JP2006087006A - Image processing apparatus and image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable efficiently performing output processing such as print output to be performed in response to the request of an information processing apparatus (PC) utilizing accumulated image of an image processing apparatus (MFP machine) via a network, in particular, image processing of outputting an image subjected to editing processing without causing deterioration in image quality. <P>SOLUTION: In an image processing apparatus 100; image data stored in a storage medium 13 through a scanner input path are read upon a request from a client PC 200 and displayed on a display 27d, the image data are edited with the application of the client PC and processing such as image adjustment is applied to an image, and then the image data after editing processing are not transmitted and only the editing information is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 100, thereby reducing a load on a network. In the image processing apparatus 100 which receives the editing information, a third image processing unit 14 applies editing processing to an accumulated original image by using the editing information to acquire an edited image, and the acquired image is used for image output such as print output. <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. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus in which an image is converted into a predetermined color space for delivery to an external information processing apparatus such as a PC, and in particular, a client PC that uses stored images. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having means for supporting image editing processing to be performed, and an image processing system including 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, and facsimiles in addition to copy functions are becoming more common. Scanning is performed by the scanner unit using network technology that supports these functions. It also has a network distribution / capture function that allows image data to be transmitted to and received from other information devices such as computers connected to the network.
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.
Further, Patent Document 2 performs image processing for transmission over a network and image processing for printing, accumulates obtained image data, and performs image processing for transmission again when image transmission is performed later. In this way, time loss during transmission is eliminated.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-26883 discloses an image stored in an HDD as CMYK data that is convenient for print output performed in the MFP in a MFP, according to a request from a distribution destination, and a resolution and a color space (standard such as sRGB). Color space) and file formats (general-purpose file formats such as JPEG and TIFF), so that inconvenience does not occur in an external device such as a PC that uses stored images via a network.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-244827 JP 2002-271594 A JP 2004-159035 A

By the way, in a system that makes it possible to use an image stored in an MFP color machine connected to a network, the image stored in the MFP color machine is browsed on a PC or the like on the network, an editing process is performed on this image, and an editing result is obtained. There is a request for returning the printed image from the PC to the MFP color machine and printing again.
However, in this case, the following 1. ~ 4. It is conceivable that the problem shown in FIG.
1. 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.
2. If image data is stored in the MFP color machine in a device-specific format such as CMYK, the image data is transferred to the PC, and even if you try to display the image on the PC display for viewing, print output If CMYK is used as is, proper output cannot be performed.
3. The consistency between the display on the display and the print output, that is, the consistency between the image quality (color, resolution, etc.) appearing in the print output and the image quality displayed on the display cannot be ensured.
4). The image data on the PC is edited by an application tool while looking at the display on the display. However, there is no mechanism for reflecting the editing result on CMYK for print output.

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, an image stored in an MFP color machine is browsed on a PC or the like on a network, an editing process is performed on the image, and an image obtained as an editing result is returned from the PC to the MFP color machine. There is no recognition of the system to perform printing, and the above 1. And 4. It does not provide a solution.
The present invention provides an image processing apparatus, such as an MFP color copier, that performs print output based on image data input by a scanner and accumulated, and that can be distributed to an external information processing apparatus such as a PC, In view of the above-described problems of the prior art in a system in which an external information processing apparatus such as a PC that uses the stored image of the image processing apparatus is connected to a network, the present invention has been made to solve this problem. Uses the stored image of the image processing apparatus (MFP color copier, etc.) via the network, performs output processing such as print output according to a request from an external information processing apparatus such as a PC, especially editing processing on the image In addition, it is possible to efficiently perform image processing when printing out an image obtained as an editing result without causing deterioration in image quality.

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 means capable of storing an image; a second image processing means for processing the stored image of the image storage means as print output data in accordance with variable setting conditions; and an external information processing via a network A network interface capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the apparatus, and a third image processing for processing the stored image output via the network interface and the image input via the network interface according to variable setting conditions An image processing apparatus having a storage unit, wherein the third image processing unit inputs the stored image input from an external information processing apparatus. The editing information against, by an image processing apparatus having means for performing edit processing on the stored image, attempt to resolve the problem.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the third image processing means is a means for synthesizing with an image input from an external information processing apparatus as a stored image editing process. It is characterized by being.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the storage unit adds an image after editing processing, operator information attached to the editing information of the image, and date information, It is a means for accumulating.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein means for checking an operator who has been given editing authority based on operator information attached to the editing information; When an operator who is not given is checked, a means for prohibiting editing is provided.

  The invention of claim 5 is an image processing system comprising the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and an information processing apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus via a network interface, wherein the information The processing apparatus is a system including, as a client of the image processing apparatus, a unit that performs an editing process on an image obtained from the image processing apparatus.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided image input means for inputting a document image in RGB, first image processing means for performing image processing on the input document image in accordance with variable setting conditions, and first image processing means. An image accumulating unit capable of accumulating the passed image, a second image processing unit for converting a color space from RGB to CMYK on the accumulated image of the image accumulating unit, and the second image processing unit. Third image processing means for processing the printed image as print output data, print means for printing based on the print output data, and transmission / reception of data to / from the external information processing apparatus via the network An image processing apparatus having a network interface, the image output means for outputting an image through the second image processing means via the network interface, and the network The image processing apparatus having an image input means for inputting data for print output from an external information processing apparatus via the interface, attempt to resolve the problem.

The invention of claim 7 is an image processing system comprising the image processing device according to claim 6 and an information processing device connected to the image processing device via a network interface, wherein the information processing device is As a client of the image processing apparatus, an image processing unit for an image obtained from the image processing apparatus is provided, and the image processing unit is used for a color space conversion from CMYK to RGB and a printing unit of the image processing apparatus. A system having means for performing processing as print output data.
The invention of claim 8 is the image processing system according to claim 7, wherein the color space conversion of the image processing means provided in the information processing apparatus is conversion of a color space from CMYK to sRGB. It is a system.
The invention according to claim 9 is the image processing system according to claim 7, wherein the conversion of the color space from CMYK to RGB by the image processing means provided in the information processing apparatus is specific to the display included in the information processing apparatus. It is a system characterized in that the color space is converted to RGB.

  A tenth aspect of the present invention is the image processing system according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects, wherein the image processing means provided in the information processing apparatus performs an editing process on an image obtained from the image processing apparatus. It is a system characterized by being a means to which is added.

According to the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, the image data stored in the image processing apparatus (for example, MFP) is read out by the external information processing apparatus (for example, client PC) connected via the network and displayed on the display. After editing (synthesizing) processing, only editing information is transmitted to the image processing apparatus as a processing result (that is, edited image data is not transmitted), so that external information processing can be performed without imposing a load on the network. It is possible to perform image output (combination), image quality adjustment, and other processing on the image from the apparatus, and to perform image output such as print output of the image subjected to the editing processing.
In addition, since the ID of the operator who requested the editing process from the external information processing apparatus and the date of operation are added to the editing information and stored, the operator who has not been given editing authority is checked and edited illegally. In this case, it is possible to identify the operator of the case and to take an action corresponding to the fraud such as prohibition of editing.

According to the sixth to tenth aspects of the present invention, the image data stored in the image processing apparatus (for example, MFP color machine) is read by the information processing apparatus (for example, client PC) connected via the network and displayed on the display. When confirming an image, the display of the image data is used as an output image on a plotter, so that the user can confirm the image while viewing the plot output image. Also, after confirming the image on the display, when this image is output by the plotter of the image processing apparatus, processing as print output data used for the plotter is performed on the information processing apparatus (for example, client PC) side. Therefore, even if the image processing apparatus does not have functions other than basic scanner operation and plotter operation, it is possible to expand functions such as editing processing (according to claim 10) for stored images.
In addition, when the display connected to the information processing apparatus (for example, client PC) supports sRGB or has a specific RGB space, conversion to a color space corresponding to each is performed. Thus, it is possible to display a faithful image by the plot image (claims 8 and 9).

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 image data that has been input by a scanner and accumulated. MFP color copier, etc.) and a user from an information processing apparatus such as a PC using a stored image in a system configured by connecting an information processing apparatus such as a PC using the stored image of the image processing apparatus via a network In accordance with the request, the image is subjected to editing processing, and image output processing such as print output can be performed on the system using the image obtained as the editing result.
In the following, it will be described as “Embodiment 1” to “Embodiment 6”, but it can be roughly divided into two, and “Embodiment 1” to “Embodiment 3” are image processing apparatuses (MFP machines). The stored image is read from the information processing apparatus (PC), edited (composited) on the image, and then only the editing information is transmitted to the MFP as the processing result.
The other “Embodiment 4” to “Embodiment 6” are plotters for reading out images stored in the image processing apparatus (MFP color machine) from the information processing apparatus (PC) and displaying them. When the output image is confirmed on the display and the image is output on the plotter of the MFP color machine, the print output data used for the plotter is also processed on the PC side. And

“Embodiment 1”
In the following “Embodiment 1” to “Embodiment 3”, a digital color copier (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. 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 the present embodiment, when using the above function, the stored image data is read out on the client PC, displayed on the display, and subjected to processing such as editing and image quality adjustment. By transmitting only information to the MFP (that is, not transmitting image data after being subjected to editing processing), image output such as print output using the processed image can be performed without imposing a load on the network. It is characterized in that it is performed.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an image processing system according to this embodiment including an MFP as an image processing apparatus and a client PC.
First, referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of each part of the image processing apparatus (MFP machine) 100 constituting the system and the process for copying a document, that is, reading a document image, storing a read image, and using a stored image. The outline of the contents will be described in accordance with the processing flow at the time of copying performed in the process of print output.
The scanner unit 11 of the MFP 100 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 13.
When the image stored in the storage medium 13 is output as print output data, the second image processing unit 16 is passed. The second image processing unit 16 reads out data to be printed out from the image data stored in the storage medium 13, performs quantization according to the output dynamic range of the plotter, and performs printer γ processing and halftone processing. Thereafter, the data 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 second image processing unit 16 into LD (laser diode) drive data for laser writing, 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 100 realizes a copy operation. Even after the image data is output from the plotter unit 18, the image data stored on the storage medium 13 is stored there, and this image data is transferred between the networks as described later in addition to the copying operation. The data can be used from the client PC 200 as shared data.

Next, a processing flow of an editing function for image data stored in the storage medium 13 of the image processing apparatus (MFP machine) 100, which is a processing function of the present image processing system, will be described. Here, distribution of an image from the MFP device 100 to the client PC 200 → editing processing in the PC 200 → transfer of editing information as an editing result to the MFP device 100 → editing processing using editing information in the MFP device 100 → execution of editing The process of obtaining the captured image is performed.
This processing process will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 1. First, in accordance with a user instruction, the third image processing unit 14 of the MFP device 100 reads out image data stored in the storage medium 13, and The data is transferred to the client PC 200 via the I / Fs 19 and 29. In this case, the user issues an operation request instruction from the client PC 200 or the operation unit (not shown) of the MFP 100.
The client PC 200 that receives image data transferred from the MFP 100 stores the received image data in the storage medium 23 inside the client PC.
Next, the image data stored in the storage medium 23 of the client PC 200 is converted from the color space inside the MFP 100 to the color space of the display 27 d by the color conversion processing software 25 c in the application software 25. This color space conversion is a process necessary for reproducing the color of the original image input by the scanner on the MFP 100 with an appropriate color on the display 27d. By viewing the image displayed on the display 27d using the color-converted image data, the user can confirm that the image is the requested image.

Further, when it is desired to perform some editing processing on the image data confirmed on the display, the editing processing software 25a in the application software 25 is activated. The editing processing software 25a performs an editing process on the target image displayed on the display according to the setting conditions designated by the user. The edited image is stored and accumulated in the storage medium 23 again. At this time, the image data after the editing process is converted via the color conversion processing software 25c and displayed on the display 27d, so that the user can confirm the editing process result.
When the user prints the edited image on the MFP machine 100 or stores the edited image in the storage medium 13 in the MFP machine 100, the edited information, that is, not the edited image data in the storage medium 23 of the client PC 200, that is, Only the information on the editing content is transmitted to the MFP device 100.
When the MFP 100 receives a command from the client PC 200 that is requested to print out or store, with only the editing information as the editing result, not the image data subjected to the editing process, the third image processing unit 14, the original image of the image subjected to the editing process stored in the storage medium 13 in the MFP 100 according to the editing content indicated in the received editing information (that is, the original image distributed to the client PC 200). ).
Thereafter, the image data subjected to the editing process in the MFP 100 is again stored and stored in the storage medium 13 in the apparatus and used for print output, distribution output, and the like.
As described above, the image data stored in the storage medium 13 of the MFP device 100 is transferred to the client PC 200 connected via the network, edited on the client PC 200, and only the obtained editing information is converted into the MFP. By transmitting to the machine 100, it is possible to perform an editing process over the network on the image data stored in the storage medium 13 in the MFP machine 100 corresponding to the image data viewed on the display of the client PC 200 And In other words, without burdening the network, the client PC 200 performs processing such as image editing and image quality adjustment in accordance with the user's intention on the stored image of the MFP 100, and image such as print output of the image subjected to editing processing or the like. Allows output to be done.

Here, embodiments of the first, second and third image processing units in the MFP 100 constituting the image processing system will be described.
FIG. 2 shows an example of the internal configuration of the first image processing unit 12.
In the first image processing unit 12 shown in FIG. 2, the spatial filter processing 12f is performed on the image signal color-separated into RGB (R: Red, G: Green, B: Blue) read by the scanner unit 11. Is called. 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 a CMYK (C: Cyan, M: Magenta, Y: Yellow, K: Black) 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 accumulated in the storage medium 13 of the MFP 100.
FIG. 3 shows an example of the internal configuration of the second image processing unit 16.
In the second image processing unit 12 shown in FIG. 3, 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.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the internal configuration of the third image processing unit 14.
As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the third image processing unit 14 has a function as means for performing different processing on an image according to a path.
One function is a function using resolution conversion 14d and compression processing 14c (see FIG. 4A), which are performed on the stored image in the transmission path when the stored image is transmitted to the network. 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 transferred in accordance with the conditions required on the PC side. The compression process 14c is also performed in order to reduce the data amount, shorten the data transfer time, and reduce the transfer amount.
The other function is a function that supports the above-described editing processing. Based on the editing information received from the client PC 200 via the network, the image editing processing 14a in the processing path for editing the image on the MFP 100 side. (See FIG. 4B). Therefore, the image editing process 14a inputs the editing information from the network I / F 19 and the original CMYK image data to be edited from the storage medium 13, and stores the CMYK image data after the editing process as the storage medium. 13 for output to be accumulated.
Further, as means for realizing the functions of the third image processing unit 14 described above, a hardware configuration may be used, but an image processing operation including an image editing process may be realized by a software configuration by a program.

“Embodiment 2”
This embodiment shows a system characterized in that the image input from the client PC 200 is synthesized as an editing process based on the image processing system shown in the above-mentioned “Embodiment 1”.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an image processing system according to this embodiment including an MFP as an image processing apparatus and a client PC.
The configuration of the image processing system shown in FIG. 5 is basically the same as the system shown in FIG. 1 except that it is combined with an image input from the client PC 200 as an editing process. Only the part relating to the image composition to be performed will be described, and the basic part will be described with reference to the description of the above-mentioned “Embodiment 1”, and the description is omitted here.

As shown in FIG. 6, the image composition processing performed as editing processing by the client PC 200 is performed by using the editing processing software 25 a in the application software 25, as shown in FIG. 6, in the image data Si displayed on the display 27 d. A process of synthesizing the image A ″ can be exemplified. In the present embodiment, “image A” of the image data Si used for composition can use data stored in the storage medium 23 in the client PC 200. Further, the image data Di displayed on the display 27d is data stored in the storage medium 23 from which the accumulated image is distributed from the MFP device 100, as in the above-described “Embodiment 1”.
As shown in FIG. 6, the compositing operation using the editing processing software 25a is in the form of the coordinates (x, y) from the reference point of the image data Di with respect to the image data Di. Can be determined. Therefore, the editing information when the editing process by image composition is performed includes image data Si (“image A”) used for composition and composition position information (in this case, (x, y) coordinates).
Therefore, when it is desired to print the combined image data, a print output request indicating “image A” and combined position information (in this case, coordinates of (x, y)) as edit information is transmitted to the MFP 100. However, when the image to be synthesized (“image A”) is transmitted to the MFP device 100, the color conversion processing software 25 c of the application software 25 is used to convert the color space of the display 27 d into the color space inside the MFP device 100. It is necessary to send the applied image. By performing such conversion, the image to be combined (“image A”) viewed on the display 27 d can be combined in the same color space as the original image data in the storage medium 13 in the MFP 100. It becomes.

As described above, since the image composition processing is performed as editing processing in the client PC 200, the MFP device 100 that is required to perform an operation according to this result also requires corresponding means.
FIG. 7 shows an example of the internal configuration of the third image processing unit 14.
As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the third image processing unit 14 has the function as means for performing different processing on the image according to the path, and thus is the same as the above-mentioned “Embodiment 1”. It is the same. However, the present example is different in that the image editing process 14a ′ shown in FIG.
That is, in the image editing process 14a ′, image composition is performed from the original image data to be edited in the storage medium 13 in the MFP 100, the image to be synthesized received from the client PC 200, and the editing information (position information). It has a processing function for storing in the storage medium 13. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the image editing process 14 a ′ inputs the editing information from the network I / F 19, the CMYK image data to be combined, and the original CMYK image data to be edited from the storage medium 13. Then, output for accumulating the CMYK image data after the image synthesis performed as the editing process in the storage medium 13 is performed.
Also in this example, as a means for realizing the functions of the third image processing unit 14 described above, a hardware configuration may be used, but an image processing operation including an image editing process may be realized by a software configuration by a program. Good.

“Embodiment 3”
In this embodiment, based on the image processing system shown in the above-mentioned “Embodiment 1” or “Embodiment 2”, an operator who has requested an editing process from the client PC 200 is checked, and a measure corresponding to a case where the editing is performed illegally The embodiment which made it possible to take is shown.
In the method of checking the operator who has requested the editing process, when the editing process is performed by the client PC 200, the application software 25 obtains information such as the ID number and date of the person (operator) who edits by the operator at the time of the editing request. This can be implemented by adopting a system configuration that accepts an editing process by the image processing system and a print output request using the edited image data on condition that the image is input.
Information such as the operator's ID number and date input by the operator at the time of the edit request is the edit information obtained as a result of the editing process in the client PC 200 when a print output request is made to the MFP 100. It is attached and transmitted from the client PC 200 to the MFP device 100.

Taking the image processing system (FIG. 5) shown in the above “Embodiment 2” as an example, when a print output request accompanied by an editing process for a stored image is output from the client PC 200 to the MFP 100, the request is output. As shown in FIG. 7B, the receiving MFP 100 receives the editor information in addition to the image to be combined and the editing information necessary for the editing process in the image editing process 14a ′ of the third image processing unit 14. Receive. The third image processing unit 14 edits the composite image based on the editing information and the image data to be combined, and at the same time adds the editor (operator) information, date, etc. attached to the edit information to the edited composite image. And stored in the storage medium 13. After that, when print output is performed, the stored editor (operator) information is checked with a list of ID numbers having editing authority prepared in advance, that is, the number is compared with the ID number having editing authority. By determining whether or not there is an authority based on the coincidence / non-coincidence, it is possible to take measures such as prohibiting the print output of an operator who does not have the editing authority.
As another measure, when editing is performed by the third image processing unit 14, the editor (operator) information is checked in the same manner as described above, so that editing from a person with an ID number without editing authority is performed. For the request, it may be possible to take a measure of prohibiting editing.

“Embodiment 4”
In the following “Embodiment 4” to “Embodiment 6”, a digital color copier (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. An image processing system is configured with 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, an image processing function to be applied to an image in order to use the stored image of the MFP machine 100 is realized on the client PC 200 side instead of being realized in the MFP machine 100, so that on this system. In this embodiment, a basic form of an image processing system that realizes the processing function will be described.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an image processing system according to this embodiment including an MFP as an image processing apparatus and a client PC.
First, referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of each part of the image processing apparatus (MFP machine) 100 constituting the system and the process for copying a document, that is, reading a document image, storing a read image, and using a stored image. The outline of the contents will be described in accordance with the processing flow at the time of copying performed in the process of print output.
The scanner unit 11 of the MFP 100 reads an original by an optical scanner device in the unit, and is input as RGB three-component image data in the reflectance space. The input image data is transferred to the first image processing unit 12. Is done.
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 13.
When the second image processing unit 15 reads the image data stored in the storage medium 13, converts the image data from RGB to CMYK color space, and outputs the data as print output data, the third image processing unit 17. Forward to.
The third image processing unit 17 subjects the image data received from the second image processing unit 15 to quantization in accordance with the output dynamic range of the plotter, performs printer γ processing and halftone processing, and then proceeds to the plotter unit 18. Forward.
In the case of an electrophotographic plotter, the plotter unit 18 converts the image data output sent from the third image processing unit 17 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 100 realizes a copy operation. Even after the image data is output from the plotter unit 18, the image data stored on the storage medium 13 is stored there, and this image data is transferred between the networks as described later in addition to the copying operation. The data can be used from the client PC 200 as shared data.

Next, processing functions for stored images of the MFP 100 realized on the image processing system will be described.
This processing function is realized on the client PC 200 side instead of realizing the processing function for the image to be used of the stored image of the MFP device 100 in the MFP device 100, thereby expanding the processing function using the stored image. Make it possible.
For this reason, in the present image processing system, when an image stored in the MFP machine 100 is read from the client PC 200 and displayed on the display, it is converted into an output image on the plotter (the plotter unit 18 of the MFP machine 100), and also displayed. After confirming the image, the process of processing the print output data used for the plotter on the PC side is performed even when the image is output by the plotter of the MFP color machine.
This processing process will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 8. First, in accordance with a user instruction, the second image processing unit 15 of the MFP 100 reads out the image data stored in the storage medium 13 and performs RGB processing. To CMYK color space and transferred to the client PC 200 via the network I / F 19, 29. In this case, the user issues an operation request instruction from the client PC 200 or the operation unit (not shown) of the MFP 100.

The client PC 200 that receives image data transferred from the MFP 100 stores the received image data in the storage medium 23 inside the client PC.
Next, the image data accumulated in the storage medium 23 of the client PC 200 is displayed on the display 27d so that the user can confirm it. When this display is performed, the image data read from the storage medium 23 is converted from the color space inside the MFP 100 to the color space of the display 27 d by the color conversion processing software 25 c in the application software 25. This color space conversion is a process necessary for reproducing the color of the original image input by the scanner on the MFP 100 with an appropriate color on the display 27d. By viewing the image displayed on the display 27d using the color-converted image data, the user can confirm that the image is the requested image.
When print output is requested for the image data stored in the storage medium 23 of the client PC 200, the client PC 200 transfers the stored image to the plotter unit 18 of the MFP 100. At that time, the image data stored in the storage medium 23 in the PC is read out, and the read image data is read by the third image processing unit 17 provided in the MFP 100 by the image processing conversion processing software 25p in the application software 25. The same image processing as that performed in Step 1, that is, quantization according to the output dynamic range of the plotter is performed, printer γ processing and halftone processing are performed, and the processed image data is transferred to the plotter unit 18 via the network.

Here, embodiments of the first, second and third image processing units in the MFP 100 constituting the image processing system will be described.
FIG. 9 shows an example of the internal configuration of the first image processing unit 12.
In the first image processing unit 12 shown in FIG. 9, 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.
FIG. 10 shows an example of the internal configuration of the second image processing unit 15.
In the second image processing unit 15 shown in FIG. 10, the RGB space image data stored in the storage medium 13 is subjected to color conversion from RGB to CMYK space image data in the color conversion processing 15c. Conversion from RGB to CMYK space can be performed by using a LUT (Look Up Table) or by a masking method by matrix operation.
FIG. 11 shows an example of the internal configuration of the third image processing unit 17.
In the third image processing unit 17 shown in FIG. 11, γ correction processing is performed in the γ conversion processing 17 g and halftone processing is performed in the halftone processing 17 h for the image data in the CMYK space. The γ correction process corrects variations in density characteristics of the CMYK plates of the plotter 18 and changes in density over time of the entire device. Further, quantization is performed in accordance with the number of gradations of the output dots of the plotter 18 by halftone processing. A known dither method or error diffusion method can be applied to this processing method.

With the image processing system described above, the image data stored in the storage medium 13 of the MFP 100 can be read out to the client PC 200 connected via the network and displayed on the display 27d. The CMYK space image data is converted into RGB space image data by the color conversion function in the application software 25 installed in the client PC 200 and displayed on the display. At that time, the characteristic information of the plotter 18 is known from the MFP 100 in advance so as to match the output image on the plotter, and the user can select the plot output image by adding to the density adjustment when performing color conversion. It can be confirmed on the display.
Further, when the image data is transferred to the plotter unit 18 of the MFP machine 100 via the network and printed out, the same image processing function of the application software 25 as that of the third image processing unit 17 in the MFP machine 100 is used. Process and transfer the image data.
As described above, it is possible to check the image on the display on the client PC 200 with the plotter output image, and the client PC 200 performs processing as print output data used for the plotter. Even if functions other than the basic scanner operation and plotter operation are not provided, it is possible to perform print output reflecting the user settings from the client PC 200 side to the stored image, and the function can be expanded.

“Embodiment 5”
In this embodiment, in the image processing system shown in the “embodiment 4”, the color space conversion of the image data performed by the client PC is optimized as a space suitable for use on the PC side.
In the “embodiment 4”, the CMYK space image data transferred from the MFP device 100 and stored in the storage medium 23 by the function of the color conversion processing software 25 c in the application 25 installed in the client PC 200 is stored in the storage medium 23. The image data is converted to RGB space image data and displayed on the display.
One of the embodiments does not simply convert image data from CMYK to RGB space when converting by the color conversion processing software 25c, but assumes an sRGB compatible display 27d that is a standard color space. Optimization is achieved by specifying the image data to be converted into the sRGB color space.
The other is based on the assumption that the display 27d has a unique RGB space. When the color conversion processing software 25c performs conversion, the image data is not simply converted from CMYK to RGB space. Convert image data into a unique RGB space.
In this case, since the display 27d connected to the client PC 200 has different characteristics for each display, color conversion from the color space in the MFP 100 to the color space of the display 27d is performed. The color space in the MFP 100 is also device-specific, and the color space of the display 27d is also device-specific. For this reason, the unique color conversion parameter used in the color conversion processing software 25c is determined only when the combination of both is determined.

“Embodiment 6”
This embodiment shows an embodiment in which the function of the system is expanded by adding a function for performing an editing process to a client PC based on the image processing system shown in the above-mentioned “embodiment 4”.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an image processing system according to this embodiment including an MFP as an image processing apparatus and a client PC.
The configuration of the image processing system shown in FIG. 12 is basically the same as the system shown in FIG. 8 except that the editing processing software 25a is added to the application 25 installed in the client PC 200. Only the part related to the characteristic editing function will be described, and the description of the basic part will be omitted here by referring to the description of “Embodiment 4”.
The contents of the editing function added by the editing processing software 25a in the application 25 include color conversion by directly operating the color data of each plane of CMYK data, in addition to processing such as image erasure, movement, and masking. Is also possible.
The image data on the storage medium 23 on which the image editing process has been performed is converted to RGB by the color conversion processing software 25c in the application 25 and displayed on the display 27d. By adopting such a configuration, the user can confirm the edited contents on the display 27d in real time.
As described above, by adding the editing processing software 25 a to the application 25 of the client PC 200, that is, the function of the image processing system can be expanded by a PC outside the MFP 100.

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. 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. The relationship between the image data Di displayed on the display and the image data Si to be combined is shown. An example of the internal configuration of the third image processing unit in FIG. 5 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. An example of the internal configuration of the first image processing unit in FIG. 8 is shown. An example of the internal configuration of the second image processing unit in FIG. 8 is shown. An example of the internal configuration of the third image processing unit in FIG. 8 is shown. 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..Recording medium,
14a, 14a '... image editing processing, 18 ... plotter unit,
19, 29 ... Network interface,
25c ... Color conversion processing software, 25a ... Editing processing software,
25p ・ ・ Image processing software, 27d ・ ・ Display,
100 .. Image processing apparatus (MFP machine), 200 .. Client PC.

Claims (10)

  Image input means for inputting a document image, first image processing means for performing image processing on the input document image in accordance with variable setting conditions, and image storage through the first image processing means are enabled. Data can be transmitted / received to / from an external information processing apparatus via a network, a second image processing unit that performs processing as print output data on an image stored in the image storage unit according to variable setting conditions, and an image storage unit. And an image processing apparatus having 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. And the third image processing means receives the editing information for the stored image input from the external information processing apparatus. It, the image processing apparatus characterized by comprising means for performing edit processing on the stored image.   2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third image processing means is a means for synthesizing with an image input from an external information processing apparatus as a stored image editing process. Processing equipment.   3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is a unit that adds and stores the edited image and operator information and date information attached to the editing information of the image. A featured image processing apparatus.   4. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein means for checking an operator who has been given editing authority by means of operator information attached to the editing information, and an operator who has not been given editing authority. An image processing apparatus comprising means for prohibiting editing when a check is made.   5. 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. The information processing apparatus includes the image processing apparatus. An image processing system comprising a device for performing an editing process on an image obtained from the image processing apparatus as a client of the apparatus.   Image input means for inputting an original image in RGB, first image processing means for performing image processing on the input original image according to variable setting conditions, and image storage through the first image processing means An image storage means, a second image processing means for converting a color space from RGB to CMYK on the stored image of the image storage means, and print output data on the image that has passed through the second image processing means. Image processing apparatus having a third image processing means for performing processing as described above, a printing means for performing printing based on print output data, and a network interface capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from an external information processing apparatus via a network An image output means for outputting an image through the second image processing means via the network interface, and the network interface The image processing apparatus characterized by comprising an image input means for inputting print output data from the external information processing apparatus via.   An image processing system comprising: the image processing device according to claim 6; and an information processing device connected to the image processing device via a network interface. The information processing device serves as a client of the image processing device. Image processing means for an image obtained from the image processing apparatus, means for performing color space conversion from CMYK to RGB on the image processing means, and processing as print output data used for the printing means of the image processing apparatus An image processing system comprising means for applying   8. The image processing system according to claim 7, wherein the color space conversion of the image processing means provided in the information processing apparatus is a color space conversion from CMYK to sRGB.   8. The image processing system according to claim 7, wherein the conversion of the color space from CMYK to RGB by the image processing means provided in the information processing apparatus is performed in the color space to RGB specific to the display included in the information processing apparatus. An image processing system characterized by conversion.   10. The image processing system according to claim 6, wherein the image processing means provided in the information processing apparatus is a means to which means for performing an editing process on an image obtained from the image processing apparatus is added. An image processing system.

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