JP2007142769A - Apparatus and method for transmitting data to image output apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect defects in the case that a controller side cannot transmit a correct data amount to the image output apparatus and that color components of another image are mixed to data and the resulting data are transmitted. <P>SOLUTION: The controller 10 is provided, which transmits image data in each color to the color image output apparatus 30. The controller 10 is configured to include: a collateral information generating section 14 for generating collateral information for confirming the defect of image data by each color; an image identification code data generating section 17 using the collateral information generated by the collateral information generating section 14 and the image data for calculation and generating image identification code data by each color; and a data transmission section 18 for transmitting the generated image identification code data and the image data to the color image output apparatus 30. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image output system that outputs a print image with an image output device such as a printer, and more particularly to an image output system that sends image data from a controller to the image output device.

  For example, in a color image output system that outputs a color image, image data including color signals for the color image output device is output from the controller in order to output a color print image by a color image output device such as a digital color printer. Output to the device. For example, for a color image output apparatus that employs an electrophotographic system or an inkjet system, for example, for each of four color components Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black), Data is output from the controller. If even one of the YMCK data has the wrong data amount or a color component of another image is mixed, a normal output image cannot be obtained, and “color shift” or “color loss” A malfunction will occur.

  As a prior art described in the publication, for example, in order to prevent abnormal operation due to missing page sync (PSSYNC) signals and noise superimposition, a frame for error detection code is provided in a Bi signal of each color to be transferred, and a predetermined number of frames is determined from the PSYNC signal. There is a technique for inspecting data for time, a predetermined number of pixels, or the like (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-7-38750

  Here, according to the technique described in Patent Document 1, four-color color copying is performed in which four-color data is placed on the photosensitive member and a color image is output when the image trigger (TR0) is generated four times at the same timing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of “color shift” in the output image when the trigger signal is lost and noise is superimposed. However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, problems such as missing triggers and differences in trigger timing due to noise can be detected. However, when transmitting image data of each color component from the controller side, for example, a correct data amount is transmitted. If it cannot be detected, it cannot be detected. In addition, when a color component of another image is mixed from the controller side, a failure cannot be detected.

  FIGS. 7A to 7D are diagrams showing examples of image data output output from the controller side to the color image output apparatus. Here, four-cycle image output timings are shown, and output clocks are shown in each upper stage, and output of YMCK image data is shown in each lower stage. FIG. 7A shows an output example in a normal case. On the other hand, FIGS. 7B to 7D show examples in which abnormal data is sent from the controller side. FIG. 7B shows a case where the amount of M (magenta) data is extremely large, and FIG. 7C shows a case where the amount of M data is extremely small. Further, FIG. 7D shows a case where data of M2 which is another image is mixed although data of M1 is supposed to be output. These problems have been difficult to detect with conventional techniques.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to detect a failure when a correct amount of data cannot be transmitted from the controller side to the image output device side. There is.
Another object is to detect a problem when a color component of another image is mixed from the controller side to the image output apparatus side.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image output apparatus that stops the printing operation together with the detection of the above problems and prevents the generation of useless output prints.

  For this purpose, the present invention is an apparatus for transmitting image data for each color to an image output apparatus, and information generating means for generating incidental information for confirming a defect of the image data for each color. A code data generating means for performing calculation using the auxiliary information and image data generated by the information generating means and generating image identification code data for each color; and an image identification code generated by the code data generating means. Transmitting means for transmitting data and image data to the image output apparatus.

Here, the information processing device further includes confirmation means for confirming the combination of the incidental information generated by the information generation means and the image data for each color, and the code data generation means includes the image data and the incidental information confirmed by the confirmation means. It can be characterized by performing calculations using.
In addition, the information generating means may generate at least one of information relating to color information of image data, information relating to a page number, and information relating to an effective image data amount as supplementary information.
Further, the code data generation means calculates the confirmation value for each line by performing the calculation for each pixel on the image data of each color, and calculates the overall confirmation value from the confirmation value calculated for each line. Further, it is possible to generate image identification code data by performing an operation in which incidental information is added to the calculated overall confirmation value.

  On the other hand, the present invention is an image output device that acquires image data for each color from a controller and outputs an image related to the acquired image data, the image data receiving means for receiving image data from the controller, Code data receiving means for receiving, from the controller, image identification code data for each color generated by the controller using incidental information and image data for each color for defect confirmation, and an image received by this code data receiving means Analyzing the identification code data, comparing the image data generated by the controller, or the confirmation information obtained using other incidental information of the image data with the information obtained from the image data itself, the image data Confirmation means for confirming whether the image is correct or not Output means.

  Here, the confirmation means can be characterized by confirming the image data for each color received from the controller by the image data reception means in real time using the confirmation information as an expected value. Further, the transfer of image data to the output means can be controlled by confirming the coincidence / mismatch with the expected value by the confirmation means.

  Further, the code data receiving means receives the image identification code data as different information for each color individually formed by the output means, and the confirmation means confirms that the correct image data is received for each color. It can be characterized by. Furthermore, the incidental information is information output from the controller, and the other incidental information is information obtained by estimation on the image output device side.

  From another viewpoint, the present invention is a method for confirming a transmission defect when transmitting image data from a controller to an image output apparatus, and generates incidental information for confirming the defect of image data for each color. A step of performing an operation using the generated auxiliary information and the corresponding image data for each color to generate image identification code data for each color, and the generated image identification code data to the image output device And transmitting the image data to the image output apparatus.

Here, the method further includes a step of confirming the combination of the generated incidental information and the image data for each color, and the step of generating the image identification code data includes the image data and the incidental for each color confirmed in the confirmation step. The calculation is performed using information.
In addition, if this image identification code data is transmitted on a line other than the transmission line that transmits the image data, if any abnormality occurs in the line cable, the cable abnormality can be easily detected. It is preferable from the point which can be performed.

Receiving the image identification code data; analyzing the received image identification code data; obtaining confirmation information using additional information unique to the image data; receiving the image data; A step of comparing the information obtained from the data itself with the confirmation information to confirm that the image data has been correctly received.
The step of confirming can be characterized in that the image data received from the controller is confirmed in real time using the confirmation information as an expected value.

  According to the present invention, even in a binary printer, it is possible to achieve both character / photo image quality, and a system with improved image quality and productivity can be provided.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a color image output system to which the exemplary embodiment is applied. In the color image output system shown in FIG. 1, a controller 10 for outputting a color image is connected to a network 1 such as Ethernet (registered trademark). A color image output device 30 such as a printer is connected to the controller 10. The network 1 is connected to a client PC 2 that is a host computer that outputs a print instruction. The controller 10 functions as, for example, a print server, and is realized using, for example, a PC (personal computer). Further, the controller 10 interprets the PDL (page description language) output from the client PC 2 as a command, and converts the image data obtained by converting the color signal (RGB) specified by PDL into the color signal (YMCK) of the color image output device 30 to color. It can be understood as a front end to be output to the image output device 30.

  The controller 10 and the color image output device 30 are connected via an image data transmission line 21 for transmitting / receiving image data and a code data transmission line 22 for transmitting / receiving image identification code data (described later). As described above, when the image identification code data is transmitted through a line different from the image data, when an abnormality occurs in the image data transmission line 21 for transmitting the actual image data from the controller 10, the line is abnormal. It can be easily detected. However, if the necessity for detecting line abnormality is low, the image identification code data and the image data can be transmitted on the same line without dividing the line.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the controller 10 and the color image output device 30. First, the controller 10 includes a CPU 11 that controls the whole, a ROM 12 that is a memory that stores a control program and the like, and a RAM 13 that is a working memory for the CPU 11. As functions controlled by the CPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13, an incidental information generation unit 14 that generates incidental information that is unique to image data, and an image data generation unit that generates image data to be provided to the color image output device 30. 15 is provided. The supplementary information includes color information of image data, effective image data amount, page number (No.), and the like. Further, a combination confirmation unit 16 for confirming a combination of the supplementary information and the image data generated by the supplementary information generation unit 14 and the image data generation unit 15 and an image identification code data generation unit 17 for generating image identification code data are provided. Yes. Further, a data transmission unit 18 for transmitting the generated image identification code data and image data to the color image output device 30 is provided.

  On the other hand, the color image output apparatus 30 similarly includes a CPU 31 that controls the whole, a ROM 32 that is a memory storing a control program and the like, and a RAM 33 that is a working memory of the CPU 31. As functions controlled by the CPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33, a data receiving unit 34 that receives image identification code data and image data from the controller 10, and image identification code data confirmation that analyzes the transmitted image identification code data. Part 35. Further, an image data confirmation unit 36 for confirming transmitted image data is provided. A printing device 40 for printing out the image data confirmed by these functions is provided.

Next, processing executed by the color image output system will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the controller 10 shown in FIG. In the controller 10, a print instruction is input from the client PC 2 using, for example, a PDL (page description language) command or the like (step 101). The image data generation unit 15 of the controller 10 performs various image processing such as conversion from a color signal (RGB) specified by PDL to a color signal (YMCK) of the printing apparatus 40 and transmits the image data to the color image output apparatus 30. Is generated (step 102). This image data generation function is the main function of the controller 10. In addition, when the image data generation unit 15 generates image data, the incidental information generation unit 14 includes information specific to the image data (ancillary information) such as color information of the image data, effective image data amount, page number, and the like. Is generated (step 103). Information unique to the generated image data can be arbitrarily accessed from the CPU 11.

  Thereafter, the combination confirmation unit 16 confirms / checks that the combination of the image data generated in step 102 and step 103 and the incidental information has a one-to-one correspondence (step 104). Further, the image identification code data generation unit 17 performs an operation based on the image data confirmed by the combination confirmation unit 16 and the accompanying information, and generates image identification code data (step 105). This specific calculation method will be described later. Then, the data transmission unit 18 transmits the generated image identification code data and image data to the color image output device 30 together with the exchange (protocol) with the color image output device 30 (step 106). finish.

Here, the generation method of the image identification code data shown by step 105 of FIG. 3 performed by the image identification code data generation part 17 is demonstrated.
4A to 4C are diagrams showing an example of a method for generating image identification code data. In FIGS. 4A and 4B, the procedure for generating the image identification code data is illustrated using the Y color CheckSUM as an example. FIG. 4C shows CheckSUM for four colors Y, M, C, and K, and this data is transmitted from the controller 10 to the color image output device 30.
In the example shown in FIG. 4, an XOR logical operation is used as the operation method, but other methods may be used.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of the image identification code data generation method. The processing flow shown in FIG. 5 will be described using the examples shown in FIGS. The image identification code data generation unit 17 first performs an operation on one pixel in the main scanning direction of the Y color image data generated by the image data generation unit 15 to generate a CheckSUM value for each line (step 201). In the example shown in FIG. 4A, an XOR logical operation is performed for each pixel, and “AAH” is calculated as the CheckSUM value for the first line, and “BBH” is calculated as the CheckSUM value for the second line. Next, the image identification code data generation unit 17 performs an operation for each sub-scan for the CheckSUM value calculated for each line (step 202), and calculates the final line CheckSUM value from the first line CheckSUM value. -CheckSUM is generated (step 203). In the example shown in Fig. 4 (a), the XOR logic operation is performed on the CheckSUM value for each line, and the operation is performed up to "BBH" which is the CheckSUM value of the last line to calculate "77H" as Total-CheckSUM. is doing.

 Thereafter, the image identification code data generation unit 17 performs a calculation in which the additional information generated by the auxiliary information generation unit 14 is added to the Total-CheckSUM value, and generates a Y color CheckSUM (step 204). In FIG. 4B, “77H” which is the Total-CheckSUM value, Y color information, effective image data, page No. An example is shown in which the result of calculating is the Y color CheckSUM value. The image identification code data generation unit 17 performs the same processing as the above steps 201 to 204 for the M color image data, the C color image data, and the K color image data, and performs the M color CheckSUM, the C color CheckSUM, Then, the checksum for K color is generated (step 205), and the process ends.

  FIG. 4C shows CheckSUM for four colors Y, M, C, and K generated in this way. The image identification code data is transmitted from the controller 10 to the color image output device 30 via the data transmission unit 18 as shown in Step 106 of FIG. The transmission timing is performed before image data is transmitted. The transmission route may be the same route as the image data or a different route.

Next, confirmation processing by the color image output apparatus 30 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of confirmation processing executed by the color image output apparatus 30. First, the data receiving unit 34 receives image data and image identification code data from the controller 10 (step 301). Then, the image identification code data confirmation unit 35 analyzes the image identification code data (step 302). In this analysis, the identifier (CheckSUM) of the image data itself is extracted using the supplementary information unique to the image data such as the color information of the image data, the effective image data amount, the page number, etc. (step 303).

  For these incidental information, a value predicted by the color image output device 30 can be used, and the identifier (CheckSUM) of the image data itself can be extracted using the value. The “expected value” is a value that can be estimated by the color image output apparatus 30 when normal image data is transmitted. For example, the image data is normally transmitted in the order of Y, M, C, and K. In this case, the color information can be estimated according to the order of the image data to be acquired. Similarly, the effective image data amount, page number, etc. can be estimated from the transmission contents of the preceding and subsequent image data.

  Thereafter, the image identification code data confirmation unit 35 uses the CheckSUM value of the image data itself as an expected value, and confirms in real time whether the same CheckSUM value is generated for the transmitted image data (step 304). That is, it is determined whether or not the CheckSUM values match (step 305). If they match, the image data is transferred to the printing apparatus 40 (step 306). Then, it is determined whether or not the data receiving unit 34 has finished receiving the image data (step 307). If reception has not ended, the process returns to step 304 and is repeated. When reception ends, the process ends. On the other hand, if the CheckSUM values do not match in step 305, the transfer of the image data to the printing apparatus 40 is stopped (step 308), the printing operation is stopped (step 309), and the process ends.

  That is, if the CheckSUM values match, it means that the supplementary information obtained by estimation or a separate method matches the supplementary information included in the image identification code data, and that the image data itself has been transmitted correctly. . On the other hand, if the CheckSUM values do not match, the incidental information obtained by estimation or a separate method does not match the incidental information included in the image identification code data, or the image data itself has not been transmitted correctly Means that. Thus, although the cause cannot be specified, whether the image data is correct or not can be confirmed based on the match / mismatch of the CheckSUM values, and it can be recognized that there has been some trouble in the transmission of the image data.

  In the printing apparatus 40, for example, when an electrophotographic system is adopted, an electrostatic latent image based on image data of each color is formed on a photoconductor provided corresponding to each color, for example, using an exposure apparatus (not shown). Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image is developed using toner of each color, transferred onto the paper, and fixed, thereby forming a print image on the paper. Here, in the present embodiment, image data in which a correct data amount is transmitted and image data in which other color components are not mixed are output to the printing apparatus 40. As a result, it is possible to obtain a normal print image without causing problems such as color misregistration and color loss in the print image printed on the paper by the printing apparatus 40. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to detect color misregistration or color loss in advance and stop the printing operation of the printing apparatus 40 in advance. As a result, wasteful paper output can be reduced. For example, even when a large amount of printing is performed, such as when a newspaper advertisement is printed, it is possible to prevent the generation of an inappropriate print image, and the user's satisfaction can be greatly increased.

  The present embodiment is not limited to the system shown in FIG. Further, it goes without saying that the present embodiment can be changed to other forms for positioning the controller 10 and the color image output device 30 in the system.

It is the figure which showed an example of the color image output system to which this Embodiment is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a controller and a color image output device. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by the controller shown in FIG. (A)-(c) is the figure which showed an example of the production | generation method of image identification code data. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the process of the production | generation method of image identification code data. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the confirmation process performed with a color image output device. (A)-(d) is the figure which showed the example of image data output output with respect to a color image output device from the controller side.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Network, 2 ... Client PC, 10 ... Controller, 14 ... Additional information generation part, 15 ... Image data generation part, 16 ... Combination confirmation part, 17 ... Image identification code data generation part, 18 ... Data transmission part, 30 ... Color image output device 34... Data reception unit 35... Image identification code data confirmation unit 36... Image data confirmation unit 40.

Claims (15)

An apparatus for transmitting image data for each color to an image output apparatus,
Information generating means for generating, for each color, incidental information for checking the defect of the image data;
Code data generating means for performing calculation using the auxiliary information generated by the information generating means and the image data, and generating image identification code data for each color;
An apparatus comprising: transmitting means for transmitting the image identification code data and the image data generated by the code data generating means to the image output apparatus. A confirmation means for confirming, for each color, a combination of the incidental information generated by the information generation means and the image data;
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the code data generation unit performs an operation using the image data confirmed by the confirmation unit and the incidental information.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information generation unit generates at least one of information on color information of the image data, information on a page number, and information on an effective image data amount as the supplementary information.   The code data generation means performs an operation for each pixel on the image data of each color to calculate a confirmation value for each line, calculates an overall confirmation value from the confirmation value calculated for each line, The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image identification code data is generated by performing an operation in which the additional information is added to the calculated overall confirmation value. An image output device that acquires image data for each color from a controller and outputs an image related to the acquired image data,
Image data receiving means for receiving the image data from the controller;
Code data receiving means for receiving, from the controller, image identification code data for each color generated by the controller using incidental information for each color and the image data for confirming the defect of the image data;
Information obtained by analyzing the image identification code data received by the code data receiving means and using the supplementary information of the image data or other supplementary information of the image data, and information obtained from the image data itself A confirmation means for confirming whether the image data is correct or not by comparing
And an output unit that outputs an image based on the confirmation by the confirmation unit.   6. The image output apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the confirmation unit confirms the image data for each color received from the controller by the image data reception unit in real time using the confirmation information as an expected value.   The image output apparatus according to claim 6, wherein transfer of image data to the output unit is controlled based on confirmation of coincidence / mismatch with the expected value by the confirmation unit. The code data receiving means receives the image identification code data as different information for each color that is individually imaged by the output means,
6. The image output apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the confirmation unit confirms that correct image data is received for each color.   6. The image output apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the supplementary information is information output from the controller, and the other supplementary information is information obtained by estimation on the image output apparatus side. A method for confirming a transmission failure when transmitting image data from a controller to an image output device,
Generating incidental information for each color to check for defects in the image data;
Performing calculation using the image data for each color corresponding to the generated auxiliary information, and generating image identification code data for each color;
Transmitting the generated image identification code data to the image output device;
Transmitting the image data to the image output device. Further comprising the step of confirming the combination of the generated auxiliary information and the image data for each color;
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the step of generating the image identification code data performs an operation using the image data for each color confirmed by the confirmation step and the auxiliary information.   The step of generating the image identification code data generates at least one of information on color information of the image data, information on a page number, and information on an effective image data amount as the supplementary information for each color. The method according to claim 10.   The method according to claim 10, wherein the image identification code data is transmitted through a line different from a transmission line through which the image data is transmitted. Receiving the image identification code data;
Analyzing the received image identification code data and obtaining confirmation information using incidental information unique to the image data;
Receiving the image data;
The method according to claim 10, further comprising: comparing information obtained from the received image data itself with the confirmation information to confirm that the image data has been correctly received.   The method according to claim 10, wherein the confirming step confirms the image data received from the controller in real time using the confirmation information as an expected value.

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