JP2008250980A - Image processor, image processing method and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor, an image processing method and an image processing program to simplify the customization or extension of functions. <P>SOLUTION: Software architecture based on an idea called pipe and filter is applied to the image processor 100. Further, a preview filter 136 is provided for outputting a preview image of image data output from the image processor 100. A preview function of image data can thereby be achieved without changing existing components. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program.

  In recent years, an image processing apparatus such as a printer, a copier, a scanner, a facsimile machine, or a multi-function machine that realizes these functions in a single housing is equipped with a CPU for general purposes as in a computer. It is realized by control.

For example, the image forming apparatus described in Japanese Patent No. 3679349 (Patent Document 1) includes a function commonly used by each application as a platform, and uses an API (Application Programming Interface) of this platform. An application can be implemented. According to such an image forming apparatus, since a function that is commonly used is provided as a platform, it is possible to avoid the duplication of functions for each application, and to improve the development efficiency of the entire application.
Japanese Patent No. 3679349

  However, in such a configuration, if the function or interface granularity provided by this platform is not designed appropriately, the application development efficiency may not be improved more than expected.

  For example, if the granularity is too small, many API calls are required even though the application provides a simple service, and the source code becomes complicated.

  On the other hand, if the granularity is too large, it is necessary to modify the platform to implement an application that provides a service in which a part of a certain function is changed, which may increase the development man-hours. In particular, when the dependence of each module in the platform is strong, not only a new function is added to the platform but also a modification of an existing part may be required, and the situation becomes more complicated.

  Further, when it is desired to implement an application in which a part of a service provided by an existing application (for example, image input processing) is changed, the existing application cannot be called for a part other than the changed part. Therefore, a new application must be implemented by rewriting the source code.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program capable of simplifying customization or expansion of functions. It is.

  The present invention employs the following configuration in order to achieve the above object.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention outputs an input unit for inputting image data to be subjected to image processing, an input filter for controlling input processing of image data input by the input unit, and a result of the image processing A first output filter that controls output processing of the image data by the output unit, and processing that is connected between the input filter and the first output filter to control processing of the image data A filter and a second output filter that controls output processing of preview image data of the image data output from the output unit, and when receiving a preview display instruction of image data output from the output unit, The second output filter is connected to the processing filter.

  According to such a configuration, customization or expansion of functions can be simplified, and a preview function can be realized without changing existing components.

  The input filter may be configured to generate first image data and second image data having a lower resolution than the first image data in the input process.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the time related to the preview image display process.

  Further, the data format of the first image data and the data format of the second image data can be the same.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to display a preview image having the same image quality as the output image.

  Further, the image processing apparatus of the present invention is configured to have finish determination means for determining parameters relating to finishing processing for the image data output from the first output filter.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to determine a parameter related to the finishing process without having a dependency relationship between the filters.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention further includes a condition holding unit that holds a finishing process condition that is a condition in the finishing process, and the first output filter sends the finishing process condition to the condition holding unit. Holding instruction means for holding, and determination instruction means for causing the finish determination means to determine the parameter based on the finishing process condition, and output processing of the image data using the parameter determined by the finish determination means It can be set as the structure which performs control.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to output image data in which conditions in the finishing process are reflected without having a dependency relationship between the filters.

  The second output filter includes: a condition acquisition unit that acquires the finishing process condition from the condition holding unit; and a determination instruction unit that causes the finish determination unit to determine the parameter based on the finishing process condition. And the output processing of the preview image data can be controlled using the parameters determined by the finish determination means.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to display a preview image of image data in which conditions in the finishing process are reflected without having a dependency relationship between the filters.

  The second output filter includes: a condition acquisition unit that acquires the finishing process condition from the condition holding unit; and a determination instruction unit that causes the finish determination unit to determine the parameter based on the finishing process condition. And a configuration for controlling output processing of preview image data in which image data for synthesis corresponding to the finishing processing is combined with image data output from the output unit, using the parameters determined by the finish determination means It was.

  According to such a configuration, a preview image can be easily displayed.

  Further, the image processing apparatus includes a table storing the finishing processing conditions, identification information for identifying the image data for synthesis corresponding to the finishing processing conditions, identification information of the image data for synthesis, and the finishing A database storing synthesis image data corresponding to the processing conditions, and the second output filter includes a search unit that searches the table with the finishing processing condition acquired by the condition acquisition unit, The composition includes composition image data identified by identification information corresponding to finishing processing conditions, and composition instruction means for issuing a composition instruction with the image data output from the output unit.

  According to such a configuration, a preview image can be easily displayed.

  Further, the finish determining means may include the condition holding means.

  According to such a configuration, the setting conditions can be transferred using the finish determination means.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention includes an operation unit that performs an operation related to the image processing apparatus, the operation unit including a first operation region in which a condition in the finishing process is set, and the processing filter. It can be configured to have a second operation area in which an operation related to control of image data processing is performed, and a display area in which preview image data output from the second output filter is displayed.

  According to such a configuration, the operability of the image processing apparatus can be improved.

  An image processing method according to the present invention includes an input control procedure for controlling input processing of image data input by an input unit to which image data to be subjected to image processing is input, and an output unit for outputting the result of the image processing. A first output control procedure for controlling output processing of image data, a second output control procedure for controlling output processing of preview image data of image data output from the output unit, and processing of the image data A processing control procedure to control, and when receiving a preview display instruction of image data output from the output unit, between the input control procedure and the first output control procedure, and the input control procedure The processing procedure is executed between the second output control procedure and the second output control procedure.

  According to such a method, customization or expansion of functions can be simplified, and a preview function can be realized without changing existing components.

  An image processing program according to the present invention outputs to a computer an input control step for controlling input processing of image data input by an input unit to which image data to be subjected to image processing is input, and the result of the image processing. A first output control step for controlling output processing of image data by the output unit; a second output control step for controlling output processing of preview image data of image data output from the output unit; A processing control step for controlling processing, and when receiving a preview display instruction for image data output from the output unit, between the input control step and the first output control step, and the input The machining step is executed between the control step and the second output control step.

  According to such a program, customization or expansion of functions can be simplified, and a preview function can be realized without changing existing components.

  According to the present invention, customization or expansion of functions can be simplified, and a preview function of image data can be realized without changing existing components.

In the present invention, by applying a software architecture based on a concept called pipe and filter to an image processing apparatus, customization or expansion of functions is simplified. Furthermore, in the present invention, a preview image output filter that outputs a preview image of the image data output from the image processing apparatus is provided, thereby realizing an image data preview function without changing existing components.
(First embodiment)
Prior to the description of the first embodiment of the present invention, the concept of the pipe and filter applied to the image processing apparatus of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the concept of pipes and filters. In FIG. 1, “P” indicates a pipe, and “F” indicates a filter.

  A filter is a program that performs predetermined processing on input data and outputs the processing result. The pipe is a means for connecting the filter to the filter, temporarily holds the processing result output from the filter connected to the input side of the pipe, and then transmits the data to the filter connected to the output side of the pipe. To do. Thus, according to the concept of the pipe and filter, the processing in the filter can be continued through the pipe.

  In the present embodiment, the predetermined processing performed in the filter is considered as processing for performing predetermined conversion on input data. That is, in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, each function realized by the image processing apparatus is regarded as a series of “conversion processes” for a document (input data). Each function of the image processing apparatus is considered to be configured by input, processing, and output of a document, that is, data. Therefore, in this embodiment, each of “input processing”, “processing processing”, and “output processing” is regarded as “conversion processing”, and a software component that realizes one conversion processing is configured as a filter.

  In the present embodiment, a filter that controls data input processing is an input filter, a filter that controls data processing is a processing filter, and a filter that controls data output processing is an output filter. Each of these filters is an independent program, and there is no dependency between the filters. Therefore, each filter can be added (installed) or deleted (uninstalled) in units of filters independently in the image processing apparatus.

  Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a software configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The image processing apparatus 100 is a multifunction machine that realizes a plurality of functions such as a printer, a copy, a scanner, or a FAX in a single housing.

  Software that implements the functions of the image processing apparatus 100 has a hierarchical structure, and includes a user interface layer 110, a control layer 120, an application logic layer 130, a device service layer 140, and a device layer 150. The vertical relationship in each of these layers is based on the calling relationship between layers. That is, in the figure, the upper layer calls the lower layer.

  In the image processing apparatus 100, when an instruction to execute various functions is issued from the user by the user interface layer 110, the user interface layer 110 calls the control layer 120 and controls the application logic layer 130 based on the execution instruction. The application logic layer 130 executes an application that realizes the requested function based on an instruction from the control layer 120. Based on the execution result, the device service layer 140 and the device layer 150 control hardware resources of the image processing apparatus 100. The image processing apparatus 100 obtains an output result corresponding to the function accepted by the user interface layer 110 by such an operation.

  Each layer will be described below.

  For example, a local UI (user interface) unit 111 is mounted on the user interface layer 110 and has a function of receiving execution instructions for realizing various functions of the image processing apparatus 100. Examples of the various functions include a copy function, a print function, a scan function, and a FAX function. For example, the local UI unit 111 may be provided in an operation unit (not shown) in which operation of processing executed by the image processing apparatus 100 is performed. This operation unit may be realized by an operation panel having a display area, for example. The execution instruction received in the user interface layer 110 is transmitted to the control layer 120.

  In the control layer 120, functions for controlling processing for realizing each function of the image processing apparatus 100 are implemented. Specifically, each filter in the application logic layer 130 is connected in accordance with the requested function, and the function execution is controlled using the connected filter. Note that the function of the image processing apparatus 100 described in the following embodiment is a unit of units provided by the image processing apparatus 100 to the user (until a request is input and a final output is obtained). It is a service definition and is synonymous with an application that provides a single unit of service in terms of software.

  Various filters, which are component groups that realize part of the functions provided in the image processing apparatus 100, are mounted on the application logic layer 130. In the application logic layer 130, one function is realized by combining a plurality of filters under the control of the control layer 120. In the application logic layer 130 in this embodiment, an input filter 131, a processing filter 132, an output filter 133, and an activity 134 are mounted. Each filter implemented in the application logic layer 130 operates based on the same definition, and is controlled by the control layer 120 based on this definition. Details of these filters will be described later. The activity 134 is a component that organizes execution of each filter.

  In the device service layer 140, lower functions commonly used by the filters mounted in the application logic layer 130 are mounted. An image pipe 141 is mounted on the device service layer 140 of this embodiment. The image pipe 141 implements the pipe function described above, and transmits the output result from one of the filters mounted on the application logic layer 130 to one filter. Here, the image pipe 141 may connect, for example, the input filter 131 and the processing filter 132, or may connect the processing filter 132 and the output filter 133.

  The device layer 150 is mounted with a driver that is a program for controlling hardware. For example, a scanner unit 151, a plotter unit 152, and the like are mounted on the device layer 150 of the present embodiment. Each of these control units controls a device assigned to each name.

  Hereinafter, each filter mounted on the application logic layer 130 will be further described.

  The input filter 131 according to the present embodiment controls input processing for data input from the outside of the image processing apparatus 100. The input filter 131 includes, for example, a reading filter, a mail reception filter, a FAX reception filter, a PC document reception filter, and the like (not shown). The reading filter controls reading of image data by a scanner, for example, and outputs the read image data. The mail reception filter receives an electronic mail in the image processing apparatus 100 and outputs data included in the received electronic mail. The FAX reception filter controls FAX reception and outputs received data. The PC document reception filter receives print data from a client PC (not shown) and outputs the print data. The report filter 306 arranges the setting information and history information of the image processing apparatus 100 in, for example, a table format, and outputs the arranged data.

  The processing filter 132 according to the present embodiment performs predetermined processing on the image data input from the filter on the input side of the processing filter 132 and outputs the processing result to the filter on the output side of the processing filter 132. The processing referred to here is, for example, input data aggregation, enlargement, reduction, rotation processing, and the like.

  The output filter 133 of this embodiment controls output processing for input data and outputs the data to the outside of the image processing apparatus 100. The output filter 133 includes a print filter 135 and a preview filter 136. In addition to these two output filters shown in FIG. 2, for example, a mail transmission filter, a FAX transmission filter, a PC document transmission filter, and the like are included.

  The print filter 135 causes the plotter unit 152 to output (print) the input data. The preview filter 136 displays the input data on a preview screen (not shown) of the image processing apparatus 100, for example.

  In the filters included in other output filters, for example, a mail transmission filter transmits data attached to an electronic mail. The FAX transmission filter transmits the input data by FAX. The PC document transmission filter transmits input data to a client PC (not shown).

  An instruction input from the local UI unit 111 in the user interface layer 110 is transmitted to the activity 134 of the present embodiment via the control layer 120. The activity 134 controls job execution in the input filter 131, the processing filter 132, and the output filter 133 in accordance with this instruction.

  In the application logic layer 130, the functions of the image processing apparatus 100 are realized by combining the filters. According to this configuration, the image processing apparatus 100 can realize various functions by a combination of a filter and a pipe. Specifically, for example, when it is desired to realize a copy function, a reading filter, a processing filter 132, and a printing filter 135 included in the input filter 131 may be combined.

  Below, the printing process in the image processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining print processing in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  In the image processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the control layer 120 instructs the activity 134 to generate a job to be executed by each filter. (S31). In the image processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, for example, when an operation such as a copy function is selected by the user in the image processing apparatus 100, or when the entire execution in the image processing apparatus 100 is instructed (a start button is pressed). The control layer 120 may issue an instruction to the activity 134. In the image processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, an instruction for the activity 134 may be issued from the control layer 120 when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on.

  Here, in the image processing apparatus 100, when a print processing execution request is made by the local UI unit 111, the local UI unit 111 transmits this request to the control layer 120 (S32). In the present embodiment, a description will be given assuming that a copy process, which is one of print processes, is selected. In this case, the local UI unit 111 performs an operation for instructing reading and printing of a paper document.

  When receiving an instruction to read and print a paper document, the control layer 120 connects the input filter 131, the processing filter 132, and the print filter 135 with an image pipe. At this time, the reading filter included in the input filter 131 is actually connected to the processing filter 132. The control layer 120 causes each filter to generate a job executed by the input filter 131 (S33), a job executed by the processing filter 132 (S34), and a job executed by the print filter 135 (S35).

  When a job to be executed in each filter is generated, the activity 134 instructs each filter to execute the job. Then, the input filter 131 executes processing for reading a paper document from the scanner unit 151 as an input unit, and the paper document is read as image data. This image data is output from the input filter 131 and transmitted to the processing filter 132 via the image pipe 141.

  The processing filter 132 performs predetermined processing on the image data in advance, and outputs the processed image data. The processed image data is then transmitted to a print filter 135 that is one of the output filters 133. The print filter 135 performs processing for outputting the processed image data from the plotter unit 152 as an output unit. In the image processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the copy process is performed in this way.

  Here, a case where an output image preview display instruction is given when the above-described copy processing is executed in the image processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

  In the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when an output image preview display instruction is given, the preview filter 136 included in the output filter 133 is connected to the processing filter 132, so that the image can be displayed without changing the existing components. The data preview function is realized.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, the realization of the preview function in the image processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the preview display process in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  In the image processing apparatus 100, when a preview display instruction for output image data is given by the local UI unit 111, the local UI unit 111 transmits this instruction to the control layer 120 (S41).

  Upon receiving this instruction, the control layer 120 connects the preview filter 136 to the processing filter 134 via the image pipe 141. Then, the control layer 120 causes the processing filter 134 to generate a job to be executed by the processing filter 134 in order to generate image data to be output to the preview filter 136 (S42). Further, the control layer 120 causes the preview filter 136 to generate a job for realizing the preview function (S43).

  When a job for realizing the preview function is generated, the activity 134 issues a job execution instruction to the processing filter 132 and the preview filter 136. Upon receiving a job execution instruction, the processing filter 132 performs predetermined processing on the image data output from the input filter 131 and outputs the processed image data. The processed image data is transmitted to the preview filter 136. The preview filter 136 performs processing for outputting the processed image data as a preview display image.

  Here, the preview image data output from the preview filter 136 may be displayed on an operation unit (not shown) having a display unit provided with the local UI unit 111. Details of the operation unit will be described later.

  Here, the job generated by the processing filter 132 in S42 is the same as the job generated in S34 of FIG. Therefore, the processing filter 132 performs the same process as the copy process described with reference to FIG. That is, the processing filter 132 may behave as “execute a job generated by an instruction from the control layer 120 according to an execution instruction from the activity 134” regardless of whether it is a printing process or a preview display process.

  As described above, in the image processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the preview function can be realized without changing the processing filter 132 or other existing filters by connecting the preview filter 136 to the processing filter 132. . That is, customization or expansion of functions can be simplified.

  Further, since the processing filter 132 always behaves constantly, image data similar to the image data supplied to the print filter 135 can be provided to the preview filter 136. Therefore, it is possible to display a preview of image data that is about the same as the output image data.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 5, the operation when a print instruction is given after a preview display instruction in the image processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described in more detail. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation when the preview display process is executed in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  When the local UI unit 111 issues a preview display instruction for output image data, the control layer 120 issues a job generation instruction to be executed by each filter. When a job is generated in each filter, the activity 134 instructs the input filter 131 to execute image data reading (input) processing (S51).

  In response to this instruction, the input filter 131 executes reading processing of image data to be subjected to image processing. The reading process executed here corresponds to a job executed by the input filter 131 generated by the control layer 120. When reading the image data, the input filter 131 outputs the read image data to the image pipe 141a and the image pipe 141b (S52). Here, the image data output from the input filter 131 to the image pipe 141a and the image pipe 141b are the same image data.

  When the image data is read by the input filter 131, the activity 134 instructs the preview filter 136 to execute the image data preview display process (S53). The preview display process executed here corresponds to a job generated by the preview filter 136 according to an instruction from the control layer 120.

  Upon receiving this execution instruction, the preview filter 136 issues a preview image data read request to the image pipe 141c (S54). At this time, since image data is not held in the image pipe 141c, the image pipe 141c transmits this read request to the processing filter 132 (S55). When receiving the read request, the processing filter 132 reads the image data from the image pipe 141a (S56). Then, the read image data is processed, and the processed image data is output to the image pipe 141c.

  Here, the preview filter 136 issues a read request to the image pipe 141c until the preview image data is read. Therefore, the processed image data output from the processing filter 132 is read by the preview filter 136 via the image pipe 141c.

  When the processed image data is read from the image pipe 141c, the preview filter 136 performs an output process for outputting the image data as preview image data, and outputs a preview image (S57). The preview image data output from the preview filter 136 in S57 is displayed on the preview UI unit 112, which is a preview image UI provided in the operation unit.

  When the preview UI 136 is instructed to determine the execution of the printing process according to the preview image (S58), the preview filter 136 transmits the end of the preview display process to the activity 134 (S59). Here, each process executed by the preview filter 136 corresponds to a job generated by the preview filter 136 according to an instruction from the control layer 120.

  In response to the end of the preview display process, the activity 134 instructs the print filter 135 to execute the print process (S60). Upon receiving this instruction, the print filter 135 issues a read request for image data to be printed to the image pipe 141d (S61). The image pipe 141d transmits this read request to the processing filter 132 (S62).

  When receiving the read request, the processing filter 132 reads the image data from the image pipe 141b (S63). Then, the read image data is processed, and the processed image data is output to the image pipe 141d. Here, the print filter 135 issues a read request to the image pipe 141d until the image data to be printed is read. Therefore, the processed image data output from the processing filter 132 is read out by the print filter 135 via the image pipe 141d.

  When the processed image data is read from the image pipe 141d, the print filter 135 performs an output process of outputting the image data as image data to be printed, and outputs the printed image data from the plotter unit 152.

  In the image processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the preview display processing of the image data output from the plotter unit 152 is performed as described above.

  In the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the image data for output image output from the plotter unit 152 and the image data for preview display may be output by the input filter 131.

  Hereinafter, a case where two types of image data are output from the input filter 131 of the image processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a case where two image data are output from the input filter 131 in the image processing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment.

  The image processing apparatus 100 generates image data A for output image and image data B for preview display output from the plotter unit 152 in input processing executed by the input filter 131. Here, the input filter 131 generates the image data B for the preview image as image data having a lower resolution than the image data A for the output image.

  The image data A is output to the image pipe 141 b, and the image data A is processed by the processing filter 132 and output to the print filter 135. The image data B is output to the image pipe 141 a, and the image data B is processed by the processing filter 132 and output to the preview filter 136.

  In this way, it is possible to reduce the time required for the image data processing by the processing filter 132 in the preview display processing. Further, in the output processing by the preview filter 136, it is not necessary to perform resolution conversion processing when displaying preview image data. Therefore, the performance in the preview display process can be improved. In the image processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment, for example, the resolution of the image data B for preview display is set to 1/16 of the resolution of the image data A for output images.

  In the image processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the input filter 131 generates two image data so that the data format of the image data A and the data format of the image data B are the same data format. In the image processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the same processing is performed on the image data A and the image data B by the processing filter 132. Therefore, if the data format of the image data B is the same as that of the image data A, the image data having the same image quality as the output image can be displayed as a preview.

  In the image processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the data format of the image data A and the image data B is the RGB data format, but the present invention is not limited to this. The data format of the image data A and the image data B may be any data format that can be reprocessed.

  As described above, in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when a preview display instruction is given, the preview filter 136, which is one of the output filters, is connected to the processing filter 132, whereby an existing component (filter ) Can be realized without changing.

  Further, the data format of the image data for preview display is the same as the data format of the image data for output image, and the resolution of the image data for preview display is lower than the resolution of the image data for output image, The processing time related to the preview display process can be shortened, and a preview image having the same image quality as the output image can be displayed.

(Second embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The image processing apparatus 100A according to the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment in that the image processing apparatus 100A includes a finish determination unit that determines parameters related to finishing processing for output image data. Therefore, in the following description, only differences between the present embodiment and the first embodiment will be described, and those having the same functional configuration as the image processing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment will be described in the first embodiment. The same reference numerals as those used in the description are given, and the description is omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the image processing apparatus 100A according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the image processing apparatus 100 </ b> A of the present embodiment, a finish determination service 142 is mounted on the device service layer 140. The finish determination service 142 calculates and determines parameters used when finishing processing is performed on the image data output by the plotter unit 152.

  The finishing process referred to here is, for example, a stapling process or a punching process on a printed recording sheet. When the plotter unit 152 performs such a finishing process in the image processing apparatus 100A, it is necessary to determine parameters relating to the finishing process.

  Specifically, for example, in the case of stapling processing, a parameter indicating the stapling position needs to be determined. For example, in the case of punch processing, a parameter indicating a punch position needs to be determined. The finish determination service 142 included in the image processing apparatus 100A according to the present embodiment calculates and determines parameters necessary for the finishing process as described above.

  In the image processing apparatus 100A according to the present embodiment, by providing the finish determination service 142 in the device service layer 140, the finish determination service 142 can be used from both the print filter 135 and the preview filter 136. According to such a configuration, the finish determination service 142 can supply parameters necessary for the finishing process to each of the print filter 135 and the preview filter 136. Therefore, it is possible to display the preview image after the finishing process is performed without having a dependency between the print filter 135 and the preview filter 136.

  The preview display process when the finishing process is performed in the image processing apparatus 100A of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a preview display process when a finishing process is performed in the image processing apparatus 100A of the second embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, the finish determination service 142 in the image processing apparatus 100 </ b> A according to the present embodiment includes a finish determination unit 143 and a condition holding unit 144. The print filter 135 of the image processing apparatus 100A according to the present embodiment includes a setting condition holding instruction unit 135a and a finish determination instruction unit 135b. The preview filter 136 of the image processing apparatus 100A according to the present embodiment includes a setting condition acquisition unit 136a and a finish determination instruction unit 136b.

  Prior to the description of the preview display in the image processing apparatus 100A of the present embodiment, each of the above units will be described.

  The finish determination unit 143 included in the finish determination service 142 has a function of calculating and determining parameters necessary for executing the finishing process based on the finishing process conditions set in executing the finishing process. The condition holding unit 144 included in the finish determination service 142 holds finishing process conditions. The conditions here may be temporarily held.

  The condition holding instruction unit 135 a included in the print filter 135 is a function that causes the finish determination service 142 to hold the finishing process setting set for the print filter 135. The finish determination instruction unit 135b of the print filter 135 is a function for instructing the finish determination service 142 to calculate and determine parameters necessary for executing the finishing process.

  The condition acquisition unit 136 a included in the preview filter 136 is a function for acquiring the finishing process conditions held by the condition holding unit 144 of the finish determination service 142. The finish determination instruction unit 136b of the preview filter 136 is a function for instructing the finish determination service 142 to calculate and determine parameters necessary for executing the finishing process.

  The image processing apparatus 100A according to the present embodiment has the above-described functions, so that when a finishing process condition is set, a preview display that reflects the condition can be performed. The operation of the image processing apparatus 100A according to this embodiment will be described below.

  In the image processing apparatus 100A of the present embodiment, when a finishing process condition is input in the print UI unit 113, this condition is set in the print filter 135 (S81). Here, the print UI unit 113 is a UI in which settings related to print processing are performed, and is provided in the operation unit of the image processing apparatus 100A. It should be noted that the setting relating to the printing process includes the setting of finishing process conditions. In the image processing apparatus 100 </ b> A of the present embodiment, the settings received by the print UI unit 113 are set only for the print filter 135.

  When finishing processing conditions are input from the printing UI unit 113 in S81, these conditions are set in the printing filter 135. Here, description will be made assuming that the staple process is selected as the finishing process, and the staple position is set as the finishing process condition.

  When the conditions for stapling are set, the print filter 135 causes the condition holding instruction unit 135a to hold the conditions in the condition holding unit 144 of the finish determination service 142 (S82). Here, the information included in the condition is, for example, information indicating the staple position on the paper.

  When the finishing process condition is held in the finish determination service 142, the activity 134 instructs the preview filter 136 to execute the preview display process (S83). When the preview filter 136 receives this instruction, the condition acquisition unit 136a acquires information related to the settings held in the condition holding unit 144 of the finish determination service 142 (S84).

  In response to the condition acquisition request from the preview filter 136, the finish determination service 142 passes the finishing process condition held in the condition holding unit 144 to the preview filter 136 (S85). When the finish filter condition is acquired, the preview filter 136 reads image data for preview display from the image pipe 141c (S86). The preview filter 136 uses the finish determination instruction unit 136b to output information related to the read image data, finishing processing conditions, and a finishing processing determination instruction for the image data to the finishing determination service 142 (S87). The information related to the image data mentioned here is the direction and size of the image data.

  In the finish determination service 142, when the finish determination unit 143 receives this instruction and image data, the finish determination unit 143 determines parameters required for execution of the finishing process based on the image data and the settings held in the condition holding unit 144. Specifically, in the execution of the staple process, a parameter indicating the staple position is determined. Then, the finish determination service 142 outputs the parameters determined here to the preview filter 136 (S88).

  Upon receiving this parameter, the preview filter 136 generates a preview image after the finishing process is executed based on the image data read from the image pipe 141c in S86 and the parameter, and outputs the preview image to the preview UI unit 112. Are displayed (S89).

  In the image processing apparatus 100A of the present embodiment, the preview image after the finishing process is displayed as described above.

  When the printing according to the preview image displayed in S89 is confirmed, the activity 134 instructs the print filter 135 to execute the output image data output process. Upon receiving this instruction, the print filter 135 performs the same processing as the processing of S87 and S88 by the finish determination instructing unit 135b. That is, the print filter 135 causes the finish determination service 142 to determine parameters required for the finishing process, and acquires the determined parameters. The print filter 135 performs output processing of output image data using the acquired parameters.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the finish determination service 142 is provided in the device service layer 140, and the finish determination service 142 is used by both the print filter 135 and the preview filter 136. According to this configuration, the preview filter 136 can display an image similar to the actually output finish as a preview image.

  Next, operations of the print filter 135, the preview filter 136, and the finish determination service 142 in setting of finishing processing and determination of parameters in the image processing apparatus 100A of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for describing setting of finishing processing in the image processing apparatus 100A of the second embodiment.

  First, the operation of the print filter 135 in setting finishing processing conditions will be described.

  In the image processing apparatus 100A of the present embodiment, when an image data printout instruction is input, the print filter 135 accepts this instruction (S901). Here, the print filter 135 determines whether or not finishing processing conditions have been input (S902). If finishing processing conditions are input here, finishing processing conditions are set in the print filter 135 (S903). Then, the print filter 135 issues a setting instruction to cause the condition holding instruction unit 135a to hold the finishing process condition in the condition holding unit 144 of the finish determination service 142 (S904).

  If no finishing process condition is input in S902, a preset default condition is set in the print filter 135 (S905), and the condition holding instruction unit 135a causes the condition holding unit 144 to hold the default condition. A setting instruction is issued.

  The print filter 135 of the present embodiment is configured to cause the finish determination service 142 to set default conditions even when finishing processing conditions are not input. According to such a configuration, the print filter 135 may perform the processes from S901 to S905 using the finish determination service 142 regardless of whether the finishing process condition is input.

  Next, the operation of the preview filter 136 in setting finishing processing conditions will be described.

  In the image processing apparatus 100A of the present embodiment, when an instruction for preview display processing is input, the preview filter 136 receives this instruction (S910). Next, the preview filter 136 receives an instruction to execute preview display processing by the activity 134 (S911).

  When the preview filter 136 receives this execution instruction, the condition acquisition unit 136a issues a finishing processing condition acquisition request to the finishing determination service 142 and acquires the finishing processing condition (S912). The finishing processing conditions acquired here are set in the preview filter 136 (S913), and the subsequent processing is executed (S914).

  In the preview filter 136 of the present embodiment, the condition held in the finish determination service 142 is acquired regardless of whether or not the finishing process condition is set. Therefore, the preview filter 136 acquires the default condition when the finishing process condition is not set. Then, the acquired condition is set in the preview filter 136, and the subsequent processing is executed. For this reason, the preview filter 136 may perform the processing from S910 to S914 regardless of whether the finishing processing conditions are set.

  Next, the operation of the finish determination service 142 in setting finishing processing conditions will be described.

  The finish determination service 142 receives the finish processing condition holding instruction from the print filter 135 and holds the finishing processing condition in the condition holding unit 144. As a result, finishing processing conditions are set in the finishing determination service 142 (S920). When the finishing determination service 142 receives a finishing process condition acquisition request from the preview filter 136 (S921), the finishing process condition held in the condition holding unit 144 is notified to the preview filter 136 (S922).

  That is, in the operation of the finish determination service 142 in the image processing apparatus 100A of the present embodiment, when the finishing processing condition holding instruction is received, the finishing processing condition is held in the condition holding unit 144, and the finishing processing condition acquisition request is received. Output finishing processing conditions. Therefore, there is no dependency between the finish determination service 142, the print filter 135, and the preview filter 136 in the image processing apparatus 100A of the present embodiment. Therefore, the finish determination service 142 can deliver the finishing process conditions without being affected even when the print filter 135 and the preview filter 136 are changed.

  As described above, in the image processing apparatus 100A according to the present embodiment, finishing processing conditions are set by the print filter 135, the preview filter 136, and the finish determination service 142 described above.

  In the image processing apparatus 100A of the present embodiment, the same finishing process condition can be acquired by each filter without having a dependency between the print filter 135 and the preview filter 136. Therefore, even when any one of the filters is changed, the finishing process condition can be set without affecting the other filter. Therefore, it is possible to easily expand or customize the filter function.

  Next, execution of the finishing process of the image processing apparatus 100A according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating determination of parameters based on finishing processing conditions in the image processing apparatus 100A of the second embodiment.

  First, the operation of the print filter 135 in the parameter determination process based on the finishing process condition will be described.

  The print filter 135 receives an instruction to execute output processing of output image data from the activity 134 (S1010), and starts execution of output processing (S1011). The print filter 135 acquires image data for output from the image pipe 141d (S1012). Next, the print filter 135 outputs the information related to the image data acquired in S1012, the finishing process condition, and the finish determination instruction by the finish determination instruction unit 135b to the finish determination service 142 (S1013). Here, the information related to the image data includes the orientation and size of the image.

  The print filter 135 acquires parameters necessary for executing the finishing process calculated and determined by the finish determination service 142. That is, the finish is determined. The print filter 135 executes output processing of the image data acquired in S1012 using this parameter (S1014). That is, the output image data is printed. The print filter 135 determines whether all output image data held in the image pipe 141d has been output (S1015). When all output image data has been output, the process ends. .

  As described above, in the print filter 135 of the present embodiment, after the finishing process condition is set, the parameter determined by the finish determination service 142 is acquired regardless of the presence of the preview filter 136, and this parameter is used. Processing for outputting image data for output is performed. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 100A of the present embodiment, there is no dependency between the print filter 135 and the preview filter 136 in the execution of the output process reflecting the finishing process condition, and the preview filter 136 is added or deleted. Can be done freely.

  Next, the operation of the preview filter 136 in the parameter determination process based on the finishing process condition will be described.

  In the operation of the preview filter 136, the processing from S1020 to S1022 is the same as the processing from S911 to S914 in FIG.

  When the preview filter 136 starts executing the display processing of the preview image in which the finishing process condition is reflected in S1022, the preview filter 136 acquires image data for preview display from the image pipe 141c (S1023). The preview filter 136 outputs the information related to the image data acquired in S1022, the finishing process condition, and the finish determination instruction by the finish determination instruction unit 136b to the finish determination service 142 (S1024). Here, the information related to the image data includes the orientation and size of the image.

  Then, the preview filter 136 acquires parameters necessary for executing the finishing process, which are calculated and determined by the finish determination service 142. That is, the finish is determined. The preview filter 136 executes output processing of the image data acquired in S1022 using this parameter (S1025). That is, image data for preview display is displayed. The preview filter 136 determines whether or not all preview display image data held in the image pipe 141c has been output (S1026), and performs processing when the instructed preview display image data is output. finish.

  If all the image data for preview display has not been output in S1206, the preview filter 136 determines whether there is an instruction to display another image data (S1027). If there is a preview display instruction for another image data, the preview filter 136 repeats the processing from S1023. If there is no preview display instruction for another image data in S1027, the preview filter 136 ends the process and waits.

  As described above, in the preview filter 136 of the present embodiment, there is no dependency relationship with the print filter 135 in the execution of the preview display process reflecting the finishing process condition. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 100A of the present embodiment, the function of the print filter 135 can be freely customized or expanded regardless of the presence of the preview filter 136.

  Next, the operation of the finish determination service 142 in the parameter determination process based on the finishing process condition will be described.

  In the finish determination service 142 of the present embodiment, when receiving information related to image data, finishing process conditions, and a finish determination instruction from the finish determination instruction unit 135b from the print filter 135 (S1030), the finish determination service 142 is necessary for executing the finishing process. This parameter is calculated and determined, and this is notified to the print filter 135 (S1031).

  The finish determination service 142 performs the same processing when receiving information related to image data, finishing processing conditions, and a finish determination instruction from the finish determination instruction unit 136b from the preview filter 136. That is, the finish determination service 142 in the image processing apparatus 100A of the present embodiment performs the same operation when receiving a finish determination instruction from the print filter 135 and when receiving a finish determination instruction from the preview filter 136.

  As described above, there is no dependency relationship between the finish determination service 142, the print filter 135, and the preview filter 136 in the image processing apparatus 100A of the present embodiment. Therefore, in the finish determination service 142, even if any one of the filters is changed, the finish determination can be performed without affecting the other filter. For this reason, in the image processing apparatus 100A of the present embodiment, it is possible to easily expand or customize the filter function.

  Here, the operation unit of the image processing apparatus 100A of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation unit of the image processing apparatus 100A according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating the operation unit 200 in the conventional image processing apparatus, and FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating the operation unit 300 of the image processing apparatus 100A according to the second embodiment. .

  First, an operation unit 200 of a conventional image processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the operation unit 200 is realized by a member having a display function such as an operation panel.

  The operation unit 200 is provided independently with a processing setting screen for setting image data processing in print processing and a finishing setting screen for setting finishing processing conditions in image data output processing. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, on the processing setting screen, settings of rotation, knitting, density, and the like included in processing performed mainly by the processing filter are made. In order to display a preview image in which the setting input on the processing setting screen is reflected on the operation unit 200, the preview button 210 may be selected. In the operation unit 200, when the preview button 210 is selected, the display on the operation unit 200 transitions from the processing setting screen to the preview display screen. On the preview display screen, a preview image reflecting the settings on the processing setting screen is displayed.

  Here, when changing the processing setting again, the processing setting screen selection button 220 displayed on the preview display screen is selected to return to the processing setting screen, and the setting is performed again.

  The same applies to the setting of finishing processing conditions on the finish setting screen. That is, in order to display a preview image in which the setting input on the finish setting screen is reflected on the operation unit 200, the display on the operation unit 200 needs to be changed to the preview display screen.

  As described above, in the operation unit 200 of the conventional image processing apparatus, the various setting screens and the preview display screen are independent, the screens must be changed to check each screen, and the user can change the settings. Is required for complicated operations. In addition, since the operation unit 200 of the conventional image processing apparatus cannot perform various settings while displaying a preview image, it is necessary for the user to store the setting conditions when confirming the setting conditions with the preview image. Not good for.

  In the image processing apparatus 100A of the present embodiment, such a problem is solved by providing a processing setting area, a finishing process condition setting area, and a preview image display area in the operation unit.

  The operation unit 300 of the image processing apparatus 100A according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. The operation unit 300 included in the image processing apparatus 100A of the present embodiment is realized by a member having a display function such as an operation panel.

  The operation unit 300 included in the image processing apparatus 100A according to the present embodiment includes a processing setting area 310 in which settings for image data processing are set, a finish setting area 320 in which finishing processing conditions are set, and a preview in which various settings are reflected. A preview image display area 330 on which an image is displayed is displayed at the same time.

  For example, when the punch button displayed in the finish condition setting area 320 is selected on the operation unit 300, the preview image displayed in the preview image display area 330 is a preview image indicating a state in which punch processing is performed as finishing processing. Can be switched to.

  As described above, in the operation unit 300 included in the image processing apparatus 100A of the present embodiment, the preview image displayed on the operation unit 300 can be switched to a preview image reflecting various settings without changing the screen. . For this reason, the operation which concerns on a setting can be simplified and operativity can be improved.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The third embodiment of the present invention is different from the second embodiment in that the preview filter 136A acquires preview image data synthesized based on finishing processing conditions. Therefore, in the following description, only differences between the present embodiment and the second embodiment will be described, and those having the same functional configuration as the image processing apparatus 100A of the second embodiment will be described in the second embodiment. The same reference numerals as those used in the description are given, and the description is omitted.

  This embodiment is a further improvement of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the preview filter 136 generates a preview image after the finishing process is executed based on the image data read from the image pipe 141c and the parameters determined by the finish determination service 142. To do. That is, in the second embodiment, the preview filter 136 dynamically generates preview image data, and the operation of the preview filter 136 depends on the output filter.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, for example, when a new output filter is added, it is necessary to change the preview filter 136 in accordance with the added output filter. For example, when the output filter is changed by customization or the like, the preview filter 136 needs to be changed in accordance with the changed output filter. More specifically, in the second embodiment, whenever an output filter is added or changed, the source code of the preview filter 136 needs to be corrected.

  Therefore, the second embodiment has a problem that the preview image cannot be easily displayed when the output filter is added or changed.

  The present embodiment solves the above-described problems, and can easily display preview image data even when an output filter is added or changed.

  The preview filter 136A according to the present embodiment combines image data for later-described synthesis with image data read from the image pipe 141c based on the finishing process conditions held in the condition holding unit 144 of the finishing service 142. Obtain and output preview image data.

  The preview filter 136A of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a preview filter 136A according to the third embodiment.

  The preview filter 136A of the present embodiment includes a search unit 136c and a composition instruction unit 136d in addition to the condition acquisition unit 136a and the finish determination instruction unit 136b of the preview filter 136 of the second embodiment. The retrieval unit 136c retrieves the file name of the image data for synthesis corresponding to the finishing process condition from the finishing process condition table described later. The compositing instruction unit 136d instructs the compositing processing unit 170 to composit the image data read from the image pipe 141c and the compositing image data.

  Prior to the description of the operation of the preview filter 136A, the finishing process condition table 250 and the composition image database 251 included in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. The finishing process condition table 250 and the composition image database 251 are stored in a hard disk or the like to be described later.

  The finishing processing condition table 250 stores finishing processing conditions and the file name of the image data for synthesis. The file name of the composition image data is identification information for identifying the composition image data corresponding to the finishing process condition. The composition image database 251 stores composition image data. Note that the composition image data in this embodiment is, for example, icon image data corresponding to finishing processing conditions. More specifically, for example, a staple icon indicating a staple process, a punch hole icon indicating a punch process, and the like.

  Next, the operation of the preview filter 136A of this embodiment will be described. The process of the preview filter 136A of this embodiment described in FIG. 12 is a process performed after S88 described in FIG. 8 in the second embodiment.

  That is, in the process described below, image data is read from the image pipe 141c in the preview filter 136A, and parameters necessary for executing the finishing process calculated in the finishing service 142 are passed to the preview filter 136A. It starts in the state.

  In the preview filter 136A of the present embodiment, the search unit 136c searches the finishing process condition table 250 using the finishing process condition acquired by the condition acquisition unit 136a (S121) as a key (S122). The preview filter 136A acquires the file name of the image data for synthesis corresponding to the acquired finishing process condition from the finishing process condition table 250 (S123).

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 12, “staple on the upper left” is set as the finishing process condition. Therefore, the preview filter 136A searches the finishing process condition table 250 using “staple in the upper left” as a key, and acquires the corresponding file name “staple_Reft_Up.jpg”.

  Here, when the file name of the image data for synthesis corresponding to the finishing process condition cannot be acquired, the preview filter 136A displays the image data read from the image pipe 141c as it is as a preview image.

  When the file name of the image data for composition is acquired, the composition instruction unit 136d in the preview filter 136A issues a composition instruction to the composition processing unit 170 (S124). More specifically, the compositing instruction unit 136d instructs the compositing processing unit 170 to composit the image data read from the image pipe 141c and the compositing image data corresponding to the acquired file name. At this time, the preview filter 136A passes the file name of the image data for synthesis, the image data read from the image pipe 141c, and the parameters passed from the finishing service 142 to the synthesis processing unit 170 together with the synthesis instruction.

  The composition processing unit 170 synthesizes image data upon receiving a composition instruction. Hereinafter, the synthesis processing by the synthesis processing unit 170 will be described.

  When the synthesis processing unit 170 acquires the file name of the image data for synthesis, the synthesis processing unit 170 refers to the image database for synthesis 251 (S125), and acquires the image data for synthesis corresponding to the acquired file name (S126). Here, when the image data for synthesis corresponding to the file name cannot be acquired, an error message or the like may be displayed on the operation unit or the like.

  Next, the synthesis processing unit 170 synthesizes the obtained synthesis image data at the position indicated by the parameter passed from the preview filter 136A on the image data read from the image pipe 141c. The composition processing unit 170 outputs the combined image data obtained by combining the composition image data to the preview filter 136A. The preview filter 136A displays the image data output from the composition processing unit 170 as a preview image.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, the composition processing unit 170 acquires the file name “staple_Reft_Up.jpg”. Therefore, the composition processing unit 170 searches the composition image database 251 with this file name, and acquires the corresponding composition image data 171. The composition image data 171 here is an icon indicating stapling processing. The image processing unit 170 synthesizes the synthesis image data 171 and the image data 172 read from the image pipe 141 c to generate synthesized image data 173.

  The composite image data 173 generated here is output to the preview filter 136A and displayed as a preview image. Note that the synthesis processing unit 170 of this embodiment may be realized by incorporating a program having a function of performing the above-described synthesis processing into an AISC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the preview filter 136A can display a preview image without dynamically generating a preview image. That is, the preview filter 136A according to the present embodiment performs only the operation of acquiring the file name of the image data for synthesis corresponding to the finishing process condition from the finishing process condition table 250 and passing the acquired file name to the combining processing unit 170. Just do it.

  Therefore, the preview filter 136A of this embodiment can display a preview image without depending on the output filter. Therefore, in this embodiment, when an output filter is added or changed, a preview image can be easily displayed.

  In this embodiment, the finishing process condition table 250 and the compositing image database 251 are stored in the hard disk of the image processing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the finishing process condition table 250 and the composition image database 251 may be general-purpose external files. In this case, in this embodiment, when a new output filter is added, the finishing process condition table 250 and the composition image database 251 are added to the image processing apparatus simultaneously with the output filter. Therefore, in this embodiment, even when a new output filter is added, a preview image corresponding to the added output filter can be easily displayed without changing the preview filter 136A.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 13, a process when a new output filter is added in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating addition of an output filter in the third embodiment.

  FIG. 13 shows a case where a marking filter 135a is added as one of the output filters. The marking filter 135a is a filter that performs printing processing by adding a predetermined barcode to image data.

  In this embodiment, when the marking filter 135a is added, the finishing process condition table 250a and the composition image database 251a corresponding to the marking filter 135a are also added at the same time.

  Here, when a preview instruction is given from the preview UI 112, the preview filter 136A acquires finishing processing conditions set in the marking filter 135a, and acquires synthesized preview image data.

  More specifically, the preview filter 136A searches the finishing process condition table 250a using “barcode” that is the finishing process condition of the marking filter 135a as a key, and acquires the file name “Barcode.jpg” of the image data for synthesis. . The preview filter 136A outputs this file name to the composition processing unit 170 (see FIG. 12). The composition processing unit 170 composes the composition image data 251b corresponding to the file name “Barcode.jpg” and the image data 172 read from the image pipe 141c, and outputs the composite image data to the preview filter 136A.

  The preview filter 136A displays this composite image data as a preview image 180.

  As described above, in this embodiment, even when an output filter is newly added, a preview image can be easily displayed without changing the preview filter 136A.

  Next, a case where the output filter is changed by customization or the like in the present embodiment will be described.

  In this embodiment, for example, when the setting of the finishing process condition in the output filter is changed, the finishing process condition of the output filter after the change is reflected only by rewriting the finishing process condition table 250 or the composition image database 251. The preview image can be displayed.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a case where the setting of the finishing condition of the output filter is changed. FIG. 14 shows a case where a condition “double-sided” indicating double-sided printing processing is added to the finishing processing conditions in the print filter 135.

  In this case, composition image data 175 indicating a finishing process condition of “both sides” is added to the composition image database 251A. In addition, the finishing process condition table 250A is added with a finishing process condition of “both sides” and a file name of the image data for synthesis 175 corresponding to the finishing process condition.

  As described above, in this embodiment, even when finishing processing conditions are added in the output filter, the preview processing 136A is added without modification by updating the finishing processing condition table 250A and the composition image database 251A. A preview image reflecting finishing processing conditions can be displayed.

  In this embodiment, for example, if the image data for synthesis stored in the image database for synthesis 251 is corrected, the preview image can be corrected. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a case where the image data for synthesis is corrected.

  FIG. 15 shows a case where the image data for synthesis 252 corresponding to the punching process that is the finishing process condition is corrected.

  In the present embodiment, the composition image data 253 can be displayed as a preview only by replacing the composition image data 252 stored in the composition image database 251B with the modified composition image data 253. At this time, the file name of the composition image data 253 is the same as the file name stored in the finishing process condition table 250B, that is, the file name of the composition image data 252.

  In addition, the procedure for realizing each function in the embodiment described above may be recorded on a recording medium as a computer-readable program.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a recording medium on which a program for realizing each function described in each embodiment is recorded. The functions recorded in the present embodiment can be realized by the program recorded in the recording medium 410 being read and executed by the arithmetic processing apparatus of the image processing apparatus 500.

  For example, the image processing apparatus 500 includes a CPU 510, a hard disk 520, a memory 530, a display unit 540, a scanner unit 550, a communication unit 560, a recording medium reading unit 570, and a plotter unit 580. The CPU 510 is an arithmetic processing device, and executes arithmetic operations and processes executed in the image processing device 500. The hard disk 520 is a recording unit for storing data, and stores an application that operates on the image processing apparatus 500, data created by the application, and the like. The memory 530 stores various setting values related to the image processing apparatus 500, calculation results in the CPU 510, and the like.

  The display unit 540 is a display or the like, and displays device information of the image processing device 500, information related to processing progress, and the like so that the user can browse. The scanner unit 550 includes a scanning unit and a scanner engine that controls the scanning unit, and a paper document is scanned and input as digitized image data. The communication unit 560 is a network control unit, for example, and is used for the image processing apparatus 500 to communicate with an external apparatus. The recording medium reading unit 570 reads data and programs recorded on various recording media, and is, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk driver. The plotter unit 580 includes a plotter and a plotter engine that controls the plotter, and prints out image data.

  The recording medium 410 records an image processing program 400 that realizes each function of the present embodiment. The image processing program 400 is read by the recording medium reading unit 570 and executed by the CPU 510. The recording medium 410 may be, for example, a memory card or a floppy (registered trademark) disk, and may be any medium that can be read by the image processing apparatus 500. The image processing program 400 may be received by the communication unit 560 via a network and stored in the hard disk 520 or the like.

  As described above, the present invention has been described based on each embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as the configurations described in the above embodiment and combinations with other elements. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

  The present invention can be used in an image processing apparatus to which the concept of pipe and filter is applied.

It is a figure explaining the concept of a pipe & filter. It is a block diagram which shows the software structure of the image processing apparatus 100 of 1st embodiment. It is a figure explaining the printing process in the image processing apparatus 100 of 1st embodiment. It is a figure explaining the preview display process in the image processing apparatus 100 of 1st embodiment. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement at the time of performing the preview display process in the image processing apparatus 100 of 1st embodiment. In the image processing apparatus 100 of 1st embodiment, it is a figure explaining the case where two image data are output from the input filter 131. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the software structure of 100 A of image processing apparatuses of 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the preview display process in case finishing processing is performed in the image processing apparatus 100A of 2nd embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the setting of the finishing process in 100 A of image processing apparatuses of 2nd embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the determination of the parameter based on the finishing process conditions in the image processing apparatus 100A of the second embodiment. It is a figure explaining the operation part of 100 A of image processing apparatuses of 2nd embodiment. It is a figure explaining the preview filter 136A of 3rd embodiment. It is a figure explaining the addition of the output filter in 3rd embodiment. It is a figure explaining the case where the setting of the finishing process condition of an output filter is changed. It is a figure explaining the case where image data for composition is amended. It is a figure explaining the recording medium with which the program which implement | achieves each function demonstrated in each embodiment was recorded.

Explanation of symbols

100, 100A Image processing apparatus 110 User interface layer 111 Local UI unit 120 Control layer 130 Application logic layer 131 Input filter 132 Processing filter 133 Output filter 134 Activity 135 Print filter 136, 136A Preview filter 140 Device service layer 141 Image pipe 142 Finish determination Service 170 Composition processing unit 200, 300 Operation unit 310 Processing setting area 320 Finishing condition setting area 250 Finishing processing condition table 251 Composition image database 330 Preview image display area

Claims (12)

An input unit for inputting image data to be subjected to image processing;
An input filter that controls input processing of image data input by the input unit;
An output unit for outputting the result of the image processing;
A first output filter that controls output processing of image data by the output unit;
A processing filter connected between the input filter and the first output filter to control processing of image data;
A second output filter that controls output processing of preview image data of image data output from the output unit;
The image processing apparatus, wherein upon receiving an instruction to display a preview of image data output from the output unit, the second output filter is connected to the processing filter. In the input process, the input filter
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first image data and second image data having a resolution lower than that of the first image data are generated.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a data format of the first image data and a data format of the second image data are the same.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a finish determination unit that determines a parameter related to a finishing process for the image data output from the first output filter. Having a condition holding means for holding a finishing process condition which is a condition in the finishing process;
The first output filter is:
Holding instruction means for holding the finishing process condition in the condition holding means;
A determination instructing unit for determining the parameter based on the finishing processing condition to the finish determining unit;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein output processing of the image data is controlled using a parameter determined by the finish determination unit. The second output filter is:
Condition acquisition means for acquiring the finishing process condition from the condition holding means;
A determination instructing unit that causes the finish determining unit to determine the parameter based on the finishing process condition;
6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the output processing of the preview image data is controlled using the parameter determined by the finish determination means. The second output filter is:
Condition acquisition means for acquiring the finishing process condition from the condition holding means;
A determination instructing unit that causes the finish determining unit to determine the parameter based on the finishing process condition;
Controlling output processing of preview image data in which image data for synthesis corresponding to the finishing processing is combined with image data output from the output unit is performed using the parameters determined by the finish determination means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5. A table in which the finishing processing conditions and identification information for identifying image data for synthesis corresponding to the finishing processing conditions are stored;
A database storing identification information of the image data for synthesis and image data for synthesis corresponding to the finishing process condition;
The second output filter is:
Search means for searching the table with the finishing process conditions acquired by the condition acquisition means;
8. The composition instruction means for issuing a composition instruction for compositing image data identified by identification information corresponding to the finishing process condition and image data output from the output unit. Image processing device.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the finish determination unit includes the condition holding unit. An operation unit for performing operations related to the image processing apparatus;
The operation unit is
A first operation area in which conditions in the finishing process are set;
A second operation area in which an operation related to control of processing of image data in the processing filter is performed;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a display area in which preview image data output from the second output filter is displayed. An input control procedure for controlling input processing of image data input by an input unit to which image data to be subjected to image processing is input;
A first output control procedure for controlling output processing of image data by an output unit that outputs the result of the image processing;
A second output control procedure for controlling output processing of preview image data of image data output from the output unit;
A processing control procedure for controlling processing of the image data,
When receiving a preview display instruction of the image data output from the output unit,
An image processing method, wherein the processing procedure is executed between the input control procedure and the first output control procedure, and between the input control procedure and the second output control procedure. On the computer,
An input control step for controlling input processing of image data input by an input unit to which image data to be subjected to image processing is input;
A first output control step for controlling output processing of image data by an output unit that outputs the result of the image processing;
A second output control step for controlling output processing of preview image data of the image data output from the output unit;
And a processing control step for controlling the processing of the image data,
When receiving a preview display instruction of the image data output from the output unit,
An image processing program that causes the processing step to be executed between the input control step and the first output control step and between the input control step and the second output control step.

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