JP2008136036A - Image forming system, and color image reader - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system which can optimally monochrome-output if original images included with color photograph images are tandemly outputted as monochrome images. <P>SOLUTION: When receiving input from an operation part 251, a color image forming apparatus 200 selects a monochrome conversion method, and then reads a color original image S2 through an image reader 201 to perform monochrome conversion processing for the acquired color image data using a monochrome converter 2,026. If colors are included in character areas, the areas are not required to be converted by the monochrome conversion method, but color photograph areas are monochrome-converted by the selected monochrome conversion method. Subsequently, the monochrome image data are transmitted to a monochrome image forming apparatus 100, and a monochrome image is outputted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a color image reading apparatus and an image forming system configured such that the color image reading apparatus and a monochrome image forming apparatus are communicably connected.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an image forming system capable of so-called tandem output has been provided in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected via a network and the original image is output by an image forming apparatus different from the image forming apparatus that has read the original image. . According to this type of image forming system, an image forming apparatus that reads an original image and an image forming apparatus that outputs an original image can be arbitrarily selected. Accordingly, for example, even when a new reading job cannot be executed because a certain image forming apparatus is in the process of reading, it can be read by another image forming apparatus, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses can cooperate with each other. Since reading and output can be performed, improvement in work efficiency can be realized.

  In general, when performing tandem output, (1) the original image is monochrome and the output image is monochrome, (2) the original image is color and the output image is monochrome, and (3) the original image is color and the output image is color. are categorized. Among these types, the type (2) is preferably configured such that a document image is read by a color image forming apparatus, and the read image data is transmitted to a monochrome image forming apparatus to output a monochrome image. Many ordinary monochrome image forming apparatuses do not have a color scan function, and when a color original image is read by such a monochrome image forming apparatus, correct color image data cannot be obtained. In addition, the color image forming apparatus may not have image forming conditions suitable for all monochrome images, and an optimal monochrome image may not be output. Therefore, it is possible to output a high-quality monochrome image from a color document image by reading the document image with the color image forming apparatus and outputting the monochrome image with the monochrome image forming apparatus.

  However, in the above-described configuration, which has been conventionally known, document image data read by the color image forming apparatus is transmitted as color image data to the monochrome image forming apparatus, and the monochrome image forming apparatus converts the color image data to monochrome. It was converted and output. Therefore, there is a problem that the data capacity of the image data to be transmitted is large and the transmission time of the image data becomes long, and the memory of the monochrome image forming apparatus is wasted.

Therefore, an image forming system is disclosed in which color image data is converted into monochrome image data by a color image forming apparatus and the monochrome image data is transmitted to the monochrome image forming apparatus (see Patent Document 1). This patent document 1 reads a color original image with a color image forming apparatus (composite copying apparatus) to obtain color image data, and stores color image data and monochrome image data converted from the color image data in a storage unit. In addition, when the receiving side is a monochrome image forming apparatus, monochrome image data is transmitted.
JP 2004-72166 A

  On the other hand, with the explosive spread of digital cameras and the Internet, the demand for outputting color photographs is increasing, and color photograph images are often included in manuscript images. However, in Patent Document 1 described above, it is not assumed that a color photographic image is included in a document image. General color photographic images are reproduced using many colors, and when they are converted to black and white, the appearance and impression change greatly, so personal preference is strongly related, but it is uniquely the same as the character area If monochrome conversion is performed by this method, output suitable for the operator's request cannot be performed.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of optimal monochrome output when a document image including a color photographic image is output in tandem as a monochrome image. And

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming system of the present invention is an image forming system configured such that a color image reading apparatus and a monochrome image forming apparatus are communicably connected, and the color image reading apparatus is a color photograph. An image reading unit that reads a document image including a region to obtain document image data, a selection unit that selects a monochrome conversion method of the color photographic region from a plurality of monochrome conversion methods, and a monochrome conversion selected by the selection unit Based on the method, monochrome conversion means for monochrome conversion of a color photographic area in the original image data read by the image reading unit, and monochrome original image data obtained by converting the color photographic area into monochrome by the monochrome conversion means A transmission unit that transmits the image to the image forming apparatus. A receiver for receiving the monochrome document image data transmitted from the transmitting unit, and having and an image forming unit for forming a monochrome document image based on monochrome document image data received by the receiving unit.

  In order to achieve the above object, a color image reading apparatus according to the present invention is a color image reading apparatus configured to be communicably connected to a monochrome image forming apparatus, and reads a document image including a color photographic area. An image reading unit that obtains image data, a selection unit that selects a monochrome conversion method of the color photographic area from a plurality of monochrome conversion methods, and the image reading unit based on the monochrome conversion method selected by the selection unit A monochrome conversion means for monochrome-converting a color photographic area in the document image data read by the above-mentioned method; and a transmission section for transmitting monochrome original image data obtained by converting the color photographic area to monochrome by the monochrome conversion means to the monochrome image forming apparatus. It is characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, an original image including a color photographic area is read by a color image reading apparatus to acquire original image data, and the color photographic area in the original image data is converted into monochrome by the selected monochrome conversion method. Since the subsequent monochrome image data is transmitted to the monochrome image forming apparatus and the monochrome image is output, an optimal monochrome image can be output.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The technical scope of the present invention is not limited by the description in the description of the present embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the image forming system 1 includes a monochrome image forming apparatus 100 and a color image forming apparatus 200, which are connected via a network 300 that can communicate with each other. Then, as described later, the color image forming apparatus 200 reads a document image including a color photographic area, converts it into monochrome image data, transmits the monochrome image data to the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 via the network 300, and The monochrome image forming apparatus 100 is configured to output a monochrome image. The network 300 is not particularly limited as long as it means a communication network capable of data communication. For example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a telephone line network, an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital). A network network, a CATV (Cable Television) line, an optical communication line, and the like can be included. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which can communicate not only with a wire but by radio | wireless.

  Although not shown for simplification, the network 300 is usually connected to a personal computer or other plural image forming apparatuses, and inputs information from the personal computer or other plural image forming apparatuses. It is also possible to output from the device.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of the monochrome image forming apparatus 100. The monochrome image forming apparatus 100 includes a double-sided document automatic feeder RADF1 and an image forming apparatus main body A1.

  The double-sided automatic document feeder RADF1 is located at the top of the image forming apparatus main body A1 and can be opened and closed. The monochrome document S1 placed on the document feeding table a1 is conveyed by a sheet feeding roller b1, a separation roller c1, a registration roller d1, and a conveying drum e1.

  The image forming apparatus main body A1 includes an image reading unit 101, an image processing unit 102, an image forming unit 104, a recording material storage unit 105, a transport unit 106, a fixing unit 107, a paper discharge unit 108, and the like.

  The optical system of the image reading unit 101 includes an exposure unit 114 including a light source and a first mirror, a V mirror unit 115 including a second mirror and a third mirror, a lens 116, and a monochrome CCD image sensor 117. The electrical signal obtained by the monochrome CCD image sensor 117 is subjected to image processing such as analog processing, A / D conversion, shading correction, and image compression processing by the image processing unit 102, and is stored as monochrome image data. .

  Next, a process for forming an image on the recording material P by the image forming unit 104 will be described.

  A photoconductor 141 as an image carrier is driven by a main motor (not shown), the surface of the photoconductor 141 is supplied with a voltage by a power source (not shown), and is negatively charged by the discharge of the charging unit 142. Next, the image writing unit 146 performs optical writing according to the monochrome image data, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor 141. When the formed electrostatic latent image passes through the developing unit 143, the negatively charged toner (developer) in the developing unit 143 adheres to the portion of the latent image by application of the negative developing bias, and the photosensitive member. A toner image is formed on 141. When the recording material P fed from the recording material storage unit 105 reaches the photoconductor 141, the toner image formed on the photoconductor 141 is transferred to the recording material P by the transfer unit 144, and the recording material P is separated into the separation unit 145. Separated by. The recording material P separated from the photoconductor 141 is sent by the transport unit 106 to the fixing unit 107 including a roller pair of a heating roller and a pressure roller. As a result, the toner image is fixed to the recording material P, and the recording material P on which the image is formed is discharged by the paper discharge unit 108 to the paper discharge tray 181 outside the apparatus.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the color image forming apparatus 200. The color image forming apparatus 200 superimposes toner images of respective colors on the intermediate transfer body by sequentially transferring toner images of different colors formed on a plurality of photosensitive bodies to a common intermediate transfer body. This is a so-called intermediate transfer system in which a color toner image formed on an intermediate transfer member is collectively transferred onto a recording material to form a color toner image on the recording material.

  The color image forming apparatus 200 includes a double-sided document automatic feeder RADF2 and an image forming apparatus main body A2. The image forming apparatus main body A2 includes an image reading unit 201, an image processing unit 202, a plurality of image forming units 204Y, 204M, 204C, and 204K, a recording material storage unit 205, a belt-shaped intermediate transfer member 206, a fixing device 207, and an operation. A unit 251, a display unit 252, and the like. Note that the basic configuration of the double-sided document automatic feeder RADF2 is substantially the same as that of the RADF1 of the monochrome image forming apparatus 100, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The optical system of the image reading unit 201 includes an exposure unit 214 including a light source and a first mirror, a V mirror unit 215 including a second mirror and a third mirror, a lens 216, and a color CCD image sensor 217. The image reading operation for the color document S2 conveyed by the double-sided document automatic feeder RADF2 is performed in a state where the exposure unit 214 is positioned below the slit exposure glass 213. The image reading operation for the color document S2 placed on the document table glass 211 is performed by moving the exposure unit 214 and the V mirror unit 215. When the light from the light source is irradiated onto the color original S2, the reflected light from the color original S2 is incident on the color CCD image sensor 217 via the first mirror, the V mirror unit 215, and the lens 216 of the exposure unit 214, Here, the incident light is converted into an electrical signal corresponding to the three primary colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) light. The electrical signal converted by the color CCD image sensor 217 is subjected to image processing such as analog processing, A / D conversion, and shading correction by the image processing unit 202. The specific processing content of the image processing unit 202 will be described later.

  Image forming units 204Y, 204M, 204C, and 204K that form a yellow toner image, a magenta toner image, a cyan toner image, and a black toner image are arranged on the outer peripheral surface area of the intermediate transfer member 206 along the moving direction W of the intermediate transfer member 206. Are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other.

  The image forming unit 204Y includes a rotatable drum-shaped photoconductor 241Y. In the outer peripheral surface area of the photoconductor 241Y, the charger 242Y, the image writing unit 246Y, and the image writing unit 246Y Development units 243Y that perform development using yellow toner (developer) are arranged in order of operation. Further, a primary transfer unit 244Y and a cleaning unit 248Y are provided in this order at a position downstream of the developing unit 243Y in the rotation direction R of the photoreceptor 241Y.

  The photoreceptor 241Y, the charger 242Y, the image writing unit 246Y, the developing unit 243Y, and the cleaning unit 248Y have the same configuration as that of the monochrome image forming apparatus 100, respectively. The primary transfer portion 244Y is composed of a rotatable roller and transfers a yellow toner image formed on the photosensitive member 241Y onto the intermediate transfer member 206.

  Each of the other image forming units 204M, 204C, and 204K is similar to the image forming unit 204Y related to the yellow toner image, except that the developer includes magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner, respectively, instead of yellow toner. It is a configuration.

  In the color image forming apparatus 200, an image forming operation is performed as follows. That is, in each of the image forming units 204Y, 204M, 204C, and 204K, the photosensitive members 241Y, 241M, 241C, and 241K are rotationally driven, and the photosensitive members 241Y, 241M, 241C, and 241K are charged by the charging units 242Y, 242M, 242C, and 242K. Is charged to a predetermined polarity, for example, negative polarity. Next, electrostatic latent images are formed by exposing the surfaces of the photoreceptors 241Y, 241M, 241C, and 241K by the image writing units 246Y, 246M, 246C, and 246K. The developing units 243Y, 243M, 243C, and 243K supply toner to the electrostatic latent images on the photoconductors 241Y, 241M, 241C, and 241K, thereby forming toner images of the respective colors. Further, the primary transfer portions 244 </ b> Y, 244 </ b> M, 244 </ b> C, and 244 </ b> K sequentially perform primary transfer and superimpose to form a color toner image on the intermediate transfer body 206.

  The recording material P accommodated in the paper feeding cassette 205 is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 244A through the paper feeding roller 221, the conveying rollers 222A, 222B, 222C, and 222D, the registration roller 223, and the like, and then onto the recording material P. A color image is transferred. The recording material P to which the color image has been transferred is sandwiched by the fixing device 207, and the color toner image (or toner image) on the recording material P is fixed by applying heat and pressure to the recording material P. It is fixed on the upper side, is sandwiched between the paper discharge rollers 208 on the paper discharge path side, and is placed on a paper discharge tray 281 outside the apparatus.

  On the other hand, after transferring the color image to the recording material P by the transfer unit 244A, the residual toner is removed by the cleaning unit 248A from the intermediate transfer body 206 from which the recording material P is separated by curvature.

  In the above-described example, an example in which a color image in which yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are superimposed has been described. However, by operating each of the image forming units 204Y, 204M, and 204C independently, yellow, magenta, It is possible to form a color image composed of single cyan colors, and it is also possible to form a monochrome image by operating only the image forming unit 204K.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the image forming system 1, and a representative one is shown here. The monochrome image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit 104, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a communication unit 13, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10 as a control unit for controlling them. Yes. Since the function of the image forming unit 104 has been described above, the description thereof is omitted here.

  The ROM 11 stores a control program necessary for the CPU 10 to control each unit.

  The RAM 12 functions as a temporary storage unit for expanding a control program read from the ROM 11 by the CPU 10 for each operation.

  The communication unit 13 as a receiving unit is an interface for receiving monochrome image data, various communication signals, and the like from the color image forming apparatus 200. The communication unit 13 is connected to the communication unit 23 of the color image forming apparatus 200 by USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE (Institut of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1394, or the like.

  The color image forming apparatus 200 includes an image reading unit 201, an image processing unit 202, an operation unit 251, a display unit 252, a ROM 21, a RAM 22, a communication unit 23, and a CPU 20 that controls them. Since the function of the image reading unit 201 has been described above, description thereof is omitted here.

  The operation unit 251 as an information input unit includes input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, and various settings in the color image forming apparatus 200 can be performed by an operator operating the input device. For example, the setting for connecting the color image forming apparatus 200 and the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 in tandem, the setting of “character”, “character + photo”, “photo” as the reading mode of the color original S2, and the color original S2 A monochrome conversion method for monochrome conversion of the formed color photographic area can be set.

  The display unit 252 includes a display such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a liquid crystal, an organic EL, plasma, or a projection method, and displays a setting screen for various settings. Note that the operation unit 251 and the display unit 252 may be configured by a touch panel having both an input function and a display function.

  The image processing unit 202 performs image processing such as A / D conversion and shading correction on color image data composed of R, G, and B obtained by reading the color original S2 by the image reading unit 201. When the tandem connection mode with the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 is set by the operation unit 251, processing for converting color image data into monochrome image data is performed. Further, when the color document S2 includes a color photographic area, the color photographic area is subjected to monochrome conversion by the selected monochrome conversion method. That is, the image processing unit 202 functions as a monochrome conversion unit in the present invention.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a flow of image processing in the image processing unit 202. The processing contents of the image processing unit 202 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, only the main processing when the tandem connection mode with the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 is set and color image data is converted to monochrome image data will be described. However, when color image data is output as a color image. Separately performs γ conversion processing, averaging processing, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 3, color image data obtained by the color CCD image sensor 217 of the image reading unit 201 includes A / D conversion 2021, shading correction 2022, character / photo area discrimination 2023, scaling 2024, spatial filter Processing such as 2025 and monochrome conversion 2026 is performed.

  The A / D conversion 2021 performs sampling, quantization, and the like, and converts analog color image data into digital color image data.

  The shading correction 2022 corrects luminance unevenness due to the characteristics of the optical system and the imaging system.

  The character / photo area discrimination 2023 is a process performed when the reading mode of the color document S2 is set as “character + photo” or “photo” by the operation unit 251. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-336466 discloses The character / photo area can be determined by the described method. Specifically, in the specific pixel region including the target pixel, the maximum value and the minimum value of the density are obtained, and the maximum density difference is obtained by subtracting the maximum value and the minimum value of the density. When the difference is larger than a preset threshold value, the target pixel is determined as a character area, and when the difference is less than the threshold value, the target pixel is determined as a photographic area. The determination of the character / photo area is not limited to the above-described method, and a known method can be used.

  The scaling 2024 performs reduction / enlargement processing on the color image data, and is automatically executed when the size of the color document S2 and the recording paper P is automatically adjusted, or when the combined output of Nin1 is performed. In addition, it is executed when the operator clearly indicates the operation unit 251. Of course, this reduction / enlargement process may not be executed.

  The spatial filter 2025 performs smoothing, edge enhancement processing, and the like in consideration of information on pixels around the target pixel.

  The monochrome conversion 2026 converts color image data into monochrome image data. As a monochrome conversion method for converting color image data to monochrome image data, a method of simply averaging R, G, and B data and using a grayscale image enhancement value of each pixel, a monochrome image of R and G data as they are There are a method of converting data, a method of converting color information into information of luminance Y from the three components R, G, B using the following arithmetic expression (1).

Y = 0.3R + 0.59G + 0.11B (1)
For example, when each color component has a very different sharpness, a high sharpness, and a color component having a fine change in the image is a B component, the contribution of the B component in the above equation (1) Since it is small, sharpness and minute changes in the original color image data may be hardly reflected in the monochrome image data. This is especially a problem for color photographic areas where appearance and impression are important. For this reason, it is preferable to prepare an arithmetic expression in which each color component is multiplied by a special weighting coefficient so that an optimal conversion process can be performed according to the feature of the image.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the ROM 21 stores a control program necessary for the CPU 10 to control each unit, such as an image processing program. Further, a sample image to be displayed on a selection screen for selecting a monochrome conversion method is stored.

  The RAM 22 functions as a temporary storage unit for developing a control program read from the ROM 21 by the CPU 20 for each operation. Also, the monochrome image data converted by the image processing unit 202 described above is stored.

  The communication unit 23 as a transmission unit is an interface for transmitting monochrome image data stored in the RAM 22 to the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 and transmitting various information.

  CPU20 is comprised so that each part may be controlled according to the control program memorize | stored in ROM21. For example, a monochrome conversion method is selected based on an input operation of the operation unit 251 or color image data is analyzed to select an optimal monochrome conversion method for the color image data. That is, the CPU 20 corresponds to a selection unit.

  FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram when the color image forming apparatus 200 reads the color original S2 to acquire monochrome image data, and the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 forms a monochrome image.

  First, when a setting input of a tandem mode in which an image is formed by the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 is input by the operation unit 251 of the color image forming apparatus 200, the color image forming apparatus 200 communicates with the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 through a communication unit. A tandem connection request signal is transmitted through the terminal 23 (step S10). When the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 receives the tandem connection request signal from the color image forming apparatus 200 via the communication unit 13, if the tandem connection is possible (step S11: Yes), the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 transmits the monochrome image together with the tandem connection OK signal. The image forming conditions (the size and resolution of the recording material P) of the forming apparatus 100 are transmitted to the color image forming apparatus 200 (step S12).

  When the color image forming apparatus 200 receives the tandem connection OK signal from the monochrome image forming apparatus 100, the color image forming apparatus 200 next sets the reading mode of the color document S2. As described above, the reading mode of the color original S2 includes three patterns of “character”, “character + photo”, and “photo”. Here, the color original S2 includes a color photo area. Then, “text + photo” or “photo” is set and input by the operation unit 251 (step S13). When receiving the setting input of “character + photo” or “photo”, the color image forming apparatus 200 displays a selection screen for selecting a monochrome conversion method for the photo area on the display unit 252 (step S14).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a monochrome conversion method selection screen is displayed on the display unit 252. In FIG. 5, input buttons 252A to 252D for inputting a desired monochrome conversion method from among a plurality of monochrome conversion methods are displayed on the left side of the screen. Also, on the right side of the screen, a sample image display screen 2521 for displaying a sample image converted into monochrome by the monochrome conversion method input from any of the input buttons 252A to 252D, a determination button 252G, and a return button 252F are displayed. ing. The partner image forming condition consideration button 252E displayed on the left side of the screen is a button for reflecting the image forming conditions of the monochrome image forming apparatus 100. By pressing this button, the buttons on the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 are displayed. A sample image reflecting the image forming conditions is displayed on the sample image display unit 2521. Although not shown, for example, in order to make the sample image displayed on the sample image display screen 2521 easier to see, an enlargement function for enlarging the sample image may be provided.

  Using the operation unit 251, the operator presses input buttons 252A to 252D corresponding to a desired monochrome conversion method from among a plurality of monochrome conversion methods displayed on the display unit 252. The color image forming apparatus 200 receives the input from the operation unit 251 and selects a monochrome conversion method (step S15; selection unit). Then, the sample image stored in the ROM 21 is read, and the sample image is subjected to monochrome conversion processing by the monochrome conversion method selected in step S15, and the sample image subjected to the monochrome conversion processing is displayed on the sample image display unit 2521. (Step S16). At this time, if the operation unit 251 receives an input of the partner image forming condition consideration button 252E, image processing for reflecting the image forming conditions of the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 on the sample image subjected to the monochrome conversion process is performed. And display on the sample image display unit 2521.

  The operator confirms the sample image displayed on the sample image display unit 2521. If there is no problem, the operator presses the decision button 252G using the operation unit 251. In response to pressing of the enter button 252G, the color image forming apparatus 200 transmits job information such as information on the selected monochrome conversion method and the number of copies to the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 via the communication unit 23 (step S17). ). The monochrome image forming apparatus 100 receives job information from the color image forming apparatus 200 via the communication unit 13, and transmits a response signal if there is no problem with the job information (step S18).

  When the operator confirms that the response signal has been received from the monochrome image forming apparatus 100, the operator presses a reading start button (not shown) through the operation unit 251. In response to pressing of the reading start button, the color image forming apparatus 200 reads the color original S2 by the image reading unit 201 (step S19), and acquires color image data composed of R, G, and B. When the color image data is acquired, the image processing unit 202 converts the color image data into digital data by the image processing shown in FIG. 3, that is, A / D conversion 2021, and an optical system by shading correction 2022. Brightness unevenness correction according to the characteristics of the imaging system, character / photo area discrimination 2023 discriminates a character area and a photo area in color image data, enlargement / reduction of data by scaling 2024, smoothing by spatial filter 2025 An edge enhancement process is performed (step S20). Further, color image data is converted into monochrome image data by monochrome conversion 2026 (step S21; monochrome conversion means). At this time, when the character area includes color, the monochrome conversion method is not particularly limited, but the color photograph area is subjected to monochrome conversion by the monochrome conversion method selected in step S15. When the color photographic area is converted into monochrome, the screen processing is not performed on the halftone, and dither processing or error diffusion processing is performed. Thereby, a smooth image can be obtained.

  Then, the monochrome image data subjected to monochrome conversion is stored in the RAM 22 (step S22). Thereafter, the photographic area in the monochrome image data is displayed again on the display unit 252 (not shown). If there is a problem (No at Step S23), the process returns to Step S14 and the process is performed again. If there is no problem (step S23: Yes), the monochrome image data stored in the RAM 22 is transmitted to the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 via the communication unit 23 (step S24).

  When the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 receives monochrome image data from the color image forming apparatus 200 via the communication unit 13, the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 feeds the recording paper P, and the image forming unit 104 forms a monochrome image on the recording paper P. (Step S25). When the image formation ends (step S26: Yes), an image formation end notification is transmitted to the color image forming apparatus 200 (step S27), and the process ends.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the color photographic region in the image data read by the color image forming apparatus 200 is configured to perform monochrome conversion by the selected monochrome conversion method. Monochrome conversion suitable for the area can be performed, and an optimal monochrome image can be output.

  Further, since the color image forming apparatus 200 reads the color original image and the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 forms the monochrome image, the correct color image is read and the monochrome image is output under appropriate image forming conditions. And a high-quality monochrome image can be output.

  In addition, since the color image data obtained by the color image forming apparatus 200 is converted into monochrome image data and then transmitted to the monochrome image forming apparatus 100, the data capacity at the time of transmission can be suppressed as much as possible, and the transmission time of the image data is reduced. And the used capacity of the memory of the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 can be reduced.

  In addition, since the sample image that has been subjected to monochrome conversion by the selected monochrome conversion method is displayed on the display unit 252 of the color image forming apparatus 200, it is confirmed in advance whether the selected monochrome conversion method is preferable. This makes it possible to select a monochrome conversion method that matches the operator's request.

  Further, since the sample image is subjected to image processing that reflects the image forming conditions of the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 and the sample image subjected to the image processing is displayed, for example, the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 is special. For example, when the image has a γ value, it is possible to confirm an output expected image in the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 in advance.

  In the above configuration, the sample image is stored in the ROM 21, and when the monochrome conversion method is selected, the sample image is read from the ROM 21 and the sample image is subjected to the monochrome conversion process. A plurality of sample images subjected to the respective monochrome conversion processes may be stored in the ROM 21.

  Further, the CPU 20 is configured to select the monochrome conversion method in response to the input of the input buttons 252A to 252D in the operation unit 251 of the color image forming apparatus 200. However, the CPU 20 automatically analyzes the color image data and is preferable. A monochrome conversion method may be selected.

  Further, the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 has been described as an example in which an image is formed by an electrophotographic method, but may be configured to form an image by another method such as an inkjet method, a thermal transfer method, or a silver salt photographic method. good.

  In addition, the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 and the color image forming apparatus 200 are communicably connected to form an image forming system. However, in the present invention, the color image forming apparatus 200 has at least a color document reading function. Needless to say, the image reading apparatus can be realized.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system in the present embodiment. 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the image forming system. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the flow of the image process in an image process part. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram when a color original is read by a color image forming apparatus to acquire monochrome image data and a monochrome image is formed by the monochrome image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example which displayed the selection screen of the monochrome conversion method on the display part. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a monochrome image forming apparatus. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a color image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system 100 Monochrome image forming apparatus 200 Color image forming apparatus 300 Network 10, 20 CPU
11, 21 ROM
12, 22 RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13, 23 Communication part 104 Image forming part 201 Image reading part 202 Image processing part 251 Operation part 252 Display part 2023 Character / photo area discrimination | determination 2026 Monochrome conversion S2 Color original

Claims (10)

An image forming system configured such that a color image reading device and a monochrome image forming device are communicably connected,
The color image reader is
An image reading unit that reads a document image including a color photographic area and obtains document image data;
Selecting means for selecting a monochrome conversion method of the color photographic area from a plurality of monochrome conversion methods;
Monochrome conversion means for monochrome-converting a color photographic area in the original image data read by the image reading unit based on the monochrome conversion method selected by the selection means;
A transmission unit that transmits the monochrome document image data in which the color photographic area is converted into monochrome by the monochrome conversion unit to the monochrome image forming apparatus;
The monochrome image forming apparatus includes:
A receiving unit for receiving monochrome document image data transmitted from the transmitting unit;
An image forming unit that forms a monochrome document image based on the monochrome document image data received by the receiving unit;
An image forming system comprising: The color image reader is
A display unit for displaying a monochrome conversion method selection screen;
An information input unit for inputting information of a desired monochrome conversion method on the selection screen displayed on the display unit;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects a monochrome conversion method for the color photographic region from a plurality of monochrome conversion methods based on information input by the information input unit. system. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the display unit displays a sample image that has been monochrome converted by the monochrome conversion method selected by the selection unit. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the display unit displays a sample image reflecting an image forming condition in the monochrome image forming apparatus. 5. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the monochrome conversion unit performs dither processing or error diffusion processing on a halftone when converting a color photographic area into monochrome. 6. A color image reading apparatus configured to be communicably connected to a monochrome image forming apparatus,
An image reading unit that reads a document image including a color photographic area and obtains document image data;
Selecting means for selecting a monochrome conversion method of the color photographic area from a plurality of monochrome conversion methods;
Monochrome conversion means for monochrome-converting a color photographic area in the original image data read by the image reading unit based on the monochrome conversion method selected by the selection means;
A transmission unit configured to transmit monochrome original image data obtained by converting the color photographic area into monochrome by the monochrome conversion unit;
A color image reading apparatus comprising: A display unit for displaying a monochrome conversion method selection screen;
An information input unit for inputting information of a desired monochrome conversion method on the selection screen displayed on the display unit;
The color image according to claim 6, wherein the selection unit selects a monochrome conversion method for the color photographic area from a plurality of monochrome conversion methods based on information input by the information input unit. Reader. The color image reading apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the display unit displays a sample image that has been monochrome converted by the monochrome conversion method selected by the selection unit. The color image reading apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the display unit displays a sample image reflecting an image forming condition in the monochrome image forming apparatus. 10. The color image reading apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the monochrome conversion means performs dither processing or error diffusion processing on a halftone when performing monochrome conversion of a color photographic area.

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