JP2008098915A - Image processing module connection buffer management means - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problems of a development period, quality and flexible coping with specification change since there is no management means for performing data handling in common to the configurations of image processing modules and individual data handling is performed respectively, though there are various different configurations depending on whether or not DMA transfer is possible / whether the image processing module is hardware or software / whether or not a processing unit is the same or the like in the case of delivering data via a buffer (ring buffer) connecting the image processing modules. <P>SOLUTION: When the image processing module side which performs write to the buffer connecting the image processing modules reports the number of write lines and the image processing module side which performs read reports the number of read lines by a band unit, the lines of non-processed data are inspected inside the buffer connecting the image processing modules at the timing, and a read trigger function, a write wait function and a write restart function registered beforehand are executed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of storing image data in a storage means.

  When data is transferred via a buffer (ring buffer) connecting the image processing modules, there are various different configurations such as whether DMA transfer is possible, whether the image processing module is hardware or software, or whether the processing unit is the same. There is no management means for handling data in common for the configuration of these image processing modules, and individual data handling is performed.

For example, Patent Literature 1 can be cited as a conventional example.
JP 2005-94677 A

  For this reason, there was a problem in flexible response due to development period, quality and specification changes.

  When the image processing module side that writes to the buffer that connects the image processing modules notifies the number of write lines and the read image processing module side notifies the number of read lines in units of bands, it is unprocessed in the buffer that connects the image processing modules at that timing. The data line is inspected, and the read trigger function, write wait function, and write restart function registered in advance are executed.

  The function is free for each image processing module. General-purpose and flexible buffer management means are provided. As a result, image processing modules having various configurations can be easily connected via a common interface via a memory, and a development period can be shortened and quality can be improved.

  Image processing modules having various configurations can be easily connected with a common interface via a memory, so that a development period can be shortened and quality can be improved.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing apparatus of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A scanner interface (hereinafter referred to as “scanner I / F”) unit 10 is connected to a CCD 17 and a CIS 18 via an analog front end (AFE) 15, and the read data without interposing dedicated dedicated circuits. Can be taken into the image processing apparatus 200. Data processing of the scanner I / F unit 10 will be described in detail later.

  Reference numeral 20 denotes a scanner image processing unit. The image data developed in the main memory 100 by the processing of the scanner I / F unit 10 is set in an image processing operation mode (color copy, monochrome copy, color scan, monochrome scan, etc.). It is a processing unit that executes corresponding image processing. Details of the scanner image processing unit 20 will be described later.

  The printer image processing unit 30 is a processing unit for outputting image data obtained as a result of image processing to a printer, and an image is connected to a laser beam printer (LBP) 45 connected through an LBP interface (I / F) 40. Execute processing to output the processing result.

  Reference numerals 50 and 60 denote JPEG and JBIG modules, which are processing units for executing image data compression / decompression processing conforming to a predetermined standard.

  Reference numeral 70 denotes a memory control unit, which is connected to the first BUS 80 of the image processing system and the second BUS 85 of the computer system, and performs DMA control for writing / reading data to / from the main memory (SDRAM) 100.

  Reference numeral 90 denotes a DMA controller (DMAC), which cooperates with the memory control unit 70 to perform predetermined DMA control for data exchange between each image processing unit (10, 20, 30) and the main memory 100. Generate and set address information. For example, according to the type of image reading device, CCD 17 and CIS 18, address information for DMA transfer of image data read by the scanner I / F unit 10 to the main memory 100 is generated for each DMA channel. Alternatively, the address information for reading the image data developed on the main memory 100 is generated according to the DMA channel, and DMA-transferred to the scanner image processing unit 20. , 40, 170) and the memory control means 70 function as a unit that performs DMA control between the image processing units (20, 30). The DMAC 90 is connected to the ROM 95 via the ROMISA 97, and appropriate control parameters and control programs are set according to the image reading device (CCD 17 or CIS 18). Since various control parameters and the like can be set according to the image reading device, image data input processing according to the individual data output formats of the CCD 17 and the CIS 18 can be performed, and it is not necessary to provide a dedicated interface circuit. .

  Reference numeral 80 denotes a first BUS that can exchange data between the processing units (10 to 60) of the image processing system. Reference numeral 85 denotes a CPU 180, a communication and user interface control unit 170, a mechatronics system control unit 125, and a DMAC 90. Is the second BUS of the computer system to be connected.

  The mechatronics system control unit 125 includes a motor control unit 110 and an interrupt timer control unit 120 that controls timing for controlling motor drive timing and image processing system processing.

  The LCD control unit 130 is a unit that controls display for displaying various settings, processing statuses, and the like of the image processing apparatus on the LCD 135.

  Reference numerals 140 and 150 denote USB interface units that allow connection with peripheral devices. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the IJ-printer 175 is connected.

  Reference numeral 160 denotes a media access control (MAC) unit that controls at what timing (access) data should be sent to a connected device.

  A CPU 180 controls the overall operation of the image processing apparatus 200.

<Configuration of Scanner I / F Unit 10>
The scanner I / F unit 10 can correspond to the CCD 17 and the CIS 18 as image reading devices, and inputs signals of both image reading devices. The image data input here is DMA-transferred by the memory control unit 70 and developed on the main memory 100.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image data conversion means of this apparatus.

  The image data conversion process 1 means 201 is a process for performing data conversion on input image data and writing the converted data to the image processing module connection buffer 202. For example, there are image data resolution conversion processing and shading correction processing. The image processing module connection buffer 202 is a buffer for connecting image processing modules for using the output data of the image data conversion processing 1 means 201 as input data of the image data conversion processing 2 means 203, and is used as a ring buffer. The image data conversion process 2 means 203 is a process for performing data conversion on the input image data and writing the converted data to the final image data output memory 205. For example, there are binarization processing and encoding processing of image data. The final image data output memory 205 is a memory that outputs the data converted by the image data conversion processing unit 2 203. The image processing module connection buffer management means 204 is a means for connecting the image data conversion processing 1 means 201 and the image data conversion processing 2 means 203 via the image processing module connection buffer 202, and is one of the main features of the present invention. There will be details later.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the image processing module connection buffer management means 204 of the present invention.

  The staying line counter 301 is a counter for holding the number of lines of unprocessed image data accumulated in the image processing module connection buffer 202. The stay limit line registration unit 302 is a unit for registering the limit value of the number of lines of the unprocessed image data in the image processing module connection buffer management unit 204. The light weight function registering unit 303 executes a function (for example, image data) when the value of the staying line counter 301 exceeds the limit value of the number of lines of the unprocessed image data registered by the staying limit line registering unit 302. (For example, processing for temporarily stopping the generation of input data to the conversion processing 1 means 201) is registered in the image processing module connection buffer management means 204. The light restart function registering unit 304 executes a function when the value of the staying line counter 301 becomes smaller than the limit value of the staying line registered by the staying limit line registering unit 302 after executing the light weight function ( (For example, a process for resuming the generation of input data to the image data conversion processing 1 means 201 that has been temporarily stopped) is registered in the image processing module connection buffer management means 204. The write line notification unit 305 is a unit that notifies the image processing module connection buffer management unit 204 of the number of lines of data that the image data conversion processing unit 1 201 has written to the image processing module connection buffer 202. Add the number of notification lines. The write end notification unit 306 notifies the image processing module connection buffer management unit 204 that all the processing of the image data conversion processing unit 201 has ended, that is, the writing of image data to the image processing module connection buffer 202 has ended. Means. The lead trigger line registration unit 307 is a unit that registers the number of lines for executing the read trigger function registered by the read trigger function registration unit 308 in the image processing module connection buffer management unit 204 with respect to the value of the staying line counter 301. is there. The read trigger function registration unit 308 is a function that is executed when the value of the staying line counter 301 exceeds the number of lines registered by the read trigger function registration unit 307 (for example, an unprocessed image). For example, a process of inputting data to the image data conversion process 2 means 203). The read line notification unit 309 is a unit that notifies the image processing module connection buffer management unit 204 of the number of data lines read from the image processing module connection buffer 202 by the image data conversion processing unit 203. Subtract the number of notification lines from. The read end notification means 310 is a means for notifying the image processing module connection buffer management means 204 that the processing of the image data conversion processing 2 means 203 has been completed. The stay line counter check unit 311 is a process executed when the value of the stay line counter 301 is changed by the write line notification unit 305 or the read line notification unit 309. The stay line counter 301 value and the read trigger line registration unit In this process, the value registered in 307 and the value registered in the stay limit line registration unit 302 are compared to execute a read trigger function or a light weight function.

  4, 5, 6, and 7 show the flow in the case of performing the image data conversion process in the claims of the present application.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the image data conversion processing 1 means 201. When the image data conversion processing 1 means is started by the CPU 180 in FIG. Process.

  At 402, the lightway and function registration unit 303 is executed and the process of 403 is performed.

  In 403, the write restart function registration unit 304 is executed to perform the process 404.

  At 404, the input image data is converted and written to the image processing module connection buffer 202, and the process of 405 is performed.

  In 405, the write line notifying unit 305 is implemented and the process of 406 is performed.

  At 406, it is confirmed whether there is still input data to be converted by the image data conversion processing 1 means. If not, the process of 407 is performed.

  At 407, the write end notifying unit 306 is implemented to end the image data conversion processing unit 1.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the image data conversion processing 2 means 203. In FIG. 5, when the CPU 180 starts the image data conversion processing 2 means, the read trigger line registration means 307 is executed at 501 to Process.

  In 502, the read trigger function registration means 308 is implemented to perform the processing in 503.

  At 503, the conversion completion notification of all data is confirmed from the image processing module connection buffer management means 204. If there is no notification, processing 503 is performed. If there is a notification, the image data conversion processing 2 means is terminated.

  FIG. 6 is a flow of the image processing module connection buffer management means. In FIG. 6, when the CPU 180 starts the image processing module connection buffer management means, the stay limit line by the image data conversion processing 1 means 201 at 601. Check if registration is complete. If completed, the process of 602 is performed. If not completed, the process of 601 is performed.

  At 602, it is confirmed whether or not the wait function registration by the image data conversion processing 1 means 201 is completed. If completed, the process of 603 is performed. If not completed, the process of 602 is performed.

  At 603, it is confirmed whether or not the restart function registration by the image data conversion processing 1 means 201 has been completed. If completed, the process of 604 is performed. If not completed, the process of 603 is performed.

  At 604, it is confirmed whether or not the lead trigger line registration by the image data conversion processing 2 means 203 has been completed. If completed, the process of 605 is performed. If not completed, the process of 604 is performed.

  In 605, it is confirmed whether or not the read function registration by the image data conversion processing 2 means 203 has been completed. If completed, the process of 606 is performed. If not completed, the process of 605 is performed.

  At 606, it is confirmed whether an execution request for the write line notification means 306 has been received. If it is, the process of 607 is performed. If not, the process of 606 is performed.

  At 607, as the processing of the light line notifying unit 306, the number of light lines is added to the value of the staying line counter 301, and the processing of 608 is performed.

  At 608, as the processing of the staying line counter check means 311, the value of the staying line counter 301 is compared with the value registered by the lead trigger line registration means 307, and the processing of 609 is performed when the value of the staying line counter 301 is large. Do. If it is smaller, the process of 611 is performed.

  At 609, the read trigger function registered in advance by the read trigger function registration means 308 is executed, and the processing of 610 is performed. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the embodiment of the read trigger function. Details will be performed later.

  At 610, as the processing of the lead line notifying unit 309, the number of lead lines is subtracted from the value of the staying line counter 301, and the processing of 611 is performed.

  At 611, it is confirmed whether both the write end notification unit 306 and the read end notification unit 310 have been implemented. If it is implemented, the process of 619 is performed. If not implemented, the process of 612 is performed.

  At 612, the value of the stay line counter 301 is compared with the value registered by the stay limit line registration means 302 as the process of the stay line counter check means 311. If the value of the stay line counter 301 is large, the process of 613 is performed. Do. If it is smaller, the process of 608 is performed.

  In 613, the wait function registered in advance by the wait function registration unit 303 is executed, and the process in 614 is performed.

  At 614, as the processing of the staying line counter check unit 311, the value of the staying line counter 301 is compared with the value registered by the lead trigger line registration unit 307, and the processing of step 615 is performed when the value of the staying line counter 301 is large. Do. If it is smaller, the process of 614 is performed.

  In 615, the read trigger function registered in advance by the read trigger function registration means 308 is executed, and the process of 616 is performed. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the embodiment of the read trigger function. Details will be performed later.

  At 616, as the processing of the lead line notifying unit 309, the number of lead lines is subtracted from the value of the staying line counter 301, and the processing of 617 is performed.

  In 617, as the process of the stay line counter check means 311, the value of the stay line counter 301 is compared with the value registered by the stay limit line registration means 302, and the process of 614 is performed when the value of the stay line counter 301 is large. Do. If it is smaller, the process 618 is performed.

  In 618, the write restart function registered in advance by the write restart function registration unit 304 is executed, and the processing of 608 is performed.

  At 619, the image processing conversion processing 2 means 203 is notified that all image data conversion has been completed, and the image processing module connection buffer management means is ended.

  FIG. 7 is a flow of a read trigger function registered by the image data conversion processing unit 2 by the read function registration unit 308. In FIG. 7, when the image processing module connection buffer management unit 204 starts the read trigger function 701. Then, the unprocessed image data in the image processing module connection buffer 202 is converted by the image data conversion processing unit 2 203 and written to the final image data output memory 205 to perform the processing of 702.

At 702, the write line notification means 305 is implemented to perform the processing of 703.
In step 703, it is determined whether or not all the data to be converted and output by the image data conversion processing unit 2 203 has been output. If all the data are output, the read end notification unit 310 is executed to notify the image processing module connection buffer management unit 204 of the read end. If all data to be output has not been output, the read trigger function is terminated.

Schematic block diagram showing a device configuration in an embodiment of the present invention The block diagram which shows the structure of the image data conversion means in this apparatus The figure which shows the internal structure of the image processing module connection buffer management means of this invention The flowchart regarding the image data conversion processing 1 means in the embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart regarding the image data conversion processing 2 means in the embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart regarding the image processing module connection buffer management means in the embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart regarding the read trigger function in the embodiment of the present invention

Claims (2)

  A buffer for connecting and operating an image processing module; a staying line counter for the connected buffer; a stay limit line registering means for the connected buffer; a lightweight function registering means for the connected buffer; and the connected buffer Restart function registration means, write line notification means to the linked buffer, write end means to the linked buffer, read trigger line registration means, read function registration means from the linked buffer, and the linked buffer A read line notification means from the connection buffer, a read end notification means from the connection buffer, and a stay line counter check means for checking the value of the stay line counter of the connection buffer, and manages a buffer connecting the image processing modules Image processing module Binding buffer management means.   2. The image processing module connection buffer management unit according to claim 1, wherein the image processing module connection buffer management unit is used uniformly in the apparatus.

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