JP2009071675A - Image processor, program, and image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor excellent in expandability inexpensively, and to provide a program and an image processing method. <P>SOLUTION: When an HDD 122 and a second image data processor 121 are connected, a control part 103a applies image processing that does not depend upon the characteristic of a writing device 106 to read digital image data by a first image data processor 102, generates reusable digital image data, stores the generated digital image data in the HDD 122, acquires the digital image data from the HDD 122 in accordance with an output instruction to the writing device 106, applies image processing corresponding to the characteristic of the writing device 106 to the acquired digital image data by a second image data processor 121, generates output data and transfers the output data to the writing device 106. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a program, and an image processing method, such as a digital multifunction peripheral (MFP) that combines functions of a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer, a scanner, and the like.

  In recent years, in digital multi-function peripherals (MFPs), digital image data is stored and stored in a hard disk device provided inside the MFP, and when the information is needed, it is increasingly used for re-output. ing.

  However, when the image data stored and stored in the hard disk device provided in the MFP is output again, it often happens that the time has elapsed since the data storage and storage, and the re-output operator's The situation, that is, demands / needs are often changing, and problems / problems have arisen that the demands / needs cannot be changed.

  For example, when using the copy function, the image data stored in the hard disk device provided in the MFP may be greatly different in image quality when sent by fax, or the productivity may be significantly reduced. .

  In addition, when the copy function is used, two A4 originals are aggregated on one A4 transfer sheet, and image data stored in a hard disk device provided in the MFP is transferred to two A4 originals on an A4 transfer sheet. Even when plotting two sheets, there is a problem that the image quality is greatly different or the productivity is remarkably reduced.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1, second image processing means for performing image processing on image data stored and saved in a hard disk device provided in the MFP is provided.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-111988

  However, although the technique described in Patent Document 1 can be applied to an MFP with low cost restrictions such as a high-productivity, high-quality, and multifunctional large-scale MFP, a hard disk device and a plurality of image processing means Therefore, there is a problem that it cannot be applied to a small-sized MFP that can easily use the functions of a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer, and a scanner and that can be manufactured at low cost.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and can expand the storage unit and the second image processing unit according to the user's request. Therefore, the image processing apparatus and the program are excellent in expandability at low cost. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image processing method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is an image reading means for obtaining image data obtained by reading a document and digitizing the image, and performing image processing on the read image data. A first image processing unit; a storage unit for storing the image data subjected to image processing by the first image processing unit; and the image data stored in the storage unit for receiving the image data. A second image processing unit that performs image processing different from the above, a control unit that can be connected, a receiving unit that receives an output instruction for the image data, and at least one or more that outputs the image data in response to receiving the output instruction Output means, and when the storage unit and the second image processing means are connected, the control means outputs the image data by the first image processing means. The image data that is not dependent on the characteristics of the means is generated to generate reusable image data, the generated image data is stored in the storage unit, and the acquired image data in accordance with an output instruction to a desired output means On the other hand, the second image processing means performs image processing according to the characteristics of the output means to generate output data and pass it to the output means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, when the storage unit and the second image processing unit are further connected, the control unit further includes the second image processing unit. The output data is generated by performing image processing for deleting a part of the image area of the image data.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means further includes the second image processing means when the storage section and the second image processing means are connected. The output data is generated by performing image processing for adding a new image area to the image area of the image data.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the control unit further includes the first unit when the storage unit and the second image processing unit are connected. The output data is generated by performing image processing for masking a part of an image area of the image data by a two-image processing means.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the control means further includes the storage section and the second image processing means when the storage section and the second image processing means are connected. The output data is generated by performing image processing for performing mirror image conversion on the image of the image data by two-image processing means.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising display means for displaying the image data, wherein the control means further includes the storage unit and the second unit. When an image processing unit is connected, the first image processing unit performs image processing according to the characteristics of the display unit on the image data to generate image data that can be displayed on the display unit. The obtained image data is displayed on the display means.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading means for obtaining image data obtained by electronically reading a document, a first image processing means for performing image processing on the read image data, and the first A storage unit that stores the image data that has undergone image processing in one image processing step; and a second unit that receives the image data stored in the storage unit and performs image processing different from the first image processing unit. An image processing unit, a control unit that can be connected, a reception unit that receives an output instruction for the image data, and an output unit that outputs the image data in response to the reception of the output instruction. In the case where the storage unit and the second image processing unit are connected, image processing that does not depend on the characteristics of the output unit is performed on the image data by the first image processing unit. To generate reusable image data, store the generated image data in the storage unit, and in response to an output instruction to a desired output unit, the second image processing unit for the acquired image data Thus, image processing corresponding to the characteristics of the output means is performed to generate output data, which is passed to the output means.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the image reading means obtains image data obtained by electronically reading a document, and the first image processing means performs image processing on the read image data. A first image processing step to be applied; and a control unit that receives the image data that has been subjected to the image processing in the first image processing step; and the image data stored in the storage unit; A control step for connecting a second image processing unit for performing image processing different from the first image processing unit, a receiving step for receiving an output instruction for the image data on which the image processing has been performed, and at least one The above output means includes an output step of outputting the image data in response to reception of an output instruction, and the control step includes the storage unit and the storage unit. When the second image processing means is connected, the image data is subjected to image processing independent of the characteristics of the output means by the first image processing means to generate reusable image data. The stored image data is stored in the storage unit, and in response to an output instruction to a desired output unit, the acquired image data is subjected to image processing according to characteristics of the output unit by the second image processing unit. Output data is generated and passed to the output means.

  According to the present invention, the storage unit and the second image processing unit can be connected to the control unit, and when the storage unit and the second image processing unit are connected, the control unit is connected to the image data. Since the first image processing means performs image processing independent of the characteristics of the output means to generate reusable image data, the storage unit and the second image processing means can be expanded in response to a user request. As a result, it is possible to provide an apparatus that is low in cost and excellent in expandability.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image processing apparatus, a program, and an image processing method according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, as an image processing apparatus, a copy function, a facsimile (FAX) function, a printer function, and a function of distributing an input image (read original image or image input by a printer or FAX function) are combined. An example in which a digital color multifunction peripheral, which is a multifunction peripheral, is applied will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a digital color multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment. A digital color MFP 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a reading device 101 as an image reading device, a first image data processing device 102, a bus control device 120, a second image data processing device 121, and an HDD (Hard as a memory device). Disk Drive) 122, CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103, memory 104, writing device 106 as an image forming apparatus (image processing unit), writing I / F device 105 as an interface device, operation display device 107, and interface device. The line I / F device 108, the external I / F device 109 as an interface device, the S.F. B. (South Bridge) 110, ROM (Read Only Memory) 111, SD card slot 116, and the like.

  The reading apparatus 101 includes a line sensor composed of a CCD photoelectric conversion element, an A / D converter, and a drive circuit thereof. A digital image of RGB each having 8 bits is obtained from grayscale information obtained by scanning a set original. Generate and output data.

  The first image data processing device 102 performs image processing on the digital image data output from the reading device 101. Specifically, the first image data processing apparatus 102 performs image processing according to predetermined characteristics on the digital image data to generate reusable image data. Alternatively, the first image data processing device 102 performs image processing corresponding to the characteristics of the output device on the digital image data to generate output data.

  Here, the predetermined characteristic is a characteristic for generating reusable digital image data that does not depend on the output device. The characteristics of the output device are characteristics that allow image conversion by the output device. Here, the output device refers to, for example, the writing device 106, the FAX device 112, the PC 113, the MFP 114, and the like.

  The bus control device 120 is a data bus control device that exchanges various data such as image data and control commands necessary in the digital color multifunction peripheral 100, and also has a bridge function between a plurality of types of bus standards. . In the bus control device 120 according to the present embodiment, the second image data processing device 121 and the CPU 103 are connected by a PCI-Express bus, and the HDD 122 is connected by an ATA bus. Note that the bus control device 120 and the second image data processing device 102 according to the present embodiment are mounted on an integrated circuit integrated on a single chip and formed into an ASIC.

  The HDD 122 is a large-sized storage device for storing electronic data that is also used in personal computers and the like. In the digital color multi-function peripheral 100, digital image data and accompanying information of the digital image data (for example, processing mode, etc.) are mainly used. ) Is memorized. The HDD 122 according to the present embodiment is configured to be connectable to the bus control device 120 and stores image data that has been subjected to image processing by the first image data processing device 102. In this embodiment, an ATA bus connection hard disk standardized by expanding IDE is used.

  The second image data processing device 121 is configured to be connectable to the bus control device 120, receives the digital image data stored in the HDD 122, and is the first image data processing device 102 for the digital image data. Apply different image processing. Specifically, the second image data processing device 121 performs output image processing on the digital image data according to the characteristics of the output device specified by the user.

  The ROM 111 is a memory that stores various programs (including boots) when the CPU 103 controls the digital color multifunction peripheral 100.

  Further, the ROM 111 stores characteristic parameters corresponding to predetermined characteristics and characteristic parameters corresponding to the characteristics of the output device. Here, the characteristic parameter is a value for setting the operation of each unit included in each image data processing apparatus, and is, for example, a filter parameter, a color conversion parameter, a scaling parameter, a gradation parameter, or the like. In the present embodiment, a characteristic parameter corresponding to a predetermined characteristic is set as a characteristic parameter A. A characteristic parameter corresponding to the characteristic of the output device is defined as a characteristic parameter B. The characteristic parameter B is assumed to have a parameter with a different value for each output device.

  The CPU 103 is a microprocessor that controls the entire control of the digital color multifunction peripheral 100. In the present embodiment, an integrated CPU in which a + α function is added to a single CPU core that has been popular in recent years is used. In this embodiment, a CPU in which a connection function with a general-purpose standard I / F and a bus connection function using a crossbar switch are integrated is used.

  Here, among the functions that the various programs stored in the ROM 111 cause the CPU 103 to execute, the characteristic functions provided in the digital color multifunction peripheral 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

  The CPU 103 implements the control unit 103a by following a program stored in the ROM 111.

  The control unit 103a performs image processing performed on the digital image data by the first image data processing device 102 and the second image data processing device 121 based on whether or not the bus control device 120 is connected, and the digital image to the HDD 122. Controls data storage and output data output.

  Specifically, when the bus control device 120 is connected, the control unit 103a performs image processing according to characteristics predetermined by the first image data processing device 102 on the read digital image data. Thus, reusable digital image data is generated, and the generated image data is stored in the HDD 122. Then, the control unit 103a acquires digital image data from the HDD 122 according to the output instruction to the output device received by the operation display device 107, and the second image data processing device 121 performs the acquired digital image data on the acquired digital image data. Image processing is performed according to the characteristics of the output device to generate output data, which is passed to the output device.

  On the other hand, when the bus control device 120 is not connected, the control unit 103a performs image processing on the read digital image data according to the characteristics of the output device by the first image data processing device 102, and outputs the output data. Is generated and passed to the output device.

  Note that the control unit 103a according to the present embodiment converts the characteristic parameters stored in the ROM 111 into the first image data processing device 102 and the second image data based on whether or not the bus control device 120 is connected. By setting in the processing device 121, image processing in the first image data processing device 102 and the second image data processing device 121 is controlled.

  That is, when the bus control device 120 is connected, the control unit 103a sets the characteristic parameter A in the first image data processing device 102 and sets the characteristic parameter B in the second image data processing device 121. . On the other hand, when the bus control device 120 is not connected, the control unit 103a sets the characteristic parameter B in the first image data processing device 102. Thereby, the control unit 103a controls image processing performed in each image data control apparatus.

  The memory 104 stores data that is temporarily exchanged in order to absorb the speed difference when bridging between multiple types of bus standards and the processing speed difference of the connected components themselves, It is a volatile memory that temporarily stores programs and intermediate processing data when the machine 100 is controlled. Therefore, the CPU 103 can freely read / write output data from / to the memory 104.

  Since the CPU 103 is required to perform high-speed processing, the system is activated by a boot program stored in the ROM 111 during normal activation, and thereafter, the processing is performed by a program developed in the memory 104 that can be accessed at high speed. In the present embodiment, a DIMM used in a standardized personal computer is used.

  When the write I / F device 105 receives output data composed of CMYK sent via the general-purpose standard I / F integrated with the CPU 103, the write I / F device 105 performs a bus bridge process for outputting to the dedicated I / F of the write device 106. The general-purpose standard I / F used in this embodiment is a PCI-Express bus.

  When the writing device 106 receives the output data composed of CMYK, the writing device 106 outputs the output data received on the transfer paper using an electrophotographic process using a laser beam.

  S. B. Reference numeral 110 denotes one of chip sets used for a personal computer, which is a general-purpose electronic device called South Bridge. Mainly, a bus bridge function often used for constructing a CPU system including a PCI-Express and an ISA bridge is formed as a general-purpose circuit, and in this embodiment, the ROM 111 is bridged. .

  The operation display device 107 is a part that performs a user interface with the digital color multifunction peripheral 100. The operation display device 107 detects an input instruction from a user and an LCD for displaying various states and operation methods of the image processing apparatus 100. And a switch group. For example, the operation display device 107 receives an instruction to output digital image data, designation of at least one output device, or the like. The operation display device 107 is connected to the CPU 103 via a PCI-Express bus.

  Further, when the bus control device 120 is connected to the CPU 103, the operation display device 107 is reusable generated by performing image processing according to predetermined characteristics by the first image data processing device 102. Display digital image data.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the operation display device 107 according to the present embodiment. The operation display device 107 includes an operation display control circuit 201, an LCD circuit 202, and a switch circuit 203.

  The operation display control circuit 201 is a circuit that controls the exchange between the CPU 103, the LCD circuit 202, and the switch circuit 203. Specifically, in accordance with a display command instructed by the CPU 103, the LCD circuit 202 is driven so as to display the content instructed on the LCD, an input from the switch circuit 203 is detected, and which switch is operated in what manner. The CPU 103 is notified of information indicating whether it has been done.

  The LCD circuit 202 is a circuit for driving the LCD, and displays various information for the user in accordance with instructions from the operation display control circuit 201. The LCD circuit 202 can display RGB image data.

  The switch circuit 203 detects an operation of a key switch group including various processing mode setting keys, numeric keys, a start key, and notifies the operation display control circuit 201 of the information. Further, the switch circuit 203 detects the operation of the key switch group and notifies the operation display control circuit 201 of the selection of the processing mode described above.

  The line I / F device 108 is a device for connecting a PCI-Express bus and a telephone line. The line I / F device 108 enables the digital color multifunction peripheral 100 to exchange various data with the FAX 112 that is an image output device (image processing unit) via a telephone line. The FAX 112 is a normal facsimile, and exchanges digital image data and the like with the digital color multifunction peripheral 100 via a telephone line.

  The external I / F device 109 is a device that connects the PC 113 and the MFF 114 that are image output devices (image processing units) such as a PCI-Express bus and a personal computer. With this external I / F device 109, the digital color MFP 100 can exchange various data with the PC 113 and the MFP 114. In this embodiment, a network (Ethernet (registered trademark)) is used for the connection I / F. That is, the digital color multifunction peripheral 100 is connected to the network via the external I / F device 109. The PC 113 and the MFP 114 perform various controls and input / output of image data with respect to the digital color multifunction peripheral 100 via installed application software and drivers. The external I / F circuit unit 109 connects to the SD card memory 115 via the SD card slot 116.

  The PC 113 is a so-called personal computer. A user performs various controls and input / output of digital image data and the like with respect to the digital color multifunction peripheral 100 via application software and drivers installed in the personal computer.

  The MFP 114 is another image processing apparatus that exists on the network.

  The SD card memory 115 is an external medium and records various electronic data including various electronic data including digital image data. In this embodiment, the SD card memory is applied as the external medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a memory device such as a compact flash (registered trademark) card may be used.

  Next, a process for outputting image data obtained by scanning a document, which is a characteristic process in the digital color multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment, will be described.

(Copy operation)
First, the operation process for the copy process will be described. When a user sets a document on the reading device 101 and inputs a setting of a desired mode and the like and input of a copy operation start to the operation display device 107, the operation display device 107 converts the information input by the user into a digital color multifunction peripheral. 100 is converted into control command data for starting copying and issued. The issued copy start control command data is notified to the CPU 103 via the PCI-Express bus.

  The CPU 103 executes the program stored in the ROM 111 in accordance with the copy start control command data, and sequentially performs settings and operations necessary for the copy operation. The operation process is described below in order.

  The RGB 8-bit digital image data obtained by scanning the document with the reading device 101 is subjected to image processing by the first image data processing device 102. Note that the control unit 103a sets a characteristic parameter in each image data processing device based on whether or not the bus control device 120 is connected before the reading of the document by the reading device 101 is started. .

  First, image processing of the first image data processing device 102 when the bus control device 120 is not connected will be described. When the bus control device 120 is not connected, the control unit 103b sets the characteristic parameter B in the first image data processing device 102, and the first image data processing device 102 applies the read digital image data to the control unit 103b. Image data corresponding to the characteristics of the writing device 106 is applied to generate output data.

  FIG. 3 is a processing block diagram of the first image processing apparatus 102. As shown in FIG. 3, the first image data processing apparatus 102 includes a filter processing unit 301, a color conversion unit 302, a scaling processing unit 303, and a gradation processing unit 304.

  The filter processing unit 301 corrects the sharpness of the RGB image data so that the reproducibility when output to the writing device 106 is improved. Specifically, sharpening / smoothing processing is performed according to desired mode information. For example, in the character mode, a sharpening process is performed to make the character clear / clear, and in the photo mode, a smoothing process is performed to smoothly express gradation. The conversion method in the present embodiment employs a known three-dimensional lookup method.

  When the color conversion unit 302 receives 8-bit RGB data, the color conversion unit 302 converts the data into 8-bit CMYK, which is a color space for the writing device 106. At this time, the saturation is also adjusted according to the mode information desired by the user.

  The scaling processing unit 303 performs size (resolution) conversion according to the reproduction performance of the writing device 106 with respect to the size (resolution) of the CMYK image data. In the present embodiment, since the performance of both the reading device 101 and the writing device 106 is 600 dpi output, no particular conversion is performed.

  When the gradation processing unit 304 receives 8 bits for each of CMYK, the gradation processing unit 304 performs gradation number conversion processing according to the gradation processing capability of the writing device 106. In this embodiment, the number of gradations is converted into 2 bits for each of CMYK using an error diffusion method which is one of pseudo halftone processes.

  When output data is generated by the first image data processing apparatus 102, the control unit 103a receives the generated output data and temporarily stores it in the memory 104. The output data accumulated in the memory 104 is output to the writing device 106 via the writing I / F device 105, and a copy of the document is generated.

  Next, the image processing of the first image data processing device 102 and the second image data processing device 121 when the bus control device 120 is connected will be described. When the bus control device 120 is connected, the control unit 103a sets the characteristic parameter A in the first image data processing device 102 and sets the characteristic parameter B in the second image data processing device 121. .

  The first image data processing apparatus 102 and the second image data processing apparatus 121 are configured by processing blocks similar to the processing blocks shown in FIG. In the following description, processing that is different from the processing of each processing block of the first image data processing device 101 shown in FIG. 3 will be described for the first image data processing device 102 and the second image data processing device 121.

  First, the first image data processing apparatus 102 will be described with reference to FIG. The filter processing unit 301 unifies the sharpness of the RGB image data to a predetermined characteristic. The color conversion unit 302 unifies the colors of the RGB image data with predetermined characteristics. In the present embodiment, conversion is performed so that the color space becomes a standard color space, for example, a general-purpose sRGB color space. The scaling processing unit 303 unifies the size (resolution) of the RGB image data with predetermined characteristics. The gradation processing unit 304 does not perform gradation number conversion.

  When digital image data that can be reused by the first image data processing device 102 is generated by the above-described processing, the control unit 103a receives the generated digital image data and receives the digital image data via the bus control device 120. Data is stored in the HDD 122. Then, the control unit 103a acquires digital image data stored in the HDD 122 according to the output instruction received by the operation display device 107, and the second image data processing device 121 performs image processing on the acquired digital image data. Apply processing.

  When the control unit 103a generates reusable digital image data by the first image data processing device 102, the control unit 103a passes the generated digital image data to the operation display device 107 and operates the digital image data as a preview image. It is also possible to display on the display device 107. In this case, the control unit 103a sets a characteristic parameter for conversion into digital image data that can be displayed on the operation display device 107 in the first image data processing device 102.

  Next, the second image data processing apparatus 121 will be described with reference to FIG. The filter processing unit 301 corrects the sharpness of the RGB image data so that the reproducibility when output to the writing device 106 is improved. When the color conversion unit 302 receives 8-bit RGB data, the color conversion unit 302 converts the data into 8-bit CMYK, which is a color space for the writing device 106. The scaling processing unit 303 does not perform any conversion because the performance of both the reading device 101 and the writing device 106 is 600 dpi output. When the gradation processing unit 304 receives 8 bits for each CMYK, it converts the number of gradations into 2 bits for each CMYK using an error diffusion method which is one of pseudo halftone processes according to the gradation processing capability of the writing device 106.

  Note that when the output data is generated by the second image data processing apparatus 102 by the above-described processing, the control unit 103 a receives the generated output data and temporarily stores it in the memory 104. The output data accumulated in the memory 104 is output to the writing device 106 via the writing I / F device 105, and a copy of the document is generated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the bus control device 120 can be connected to the CPU 103, and when the bus control device 120 is connected, the CPU 103 reads the first digital image data. The image data processing device 102 performs image processing independent of the characteristics of the writing device 106 to generate reusable image data, so that the HDD 122 and the second image data processing according to the user's request Since the device 121 can be expanded, it is possible to provide a device with low cost and excellent expandability.

  In addition, according to this embodiment, when digital image data is to be output to a plurality of writing devices 106, or when digital image data that has been subjected to image processing is output to another output device at a later date, the digital image data is regenerated. When the user wants to use the digital image data stored in the HDD 122, the digital image data can be output to the second image data processing device 121 and image processing can be performed. Since it is not necessary to perform image processing by the data processing apparatus 102, the digital color multifunction peripheral 100 can be used with more various variations.

(Transmission process)
Next, digital image data transmission processing will be described. When the user sets a document on the reading device 101 and inputs a setting of a desired mode and the like and input of transmission start to the operation display device 107, the operation display device 107 converts the information input from the user into the digital color multifunction peripheral 100. It is converted into internal transmission start control command data and issued. The issued transmission start control command data is notified to the CPU 103 via the PCI-Express bus.

  The CPU 103 executes a transmission process program in accordance with the transmission start control command data, and sequentially performs settings and operations necessary for the transmission operation. The operation process is described below in order.

  The RGB 8-bit digital image data obtained by scanning the document with the reading device 101 is subjected to image processing by the first image data processing device 102. Note that, similarly to the copy operation, the control unit 103a sets a characteristic parameter in each image data processing device based on whether or not the bus control device 120 is connected before the reading of the document by the reading device 101 is started. .

  First, image processing of the first image data processing device 102 when the bus control device 120 is not connected will be described. When the bus control device 120 is not connected, the control unit 103a sets the characteristic parameter B in the first image data processing device 102, and the first image data processing device 102 uses the image according to the characteristics of the PC 113. Processing is performed to generate output data.

  Note that the first image data processing apparatus 102 is configured by processing blocks similar to the processing blocks shown in FIG. In the following description, processing that is different from the processing blocks of the first image data processing apparatus 101 shown in FIG.

  The filter processing unit 301 corrects the sharpness of the RGB image data. When the color conversion unit 302 receives 8-bit RGB data, since the RGB full color is designated from the PC 113, the color conversion is not performed. The scaling processing unit 303 converts the size (resolution) of the digital image data into a size (resolution) transmitted / received by the PC 113. In the present embodiment, main scanning is converted to 200 dpi × sub-scanning: 100 dpi. When receiving the RGB 8 bits, the gradation processing unit 304 performs gradation number conversion processing according to the gradation processing capability transmitted / received by the PC 113. In the present embodiment, gradation processing is not performed because the PC 113 designates RGB full color.

  When output data is generated by the first image data processing apparatus 102, the control unit 103a receives the generated output data and temporarily stores it in the memory 104. The output data accumulated in the memory 104 is transmitted to the PC 113 via the external I / F device 109.

  Next, the image processing of the first image data processing device 102 and the second image data processing device 121 when the bus control device 120 is connected will be described. When the bus control device 120 is connected, the control unit 103a sets the characteristic parameter A in the first image data processing device 102 and sets the characteristic parameter B in the second image data processing device 121. . The first image data processing device 102 and the second image data processing device 121 are configured by processing blocks similar to the processing blocks shown in FIG. In the following description, processing different from the first image data processing apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 3 will be described for the first image data processing apparatus 102 and the second image data processing apparatus 121.

  First, the first image data processing apparatus 102 will be described with reference to FIG. The filter processing unit 301 unifies the sharpness of the RGB image data to a predetermined characteristic. The color conversion unit 302 unifies the colors of the RGB image data with predetermined characteristics. In the present embodiment, conversion is performed so that the color space becomes a standard color space, for example, a general-purpose sRGB color space. The scaling processing unit 303 unifies the size (resolution) of the RGB image data with predetermined characteristics. In the present embodiment, since the performance of both the reading device 101 and the writing device 106 is 600 dpi output, no particular conversion is performed. The gradation processing unit 304 does not perform gradation number conversion.

  Thereafter, when digital image data that can be reused by the first image data processing apparatus 102 is generated by the above-described processing, the control unit 103a stores the generated digital image data in the HDD 122. The digital image data stored in the HDD 122 is subjected to image processing according to the characteristics of the PC 113 by the second image data processing device 121. The reusable digital image data generated by the first image data processing device 102 can be displayed as a preview image on the operation display device 107 by the same processing as the copying operation.

  Next, the second image data processing apparatus 121 will be described with reference to FIG. The filter processing unit 301 corrects the sharpness of the RGB image data. When the color conversion unit 302 receives 8-bit RGB data, since the RGB full color is designated from the PC 113, the color conversion is not performed. The scaling processing unit 303 converts the size (resolution) of the digital image data into a size (resolution) transmitted / received by the PC 113. In the present embodiment, main scanning is converted to 200 dpi × sub-scanning: 100 dpi. When receiving the RGB 8 bits, the gradation processing unit 304 performs gradation number conversion processing according to the gradation processing capability transmitted / received by the PC 113. In the present embodiment, gradation processing is not performed because the PC 113 designates RGB full color.

  When the output data is generated by the second image data processing device 121 by the above-described processing, the control unit 103a receives the generated output data and temporarily stores it in the memory 104. The output data accumulated in the memory 104 is transmitted to the PC 113 via the external I / F device 109.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the bus control device 120 can be connected to the CPU 103, and when the bus control device 120 is connected, the CPU 103 reads the first digital image data. The image data processing apparatus 102 performs image processing independent of the characteristics of the PC 113 to generate reusable image data, so that the HDD 122 and the second image data processing apparatus 121 according to the user's request are generated. Therefore, it is possible to provide a device with low cost and excellent expandability.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, when it is desired to output digital image data to a plurality of PCs 113, or when digital image data once subjected to image processing is output to another output device at a later date, it is desired to reuse the digital image data. In this case, since the digital image data stored in the HDD 122 can be output to the second image data processing device 121 and image processing can be performed, the document is read again by the reading device 101 and the first image data processing is performed. Since it is not necessary to perform image processing by the apparatus 102, the digital color multifunction peripheral 100 can be used with more various variations.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing configurations of the first image data processing apparatus 102 and the second image data processing apparatus 121 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The first image data processing apparatus 102 and the second image data processing apparatus 121 according to the first embodiment described above are different in that an area deletion unit 401 is added. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The area deleting unit 401 deletes a part of the image area of the image indicated by the digital image data subjected to the gradation processing by the gradation processing unit 304. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a process of deleting a part of the image area. As shown in FIG. 5, the area deletion unit 401 deletes the hatched portion of the image from the digital image data before processing.

  When the bus control device 120 is connected, the control unit 103a according to the present embodiment sets a value for setting the operation of the region deletion unit 401 in the first image data processing device 102 (hereinafter referred to as a region deletion parameter). Is set, and the second image data processing apparatus 121 is set with a characteristic parameter B including an area deletion parameter. On the other hand, when the bus control device 120 is not connected, the control unit 103a sets the characteristic parameter B including the region deletion parameter in the first image data processing device 102.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when digital image data is to be output to a plurality of output devices, or when digital image data subjected to image processing is output to another output device at a later date, digital image data is When it is desired to reuse the digital image data stored in the HDD 122, the digital image data can be output to the second image data processing device 121 and the region deletion process can be performed. Since the image data processing apparatus 102 does not need to perform area deletion processing, the digital color multifunction peripheral 100 can be used with more various variations.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing configurations of the first image data processing apparatus 102 and the second image data processing apparatus 121 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The first image data processing apparatus 102 and the second image data processing apparatus 121 according to the first embodiment described above are different in that an area adding unit 601 is added. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The area adding unit 601 adds an image area to the image indicated by the digital image data subjected to the gradation processing by the gradation processing unit 304. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing processing for adding an image region. As shown in FIG. 7, the area adding unit 601 adds a white area image to the digital image data before processing.

  When the bus control device 120 is connected, the control unit 103b according to the present embodiment sets a value for setting the operation of the region adding unit 601 in the first image data processing device 102 (hereinafter referred to as a region addition parameter). The characteristic parameter A that does not include the area is set, and the characteristic parameter B that includes the area addition parameter is set in the second image data processing apparatus 121. On the other hand, when the bus control device 120 is not connected, the control unit 103b sets the characteristic parameter B including the region addition parameter in the first image data processing device 102.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when digital image data is to be output to a plurality of output devices, or when digital image data subjected to image processing is output to another output device at a later date, digital image data is When it is desired to reuse the digital image data stored in the HDD 122, the digital image data is output to the second image data processing device 121, and the region addition processing can be performed. Therefore, the digital color multifunction peripheral 100 can be used in a wider variety of variations.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing configurations of the first image data processing apparatus 102 and the second image data processing apparatus 121 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The first image data processing apparatus 102 and the second image data processing apparatus 121 according to the first embodiment described above are different in that a mask unit 801 is added. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The mask unit 801 masks a part of the image indicated by the digital image data subjected to the gradation processing by the gradation processing unit 304. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing processing for masking an image. As shown in FIG. 9, the mask unit 801 masks a part of digital image data before processing.

  When the bus control device 120 is connected, the control unit 103a according to the present embodiment includes a value for setting the operation of the mask unit 801 in the first image data processing device 102 (hereinafter referred to as a mask parameter). A characteristic parameter A that does not exist is set, and a characteristic parameter B including a mask parameter is set in the second image data processing apparatus 121. On the other hand, when the bus control device 120 is not connected, the control unit 103a sets a characteristic parameter B including a mask parameter in the first image data processing device 102.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when digital image data is to be output to a plurality of output devices, or when digital image data subjected to image processing is output to another output device at a later date, digital image data is When it is desired to reuse the digital image data stored in the HDD 122, the digital image data can be output to the second image data processing device 121 and mask processing can be performed. Since it is not necessary to perform mask processing by the image data processing apparatus 102, the digital color multifunction peripheral 100 can be used with more various variations.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing configurations of the first image data processing apparatus 102 and the second image data processing apparatus 121 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The first image data processing apparatus 102 and the second image data processing apparatus 121 according to the first embodiment described above are different in that a mirror image (mirror) processing unit 1001 is added. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The mirror image processing unit 1001 performs mirror image conversion on the image indicated by the digital image data that has been subjected to the gradation processing by the gradation processing unit 304. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a process of performing mirror image conversion on an image. As shown in FIG. 11, the mirror image processing unit 1001 converts the digital image data before processing into a mirror image converted into a mirror image.

  When the bus control device 120 is connected, the control unit 103a according to the present embodiment sets a value for setting the operation of the mirror image processing unit 1001 in the first image data processing device 102 (hereinafter referred to as a mirror image parameter). A characteristic parameter A not included is set, and a characteristic parameter B including a mirror image parameter is set in the second image data processing apparatus 121. On the other hand, when the bus control device 120 is not connected, the control unit 103a sets the characteristic parameter B including the mirror image parameter in the first image data processing device 102.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when digital image data is to be output to a plurality of output devices, or when digital image data subjected to image processing is output to another output device at a later date, digital image data is When it is desired to reuse the digital image data stored in the HDD 122, the digital image data can be output to the second image data processing apparatus 121 and subjected to mirror image processing. Since it is not necessary to perform mirror image processing by the image data processing apparatus 102, the digital color multifunction peripheral 100 can be used with more various variations.

1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a digital color multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the operation display apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. 1 is a processing block diagram of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a processing block diagram of the image processing apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process which deletes a part of image area. It is a processing block diagram of the image processing apparatus concerning 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process which adds an image area | region. It is a process block diagram of the image processing apparatus concerning 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process which masks an image. It is a processing block diagram of the image processing apparatus concerning 5th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process which carries out mirror image conversion of the image.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Digital color compound machine 101 Reading apparatus 102 1st image data processing apparatus 103 CPU
103a Control unit 104 Memory 105 Writing I / F device 106 Writing device 107 Operation display device 108 Line I / F device 109 External I / F device 110 B.
111 ROM
112 FAX machine 113 PC
114 MFP
115 SD
116 SD card slot 120 Bus control device 121 Second image data processing device 122 HDD

Claims (8)

Image reading means for obtaining image data obtained by reading and digitizing a document;
First image processing means for performing image processing on the read image data;
A storage unit for storing the image data subjected to image processing by the first image processing unit, and the image data stored in the storage unit are received, and image processing different from that of the first image processing unit is performed. Control means connectable to the second image processing means;
Receiving means for receiving an output instruction of the image data;
At least one or more output means for outputting the image data in response to reception of an output instruction,
When the storage unit and the second image processing unit are connected, the control unit performs image processing on the image data by the first image processing unit independent of the characteristics of the output unit and reuses the image data. Possible image data is generated, the generated image data is stored in the storage unit, and the output means is output by the second image processing means to the acquired image data in response to an output instruction to a desired output means. An image processing apparatus that performs image processing in accordance with the characteristics of the image to generate output data and passes the output data to the output unit.   When the storage unit and the second image processing unit are connected, the control unit performs image processing for deleting a part of the image area of the image data by the second image processing unit and outputs the output. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein data is generated.   The control means further performs image processing for adding a new image area to the image area of the image data by the second image processing means when the storage unit and the second image processing means are connected. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output data is generated.   When the storage unit and the second image processing unit are connected, the control unit performs image processing for masking a part of an image area of the image data by the second image processing unit and outputs the output. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein data is generated.   When the storage unit and the second image processing unit are connected, the control unit performs image processing for performing mirror image conversion on the image data by the second image processing unit and generates the output data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus. Further comprising display means for displaying the image data,
When the storage unit and the second image processing unit are connected, the control unit performs image processing according to the characteristics of the display unit on the image data by the first image processing unit. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image data that can be displayed on the display unit is generated, and the generated image data is displayed on the display unit. Computer
Image reading means for obtaining image data obtained by reading and digitizing a document;
First image processing means for performing image processing on the read image data;
A storage unit that stores the image data that has been subjected to image processing in the first image processing step, and the image data that is stored in the storage unit, and performs image processing different from the first image processing unit Control means connectable to the second image processing means;
Receiving means for receiving an output instruction of the image data;
Function as output means for outputting the image data in response to reception of an output instruction;
When the storage unit and the second image processing unit are connected, the control unit performs image processing on the image data by the first image processing unit regardless of the characteristics of the output unit and reuses the image data. Possible image data is generated, the generated image data is stored in the storage unit, and the output means is output by the second image processing means to the acquired image data in response to an output instruction to a desired output means. A program for generating output data by performing image processing according to the characteristics of the output and passing it to the output means. An image reading step in which the image reading unit obtains image data obtained by reading and digitizing a document; and
A first image processing step in which a first image processing means performs image processing on the read image data;
A control unit receives the image data that has been subjected to image processing in the first image processing step, and the image data stored in the storage unit, and is different from the first image processing unit. A control step of connecting a second image processing means for performing image processing;
A receiving step for receiving an output instruction of the image data on which image processing has been performed;
At least one or more output means including an output step of outputting the image data in response to reception of an output instruction;
In the control step, when the control unit is connected to the storage unit and the second image processing unit, the first image processing unit performs image processing on the image data without depending on the characteristics of the output unit. To generate reusable image data, store the generated image data in the storage unit, and perform the second image processing on the acquired image data according to an output instruction to a desired output unit An image processing method characterized in that the image processing according to the characteristics of the output means is performed by the means to generate output data and pass it to the output means.

Images