JP2008288818A - Color image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress the increase of a required memory capacity and to improve the productivity of image data processing accompanying the conversion of image data from line sequential to point sequential. <P>SOLUTION: The color image processor comprises: an image read means 1 for generating the image data for respective colors of pixels on the line of an image surface and line sequentially outputting them for the respective colors; an input image data processor 2a which is provided with a color image data correction means and a line/point conversion means and has a function of correcting the image data for the respective colors of the pixels on the line sequentially inputted in parallel for the respective colors in the correction means and line sequentially outputting them for the respective colors and a function of performing the correction and line/point conversion by the line/point conversion means and point sequentially outputting them; a memory 7; image transfer control means 3 and 4 for storing the line sequential or point sequential image data outputted by the input image data processor 2a in the memory 7 and line sequentially or point sequentially reading them from the memory 7; and an output image data processor 2b for converting the line sequential or surface sequential image data to line sequential recording color image data for a printer further. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  In a typical example of the present invention, color-specific image data such as R, G, B image data generated by a color scanner and output in parallel in color-sequential line-sequential manner is temporarily stored in a memory, and then point-sequentially. The present invention relates to a color image processing apparatus capable of outputting the image data. The present invention can be used for, for example, a color scanner, an electronic imaging device (digital camera, video camera), a printer, a copying machine, a server, a computer, a facsimile, and the like. The most typical embodiment is a color image processing apparatus that converts a line-sequential color image from a color scanner into a dot-sequential conversion and transfers it.

JP 2001-273104 A JP 2006-178546 A Japanese Patent No. 3730586.

  In Patent Document 1, image data of various data output means are stored in a band memory in a dot sequential manner, read from the band memory, converted into recording color image data suitable for printer output, and stored in a page memory. Describes an image processing apparatus that reads out from the image, performs gradation processing, and outputs the result to a printer.

  In Patent Document 2, image data stored dot-sequentially, line-sequentially or plane-sequentially from an external memory is read point-sequentially and written to the first buffer, and the image data in the first buffer is stored in the image data. A data processing apparatus is described in which processing is performed by a combination of a plurality of processing units that perform various types of processing and is written in a second buffer.

  In Patent Document 3, a toggle buffer having a capacity of N lines is provided between a scanner and a memory, and a sub-scan line of image data output by the scanner is based on the number of lines written in the toggle buffer and the number of switching times. An image processing apparatus for calculating the number is described.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 14, description will be given of the field sequence, line sequence, and point sequence of image data in this document. As shown in FIG. 14A, “frame sequential” is a system in which one page of R, G, B image data, which is image data of each color component, is configured as one page (plane) for each color component. is there. Each plane image of R, G, B image data stored in the memory can be said to be a frame sequential image. “Line Sequential” is a method in which R, G, B image data is configured for each line, as shown in FIG. In a color scanner or the like, R, G, B image data in which lines for each color component are output in parallel can be said to be line sequential image data. “Point-sequential” is a method in which R, G, and B image data addressed to one pixel representing color information of a point (pixel on line) is configured as one set, as shown in FIG. Some image formats have image data arranged in a dot sequence.

  Converting frame-sequential image data to dot-sequential image data is called surface-point conversion, and the opposite is called point-plane conversion. Also, converting line-sequential image data to dot-sequential image data is called line-point conversion, and the opposite is called dotted-line conversion or line-point reverse conversion. Converting line-sequential image data into plane-sequential image data is called line-plane conversion, and the opposite is called plane-line conversion.

  In color scanners, electronic imaging devices (digital cameras, video cameras), printers, copiers, servers, computers, facsimiles, etc., image data is transferred mainly in frame sequential or line sequential, but dot sequential image data Input, output or transfer may be required.

  A conventional image transfer and dot-sequential image generation method in an image processing apparatus having a configuration in which the main memory is integrated into one place as shown in FIG. 15 will be described. The color image data input from the color scanner 1 to the image data processing device 2 is synchronized with the page synchronization signal and the line synchronization signal for each of the R, G, and B color planes. That is, parallel input is performed in a line sequential manner. The bus control device 3 and the memory control device 4 transfer the R, G, B image data output from the image data processing device 2 to the memory 7 for each plane (R, G, B). That is, they are stored in the memory 7 in the frame order. Normally, processing such as correction and conversion of image data is performed in the plane sequential manner, but when point sequential image data is necessary, the CPU 5 of the system controller performs the plane point conversion. The CPU 5 reads the surface sequential R, G, and B image data on the memory 7 respectively, organizes the R, G, and B image data into dot sequential image data that is a set of pixel units, and again stores the memory 7. Write back to Then, it is read out from the memory 7 in a point-sequential manner and sent to a required location or device.

  In the above-described data transfer in which the image data stored in the memory 7 is subjected to face point conversion and output as dot sequential image data, when processing a large image, each color transferred to the memory 7 as the image becomes larger Since both the plane area and the point-sequential image data after the face point conversion increase, the required memory capacity increases and the cost increases. Further, as the image becomes larger, the time required for the surface point conversion process (memory read of each color plane, surface point conversion, and memory write of the dot sequential image data) increases, so that the productivity of the image processing decreases. As described above, the conventional technique has problems in terms of memory cost and image data processing productivity in order to handle a large image.

  An object of the present invention is to increase the productivity of image data processing accompanying the conversion of image data from line-sequential to dot-sequential while suppressing increase in required memory capacity.

(1) It has color image data correction means and line point conversion means, and the color-by-color image data of the pixels on the line that are input in parallel by color-by-color line are corrected by the correction means and lines by the line point conversion means. An input image data processing device having a function of performing point conversion and outputting in a point sequence;
Memory means; and
Image transfer control means for storing dot sequential image data output from the input image data processing device in the memory means and reading the data sequentially from the memory means;
An image processing apparatus comprising:

(2) It has color image data correction means and line point conversion means, and corrects the color-by-color image data of the pixels on the line input in parallel by color-by-color line-sequentially and outputs them by color-by-line line-sequentially. An input image data processing device having a function and a function of performing dot correction by the correction unit and line point conversion by the line point conversion unit and outputting in a point sequence;
Memory means; and
Image transfer control means for storing line-sequential or dot-sequential image data output from the input image data processing device in the memory means and reading them from the memory means in a line-sequential or dot-sequential manner;
An image processing apparatus comprising:

(3) a printer that forms an image represented by the recording color image data on paper; and
A color correction function for converting the line-sequential color-by-color image data into recording color image data for the printer; the line-by-color line-sequential image data is converted to the recording color image data; An output image data processing device for outputting,
The image processing apparatus according to (2), wherein the image transfer control unit has a function of outputting line sequential image data stored in the memory unit to the output image data processing device;

(4) Furthermore, a printer that forms an image represented by the recording color image data on paper; and
A color correction function for converting the line-sequential color-by-color image data into recording color image data for the printer; the line-by-color line-sequential image data is converted to the recording color image data; An output image data processing device having a function of outputting;
The image processing apparatus according to (2), wherein the image transfer control unit has a function of reading line-sequential or frame-sequential image data from the memory unit and outputting the data to the output image data processing device.

  (5) The image transfer control means has a function of reading out the dot sequential image data stored in the memory means and sending it out to the outside; the image processing according to any one of (1) to (4) above apparatus.

(6) It has color image data correction means and line point conversion means, and the color-by-color image data of the pixels on the line input in parallel by color-by-color line is corrected by the correction means and output by line by color. An input image data processing device having a function and a function of performing dot correction by the correction unit and line point conversion by the line point conversion unit and outputting in a point sequence;
Memory means;
A printer that forms an image represented by the recording color image data on paper;
A color correction function for converting the color image data into recording color image data for the printer; and a function for converting the line-by-color line-sequential image data into the recording color image data and outputting the line-sequential image data to the printer. Having an output image data processing device; and
Image transfer control means for storing line-sequential or dot-sequential image data output by the input image data processing apparatus in the memory means, reading out from the memory means, and outputting the output image data processing apparatus or outside;
An image processing apparatus comprising:

  (7) Any one of the above (1) to (6), further comprising: an image reading unit that generates color-specific image data of pixels on a line on the image plane and sequentially outputs the data to the input image data processing device by color-specific line The image processing apparatus according to one.

  (8) The line-point conversion means is a point-sequential conversion means for converting color-by-color image data of pixels on the line inputted in parallel by color-by-color to dot-sequential image data, and the point-sequential image data is converted into line units. (1) to (7), comprising: a buffer memory that temporarily stores the output data; and a divided output unit that divides the line unit by the number of colors and outputs the divided data in parallel from the buffer memory. Color image processing device.

  (9) The image transfer control means stores the point-sequential image data that the division output means divides line units by the number of colors and outputs them in parallel at successive memory addresses on the memory; ).

  (10) The line point conversion means is a point sequential conversion means for converting color-by-color image data of pixels on the line inputted in parallel in color-by-color line order to dot-sequential image data, and the point-sequential image data in line units. The color according to any one of (1) to (7), further comprising: a buffer memory that sequentially stores a plurality of lines, and a line output unit that outputs the plurality of lines in parallel from the buffer memory. Image processing device.

  According to the above (1), (2) and (6), the input image can be converted into a dot sequential image by the image processing unit before the image data is stored in the memory. That is, it is possible to store only the dot sequential image in the memory without storing the frame sequential image in the memory. Accordingly, the memory for the frame sequential image is not necessary, and the memory can be used more efficiently. Further, since the surface point conversion process itself in the CPU is eliminated, the CPU can be used more efficiently.

  According to the above (2), when the required image processing does not need to be converted into dot-sequential image data, it can be output without being converted to dot-sequential image data. An image function can also be realized.

  According to the above (8) or (10), buffer access at the time of output can be simplified by buffering after converting to point sequence at the time of line point conversion. Cost reduction is possible. Buffering by color complicates point-sequential conversion and output processing (since random access to the buffer occurs), and a plurality of buffers are provided to avoid this.

  According to the above (8) and (9), in line point conversion, by dividing and outputting dot sequential images in the main scanning direction, images input in parallel (= dot sequential generated by line point conversion) Image data) can be output without delay. In the case of R, G, and B3 colors, the main scanning width of a dot sequential image is three times that of line sequential, but by dividing into three in the main scanning direction and outputting simultaneously, the input / output speed of the line point conversion Can be kept equal, an extra buffer is not required in the line point conversion unit.

  According to the above (9), in the line point conversion, the dot sequential image divided in the main scanning direction for one line can be stored in the memory without any gap so that unnecessary data does not enter the gap between the divided images. . Since the stored point sequential image data can be used as it is, extra CPU processing time such as removal of unnecessary data can be reduced.

  According to the above (10), in the line point conversion, by outputting a plurality of lines in parallel (image divided in the sub-scanning direction), an image input in parallel between them (= generated by line point conversion) Can be output without delay. In the case of R, G, and B3 colors, the main scanning width of the dot sequential image is three times the line sequential, but while the dot sequential image for 3 lines is accumulated and 3 lines are input for 3 lines. Output simultaneously, the input / output speed can be kept equal, an extra buffer is not required in the line point conversion unit, and the cost can be reduced.

  Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows the external appearance of the multifunction copying machine MF1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This full-color copying machine is roughly constituted by units of an automatic document feeder (ADF) 13, an operation board 6, a color scanner 1, a color printer 12 and a finisher 14. The color scanner 1 and the finisher 14 with the operation board 6 and the ADF 13 are units that can be separated from the printer 12, and the color scanner 1 has a control board having a power device driver, a sensor input, and a controller. The original image is read in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 5 (FIG. 2) which is the main body of the controller.

  The copying machine MF1 is connected to a local area network (LAN) connected to the personal computer PC, and is also connected to an exchange PBX connected to a telephone line PN (facsimile communication line). The printed paper of the color printer 12 is discharged to the finisher 14.

  The scanner 1 is a flatbed type original scanner that scans an original with a carriage equipped with an illumination lamp and a mirror and projects the original onto an image sensor (CCD), but the first carriage is used so that sheet-through reading is possible. At the reading field position of the first mirror when it is stopped at the position (standby position) HP, there is a glass as a sheet-through reading window, and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 13 is mounted above the window glass. In the case of sheet-through reading, that is, ADF reading, the ADF 13 sends the document so as to pass through the window glass.

  The color printer 12 is a laser printer. An assembly (image forming unit) of a photoreceptor, a developing device, a charger, a cleaning device, and a transfer device that forms a toner image of one color is M (magenta), C (cyan), Y (yellow), and Bk (black). There are four sets in total, one for each image formation, and arranged in tandem along the conveyor belt in this order, and the color toner images formed by them are sequentially superimposed on one transfer sheet. Is transcribed.

  The image data read by the scanner 1 is output to the printer 12 after being subjected to reading correction and data conversion for printer output by the image data processing device 2 (FIG. 2) in the case of setting for single copy. The In the case of setting of image reading or multiple sheet copying, the image data processing device 2 (FIG. 2) reads and corrects and temporarily writes it in the memory 7 (FIG. 2). In the case of copying a plurality of sheets, reading is completed and read, and the image data processing device 2 converts the image data into image data for printer output and outputs the image data to the printer 12. The finisher 14 of the post-processing apparatus can guide the transfer paper conveyed by the paper discharge unit of the main body in the normal paper discharge roller direction and the staple processing unit direction. By switching the switching plate upward, the sheet can be discharged to the normal discharge tray side via the transport roller. Further, by switching the switching plate in the downward direction, it can be conveyed to the staple table via the conveying roller. Each time a sheet of transfer paper loaded on the staple table is discharged, the paper end surface is aligned by a paper alignment jogger, and is bound by a stapler upon completion of a partial copy. The group of transfer sheets bound by the stapler is stored in the staple completion discharge tray by its own weight. On the other hand, a normal paper discharge tray is a paper discharge tray that can move back and forth (in a direction perpendicular to the sheet of FIG. 1). The paper discharge tray section that can be moved back and forth moves forward and backward for each original or each copy section sorted by the image memory, and simply sorts the discharged copy paper.

  FIG. 2 shows the system configuration of the document information processing system of the multifunction copying machine MF1. The scanner 1 and the printer 12 are connected to the image data processing device 2.

  The image data processing apparatus 2 includes an input image data process 2a and an output image data process 2b. The input image data processing 2a performs image processing for correcting reading distortion such as background removal, scanner gamma correction, and filter processing on the image data output from the scanner 1. In addition, line point conversion is also performed for the implementation of the present invention. The output image data processing 2b performs image quality processing such as color correction (including color conversion of RGB signals to YMCK signals), scaling, image processing, printer gamma conversion, and gradation processing.

  The bus control device 3 is for transferring image data between the image data processing device 2 and the memory control device 4, and between the input image data processing 2a and the output image data processing 2b of the image data processing device 2. The data line usage allocation is controlled, and communication between these devices and the CPU 5 which is the main body of the system controller is performed. It also performs primary compression / decompression of image data.

  The memory control device 4 has functions such as access control, memory control, compression / decompression, image editing, bus control, port control, and network control. Memory control, compression / decompression, image editing, bus control, port control, and network control are each connected to access control via DMAC (direct memory access control).

  Based on the control of the CPU 5 which is the main body of the system controller, the memory control device 4 controls the access of image data to the main memory 7 and the HDD 8, development of print data such as the personal computer PC1 connected on the LAN, the main memory 7, Secondary compression / decompression of image data for effective use of the HDD 8 and transfer of image data to a personal computer PC1, a memory card, etc. are also performed. Image data (primary compressed data) sent from the bus control device 3 to the memory control device 4 is compressed by the memory control device 4 (secondary compression) and stored in the main memory 7 or the HDD 8. The accumulated image data is read out as necessary. The read image data is decompressed (secondary decompression), returned to primary compressed data, and returned from the memory control device 4 to the bus control device 3. Then, the image data is decompressed (primary decompression) to the original image data by the bus control device 3 and output to the printer 12 via the image data processing device 2.

  The memory control device 4 also has a general-purpose (commercially available) decompression / compression function, which can decompress (decompress) compressed data read from a facsimile, a PC, or a medium (memory card, etc.). The generated frame-sequential, line-sequential or dot-sequential image data can be compressed. When transferring to an external facsimile, personal computer PC1, memory card or the like via the external input / output controller 9 and the network I / F 10 or the media I / F 11, the data is compressed after being compressed by this compression function. The memory control device 4 further has line surface conversion, line point conversion, surface line conversion, and primary compression / decompression functions. The secondary compressed data in the memory 7 can be decompressed to primary compressed data by the secondary decompression function, and the primary compressed data can be decompressed to image data by the primary decompression function and expanded in the memory 7. The line-sequential image data developed on the main memory 7 can be read out in a line-sequential manner by line-plane conversion, and can be read out in a point-sequential manner using line-point conversion. Further, the image data developed in the frame sequential in the main memory 7 can be read out in the line sequential manner by the plane line conversion. Furthermore, the image data developed in the main memory 7 can be read out and compressed by the primary compression function, and the primary compressed data can be sent to the bus control device 3. In this case, the bus control device 3 can perform the primary decompression. Image data can be restored and output to the printer 2.

  The CPU 5 which is the main body of the system controller controls the reading and writing of data other than the document information such as programs and control data with respect to the HDD 8 and controls the operation of each component.

  The operation board 6 instructs a process to be performed by the CPU 5 in response to a user input. For example, the type of processing (copying, facsimile transmission, image reading, printing, etc.), the number of processings, etc. are input. That is, the operation board 6 corresponds to the operation of the user on the operation board 6 by reading the pressing of the numeric key and generating the input numeric data, reading the pressing of the start key, transferring the start instruction to the CPU 5, and the paper. Controls user operation reading and display output, such as reading size switching input. Thereby, the image data control information can be input.

  The network control of the memory control device 4 controls connection with the LAN and the Internet. The network control manages transmission / reception of data to / from an external expansion device connected to the network. That is, based on the www server, FTP server, SMTP server, DHCP server and other servers used for sending and receiving files and mails stored (set up) in the HDD 8, the LAN and the Internet are connected via the external input / output controller 9. Send and receive files and emails. In addition, a transmission file is generated and a reception file is added to the directory. The CPU 5 controls the network interface in the memory control device 4. For example, in response to a document reading & transmission command from the operation board 6 or the PC 1, the memory control device 4 is instructed to generate a transmission file and a destination directory.

  In access control, command control by the CPU 5 is performed. The access control also manages the memory 7 and HDD 8 access from the external unit centering on the memory 7 and HDD 8. The image data output by the scanner 1 is transferred to the memory control device 4 via the bus control device 3 via the image data processing device 2 and is taken into the memory control device 4. Memory access of the captured image data leaves the management of the CPU 5. That is, the memory access is performed by direct memory access control (DMAC) independently of the system control. For access to the memory 7 and the HDD 8, access control arbitrates access requests from a plurality of units. The memory control controls access operations of the memory 7 and the HDD 8 or data reading / writing.

  When accessing the memory 7 and the HDD 8 from the network, the data fetched from the network into the memory control device 4 by the network control is transferred to the memory 7 and the HDD 8 by the direct memory access control DMAC. The access control mediates access to the memory 7 and HDD 8 in a plurality of jobs. The memory control reads / writes data to / from the memory 7 and the HDD 8. When accessing the memory 7 and the HDD 8 from the serial bus, the data taken into the memory control device 4 through the port by the port control is transferred to the memory 7 and the HDD 8 by the direct memory access control DMAC. Print output data from a network or directly connected PC is converted into image data by using the font data by the CPU 5 and developed in the memory area in the memory 7 and HDD 8.

  The CPU 5 manages the interface with each external unit. For data transfer after being taken into the memory control device 4, each DMAC manages memory access. In this case, since each DMAC performs data transfer independently of each other, the access control performs job collision related to access to the memory 7 and the HDD 8, or prioritizes each access request.

  FIG. 3 shows an outline of the image processing function of the image data processing apparatus 2. The image data processing apparatus 2 includes an input image data process 2a and an output image data process 2b. In summary, the input image data processing 2a performs scanner reading correction to improve the image quality of the read image data (R, G, B data) output by the scanner 1, and the output image data processing 2b Then, the image data is converted into recorded image data that matches the image expression characteristics of the printer 2 and correction for improving the image forming quality is performed.

  In the input image data processing 2a, separation generation (determination of whether the image is a character area or a photographic area: image area separation) and removing the background according to the result, the gradation characteristic of the image data is calibrated or adjusted There are a scanner gamma correction 22 to be performed, a filter process 23 to sharpen or smooth the image in accordance with image characteristics (characters / photographs), and a line point conversion 24 to convert line sequential image data to dot sequential image data. The line-sequential image data not subjected to the line point conversion is output to the standard input port Pin (line-sequential input port) of the bus control device 3. It is output to the dot sequential input port Pip. In the present embodiment, the line point converter 24 converts the sequentially input line sequential image data into dot sequential image data, and sequentially outputs them within a predetermined time.

  The output image data 2b includes color correction 26 for converting read image data (R, G, B data) to recording color data (Y, M, C, bK data), scaling 27, image processing 28, and image data. A printer gamma correction 29 that calibrates or adjusts the tone characteristics, and a tone processing 30 that performs area tone conversion such as changing the number of tones and dithering or error diffusion processing. The line sequential image data output from the standard output port (line sequential output port) Pon of the bus control device 3 is given to the color correction 26.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the operation board 6 includes a key group 62 in addition to the liquid crystal touch panel 61. The key group 62 includes a ten key 621, a clear / stop key 622, a start key 623, an initial setting key 624, a mode switching key 625, a test print key 626, and a power key 627. Alphabets with hiragana added for URL, file name, folder name, etc., setting and abbreviated registration are displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 61 with key buttons at their input stages. The power key 627 is an operation key for instructing switching from the energy saving mode (the sleep mode or the low power mode) to the standby mode in which image printing is possible and vice versa. If the power key 627 is pressed once when the energy saving mode is set, the energy saving mode is switched to the standby mode. When the power key 627 is pressed once in the standby mode, the standby mode is switched to the sleep mode. The test print key 626 is a key for printing only one copy regardless of the set number of print copies and confirming the print result.

  By pressing an initial setting key 624, the initial state of the machine can be arbitrarily customized. It is possible to arbitrarily set the state set when the transition time to the energy saving mode is set, the paper size stored in the machine is set, or the copy function reset key is pressed. The image data read by the scanner is transferred to a PC, a removable medium (memory card, etc.), a facsimile, a server, a mobile phone or the like. The image data sequential system (plane sequential / line sequential / point sequential) can also be registered (written to the NVRAM in the operation board 6). When the initial setting key 18 is operated, a selection button for designating an “initial value setting” function for setting various initial values and an “external sequential method setting” function are displayed. By selecting the “sequential method setting for external use” function, it is possible to set the sequential method corresponding to the external (such as the PC).

  The liquid crystal touch panel 61 displays various function keys, input keys for inputting execution conditions for the selected function, a message, and the like. The LCD touch panel 61 is used for selecting and executing the “copy” function, “distribution scanner” function, “registration” function, “media write” function, “print” function, “media output” function, and “facsimile” function. A function selection key is displayed. When the user touches the function selection key, an input / output screen determined for the function is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 61.

  For example, when the “copy” function is designated, as shown in FIG. 4, a message indicating the function key group, the number of copies, and the state of the image forming apparatus is displayed. In the function key group, print color designation keys “black (BK)”, “full color”, “automatic color selection”, “blue (C)”, “red (M)” and “yellow (Y)” designation There is a key. When the operator touches a key displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 61, the operation board 6 reads it as an operator input, and highlights the key indicating the selected function in gray indicating designation. Copying can be performed by setting a document on the scanner 1 and pressing the start key.

  When the user touches the “distribution scanner” selection key, the document can be read by the scanner 1 and the image data can be transmitted to the PC directly connected via the network I / F 10 or the PC that can communicate via the network. The “registration” function registers image data read by the scanner 1 or document information input from the outside (network I / F 10, media I / F 11, etc.) in the HDD 8. The “media writing” function is to read an original with the scanner 1 and store it on a removable medium (for example, a memory card) via the media I / F 11. The “print” function is to print out document information registered in the HDD by the printer 2. The “media output” function reads the image data of the image file of the removable media through the media I / F 11 and prints it by the printer 2. The “facsimile” function reads a document with the scanner 1 and transmits it by facsimile.

  FIG. 5 shows the function of the line point conversion 24 shown in FIG. The line point conversion 24 includes a point sequential conversion 31, a divided output 33, and a buffer (buffer memory) 32. The dot-sequential conversion 31 performs P / S (parallel / serial) conversion of input line-sequential parallel-input R, G, B image data for each pixel, that is, converts it into dot-sequential image data. , And stored in the buffer 32 in units of lines. A divided output 33 divides one line of dot sequential image data into three and simultaneously outputs them in parallel. That is, the output of the dot sequential image data of the preceding line is completed within the parallel input period of the R, G, B image data for one line in line sequential. The image data input speed and output speed of the line point conversion 24 can be made the same.

  More specifically, the line-sequential R, G, B parallel input R, G, B image data of a certain line is dot-sequentially converted (P / S conversion in units of pixels) by the point-sequential conversion 31 to the second line. The line-sequential image data of the preceding line written in the buffer LB2 and simultaneously written in the first line buffer LB1 at this time is output in parallel by the divided output 33 in three lines. This output is completed when the image data of the certain line is written dot-sequentially into the second line buffer LB2. Then, next, the line sequential R, G, B parallel input R, G, B image data of the next line of the certain line, that is, the succeeding line, is dot-sequentially converted by the point-sequential conversion 31 (P / (S conversion) and writing to the first line buffer LB1. At this time, the line sequential image data of the certain line simultaneously written to the second line buffer LB2 is divided into three lines by the divided output 33 and output in parallel. Thus, while writing the R, G, B image data of the line on one side in the dot sequence in the first and second line buffers, the dot sequential image data of the preceding line from the other is 1/3 line pitch. At the same time, three pixels are output in parallel, and when this input / output for one line is completed, the first and second line buffers LB1 and LB2 are set to read and the read ones are set to read. Switch to the same input / output. Thus, the first and second line buffers LB1 and LB2 are used for toggle.

  FIG. 6 shows the movement timing of the image data in the above-described line sequential input / dot sequential output. First, line point conversion is sequentially performed on an image of the first line of R, G, and B colors input line-sequentially and transferred to the first line buffer LB1. Subsequently, the image obtained by line-point conversion of the second line is transferred to the second line buffer LB2. When the line point conversion for the first line is completed and the storage in the first line buffer LB1 is completed, the point sequential image for the first line is divided into three in the main scanning direction from the first line buffer LB1 and output. When the line point conversion for the second line is completed and the storage to the second line buffer LB2 is completed, the dot sequential image for the second line is output in the same manner from the second line buffer LB2. Since both the line point conversion process and the divided output process can be performed at an image input speed or higher, the process can be performed without delay with respect to image data input.

  FIG. 7 shows an outline of writing the dot sequential image data output from the line point conversion 24 to the main memory 7. The bus controller 3 and the memory controller 4 are arranged so that the dot sequential data output from the line point conversion 24 of the image data processing device 2 by dividing the line into three in the main scanning direction and simultaneously outputting it as a continuous image of one line. Is written in a continuous area on the memory 7. That is, the memory control device 4 stores the dot-sequential image data that the divided output 33 divides the line unit by the number of colors 3 and outputs in parallel at consecutive memory addresses on the memory 7.

  FIG. 8 shows a path of image data when the original image read by the scanner 1 is converted into dot sequential image data and stored in the main memory 7 in the first embodiment.

  Please refer to FIG. 3 again. The input image data processing 2a of the image data processing device 2 can output R, G, B image data, which is image data for reading a document, to the standard input port Pin of the bus control device 3 in a line sequential manner. The data can be converted to dot sequential and output to the point sequential input port Pip of the bus control device 3.

  In this embodiment, the black-and-white copy setting is only for black bK image setting, so that line-sequential R, G, B image data for document reading is input from the input image data processing 2a to the standard of the bus controller 3. The bus controller 3 supplies the line-sequential image data supplied to the standard input port Pin to the input port Pin, and gives the color correction 262 of the output image data processing 2b from the standard output port Pon. That is, the image data for reading the original is not written in the main memory 7. However, in the case of the copy setting for one color, and in the case of the copy setting for a plurality of copies regardless of monochrome or color, the line-sequential R, G, B image data for document reading is bused from the input image data processing 2a. The data is output to the standard input port Pin of the control device 3, and the bus control device 3 performs primary compression, the memory control device 4 performs secondary compression, and writes to the main memory 7. As a result, the memory 7 stores compressed data obtained by primary and secondary compression of line sequential image data. Then, the compressed data is read from the memory 7 by the memory control device 4 and secondarily decompressed and output to the bus control device 3, and the first decompression is performed by the bus control device 3 and the color correction of the output image data processing 2b from the standard output port Pon. 262.

  As described above, in this embodiment, in the case of copying, the image data is transferred by “line sequential” which is a sequential method of image data output from the scanner 1. However, when registering in the HDD 8 and when exchanging (sending, receiving) image data with the outside (media, PC, facsimile, server, mobile,...) Through the network I / F 10 and the media I / F 11, The memory controller 4 is adapted to secondary compression / expansion, line surface conversion, line point conversion, surface line conversion, primary compression / expansion, and general purpose so that any of the field sequential, line sequential and point sequential can be adapted. It has the function of compression / decompression. The primary compression / decompression has the same function as the primary compression / decompression function provided in the bus control device 3. General-purpose compression / decompression is several types of general-purpose in the external (media, PC, facsimile, server, mobile,...) Industry.

  When image data is transferred to the outside (media, PC, facsimile, server, mobile phone,...), When the sequential method is designated from the outside, the sequential method image data is generated and transferred to the outside. . When the designation of the sequential method is unknown, the image data of the sequential method addressed to each external registered in the NVRAM of the operation board 6 is generated and transferred to the outside.

  FIG. 9 shows the setting method of the sequential method addressed to the external and HDD 8 registered in the NVRAM of the operation board 6. As described above, in the case of copying, image data is always transferred in line sequential order, and this cannot be changed. However, in the case of a distribution scanner that transmits image data read by the scanner 1 using a network I / F to a PC or the like, a method can be sequentially registered for each distribution address using the initial setting function of the operation board 6. Even when image data is registered in the HDD 8, the sequential method can be set using the initial setting function of the operation board 6. Similarly, in the case of media writing in which image data is transferred to various media read / write devices connected to the media I / F 11 and written to the media, the method can be sequentially set to various media read / write devices, and in the case of FAX (transmission). The system can be set sequentially for each destination.

  FIG. 10 shows the image processing control of the CPU 5 which is the main body of the system controller when an image output to the outside (media, PC, facsimile, server, mobile phone,...) Is instructed by user input to the operation board 6. The outline of is shown. When an instruction to transfer an original image is given (for example, in the case of a distribution scanner), the sequential method specified by the transfer destination (external) (if there is no specification, the destination address registered in the NVRAM of the operation board 6) (S1) is referred to (S1).

  When “line sequential” is designated as the sequential method, the image data read by the scanner 1 is primarily compressed by the bus control device 3 in the line sequential manner, and secondarily compressed by the memory control device 4 to store the memory. 7 is written (S2). The memory controller 4 decompresses the original line-sequential image data and writes it to the memory 7 (S3). Next, the image data in the memory 7 is read out line-sequentially by the memory control device 4, and subjected to general-purpose compression and transferred to the transfer destination (external) (S4).

  When “sequential” is designated as the sequential method, the image data read by the scanner 1 is converted to dot sequence by the line point conversion 24 of the image data processing device 2, and the bus control device 3 sets 1. Next compression, second compression by the memory control device 4 and writing to the memory 7 (S5). Then, the memory controller 4 decompresses the original dot sequential image data and writes it to the memory 7 (S6). Next, the memory controller 4 reads out the image data in the memory 7 dot-sequentially, performs general-purpose compression, and transfers it to the transfer destination (external) (S7).

  When “Sequential Sequential” is designated as the sequential method, the image data read by the scanner 1 is primarily compressed by the bus control device 3 in the line sequential manner and secondarily compressed by the memory control device 4 to be stored in the memory. 7 is written (S8). The memory controller 4 decompresses the original line-sequential image data and writes it to the memory 7 (S9). Next, the memory control device 4 converts the image data in the memory 7 into a plane sequence by line plane conversion, reads it, performs general-purpose compression, and transfers it to the transfer destination (external) (S10).

  In addition, when the original is not read by the scanner 1, an image registered in the HDD 8, an image received from the outside and written in the memory 7, or an image developed in the memory 7 is transferred to the outside. If the image data is line-sequential or dot-sequential, in step S4, S7 or S10, it is converted into the required sequential method and transferred to the outside. When the original image data is a frame sequential method, the memory control device 4 can read out line-sequentially by plane line conversion and transfer it to the outside.

  FIG. 11 shows image processing of the CPU 5 that is the main body of the system controller when an external (media, PC, facsimile, server, mobile phone,...) Image printout is instructed by user input to the operation board 6. The outline of control is shown. When printout is instructed, the compressed data of the image is decompressed (expanded) by the memory control device 4 and expanded in the memory 7 (S11). Next, the sequential method of the developed image data is referred to (S12).

  If it is line sequential, the memory controller 4 reads the image data from the memory 7 in line sequential, performs primary compression and sends it to the bus controller 3, and the bus controller 3 performs primary decompression to produce the image in line sequential. The data is output to the color correction 26 of the data processing device 2. The image data processing device 2 outputs the recording color Y, M, C, and bK image data to the printer 12 line-sequentially from the output data processing 2b (S13).

  In the case of dot sequential, the memory controller 4 reads out the image data from the memory 7 in a dot sequential manner, converts the image data into the plane sequential, writes it in the memory 7, reads it out in a line sequential manner by plane line conversion, and performs primary compression. The data is sent to the bus control device 3, and the bus control device 3 performs primary expansion and outputs it to the image data processing device 2 in a line sequential manner. The image data processing device 2 outputs the recording color Y, M, C, and bK image data to the printer 12 line-sequentially from the output image data processing 2b (S14).

  In the case of frame sequential, the memory control device 4 reads out the image data from the memory 7 in a line sequential manner by plane line conversion, performs primary compression, and sends it to the bus control device 3. Next decompressed and output to the color correction 26 of the image data processing apparatus 2 in a line sequential manner. The image data processing device 2 outputs the recording color Y, M, C, and bK image data to the printer 12 line-sequentially from the output data processing 2b (S15).

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, the line point conversion 24 is changed to the line unit input / output shown in FIG. Other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. The point-sequential conversion 31 of the line-point conversion 24 in FIG. 12 converts the input line-sequential image data into dot-sequential, and sequentially converts the line-sequential point-sequential image to the line buffers LB12, LB22, LB32 line by line. To store. During the three-line input period, the line output 37 outputs the dot sequential image data of the line buffers LB11, LB21, and LB31 in parallel. Next, the line sequential dot sequential images converted by the dot sequential conversion 31 are stored in the line buffers LB11, LB21, and LB31 sequentially for each line. During the three-line input period, the line output 37 outputs the dot sequential image data of the line buffers LB12, LB22, and LB32 in parallel.

  FIG. 13 shows the timing of a series of operations of the second embodiment. First, line point conversion is sequentially performed on an image of the first line of RGB three colors input in line order, and is written into the line buffer LB11. Subsequently, the image obtained by converting the second line into the line point is written into the line buffer LB21. An image obtained by converting the third line into a line point is written into the line buffer LB31. When the point-sequential image of the third line is stored in the line buffer LB31, the point-sequential images of the first line, the second line, and the third line are simultaneously output from the head of each line buffer. In the output period of these three lines, line point conversion is sequentially performed on the image of the fourth line of RGB three colors input line-sequentially and is written into the line buffer LB12. Subsequently, the image obtained by line-point conversion of the fifth line is written into the line buffer LB22. The image obtained by converting the sixth line into a line point is written into the line buffer LB32.

  In the second embodiment, the dot sequential line output of the preceding three lines can be performed within the three line input period to the line point conversion 24.

1 is a front view showing an appearance of a multi-function copying machine MF1 that is a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system of the multifunction copying machine MF1 illustrated in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the function of the image data processing apparatus 2 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of an operation board 6 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the line point conversion 24 shown in FIG. 6 is a time chart showing image data input / output timing of the line point conversion 24 shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing a storage position on the memory of dot sequential image data output from the line point conversion shown in FIG. 5. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, an image when line sequential R, G, B image data output in parallel by the scanner 1 is converted into dot sequential image data by the image data processing device 2 and stored in the memory 7. It is a block diagram which shows the flow of data. 3 is a chart showing a sequential method corresponding to an image data transfer destination in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of image processing control in which the CPU 5 shown in FIG. 2 transfers image data to the HDD 8 or to the outside via the media I / F 11 or the network I / F 10. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of image processing control in which the CPU 5 shown in FIG. 2 receives image data from the HDD 8 or from the outside via the media I / F 11 or the network I / F 10 and prints it out with the printer 12. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the line point conversion 24 of 2nd Example. 13 is a time chart showing image data input / output timing of the line point conversion 24 shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the sequential system of image data, (a) shows a frame sequential system, (b) shows a line sequential system, (c) shows a dot sequential system. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a conventional image processing system that converts line-sequential image data into dot-sequential image data. The CPU 5 performs memory read / write control using the memory control device 4 to convert line-sequential or plane-sequential image data. An aspect of conversion to dot sequential image data is shown.

Explanation of symbols

MF1: Multifunction copier PBX: Switch PN: Telephone line 8: HDD
Pip: dot sequential input port Pin: standard input port Pon: standard output port Pop: dot sequential output port 61: liquid crystal touch panel

Claims (10)

A color image data correction unit and a line point conversion unit are provided, and the color-by-color image data of the pixels on the line that are input in parallel by color by line are corrected by the correction unit and the line point conversion by the line point conversion unit. An input image data processing device having a function of performing dot-sequential output;
Memory means; and
Image transfer control means for storing dot sequential image data output from the input image data processing device in the memory means and reading the data sequentially from the memory means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: A color image data correction means and a line point conversion means, the color-by-color image data of the pixels on the line input in parallel by color-by-color line-sequentially, the function to correct by the correction means, and to output by color-by-line line-sequentially; An input image data processing device having a function of performing the correction by the correction unit and the line point conversion by the line point conversion unit and outputting in a dot-sequential manner;
Memory means; and
Image transfer control means for storing line-sequential or dot-sequential image data output from the input image data processing device in the memory means and reading them from the memory means in a line-sequential or dot-sequential manner;
An image processing apparatus comprising: A printer that forms an image represented by the recording color image data on paper; and
A color correction function for converting the line-sequential color-by-color image data into recording color image data for the printer; the line-by-color line-sequential image data is converted to the recording color image data; An output image data processing device for outputting,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image transfer control means has a function of outputting line sequential image data stored in the memory means to the output image data processing apparatus. A printer that forms an image represented by the recording color image data on paper; and
A color correction function for converting the line-sequential color-by-color image data into recording color image data for the printer; the line-by-color line-sequential image data is converted to the recording color image data; An output image data processing device having a function of outputting;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image transfer control unit has a function of reading line-sequential or frame-sequential image data from the memory unit and outputting the data to the output image data processing apparatus.   5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image transfer control unit has a function of reading dot sequential image data stored in the memory unit and transmitting the image data to the outside. A color image data correction means and a line point conversion means, the color-by-color image data of the pixels on the line input in parallel by color-by-color line-sequentially, the function to correct by the correction means, and to output by color-by-line line-sequentially; An input image data processing device having a function of performing the correction by the correction unit and the line point conversion by the line point conversion unit and outputting in a dot-sequential manner;
Memory means;
A printer that forms an image represented by the recording color image data on paper;
A color correction function for converting the color image data into recording color image data for the printer; and a function for converting the line-by-color line-sequential image data into the recording color image data and outputting the line-sequential image data to the printer. Having an output image data processing device; and
Image transfer control means for storing line-sequential or dot-sequential image data output by the input image data processing apparatus in the memory means, reading out from the memory means, and outputting the output image data processing apparatus or outside;
An image processing apparatus comprising:   7. The image according to claim 1, further comprising: an image reading unit that generates color-specific image data of pixels on a line on an image plane and outputs the data to the input image data processing device in order of color-specific lines. Processing equipment.   The line-point conversion means is a point-sequential conversion means for converting color-by-color image data of pixels on a line inputted in parallel by color-by-color to point-sequential image data, and temporarily stores the point-sequential image data in line units. The color image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a buffer memory that divides the line unit by a number for each color from the buffer memory and outputs the divided unit in parallel.   9. The image transfer control means stores the point-sequential image data that the division output means divides line units by the number of colors and outputs them in parallel at successive memory addresses on the memory; Color image processing device.   The line-point conversion means is a point-sequential conversion means for converting color-by-color image data of pixels on a line inputted in parallel by color-by-color to point-sequential image data, and sequentially converts the point-sequential image data in line units. The color image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a buffer memory that stores a plurality of lines; and a line output unit that outputs the plurality of lines in parallel from the buffer memory.

Images