JP2008236258A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent paper waste as a result of an unintended output and to eliminate an original re-reading when bringing about the unintended output result to change an outputting method again. <P>SOLUTION: An image reading part 1 reads the whole original and stores the original in a storing part 8 in response to an output request from an operation displaying part 9, only a portion of the original or one page of the original is subjected to trial outputting about an output from a plotter part 2, after checking a result of the trial outputting, the plotter 2 successively continues outputting while the operation displaying part 9 is set as it is in the case of being suitable about the suitability/unsuitability of the result, the operation displaying part 9 is reset in the case of being unsuitable about the suitability/unsuitability of the result, and image data from a storing part 8, the reading of which has been already finished is reprocessed by an image data processing part 15 and the reprocessed image data is outputted from the plotter part 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing control method, and an image processing system for digital image data in a digital multi-function peripheral (MFP) that combines functions of a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer, a scanner, and the like.

  To describe the history of digital multi-function peripherals, first, digital copiers that process digitized image data from analog copiers have emerged as a result of the development of line sensor readers consisting of CCD photoelectric conversion elements and laser writing devices. . Since becoming a digital copier, not only copier functions, but also functions such as facsimile functions, printer functions, scanner functions, etc., it is not just a digital copier but a digital multi-function peripheral (MFP). Came to be called.

  Also, increase in memory capacity and cost by HDD drives, speeding up and popularization of communication technology using networks, etc., improvement of CPU processing capability, technology related to digital image data (standardization and compression of characteristic values) With the evolution of technologies related to the MFP, such as a format, the functions installed in the MFP have also been diversified. The use of MFPs in the office has also been diversified and diversified. For example, it is installed in pairs next to a personal computer (PC) so that each operator can easily perform the functions of copiers, facsimiles, printers, and scanners. A small-sized MFP that can be used is used, a medium-sized MFP that is shared by multiple people in each department or section, and that can use functions such as a certain degree of productivity and sort / punch / staple is used, In departments that focus on copy-related work in a company or a company that makes copy-related work itself a business, large-scale multifunctional MFPs with high productivity and high quality are used.

  Thus, although MFPs are diversifying from small to large, there are functions that can be shared across classes, but there are also functions that are strongly required for each class. For example, large-scale MFPs require post-processing on paper after plotting such as punching, stapling, and paper folding, and electronic filing at the same time as copying operations. Small-sized MFPs include enhancements such as Internet FAX and PC-FAX, For personal use, high-quality image printing on dedicated paper is required. In the MFP market, which has been diversified and diversified as described above, a system having a set of functions necessary for each class has been constructed, sold, and provided.

  The importance of information value in business is already recognized, and it is required not only to convey information quickly, accurately and reliably, but also to convey it in an easy-to-understand manner and effectively. With the speed and spread of communication technology, memory capacity, cost reduction and miniaturization, and high performance of PCs, new functions for efficiently handling information using digital data have been provided. The provision and integration of new functions is also desired for MFPs that handle digital image data that is part of digital data.

  Here, referring to FIG. 19 showing an overview of a digital copying machine and FIG. 20 showing a side view of a reading optical system, the entire digital copying machine will be described. A document table 401 is arranged so that a reading surface faces downward. , And is reflected by the light source 402 through the mirror 403 and the lens and relay mirror group 404 in order, reflected and read by an image line sensor (hereinafter, CCD) 405.

  Further, referring to FIG. 21 showing a schematic diagram of a writing transfer system, when the operation on the print side is seen, the photosensitive member 201 is charged by the charging member 203, and the laser is applied to the photosensitive member 201 by the LD 202, thereby the laser. The difference between the charged state and the non-contacted portion is made, and the toner 205 is attached to the charged portion. The toner is placed on the transfer paper by the roller 207 charged from the opposite side at the attachment point 206, and this is fixed to the paper by the fixing roller 204. In the case of a color image realized from four colors of CMYK, this process is realized by four photoconductor configurations, or color is realized by a method in which one photoconductor is transferred four times with different colors.

  Here, the overall configuration of the digital image processing apparatus (MFP) will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 22, a reading unit 1 includes a line sensor composed of a CCD photoelectric conversion element, an A / D converter, and a drive circuit for the original. By scanning the set original, the density information of the original is obtained from 8 bits for each of RGB. The digital image data is generated and output. When the plotter unit 2 receives the digital image data composed of CMYK, the plotter unit 2 outputs the received image data to the transfer paper using an electrophotographic process using a laser beam.

  The external I / F circuit unit 4 is a circuit that performs physical connection necessary for exchanging various data between the digital image processing apparatus and the external apparatus. In the illustrated configuration example, the network (Ethernet (registered trademark)) and the SD card memory 6 are connected. The PC 5 is a so-called personal computer, and the user performs various controls and input / output of image data with respect to the digital image processing apparatus via application software and drivers installed in the personal computer. SD6 is a kind of small memory device with a built-in flash memory, and is an SD memory card that has recently become popular because it can be easily attached and detached and has excellent portability.

  The HDD 3 is a large-sized storage device for storing electronic data that is also used in a desktop personal computer, and mainly stores digital image data and accompanying information of the digital image data in the digital image processing apparatus. In the illustrated configuration example, an ATA bus-connected hard disk standardized by expanding IDE is used.

  The operation display unit 9 is a part that performs an interface between the digital image processing apparatus and the user. The operation display unit 9 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a key switch. Detect input. A CPU (control means) 10 is a microprocessor that controls the entire control of the digital image processing apparatus. N. B. Reference numeral 11 denotes a chip set used in a personal computer, which is a general-purpose electronic device called North Bridge, and is a bus bridge often used when a CPU system including a CPU-PCI bridge is mainly constructed. The function is a general-purpose circuit. In the configuration example shown in the figure, the CPU-PCI bus, the memory controller, and the AGB bus are bridged. S. B. Reference numeral 13 denotes a chip set used for a personal computer, which is a general-purpose electronic device called South Bridge, and is a bus bridge often used when constructing a CPU system including a PCI-ISA bridge. The function is a general-purpose circuit, and in the illustrated configuration example, it is bridged with the ROM.

  The ROM 14 is a memory that stores a program (including boot) used when the CPU controls the digital image processing apparatus. The memory 2 (12) is a memory that temporarily stores programs and intermediate processing data when the CPU controls the digital image processing apparatus. Since the CPU 10 is required to perform high-speed processing, the system is activated by a boot program stored in the ROM at the normal activation, and thereafter, the processing is performed by a program developed in the memory 2 that can be accessed at high speed. In the illustrated configuration example, a standardized DIMM used for a personal computer is used.

  The bus control device 7 is a data bus control circuit for exchanging various data such as necessary image data and control commands in the digital image processing device. It is used for editing functions such as image rotation and between various types of bus standards. It also has a bridge function. In the illustrated configuration example, a standardized general-purpose expansion bus PCI bus is connected to the operation unit 9, the reading unit 1, the plotter unit 2, and the image data processing unit 15, and an ATA bus is connected to the HDD 3. (8) is connected to the DIMM bus. B. 11 is connected to the AGP bus to form an ASIC.

  The memory 1 (8) is a memory that stores data to be temporarily exchanged in order to absorb a speed difference when bridging a plurality of types of bus standards and a processing speed difference between connected components themselves. In the illustrated configuration example, a DIMM that is standardized and used in a personal computer is used. The image data processing unit 15 performs processing on image data required in the digital image processing apparatus by ASIC or the like.

  Next, the detailed structure and operation of each component in the digital image processing apparatus will be described below. First, processing blocks of the reading device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The reading optical system 101 reads an image as shown in FIG. The brightness level obtained from the CCD 405 is digitized by the A / D conversion 102, and the shading correction 103 corrects light source unevenness and converts it to a density level. The image area separation 104 determines area information such as an edge area or a halftone dot area in an image, and outputs it in parallel with image data. The filter 105 corrects the MTF characteristic. In the color conversion 106, the color space of the accumulated image is unified, and in the magnification change 107, enlargement or reduction is performed in accordance with the designation of the image size to be accumulated. The I / F circuit 108 sends an image to the general-purpose bus through the PCI.

  FIG. 24 shows a processing block diagram of the image data processing unit, and FIG. 22 shows each operation of a copying operation, a scanner operation, and a printer operation in the digital image processing apparatus.

"Copy operation"
The user sets a document on the reading unit 1 and performs setting of a desired mode or the like and input of copy start on the operation display unit 9. The operation display unit 9 converts the information input from the user into control command data inside the device and issues it. The issued control command data is notified to the CPU 10 via the PCI bus, the bus control device 7, and the AGB bus. The CPU 10 executes a copy operation process program in accordance with the copy start control command data, and sequentially performs settings and operations necessary for the copy operation. The operation process is described below in order.

  The original is scanned by the reading unit 1, and digital image data composed of 8 bits for each RGB is stored in the memory 1 (8) via the PCI bus and the bus control device 7. The CPU sets processing for the image data processing unit 15 according to the mode desired by the user. Details of the processing will be described later. At this time, if the user desires to store data, RGB 8-bit image data in the memory 1 (8) may be stored in the HDD 3.

  The RGB 8-bit data stored in the memory 1 is sent to the image data processing unit 15. In the image data processing unit shown in FIG. 24, various data from the PCI bus are transmitted / received via the I / F circuit 30. This is a circuit that bridges a PCI bus, which is a general-purpose expansion bus, and a local data bus in image data processing. The post filter 31 performs smoothing and MTF filter processing on the data received from the PCI bus as necessary. The color correction unit 32 performs RGB → CMYK conversion. The CMYK feature amount extraction unit 33 determines an edge region of the image based on the data after CMYK. When receiving the CMYK data, the γ conversion unit 34 adjusts and outputs the brightness according to the mode information desired by the user. Further, the γ processing unit 34 can change the gradation by changing the γ curve in a specific region based on the results from the CMYK feature amount extraction unit 33 and the image area separation unit 104.

  The gradation processing unit 35 in the image data processing unit 15 performs quantization according to the image data format of the stored or output image, such as 2 bits or 8 bits. As quantization, in addition to quantization according to a simple number of effective pixels, error diffusion and dithering are also performed. Further, it is also possible to change the gradation expression by changing a table such as error diffusion processing in a specific area based on the results from the CMYK feature amount extraction unit 33 and the image area separation unit 104.

  The CMYK 2-bit image data processed by the image data processing unit 15 is stored again in the memory 1 (8) via the PCI bus and the bus control device 7. At this time, if the user desires to store data, the CMYK 2-bit image data in the memory 1 (8) may be stored in the HDD 3. The CMYK 2-bit image data stored in the memory 1 (8) is sent to the plotter unit 2 via the PCI bus and the bus control device 7. The plotter unit 2 outputs the received CMYK 2-bit image data to transfer paper, and a copy of the document is generated.

"Scanner operation"
The user sets an original on the reading unit 1 and performs setting of a desired mode and the like and input of scanner transmission start on the operation display unit 9. The operation display unit 9 converts the information input from the user into control command data inside the device and issues it. The issued control command data is notified to the CPU 10 via the PCI bus, the bus control device 7, and the AGB bus. The CPU 10 executes a scanner transmission operation process program according to the scanner start control command data, and sequentially performs settings and operations necessary for the scanner transmission operation. The operation process is described below in order.

  The original is scanned by the reading unit 1, and digital image data composed of 8 bits for each RGB is stored in the memory 1 (8) via the PCI bus and the bus control device 7. The CPU 10 sets processing for the image data processing unit 15 according to the mode desired by the user. At this time, if the user desires to store data, 8-bit RGB image data in the memory 1 (8) may be stored in the HDD 3. The RGB 8-bit data stored in the memory 1 is sent to the image data processing unit 15. In the image data processing unit 15 (see FIG. 24), various data from the PCI bus are transmitted / received via the I / F circuit 30. This is a circuit that bridges a PCI bus, which is a general-purpose expansion bus, and a local data bus in image data processing. The post filter 31 performs smoothing and MTF filter processing on the data received from the PCI bus as necessary.

  The color correction unit 32 performs RGB → CMYK conversion. The CMYK feature amount extraction unit 33 determines an edge region of the image based on the data after CMYK. When receiving the CMYK data, the γ conversion unit 34 adjusts and outputs the brightness according to the mode information desired by the user. Further, the γ processing unit 34 can change the gradation by changing the γ curve in a specific region based on the results from the CMYK feature amount extraction unit 33 and the image area separation unit 104. At this time, if the user has specifically designated brightness adjustment, the brightness may be adjusted and output.

  The gradation processing unit 35 in the image data processing unit 15 performs quantization according to the image data format of the stored or output image, such as 2 bits or 8 bits. As quantization, in addition to quantization according to a simple number of effective pixels, error diffusion and dithering are also performed. Further, it is also possible to change the gradation expression by changing a table such as error diffusion processing in a specific area based on the results from the CMYK feature amount extraction unit 33 and the image area separation unit 104.

  The sRGB 8-bit image data processed by the image data processing unit 15 is stored again in the memory 1 (8) via the PCI bus and the bus control device 7. At this time, if the user desires to store data, the sRGB 8-bit image data in the memory 1 (8) may be stored in the HDD 3. The sRGB 8-bit image data stored in the memory 1 (8) is stored in the bus controller 7, the AGB bus, N.B. B. 11, the data is transmitted to the network via the PCI bus and the external I / F circuit unit 4, transmitted to the external server and the PC 5, and the scanner transmission is performed.

"Printer operation"
A user prints an electronic document through application software of the PC 5. The printer driver software of the PC 5 renders the electronic document designated for printing and generates CMYK digital image data. The PC 5 sends a print request and the generated CMYK digital image data to the digital image processing apparatus via the network.

  The CPU 10 includes an external I / F circuit unit 4, a PCI bus, N.P. B. When a print request control command data is received from the PC 5, a printer operation process program is executed, and necessary settings and operations are sequentially performed. The operation process is described below in order.

  The CMYK 2-bit digital image data sent from the PC 5 via the network includes an external I / F circuit unit 4, a PCI bus, N.P. B. Stored in the memory 1 (8) via the bus control device 7. If the CMYK data stored in the memory 1 is multi-valued, it is sent to the image data processing unit 15.

  In the image data processing unit 15, various data from the PCI bus are transmitted / received via the I / F circuit 30. This is a circuit that bridges a PCI bus, which is a general-purpose expansion bus, and a local data bus in image data processing. The post filter 31 performs smoothing and MTF filter processing on the data received from the PCI bus as necessary.

  The color correction unit 32 performs RGB → CMYK conversion. The CMYK feature amount extraction unit 33 determines an edge region of the image based on the data after CMYK. When receiving the CMYK data, the γ conversion unit 34 adjusts and outputs the brightness according to the mode information desired by the user. Further, the γ processing unit 34 can change the gradation by changing the γ curve in a specific region based on the results from the CMYK feature amount extraction unit 33 and the image area separation unit 104. The gradation processing unit 35 in the image data processing unit 15 performs quantization according to the image data format of the stored or output image, such as 2 bits or 8 bits. As quantization, in addition to quantization according to a simple number of effective pixels, error diffusion and dithering are also performed. Further, it is also possible to change the gradation expression by changing a table such as error diffusion processing in a specific area based on the results from the CMYK feature amount extraction unit 33 and the image area separation unit 104.

  The CMYK 2-bit image data processed by the image data processing unit 15 is stored again in the memory 1 (8) via the PCI bus and the bus control device 7. The CMYK 2-bit image data stored in the memory 1 (8) is sent to the plotter unit 2 via the PCI bus and the bus control device 7. The plotter unit 2 outputs the received CMYK 2-bit image data to transfer paper, and the printer process is performed.

The digital image processing apparatus described above describes the general configuration and operation of a conventionally known digital image processing apparatus, but realizes high-efficiency copying in response to setting changes during copying operation by the digital image processing apparatus. A conventional technique that can be used is proposed in Patent Document 1, for example. According to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-133620, when reading an image of a document and performing a copying operation based on an image signal obtained as a result, the processing contents are changed when an instruction to interrupt the operation is given during the copying operation. When an error occurs, it is disclosed to select whether to operate the manuscript again based on the changes.
JP 11-338316 A

  In the above-described general conventionally known digital image processing apparatus, for example, processing such as changing the image size after accumulation is difficult, and a new device is required. Further, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when it is desired to add a magnification or processing after starting reading, it is necessary to read the document again. Also, when a partial copy is taken as a trial and the image is changed after confirmation, it is necessary to read the original again. Also, when the paper runs out during output, it is necessary to read the document again even when image processing is performed to reduce the number of output sheets.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a digital image processing apparatus that can prevent paper from being wasted due to unintended output results, and that can eliminate unread output when the output method is changed again due to unintended output results. It is to provide.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention mainly adopts the following configuration.
An operation display unit including an operation unit that detects an operation input from a user and a display unit that displays various states of the apparatus, an image reading unit that reads an electronic document and obtains image data, and the image data on a transfer sheet An image writing unit for printing, a storage unit for accumulating the image data and auxiliary information of the image data, an external device and an external I / F unit for transmitting and receiving the image data, and image data processing for processing the image data And a control unit that controls each unit in the image processing apparatus, and in response to an output request from the operation display unit, the image reading unit reads all documents and stores them in the storage unit, The output from the image writing unit is a test output of a part of a document or a page, and after confirming the result of the test output, the operation display unit is displayed when the result is appropriate. The image data is output from the image writing unit with the same setting, and the operation display unit is reset when the result is appropriate, and the image data from the storage unit that has already been read is processed by the image data processing. The image is reprocessed by the image output unit and output from the image writing unit.

  In the image processing apparatus, a transfer sheet remaining amount detection unit that detects the remaining amount of the transfer sheet is provided, and the control unit includes a transfer sheet remaining amount from the transfer sheet remaining amount detection unit, and the operation display unit. If it is determined from the number of sheets required for the output request from the user that the transfer request is insufficient for the output request, the image reading unit reads all the originals and stores them in the storage unit while writing the image. The operation display unit displays that the transfer sheet is insufficient without performing output from the unit.

  Further, in the image processing apparatus, the control unit generates an interrupt due to a request having a high priority in the case of a plurality of requests simultaneously and in parallel, and transfers the original output request interrupted by the generated interrupt request. When it is determined that the paper is insufficient, the operation display unit displays that the transfer paper is insufficient.

  In the image processing apparatus, the control unit may run out of the transfer paper based on the transfer paper remaining amount from the transfer paper remaining amount detection unit and the number of sheets required for an output request from the operation display unit. If it is determined, consider processing such as double-sided output, paper size, aggregation processing, etc., determine whether there is a shortage of transfer paper by the examined processing, if the shortage of transfer paper is resolved by the determination, In addition to the display of the transfer sheet shortage, the operation display unit displays a corresponding processing type and the fact that it is resolved. Furthermore, in the image processing apparatus, the control unit performs the operation by the user even when a specified time set in a timer is reached from the time when the transfer sheet shortage display and the corresponding processing type are displayed on the operation display unit. When it is detected that there is no reaction instruction from the display unit, the corresponding processing displayed on the operation display unit is executed and output from the image writing unit by the executed processing.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent paper waste due to an unintended output result by outputting a part of an output image or one page in advance. Furthermore, an unintended output result is invited, and rereading of the original when the output method is changed again can be omitted, thereby reducing the man-hours.

  In addition, it is possible to reduce waste of stop time by notifying the user when it is predicted that the paper will run out in advance. The effects or actions of each image processing apparatus according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described together with the description of each embodiment.

  An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image data processing unit in an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first control example in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the trial copy time and the actual copy time in the first control example according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation flow of trial copy in the first control example relating to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation flow of the main copy in the first control example relating to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another operation flow of the main copy in the first control example relating to the present embodiment. Note that the general configuration and operation of the digital image processing apparatus shown in FIGS. 19 to 24 described in the section of the background art described above can also be applied to the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image data processing unit in an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The operation of each block will be described below. In the image data processing unit 15, various data from the PCI bus are transmitted / received via the I / F circuit 30. The I / F circuit 30 is a circuit that bridges the PCI bus, which is a general-purpose expansion bus, and the local data bus in the image data processing unit 15. The scaling unit 36 enlarges or reduces the resolution (conversion of resolution) of the stored image data of the resolution read by the reading unit 1 in accordance with the image size designation according to the request to be processed.

  Further, the post filter 31 performs smoothing and MTF filter processing on the data received from the PCI bus as necessary. The color correction unit 32 performs RGB → CMYK conversion. The CMYK feature amount extraction unit 33 determines an edge region of the image based on the data after CMYK. When receiving the CMYK data, the γ processing unit 34 adjusts and outputs the brightness according to the mode information desired by the user. Further, the γ processing unit 34 changes the gradation by changing the γ curve in a specific region based on the results from the CMYK feature amount extraction unit 33 and the image area separation unit 104 (see the reading unit 1 shown in FIG. 23). It is also possible.

  The gradation processing unit 35 in the image data processing unit 15 performs quantization according to the image data format of the stored or output image, such as 2 bits or 8 bits. As quantization, in addition to quantization according to a simple number of effective pixels, error diffusion and dithering are also performed. Further, it is also possible to change the gradation expression by changing a table such as error diffusion processing in a specific area based on the results from the CMYK feature amount extraction unit 33 and the image area separation unit 104.

  The CMYK 2-bit image data processed by the image data processing unit 15 is stored again in the memory 1 (8) via the PCI bus and the bus control device 7 (see FIG. 2). The CMYK 2-bit image data stored in the memory 1 (8) is sent to the plotter unit 2 via the PCI bus and the bus control device 7. The plotter unit 2 outputs the received CMYK image data to a transfer sheet, and the printer process is performed.

  When the image data processing unit 15 related to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is used, it is not necessary to perform scaling for the image before image data processing (with the scaling unit 107 in the reading unit 1 shown in FIG. 23). In comparison), the image before scaling can be stored in the memory 1 (8), and the data can be processed after the storage.

  Next, the operation at the time of trial copy in the first control example in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. Here, the trial copy is an operation in which, when editing or processing is selected by copying, only a part or one page is output to confirm the output, and the output result is confirmed. FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining an operation procedure at the time of trial copy in the first control example related to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a test copy in the first control example related to the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow.

  First, after a user sets a copy output request on the operation display unit 9, a trial copy is instructed and a final output from the plotter unit 2 is requested. The CPU 10 receives the setting content from the user (step 51 in FIG. 4), and requests the reading unit 1 to start reading (step 52 in FIG. 4). In this case, all the originals are read and stored in the memory 1 (8) through the bus control device 7. The CPU 10 stores the image in the memory 1 in the HDD 3 (step 52 in FIG. 4).

  Here, the right side of the operation flow shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to the flow of the arrow processing shown in FIGS. For example, “FIG. 3A-1” shown on the right side of step 53 in FIG. 4 (however, circle numbers are shown in the drawing, but in this specification, only numbers are shown instead of the circle numbers in the drawing) Indicates that it corresponds to the circled number 1 in the arrow processing shown in FIG. Hereinafter, although explanation is omitted, each step shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to the number of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A attached to the step.

  The CPU 10 sets processing contents in the image data processing unit 15 and the plotter unit 2 (steps 55 and 56 in FIG. 4), sends the image in the memory 1 (8) to the image data processing unit 15, and starts image processing. Here, when processing or editing relating to zooming is required, the image data processing unit 15 converts the size (resolution) of the image. The image data processing unit 15 sends the processed data to the memory 1 (8) (step 58 in FIG. 4: corresponding to 3 in FIG. 3A). Here, when there is a process such as aggregation for outputting images of two pages to one page, the images are pasted (synthesized) in the memory 1 (8). The combined data in the memory 1 (8) is sent to the plotter unit 2 and output (step 59 in FIG. 4).

  In the case of a trial copy, if the trial output is a part, all the originals are read, and finally all the originals are processed and output. When the trial output is one page, the original document is similarly stored in the memory 1 (8) or the HDD 3, and only the output is performed for one page.

  The user confirms the output from the plotter unit 2 and if satisfied, requests the start of the actual copying operation. Next, with respect to the actual copy operation, the first control example related to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and the first copy example (B) of the first control example related to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 3 are shown in FIG. An operation flow (control + image data) of the main copy in the first control example relating to the present embodiment will be described below. Here, a case is shown in which a partial number of copies are output after only one page has been tried.

  After the trial copy, when a request for continuous output is received from the user (step 71 in FIG. 5), the CPU 10 sets the processing content in the image data processing unit 15 and sets the processing content in the plotter unit 2. The CPU 10 develops the image stored from the HDD 3 in the memory 1 (8) (step 74 in FIG. 5: corresponding to 1 in FIG. 3B).

  Next, the image in the memory 1 (8) is sent to the image data processing unit 15 (step 75 in FIG. 5). In addition to image processing, the image data processing unit 15 performs editing and processing, and sends the processed image to the memory 1 (8). In the memory 1 (8), when there is image synthesis, a plurality of post-processing images are synthesized (step 80 in FIG. 5: corresponding to 8 in FIG. 3B). The image synthesized in the memory 1 (8) is sent to the plotter unit 2 and outputted (step 78 in FIG. 5).

  Next, in a case where a plurality of copies are output after a trial for one page, a first control example related to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and a first control related to the present embodiment shown in FIG. A description will be given below based on the control copy (B) and another operation flow (control + image data) example of the main copy in the first control example related to the present embodiment shown in FIG.

  After the trial copy, when a request for continuous output is received from the user (step 71 in FIG. 6), the CPU 10 first outputs the first part. The CPU 10 sets processing contents in the image data processing unit 15 and sets processing contents in the plotter unit 2. The CPU 10 expands the image stored from the HDD 3 in the memory 1 (8) (step 74 in FIG. 6).

  Next, the image in the memory 1 (8) is sent to the image data processing unit 15 (step 75 in FIG. 6). In addition to image processing, the image data processing unit 15 performs editing and processing, and sends the processed image to the memory 1 (8) (step 76 in FIG. 6: corresponding to 3 in FIG. 3B). In the memory 1 (8), when there is an image composition, a plurality of processed images are composed (step 80 in FIG. 6). The image synthesized in the memory 1 (8) is sent to the plotter unit 2 and outputted (step 78 in FIG. 6).

  As a result of the first part processing, the first combined data is stored in the HDD 3 (step 82 in FIG. 6). After the second copy, the CPU 10 sends the combined data from the HDD 3 to the memory 1 (8) (step 84 in FIG. 6), and further sends the image of the memory 8 from the memory 1 (8) to the plotter unit 2 for output. (Step 78 in FIG. 6: corresponding to 7 in FIG. 3B).

  As described above, in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, in response to an output request from the user, while reading all the originals, only a part of the output or only one page is output and the user confirms the output. In the case of NG, the original data that has already been read is reprocessed and output by resetting the operation display means in the case of NG, so that waste of paper due to an unintended output result is prevented. This can lead to unintended output results, omitting the re-reading of the original when the output method is changed again, thereby reducing the number of man-hours.

Next, a second control example in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a second control example in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation flow of the second control example relating to the present embodiment. In the second control example relating to the present embodiment, the plotter unit 2 is provided with a mechanism for grasping the remaining number of output sheets mounted thereon. For the grasp of the remaining number of output sheets, information such as the expected value level considered from the sheet weight and the sheet type setting may be used. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the CPU 10 receives an operation request (setting by the user) from the operation display unit 9. Content). Receiving the operation request, the CPU 10 transmits the processing content to the reading unit 1 (step 52 in FIG. 8). Further, the CPU 10 receives the remaining sheet information from the plotter unit 2 (step 85 in FIG. 8: corresponding to the arrow processing 3 shown in FIG. 7), and from the remaining sheet information and the operation request received from the operation display unit 9. Then, the number of output sheets required for the copying operation is calculated and compared with the remaining amount to make a prediction as to whether or not there is a sheet shortage (step 87 in FIG. 8).

  If a shortage of paper is predicted, the CPU 10 displays a message that the paper shortage is expected on the operation display unit 9 (step 86 in FIG. 8: corresponding to the arrow process 4 shown in FIG. 7). The CPU 10 notifies the reading unit 1 of the start of reading together with the display. The reading unit 1 sends the read image data to the memory 1 (8) and stores it in the HDD 3.

  With the above operation, even when the paper shortage occurs, all the originals are read and accumulated in advance, so that it is not necessary to read the originals again even if the setting is changed later. In other words, if the CPU (control means) determines from the remaining amount of transfer paper and the requested number of output sheets that there is not enough transfer paper for the requested content, the operation display unit 9 reads all the originals but does not output them. In this case, it is displayed that there is not enough transfer paper, so that the user is notified and the waste of stop time can be reduced.

  Next, a third control example in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an operation flow of a third control example related to the present embodiment. In the current MFP, requests for copying, printers, and scanners are simultaneously requested in parallel. In this case, a JOB (request) with a high priority is operated first by an interrupt even during the output of the operation requested first, and an operation with a low priority is performed after the operation is completed. .

  In the case of such control, for example, even if paper is sufficient when the original operation is requested, due to the occurrence of an interrupt operation (step 88 ′ in FIG. 9), there may be insufficient paper that was satisfied at the start of JOB. is there. In order to prevent this, when an interrupt operation occurs, paper remaining amount information is received from the plotter at the end of the interrupt operation (step 85 in FIG. 9), and it is determined whether or not there is a shortage of paper. If a shortage of paper is predicted, a message to that effect is displayed on the operation display unit 9 as in FIG. When an interrupt occurs, the interrupt output operation may continue.

  Next, a fourth control example in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation flow of the fourth control example related to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 shows the operation after the paper shortage is determined.

  In the fourth control example, when it is found that there is not enough paper, the CPU 10 determines whether double-sided output is designated. If double-sided output has not been determined, double-sided processing is added as temporary processing. The CPU 10 further determines a shortage of paper with the double-side processing added.

  If the paper shortage is resolved here, the CPU 10 displays on the operation display unit 9 that in addition to the paper shortage display, if double-sided processing is added as a process, all outputs are possible. If adding double-sided processing is insufficient, check the paper size. If there is a larger size paper, the paper size change is added as a temporary process. Further, the designation of the aggregation process is determined, and it is further determined whether the aggregation is possible. If possible, change the contents of the aggregation process.

  Finally, the paper shortage is confirmed by involving both sides, paper, and aggregation, and if the paper shortage is resolved, an additional process for suggesting a change along with the paper shortage is displayed on the operation display unit 9. On the other hand, if the shortage of paper is not resolved, no additional processing is proposed, and only the shortage of paper display is displayed on the operation display unit 9. The above processing is as described in FIG.

  As described above, in the fourth control example related to the present embodiment, when the CPU determines that the transfer sheet is insufficient with respect to the output request from the operation display unit with respect to the transfer sheet remaining amount prediction information, Considering processing that does not run out of paper, if processing content is found, the new output content is displayed on the operation display unit, and alternative means can be proposed to the user, reducing the re-output man-hours. .

  Next, a fifth control example in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an operation flow of a fifth control example relating to the present embodiment. The fifth control example related to the present embodiment shows a flow after displaying the contents of the additional processing when the shortage of paper is detected.

  If the CPU 10 determines that there is a shortage of paper immediately after the request is made on the operation display unit 9 or at the end of the interrupt JOB, the shortage of paper or a proposal for additional processing is displayed on the operation display unit 9 and output temporarily stops. Thereafter, the CPU 10 starts a timer. When the timer exceeds a specified time, if there is an additional process, the CPU 10 changes the output content to the content of the additional process and restarts the output.

  As described above, the CPU (control means) uses a time management function (timer) provided therein to allow the user to respond to the output content displayed on the operation display unit 9 or the display of transfer paper shortage for a certain period of time. If not, the output contents are automatically changed according to the previously proposed contents and output. This can prevent an increase in time required for stopping or outputting.

  Next, a sixth control example in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a sixth control example in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation flow of a sixth control example relating to the present embodiment. The sixth control example shows a flow example of user registration.

  First, the user performs desired registration from the operation display unit 9 (arrow process 1 shown in FIG. 12). After the setting, the CPU 10 sends the setting value to the HDD 3 and registers it (arrow process 2 shown in FIG. 12). Note that the device for registering the setting value need only be a non-volatile storage medium, and need not be the HDD 3. The desired registration here is used to determine the priority of the additional processing shown in FIG.

In addition, whether registration from the operation display unit 9 waits for the setting of the additional processing waiting time when the sheet is short in FIG. 11 or the MFP (image processing apparatus) stops when displaying on the operation display unit 9 when the sheet is insufficient FIG. 13 shows a control flow for determining an additional process when aggregation is prioritized in aggregation or double-sided operation. First, when it is determined that there is not enough paper, the paper size is confirmed. If there is a larger size paper, the paper size change is added as a temporary process (if there is no larger paper, the paper is left as it is). Further, the designation of the aggregation process is determined, and it is further determined whether the aggregation is possible. If possible, change the contents of the aggregation process.

  If the shortage of paper is resolved here, the CPU 10 displays that the output is all possible when the aggregation process (or further paper change) is added to the operation display unit 9 in addition to the paper shortage display. . If it is still found that there is not enough paper, the CPU 10 determines whether double-sided output is designated. If double-sided output has not been determined, double-sided processing is added as temporary processing.

  When the paper shortage is confirmed by solving the paper, aggregation, and both sides, and when the paper shortage is solved, an additional process for suggesting a change together with the paper shortage is displayed on the operation display unit 9. On the other hand, if the shortage of paper is not resolved, no additional processing is proposed, and only the shortage of paper display is displayed on the operation display unit 9. When additional processing or paper shortage is displayed, the CPU 10 waits for a certain amount of time, when there is no response (reaction) on the operation display unit 9, or when there is no additional processing or additional processing, the initially designated processing to go into.

  As described above, by identifying the user and storing the priority order of the output contents of the user, the CPU (control means) can change the output contents in the order of priority when the transfer sheet is insufficient. Therefore, it is possible to provide an output suitable for the user's intention according to the contents registered individually for each user.

  Next, a seventh control example in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 14, 15, and 16. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a reading unit for executing a seventh control example in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a seventh control example (reading side) in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a seventh control example (processing side) in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 14 shows a configuration in which a blank sheet detection unit 110 is added to the internal configuration of the reading unit 1 shown in FIG. The blank sheet detection unit 110 determines whether or not there is an image in the read document data with respect to the image data after the reading characteristics are corrected. In FIG. 15, the CPU 10 receives the setting contents of the user from the operation display unit 9 (arrow processing procedure 1), and sets the reading unit 1 for reading (arrow processing procedure 2).

  The CPU 10 receives information on the remaining amount of paper from the plotter unit 2 (arrow processing procedure 3), determines the shortage of paper, displays a shortage when paper shortage is expected, and proposes additional settings if possible. Display the contents. The CPU 10 instructs the reading unit 1 to start reading. The reading unit 1 reads a document and accumulates image data in the memory 1 (8) through the bus control device 7 (arrow processing procedure 5). Further, the image data is stored in the HDD 3 from the memory 1 (8). Here, the image data stored in the memory 1 (8) and the HDD 3 is stored for each document with accompanying information indicating whether the document is blank.

  FIG. 16 shows how image data with blank sheet detection information affects processing and editing. The operation flow in FIG. 16 is different from that in FIG. 9B in the flow of image data from the memory 1 (8) to the image data processing unit 15, and the original detected as blank is thinned out. As a result, blank sheets are not placed on the aggregated image synthesized in the memory 1, and as a result, the number of output sheets can be reduced.

  As described above, the blank sheet detection unit 110 of the reading unit 1 causes the CPU (control unit) to transfer the transfer sheet in response to the output request from the operation display unit 9 with respect to the information from the transfer sheet remaining amount prediction unit. If it is determined that there is a shortage, control is performed so as to exclude the original detected as blank from the output target.

  Next, an eighth control example in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image data processing unit for executing the eighth control example in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an eighth control example (processing side) in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the eighth control example of the present embodiment, a case where blank detection is performed in the image data processing unit 15 is shown, and the image data processing unit is compared with the blank sheet detection unit 110 in the reading unit 1 shown in FIG. 15 has been added. The eighth control example shown in FIG. 18 differs from that in FIG. 9B or FIG. 16 when the blank page detection is detected after the image data processing unit 15 performs processing after the memory 1 is stored.

  When the blank paper detection unit 110 of the image data processing unit 15 detects a blank page, the image data processing unit 115 sends the image data accompanied by the detection signal to the memory 1 (arrow processing procedure 3). When the detection signal is detected in the memory 1 (8), the number of output sheets can be reduced as a result by removing the detection signal from the synthesis and storage processing targets in the memory 1.

  In the seventh and eighth control examples in the present embodiment, when it is predicted that the sheet will run out in advance, not only the processing is added, but also the waste of the sheet is reduced by excluding the useless document. Can do.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image data process part in the image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the 1st control example in the image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the time of trial copy and the time of this copy in the 1st control example regarding this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow of the trial copy in the 1st control example regarding this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow of this copy in the 1st control example regarding this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other operation | movement flow of this copy in the 1st control example regarding this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the 2nd control example in the image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow of the 2nd control example regarding this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow of the 3rd control example regarding this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow of the 4th control example regarding this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow of the 5th control example regarding this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the 6th control example in the image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow of the 6th control example regarding this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the reading part for performing the 7th control example in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the 7th example of control (reading side) in the image processing device concerning this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the 7th example of control (processing side) in the image processing device concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the image data process part for performing the 8th control example in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the 8th control example (processing side) in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of a common digital image processing apparatus. It is the schematic of the reading optical system in a common digital image processing apparatus. 1 is a schematic diagram of a writing transfer system in a general digital image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of a general digital image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the reading part in a common digital image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image data process part in a common digital image processing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1: reading unit, 2: plotter unit, 3: HDD, 4: external I / F circuit unit, 5: PC, 6: SD, 7: bus control device, 8: memory 1, 9: operation display unit, 10: CPU, 11: N. B. 12: Memory 2, 13: S. B. , 14: ROM, 15: image data processing unit, 30: I / F circuit, 31: post filter, 32: color correction unit, 33: CMYK feature amount extraction unit, 34: γ processing unit, 35: gradation processing unit , 36: zooming unit,
101: Reading optical system, 102: A-D conversion unit, 103: Shading correction unit, 104: Image area separation unit, 105: Filter, 106: Color conversion unit, 107: Scaling unit, 108: I / F circuit, 110: Blank paper detection unit, 201: Photoconductor, 202: LD, 203: Charged body, 204: Fixing roller, 205: Toner, 206: Adhering point, 207: Roller, 401: Document table, 402: Light source, 403: Mirror 404: Lens / relay mirror group, 405: CCD,

Claims (9)

An operation display unit comprising operation means for detecting an operation input from a user and display means for displaying various states of the apparatus;
An image reading unit for obtaining image data obtained by electronically reading a document;
An image writing unit for printing the image data on transfer paper;
A storage unit for storing the image data and incidental information of the image data;
An external I / F unit for transmitting and receiving the image data to and from an external device;
An image data processing unit for processing the image data;
A control unit that controls each unit in the image processing apparatus,
In response to an output request from the operation display unit, the image reading unit reads all documents and stores them in the storage unit,
The output from the image writing unit is a trial output of only a part of a document or one page,
After confirming the result of the trial output, when the result is appropriate, the operation display unit is continuously output from the image writing unit with the current setting, and when the result is appropriate, the operation display is displayed. An image processing apparatus, wherein the image data from the storage unit that has already been read after resetting the unit is reprocessed by the image data processing unit and output from the image writing unit. In claim 1,
A transfer paper remaining amount detection unit for detecting the remaining amount of the transfer paper is provided,
The control unit determines that there is not enough transfer paper for the output request from the remaining amount of transfer paper from the transfer paper remaining amount detection unit and the number of sheets required for the output request from the user by the operation display unit. In this case, all the originals are read by the image reading unit and accumulated in the storage unit, and output from the image writing unit is not performed, and the operation display unit displays that the transfer sheet is insufficient. An image processing apparatus. In claim 2,
When the control unit determines that an interrupt is generated due to a request having a high priority in the case of a plurality of requests in parallel and the transfer request is insufficient for the original output request interrupted by the generated interrupt request, An image processing apparatus that displays that the transfer sheet is insufficient on the operation display unit. In claim 2 or 3,
When the control unit determines that the transfer paper is insufficient based on the transfer paper remaining amount from the transfer paper remaining amount detection unit and the number of sheets required for the output request from the operation display unit, double-sided output is performed. In consideration of processing such as paper size and aggregation processing, it is determined whether or not there is a shortage of transfer paper by the examined processing, and when the shortage of transfer paper is resolved by the determination, in addition to the display of the shortage of transfer paper Then, the type of processing and the effect to be eliminated are displayed on the operation display unit. In claim 4,
The control unit does not give a reaction instruction from the operation display unit by the user even when the specified time set in the timer is reached from the time when the transfer sheet shortage display and the corresponding processing type are displayed on the operation display unit. When it is detected, the corresponding processing displayed on the operation display unit is executed, and output from the image writing unit by the executed processing. In claim 4 or 5,
Store the processing priority for each user in the storage unit,
When the control unit determines that the transfer sheet is insufficient, the processing is examined according to the priority order stored in the storage unit, and the output from the image writing unit is determined. In claim 4, 5 or 6,
A blank sheet detecting means for detecting a blank sheet of the document is provided in the image reading unit,
When the control unit determines that the transfer sheet is insufficient, the image data corresponding to the document detected by the blank sheet detection unit is excluded from the flow of image data from the storage unit to the image data processing unit. An image processing apparatus. In claim 4, 5 or 6,
The image data processing unit is provided with a blank sheet detecting means for detecting a blank sheet of a document,
When the control unit determines that the transfer sheet is insufficient, the image data corresponding to the document detected by the blank sheet detection unit is excluded from the flow of image data from the image data processing unit to the storage unit. An image processing apparatus. An operation display unit that receives an operation input from a user and displays various states of the apparatus, a reading unit that reads a document to generate and output image data, a plotter unit that outputs the received image data to transfer paper, and an image A copy control method in an image processing apparatus, comprising: a storage unit that accumulates data and accompanying information; an image data processing unit that performs processing on image data; and a CPU that controls the entire control of the image processing apparatus;
Instructing a trial copy after setting a copy output request in the operation display unit;
In response to a copy output request from the operation display unit, the reading unit reads all originals and stores them in the storage unit;
A step of sending image data of all originals from the storage unit to the image data processing unit and performing image processing such as processing or editing;
A step of test-outputting only a part or one page of a document in the plotter unit after the image-processed image data is accumulated in the storage unit;
Confirming the result of the trial output, if the result is appropriate or not, reset the operation display unit and reprocess the image data from the storage unit that has already been read by the image data processing unit, A copy output method from the plotter unit through the storage unit, and a copy control method for an image processing apparatus.