JP2009272925A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus for making compatible the reuse of image data which have been stored in a storage device, and acquiring free space of the storage device. <P>SOLUTION: A storing part 502 stores preset information to an HDD105, together with image data; a decision part 503 decides whether image processing, based on the preset information, makes the amount of image data stored in the HDD105, together with the relevant preset information, and a control part 504 executes image processing based on the preset information to the image data stored in the HDD105, together with the relevant preset information, when the image process based on the preset information is decided to reduce the amount of image data stored in the HDD105, together with the relevant preset information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus.

  In recent image processing apparatuses such as digital copying machines, a copy function for copying a document read by a reading apparatus, a distribution function for distributing to an external personal computer (PC) etc. through a network, image data read by a reading apparatus and a network In some cases, image data input from an external PC or the like is stored in a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk device, and a re-use function for reprinting or redistributing the stored image data is provided.

  By the way, the amount of image data read by the reading device is very large. For example, 600 dpi RGB 8-bit image data is A3 size image data and has a data amount of about 200 MBytes. Therefore, when storing image data in a storage device for execution of a reuse function, the image processing device normally stores the image data in the storage device after performing compression processing such as JPEG on the image data.

  However, when image data that has been subjected to compression processing at a high compression rate is stored in a storage device, the image quality of image data that has been reprinted or redistributed by the reuse function deteriorates. Therefore, in order to prevent the image quality of the image data reprinted or redistributed by the reuse function from being deteriorated, the image data stored in the storage device cannot be compressed at a high compression rate.

  In addition, there is a method of mounting a large-capacity storage device in the image processing apparatus in order to store a large amount of image data, which leads to an increase in the cost of the image processing apparatus. Conversely, when the capacity of the storage device is suppressed, the free capacity of the storage device becomes insufficient as the number of image data stored in the storage device increases. Therefore, when the free space of the storage device is insufficient, unnecessary items must be selected and deleted from the stored image data, which increases the burden on the user. Also, once deleted from the storage device, the image data cannot be reused at a later date. Furthermore, when there is no original of deleted image data, there is a possibility that it cannot be read again by the reading device.

  In order to solve such a problem, a retention period is set in the image data file stored in the rewritable storage device, and when the set retention period has passed, the user is automatically or asked for instructions. An image filing system that reduces image data by reducing the image quality is disclosed (see Patent Document 1). In the image filing system according to Patent Literature 1, when the image data is stored in the rewritable storage device, the user selects the dot density (resolution), the compression rate, etc. By reducing the image quality of the image data whose storage period has passed according to the selected processing content, the capacity occupied by the storage device is saved.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-212115

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary for the user to select the processing content for reducing the image quality of the image data every time the image data is stored in the rewritable storage device. In the case of storing in the storage device, there is a problem that the burden on the user is large. Further, in Patent Document 1, the user does not select the processing contents for reducing the image quality of the image data, and the image data is obtained by a predetermined method (for example, increasing the compression rate of the compression processing by JPEG). There is a method of reducing the image quality, but depending on the type of image data, the image quality is greatly deteriorated, and the reusability of the image data stored in the storage device may be significantly impaired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides an image processing apparatus capable of ensuring both reusability of image data stored in a storage device and ensuring free space in the storage device. With the goal.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 receives setting information related to image processing applied to image data, and performs image processing based on the received setting information on the image data. An image processing apparatus for outputting, wherein the setting information is stored in the storage unit together with the image data, and the image processing based on the setting information is stored in the storage unit together with the setting information. Judgment means for judging whether or not to reduce the data amount, and image processing based on the setting information reduces the data amount of the image data stored in the storage unit together with the setting information. Control means for performing image processing based on the setting information on the image data stored in the storage unit together with the setting information, Characterized by comprising.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the setting information indicates an output resolution of the image data to be output by performing image processing, and the determination means outputs the output indicated by the setting information. When the resolution is lower than the resolution of the image data stored in the storage unit, it is determined that the image processing based on the setting information reduces the data amount of the image data.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the setting information indicates a color mode of the image data to be output after being subjected to image processing, and the determining means is a color indicated by the setting information. When the number of colors of the image data according to the mode is smaller than the number of colors of the image data stored in the storage unit, it is determined that the image processing based on the setting information reduces the data amount of the image data. And

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the setting information indicates on / off of a process relating to image quality adjustment, and the determination unit turns on a process relating to the image quality adjustment. In the case where it is shown, it is determined that the image processing based on the setting information reduces the data amount of the image data.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the determination means performs image processing based on a part of the setting information stored in the storage unit together with the image data. Determining whether to reduce the data amount of the image data.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the number of times that the determination unit performs image processing on the image data read from the storage unit and outputs the predetermined number of times is predetermined. When the number of times reaches the number of times, it is determined whether or not the image processing based on the setting information stored in the storage unit together with the image data reduces the data amount of the image data.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the determination means has an elapsed time after the image data is stored in the storage unit equal to or longer than a predetermined time. The image processing based on the setting information stored in the storage unit together with the image data determines whether or not the data amount of the image data is reduced.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the determining means stores the memory together with the image data when the free space of the storage section becomes a predetermined capacity or less. It is determined whether image processing based on the setting information stored in the section reduces the data amount of the image data.

  According to the present invention, since the amount of data can be reduced by an optimal method for each image data stored in the storage device, the reusability of the image data stored in the storage device is ensured and the free space of the storage device There is an effect that it is possible to satisfy both of these requirements.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, an example in which the image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied to an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to the MFP, and the present invention can be applied to any apparatus that performs image processing such as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner function, a copy, a fax, and a printer.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the MFP according to the present embodiment. The MFP 100 includes a reading device 101 as an image input unit, an image data processing device 1 (102), a bus control device 103, an image data processing device 2 (104), and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) as a storage device for storing image data. ) 105, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 106 that controls the entire MFP 100, a memory 107, a plotter I / F device 108, a plotter device 109 that outputs image data to a printer, and a function selection unit that allows a user to select a use function of the image data. The network display external I / F device 111 for transferring image data to and from the operation display device 110, the line I / F device 111 for transferring image data to and from the external FAX 115, and the external personal computer (PC) 116. / F device 112, S.M. B. (South Bridge) 113, ROM (Read Only Memory) 114, and the like.

  The reading device (scanner) 101 generates 8-bit image data of each color of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) from the density information of the document obtained by scanning the document with a resolution of 600 dpi. Are output to the image data processing apparatus 1 (102).

  The image data processing apparatus 1 (102) performs required image processing on the image data generated by the reading apparatus 101 and outputs it to the bus control apparatus 103.

  Here, the configuration of the image data processing apparatus 1 (102) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image data processing apparatus 1 of the MFP according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the image data processing apparatus 1 (102) includes a scanner γ conversion unit 201 and a color conversion unit 202.

  The scanner γ conversion unit 201 performs γ conversion on 8-bit RGB image data, and for example, adjusts gray balance or converts gradation characteristics.

  The color conversion unit 202 converts the image data γ-converted by the scanner γ conversion unit 201 into RGB image data in a color space having a predetermined characteristic. The color space having the predetermined characteristics is, for example, Adobe (registered trademark) -RGB space.

  In this way, the RGB image data generated by the image data processing device 1 (102) is stored in the HDD 105 via the bus control device 103.

  The bus control device 103 is a data bus control device that exchanges various data such as image data and control commands necessary in the MFP 100.

  The HDD 105 reads the image data read by the reading device 101 and image-processed by the image data processing device 1 (102), the image data image-processed by the image data processing device 2 (104), and supplementary information thereof. A mass storage device for storage.

  The image data processing device 2 (104) performs necessary image processing on the image data processed by the image data processing device 1 (102) or the image data read from the HDD 105, and sends it to the bus control device 103. Output.

  Here, the configuration of the image data processing apparatus 2 (104) will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image data processing apparatus 2 of the MFP according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the input / output characteristics in the background removal processing for RGB signals. As shown in FIG. 3, the image data processing apparatus 2 (104) includes a background removal processing unit 301, a filter processing unit 302, a scaling unit 303, a color conversion unit 304, and a gradation processing unit 305.

  The background removal processing unit 301 performs processing for removing a background portion of an image from RGB image data that has not been subjected to background removal. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the input RGB image data is equal to or less than the set value th, 0 is output. Since such a background removal process can be performed only by table conversion, the background removal can be performed with a simple configuration.

  The filter processing unit 302 performs enhancement of edge portions of RGB image data, smoothing for noise reduction, and the like. For example, a smoothing process for smoothing a picture part of an image and a sharpening process for clearing a character part are performed.

  The scaling unit 303 performs enlargement / reduction processing for converting the image data into the requested output resolution and image size.

  The color conversion unit 304 converts RGB 8-bit image data into 8-bit CMYK colors that are the color space of the plotter device 109. When a monochrome image is output, conversion is performed so that only the K signal is output.

  The color conversion unit 304 is set by the user when image data is transmitted to the FAX 115 via the line I / F device 111 or when image data is transmitted to the PC 116 on the network via the external I / F device 112. The RGB 8-bit image data is converted into the sRGB color space or 8-bit grayscale image data according to the color space.

  The gradation processing unit 305 converts pseudo-halftone processing such as dither processing or error diffusion processing or the like to convert 8-bit image data of CMYK colors into the number of gradations of the plotter device 109 (for example, 2 bits of each color of CMYK). A simple binarization process is performed.

  In this way, the image data generated by the image data processing device 2 (104) is printed on transfer paper by the plotter device 109, transmitted to the FAX 115 via the line I / F device 111, or the external I / F device 112. Is transmitted to the PC 116 via.

  The line I / F device 111 is connected via a telephone line between the MFP 100 and the FAX 115 outside the device, and exchanges image data.

  The external I / F device 112 is connected between the MFP 100 and the PC 116 outside the device via a network such as Ethernet (registered trademark), and inputs / outputs various control data and image data.

  S. B. Reference numeral 113 denotes a general-purpose circuit for a bridge function of a bus called South Bridge.

  The plotter I / F device 108 receives the image data of CMYK four colors [C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), K (black)]] sent from the CPU 106, and is used exclusively by the plotter device 109. Output to the interface.

  When the plotter device 109 receives image data for four colors of CMYK, the plotter device 109 outputs an image on a transfer sheet by an electrophotographic process using a laser beam.

  The operation display device 110 is a part that performs an interface between the MFP 100 and the user, and includes an LCD that performs display for prompting various states and operation methods of the MFP 100, and a switch group that detects input instructions from the user. The state of each part of the apparatus and the operation method are displayed on the LCD, and the key switch input from the user is detected.

  The CPU 106 is a microprocessor for controlling the entire MFP 100.

  The memory 107 is a volatile memory used for temporarily storing programs and intermediate processing data when the CPU 106 controls the MFP 100.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) 114 implements the storage medium of the present invention, and is a memory that stores a program and the like when the CPU 106 controls the MFP 100.

  The storage medium includes not only the ROM 114 but also various optical disks such as CD (Compact Disk) -ROM and DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), various magnetic disks such as various magneto-optical disks and flexible disks, and various semiconductor memories. Format media can be used. Further, a program may be downloaded from a network such as the Internet via the external I / F device 112 and installed in the HDD 105. In this case, the storage device that stores the program in the server on the transmission side is also a storage medium in the present invention. Note that the program may operate on a predetermined OS (Operating System), in which case the OS may perform execution of some of various processes described later, It may be included as a part of a group of program files constituting the application software or OS.

  The CPU 106 that controls the operation of the entire system executes various processes based on programs stored in the ROM 114 that is used as a main storage device of the system.

  Next, among the functions that the image processing program stored in the ROM 114 of the MFP 100 causes the CPU 106 to execute, characteristic functions of the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the MFP. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the MFP implements a setting reception unit 501, a storage unit 502, a determination unit 503, and a control unit 504 by following a program stored in the ROM 114.

  The setting reception unit 501 outputs image data output from the plotter device 109 via the operation display device 110 or the external PC 116 via the external I / F device 112 when scanning the document with the reading device 101. Setting information related to image processing applied to image data or the like is received. In the present embodiment, the setting reception unit 501 receives setting information related to image processing performed on image data in the image data processing apparatus 2 (104). Specifically, the setting reception unit 501 receives, as setting information, output resolution, a color mode, on / off of a background removal function, on / off of a soft / sharp function (function for smoothing or clearing an image), and the like. Thereby, the user can adjust the image quality of the output image data.

  The setting receiving unit 501 receives setting information related to image processing to be performed on image data read from the HDD 105 via the operation display device 110 when image processing is performed on the image data read from the HDD 105 and output. You can also. In the present embodiment, the HDD 105 also stores image data that has not been subjected to image processing based on setting information received when the reading device 101 scans a document. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the setting receiving unit 501 receives setting information related to image processing to be performed on image data read from the HDD 105, separately from setting information received when the reading apparatus 101 scans a document. .

  In this embodiment, the setting reception unit 501 turns on / off an output resolution, a color mode, an image quality adjustment function (for example, a background removal function, a soft / sharp function, a color adjustment function, a contrast adjustment function, etc.), an image When processing functions (for example, color conversion function, color erasing function, etc.) are turned on / off, editing functions (for example, area extraction function for image data, etc.) are turned on / off, and image data is input from a digital camera Various information such as ON / OFF of an Exif tag information embedding function (for example, shutter speed, lens focal length, etc.) is received as setting information regarding image processing to be performed on image data read from the HDD 105.

  The storage unit 502 stores the setting information received by the setting receiving unit 501 in the HDD 105 together with the image data. The storage unit 502 distinguishes the setting information received when image data read from the HDD 105 is processed and output from the setting information received when the reading apparatus 101 scans a document. Information may be stored in the HDD 105 together with image data read from the HDD 105. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 502 stores the setting information (or setting history information) received by the setting receiving unit 501 in the HDD 105 as one of accompanying information.

  The determination unit 503 determines whether or not the image processing based on the setting information reduces the data amount of the image data stored in the HDD 105 together with the setting information. In the present embodiment, the determination unit 503 analyzes the usage trend of image data based on the setting information, so that the image processing based on the setting information reduces the data amount of the image data. Determine whether or not. Specifically, when the setting information indicates the output resolution of the image data output by performing image processing, the determination unit 503 determines that the output resolution indicated by the setting information is lower than the resolution of the image data stored in the HDD 105. It is determined that the image processing based on the setting information reduces the data amount of the image data.

  The determination unit 503 determines whether image processing based on setting information reduces the data amount of image data at a predetermined timing. Here, the predetermined timing is a timing for determining whether or not to reduce the data amount of the image data stored in the HDD 105. For example, when the number of times the image data read from the HDD 105 is subjected to image processing and output is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, when the elapsed time since the image data is stored in the HDD 105 is equal to or greater than the predetermined time, This is the case when the free capacity becomes equal to or less than a predetermined capacity. Thereby, since the usage tendency of image data can be analyzed based on a lot of setting information, a highly reliable analysis result can be acquired.

  Note that the determination unit 503 does not need to analyze the usage tendency of the image data based on all the setting information stored in the HDD 105 together with the image data. That is, the determination unit 503 determines whether or not image processing based on a part of setting information stored in the HDD 105 together with image data reduces the data amount of the image data. In the present embodiment, the determination unit 503 sets the setting information stored within a predetermined period (for example, setting information added within the last month) or the latest n pieces of setting information (for example, the latest 10 The usage tendency of the image data may be analyzed based on the setting information). As a result, old setting information in the past can be excluded from the object of analysis, so that the usage tendency of image data can be analyzed more efficiently.

  The control unit 504 generates a required image for the image data processed by the image data processing apparatus 1 (102) based on the setting information stored in the HDD 105 together with the image data, or the image data read from the HDD 105. Process and output. In the present embodiment, the control unit 504 inputs the image data processed by the image data processing apparatus 1 (102) or the image data read from the HDD 105 to the image data processing apparatus 2 (104) and sets the setting information. The image data is processed based on the above, and printed on transfer paper by the plotter device 109, transmitted to the FAX 115 via the line I / F device 111, or transmitted to the PC 116 via the external I / F device 112.

  In addition, the control unit 504 performs a process of reducing the data amount of the image data stored in the HDD 105 according to the analysis result by the determination unit 503. In the present embodiment, when the determination unit 503 determines that the image processing based on the setting information reduces the data amount of the image data, the control unit 504 adds the image based on the setting information to the image data stored in the HDD 105. Apply processing. Specifically, when the determination unit 503 determines that the image processing based on the setting information reduces the data amount of the image data, the control unit 504 reads out the image data stored together with the setting information from the HDD 105. The control unit 504 inputs the read image data to the image data processing apparatus 2 (104), performs image processing based on the setting information, and stores the image data subjected to the image processing in the HDD 105.

  Note that when the image data processed by the image data processing apparatus 1 (102) or the image data processing apparatus 2 (104) is stored in the HDD 105, the control unit 504 may perform compression processing on the image data. Specifically, the control unit 504 JPEG-compresses the 600 dpi RGB image data processed by the image data processing apparatus 1 (102) or the image data processed by the image data processing apparatus 2 (104), and compresses the HDD 105. To store. In JPEG compression, the compression rate and image quality of image data are determined by the quality factor (Q value). The larger the Q value, the better the image quality of the image data but the worse the compression rate. In the present embodiment, the control unit 504 converts the image data processed by the image data processing apparatus 1 (102) or the image data processing apparatus 2 (104) to JPEG at a low compression rate (for example, Q value = 90). It is assumed that the data is compressed and stored in the HDD 105. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image quality of the image data stored in the HDD 105.

  In addition, the control unit 504 converts RGB image data (image data created by application software included in the external PC 116) received from the external PC 116 via the network via the external I / F device 112 into a low compression rate (for example, a Q value). = 90) and JPEG compressed and stored in the HDD 105.

  When the image data is compressed and stored in the HDD 105, the control unit 504 reads the image data read from the HDD 105 when inputting the image data read from the HDD 105 to the image data processing apparatus 2 (104). It is assumed that the image data is subjected to expansion processing and input to the image data processing apparatus 2 (104). In the present embodiment, the control unit 504 decompresses image data stored in the HDD 105 after JPE compression into 600 dpi RGB image data and inputs the decompressed image data to the image data processing apparatus 2 (104).

  Next, an outline of processing for reducing the amount of image data stored in the HDD 105 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for reducing the amount of image data stored in the HDD.

  First, the determination unit 503 determines whether or not a predetermined timing is met (step S601). Here, when it is determined that the predetermined timing is not met (step S601: No), the process of reducing the data amount of the image data ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined timing is met (step S601: Yes), the determination unit 503 multilaterally analyzes the usage trend of the image data based on the setting information stored in the HDD 105 together with the image data. (Step S602). Then, the control unit 504 performs a process of reducing the data amount of the image data according to the analysis result by the determination unit 503 (step S603).

  As described above, according to MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, the image data stored in HDD 105 is subjected to image processing according to the intended use, thereby reducing the amount of data by an optimal method for each image data. Since the data can be stored in the HDD 105, if the image data is within the same range as the past usage method, the reusability of the image data stored in the HDD 105 is ensured and the free space of the HDD 105 is reduced. Can be secured.

  Next, details of processing for reducing the amount of image data stored in the HDD 105 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for reducing the amount of image data stored in the HDD.

  First, the determination unit 503 determines whether or not a variable n indicating the number of outputs output by performing image processing on the image data read from the HDD 105 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number N (for example, 10 times) (step). S701). Here, the variable n is assumed to be stored in the HDD 105 together with the image data. The determination unit 503 increments the variable n stored together with the image data each time image data subjected to image processing is output. In other words, the determination unit 503 can grasp the use tendency of image data with higher reliability as the number of times of output increases. Therefore, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the variable n is less than the predetermined number N (step S701: No), the process of reducing the data amount of the image data ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the variable n is N or more the predetermined number of times (step S701: Yes), the determination unit 503 performs the image processing based on the setting information and the output resolution of the image data output one or more times is 1. It is determined whether it is a type (step S702). That is, the determination unit 503 determines whether or not the output resolution indicated by the setting information is one type. For example, when the setting information indicating the output resolution: 200 dpi is received 10 times, the output resolution indicated by the setting information is one type. On the other hand, when the setting information indicating the output resolution: 200 dpi is received eight times and the setting information indicating the output resolution 300 dpi is received twice, the types of output resolution indicated by the setting information are two.

  When it is determined that the output resolution of the image data output once or more is one type (step S702: Yes), the determination unit 503 reduces the output resolution of the image data output once or more to a low resolution. It is determined whether or not it is conversion (step S703). That is, the determination unit 503 determines whether or not the output resolution indicated by the setting information is lower than the resolution of the image data stored in the HDD 105. For example, when the resolution of the image data stored in the HDD 105 is 600 dpi and the output resolution indicated by the setting information is less than 600 dpi, the determination unit 503 sets the output resolution of the image data output once or more to a low resolution. Judged to be conversion.

  If it is determined that the output resolution of the image data output one or more times is conversion to low resolution (step S703: Yes), the control unit 504 converts the image data stored in the HDD 105 into setting information. (Step S704). In the present embodiment, the control unit 504 first reads image data from the HDD 105, performs decompression processing on the read image data, and inputs the decompressed image data to the image data processing apparatus 2 (104). Then, the control unit 504 performs reduction processing on the image data by the scaling unit 303 included in the image data processing apparatus 2 (104) based on the setting information, so that the image data (for example, resolution: 600 dpi) is processed. The image data is converted into image data having an output resolution (for example, 200 dpi). Then, the control unit 504 performs compression processing on the image data converted into the output resolution and stores it in the HDD 105. If it is determined that the output resolution of the image data output one or more times is not conversion to low resolution (step S703: No), the process of reducing the data amount of the image data ends.

  When it is determined that the output resolution of the image data output once or more is not one type (step S702: No), the determination unit 503 determines that the highest resolution among the output resolutions indicated by the setting information is set to the low resolution. It is determined whether or not it is conversion (step S705). For example, when the resolution of the image data stored in the HDD 105 is 600 dpi and there are two types of output resolutions indicated by the setting information (for example, 200 dpi and 300 dpi), the determination unit 503 determines the highest resolution among the two types of output resolutions. It is determined whether (300 dpi) is lower than the resolution (600 dpi) of the image data stored in the HDD 105. If it is determined that the highest resolution among the output resolutions indicated by the setting information is not conversion to the low resolution (step S705: No), the process of reducing the data amount of the image data ends.

  When it is determined that the highest resolution among the output resolutions indicated by the setting information is conversion to a low resolution (step S705: Yes), the control unit 504 displays image data (for example, resolution) stored in the HDD 105. : 600 dpi) is converted into the image data of the highest resolution (for example, 300 dpi) (step S706). Note that the specific processing for converting the resolution of the image data is the same as the processing described in step S704, and thus description thereof is omitted here. In the present embodiment, the resolution of the image data is converted even when it is determined that the output resolution of the image data output one or more times is not one type, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the output resolution of image data output once or more is two or more, the resolution of the image data may not be converted.

  As described above, according to MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, when the output resolution indicated by the setting information is lower than the resolution of the image data stored in HDD 105, image processing (for example, image processing (for example, , Reduction processing), image data with the data amount reduced for each image data can be stored in the HDD 105, so that the image data can be stored in the same range as the past use method. The reusability regarding the resolution of the image data stored in the HDD 105 can be ensured and the free space of the HDD 105 can be ensured.

(Second Embodiment)
The MFP according to the first embodiment reduces the data amount of the image data stored in the HDD using the output resolution indicated by the setting information. However, in the present embodiment, the color mode indicated by the setting information is changed. It is used to reduce the amount of image data stored in the HDD. Note that the configuration of the MFP, the functional configuration realized by the setting reception unit, the storage unit, the determination unit, and the control unit are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore, processing of parts different from those in the first embodiment I will explain only. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the setting information indicates the color mode of image data to be output after image processing.

  The determination unit 503 determines that the image processing based on the setting information reduces the data amount of the image data when the number of colors of the image data in the color mode indicated by the setting information is smaller than the number of colors of the image data stored in the HDD 105. To do. In the present embodiment, the determination unit 503 compares the number of colors of image data output in the color mode indicated by the setting information with the number of colors of image data stored in the HDD 105 together with the setting information. When the number of colors of the image data output in the color mode is smaller than the number of colors of the image data stored in the HDD 105, the determination unit 503 reduces the data amount of the image data through image processing based on the setting information. Judge that it is.

  Next, details of processing for reducing the amount of image data stored in the HDD 105 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for reducing the amount of image data stored in the HDD. Note that the processing in step S801 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  If it is determined that the variable n is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times N (step S801: Yes), the determination unit 503 performs one type of color mode for image data that has been subjected to image processing based on setting information and is output at least once. It is determined whether or not there is (step S802). For example, when setting information indicating the color mode: black and white is received 10 times, there is one type of color mode indicated by the setting information. On the other hand, when the setting information indicating color mode: monochrome is received eight times and the setting information indicating color mode: color is received twice, there are a plurality of types of color modes indicated by the setting information. If it is determined that the color mode of the image data output one or more times is not one type (step S802: No), the process of reducing the data amount of the image data ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the color mode of the image data output once or more is one type (step S802: Yes), the determination unit 503 indicates that the color mode indicated by the setting information is monochrome (grayscale) / color. It is determined whether or not there is (step S803). When the color mode indicated by the setting information is black and white (step S803: black and white), the control unit 504 converts the image data (for example, RGB image data) stored in the HDD 105 into grayscale image data indicated by the setting information. Conversion is performed (step S804). In the present embodiment, the control unit 504 first reads image data from the HDD 105, performs decompression processing on the read image data, and inputs the decompressed image data to the image data processing apparatus 2 (104). Then, the control unit 504 converts the color space of the image data by the color conversion unit 304 included in the image data processing apparatus 2 (104) based on the setting information, thereby converting the image data into grayscale image data. Convert to Then, the control unit 504 performs compression processing on the image data converted into the gray scale and stores it in the HDD 105.

  On the other hand, when the color mode of the image data output once or more is color (step S803: color), the determination unit 503 determines whether the document type of the image corresponding to the image data stored in the HDD 105 is the character mode. It is determined whether or not (step S805). Here, the document type is, for example, a mode that can be selected by the user via the operation display device 110 when reading the document with the reading device 101, and includes “character mode”, “photo mode”, and the like. It is assumed that the mode selected by the user is stored in the memory 107 or the like. In the present embodiment, determination unit 503 determines whether the document type of the image corresponding to the image data stored in HDD 105 is the character mode according to the mode stored in memory 107. .

  If it is determined that the document type of the image corresponding to the image data stored in the HDD 105 is not the character mode (step S805: No), the processing for reducing the data amount of the image data ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the document type of the image corresponding to the image data stored in the HDD 105 is the character mode (step S805: Yes), the control unit 504 displays the image data stored in the HDD 105 (for example, (RGB image data) is subjected to a color reduction process (step S806). In the present embodiment, the control unit 504 converts, for example, RGB (16.77 million color) image data to RGB (256) using the color conversion unit 304 included in the image data processing apparatus 2 (104), as in step S804. Color) image data. In general, when an image corresponding to image data is a photograph, it is necessary to use a large number of colors in order to improve color reproducibility. However, when the image corresponding to the image data is a character, it is not necessary to use many colors. That is, when the image corresponding to the image data is a character, even if it is expressed with a small number of colors, it is hardly affected by the image quality deterioration, and the reusability of the image data can be ensured. Therefore, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the document type is the character mode, the color reduction processing is performed on the image data stored in the HDD 105.

  As described above, according to MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, when the number of colors of the image data in the color mode indicated by the setting information is smaller than the number of colors of the image data stored in HDD 105, it is stored in HDD 105. By performing image processing (for example, color conversion processing) on the image data, the image data with the data amount reduced can be stored in the HDD 105 by an optimal method for each image data. If it is within the same range, the reusability of the color of the image data stored in the HDD 105 can be reliably ensured, and the free space of the HDD 105 can be ensured.

(Third embodiment)
The MFP according to the first embodiment reduces the data amount of the image data stored in the HDD using the output resolution indicated by the setting information. In the present embodiment, the MFP relates to the image quality adjustment indicated by the setting information. The amount of image data stored in the HDD is reduced in accordance with ON / OFF of processing (for example, background removal processing). Note that the configuration of the MFP, the functional configuration realized by the setting reception unit, the storage unit, the determination unit, and the control unit are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore, processing of parts different from those in the first embodiment I will explain only. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the setting information indicates on / off of the background removal process.

  When the processing related to the image quality adjustment indicated by the setting information is on, the determination unit 503 determines that the image processing based on the setting information reduces the data amount of the image data. In the present embodiment, the determination unit 503 determines that the image processing based on the setting information reduces the data amount of the image data when the background removal processing indicated by the setting information is on.

  Next, details of processing for reducing the amount of image data stored in the HDD 105 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for reducing the amount of image data stored in the HDD. Note that the processing in step S901 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  If it is determined that the variable n is greater than or equal to the predetermined number N (step S901: Yes), the determination unit 503 determines whether the background removal process is always on (step S902). That is, it is determined whether all setting information stored in the HDD 105 together with the image data indicates that the background removal processing is on. For example, when setting information indicating on / off of the background removal processing is received 10 times and all the setting information indicates on of the background removal processing, the determination unit 503 determines that the background removal processing is always on. to decide. On the other hand, when the setting information indicating on / off of the background removal processing is received 10 times and all the setting information indicates that the background removal processing is off, the determination unit 503 indicates that the background removal processing is not always on. to decide.

  Then, when the background removal process is not always turned on (step S902: No), the process of reducing the data amount of the image data ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the background removal process is always on (step S902: Yes), the control unit 504 performs the background removal process on the image data stored in the HDD 105 (step S903). In the present embodiment, the control unit 504 performs the background removal processing of the image according to the image data by the background removal processing unit 301 included in the image data processing apparatus 2 (104). Furthermore, in the present embodiment, JPEG compression is performed on the image data after the background removal processing is performed. Thereby, since the compression rate of image data becomes high, the data amount of image data can further be reduced.

  As described above, according to MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, when the setting information indicates that processing relating to image quality adjustment is on, image processing (for example, background removal processing) is performed on the image data stored in HDD 105. As a result, the image data with the data amount reduced for each image data can be stored in the HDD 105. Therefore, if the image data is within the same range as the past usage method, the image data stored in the HDD 105 is stored. It is possible to ensure reusability regarding the image quality of data and to secure the free capacity of the HDD 105.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image data processing apparatus 1 of an MFP according to an embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image data processing apparatus 2 of the MFP according to the present embodiment. FIG. It is a figure explaining the input output characteristic in the background removal process with respect to the signal of RGB. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the MFP. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing for reducing the amount of image data stored in an HDD. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing for reducing the amount of image data stored in an HDD. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing for reducing the amount of image data stored in an HDD. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing for reducing the amount of image data stored in an HDD.

Explanation of symbols

100 MFP
101 Reading device 102 Image data processing device 1
103 Bus control device 104 Image data processing device 2
105 HDD
106 CPU
107 Memory 108 Plotter I / F Device 109 Plotter Device 110 Operation Display Device 111 Line I / F Device 112 External I / F Device 113 B.
114 ROM
115 FAX
116 PC
201 Scanner γ Conversion Unit 202, 304 Color Conversion Unit 301 Background Removal Processing Unit 302 Filter Processing Unit 303 Scaling Unit 305 Gradation Processing Unit 501 Setting Accepting Unit 502 Storage Unit 503 Determination Unit 504 Control Unit

Claims (8)

An image processing apparatus that receives setting information related to image processing applied to image data, performs image processing based on the received setting information on the image data, and outputs the image processing;
Storage means for storing the setting information together with the image data in a storage unit;
Determining means for determining whether or not the image processing based on the setting information is to reduce a data amount of the image data stored in the storage unit together with the setting information;
When it is determined that the image processing based on the setting information is to reduce the data amount of the image data stored in the storage unit together with the setting information, the image processing is stored in the storage unit together with the setting information. Control means for performing image processing on the image data based on the setting information;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The setting information indicates an output resolution of the image data to be output by performing image processing,
The determination unit determines that the image processing based on the setting information reduces the data amount of the image data when the output resolution indicated by the setting information is lower than the resolution of the image data stored in the storage unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The setting information indicates a color mode of the image data to be output after image processing,
When the number of colors of the image data in the color mode indicated by the setting information is smaller than the number of colors of the image data stored in the storage unit, the determination unit performs image processing based on the setting information of the image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that the data amount is reduced. The setting information indicates on / off of processing related to image quality adjustment,
2. The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein when the setting information indicates that processing relating to image quality adjustment is turned on, the image processing based on the setting information determines that the data amount of the image data is reduced. The image processing apparatus described.   The determination unit determines whether image processing based on a part of the setting information stored in the storage unit together with the image data reduces a data amount of the image data. 5. The image processing device according to any one of 4 to 4.   The determination means is based on the setting information stored in the storage unit together with the image data when the number of outputs output by performing image processing on the image data read from the storage unit exceeds a predetermined number. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not image processing reduces a data amount of the image data.   The determination means performs image processing based on the setting information stored in the storage unit together with the image data when an elapsed time after the image data is stored in the storage unit has reached a predetermined time or more. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not to reduce a data amount of the image data.   The determination means determines whether or not the image processing based on the setting information stored in the storage unit together with the image data reduces the data amount of the image data when the free space in the storage unit becomes a predetermined capacity or less. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus determines whether or not.

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