are connected to the client PC 200, it is not necessary to change the application software 25 according to the color MFP to be used. Can be.
Using the acquired CMYK → sRGB color conversion parameters, the display color conversion processing software 25d converts the CMYK image data stored in the storage medium 23 inside the client PC 200 into sRGB data for display, and displays the display. The sRGB data is sent to the display 27d via the I / F 27. By using this sRGB data, it is possible to display on the display image data that matches the color of the image output from the plotter 18p of the color MFP 100.

“Image editing and processing”
The image editing processing software 25a of the dedicated application software 25 for editing and printing can perform processing such as erasing, moving, masking, etc., performing area designation, adjusting CMYK data in the area, and performing gamma adjustment for each CMYK plane. It is also possible to adjust the color.
The image editing / processing by the image editing processing software 25a is performed on the expanded CMYK image data. The display color conversion processing software 25d is used for the processed CMYK image data, and the CMYK → By performing the sRGB conversion, it is possible to confirm the editing / processing contents by always displaying an image in accordance with the image output from the plotter 18p of the color MFP 100 on the display 27d.
It should be noted that these image editing / processing processes may be performed not by software processing such as the above-described image editing processing software 25a, but by using a processing unit using a hardware circuit with an option board attached to the client PC 200. .

“Edit printing”
When “edit printing” is requested for the CMYK image data that has undergone editing / processing, the target image data is compressed and then sent to the MFP 100 via the network I / Fs 29 and 19. The image is transferred to the third image processing unit 14 and stored in the storage medium 13 in the apparatus. At this time, attribute data for editing printing is added to the print request together with the image data.
When printing out from the plotter 18p, the CMYK compressed data in the storage medium 13 is sent to the second image processing unit 16 (see FIG. 3) through the general-purpose bus. In the second image processing unit 16, it is decompressed by the decompressor (1) 16e and restored to CMYK 8-bit image data again. At this time, if it is converted into compressed data by a fixed length compressor for each color, a decompressor common to RGB compression may be used, and if RGB compression is a general-purpose JPEG system or JPEG2000 system, it is general-purpose. Since it is not a CMYK compressor, as shown in the second image processing unit of FIG. 5, an RGB compression decompressor (1) 16e (see FIG. 3) and a CMYK compression decompressor (1) 16e ′ are separately provided. Also good. The switching of the decompressor (1) is determined depending on whether the edit printing is indicated by the attribute data.

Next, since the edit printing is already CMYK data, if it is determined that the edit print is based on the attribute data, the color correction process (2) 16c of the second image processing unit 16 is not performed, and the through process is performed. And As a result, the CMYK data adjusted by the user can be used as it is. Note that when the path of the decompressor (1) 16e 'in FIG. 5 is passed, it is sent directly to the printer γ16.
The CMYK image data obtained through the color correction process (2) 16c is subjected to printer gamma correction 16g for each color. Next, halftone processing in accordance with the plotter unit 18 is performed, and in the case of a four-drum machine, since the CMYK plates are processed in parallel, the output I / F delay memory of each plate is matched with the image forming timing of each plate. 16p, and after delay adjustment, it is sent to the plotter unit 18 and printed on the transfer paper.
As described above, according to the image processing system of the present embodiment, the image data from the input device such as the scanner unit 11 is converted and stored in the standard color space, and the color conversion of the image signal is performed according to the characteristics of the output destination plotter. In the color MFP 100 as described above, the user can adjust the color from the client PC 200 using the image data obtained by matching the stored image with the characteristics of the plotter, and can output the adjusted data as it is. An “edit printing” function that can be confirmed on the display 27d can be realized on this system.

“Embodiment 2”
In the present embodiment, a digital color copying machine (MFP) equipped with functions such as a copy function, a scanner distribution function, and a stored image data distribution function is used as an image processing apparatus, and a PC connected to the network is connected to the MFP machine. When an image processing system is configured as an information processing apparatus that uses stored images, and image data stored in the MFP includes scanner input data and print data (input data using a printer function) on the image processing system As described above, even when data in various color spaces is read out from the client PC, the stored image is transferred after being converted into a color space according to the user's request, and read out on the client PC side. Processing that converts the image to be displayed on the display, and that the user edits and adjusts color, etc. And possible to realize a function. Further, when image processing such as editing / processing is performed by realizing the above processing functions, the resulting image is returned from the information processing apparatus such as a PC to the image processing apparatus of the color MFP and printed again. It is possible to realize a processing function for performing

First, a basic configuration and operation of an image processing system according to this embodiment, which includes a color MFP as an image processing apparatus and a client PC, will be described. This basic configuration is a configuration for storing and outputting image data in a storage medium of an image processing apparatus (color MFP machine) using an operation of a printer application.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the basic configuration of the image processing system. With reference to the same figure, the process at the time of accumulation | storage / output by a printer application is demonstrated along a flow.
When there is a print request from the external PC 200, the printer driver software on the PC 200 outputs a PDL (Printer Description Language) code, and a print instruction is issued to the printer controller 15c in the printer controller unit 15 of the MFP machine via the network. As PDL, Post Script (registered trademark) of Adobe Corporation is famous, but there are cases where a printer manufacturer's original one is adopted.
The printer controller 15c accesses the band memory 15m via the band memory control device 15t according to the instruction of the PDL code, and draws a bitmap image.
Here, when the PDL code instructs to draw in RGB, the drawing is performed by the RGB development processing 15a on the 8-bit RGB planes on the band memory 15m through the band memory control device 15t. .
When the PDL code instructs to draw in CMYK, drawing is performed by the CMYK development process 15b on each of the 8 bits 4 planes of CMYK on the band memory 15m through the band memory control device 15t.
The image drawn in the band memory is sent to the compression / decompression unit 15e via the band memory control device 15t. The image compressed by the compression / decompression unit 15e is stored in the main memory 13 such as an HDD via the main memory control device 19.
In some cases, an overwrite drawing command is generated for an image already drawn and stored in the main memory 13. In this case, the compressed data after drawing on the main memory 13 is read through the main memory control device 19, and is written back to the band memory 15m through the compression / decompression device 15e and the band memory control device 15t. The printer controller 15c can perform drawing again on the rewritten image data.
Through such a process, the compressed data after drawing is stored in the main memory 13.

Since the processing flow at the time of a print request is made, when bitmap data for one sheet of printing paper is accumulated in the main memory 13, a print output path performed by the printer unit 18 is entered. First, the decompressor 18e decompresses the data. Is done.
Next, when the data stored in the main memory 13 is RGB data, the color correction (1) 18a having a function of converting from RGB to CMYK is converted into data in the CMYK color space suitable for this printer device. Done. That is, correction according to the device characteristics is performed simultaneously with color conversion from RGB to CMYK.
When the data stored in the main memory 13 is CMYK data, the CMYK data corresponding to the printer device is obtained by color correction (2) 18b having a function of converting the CMYK data drawn by the printer controller 15c into CMYK specific to the device. Conversion to color space data is performed.
Thereafter, the CMYK data is sent to the printer γ conversion 18g. The printer γ conversion 18g performs gradation conversion in accordance with the writing characteristics of the plotter 18p. Next, in the halftone processing 18h, the number of gradations is reduced to the number of bits that can be output by the plotter 18p by dithering or error diffusion.
Thereafter, the image data is sent to the plotter 18p and printed on the printing paper. The engine controller 17 controls the plotter 18p. The plotter 18p may be in any format such as an electrophotographic system or an ink jet system.

The basic configuration and operation of the image processing system according to this embodiment will be further described. The basic configuration described here is a configuration for performing an operation of accumulating and outputting image data in a storage medium of an image processing apparatus (color MFP machine) using an operation of a copy application.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing the basic configuration of the image processing system. With reference to the same figure, the process at the time of accumulation | storage / output by a copy application is demonstrated along a flow.
The color MFP shown in FIG. 7 includes a scanner 1s as an image reading device. When reading a document, the set document is read as 8-bit image data of each color separated into RGB by the scanner 1s.
Next, conversion into a predetermined color space is performed by the color correction (3) 11c. In this color conversion, RGB data obtained by a scanner is converted into sRGB or a standard color space defined by the manufacturer.
The color-corrected image data is subjected to filter processing and the like by the scanner image processing 11p to process the image quality suitable for the scanner application and the copy application, that is, correction according to the image type and device characteristics, and the user operation unit Processing based on the setting conditions selected in (not shown) is performed.
Thereafter, compression is performed by the compressor 11 m and image data is stored in the main memory 13 via the main memory control device 19.
In the case of electronic sorting (rearranging a plurality of document image data), the function is realized by reading the image data from the main memory 13.

The image stored in the main memory 13 is sent to the decompressor 18e on the plotter 18p side through the main memory control device 19.
Since this image data is converted and stored in the RGB standard color space by the scanner input path, the RGB data is then converted into the printer device by color correction (1) 18a having a function of converting from RGB to CMYK. Conversion to CMYK color space data in accordance with (plotter 18p) is performed.
Thereafter, the CMYK data is sent to the printer γ conversion 18g. The printer γ conversion 18g performs gradation conversion in accordance with the writing characteristics of the plotter 18p. Next, in the halftone processing 18h, the number of gradations is reduced to the number of bits that can be output by the plotter 18p by dithering or error diffusion. Thereafter, the image data is sent to the plotter 18p, and printing is performed on the printing paper.

Next, an embodiment of an image processing system having the above-described image processing system (FIGS. 6 and 7) as a basic configuration and added with an “edit printing process” function will be described.
This “edit printing process” function added to the image processing system is a network-connected client PC 200 that inputs image data input using the printer application and copy application described above and stored in the main memory 13 in the MFP. , And after editing and processing with the client PC 200, the data is again transferred to the MFP via the network and output.
When editing or processing an image, the image to be processed is displayed on the display, and the image is checked and processed. For display, the image is displayed in a predetermined format (color space). It is necessary to.
The image editing / processing described here includes a color adjustment function in addition to image erasure, movement, masking, and composition. For example, when color adjustment is performed, whether to perform adjustment using RGB data or CMYK data differs depending on the user.
Further, as described above, the format (color space) of the image data stored in the main memory 13 such as the HDD is RGB data, CMYK data, or a plurality of types of data.
For this reason, in order to realize the “edit printing process” function, the stored image is subjected to conversion processing to data that matches the format (color space) requested by the user from the client PC side, It is necessary to be able to perform editing and processing.

8 and 9 are block diagrams schematically showing the configuration of the image processing system of this embodiment. FIG. 8 shows the overall configuration of the system, and FIG. 9 shows the internal configuration of the client PC.
In the present embodiment, for example, the user edits the color of the printer data (see FIG. 6) accumulated in CMYK in the main memory 13 and the copy data (see FIG. 7) accumulated in RGB with the CMYK data. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the edit printing process in the case of image composition will be described below with reference to FIGS.
“Distribution of stored images to client PC (CMYK editing operation)”
The CMYK printer data stored in the main memory 13 is sent to the image data conversion apparatus 10 provided in the distribution path to the network I / F such as the NTC 50 via the general-purpose bus. This image data conversion apparatus 10 is an apparatus that performs distribution data conversion / processing on data that conforms to the format (color space) requested by the user from the client PC side, and has a characteristic configuration of this embodiment.
In this case, in the image data conversion apparatus 10, the decompressor 10e performs decompression processing for CMYK data and restores the data. Thereafter, the resolution is converted into the resolution requested by the user in the resolution conversion process 10d.
Next, since the user requests editing / processing with CMYK data, the color correction (4) 10c passes through the color conversion process for the printer data stored in the CMYK data. Do not convert.
In addition, the RGB copy data stored in the other main memory 13 is decompressed for RGB data by the decompressor 10e in the image data conversion apparatus 10 sent via the general-purpose bus to restore the data. Thereafter, the resolution is converted into the resolution requested by the user in the resolution conversion process 10d.
Next, since the user requests editing / processing with CMYK data, the RGB-to-CMYK color conversion process is performed on the copy data stored in RGB data with color correction (4) 10c. Apply.
The CMYK printer data and the CMYK copy data subjected to the color conversion process are compressed by the format converter 10f, and the compressed CMYK data is transferred to the client PC 200 via the NTC 50 and the network I / F 29. The reason why the compression process is performed is to reduce the data amount and shorten the transfer time. The transfer to the client PC 200 may be performed via a dedicated interface instead of via the network.
The CMYK printer data and CMYK copy data transferred to the client PC 200 are stored in the storage medium 23 inside the client PC 200.

“Distributed image display (during CMYK editing)”
As shown in FIG. 9, dedicated application software 25 for editing and printing is installed in the client PC 200, and image processing such as editing and processing including image color adjustment processing and image composition processing can be performed. it can. The CMYK printer data and CMYK copy data to be subjected to image processing by the application software 25 are decompressed from the compressed data stored in the storage medium 23 in the client PC 200 and stored in another storage area in the storage medium 23. Keep it.
On the display 27d of the client PC 200, an image to be subjected to image processing by the dedicated application software 25 is displayed. The color system of the display 27d is a color system such as sRGB which is a standard of PC. For this reason, when the display supports sRGB, the display color conversion processing software 25d of the client PC 200 separately converts the image data to be subjected to image processing from CMYK data to sRGB data as display image data. Conversion needs to be done. Since the CMYK data stored in the storage medium 23 of the client PC 200 is CMYK data that has its own manufacturer's standard, it has one parameter for CMYK → sRGB color conversion, so that multiple color MFPs can be connected. Even in such a case, the application software need not be changed according to the color MFP used.
Using the CMYK → sRGB color conversion parameters, the display color conversion processing software 25d converts the CMYK printer data and CMYK copy data stored in the storage medium 23 inside the client PC 200 into sRGB data for display display. The sRGB data is sent to the display 27d via the display I / F 27. By using the sRGB data, it is possible to display on the display image data that matches the color of the image output from the color MFP 100.

“Image editing / processing (during CMYK editing)”
In the image editing processing software 25a of the dedicated application software 25 for editing and printing, the CMYK printer data and the CMYK copy data can be combined, the area is designated, the CMYK data in the area is adjusted, and the gamma adjustment is performed for each CMYK plane. It is also possible to adjust the color.
The image editing / processing by the image editing processing software 25a is performed on the expanded CMYK image data. The display color conversion processing software 25d is used for the processed CMYK image data, and the CMYK → By performing the sRGB conversion, it is possible to confirm the editing / processing contents by always displaying an image in accordance with the image output from the plotter 18p of the color MFP 100 on the display 27d.
It should be noted that these image editing / processing processes may be performed not by software processing such as the above-described image editing processing software 25a, but by using a processing unit using a hardware circuit with an option board attached to the client PC 200. .

“Edit printing (during CMYK editing)”
When “edit printing” is requested for the CMYK image data that has been subjected to editing / processing, the target image data is compressed and then sent to the MFP 100 via the network I / F 29 and NTC 50. It is transferred to the image data converter 10 and stored in the main memory 13 in the machine.
The edited CMYK image data stored in the main memory 13 passes through a processing path to be printed out from the plotter 18p. Here, color correction having a function of converting into CMYK specific to the device suitable for the plotter 18p (2) By 18b, the data is converted into CMYK data suitable for the printer device.
Thereafter, the CMYK data after color correction is sent to the printer γ18g. The printer γ18g performs gradation conversion in accordance with the writing characteristics of the plotter 18p. Further, in the halftone processing 18h, the number of gradations is reduced to the number of bits that can be output by the plotter 18p by dithering or an error diffusion method. Thereafter, the image data is sent to the plotter 18p, and printing is performed on the transfer paper.

In the above description, the editing and printing process by the image processing system according to the present embodiment is described as the editing and printing process using the “CMYK” data. Reference will be made again to the explanation.
“Distribution of stored images to client PC (when RGB editing operation)”
The CMYK printer data stored in the main memory 13 is sent to the image data converter 10 via the general-purpose bus.
In this case, in the image data conversion apparatus 10, the decompressor 10e performs decompression processing for CMYK data and restores the data. Thereafter, the resolution is converted into the resolution requested by the user in the resolution conversion process 10d.
Next, since the user requests editing / processing with RGB data, for the printer data stored in CMYK data, the color correction (4) 10c performs CMYK → RGB color conversion processing. Is given.
In addition, the RGB copy data stored in the other main memory 13 is decompressed for RGB data by the decompressor 10e in the image data conversion apparatus 10 sent via the general-purpose bus to restore the data. Thereafter, the resolution is converted into the resolution requested by the user in the resolution conversion process 10d.
In the next color correction (4) 10c, since the user requests editing / processing with RGB data, this color conversion processing is passed through for the printer data stored in RGB data, and conversion is performed. Do not do.
The RGB copy data and the RGB printer data subjected to the color conversion process are compressed by the format converter 10f, and the compressed CMYK data is transferred to the client PC 200 via the NTC 50 and the network I / F 29. The reason why the compression process is performed is to reduce the data amount and shorten the transfer time.
The RGB printer data and RGB copy data transferred to the client PC 200 are stored in the storage medium 23 inside the client PC 200.

“Display display of distribution image (when RGB editing operation)”
As shown in FIG. 9, dedicated application software 25 for editing and printing is installed in the client PC 200, and image processing such as editing and processing including image color adjustment processing and image composition processing can be performed. it can. The RGB printer data and the RGB copy data to be subjected to image processing by the application software 25 are decompressed by compressing data stored in the storage medium 23 in the client PC 200 and stored in another storage area in the storage medium 23. Keep it.
On the display 27d of the client PC 200, an image to be subjected to image processing by the dedicated application software 25 is displayed. The color system of the display 27d is a color system such as sRGB which is a standard of PC. For this reason, when the display supports sRGB, the display color conversion processing software 25d of the client PC 200 separately converts the image data to be subjected to image processing from RGB data to sRGB data as display image data. Conversion needs to be done. Since the RGB data stored in the storage medium 23 of the client PC 200 is RGB data having a standard unique to the manufacturer, a plurality of color MFPs can be connected by having one parameter for RGB → sRGB color conversion. Even in such a case, the application software need not be changed according to the color MFP used.
Using the RGB → sRGB color conversion parameters, the display color conversion processing software 25d converts the RGB printer data and RGB copy data stored in the storage medium 23 inside the client PC 200 to sRGB data for display display. The sRGB data is sent to the display 27d via the display I / F 27. By using the sRGB data, it is possible to display on the display image data that matches the color of the image output from the color MFP 100.

“Image editing / processing (RGB editing operation)”
The image editing processing software 25a of the dedicated application software 25 for editing and printing can synthesize RGB printer data and RGB copy data, perform area designation, adjust RGB data in the area, and perform gamma adjustment for each RGB plane. It is also possible to adjust the color.
The image editing / processing by the image editing processing software 25a is performed on the decompressed RGB image data. The display RGB conversion data 25d is used for the processed RGB image data, and RGB → By performing the sRGB conversion, it is possible to confirm the editing / processing contents by always displaying an image in accordance with the image output from the plotter 18p of the color MFP 100 on the display 27d.

“Edit printing (RGB editing operation)”
When “edit printing” is requested for the RGB image data subjected to the editing / processing, the target image data is compressed, and then the network I / F 29 and the NTC 50 via the MFP 100. It is transferred to the image data converter 10 and stored in the main memory 13 in the machine.
The edited RGB image data stored in the main memory 13 passes through a processing path to be printed out from the plotter 18p. Here, color correction (1) having a function of converting into device-specific CMYK suitable for the plotter 18p. By 18a, the data is converted into CMYK data suitable for the printer device.
Thereafter, the CMYK data after color correction is sent to the printer γ18g. The printer γ18g performs gradation conversion in accordance with the writing characteristics of the plotter 18p. Further, in the halftone processing 18h, the number of gradations is reduced to the number of bits that can be output by the plotter 18p by dithering or an error diffusion method. Thereafter, the image data is sent to the plotter 18p, and printing is performed on the transfer paper.

“Embodiment 3”
In "Embodiment 3" to "Embodiment 7" shown below, a digital color copying machine (MFP machine) equipped with functions such as a copy function, a scanner distribution function, and a stored image data distribution function is used as an image processing apparatus. An image processing system is configured by using a PC connected to the network as an information processing apparatus that uses an image stored in the MFP. Further, in this image processing system, in accordance with a request from a PC (client PC), an image stored in a storage medium such as an HDD in the MFP machine is edited and processed, and an image obtained as an editing result is used in the MFP machine. A processing function for performing print output can be realized on the system.
In this embodiment, when using the above function, the image data stored in the MFP machine is read from the client PC as an image that matches the device characteristics of the plotter, and the read image is displayed on the display to confirm the image. In the image processing system that enables the MFP machine to output an image such as a print output based on the data after confirmation, color conversion suitable for the display on the client PC is performed on the MFP machine side. In this way, the image quality is not deteriorated (changed) in the output image by the processed image data after processing such as editing and image quality adjustment is performed on the image against the will of the user. In addition, since the MFP unit has means for color conversion and editing / processing necessary for the above-described operation, it does not have a load on the network and has no color conversion means. The above function can be realized even in a system constituted by a client PC.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an image processing system according to this embodiment including a color MFP as an image processing apparatus and a client PC.
First, referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of each part of the color MFP machine and the processing at the time of copying performed in the process of reading a document image, accumulating the read image, and printing output using the accumulated image are performed in accordance with the flow. explain.
The scanner unit 11 of the MFP reads an original by an optical scanner device in the unit and inputs it as image data. The input image data is transferred to the first image processing unit 12.
The first image processing unit 12 processes and converts the input image data in accordance with various corrections for optimizing image characteristics and user requests, converts the input image data into image data of a predetermined format, and stores it in an HDD or the like. Accumulate in medium (1) 13.
When the image stored in the storage medium (1) 13 is output as print output data, the fourth image processing unit 16 is passed. The fourth image processing unit 16 reads data to be printed out from the image data stored in the storage medium (1) 13, performs quantization according to the output dynamic range of the plotter, and performs printer γ processing and halftone processing. Is transferred to the plotter unit 18.
In the case of an electrophotographic plotter, the plotter unit 18 converts the image data output sent from the fourth image processing unit 16 into LD (laser diode) driving data for writing by laser, and then the LD. Through the formation, development, transfer, and fixing of the latent image by writing, the image data is output to the transfer paper.
Through the above process, the MFP implements a copy operation. Even after the image data is output from the plotter unit 18, the image data accumulated on the storage medium (1) 13 is stored as it is. It can be used from the client PC 200 as data shared between them.

Next, a processing flow of an editing / processing function for image data stored in the storage medium (1) 13 of the image processing apparatus (MFP machine) 100, which is a processing function of the image processing system, will be described. Here, reading of the stored image to be edited / processed → distribution of the read image as a monitor display image to the client PC 200 → editing / processing instruction from the client PC 200 → editing processing in the MFP according to the editing / processing instruction → The process of accumulating the edited image in the storage medium (1) 13 is performed.
This process will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 1. First, in accordance with a user instruction, the second image processing unit 141 of the MFP machine reads out the image data stored in the storage medium (1) 13. Then, necessary processing as a distribution image is performed. The processed image data is stored in the storage medium (2) 40 serving as a buffer.
The image data stored in the storage medium (2) 40 is transferred to the client PC 200 via the network I / F 19, displayed on the display in the PC for the user to monitor the image data, and the image is displayed on the display screen. It is possible to confirm.
At this time, in order to use the image to be transferred as monitor display data, the color data in the MFP is converted into the image data read from the storage medium (2) 40 by the color conversion device 31 in the client image processing device 30. A change is made from the space to the color space of the monitor of the client PC 200. The client image processing apparatus 30 is an element for realizing color conversion and editing / processing functions on the image processing system, and is a feature of the present embodiment.
The user instruction of the setting conditions in the color conversion device 31 is made from the client PC 200 or the operation unit (not shown) of the MFP.
The editing device 32 in the client image processing device 30 applies editing / processing to the image data based on an editing / processing instruction for the image data stored in the storage medium (2) 40. This operation request is made by the user from the operation unit (not shown) of the MFP machine or the client PC 200.
The image data stored in the storage medium (2) 40 is stored again in the storage medium (1) 13 after being edited and processed. At this time, the third image processing unit 142 performs the image processing necessary for the image data from the storage medium (2) 40, that is, the processing reverse to the processing performed by the second image processing unit 141 on the way back. This operation request is also made by the user from the operation unit (not shown) of the MFP machine or the client PC 200.

Here, embodiments of the first, second, third and fourth image processing units in the MFP constituting the image processing system will be described.
FIG. 11 shows an example of the internal configuration of the first image processing unit 12.
In the first image processing unit 12 shown in FIG. 11, the spatial filter processing 12f is performed on the image signal color-separated into RGB read by the scanner unit 11. The spatial filter process 12f may be a fixed coefficient filter or an adaptive filter that changes the coefficient in accordance with the image type depending on the application.
In the color conversion process 12c, color conversion from the RGB signal after the filter process to the CMYK signal is performed. The conversion from RGB to CMYK is based on the idea that the data is convenient for copy processing (plotter output).
This color conversion processing can be performed by using a LUT (Look Up Table) or by a masking method by matrix operation. By performing such processing, the image data after filtering and color conversion is stored in the storage medium (1) 13 of the MFP.
FIG. 12 shows an example of the internal configuration of the second image processing unit 141.
In the second image processing unit 141 shown in FIG. 12, resolution conversion is performed on the image data stored in the storage medium (1) 13 by the resolution conversion process 141d, and the data after the resolution conversion is stored in the storage medium (2 ) 40. The reason why the resolution conversion 14d is performed is that the resolution of the image used on the client PC 200 side varies depending on the application and the like, and therefore it is desired to reduce the amount of data to be transferred in accordance with the conditions required on the client PC side.
FIG. 13 shows an example of the internal configuration of the third image processing unit 142.
In the second image processing unit 142 shown in FIG. 13, resolution conversion is performed on the image data stored in the storage medium (2) 40 in the resolution conversion process 142d, and the data after the resolution conversion is stored in the image processing apparatus. Is stored again in the storage medium (1) 13. This is because the resolution conversion processing needs to return to the original resolution again when returning the data sent with the resolution reduced to the storage medium (1) 13 when stored in the storage medium (2) 40.
FIG. 14 shows an example of the internal configuration of the fourth image processing unit 16.
In the second image processing unit 12 shown in FIG. 14, printer gamma correction processing 16g and halftone processing 16h are performed. The printer γ correction processing 16g corrects the density variation and the time-dependent density correction of the entire device for each color of CMYK.
In the halftone process 16h, gradation expression is performed by reducing the number of gradations per dot in accordance with the printer to be printed out. A known dither method or error diffusion method can be applied to this processing method.

As described above, the color conversion device 31 in the client image processing device 30 performs color conversion of the image data in the storage medium (2) 40 from the color space inside the MFP machine to the color space of the monitor of the client PC 200. At this time, color conversion conditions are set so that the monitor display and the output image on the plotter match. By transferring the image data for monitor display to the client PC, the user can print out after confirming the plot output image on the monitor.
By performing the editing / processing operation described above, the image data stored in the storage medium (1) 13 and the storage medium (2) 40 of the MFP is transferred between the client PC 200 connected via the network. Transferred. Further, if the stored image in the storage medium (1) 13 is used as a plotter output image, an image to be confirmed on the monitor display on the client PC 200 can be performed with the same plotter output image. Further, the image data stored again in the storage medium (1) 13 of the MFP machine can be output to a plotter or transferred to other client PCs on the network in the same manner as the operation of the copy application.
In addition, the color conversion and editing / modification processing in accordance with the instruction from the client PC 200 is provided on the MFP machine side as the client image processing apparatus 30, and only the instruction for editing / modification processing is given from the client PC 200. This processing function can be realized even in a system constituted by a client PC having no color conversion and editing / processing means without imposing a load on the network.

“Embodiment 4”
In the image processing system shown in the above-described “Embodiment 3”, the present embodiment is optimal as a space suitable for use on the client PC side in the conversion of the color space of the image data performed by the client image processing apparatus 30 of the MFP machine. It aims to make it easier.
In the first example of this embodiment, assuming that the monitor display on the client PC 200 corresponds to a standard color space such as sRGB, the image data stored in the storage medium (1) 13 of the MFP machine The conversion from the color space is referred to as the conversion to the standard color space.
FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration (first example) of an image processing system according to this embodiment including an MFP and a client PC.
The configuration of the image processing system shown in FIG. 15 is basically the same as the system shown in FIG. 10 except that the color conversion device 31 of the client image processing device 30 in the MFP has a conversion parameter to the standard color space. Since there is no change, only the part relating to the color conversion of the color conversion device 31 characterized by the present embodiment will be described, and the basic part will be referred to the description of the above-mentioned “Embodiment 3”. Description is omitted.

The conversion parameter to the standard color space that the color conversion device 31 has depends on the processing system of the MFP main body. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, CMYK → sRGB parameters are prepared as color conversion parameters in the MFP, and are set in the color conversion device 31 at the time of conversion. Of course, when the client PC 200 has conversion parameters in advance, it may be transferred and used as necessary.
When the image data (including edited and processed images) stored in the storage medium (2) 40 is transmitted to the client PC 200, the image stored in the storage medium (2) 40 through the second image processing unit 141. Data is read out, color conversion from the CMYK → sRGB color space is performed by the color conversion device 31, and the converted display image data is transferred to the client PC 200 via the network I / F 19. The operation request in this case is made by the user from the operation unit (not shown) of the MFP machine or the client PC 200.
In the client PC 200, the image data stored in the storage medium (2) 40 is converted using the CMYK → sRGB parameter according to the setting and the image is transmitted as sRGB data. Thus, the display image based on the plot output image can be confirmed by the user.

In the second example of the present embodiment, assuming that the monitor displays connected to the client PC 200 have unique characteristics, the color space of the image data stored in the storage medium (1) 13 of the MFP machine The conversion from is a conversion to the color space of the monitor display. The configuration of the image processing system is adapted by the color conversion parameter in the color conversion device 31 as shown in FIG. In this case, the color space of the MFP main body is also device-specific, and the color space of the monitor display of the client PC 200 is also device-specific. Therefore, the unique color conversion parameter is determined only when the combination of the main body and the monitor is determined.
This parameter may be previously stored in the MFP as in the first example of the present embodiment, or may be transferred from the client PC 200.
When the image data (including edited and processed images) stored in the storage medium (2) 40 is transmitted to the client PC 200, the images stored in the storage medium (2) 40 through the second image processing unit 141. Data is read out, color conversion is performed by the color conversion device 31 into “CMYK → device-dependent RGB color space”, color conversion is performed on RGB data suitable for the monitor, and is transmitted.
Therefore, the client PC 200 that receives the image data can display the image on the monitor as it is, thereby confirming the image requested by the user in an optimal image state.

In the third example of this embodiment, it is assumed that the monitor display connected to the client PC 200 has unique characteristics, and the color space of the image data stored in the storage medium (1) 13 of the MFP machine. The conversion from is a conversion to the color space of the monitor display. The intention to perform color conversion is the same as in the second example in the present embodiment, but in this example, the color conversion process is divided into two stages, and the first stage is based on the color space of the MFP main body. Conversion to a specific color space (here, “Lab”) is performed, and conversion to the color space of the monitor of the client PC 200 is performed in the second stage.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration (third example) of the image processing system according to the present embodiment including an MFP and a client PC.
The configuration of the image processing system shown in FIG. 16 is other than adopting a two-stage device of a color conversion device (1) 311 and a color conversion device (2) 312 for color conversion of the client image processing device 30 in the MFP. Since there is basically no difference from the system shown in FIG. 10, only the part relating to the color conversion that is characteristic of the present embodiment will be described, and the basic part will be referred to the description of “Embodiment 3”. The description is omitted here.

The first-stage color conversion apparatus (1) 311 of the color conversion apparatus adopting the two-stage configuration shown in FIG. 16 uses device-dependent conversion parameters that depend on the main body of the MFP, and is therefore necessary on the MFP machine side. Various parameters are set in the color conversion device (1) 311.
The second-stage color conversion device (2) 312 uses device-dependent conversion parameters depending on the monitor characteristics of the client PC, and is used in parameters prepared in advance on the client PC 200. The monitor is selected, transferred to the MFP via the network I / F 19, and set in the color conversion device (2) 312.
The image data stored in the storage medium (2) 40 is converted into the color conversion device (1) 311 Lab data using the CMYK → Lab conversion parameters held in the MFP body, and further sent from the client PC 200. After the color conversion device (2) 312 converts the RGB data suitable for the monitor using the Lab → RGB conversion parameters, the data is transferred to the client PC 200 via the network I / F 19 and displayed on the client PC 200 side. The monitor is displayed on the screen to allow the user to confirm.
According to the method shown in the third example, the restriction of the method shown in the second example in which parameters are determined by the combination of the main body and the monitor is eliminated, and the monitor display and plotter can be used even if the main body and the monitor are in any combination. It is possible to match the output images at.

“Embodiment 5”
In this embodiment, in the image processing system shown in the above-mentioned “Embodiment 3”, the storage medium (1) 13 is used as image data in a device-dependent color space in the MFP, so that it can be used by the MFP. It is intended to optimize as a suitable color space.
In the present embodiment, CMYK color space data is used as image data in a device-dependent color space suitable for use on the MFP machine side. In many cases, the CMYK data includes the characteristics of the output device (plotter).
The data of the color space depending on the plotter is convenient for printing output. However, when the image is transmitted to the client PC 200 and the image is observed on the monitor display, the image used for display on the PC is displayed. The data is unsuitable because RGB is common. Therefore, this configuration can be solved by an image processing system that achieves both print output and appearance on a monitor with the configurations shown in the above-described “Embodiment 3” and “Embodiment 4”.

“Embodiment 6”
In this embodiment, in the image processing system shown in the above-described “third embodiment”, the image data transmitted to the client PC 200 through the client image processing apparatus 30 of the MFP machine is compressed to reduce the data amount, This is intended to shorten the transmission time.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an image processing system according to this embodiment including an MFP and a client PC.
The configuration of the image processing system shown in FIG. 17 is basically the same as the system shown in FIG. 10 except that the compression device 33 is added to the transmission output stage to the client PC 200 of the client image processing device 30 in the MFP. Therefore, only the part relating to the compression processing of transmission data, which is a feature of the present embodiment, will be described, and the basic part will be described with reference to the description of the above-mentioned “Embodiment 3”, and description thereof will be omitted here.

In the MFP, the amount of image data stored in the storage medium (1) 13 through an input path such as scanner input is very large. For this reason, when transmitting image data through a network, it is desired to shorten the image transfer time and increase the processing speed by compressing the data by some method and then sending it.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, the client image processing apparatus 30 is provided with a compression / decompression apparatus 33 that compresses image data transmitted through the network I / F 19.
In the first example of the present embodiment, the present image processing system aims to realize editing, processing, and editing printing with respect to the stored image in response to a request from the client PC 200 by a method that does not cause image quality degradation. A method using a reversible compression algorithm with little deterioration in image quality due to compression is adopted.
As a method using a reversible compression algorithm, the MH and MR methods well known as this method may be applied to each plane of image data, or JPEG may be used.
By compressing the transmission image data by such a reversible compression method, the amount of image data to be transferred can be reduced without causing image quality degradation. Further, according to the image processing system using the lossless compression method, in addition to image editing / processing, the information stored in the storage medium (1) 13 of the MFP machine can be used as a backup of the stored data, such as a network-connected PC. Can be used.
Further, in the second example of the present embodiment, a compression / decompression apparatus 33 using an irreversible compression method is provided instead of the lossless compression method used in the first example.
If the purpose of the image processing system is to finally print on paper, image quality degradation due to compression / expansion is not a problem. In such a case, by using an irreversible method such as JPEG as the compression / decompression method, it is possible to effectively use the advantages of compression and increase the overall merit.
Depending on the purpose, such as when editing / processing or reprinting images, or when backing up stored image data, the former is a non-reversible method and the latter is a reversible method. You may make it use properly.

“Embodiment 7”
The present embodiment shows an embodiment relating to an editing apparatus 32 included in the client image processing apparatus 30 of the MFP machine, which constitutes the image processing system shown in the above-mentioned “third embodiment”.
As shown in the image processing system of FIG. 10, the image data stored in the storage medium (2) 40 of the MFP can be edited by the editing device 32 in the client image processing device 30. The contents edited by the editing device 32 can be subjected to color conversion or the like by directly manipulating the color data of each plane of the CMYK data in addition to erasing, moving, and masking the image. The operation request at this time is made by the user from the operation unit (not shown) of the MFP machine or the client PC 200. Alternatively, the process may be automatically performed in advance.
At this time, the image data on the storage medium (2) 40 subjected to image editing is converted into RGB signals by the color conversion device 31 and displayed on the monitor of the client PC 200 on a monitor. By adopting such a configuration, the user can confirm the edited contents on the monitor in real time.
Further, as a result of confirming the image on the monitor display of the display in the client PC 200, there is a case where it is desired to restore the editing content. In that case, save the pre-edited image data and add the edits to this copy, overwriting the original image data when instructed to confirm the edits. This operation can be performed by the method of

1 schematically shows a configuration of an image processing system according to a first embodiment including an image processing apparatus (MFP machine) and a client PC. An example of the internal configuration of the first image processing unit in FIG. 1 is shown. An example of the internal configuration of the second image processing unit in FIG. 1 is shown. An example of an internal structure of the 3rd image processing unit in FIG. 1 is shown. The other example of the internal structure of the 2nd image processing unit in FIG. 1 is shown. 1 schematically shows a configuration of an image processing system according to a second embodiment including an image processing apparatus (MFP machine) and a client PC. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an image processing system that performs an operation of storing and outputting image data by a printer application. FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an image processing system in which a copy application function is added to FIG. 6. 1 schematically shows a configuration of an image processing system according to a second embodiment including an image processing apparatus (MFP machine) and a client PC. An example of the internal configuration of the client PC in FIG. 8 is shown. 4 schematically shows a configuration of an image processing system according to a third embodiment including an image processing apparatus (MFP machine) and a client PC. An example of the internal configuration of the first image processing unit in FIG. 10 is shown. An example of the internal configuration of the second image processing unit in FIG. 10 is shown. An example of an internal structure of the 3rd image processing unit in FIG. 10 is shown. An example of the internal configuration of the fourth image processing unit in FIG. 10 is shown. 1 schematically shows a configuration of an image processing system according to a fourth embodiment including an image processing apparatus (MFP machine) and a client PC. 10 schematically shows another configuration example of the image processing system according to the fourth embodiment including an image processing apparatus (MFP machine) and a client PC. 9 schematically shows a configuration of an image processing system according to a sixth embodiment including an image processing apparatus (MFP machine) and a client PC.

Explanation of symbols

11..Scanner unit, 13, 23, 40..Recording medium,
18. ・ Plotter unit 19, 29 ・ ・ Network interface,
25a ... Image editing software, 25d Display color conversion processing software,
27d .. Display, 31 .. Color conversion device,
32 ... Editing device, 50 ... NTC,
100 ... Color MFP, 200 ... Client PC.

Claims (19)

An image input means for inputting a document image; a first image processing means for performing image processing on the input document image according to variable setting conditions;
Image storage means capable of storing images through the first image processing means;
Second image processing means for performing processing as printout data on the stored image of the image storage means according to variable setting conditions;
A network interface capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the information processing apparatus via the network;
An image processing apparatus having third image processing means for processing the stored image output via the network interface and the image input via the network interface according to variable setting conditions,
The first image processing means includes color conversion means for processing the output image data after processing as data in a standard color space;
The image processing apparatus, wherein the third image processing means includes means for converting image data output via the network interface into device-dependent CMYK data.   2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second image processing means is the same as the means for performing conversion from standard color space to device-dependent CMYK image data in the third image processing means. An image processing apparatus comprising: An image processing system comprising the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 and an information processing apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus via a network interface,
An image processing system, characterized in that the information processing apparatus is a device provided with means for editing and processing CMYK image data obtained from the image processing apparatus as a client of the image processing apparatus.   4. The image processing system according to claim 3, wherein the information processing apparatus converts the device-dependent CMYK image data received from the image processing apparatus as display display image data into a color space that matches display characteristics. An image processing system characterized by comprising means for performing the conversion.   5. The image processing system according to claim 4, wherein the means for performing conversion to a color space in accordance with display characteristics of the information processing apparatus uses conversion parameters transferred from the image processing apparatus. An image processing system characterized by that.   6. The image processing system according to claim 3, wherein the second image processing means of the image processing apparatus performs processing depending on whether or not a print output request is made for edited / processed image data. An image processing system characterized by being a means for switching conditions. An image input means for inputting a document image; a first image processing means for performing image processing on the input document image according to variable setting conditions;
Means for inputting print data; printer drawing means for generating an image based on the input print data;
A network interface capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the information processing apparatus via the network;
A second image processing means for processing an image transmitted via the network interface and an image received via the network interface according to variable setting conditions;
An image storage means for storing an image through the first image processing means, an image generated by the printer drawing means and an image input through the network interface, and enabling the storage of the image through the second image processing means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a third image processing unit that performs processing as print output data on the image stored in the image storage unit according to variable setting conditions;
Means for allowing the first image processing means, the printer drawing means and the second image processing means to perform processing according to a condition that images stored in the image storage means are image data of a plurality of types of standard color spaces; Yes,
The color requested from the information processing apparatus of the client that is the transmission destination in the image data of the plurality of types of standard color spaces stored in the image storage means that is transmitted by the second image processing means via the network interface An image processing apparatus which is means for performing conversion to space.   8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the third image processing unit converts the image data of a plurality of types of color spaces stored in the image storage unit into CMYK image data that is device-dependent. An image processing apparatus characterized in that it is means for applying. An image processing system comprising the image processing apparatus according to claim 7 and an information processing apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus via a network interface,
The information processing apparatus, as a client of the image processing apparatus, requests the image processing apparatus to transmit image data in a designated standard color space, and edits / processes image data obtained from the image processing apparatus. An image processing system characterized by being an apparatus provided with means.   The image processing system according to claim 9, wherein the information processing apparatus converts image data for display display into image data in a standard color space received from the image processing apparatus into a color space that matches display characteristics. An image processing system comprising means for applying An image input means for inputting a document image; a first image processing means for performing image processing on the input document image according to variable setting conditions;
A network interface capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the information processing apparatus via the network;
A second image processing means for processing an image to be transmitted through the network interface according to variable setting conditions;
A third image processing means for processing an image received via the network interface according to variable setting conditions;
An image storage means that is capable of storing an image that has been input through the first image processing means and a network interface and that is capable of storing an image through the third image processing means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a fourth image processing unit that performs processing as print output data on the image stored in the image storage unit according to variable setting conditions;
Transmission image storage means for storing data processed by the second image processing means as transmission image data to the client information processing apparatus;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a client color conversion unit configured to convert image data stored in the transmission image storage unit into a color space requested by a client information processing apparatus as a transmission destination.   12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the client color conversion means is a means for converting image data sent to a client information processing apparatus into a standard color space. .   12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the client color conversion means converts image data transmitted to the client information processing apparatus into a color space that matches the display characteristics of the information processing apparatus. An image processing apparatus characterized by the above.   14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first image processing unit and the third image processing unit convert an image stored in the image storage unit into an image in a device-dependent color space. An image processing apparatus, characterized in that it is a means capable of performing processing according to data conditions.   15. The image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the device-dependent color space is a CMYK color space.   16. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising means for encoding image data to be transmitted via the network interface by a reversible encoding method.   16. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising means for encoding image data to be transmitted through the network interface using an irreversible encoding method. . An image processing system comprising: the image processing device according to any one of claims 11 to 17; and an information processing device connected to the image processing device via a network interface;
An image processing system, wherein the information processing apparatus is a device including, as a client of the image processing apparatus, means for requesting the image processing apparatus to transmit image data for display display.   19. The image processing system according to claim 18, wherein the information processing apparatus as a client of the image processing apparatus instructs the image processing apparatus to edit and process the image processing system. And editing / processing the transmission image to be edited stored in the transmission image storage unit in the image processing device according to the editing / processing instruction given from the image processing device. An image processing system comprising means for applying

Images