JP2011029999A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system which creates a data base of specification information of a plurality of image forming devices, when performing a remote copy between heterogenous equipment, and can apply an image processing flow and an image processing parameter suitable for a printer, based on the data base. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming system includes a calculating means which calculates the image processing parameter, based on the specification information analyzed by an analyzing means which analyze the specification information of each image forming device and a print setting item selected by a selecting means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system that controls functions and image processing in an image forming apparatus, an image control apparatus, an image forming method, and a storage medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an image forming system in which a plurality of image output devices, an image control device, and an image input device are connected via a network, and image data input from the image input device (scanner) is transferred to the image output device ( A remote copy function for transferring to a printer and outputting to a recording sheet is known.

  In the conventional image forming system, an image forming apparatus having the same function is used. Therefore, when setting image processing (function) to a printer or selecting a printer to output, the image forming modes that can be realized by the printer are the same, so setting the image forming mode and selecting an output printer is easy. It was.

JP-A-8-186670

  However, when a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the network have different functions, the position of the module for performing each image processing is different, so that there are cases where the image processing set by the user is not effective or doubled .

  Also, some image processing requires image processing parameters that depend on the printer or scanner. Therefore, if image processing parameters that are not suitable for the printer or scanner are used, an abnormal color may be output.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a database of specification information of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, an image processing system based on the database, and an image forming system that can apply image processing parameters suitable for a printer, an image control apparatus, An object is to provide an image forming method and a storage medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming system according to claim 1 of the present invention includes an input unit for inputting image data, a storage unit for storing the input image data, and the image data on a recording medium. A first image forming apparatus that includes a first printing unit that prints data, a display unit that displays print setting items, and a selection unit that selects the displayed print setting items, and a second image that exists on the network. A second image forming apparatus including the printing means, a transfer printing means for transferring the image data to the second image forming apparatus, and printing by the second printing means, and specification information of each image forming apparatus. Analyzing means for analyzing, and calculating means for calculating image processing parameters based on the specification information analyzed by the analyzing means and the print setting items selected by the selecting means as a result of analysis by the analyzing means And wherein the Mukoto.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the first aspect, the specification information includes information on image processing that can be performed by the image forming apparatus.

In the image forming system according to claim 3, in the image forming system according to claim 1,
The specification information includes information relating to the capability of the input means and the capability of the printing means.

  5. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein an input unit that inputs image data, a storage unit that stores the input image data, a first printing unit that prints the image data on a recording medium, and printing A first image forming apparatus including display means for displaying setting items; and a selecting means for selecting the displayed print setting items; and a second image forming apparatus including second printing means existing on the network. A transfer printing unit that transfers the image data to a second image forming apparatus and prints it by the second printing unit, an analysis unit that analyzes specification information of each image forming apparatus, and an analysis by the analysis unit As a result, the image processing apparatus includes control means for controlling the image processing flow based on the analysis means and the print setting item selected by the selection means.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the fourth aspect, the specification information includes information on image processing that can be performed by the image forming apparatus.

In the image forming system according to claim 6, in the image forming system according to claim 4,
The specification information includes information relating to the capability of the input means and the capability of the printing means.

  According to the present invention, what kind of image processing is to be performed locally / remotely is calculated according to the print mode set when performing remote copy in a model having different functions, and according to the remote model. Since image processing is performed with appropriate parameters, an image desired by the user can be output.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an overview diagram of a reader unit and a printer unit illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a reader image processing unit illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a portion responsible for image processing of the scanner I / F illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ACS count unit illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a portion responsible for image processing of the printer I / F illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the Graphic Processor illustrated in FIG. 4. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of an image rotation part. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of an image rotation part. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a print processing procedure of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a copy processing procedure of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. It is a top view which shows the keyboard layout of the operation part shown in FIG. It is the schematic diagram which showed an example of the copy standard screen of the operation panel shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the remote copy procedure of this invention.

  An overall configuration of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, reference numeral 200 in the device 100 denotes a reader unit (image input device) that optically reads a document image and converts it into image data. The reader unit 200 includes a scanner unit 210 having a function for reading a document and a document feeding unit 250 having a function for transporting a document sheet.

  A printer unit (image output device) 300 conveys recording paper, prints image data as a visible image thereon, and discharges the recording paper outside the device. The printer unit 300 includes a paper feed unit 310 having a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes, a marking unit 320 having a function of transferring and fixing image data onto the recording paper, and sorting and stapling the printed recording papers. And a paper discharge unit 330 having a function of outputting to

  A control device 110 is electrically connected to the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300, and further connected to personal computer computers 401 and 402 via a network 400 such as Ethernet (registered trademark).

  The control device 110 controls the reader unit 200 to read image data of a document, and controls the printer unit 300 to output the image data to a recording sheet to provide a copy function. Further, the control device 110 converts image data read from the reader unit 200 into code data and transmits it to the PCs 401 to 402 and the devices 101 to 104 via the network 400, the PCs 401 to 402, and the devices 101 to 104. Provides a printer function of converting code data received from the network 400 into image data and outputting the image data to the printer unit 300.

  Further, the control device 110 can read data stored in the CD-ROM from the CD-ROM drive 163.

  An operation unit 150 is connected to the control device 110 and is configured by a liquid crystal touch panel, and provides a user I / F for operating the device.

  FIG. 2 is an overview of the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300 shown in FIG.

  In the reader unit 200, a document feeding unit 250 feeds the documents one by one onto the platen glass 211 in order from the top, and discharges the documents on the platen glass 211 after the document reading operation is completed. When the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 211, the lamp 212 is turned on, and the movement of the optical unit 213 is started to expose and scan the document. Reflected light from the original at this time is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 218 by mirrors 214, 215, and 216 and a lens 217. Thus, the scanned image of the original is read by the CCD 218.

  A reader image processing circuit unit 222 performs predetermined processing on the image data output from the CCD 218 and outputs the processed image data to the control device 110 via the scanner I / F 140. A printer image processing circuit unit 352 outputs an image signal sent from the control device 110 to the laser driver via the printer I / F 145.

  In the printer unit 300, reference numeral 317 denotes a laser driver that drives the laser light emitting units 313, 314, 315, and 316. Laser light corresponding to the image data output from the printer image processing unit 352 is emitted from the laser light emitting unit 313. 314, 315 and 316 are caused to emit light. This laser beam is irradiated to the photosensitive drums 325, 326, 327, 328 by mirrors 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, and the photosensitive drums 325, 326, 327, 328, A latent image corresponding to the laser beam is formed at 328.

  Reference numerals 321, 322, 323, and 324 are developing units for developing a latent image with black (Bk), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M) toners, respectively. The toner is transferred to a sheet and printed out in full color.

  A sheet fed from one of the sheet cassettes 360 and 361 and the manual feed tray 362 at a timing synchronized with the start of laser beam irradiation is attracted onto the transfer belt 334 via the registration roller 333 and conveyed. Then, the developer attached to the photosensitive drums 325, 326, 327, and 328 is transferred to the recording paper.

  The recording paper on which the developer is placed is conveyed to the fixing unit 335, and the developer is fixed on the image recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 335. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 335 is discharged by the discharge roller 336, and the paper discharge unit 370 bundles the discharged recording paper and sorts the recording paper, or staples the sorted recording paper.

  When bookbinding recording is set, after the recording paper is conveyed to the discharge roller 336, the rotation direction of the discharge roller 336 is reversed and guided to the refeed conveyance path 338 by the flapper 337. The recording sheet guided to the refeed conveyance path 338 is fed to the transfer belt 334 at the timing described above.

<Description of Reader Image Processing Unit>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the reader image processing unit 222 shown in FIG.

  In the reader image processing unit 222, the document on the platen glass 211 is read by the CCD 218 and converted into an electrical signal. When the CCD 218 is a color sensor, even if the RGB color filters are mounted inline in the order of RGB on the 1-line CCD, the CCD 218 is a 3-line CCD, and the R filter, G filter, and B filter are arranged for each CCD. Alternatively, the filter may be on-chip, or the filter may be configured separately from the CCD.

  The electrical signal (analog image signal) output from the CCD 218 is input to the image processing unit 222, and clamp & Amp. & S / H & A / D unit 401 holds the sample (S / H), clamps the dark level of the analog image signal to the reference potential, and amplifies it to a predetermined amount (the above processing order is not limited to the notation order). D-converted and converted into, for example, RGB 8-bit digital signals.

  And clamp & Amp. The RGB signal output from the & S / H & A / D unit 401 is subjected to shading correction and black correction by the shading unit 402 and then output to the control device 110.

<Description of control device>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of control device 110 shown in FIG.

  In the figure, reference numeral 111 denotes a main controller, which is mainly composed of a CPU 112, a bus controller 113, and various I / F controller circuits.

  The CPU 112 and the bus controller 113 control the entire operation of the control device 110, and the CPU 112 operates based on a program read from the ROM 114 via the ROM I / F 115.

  The operation of interpreting PDL (page description language) code data received from the PC and developing it into raster image data is also described in this program and processed by software. The bus controller 113 controls data transfer input / output from each I / F, and performs arbitration at the time of bus contention and control of DMA data transfer.

  A DRAM 116 is connected to the main controller 111 via a DRAM I / F 117 and is used as a work area for the CPU 112 to operate and an area for storing image data.

  Reference numeral 118 denotes a codec, which compresses raster image data stored in the DRAM 116 by a system such as MH / MR / MMR / JBIG / JPEG, and reversely compresses and stores the code data stored in the raster image data. An SRAM 119 is used as a temporary work area for the Codec 118. The Codec 118 is connected to the main controller 111 via the I / F 120, and data transfer to and from the DRAM 116 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and is DMA-transferred.

  A graphic processor 135 performs image rotation, image scaling, color space conversion, and binarization processing on raster image data stored in the DRAM 116. Reference numeral 136 denotes an SRAM, which is used as a temporary work area for the graphic processor 135. The graphic processor 135 is connected to the main controller 111 via the I / F 137, and data transfer to and from the DRAM 116 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and DMA transferred.

  Reference numeral 121 denotes a network controller (Network Controller), which is connected to the main controller 111 via an I / F 122 and connected to an external network via a connector 122. The network is generally Ethernet (registered trademark).

  A general-purpose high-speed bus 125 connects an expansion connector 124 for connecting an expansion board and an I / O control unit 126. A general-purpose high-speed bus is a PCI bus.

  An I / O control unit 126 includes two channels of an asynchronous serial communication controller 127 for transmitting and receiving control commands to and from the CPUs of the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300. F circuits 140 and 145 are connected.

  Reference numeral 132 denotes a panel I / F, which is connected to the LCD controller 131 and has an I / F for displaying on a liquid crystal screen on the operation unit 150 and a key input I / F 130 for inputting hard keys and touch panel keys. Consists of The operation unit 150 includes a liquid crystal display unit, a touch panel input device attached on the liquid crystal display unit, and a plurality of hard keys. A signal input from the touch panel or hard key is transmitted to the CPU 112 via the panel I / F 132 described above, and the liquid crystal display unit displays image data sent from the panel I / F 520. The liquid crystal display unit displays function display, image data, and the like in the operation of the image forming apparatus.

  Reference numeral 133 denotes a real time clock module for updating / saving the date and time managed in the device, and is backed up by a backup battery 134.

  Reference numeral 161 denotes an E-IDE interface for connecting an external storage device. In this embodiment, the hard disk drive 160 is connected via this I / F, and image data is stored in the hard disk 162 or image data is read from the hard disk 162.

  Reference numerals 142 and 147 denote connectors, which are connected to the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300, respectively, and are composed of synchronized step-synchronized serial I / Fs 143 and 148 and video I / Fs 144 and 149.

  A scanner I / F 140 is connected to the reader unit 200 via the connector 142, and is connected to the main controller 111 via the scanner bus 141, and performs predetermined processing on the image received from the reader unit 200. And a function of outputting a control signal generated based on the video control signal sent from the reader unit 200 to the scanner bus 141. Data transfer from the scanner bus 141 to the DRAM 116 is controlled by the bus controller 113.

  A printer I / F 145 is connected to the printer unit 300 via the connector 147, and is connected to the main controller 111 via the printer bus 146, and performs predetermined processing on the image data output from the main controller 111. And a function of outputting a control signal generated based on the video control signal sent from the printer unit 300 to the printer bus 146. Transfer of raster image data developed on the DRAM 116 to the printer unit is controlled by the bus controller 113 and DMA-transferred to the printer unit 300 via the printer bus 146 and the video I / F 149.

<Description of Image Processing Unit of Scanner I / F>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a portion responsible for image processing of the scanner I / F 140 shown in FIG. 4, and the same components as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in the figure, the gamma correction unit 601 performs processing on the image signal sent from the reader unit 200 via the connector 142 so that the density of the entire image is increased or decreased, and the direct mapping unit 602 performs processing. The color of the image signal input from the scanner is adjusted by RGB correction processing. When the CCD 218 is a 3-line CCD in the connection & MTF correction unit 603, since the reading position between the lines is different in the connection processing, the delay amount for each line is adjusted according to the reading speed, and the reading position of the three lines becomes the same. Thus, the signal timing is corrected, and the MTF correction corrects the change because the MTF for reading changes depending on the reading speed. The digital signal whose reading position timing has been corrected is corrected by the input masking unit 604 for the spectral characteristics of the CCD 218 and the spectral characteristics of the lamp 212 and the mirrors 214, 215 and 216. The output of the input masking unit 602 is sent to the ACS count unit (auto color select count unit) 405 and the main controller 111.

<Description of ACS Count Unit>
Hereinafter, the configuration of the ACS count unit 405 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the ACS count unit 405 shown in FIG.

  Auto color select (hereinafter, ACS) determines whether a document is color or monochrome. In other words, color determination is performed based on how many pixels are equal to or greater than a threshold value for which the saturation for each pixel is obtained.

  However, even for a black and white original, due to the influence of MTF and the like, when viewed microscopically, there are a large number of color pixels around the edge, and it is difficult to simply perform ACS determination on a pixel basis. Although various methods are provided for this ACS method, the present embodiment is not limited to a specific ACS method, and will be described using a very general method.

  As described above, even in a black and white image, there are many color pixels when viewed microscopically. Therefore, whether or not the pixel is really a color pixel is determined based on information on surrounding color pixels with respect to the target pixel. The filter 501 shown in FIG. 6 is a filter for this purpose, and has a FIFO structure to refer to the peripheral pixel with respect to the target pixel.

  Reference numeral 502 denotes an area detection circuit that creates an area signal 505 to be subjected to ACS based on the values set in the registers 507 to 510 set from the main controller 111 and the video control signal 512 sent from the reader unit 200. Circuit.

  Reference numeral 503 denotes a color determination unit, which refers to a peripheral pixel in the memory in the filter 501 with respect to the pixel of interest based on an area signal 505 to which ACS is applied, determines whether the pixel of interest is a color pixel or a monochrome pixel, and a color determination signal 506 is generated.

  A counter 504 counts the number of color determination signals 506 output from the color determination unit 503.

  Hereinafter, the ACS operation will be described.

  First, the main controller 111 determines an area to be subjected to ACS with respect to the reading range, and sets it in the registers 507 to 510 (in this embodiment, the range is determined independently for the document). Further, the main controller 111 compares the value of the counter 504 that counts the number of color determination signals 506 in the area to be subjected to ACS with a predetermined threshold value, and determines whether the document is color or monochrome.

  In the registers 507 to 510, the position where the color determination unit 503 starts the determination and the position where the determination ends in each of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction are based on the video control signal 512 sent from the reader unit 200. To set. In this embodiment, each size is set to be about 10 mm smaller than the actual document size.

<Description of Image Processing Unit of Printer I / F>
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, a detailed description will be given of a portion responsible for image processing of the printer I / F 145.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a portion responsible for image processing of the printer I / F 145 shown in FIG. 4, and the same components as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in the figure, an image signal sent from the main controller 111 via the printer bus 146 is first input to the LOG conversion unit 701. The LOG converter 701 converts RGB signals to CMY signals by LOG conversion.

  Reference numeral 702 denotes a moire removing unit that removes moire from the CMY signal output from the LOG conversion unit 701. A UCR & masking unit 703 generates a CMYK signal by performing UCR processing on the CMY signal that has been subjected to moire removal processing by the moire removal unit 702, and corrects the CMYK signal to a signal that matches the output of the printer.

  A γ correction unit 704 adjusts the density of the signal processed by the UCR & masking unit 703. A filter unit 705 performs smoothing or edge processing on the CMY signal whose density has been adjusted by the γ correction unit 704.

  The CMY signal (image) that has undergone these processes is sent to the printer unit 300 via the connector 147.

<Description of GraphicProcessor>
Hereinafter, the graphics processor 135 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the graphic processor 135 shown in FIG. 4, and the same components as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in the figure, the graphics processor 135 is a module that performs image rotation, image scaling, color space conversion, and binarization processing, an image rotation unit 801, an image scaling unit 802, a color space conversion unit 802, and binarization. Part 805. The color space conversion unit 802 includes an LUT (Look Up Table) 804.

  The SRAM 136 is used as a temporary work area for each module of the graphic processor 135. It is assumed that a work area is statically allocated for each module in advance so that the work area of the SRAM 136 used by each module does not compete.

  The graphic processor 135 is connected to the main controller 111 via the I / F 137, and data transfer to and from the DRAM 116 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and is DMA transferred.

  Further, the bus controller 113 performs control for setting a mode or the like for each module of the graphic processor 135 and timing control for transferring image data to each module.

<Description of image rotation unit>
Hereinafter, an image rotation processing procedure in the image rotation unit 801 illustrated in FIG. 8 will be described.

  The CPU 112 performs settings for image rotation control in the bus controller 113 via the I / F 137. With this setting, the bus controller 113 makes settings necessary for image rotation (for example, image size, rotation direction, angle, etc.) to the image rotation unit 801.

  After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits image data transfer to the bus controller 113. In accordance with this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transferring image data from the DRAM 116 or a device connected via each I / F.

  Here, the image size to be rotated is 32 pixels × 32 lines, and when transferring the image data on the image bus 2008, image transfer is performed in units of 24 bytes (8 bits for each of RGB, one pixel). And

  As described above, in order to obtain an image of 32 pixels × 32 lines, it is necessary to transfer the above unit data 32 × 32 times, and it is necessary to transfer image data from discontinuous addresses (FIG. 9). reference). FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the image rotation unit 801.

  The image data transferred by the discontinuous addressing is written in the SRAM 136 so that it is rotated to a desired angle at the time of reading. For example, if the rotation is 90 degrees counterclockwise, the transferred image data is written in the Y direction as shown in FIG. By reading in the X direction at the time of reading, the image is rotated. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the image rotation unit 801.

  After the image rotation of 32 pixels × 32 lines (writing to the SRAM 136) is completed, the image rotation unit 801 reads the image data from the SRAM 136 by the reading method described above, and transfers the image to the bus controller 113. The bus controller 113 that has received the rotated image data transfers the data to the DRAM 116 or each device on the I / F by continuous addressing.

  Such a series of processes is repeated until there is no processing request from the CPU 112 (when the necessary number of pages have been processed).

<Description of image scaling unit>
Hereinafter, a processing procedure in the image scaling unit 802 illustrated in FIG. 8 will be described.

  The CPU 112 performs settings for image scaling control in the bus controller 113 via the I / F 137. With this setting, the bus controller 113 performs settings necessary for image scaling (magnification / magnification in the main scanning direction, magnification / magnification in the sub-scanning direction, image size after magnification, etc.) to the image magnification / reduction unit 802. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits image data transfer to the bus controller 113. In accordance with this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transferring image data from the DRAM 116 or a device connected via each I / F.

  The image scaling unit 802 stores the received image data in the temporary SRAM 136 and uses it as an input buffer, and uses the stored data as the number of pixels and lines necessary for the main scanning and sub-scanning scaling ratios. The scaling process is performed by enlarging or reducing the image by performing the interpolation processing for the amount of. The scaled data is written back to the SRAM 136 again, and this is used as an output buffer. The image scaling unit 802 reads the image data from the SRAM 136 and transfers it to the bus controller 113.

  The bus controller 113 that has received the scaled image data transfers the data to the DRAM 116 or each device on the I / F.

<Description of Color Space Conversion Unit>
The processing procedure in the color space conversion unit 803 shown in FIG. 8 will be described below.

  The CPU 112 performs settings for color space conversion control in the bus controller 113 via the I / F 137. With this setting, the bus controller 113 performs settings necessary for color space conversion processing (matrix operation coefficients described later, table values of the LUT 804, etc.) for the color space conversion unit 803 and the LUT (lookup table) 804.

  After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits image data transfer to the bus controller 113. In accordance with this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transferring image data from the DRAM 116 or a device connected via each I / F.

  The color space conversion unit 803 first performs a 3 × 3 matrix operation represented by the following equation for each pixel of the received image data.

  In the above formula, R, G, B are input, X, Y, Z are output, a11, a12, a13, a21, a22, a23, a31, a32, a33, b1, b2, b3, c1, c2, c3 is a coefficient.

  Various color space conversions such as conversion from the RGB color space to the Yuv color space can be performed by the calculation of the above equation.

  Next, conversion by the LUT 804 is performed on the data after the matrix calculation. Thereby, non-linear conversion can also be performed. Of course, LUT conversion can be substantially not performed by setting a through table.

  Thereafter, the color space conversion unit 803 transfers the image data subjected to the color space conversion processing to the bus controller 113. The bus controller 113 that has received the color space converted image data transfers the data to the DRAM 116 or each device on the I / F.

<Description of Image Binarization Unit>
The processing procedure in the image binarization unit 805 shown in FIG.

  The CPU 112 performs settings for binarization control in the bus controller 113 via the I / F 137. With this setting, the bus controller 113 performs settings necessary for binarization processing (various parameters and the like according to the conversion method) for the image binarization unit 805. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits image data transfer to the bus controller 113. In accordance with this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transferring image data from the DRAM 116 or a device connected via each I / F.

  The image binarization unit 805 performs binarization processing on the received image data. In this embodiment, as a binarization method, image data is compared with a predetermined threshold value and simply binarized. Of course, any method such as a dither method, an error diffusion method, or an improved error diffusion method may be used.

  Thereafter, the image binarization unit 805 transfers the binarized image data to the bus controller 113. The bus controller 113 that has received the binarized image data transfers the data to the DRAM 116 or each device on the I / F.

<Description of image multi-value conversion unit>
Hereinafter, a processing procedure in the image multilevel conversion unit 806 shown in FIG. 8 will be described.

  The CPU 112 performs settings for image multilevel control in the bus controller 113 via the I / F 137. With this setting, the bus controller 113 makes settings necessary for image multi-value conversion (color space after multi-value conversion, etc.) to the image multi-value conversion unit 806. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits image data transfer to the bus controller 113. In accordance with this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transferring image data from the DRAM 116 or a device connected via each I / F.

  The image multi-value conversion unit 806 stores the received image data in the temporary SRAM 136, and uses this as an input buffer to convert the stored binary image data into a monochrome multi-value or color multi-value image. The multivalued data is written back to the SRAM 136 again, and this is used as an output buffer. The image multivalued unit 806 reads the image data from the SRAM 136 and transfers it to the bus controller 113.

  The bus controller 113 that has received the multivalued image data transfers the data to the DRAM 116 or each device on the I / F.

<Description of image composition unit>
The processing procedure in the image composition unit 807 shown in FIG. 8 will be described below.

  The CPU 112 performs settings for image composition control in the bus controller 113 via the I / F 137. With this setting, the bus controller 113 makes settings necessary for image composition (composition ratio, input / output color space, main / sub-scan image size, etc.) to the image composition unit 807. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits image data transfer to the bus controller 113. In accordance with this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transferring image data from the DRAM 116 or a device connected via each I / F.

  The image composition unit 807 stores the received two image data in the temporary SRAM 136 respectively, and uses this as an input buffer to perform composition processing on the stored two image data. The combined data is written back to the SRAM 136 again, and this is used as an output buffer. The image combining unit 807 reads the image data from the SRAM 136 and transfers it to the bus controller 113.

  The bus controller 113 that has received the combined image data transfers the data to the DRAM 116 or each device on the I / F.

<Sequence when outputting PDL image>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and corresponds to the PDL image output procedure in the present embodiment. In addition, S3001-S3008 in a figure shows each step. This flowchart is executed based on a program stored in a storage medium by a CPU (not shown) in the PCs 401 and 402 shown in FIG. 1 and the CPU 112 shown in FIG.

  First, when outputting a PDL image, in step S3001, the user performs print settings for the PDL image output job on the PCs 401 and 402. The print setting contents are the number of copies, paper size, single-sided / bookbinding, page output order, sort output, presence / absence of stapling, and the like.

  In step S3002, a print instruction is given on the PCs 401 and 402, and the driver software installed on the PCs 401 and 402 converts the code data on the PCs 401 and 402 to be printed into so-called PDL data. Then, the PDL data is transferred via the network 400 to the control device 110 of the image input / output device together with the print setting parameters set in S3001.

  In step S3003, the CPU 112 of the main controller 111 of the control device 110 expands (rasterizes) the PDL data transferred via the connector 122 and the network controller 121 into image data based on the print setting parameters. The development of the image data is performed on the DRAM 116. When the development of the image data is completed, the process proceeds to S3004.

  In step S3004, the main controller 111 transfers the image data expanded on the DRAM 116 to the graphics processor 135.

  In step S3005, the graphics processor 135 performs image processing independently of the print setting parameters. For example, when the paper size specified by the print setting parameter is A4 but the paper feed unit 360 of the printer unit 300 has only A4R paper, the graphic processor 135 rotates the image by 90 degrees. It is possible to output an image that matches the output paper. When the image processing of the image data is completed, the process proceeds to S3006.

  In step S3006, the graphic processor 135 transfers the image data after image processing to the main controller 111. The main controller 111 stores the transferred image data on the DRAM 116.

  In step S3007, the main controller 111 transfers the image data on the DRAM 116 to the printer unit 300 at an appropriate timing while controlling the printer unit 300 via the printer I / F 145 and the connector 147.

  In step S3008, the control device 110 controls the printer unit 300 to print out image data. When the transfer of the image data is completed, that is, when the PDL job is finished, the print output is finished.

<Sequence when outputting copy image>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the second control processing procedure of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and corresponds to the copy image output procedure in this embodiment. In addition, S4001-S4007 in a figure shows each step. This flowchart is executed based on a program stored in a storage medium by the CPU 112 shown in FIG.

  When outputting a copy image, in step S4001, the user performs copy settings for the copy image output job on the operation unit 150. The copy settings include the number of copies, paper size, single-sided / bookbinding, enlargement / reduction ratio, sort output, presence / absence of stapling, and the like.

  In step S4002, when a copy start instruction is given on the operation unit 150, the main controller 111 of the control device 110 controls the reader unit 200 via the scanner I / F 140 and the connector 142 to read image data of the document. . Image data is stored on the DRAM 116.

  In the conventional copying machine, the scaling process in the sub-scanning direction is realized by changing the moving speed of the optical unit 213 according to the setting of the enlargement / reduction ratio of the copy setting, that is, according to the scaling ratio in the sub-scanning direction. Was. However, in this embodiment, the image data is always read at the same magnification (100%) regardless of the setting of the enlargement / reduction ratio of the copy setting, and the scaling process will be described later in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. It is assumed that the graphic processor 135 performs the processing.

  Next, in step S4003, the main controller 111 transfers the image data on the DRAM 116 to the Graphic Processor 135. In step S4004, the graphic processor 135 performs image processing based on the copy setting parameter. For example, when an enlargement of 400% is set, a scaling process in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction is performed using an image scaling unit that is a module in the Graphic Processor 135. When the image processing of the image data is completed, the process proceeds to S4005.

  In step S4005, the graphics processor 135 transfers the image data after image processing to the main controller 111. The main controller 111 stores the transferred image data on the DRAM 116.

  In step S4006, the main controller 111 transfers the image data on the DRAM 116 to the printer unit 300 at an appropriate timing while controlling the printer unit 300 via the printer I / F 145 and the connector 147.

  In step S4007, the control device 110 controls the printer unit 300 to print out the image data. When the transfer of the image data is completed, that is, when the copy job is finished, the print output is finished.

<Sequence for remote copy output>
Hereinafter, the remote copy function according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the key arrangement of the operation unit 150 shown in FIG.

  In the figure, reference numeral 1501 denotes a power switch, which controls energization to the main body. A preheat key 1502 is used to turn on / off the preheat mode. A copy A mode key 1503 is used to select the copy A mode from a plurality of functions. A copy B mode key 1504 is used to select the copy B mode from a plurality of functions. Copy A and Copy B have the same copy function, but if one of the copies has been read by the scanner, the next copy can be entered, so the two copies are used for the sake of clarity. It is divided.

  A box key 1505 is used to select a box mode from a plurality of functions. The box function is a function that has a storage area in the memory in the copying machine for each user or department, puts PDL or a scanned image therein, and outputs it at any time.

  Reference numeral 1506 denotes an expansion key, which is used when performing an operation on the PDL. Reference numerals 1503 to 1506 are also used when calling up each function screen of the LCD 1516 described later, and the status of each job can be viewed on the display of the LCD 1516.

  Reference numeral 1507 denotes a copy start key which is used to instruct the start of copying. Reference numeral 1508 denotes a stop key which is used when copying is interrupted or stopped. A reset key 1509 operates as a key for returning to the standard mode during standby.

  Reference numeral 1510 denotes a guide key which is used to know each function. A user mode key 1511 is used when the user changes the basic setting of the system. An interrupt key 1512 is used when an interrupt occurs during copying and copying is desired. Reference numeral 1513 denotes a numeric keypad which is used when inputting numerical values.

  A clear key 1514 is used to clear a numerical value. An ID key 1515 is used when shifting to an ID input mode when using a copying machine. An LCD touch panel 1516 includes a combination of a liquid crystal screen and a touch sensor. An individual setting screen is displayed for each mode, and various detailed settings can be performed by touching the drawn keys. is there. It also displays the operation status of each job.

  A tally lamp 1517 indicating a network communication state is normally green, blinks green when communicating, and becomes red when a network error occurs.

  An ACS (Auto Color Select) key 1518 is used to automatically determine whether the copy original is color or black and white, and to set a mode for scanning in color if it is color, or in black if it is black and white. A full color mode key 1519 is used to set a full color scan mode regardless of the copy original. Reference numeral 1520 denotes a black mode key, which is used to set a mode for scanning with a black color regardless of a copy original. Toggle operations 1518 to 1520 are always selected, and the selected key is lit.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a copy standard screen of the operation panel 1516 shown in FIG. The image processing apparatus of the present embodiment is activated on this copy standard screen as a default when the power is turned on.

  In the figure, reference numeral 1601 denotes a message line, which displays the status of the copy job as a message. Reference numeral 1602 denotes a magnification display, which displays a magnification that is automatically determined according to a set magnification or a copy mode as a percentage. A sheet size display 1603 displays the selected output sheet. If automatic sheet selection is set, a message “auto sheet” is displayed.

  Reference numeral 1604 denotes a numeric display indicating how many copies are made. Reference numeral 1605 denotes a reduction key, which is used when a reduction copy is desired. Reference numeral 1606 denotes an equal magnification key, which is used when it is desired to return to an equal magnification when reduction or enlargement is set. Reference numeral 1607 denotes an enlargement key, which is used when an enlarged copy is desired. Reference numeral 1608 denotes a zoom key, which is used when a reduction copy or an enlargement copy is performed by setting a magnification in a fine unit.

  A sheet selection key 1609 is used to specify an output sheet. A finisher key 1610 is used to set a sort or stapling mode. Reference numeral 1611 denotes a double-sided key, which is used when setting the double-sided mode.

  Reference numeral 1612 denotes a density display, which shows the current density. The density on the left side is light and the density on the right side is high. The density display 1612 changes display in conjunction with the light key 1613 and the light key 1615. The light key 1613 is used when it is desired to reduce the density. The rich key 1615 is used to increase the density. Reference numeral 1614 denotes an automatic key which is used when a mode for automatically determining density is used.

  Reference numeral 1616 denotes a character key, which is used to set a character mode that is automatically set to a density suitable for copying a character document. Reference numeral 1617 denotes a character / photo key, which is used to set a character / photo mode that is automatically set to a density suitable for copying a document in which a photo is mixed. An application mode key 1618 is used to set various copy modes that cannot be set on the copy standard screen.

  Reference numeral 1619 denotes a system status key which is used when it is desired to check the status of printing or scanning currently being performed by the device 100. This system status key 1619 always appears at this position as well as the copy standard screen, and the system status can be viewed at any time by pressing this key.

  Although not shown in FIG. 14, an area 1620 is a status line for displaying a low-priority alarm that does not need to be displayed on the message line 1601 or an execution status of another function.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a third control processing procedure of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and corresponds to the procedure from image input to output in remote copying in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, there are a plurality of devices on the network, and processing is performed according to steps S1501 to S1506. The flowchart in FIG. 15 is executed based on the program stored in the storage medium by the CPU 112 shown in FIG.

  As an embodiment, an image is input from the device 100 equipped with the color scanner shown in FIG. 1, the image is transferred to the device 101 equipped with a monochrome printer, and the image is output from the device 101 to recording paper. To do. It is assumed that the device 100 can perform a masking process for whitening a specific position of an image when inputting an image, and the device 101 cannot perform a masking process when outputting an image.

  First, in step S1501, the device 100 is searched for devices existing on the network. Device search is performed from the user interface.

  Next, in step S1502, the device 101 that outputs an image is selected from the found devices on the network, and in step S1503, by referring to the specification information of the device 101, it is understood what function the device has. . The contents of the specification information include functions that can be performed by the device, image processing, image compression format, model information, and the like. It is assumed that the specification information is held by the device or held by a server on the network.

  In step S1504, an image processing flow is calculated based on the print settings set by the user and the specification information of the device 101, and image processing parameters suitable for the scanner of the device 100 and the printer of the device 101 are applied.

  For example, when the user designates masking processing in the print settings, the device 100 is suitable for the printer of the device 101 in performing direct mapping, γ correction processing, and UCR processing by analyzing the specification information of the device 101. Since it is understood that masking processing cannot be performed at the time of printing on the device 101 side using the image processing parameters, the device 100 performs masking processing. Further, the image compression format of the device 101 is analyzed from the spec information, and the image data subjected to the masking process is converted into monochrome according to the device 101 which is a monochrome printer according to the compression format used in the device 101 and then compressed.

  In step S1505, the image data is transferred to the device 101. In step S1506, the device 101 outputs the image data to a recording sheet.

Claims (6)

  Input means for inputting image data, storage means for storing the input image data, first printing means for printing the image data on a recording medium, display means for displaying print setting items, and the display A first image forming apparatus that includes a selection unit that selects a print setting item that has been set, a second image forming apparatus that includes a second printing unit that exists on the network, and forms the image data into a second image forming unit. Transfer printing means for transferring to the apparatus and printing by the second printing means, analysis means for analyzing the specification information of each image forming apparatus, spec information analyzed by the analyzing means as a result of analysis by the analyzing means And an image forming system for calculating an image processing parameter based on the print setting item selected by the selection unit.   The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the specification information includes information on image processing that can be performed by the image forming apparatus.   2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the specification information includes information relating to the capability of the input unit and the capability of the printing unit.   Input means for inputting image data, storage means for storing the input image data, first printing means for printing the image data on a recording medium, display means for displaying print setting items, and the display A first image forming apparatus that includes a selection unit that selects a print setting item that has been set, a second image forming apparatus that includes a second printing unit that exists on the network, and forms the image data into a second image forming unit. Transfer printing means for transferring to the apparatus and printing by the second printing means, analysis means for analyzing the specification information of each image forming apparatus, spec information analyzed by the analyzing means as a result of analysis by the analyzing means And an image forming system including a control unit that controls an image processing flow based on the print setting item selected by the selection unit.   5. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the specification information includes information on image processing that can be performed by the image forming apparatus.   5. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the specification information includes information on the capability of the input unit and the capability of the printing unit.

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