JP2007129450A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor in which printing and transmission can be carried out at an equivalent speed as ever while taking a record because image data for storing records can be created in parallel with internal processing when monochromatic operation is performed even in such a system as a record is left when an inputted image is printed or transmitted. <P>SOLUTION: The image processor is arranged such that compressed image data are subjected to monochromatic image processing by a parallel image processing means when they are monochromatic data, and subjected to color image processing by the parallel image processing means when they are color data, and a storage means does not store the compressed data only when encryption is performed by an encryption determination means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus having automatic storage means for storing a history of output images.

Conventionally, in an apparatus that prints image data read from a scanner or sends it to another host, the original image data is converted to an appropriate resolution in order to leave an image history, and then an encryption process is performed, such as a hard disk in the apparatus There is known a digital multi-function peripheral having a function of storing what kind of job is executed on an input image stored in the large-capacity storage device (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 7-21260 A

  However, since processing to generate an image to leave an image history from the input image is required in addition to the processing up to now, when creating an image for image history, the digital composite so far The effect on execution time is greater than that of a machine, and the effect on execution time is greater for color images. For this reason, the process of storing a history image is often limited to a monochrome digital multifunction peripheral that performs only monochrome image processing. However, in a system in which printing is performed even in monochrome and color processing is performed internally, and data can be transferred in color, processing similar to that of the above-described monochrome digital multifunction peripheral cannot be performed.

  Input means for simultaneously inputting image data in color and monochrome, compression means for compressing the image data, transmission means for transmitting the image data to another device, storage means for storing the image data, and the image Printing means for printing data in monochrome; encryption means for encrypting the image data; encryption determination means for determining whether to encrypt the image data; and user input / output means for performing input / output with a user And a history storage unit that stores the processing of the image data and the compressed data of the image data as a history, and a parallel image processing unit that can perform color and monochrome image processing in parallel. When the output of the image data is monochrome, it is processed by the monochrome image processing of the parallel image processing means, and the compressed image data is processed. When the output is color, the data is processed by color image processing of the parallel image processing means, and the storage means does not save the compressed data only when encryption is performed by the encryption determination means. The problem is solved by an image processing apparatus characterized by the above.

  As described above, according to the present invention, even in a system in which a history is recorded when an input image is printed or transmitted, when the operation is performed in monochrome, the history storage is performed in parallel with the internal processing. Therefore, it is possible to print and transmit at the same speed as before while taking a history.

  Further, according to the present invention, when an image is stored after being encrypted in the external storage unit, it is not output to the outside, and it is difficult to extract the original image even if the external storage unit is taken out, In such a case, the capacity of the external storage unit can be suppressed by not retaining the history internally.

  According to the present invention, since the history for image data stored in the external storage unit is created once for both color and monochrome, it is not created again. Therefore, in the transmission and printing of the same image data, the external storage unit In addition to reducing the volume of data, there is no need to exchange unnecessary data, thereby improving the speed.

  Next, details of the present invention will be described in accordance with the description of the embodiments.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a device configuration of a digital multi-function peripheral as an embodiment of an image processing apparatus of the present invention. The image processing apparatus is roughly divided into a control unit 1031 that controls the operation of the entire apparatus, a printer apparatus 1100 that prints output images on recording paper, a reader apparatus 1200 that captures data as internal data, and a monochrome input image. It comprises a monochrome image processing apparatus 1400 that performs processing such as resolution conversion and background removal. The control unit 1031 communicates with each terminal device through an input / output unit 1032 that controls input / output with each terminal via a communication line 1002 connected to the network 2000. Also, the control code and various data for printing input from the network, the input / output buffer 1033 for transmitting and receiving the control code to the terminals on the network and various data in the device, and the operation of the entire control unit CPU 1034 to control, program ROM 1300 with built-in program that describes the operation of CPU, control code, calculation required for data interpretation and printing, image reading, etc., for processing input / output image data There is a RAM 1036 used as a work memory and a non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) 1037 for storing data that needs to be retained even when the power of the apparatus is shut off.

  The program ROM 1035 includes a job processing unit 1301 for managing the operation of the input job, a job history management unit 1302 for storing the history of job execution in the external storage device 1043 together with the compressed image data, and input image data. Is transmitted to the external device through the input / output unit 1032, an image transmission unit 1307, encryption on / off, setting control for managing settings for fixing the input image in color and fixing the resolution 1306, an image data printing unit 1304 that prints image data through the printer apparatus 1100, an encryption processing unit 1305 that encrypts an input image, converts the resolution of the image data, performs monochrome, color conversion, and image format conversion. An image conversion unit 1308 is included. Note that a configuration in which a part of functions and a part necessary for the function exist as hardware instead of a program and a program for controlling them by the CPU can be stored may be configured.

  There is a bitmap image transfer unit 1103 that transfers a bitmap image or the like developed by the image conversion unit to the printer device, and an engine I / F unit 1102 that connects the control unit of the printer device 1100. It is also used to store the operation panel 1041, which controls the entire device, the panel I / F unit 1042, which connects the control unit and the operation panel 1041, print data, image data input from the outside, and various information on the printing device. The external storage unit 1043, the external storage I / F unit 1044 that connects the control unit and the external storage unit, and the system bus 1045 that connects the units constitute the system.

  The printer apparatus 1100 includes an engine control unit 1101 that controls printing of a monochrome image input from paper feeding to printing, and the scanner apparatus 1200 supplies a recording paper for reading an image. There is a scanner control unit 1201 that controls image reading until paper and image reading and ejection. An image read through the scanner device is a color image and a monochrome image. The color image is temporarily stored in the RAM 1038 for performing color image processing, and the monochrome image is stored in the RAM 1405 via the monochrome image processing I / F unit 1401 for performing monochrome image processing.

  The monochrome image processing apparatus 1400 is connected to the control unit 1031 through the monochrome image processing I / F unit 1401. Internally, an input / output unit 1403 for exchanging image data, a CPU 1404 for controlling the operation of this processing unit, a RAM 1405 for storing input image data and intermediate calculation data, and a program for operating the CPU 1404 are stored. Program ROM 1406. The program ROM 1406 includes a monochrome image conversion unit 1411 that performs resolution conversion, enlargement / reduction, and conversion to a different image format for monochrome image data, and an encryption processing unit 1410 that performs encryption processing on an input image. Note that a configuration in which a part of functions and a part necessary for the function exist as hardware instead of a program and a program for controlling them by the CPU can be stored may be configured. For example, since there are many processes to perform all encryption with software, some encryption routines are implemented in hardware and included in the device, and the software and hardware depending on the type of encryption supported by the hardware The processing may be switched.

  FIG. 2 shows a user input / output unit of the image processing apparatus according to this embodiment. Reference numeral 301 denotes a power switch, which controls energization to the main body. 302 is a preheating key, which is used to turn on / off the preheating mode. A copy A mode key 303 is used to select the copy A mode from a plurality of functions. A copy B mode key 304 is used to select the copy B mode from a plurality of functions. Copy A and Copy B have the same copy function, but if one of the copies has been read by the scanner, the next copy can be entered. It is divided. A box key 305 is used to select a box mode from a plurality of functions. The box function is a function that has a storage area in the memory in the processing device for each individual user or department, puts PDL or a scanned image in the memory area, and outputs it at any time. Reference numeral 306 denotes an extended key, which is used when performing an operation on the PDL. 303 to 306 are also used when calling each function screen of the LCD 316, and the status of each job can be viewed on the LCD 316 display. Reference numeral 307 denotes a copy start key, which is used to instruct the start of copying. Reference numeral 308 denotes a stop key which is used when copying is interrupted or stopped. A reset key 309 operates as a key for returning to the standard mode during standby. 310 is a guide key, which is used when it is desired to know each function. Reference numeral 311 denotes a user mode key which is used when the user changes the basic setting of the system. Reference numeral 312 denotes an interrupt key, which is used to interrupt and copy during copying. Reference numeral 313 denotes a numeric keypad which is used when inputting numerical values. A clear key 314 is used to clear a numerical value. Reference numeral 315 denotes an ID key which is used when shifting to an ID input mode when using a copying machine. 316 is an LCD touch panel that consists of a combination of a liquid crystal screen and a touch sensor. Individual setting screens are displayed for each mode, and various detailed settings can be made by touching the drawn keys. is there. It also displays the operation status of each job. Reference numeral 317 denotes a tally lamp that indicates a communication state of the network. The tally lamp is normally green, blinks green when communicating, and turns red when a network error occurs.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a box screen of the LCD 316 in the present embodiment. Reference numeral 901 denotes a document list, which displays the document name and the date and time when the document was registered in a list. Reference numeral 902 denotes a dialog for selecting each document. When a dialog is selected, an icon indicating that is displayed in this dialog, and when selected again, the selection is canceled. Reference numeral 903 denotes the number of documents included in the displayed box. Reference numeral 904 denotes an up / down scroll key, which is used when the list is switched by scrolling up / down when the number of documents in the box does not fit on one screen of the document list 901. Reference numeral 905 denotes an all selection key, which is used to select all the documents in the box. Reference numeral 906 denotes a transmission button for transmitting a document included in the selected box to another device. An erasure key 907 is used when erasing a document selected from the document list 901. A print key 909 is used when a document selected from the document list 901 is printed. A document reading key 910 is used when a new document is read into the box from the reader unit 1200. By pressing this key, the original is read.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of color image job processing during data scanning in this embodiment.

  The data scanned from the scanner in S1101 is stored in the RAM 1036.

  In step S1102, the image data is converted into a printable bitmap image by performing other image processing according to the background removal of the obtained image data and the setting of the setting control unit 1306.

  Next is S1103 depending on the job type.

  In the case of printing in monochrome, after the printing is performed in S1110, the monochrome image processing apparatus 1400 having history monochrome image data is instructed to be stored in the external storage device 1043. The creation of history monochrome image data will be described later with reference to FIG. In this case, the history image data is saved, and is used when printing or transmitting the stored data. Processing when data included in the external storage unit is transmitted or printed will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In the case of data storage, an inquiry is made to the setting control unit 1306 as to whether or not encryption is performed in S1112, and in the case where encryption is not performed, the image data created in S1102 is stored S1113. After the storage, the storage monochrome image is instructed to be stored in the same manner as in printing (S1111). If encryption is to be performed, the data is stored after encryption is performed by the encryption processing unit 1305 (S1114). In this case, since neither printing nor data transmission is performed and the data included in the external storage unit is encrypted, there is no need to save the image data as a history, so the history monochrome image is discarded. S1115 to instruct.

  In the case of data transmission, the image data is converted into data for transmission through the image conversion unit, and the data including the image data is transmitted to another device through the image transmission unit S1104. At this time, if it is transmitted in monochrome in S1105, a monochrome image for history created in parallel can be used, so that this is instructed to use S1111.

  If the transmitted image is in color, it is necessary to create historical image data for color, so here, historical image data is created (S1106). The setting control unit 1306 is inquired whether the created image data is to be encrypted, and if necessary, the encryption processing unit 1305 performs encryption (S1108). Next, the generated history image data for color is stored in the external storage unit 1043, and is associated with the job performed. The association between the job and the history image data will be described with reference to FIG. Note that what is to be done with the history monochrome image in all sequences is determined, and the monochrome image processing apparatus 1400 is instructed.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart mainly showing the procedure of the monochrome image processing apparatus 1400 at the time of data scanning in this embodiment. Here, the input monochrome image data is converted into history image data.

  The data scanned from the scanner in S1201 is stored in the RAM 1405.

  In step S1202, the resolution is converted to a lower resolution through the monochrome image transformation unit 1411 for the job history to reduce the size.

  Next, the setting control unit 1308 makes an inquiry as to whether to perform encryption in step S1203. If encryption is performed, the encryption processing unit 1410 is used to encrypt the image data obtained in step S1202.

  In step S1205, the created image data is temporarily saved until an instruction is issued from the job processing unit 1301.

  In S1206, an instruction as to whether to store in the external storage unit 1043 has been issued. Therefore, when storing, the job input in S1207 and the created image data are associated with each other and stored in the external storage unit.

If it is not necessary to store the image data, the image data created in S1208 is deleted.
By processing the history image data in parallel with the job processing, high-speed processing becomes possible.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for monochrome printing or transmitting image data included in the external storage unit in this embodiment.

First, in S1301, the target data is selected from the stored data.
Next is S1302, which depends on the job type.

  In the case of data transmission, the image data is converted into data for transmission through the image conversion unit 1308, and the data including the image data is transmitted to another device through the image transmission unit 1307 (S1303).

  In the case of monochrome printing, the bitmap image is transferred to the printer apparatus 1100 through the image data printing unit 1304, and printing is performed (S1304).

  Next, it is confirmed whether there is history image data included in the history of the stored data that is the object (S1305).

  In some cases, the history image data is associated with existing history image data without creating new history image data.

  If not, history image data is created (S1306). An inquiry is made to the setting control unit 1306 as to whether or not to encrypt the created image data in step S1307, and if necessary, encryption is performed by the encryption processing unit 1305 in step S1308. Next, the created history image data is stored in the external storage unit 1043 and associated with the job that has been performed. The association between the job and the history image data will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a data structure in which a job and history data are associated with each other in this embodiment.

  Here, there is a job history 801 that is first stored in the external storage unit 1043. Next, when the stored data is transmitted in color, the history 802 is the history when the monochrome printing is performed after the data 801. It shows.

  The history consists of the job type, date, color or monochrome processed and output, and a pointer to the history image data. If the data is stored, the history image data is unnecessary, but this data is printed next Because it is necessary in the case of, it holds a pointer to both color and monochrome data. Reference numeral 801 has monochrome history image data 810a created.

  Next, when the stored image is transmitted in color, a history such as 802 is left. Since the color image is transmitted here, a color image 810b is newly created as history image data, and 810b is associated with the history when it is transmitted. Here, the stored job is also associated with the newly created 810b. By doing so, it is not necessary to newly create history image data even when a color transmission job is performed next.

  When the stored image is printed next, a history such as 803 is left. Since printing is performed in monochrome here, a new color image is not created, and the original storage history is not changed.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus in a present Example. It is a block diagram which shows the operation part of the image processing apparatus in a present Example. It is the figure which showed the data structure of the log | history in a present Example. It is the figure which showed the screen which displayed the data contained in the external storage part of the operation panel in a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of transmission in this example, storage, and printing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of log | history image data creation in a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which printed and transmitted the data in the external storage part in a present Example.

Claims (4)

  Input means for simultaneously inputting image data in color and monochrome, compression means for compressing the image data, transmission means for transmitting the image data to another device, storage means for storing the image data, and the image Printing means for printing data in monochrome; encryption means for encrypting the image data; encryption determination means for determining whether to encrypt the image data; and user input / output means for performing input / output with a user And a history storage unit that stores the processing of the image data and the compressed data of the image data as a history, and a parallel image processing unit that can perform color and monochrome image processing in parallel. When the output is monochrome, the processed image data is processed by the monochrome image conversion unit 1411 of the parallel image processing means, The compressed image data is processed by color image processing of the parallel image processing means when the output is color, and the storage means stores the compressed data only when encryption is performed by the encryption determination means. An image processing apparatus characterized by not being stored.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein whether to perform encryption is determined by the user input / output unit.   When the image data stored by the storing unit is transmitted in color by the transmitting unit, the compressed image data stored by the history storing unit is monochrome. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the compressed color image data is created and stored.   When the compressed color image data and monochrome image data created by the parallel image processing means are held by the history storage means, and the transmission data is color by the previous transmission means, the history saved color 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the history of the image data is stored using the monochrome image data stored in the history when the transmission data is monochrome by the transmission means in the previous period.

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