JP2011061612A - Image processing apparatus, method for processing image, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus, method for processing image, program and recording medium, which reduce useless spending in recording medium, toner, ink, electricity or the like by detecting unintended unusual outputs by a user and stopping them. <P>SOLUTION: The method for processing image is equipped with: an image scanning part 10 to scan an original image to extract original image information; a test image generation part 15 to output test image information for a test image used for failure detection approximately same time as reading of the original image after an output setting for the original image has been made; an operation part 17 to operate an expected value of the test image information; an image processing part 11 to perform an image processing for the test image information prior to the original image information; a test image inspection part 16 to perform a failure detection by comparing the test image information for which the image processing has been done and the expected value of the test image information; and an image forming part 14 to output the original image information to the recording medium. The test image inspection part 16 stops the operation of the image forming part 14 if the failure is detected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that performs abnormality detection, an image processing method, a program, and a recording medium.

  In recent years, copying machines having a plurality of functions such as a scanner, a FAX, and a printer have become widespread. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the copying process in such a copying machine. The copying process of the copying machine will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 shows the flow of the document image in the copying machine. As shown in FIG. 5, first, a document to be copied is set on the scanner unit by a user or the like. Next, the copying machine receives an input of a desired setting from a user via an operation unit (not shown), and starts a copying process upon receiving an operation such as pressing a copy start key by the user. When the copying process is started, the scanner unit reads a document image. Then, the read document image information is subjected to image processing set by the image processing unit 1 in the next stage, and sequentially in the order of the image processing unit 2, the controller, the memory, the controller, the image processing unit 3, and the image processing unit 4. After performing a predetermined process, an original image is printed by the printer unit. By such processing, the user can obtain a desired copy image.

  However, an abnormality may occur during the series of image information flow in the copying process. If the above abnormality occurs, for example, if an abnormal image is formed due to the abnormality, the copy image is output but is not the copy image desired by the user, so paper and toner are wasted. There was a problem that it would be exhausted. Furthermore, in order to recover the abnormality, the user may need to perform complicated processing, and there is a problem that it takes time and effort. Further, even if the image is not an abnormal image as described above, there is a high possibility that an abnormal state will cause an error, and the user cannot obtain a desired copy image due to the occurrence of the error. Furthermore, in order to recover the abnormality, the user may need to perform complicated processing, and there is a problem that it takes time and effort.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a technique has been proposed in which, when the power is turned on, the memory is checked for abnormalities, and then initialization is performed (for example, Patent Document 1). In the technique described in Patent Document 1, since a memory abnormality is automatically inspected when the power is turned on, the abnormality inspection can be performed without bothering the user. However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is not possible to detect an abnormality that has occurred after the power is turned on.

  In order to solve the above problems, a technique has also been proposed in which initialization and inspection are periodically performed, and when an abnormality is detected, recovery processing is performed at that time (for example, Patent Document 2). More specifically, the technique described in Patent Document 2 has an initialization means for initializing the apparatus and a processing function for diagnosing and recovering the apparatus, and also provides time for performing the initialization process, diagnosis, and abnormality recovery process. It has a timekeeping function that counts time, and by repeatedly performing initialization processing, diagnosis, and error recovery processing at regular time intervals, and recovering the work area contents to appropriate values, there is an abnormal condition in the work area contents. However, the apparatus can be used normally at the next operation start time. In other words, since the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 periodically inspects, even if an abnormality occurs after the power is turned on, the abnormality can be detected.

  Further, in relation to the above problem, a technique for generating a test pattern from each of a plurality of image processing units is disclosed in order to identify the image processing unit that caused the abnormal image to be output (for example, Patent Document 3). In the above-mentioned Patent Document 3, it is possible to identify in which image processing unit an abnormality has occurred by performing a single inspection, and thus it is possible to shorten the time required for abnormality recovery.

  However, since the technique described in Patent Document 2 periodically performs an abnormality inspection, for example, during the period from the last time the inspection is periodically performed until the user uses the memory element due to static electricity or the like There is a problem that an abnormality cannot be detected in the case where the device is destroyed. In other words, in the case described above, the user knows the defect only after performing an ordinary copying operation and using an abnormal image or error. Therefore, when an abnormal image is printed, there is a problem that paper, toner, ink, and the like are wasted.

  For example, even when an abnormality has occurred on the printer unit side, if the user desires to use only a scanner that does not use a printer, it can often be used. However, in the technique described in Patent Document 2, even if the user's request at that time can be answered if the conditions are limited as described above, the use of the user is generally restricted when an abnormality is detected. For this reason, there is a problem that the operability of the user is lowered.

  On the other hand, the technique described in Patent Document 3 is a technique for determining in which of the image processing units an abnormality has occurred, and there is a problem that an abnormality other than the image processing unit cannot be detected. It was. Furthermore, abnormal image output cannot be prevented in advance, and an image is output on paper to identify the image processing unit that caused the abnormal image to be output, so paper, toner, ink, etc. are wasted. There was also a problem of doing so.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and suppresses consumption of wasteful recording media, toner, ink, power, and the like by detecting abnormal output unintended by the user and stopping the output. An object is to provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, a program, and a recording medium.

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes: an image reading unit that reads a document image to acquire document image information; a test image generation unit that outputs test image information of an abnormality detection test image; and an expected value of the test image information An arithmetic unit that performs image processing on the original image information and the test image information, and compares the test image information that has undergone image processing by the image processing unit with the expected value of the test image information to check for an abnormality A test image inspecting means for performing the above and an image forming means for outputting the original image information to the recording medium. The test image generating means is configured to output the original image by the image reading means after the output setting of the original image is made. Test image information is output almost simultaneously with reading, the image processing means performs image processing on the test image information prior to the document image information, and the test image inspection means detects an abnormality. When it is characterized in that it stops the operation of the image forming means.

  An image processing method according to the present invention includes: an image reading step for reading a document image to acquire document image information; a test image generation step for outputting test image information of a test image for abnormality detection; and an expected value of the test image information The image processing step for performing image processing on the original image information and the test image information, and comparing the test image information subjected to the image processing by the image processing step with an expected value of the test image information for an abnormality inspection And a test image generation step for outputting document image information to a recording medium. The test image generation step is performed after the document image output is set and the document image is read by the image reading step. Test image information is output almost simultaneously with reading, and the image processing step performs image processing on test image information before document image information. Performed, the test image inspection step, when an abnormality is detected, characterized in that to stop the output to the recording medium of the original image information in the image forming step.

  The program according to the present invention reads the document image and obtains the document image information, and after the output setting of the document image has been set, the test image information of the abnormality detection test image is obtained almost simultaneously with the reading of the document image. Processing to output, processing to calculate the expected value of the test image information, processing to perform image processing on the test image information prior to document image information, expectation of the test image information and test image information that have been subjected to image processing An abnormality inspection is performed by comparing the values, and if an abnormality is detected, the computer is caused to execute a process of stopping output of document image information to a recording medium.

  The recording medium of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium on which the above program is recorded.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress consumption of useless paper, toner, ink, power, and the like.

It is a figure which shows the example of schematic structure of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of the example of a copy process in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a copying process example in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flow of the example of a copy process in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the copy process in the image processing apparatus relevant to this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Device configuration)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes an image reading unit 10, an image processing unit 11, a control unit 12, a storage unit 13, an image forming unit 14, a test image generating unit 15, and a test image inspection. Unit 16 and calculation unit 17. Although not shown in FIG. 1, an operation unit and a display unit may be provided. In the present embodiment, a case where a laser printer is applied as the printer unit that is the image forming unit 14 will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the present invention, an ink jet printer unit or the like can be applied as the image forming unit 14.

  The image reading unit 10 reads a document image set by a user or the like. The image reading unit 10 includes an optical system such as a light source lamp, a carriage, and a lens, and reads a document image on a contact glass. The image reading unit 10 of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can read a document image by, for example, a carriage reading method or a sheet-through reading method. In the carriage reading method, the entire surface of the document image is read by moving the carriage with a motor as a drive source. On the other hand, in the sheet-through reading method, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) is provided on the contact glass, the carriage of the image reading unit 10 is fixed at a predetermined position on the reading window, the light source is turned on, and the ADF is used in the sub-scanning direction. The image of the original on the reading window conveyed to is read.

  Normally, the sheet-through reading method is applied when reading several to several tens of sheet originals continuously, and the carriage reading method is applied to book originals or thick paper originals that cannot use the ADF. . In the manner described above, the information of the original image is photoelectrically converted to obtain an image signal. In the present embodiment, the case of reading a document image set by a user or the like has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied even when document image information is received from an information processing apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus 100 via a network or the like.

  The image processing unit 11 performs various image processes on the document image information acquired as described above. The image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes, for example, an image processing unit that performs γ correction, color correction, scaling processing, gradation processing, and the like. The image processing performed by the image processing unit 11 is not limited to the above-described image processing, and known image processing can be performed.

  The controller that is the control unit 12 receives document image information that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 11 on the image reading unit 10 side, and stores the document image information in the storage unit 13 such as a memory. The control unit 12 controls each function of the image processing apparatus. When document image information is received from an information processing apparatus or the like connected to the image processing apparatus 100 via a network or the like as described above, the control unit 12 receives document image information. Then, the control unit 12 stores the document image information received from the information processing apparatus or the like in the storage unit 13 such as a memory in the same manner as described above.

  The image forming unit 14 outputs document image information subjected to various image processes to a recording medium such as paper. The image forming unit 14 of the present embodiment can be configured to include a writing unit, a photoconductor, a developing unit, a fixing unit, and the like. In the image forming unit 14, document image information is written on the photosensitive member by a laser exposed from the writing unit. A toner image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor by writing laser light on the photoconductor through the developing unit. Then, the toner image on the photosensitive member is transferred to a recording medium that is conveyed by the conveying belt at the same speed as the rotation of the photosensitive member. Thereafter, the fixing unit fixes the toner image on the recording medium, thereby outputting a document image.

  In the above description, the case where a laser printer is applied as the printer unit serving as the image forming unit 14 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an inkjet printer unit or the like can be applied as the image forming unit 14. In this case, the image forming unit 14 is configured so that the carriage is slidably held on the guide shaft, and the carriage is moved (main scanning) in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium such as paper by a main scanning motor. Can do. The carriage is equipped with a recording head composed of droplet ejection heads that are arranged with nozzle holes that are a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting droplets, and an ink cartridge that supplies liquid to the recording head is detachably mounted. can do. Note that a sub tank may be mounted in place of the ink cartridge, and ink may be supplemented and supplied from the main tank to the sub tank.

  The test image generator 15 generates an image for inspecting the abnormality. Note that the test image to be generated can be set in advance. The test image may be any image, but for example, it is preferable to apply an image such as a lattice or a stripe.

  The test image inspection unit 16 compares the expected value of the test image obtained from the calculation result of the calculation unit 17 with the test image actually subjected to each process and transmitted from the image processing unit 11, so that the abnormality is detected. Determine whether it has occurred. The calculation unit 17 calculates the expected value of the test image generated by the test image generation unit 15 based on the settings of the image processing units 11, the control unit 12, the storage unit 13, and the like. When an image such as a grid or stripe is applied as a test image as described above, each calculation becomes easy and the calculation time can be shortened.

(Copying process)
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the flow of a copy processing example in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of a copy processing example in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, a copy processing example in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

  2A to 2E show the flow of image information in the copying process in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a scanner unit as the image reading unit 10 and image processing units 1 to 4 as the image processing unit 11. The controller 12 includes a controller unit, and the storage unit 13 includes a memory. The image forming unit 14 includes a printer unit. Further, in addition to the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 5, a test image generated by the test image generation unit, a calculation means in the calculation unit 17, and an image inspection in the test image inspection unit 16 are illustrated.

  First, an original to be copied is set by the user on the scanner unit, a desired setting is input by an operation unit (not shown), and a copy start key is pressed (step S301). At this time, it is clear that the settings desired by the user are reflected in the settings of the image processing units, the controller, and the memory. In this state, the document image information flows and is processed.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, when the procedure for reading a document with the scanner unit is started as described above (step S302), a test image is output from the test image generation unit 15 (step S303). Thereafter, the scanner unit reads the document image (step S304). Next, the test image output from the test image generation unit 15 is input to the image processing unit 1, and image processing is performed by the image processing unit 1 (step S305). The document image information read by the scanner unit in the process of step S304 is input to the image processing unit 1 after the test image is input, and image processing is performed (step S306).

  Note that the processing of step S303 and step S304 may be performed in parallel. That is, the test image information is stored in the image processing unit 1 after the copy start key is pressed by the user and the scanner unit starts operating and the reading of the document image is completed until the reading of the document image is completed. It only has to be entered. At this time, the setting of the image processing unit 1 is the setting for the document image information, but the test image information input before the document image information is naturally processed with the setting. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2C, the image processing unit, the controller, and the memory subsequent to the image processing unit 1 also process the test image information with the setting for document image information.

  In parallel with the above-described operation, the calculation unit 17 calculates the expected value of the test image information output from the test image generation unit 15. Then, the calculation unit 17 outputs the expected value of the test image information calculated by the calculation unit 17 to the test image inspection unit 16.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2D, the test image information is input to the test image inspection unit 16 immediately after the output of the image processing unit 4, that is, immediately before the input of the printer unit (step S307). Then, the test image inspection unit 16 compares the expected value of the test image information input from the calculation unit 17 with the test image information input from the image processing unit 4 (step S308), and whether or not an abnormality has occurred. Is determined (step S309).

  Here, the expected value of the test image information is that the image output from the test image generation unit 15 is a predetermined test image, and the setting of each image processing unit, controller, and memory is determined. Since it is clear whether or not the process is performed, it can be obtained by calculation as a test image that will be finally obtained.

  The above calculation is performed by the calculation unit 17, but a dedicated circuit is not necessarily provided. For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an ASIC (Application Specified IC) included in the image processing apparatus may be used. That is, any calculation may be performed as long as the test image information is processed by each image processing, the controller, and the memory and is output from the image processing unit 4 in time. However, it is preferable that a configuration different from the control unit 12 performs the calculation. This is because if there is an abnormality in the control unit 12, an abnormality also occurs in the calculation of the expected value, and there is a possibility that an accurate expected value cannot be obtained. If the test image is a simple image such as a grid or stripe, each calculation is easy and the calculation time can be shortened.

  As described above, the test image inspection unit 16 compares the expected value of the test image information obtained from the calculation result with the test image information actually processed by each processing unit and output from the image processing unit 4 to determine whether it is abnormal. Determine whether or not. Then, as shown in FIG. 2E, if no abnormality is detected in the above determination (step S309 / YES), the subsequent document image information is output from the image processing unit 4 and input to the printer unit ( Step S310). Then, the printer unit prints and outputs the document image (step S311). Thus, when no abnormality has occurred, the user can obtain a desired output.

  On the other hand, when an abnormality is detected in the above determination (step S309 / NO), the operation of the printer unit is stopped (step S312), and the test image inspection unit 16 immediately generates an abnormality occurrence interrupt to print the document image information. The output to the unit is stopped (step S313). Then, an error occurrence notification indicating that an abnormality has occurred is displayed on the display unit, and an abnormality recovery process is performed (step S313). The abnormality recovery process may be performed based on user input. The error occurrence notification method is not limited to this, and for example, an error may be notified to the user by an alarm. With the operation described above, abnormal output unintended by the user can be stopped, and paper, toner, ink power, and the like that are wasted if output is performed as is can be suppressed.

  A specific example of the image processing performed on the test image information and the document image information in step S305 and step S306 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, image processing such as γ correction, color correction, and scaling is performed as image processing on the scanner unit side. Further, γ correction, gradation processing, and the like are performed as image processing on the printer side.

  When document image information is received from an information processing apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus 100 via a network or the like, the test image generation unit 15 outputs a test image immediately after receiving the document image information. Then, the test image information may be input to each part after the image processing unit 2 before the document image information.

(Test image)
Next, a test image suitable for the abnormality inspection process of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  As described above, it is preferable to apply a simple image as the test image in order to shorten the test image expected value calculation time. Further, the size of the test image is not particularly limited, but the test image is preferably the same size as the original image. When the test image and the document image have the same size, there are the following advantages.

  For example, even if there is an abnormality in the memory, if the memory area where the abnormality has occurred is not used, the test image and the document image are processed normally, and the user can obtain a desired output. As described above, it is possible to avoid stopping the document image output by shifting the system to the abnormality occurrence mode or the like because of the abnormality in the memory although the desired output is obtained.

  Further, it is possible to detect an abnormality that cannot be detected by a normal routine inspection. For example, when an abnormality occurs only at a specific scaling factor, if the user sets the scaling factor for document output, the test image is also image-processed with the same scaling factor setting for abnormal inspection. Since it is used, an abnormality can be detected. On the other hand, in a typical abnormality inspection, an abnormality cannot be detected unless an inspection by that setting is included by chance. In addition, if the inspections of all settings are included in the routine inspections, the number of combinations becomes unrealistic.

  According to the present embodiment, since an abnormality inspection is performed immediately before outputting a document image desired by the user, an abnormality that has occurred between the last abnormality inspection and a user's use cannot be detected as in a periodic inspection. The possibility of being unable to cope with time is extremely low. Accordingly, it is possible to detect an abnormal output unintended by the user, stop the output, and suppress consumption of wasteful recording medium, toner, ink, power, and the like.

  In addition, since the abnormality inspection is performed with the set value immediately before the image is output, it is possible to cope with an abnormality that occurs only under a specific condition. Furthermore, even if an abnormality occurs, the user can obtain a desired output if no abnormality occurs at the setting desired by the user at that time.

  In addition, since a test image is input at a position immediately after the image reading unit and abnormality detection is determined at a position immediately before the image forming unit, processing equivalent to that performed on the document image information is reflected in the test image information. It becomes possible to do. This makes it possible to perform abnormality detection processing with higher accuracy.

  In addition, since the calculation process of the expected value of the test image information is performed in a path different from the image processing path, the calculation process of the expected value of the test image information is performed even if the result calculated on the image processing path is abnormal. It is possible to avoid the problem that an abnormality cannot be found as in the case of performing through an image processing path.

  Note that a program for the CPU to execute the processing shown in the flowcharts of the respective drawings constitutes a program according to the present invention. As a computer-readable recording medium for recording the program, a semiconductor storage unit, an optical and / or magnetic storage unit, or the like can be used. By using such a program and recording medium in a system having a different configuration from the above-described embodiments and causing the CPU of the system to execute the program, substantially the same effect as the present invention can be obtained. .

  Although specifically described above based on the preferred embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-described image processing apparatus, image processing method, program, and recording medium, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It goes without saying that.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image reading part 11 Image processing part 12 Control part 13 Storage part 14 Image formation part 15 Test image generation part 16 Test image inspection part 17 Calculation part 100 Image processing apparatus

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 04-053781 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-265464 JP 2008-236129 A

Claims (14)

Image reading means for reading a document image and obtaining document image information;
Test image generating means for outputting test image information of the abnormality detection test image;
A computing means for computing an expected value of the test image information;
Image processing means for performing image processing on the document image information and the test image information;
Test image inspection means for performing an abnormality inspection by comparing test image information subjected to image processing by the image processing means and an expected value of the test image information;
Image forming means for outputting the document image information to a recording medium,
The test image generating means outputs test image information substantially after reading the original image by the image reading means after the output setting of the original image is made,
The image processing means performs image processing on the test image information prior to the document image information,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the test image inspection unit stops the operation of the image forming unit when an abnormality is detected.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the test image is the same size as the document image.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the test image is one of a lattice and a stripe.   4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit configured to display a message indicating that an abnormality is detected by the test image inspection unit. 5.   5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an alarm unit that notifies a sound to that effect when an abnormality is detected by the test image inspection unit.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit is provided in a path different from the image processing unit. An image reading step of reading an original image and obtaining original image information;
A test image generation step for outputting test image information of the anomaly detection test image;
A calculation step of calculating an expected value of the test image information;
An image processing step for performing image processing on the document image information and the test image information;
A test image inspection step for performing an abnormality inspection by comparing the test image information subjected to image processing by the image processing step with an expected value of the test image information;
An image forming step of outputting the document image information to a recording medium,
The test image generation step outputs test image information substantially simultaneously with reading of the original image in the image reading step after the output setting of the original image is made,
The image processing step performs image processing on the test image information prior to the document image information,
In the test image inspection step, when abnormality is detected, output of the document image information to the recording medium in the image forming step is stopped.   8. The image processing method according to claim 7, wherein the test image has the same size as the original image.   9. The image processing method according to claim 7, wherein the test image is one of a lattice and a stripe.   10. The image processing method according to claim 7, further comprising: a display step for displaying when an abnormality is detected in the test image inspection step.   11. The image processing method according to claim 7, further comprising an alarm step for notifying by sound when an abnormality is detected in the test image inspection step.   The image processing method according to claim 7, wherein the calculation step is performed by a route different from the image processing step. A process of reading a document image and obtaining document image information;
A process of outputting test image information of a test image for abnormality detection substantially simultaneously with reading of the original image after the output setting of the original image is made;
Processing to calculate an expected value of the test image information;
Processing for performing image processing on the test image information prior to the document image information;
The test image information that has undergone image processing is compared with the expected value of the test image information to perform an abnormality inspection, and when an abnormality is detected, output of the document image information to the recording medium is stopped A program that causes a computer to execute processing.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 13 is recorded.

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