JP2007082067A - Image forming apparatus and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of quickly obtaining a print result by controlling a processing operation of a transparency function in response to a state. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes: a transparency processing means that detects an overlap of a plurality of objects, carries out regional divisions by each of regions wherein the number of overlapped objects differs, and executes transparency processing through color composition applied to each region; a memory residual capacity detection means for detecting a residual capacity of a memory before the transparency processing means carries out the transparency processing; a control means that replaces the transparency processing with ordinary processing when the residual capacity of the memory detected by the memory residual capacity detection means is a prescribed value or below; and a notice means for noticing of it that the transparency processing is replaced with the ordinary processing when the transparency processing is replaced with the ordinary processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a control program for controlling execution of transparency processing in drawing of a superimposed figure.

In the conventional printing process, when two objects to be printed (printed graphics, etc.) overlap, the object defined on the lower side in the data definition is overwritten by the object defined on the upper side. Therefore, the lower object is generally printed in a hidden state. However, in recent years, in order to improve the expressiveness of printed materials, printing is performed so that the lower object can be seen through the upper object by giving the object a factor of transparency. Yes. Transparency is one of the factors that a drawing object has, and has a value of 0 to 100%. An object with 0% transparency is equivalent to a conventional object and is hidden when an object is present on the lower side. An object having a transparency of 100% is a colorless and transparent object, and does not affect the color of another object even if it overlaps with another object. On the other hand, in the case of an object having a transparency of 1% to 99%, the overlapping portion with another object is determined by the color of the overlapping portion from the color of both the two overlapping objects and the transparency value. Transparency does not uniquely affect the colors of a plurality of overlapping objects, but has a plurality of influences. The colors of two objects may be added or subtracted.
In addition, as an image forming method that can perform image formation including a transparent component with high quality and speed, for example, the method described in Patent Document 1 is known.
JP 2005-109987 A

  Incidentally, recent image forming apparatuses have a function capable of directly printing document data in an electronic document format (for example, PDF: Portable Document Format) without using a document creation application or the like. However, the image processing that expands the document data to be printed using the transparency function and converts it into bitmap data may require a lot of processing time, so it is not necessary to faithfully reproduce the contents of the data. There is a problem that a print result cannot be obtained quickly for a user who simply wants to confirm the contents of document data. In addition, when directly printing document data in an electronic document format (for example, PDF: Portable Document Format) without using a document creation application, the document using the transparency function is deleted. Since the data cannot be edited, there is also a problem that there is no method for quickly printing when an object that requires a large amount of processing time is defined in the document data to be printed.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides an image forming apparatus and a control program capable of quickly obtaining a printing result by controlling the processing operation of the transparency function according to the situation. With the goal.

  The present invention relates to a transparency processing means that detects an overlap of a plurality of objects, divides the area into areas having different numbers of overlapping objects, and performs transparency processing by performing color composition for each area; Before performing the transparency processing by the transparency processing means, the remaining memory detection means for detecting the remaining amount of memory, and when the remaining memory detected by the remaining memory detection means is less than a predetermined value, the transparency processing is performed. Control means for processing in place of normal processing, and notification means for notifying that the transparency processing has been replaced with normal processing when the transparency processing has been replaced with normal processing.

  The present invention includes a transparency processing unit that detects an overlap of a plurality of objects, divides the area into areas where the number of overlapping objects differs, and performs color processing for each area to perform transparency processing. A control program for controlling an operation in the image forming apparatus, which is detected by a remaining memory detection process for detecting a remaining memory capacity and a remaining memory detection process before performing the transparency process by the transparency processing unit. When the remaining amount of memory is less than or equal to the specified value, notify the control process that replaces the transparency process with the normal process and the transparency process is replaced with the normal process when the transparency process is replaced with the normal process. The notification processing is performed by a computer.

  According to the present invention, the remaining amount of memory is detected before the transparency processing is performed, and when the detected remaining memory amount is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the transparency processing is replaced with the normal processing, so that processing is performed. According to the situation, the processing operation of the transparency function can be controlled, and an effect that a print result can be obtained quickly can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the embodiment. In this figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a control unit that controls the overall processing operation of the image forming apparatus 7. Reference numeral 2 denotes a communication unit that receives image data of an image to be printed from a personal computer 8 or the like connected to the network N. Reference numeral 3 denotes a buffer that temporarily stores image data received by the communication unit 2. Reference numeral 4 denotes an image processing unit that reads out image data stored in the buffer 3 and converts it into bitmap data by performing image processing. Reference numeral 5 denotes an image memory for storing bitmap data obtained in the image processing unit 4. Reference numeral 6 denotes a printing unit that reads bitmap data stored in the image memory 5 and transfers an image based on the bitmap data to a print medium.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 4, drawing (printing) using the transparency function will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram comparing normal drawing (FIG. 4A) and drawing using the transparency function (FIG. 4B). Objects (fill, stroke, text, image) in normal drawing processing are drawn in the order in which the objects are placed in an opaque state (0% transparency), so the overlapping part is placed at the top. Only the new object will be drawn. As shown in FIG. 4A, the object R (for example, the drawing color is red) in a portion where the object B (for example, the drawing color is blue) and the object G (for example, the drawing color is green) overlaps with each other. Is not drawn. In addition, the object B in the portion where the object G (for example, the drawing color is green) overlaps is not actually drawn.

  On the other hand, when transparency (for example, 50%) is set for each of the three objects R, G, and B shown in FIG. 4A, the region RB in which only the object B overlaps the object R is the object R and the object B. The drawing color (red and blue) is mixed. In addition, the region GB where only the object G overlaps the object B is drawn with a color obtained by mixing the drawing colors (blue and green) of the object B and the object G. In addition, a region RG where only the object G overlaps the object R is drawn with a color obtained by mixing the drawing colors (red and green) of the object R and the object G. Further, the region RGB where the object B overlaps the object R and the object G overlaps with the object R is drawn with a color obtained by mixing the drawing colors (red, back and green) of the object R, the object G and the object B. It will be.

Next, the operation of the image processing unit 4 shown in FIG. 1 for processing the transparency object will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which the image processing unit 4 illustrated in FIG. 1 performs processing of a transparency object.
First, the communication unit 2 receives document data to be printed (hereinafter referred to as print data) described in an electronic document format transmitted from the personal computer 8 and stores the received print data in the buffer 3. When the communication unit 2 receives the print data, the communication unit 2 notifies the control unit 1 that the print data has been received. In response to this, the control unit 1 instructs the image processing unit 4 to execute image expansion processing. In response to this, the image processing unit 4 reads out print data for one page from the buffer 3 and analyzes the print data (step S1). Then, the image processing unit 4 determines whether or not the read print data includes data using the transparency function (step S2). If the transparency function is not used as a result of this determination, the image processing unit 4 executes normal processing (step S15), stores the bitmap data obtained as a result of the processing in the image memory 5, and stores one page. When the minute processing is completed, the bitmap data is discharged to the printing unit 6 and the page discharge processing is executed (step S13), whereby the printing processing is executed in the printing unit 6.

  Next, when the data using the transparency function is included in the print data, the image processing unit 4 sequentially interprets the data described in the read print data, and determines whether or not it is a drawing operator (drawing command). Is determined (step S3). If the result of this determination is that the operator is a drawing operator, the image processing unit 4 generates an object based on the result of interpreting the print data (step S4). The image processing unit 4 investigates the overlap between the object generated here and the object already stored in the table in the image memory 5 (step S5), and determines whether there is an overlap (step S6). If there is no overlap as a result of this determination, the next cut-out process is not executed and the process proceeds to the next process. On the other hand, if there is an overlap, the overlapping area between the objects is divided and the overlapping area is cut out (step S7).

  Here, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the overlapping region cut-out operation (step S7) will be described. An example will be described in which three objects R, G, and B shown in FIG. First, areas that overlap each other (areas consisting of areas RB, RG, GB, and RGB) are obtained based on boundary lines that indicate the outer shapes of the three objects R, G, and B. Then, the obtained overlapping regions are divided, and regions R, G, B, RB, RG, GB, and RGB are cut out (see FIG. 5). In this cutout, the cutout is performed so that the number of overlapping objects is the same in one area. For example, the region RGB is added to the region RB, or the region is a region where the object B overlaps the object R. In this region, the number of overlaps with the region RB where the number of overlaps is “1” is “3”. Therefore, the region RB and the region RGB are cut out to be different regions. By doing this, the three objects are divided into seven areas from the overlapping state, and each area becomes a new object, and the original objects (objects R, G, B) are deleted.

  Next, the image processing unit 4 performs color composition on each object (step S8). In this color composition, if the objects are not overlapped, a color composition process (actually, a single color conversion process is performed because there is no color to be synthesized) based on the color information of the objects. The object cut out from the state in which the objects overlap is subjected to color synthesis processing (generation of mixed colors) based on a plurality of overlapping color information (step S8). The image processing unit 4 stores the color-combined object in a table in the image memory 5 (Step S9).

  Next, the image processing unit 4 interprets the data described in the read print data, and determines that it is a page discharge operator (page discharge command) if it is not a drawing operator (step S10). As a result of this determination, if the page is not a page discharge operator (not a drawing operator or a page discharge operator), the image processing unit 4 performs normal processing (step S11). On the other hand, in the case of a page discharge operator, the image processing unit 4 discharges the bitmap data stored in the table of the image memory 5 to the printing unit 6, and the page discharge process is executed (step S13). A printing process is executed in the printing unit 6. By repeatedly executing this process until the final page is reached (step S14), a drawing process using the transparency function is performed.

  Next, an operation for controlling the execution of the transparency object process shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the communication unit 2 receives document data to be printed (hereinafter referred to as print data) described in the electronic document format transmitted from the personal computer 8, and stores the received print data in the buffer 3. When the communication unit 2 receives the print data, the communication unit 2 notifies the control unit 1 that the print data has been received. In response to this, the control unit 1 instructs the image processing unit 4 to execute image expansion processing.

  In response to this, the image processing unit 4 determines whether there is data using the transparency function in the print data (step S22). If the result of this determination is that there is no data using the transparency function, normal processing is executed (step S28), bitmap data obtained as a result of the processing is stored in the image memory 5, and processing for one page is completed. At that time, the bitmap data is discharged to the printing unit 6 and the page discharge process is executed, whereby the printing process is executed in the printing unit 6. Then, the image processing unit 4 determines whether or not there is data using the transparency function in the print data (step S29). If there is no data using the transparency function, the process is performed without executing the next step. finish.

  On the other hand, when there is data using the transparency function in the print data, the image processing unit 4 detects the remaining amount of usable memory in the image memory 5 (step S23). Then, the image processing unit 4 compares the detected memory remaining amount with a predetermined reference value (recommended value of the remaining memory amount necessary to execute the transparency function), and sets “memory remaining amount> reference value”. It is determined whether or not the condition is satisfied (step S24). As a result of this determination, if “memory remaining amount> reference value” is satisfied, the image processing unit 4 executes transparency object processing (object clipping and color synthesis) (step S25). When the processing is completed, the bitmap data is discharged to the printing unit 6 (step S26), and the page discharge processing is executed, whereby the printing processing is executed in the printing unit 6.

  When the remaining memory capacity does not satisfy “memory remaining capacity> reference value”, the image processing unit 4 notifies the control unit 1 that the remaining memory capacity is insufficient. In response to this, the control unit 1 displays that there is not enough remaining memory on a display unit (not shown) (step S27). Then, the image processing unit 4 performs normal processing on the data using the transparency function (step S28), stores bitmap data obtained as a result of the processing in the image memory 5, and performs processing for one page. When the process is completed, the bitmap data is discharged to the printing unit 6 and the page discharge process is executed, whereby the printing process is executed in the printing unit 6. Subsequently, the image processing unit 4 determines again whether or not there is data using the transparency function in the print data (step S29). The printing unit 6 is instructed to print an error page notifying that the processing has been replaced. In response to this, the printing unit 6 outputs a printed matter on which a message notifying that the printing medium has been replaced with normal processing due to insufficient memory is output (step S30), and ends the processing.

  As described above, the remaining amount of memory is detected before the transparency processing is performed, and when the detected remaining memory amount is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the transparency processing is replaced with the normal processing, so that the situation is changed. Accordingly, the processing operation of the transparency function can be controlled to obtain a printing result quickly.

  The program for realizing the function of the processing unit in FIG. 1 is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into the computer system and executed to execute the transparency function process. Operation control may be performed. The “computer system” here includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM and a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. In addition, those holding programs for a certain period of time are also included.

  The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, and what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 7. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 7. It is explanatory drawing for comparing normal drawing and drawing which used the transparency function. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state of object division.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Control part, 2 ... Communication part, 3 ... Buffer, 4 ... Image processing part, 5 ... Image memory, 6 ... Printing part, 7 ... Image forming apparatus, 8 ... PC, N ... Network

Claims (2)

A transparency processing means for detecting an overlap of a plurality of objects, dividing the area into different areas where the number of overlapping objects is different, and performing a transparency process by performing color synthesis for each area;
Before performing transparency processing by the transparency processing means, remaining memory detection means for detecting the remaining amount of memory;
Control means for replacing the transparency process with a normal process when the remaining memory detected by the remaining memory detection means is a predetermined value or less;
An image forming apparatus comprising: notification means for notifying that the transparency process has been replaced with the normal process when the transparency process is replaced with the normal process. In an image forming apparatus provided with a transparency processing unit that detects an overlap of a plurality of objects, divides the area into areas having different numbers of overlapping objects, and performs color composition for each area. A control program for controlling the operation,
Before performing transparency processing by the transparency processing means, memory remaining amount detection processing for detecting the remaining amount of memory;
A control process that replaces the transparency process with a normal process when the remaining memory detected by the remaining memory detection process is less than or equal to a predetermined value; and
A control program for causing a computer to perform a notification process for notifying that a transparency process has been replaced with a normal process when the transparency process is replaced with a normal process.

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