JP2012248996A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform image processing for generating image data for printing at faster speed in one image processor.SOLUTION: The image processor includes a main image processing section and at least one sub-image processing section. When an image information amount of a print job which a job receiving section receives is determined to exceed a threshold, the main image processing section outputs raster image data from an image data output section and allows the sub-image processing section to generate divided image data.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus equipped with a plurality of image processing chips.

  When a conventional image processing apparatus receives a print job of huge image data, the image processing for generating image data for printing based on the print job is distributed to other apparatuses connected to the network. As a result, image processing is performed faster (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-123321 (Paragraph “0029” to Paragraph “0046”, FIGS. 1 and 2)

However, in the above-described conventional technology, in order to perform image processing for generating image data for printing faster, another device connected to the network is required, and there is no other device connected to the network. In this case, there is a problem that image processing cannot be performed faster.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve such problems and to perform image processing for generating image data for printing with a single image processing apparatus at a higher speed.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus for performing image processing of a received print job, comprising a main image processing unit and at least one sub image processing unit, wherein the main image processing unit receives the print job, and the print job A job receiving unit that develops image information into job information and image information, an editing processing unit that generates raster image data from the image information, an image data output unit that outputs the raster image data, and an image data output unit that outputs raster image data for each color. A main dispersion processing unit that generates divided image data divided into two, a divided image data input unit that inputs divided image data divided for each color from raster image data output from the image data output unit, and the main image data input unit. A part for generating image formation data from the divided image data generated by the distributed processing unit and the divided image data input from the divided image data input unit. An image processing unit, and the sub image processing unit inputs an image data input unit that inputs the raster image data output from the image data output unit, and the raster image data input by the image data input unit. And a divided image data output unit that outputs the divided image data generated by the sub-distribution processing unit, and generates the divided image data divided for each color from the main image processing unit. When the image information amount of the print job accepted by the job accepting unit exceeds a threshold value, the raster image data is output from the image data output unit and the sub-image processing unit also outputs the divided image. It is characterized by generating data.

  According to the present invention as described above, it is possible to obtain an effect that image processing for generating image data for printing can be performed at a higher speed by a single image processing apparatus.

The block diagram which shows the structure of ASIC in a 1st Example. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing power-on processing of the image processing apparatus in the first embodiment. The flowchart which shows the image processing of the main ASIC in a 1st Example. The flowchart which shows the edit process of main ASIC in a 1st Example. Flowchart showing distributed processing in the first embodiment The flowchart which shows the division | segmentation process of main ASIC in 1st Example The flowchart which shows the distributed processing which the main ASIC in a 1st Example performs independently. The flowchart which shows the division | segmentation process which the main ASIC in a 1st Example performs independently. Flowchart showing sub-ASIC image formation processing in the first embodiment The block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus in 2nd Example. The block diagram which shows the structure of ASIC in 2nd Example. Flowchart showing distributed processing in the second embodiment Flowchart showing division processing of main ASIC and sub-ASIC in the second embodiment

  Embodiments of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing apparatus in the first embodiment.
In FIG. 2, a printer 101 as an image processing apparatus is communicably connected to a PC (Personal Computer) 103 as a host apparatus via a network 102 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The printer 101 internally generates image formation data for printing with four color developers in accordance with a print job composed of a print command (job data) and image data received from the PC 103 via the network 102. A main ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 110 as a main image processing unit that performs image processing, and a sub ASIC 111 as an image processing unit according to at least one of a part of image processing of a print job received by the main ASIC 110 The image forming data is received from the main ASIC 110 and is formed by four image forming units 112 that perform image formation, and a memory 150 as a storage unit connected to the main ASIC 110.

  The main ASIC 110 and the sub ASIC 111 have the same internal configuration, and the main ASIC 110 and the sub ASIC 111 are switched depending on whether the mode setting signal 113 is pulled up or pulled down.

  The main ASIC 110 has four terminals for outputting the generated image formation data, and each terminal is connected to each image forming unit 112. Accordingly, each image forming unit 112 receives the image forming data generated from the main ASIC 110. The main ASIC 110 and the sub ASIC 111 are connected by various signal lines.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ASIC in the first embodiment.
In FIG. 1, an ASIC 120 is a chip of the same type that is commonly used as the main ASIC 110 and the sub ASIC 111 in FIG. The ASIC 120 includes a job reception unit 121, an editing processing unit 122, a distributed processing unit 123, four divided image processing units 124, a memory controller 125, an edited data output unit 126, and an edited data input unit. 127, divided image data output unit 128, divided image data input unit 129, four divided image data selection units 130, data size determination unit 131, distributed processing distribution unit 132, distributed processing control unit 133, The mode switching unit 134 and the flow control unit 135 are configured.

  The job reception unit 121 receives job data (job information) as a print job for the printer 101 via the network 102 and image data (image information) described in PDL (Page Description Language). The job data and image data are developed and stored in the external memory 150 via the memory controller 125.

  The job reception unit 121 determines whether the size (image information amount) of the received image data based on the received job data is a predetermined size (threshold value), for example, 1 Mbyte or less, to the data size determination unit 131. If the image data is less than or equal to a predetermined size based on the determination result, the ASIC 120 performs the image data conversion process of the image data, and the distributed processing distribution unit 132 is operated by a single ASIC 120. Performs operation settings for image processing.

On the other hand, when the image data is larger than the predetermined size, the image data conversion processing is performed by being distributed to another ASIC 120 mounted on the printer 101. For this purpose, the image data is distributed to the distributed processing distribution unit 132. Performs operation settings for image processing.
When the job reception unit 121 receives a print job from the network 102, the job reception unit 121 separates the print job into job data and image data, stores the job data and image data in the external memory 150 via the memory controller 125, and Instructs the editing process to start.

  The data size determination unit 131 analyzes the job data of the print job received by the job data reception unit 121, determines whether the size of the image data is a predetermined size, for example, 1 Mbyte or less, and the determination result is The job reception unit 121 returns to the job reception unit 121 and notifies the distributed processing distribution unit 132 of the returned determination result.

  The distributed processing distribution unit 132 receives the determination result of the size of the image data, and performs distributed processing on the edited data output unit 126, the edited data input unit 127, the divided image data output unit 128, and the divided image data selection unit 130. A flag is set (output as a signal indicating that distributed processing is necessary). Further, the distributed processing distribution unit 132 receives a page processing start timing signal from the editing processing unit 122 and outputs a timing signal to the distributed processing unit 123. In the present embodiment, the “flag” is a signal for notifying information, and two information can be obtained by “setting a flag (setting a high level)” or “setting a flag (setting a low level)”. Can be notified.

  The distributed processing flag and the timing signal are also output to the outside of the ASIC 120, and another ASIC 120 to which the output distributed processing flag and the timing signal are input can be similarly output to each part inside the ASIC 120. .

  The editing processing unit 122 receives an editing processing start instruction from the job reception unit 121, reads image data from the external memory 150 via the memory controller 125, executes editing processing, is divided into pages, and performs RGB (Red , Green, Blue) edited data that is raster image data expressed in space is generated. This editing process is unique to each job, and cannot be executed in a distributed manner.

  The edit processing unit 122 writes the generated edited data to the external memory 150, and outputs a page processing start timing signal when the writing of the edited data to the memory 150 in units of pages is completed. The editing processing unit 122 is realized as a program (software), for example.

  The distribution processing unit 123 reads edited data from the external memory 150, performs distribution processing and color conversion processing in units of pages, and converts raster image data expressed in RGB space into CMYK space. The dispersion processing unit 123 outputs divided image data divided into four parts for each color of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) as the processing result.

There are four divided image processing units 124 corresponding to the C color, M color, Y color, and K color, each of which performs individual processing on the divided image data, and the image forming unit 112 outside the ASIC 120. It is converted into dot image formation data necessary for image formation and output.
The division processing control unit 133 controls the operations of the divided image processing unit 124 and the divided image data input unit 129.
The memory controller 125 is an interface unit for each processing unit in the ASIC 120 to exchange data with the external memory 150.

  When the edited data output unit 126 serving as the image data output unit receives the distributed processing flag from the distributed processing distribution unit 132, the edited data output unit 126 reads the edited data via the memory controller 125 in accordance with the timing signal, and the edited data Is output to the outside of the ASIC 120 (for example, the sub ASIC).

  When the edited data input unit 127 serving as the image data input unit receives the distributed processing flag from the distributed processing distribution unit 132, the edited data input unit 127 inputs the edited data from the outside of the ASIC 120 (for example, the main ASIC), and sets the memory controller 125. The edited data is written to the external memory 150 via

  The divided image data output unit 128 outputs C color image data, M color image data, Y color image data, and K color image data from the distributed processing unit 123 in accordance with the timing signal received from the distributed processing distribution unit 132. The C color image data, the M color image data, the Y color image data, and the K color image data are output to the outside of the ASIC 120 (for example, the main ASIC).

  When the divided image data input unit 129 receives the distributed processing flag from the distributed processing distribution unit 132, the divided image data input unit 129 inputs the divided image data of C color, M color, Y color, and K color from the outside of the ASIC 120 (for example, the sub ASIC). Then, the divided image data of the four colors is output to the divided image data selection unit 130 corresponding to C color, M color, Y color, and K color. The divided image data input by the divided image data input unit 129 is generated from the image data output from the divided image data output unit 128.

  The divided image data selection unit 130 divides from the distributed processing unit 123 or the divided image data input unit 129 when the distributed processing flag received from the distributed processing distribution unit 132 is set (a signal indicating that distributed processing is necessary). When image data is input and the distributed processing flag received from the distributed processing distribution unit 132 is off (a signal indicating that distributed processing is not required), the divided image data is input from the distributed processing unit 123, and the divided image The data is output to the divided image processing unit 124.

  Therefore, the divided image processing unit 124 generates image formation data from the divided image data generated by the main distribution processing unit of the main ASIC 120 and the divided image data input from the sub ASIC 120 via the divided image data input unit 129. .

  The mode switching unit 134 receives the mode setting signal 113 from an external input terminal, detects the input potential of the mode setting signal 113 after the ASIC 120 is reset, and determines whether to operate as a main ASIC or a sub ASIC. The determination result is notified to the flow control unit 135.

The flow control unit 135 controls the processing flow as the flow of image processing by instructing each function unit in the ASIC 120 to start, end, and set the processing. For this control, distributed processing flag, page editing processing end flag, all editing processing completion flag, main ASIC distributed processing flag, sub ASIC distributed processing flag, main ASIC distributed processing completion flag, sub ASIC distribution A process completion flag and a division process completion flag are output in accordance with the process flow.
In addition, the flow control unit 135 includes a page number counter and outputs a current page number count value. Further, the flow control unit 135 outputs a sub ASIC power off signal 136 for cutting off the power of the sub ASIC to the outside of the ASIC 120.

When the main ASIC 120 configured as described above determines that the image information amount of the print job accepted by the job accepting unit 121 exceeds the threshold value, the main ASIC 120 outputs raster image data from the edited data output unit 126 and outputs the sub-ASIC. Also, divided image data is generated, and image processing is performed in a distributed manner.
The editing processing unit 122 of the main ASIC 120 is the main editing processing unit, the distribution processing unit 123 is the main distribution processing unit, the divided image processing unit 124 is the main image division processing unit, and the editing processing unit 122 of the sub ASIC 120 is the sub editing processing unit. The distribution processing unit 123 is a sub-distribution processing unit, and the divided image processing unit 124 is a sub-image division processing unit.

The operation of the above configuration will be described.
First, the power-on process performed by the ASIC will be described with reference to FIG. 1 according to the step indicated by S in the flowchart of the power-on process of the image processing apparatus in the first embodiment of FIG.
When the printer 101 is turned on by a user operation and the reset signals of the plurality of ASICs 120 are released, the operations of the plurality of ASICs 120 are started.

  S1: The mode switching unit 133 in each ASIC 120 detects the input potential of the mode setting signal 113 to determine whether to operate as a main ASIC or a sub ASIC, and the result of the determination is the flow control unit 135. Output to. For example, in the main ASIC 110 in the printer 101 shown in FIG. 2, since the mode setting signal 113 is pulled up to + 3.3V, it is determined that it is the main ASIC, and in the sub ASIC 111 in the printer 101, the mode setting signal is Since 113 is pulled down to the ground, it is determined to be a sub-ASIC.

S2: If the input determination result is the main ASIC, the flow control unit 135 shifts the process to S3, and if the input determination result is the sub ASIC, shifts the process to S4.
S3: The flow control unit 135 executes the processing flow of the main ASIC. The flow control unit 135 continues to operate as the main ASIC until the ASIC 120 is powered off.
S4: The flow control unit 135 executes the processing flow of the sub-ASIC. The flow control unit 135 continues to operate as a sub ASIC until the power of the ASIC 120 is turned off.

  Next, image processing as a processing flow performed by the main ASIC will be described with reference to FIG. 1 according to a step represented by S in the flowchart showing the image processing of the main ASIC in the first embodiment of FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that the main ASIC 120 is the main ASIC 110 shown in FIG. 2, and the sub ASIC 120 is the sub ASIC 111 shown in FIG.

  S 11: The job reception unit 121 of the main ASIC 120 receives job data and image data as a print job, separates the job data and image data, and stores them in the external memory 150. At the same time, the job reception unit 121 outputs job data to the data size determination unit 131, and the data size determination unit 131 that has input the job data determines whether the size of the image data is a predetermined size, for example, 1 Mbyte or less. And the result of the determination is output to the flow control unit 135.

S12: When the determination result of the size of the image data of the data size determination unit 131 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size (for example, 1 Mbyte), the flow control unit 135 proceeds to S14 and performs a predetermined size (for example, If it is larger than 1 Mbyte), the process proceeds to S13.
S13: The flow control unit 135 sets and outputs a distributed processing flag to notify each processing unit and sub-ASIC in the main ASIC 120 that distributed processing is to be performed. If the sub-ASIC power-off signal 136 is output, the flow control unit 135 stops the output to turn on the power of the sub-ASIC by a circuit on the board (not shown), and the process proceeds to S15.

  S14: The flow control unit 135 drops and outputs the distributed processing flag in order to notify each processing unit in the main ASIC 120 and the sub-ASIC that the distributed processing is not performed. Further, the flow control unit 135 outputs a sub ASIC power off signal 136 in order to cut off the power supply of the sub ASIC, cuts off the power supply of the sub ASIC by a circuit on the board (not shown), and the process proceeds to S15.

  S15: The flow control unit 135 instructs the editing processing unit 122 to read the job data from the external memory 150 and set the editing processing parameter according to the setting value set in the job data. Upon receiving the instruction, the editing processing unit 122 analyzes the job data, sets editing processing parameters, and outputs page number information to the flow control unit 135.

The flow control unit 135 to which the page number information is input includes a page editing process end flag, an all editing process completion flag, a main ASIC distributed processing flag, a sub ASIC distributed processing flag, The ASIC distributed processing completion flag, the sub ASIC distributed processing completion flag, and the division processing completion flag are cleared and initialized.
S16: The flow control unit 135 instructs the editing processing unit 122 to start execution of editing processing, and activates editing processing.

Here, the editing process performed by the main ASIC will be described with reference to FIG. 1 in accordance with the step indicated by S in the flowchart showing the editing process of the main ASIC in the first embodiment of FIG.
S101: The edit processing unit 122 determines whether or not an all edit process completion flag is set. If the flag is set, the edit process is terminated, and if it is set, the process proceeds to S102. Continue editing.

S102: The editing processing unit 122 reads the image data from the external memory 150, converts it into edited data that is raster data for each page (page unit) according to the editing processing parameters, and converts the edited data to the external data. A process of writing back to the memory 150 is performed.
S103: The edit processing unit 122 continues the process of S102 until the edited data for one page is generated. When the edited data for one page is generated, the process proceeds to S104.

  S104: The edit processing unit 122 determines whether or not a page edit process end flag is set. If the flag is set, the process proceeds to S105. If the flag is set, the process proceeds to S106.

S105: The edit processing unit 122 waits until processing of edited data for one page already generated is completed in order to prevent the page edit processing end flag from being set twice. If the edit processing unit 122 confirms that the page edit process end flag has been cleared, the edit process unit 122 proceeds to S106.
S106: The editing processing unit 122 requests the flow control unit 135 to set the page editing processing end flag, and requests the flow control unit 135 to set the value of the page number counter to “−1”. After making the request, the process proceeds to S107.

S107: The edit processing unit 122 determines whether or not the current value of the page number counter output from the flow control unit 135 is “0”. If the current value is “0”, all the pages If the editing process is completed, the process proceeds to S108. If it is not “0”, the process proceeds to S102 and the editing process is continued.
S108: The editing processing unit 122 that has determined that the editing processing for all pages has been completed requests the flow control unit 135 to set the all editing processing completion flag, and ends the editing processing.

The description of the editing process ends, and the description returns to the description of FIG.
S17: The flow control unit 135 determines whether or not the distributed processing flag is set. If the flag is set, the process proceeds to S18, and if the flag is set, the process proceeds to S20.
S18: The flow control unit 135 that has determined that the distributed processing flag is set instructs the distributed processing unit 123 to jointly execute the distributed processing between the main ASIC and the sub-ASIC, and starts the distributed processing. .

Here, the distributed processing performed by the main ASIC and jointly performed by the main ASIC and the sub ASIC is described with reference to FIG. 1 according to the step represented by S in the flowchart of the distributed processing in the first embodiment of FIG. explain.
S201: The distributed processing distribution unit 132 of the main ASIC determines whether or not a page editing process end flag is set. If the flag is set, it is determined that there is data to be processed, and the process proceeds to S202. If the data has been dropped, it is determined that there is no data to be processed, and the process proceeds to S207.

  S202: The distributed processing distribution unit 132 that has determined that there is data to be processed determines whether the distributed processing flag of the main ASIC 120 is set in order to check whether the distributed processing can be executed by the main ASIC 120. If the flag is set, the process proceeds to S204. If the flag is set, the process proceeds to S203.

  S203: The distributed processing distribution unit 132, which has determined that the distributed processing flag of the main ASIC 120 has dropped, instructs the distributed processing unit 123 to execute the distributed processing, and instructs the flow control unit 135 to complete the page editing process. Is instructed to drop, and the process proceeds to S207. In response to the instruction, the distribution processing unit 123 reads edited data from the external memory 150 in units of pages, performs distribution processing and color conversion processing, and converts the raster image data expressed in the RGB space into the CMYK space. Also, the flow control unit 135 receives the instruction and clears the page editing process end flag.

S204: The distributed processing distribution unit 132 determines whether or not the distributed processing flag of the sub ASIC 120 is set in order to confirm whether or not the distributed processing can be executed by the sub ASIC 120, and the flag is set. If yes, the process proceeds to S206, and if it has fallen, the process proceeds to S205.
S205: The distributed processing distribution unit 132 instructs the distributed processing unit 123 of the sub ASIC 120 to execute the distributed processing, and shifts the processing to S207. The distributed processing performed by the sub ASIC 120 will be described later.

  S206: Since the distributed processing distribution unit 132 determines that neither the main ASIC 120 nor the sub ASIC 120 is in a state where it can perform distributed processing, it waits until the distributed processing flag for either the main ASIC 120 or the sub ASIC 120 is cleared. When the distributed processing distribution unit 132 detects that one of the distributed processing in-progress flags has dropped, the processing proceeds to S202, and re-executes the distributed processing distribution processing.

  S207: The distributed processing distribution unit 132 waits until the state of the distributed processing changes. That is, the distributed processing distribution unit 132 waits until any of the page editing processing end flag, the distributed processing flag of the main ASIC 120, or the distributed processing flag of the sub ASIC 120 changes. The process proceeds to S208.

  S208: The distributed processing distribution unit 132 detects that the flag change detected in S207 has changed from the state in which the main ASIC 120 distributed processing flag is set, or the sub ASIC 120 has a distributed processing flag set. Only when it is detected that the state has fallen from the existing state (when the distributed processing is completed in the main ASIC 120 or the sub ASIC 120), the flow control unit 135 is instructed to set the distributed processing completion flag, and the processing is performed in S209. Migrate to If the distributed process distribution unit 132 detects that the page editing process end flag is set, the process shifts to S201 and re-executes the distributed process.

S209: The distributed processing distribution unit 132 determines whether the distributed processing completion flag of the ASIC for which the distributed processing flag has been dropped in S208 is set. If the flag is set, the processing proceeds to S210. If it has fallen, the process proceeds to S211.
S210: The distributed processing distribution unit 132 waits until the distributed processing completion flag is lowered to prevent the distributed processing completion flag from being set twice, and after confirming that the distributed processing completion flag has been dropped, performs processing in S211. Migrate to

S211: The distributed processing distribution unit 132 instructs the flow control unit 135 to set the distributed processing completion flag of the ASIC for which the distributed processing in-process flag has been dropped in S208, and the process proceeds to S212.
S212: The distributed processing distribution unit 132 determines whether or not the distributed processing of all pages has been completed, that is, when the all editing completion flag is set and the page editing processing end flag is off, It is determined that the distributed processing has ended, and the distributed processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the distributed processing for all pages has not been completed, the process proceeds to S201, and the distributed processing is re-executed.

The description of the distributed processing is ended, and the description returns to the description of FIG.
S19: The flow control unit 135 instructs the divided image processing unit 124 to execute the dividing process, activates the dividing process, and shifts the process to S22.

Here, the dividing process performed by the main ASIC will be described with reference to FIG. 1 according to the step indicated by S in the flowchart showing the dividing process of the main ASIC in the first embodiment of FIG.
S301: The division processing control unit 133 determines whether or not the distributed processing completion flag of the main ASIC 120 or the sub ASIC 120 is set. If either flag is set, the process proceeds to S303, and both of them are dropped. If so, the process proceeds to S302.

S302: The division processing control unit 133 stands by until the distributed processing completion flag of the main ASIC 120 or the sub ASIC 120 is set. When the division processing control unit 133 detects that the distribution processing completion flag of the main ASIC 120 or the sub ASIC 120 is set, the process proceeds to S303.
S303: When the division processing control unit 133 determines that the distributed processing completion flag of the main ASIC 120 is set, the process proceeds to S304, whereas when it determines that the distributed processing completion flag of the main ASIC 120 is not set, the processing proceeds to S305 To do.

S304: The division processing control unit 133 outputs a division processing start timing signal to start the division processing on the divided image data processed by the main ASIC 120. The divided image data selection unit 130 receives the division processing start timing signal and sets a path so as to receive the divided image data from the distribution processing unit 123.
The divided image processing unit 124 receives the division processing start timing signal and starts executing independent processing for each color on the divided image data received from the distributed processing unit 123 via the divided image data selection unit 130. The process proceeds to S306.

S305: The division process control unit 133 outputs a division process start timing signal to start the division process on the divided image data processed by the sub ASIC 120. The divided image data selection unit 130 receives the division processing start timing signal and sets a path so that the divided image data is received from the divided image data input unit 129.
The divided image processing unit 124 receives the division processing start timing signal and starts executing independent processing for each color on the divided image data received from the divided image data input unit 129 via the divided image data selection unit 130. The process proceeds to S306.

S306: The division process control unit 133 waits until the division process started in S304 or S305 is completed.
S307: The division processing control unit 133 determines whether the division processing for all pages has been completed. The division processing control unit 133 determines that the division processing for all pages has been completed when the all editing processing completion flag is set and the distribution processing completion flag is set, and the division control completion flag is sent to the flow control unit 135. Request to stand up. On the other hand, if it is determined that the dividing process for all pages has not been completed, the dividing process control unit 133 shifts the process to S301 and re-executes the dividing process.

The description of the dividing process is ended, and the description returns to the description of FIG.
S22: The flow control unit 135 waits until distribution processing for all pages is completed. The flow control unit 135 determines whether or not a division process completion flag is set. If the flag is set, the flow control unit 135 determines that the process for the received print job is completed and ends the process.

S20: On the other hand, the flow control unit 135 that has determined that the distributed processing flag has been cleared in S17 instructs the distributed processing unit 123 to execute the distributed processing by the main ASIC 120 alone.
S21: The flow control unit 135 instructs the divided image processing unit 124 to execute the dividing process with the main ASIC 120 alone, and the process proceeds to S22.

  Here, the distributed processing performed solely by the main ASIC in S20 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 in accordance with the steps represented by S in the flowchart showing the distributed processing performed independently by the main ASIC in the first embodiment of FIG. To do.

  S401: The distributed processing distribution unit 132 determines whether or not a page editing process end flag is set. If the flag is set, it determines that there is data to be processed and shifts the process to S402. On the other hand, if the page editing process end flag is off, there is no data to be processed, so the distributed processing distribution unit 132 waits until the page editing process end flag is set, and detects that the page editing process end flag is set. Then, the process proceeds to S402.

  S402: The distributed processing distribution unit 132 instructs the distributed processing unit 123 to execute the distributed processing, instructs the flow control unit 135 to set the page edit processing end flag, and shifts the processing to S403. In response to the instruction, the distribution processing unit 123 reads the edited data from the external memory 150, performs distribution processing and color conversion processing, and converts the raster image data expressed in the RGB space into the CMYK space. Also, the flow control unit 135 receives the instruction and clears the page editing process end flag.

S403: The distributed processing distribution unit 132 waits until the distributed processing flag of the main ASIC 120 changes from the set state to the dropped state. When the distributed processing distribution unit 132 detects that the distributed processing in-process flag has been dropped, the processing proceeds to S404.
S404: The distributed processing distribution unit 132 instructs the flow control unit 135 to set the distributed processing completion flag, and the process proceeds to S405.

  S405: The distributed processing distribution unit 132 determines whether or not the distributed processing of all pages has been completed, that is, when the all editing completion flag is set and the page editing processing end flag is off, It is determined that the distributed processing has ended, and the distributed processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the distributed processing for all pages has not been completed, the process proceeds to S401, and the distributed processing is re-executed.

  Next, the division process performed by the main ASIC alone in S21 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 according to the step represented by S in the flowchart showing the division process performed by the main ASIC alone in the first embodiment of FIG. To do.

  S501: The division processing control unit 133 determines whether or not the distributed processing completion flag of the main ASIC 120 is set. If the flag is set, it is determined that there is data to be processed, and the process proceeds to S502. . On the other hand, when the distributed processing completion flag is off, there is no data to be processed, so the division processing control unit 133 waits until the distributed processing completion flag is set, and performs processing when detecting that the distributed processing completion flag is set. The process proceeds to S502.

S502: The division process control unit 133 outputs a division process start timing signal to start the division process for the divided image data processed by the main ASIC 120. In addition, the division processing control unit 133 instructs the flow control unit 135 to clear the distributed processing completion flag of the main ASIC 120.
The divided image data selection unit 130 receives the division processing start timing signal and sets a path so as to receive the divided image data from the distribution processing unit 123.

The divided image processing unit 124 receives the division processing start timing signal, and starts execution of independent divided image processing for each color on the divided image data received from the distribution processing unit 123 via the divided image data selection unit 130. The process proceeds to S503.
S503: The division process control unit 133 stands by until the division process started in S502 is completed. When the division process control unit 133 detects the end of the division process, the process proceeds to S504.

  S504: The division processing control unit 133 determines whether or not the division processing for all pages has been completed. The division processing control unit 133 determines that the division processing for all pages has been completed when the all editing processing completion flag is set and the distribution processing completion flag is set, and the division control completion flag is sent to the flow control unit 135. Request to stand up. On the other hand, if it is determined that the division process for all pages has not been completed, the division process control unit 133 shifts the process to S501 and re-executes the division process.

In this way, the main ASIC performs image processing.
Next, the image forming process as the distributed process performed by the sub ASIC in S205 of FIG. 6 is performed according to the step represented by S in the flowchart of the sub ASIC image forming process in the first embodiment of FIG. The description will be given with reference.

  S601: When the flow control unit 135 of the sub ASIC 120 confirms that the distributed processing flag output by the flow control unit 135 of the main ASIC 120 in S13 of FIG. 4 is set, the distributed processing distribution unit 132 of the sub ASIC 120 starts the distributed processing. Instruct. When the distributed processing distribution unit 132 of the sub ASIC 120 receives an instruction to start the distributed processing, the processing proceeds to S602.

  S602: The distributed processing distribution unit 132 of the sub ASIC 120 instructs the distributed processing unit 123 of the sub ASIC 120 to execute the distributed processing, and the process proceeds to S603. In response to the instruction, the distribution processing unit 123 of the sub ASIC 120 reads the edited data received from the main ASIC 120 via the edited data input unit 127 from the external memory 150, performs distribution processing and color conversion processing in the RGB space. The expressed raster image data is converted into CMYK space.

S603: The distributed processing distribution unit 132 of the sub ASIC 120 waits until the processing of the distributed processing unit 123 of the sub ASIC 120 is completed. When the end of the processing is detected, the processing proceeds to 604.
S604: The distributed processing distribution unit 132 of the sub ASIC 120 instructs the flow control unit 135 of the main ASIC 120 to set the distributed processing completion flag of the sub ASIC 120, and the process proceeds to S605. At the same time, the distributed processing distribution unit 132 of the sub ASIC 120 outputs the divided image data from the divided image data output unit 128 of the sub ASIC 120 to the divided image data input unit 129 of the main ASIC 120.

S605: The distributed processing distribution unit 132 of the sub ASIC 120 waits until the output of the divided image data is completed, and ends the dividing process when the output of the divided image data is completed.
As described above, when one image processing apparatus 101 includes a plurality of ASICs 120 that perform image processing for generating image data for printing and the size of the image data included in the print job is larger than a predetermined size, Since the ASIC 120 performs the image processing in a distributed manner, the image processing can be performed at a higher speed by the single image processing apparatus 101.

  Further, when the size of the image data included in the print job is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size, the image processing is performed by one ASIC 120, the operation of the other ASIC 120 is stopped, and the power is cut to reduce the power consumption. Can do.

As described above, in the first embodiment, a single image processing apparatus includes a plurality of ASICs that perform image processing for generating image data for printing, and the size of image data included in a print job is a predetermined value. If the image processing is larger than the size, the image processing is performed in a distributed manner by a plurality of ASICs, so that an effect that the image processing can be performed at a higher speed by one image processing apparatus can be obtained.
Further, when the size of image data included in a print job is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size, image processing is performed with one ASIC, the operation of the other ASIC is stopped, and the power is turned off to reduce power consumption. The effect of being able to be obtained.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing apparatus in the second embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ASIC in the second embodiment. Note that parts similar to those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 11, a printer 301 as an image processing apparatus includes a main ASIC 310 that performs image processing on a print job received from the PC 103 via the network 102, and a sub ASIC 311 that handles a part of image processing of the print job received by the main ASIC 310. And two analog switches 312 that select the image forming data output from the main ASIC 310 and the sub ASIC 311 and connect to the image forming unit 112. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

The main ASIC 310 and the sub ASIC 311 have the same internal configuration, and the main ASIC 310 and the sub ASIC 311 are switched depending on whether the mode setting signal 113 is pulled up or pulled down.
Of the four image forming data output terminals of the main ASIC 310, two are directly connected to the input terminals of the image forming unit 112, and the remaining two are connected to the input terminals of the two analog switches 312. ing. Of the four image forming data output terminals of the sub ASIC 311, two are connected to the input terminal of the main ASIC 310, and the remaining two are connected to the input terminals of the two analog switches 312.

  Each of the two analog switches 312 includes two input terminals, and each input terminal is connected to the output terminal of the main ASIC 310 and the output terminal of the sub ASIC 311 described above. The analog switch 312 includes selection means such as a switching element for selecting image formation data input from the main ASIC 310 or the sub ASIC 311. The selection means is driven by a selection signal 313 output from the main ASIC 310, and the main ASIC 310 Alternatively, image forming data input from any of the sub ASICs 311 is selected and output to the image forming unit 112.

  In FIG. 12, an ASIC 320 is commonly used as the main ASIC 310 and the sub ASIC 311 in FIG. The ASIC 320 includes a job reception unit 121, an editing processing unit 122, a distributed processing unit 333, four divided image processing units 334, a memory controller 125, an edited data output unit 126, and an edited data input unit. 127, a divided image data output unit 128, a divided image data input unit 129, four divided image data selection units 130, a data size determination unit 131, a distributed processing distribution unit 336, a distributed processing control unit 332, , A mode switching unit 134, a flow control unit 331, and two image composition units 335.

The flow control unit 331 controls the processing flow as the flow of image processing by instructing each function unit in the ASIC 320 to start, end, and set processing. For this control, the distributed processing flag, page editing processing end flag, all editing processing completion flag, distributed processing in progress flag, main ASIC distributed processing completion flag, sub ASIC distributed processing completion flag, and division processing completion flag are processed. Output according to the flow.
Further, the flow control unit 331 includes a page number counter and outputs a current page number count value. Further, the flow control unit 331 outputs a sub ASIC power off signal 136 for cutting off the power of the sub ASIC to the outside of the ASIC 320.

The division processing control unit 332 controls the operations of the divided image processing unit 334 and the divided image data input unit 129. Further, the division processing control unit 332 outputs a selection signal 313 for switching between the two analog switches 312.
The distribution processing unit 333 reads the edited data from the external memory 150, performs distribution processing and color conversion processing in units of pages, and converts raster image data expressed in RGB space into CMYK space. The distribution processing unit 333 outputs divided image data divided into four parts for each of the C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) colors as the processing result.

  Further, when the distributed processing flag is not set, the distributed processing unit 333 outputs divided image data divided into four pieces for each of the C, M, Y, and K colors as the divided data, and the distributed processing flag is set. When standing, when operating as the main ASIC, the odd-numbered and even-numbered lines of K color and the odd-numbered and even-numbered lines of M color are output as the divided data (for example, the distributed processing unit 333A uses the odd-numbered lines of K color and distributed processing) Section 333B outputs an even line of K color, distributed processing section 333C outputs an odd line of M color, and distributed processing section 333D outputs an even line of M color), and when operating as a sub-ASIC, an odd line and an even line of Y color And C-color odd-numbered lines and even-numbered lines are output (for example, the distributed processing unit 333A has a Y-colored odd line, the distributed processing unit 333B has a Y-colored even-numbered line, distributed Processing section 333C is C color odd lines of the distributed processing unit 333D is outputted even lines of C color) it is.

  There are four divided image processing units 334 corresponding to the C color, M color, Y color, and K color, each of which performs individual processing on the divided image data, and the image forming unit 112 outside the ASIC 320. The image data is converted into dot image formation data necessary for image formation and output to the image composition unit 335. Of the four divided image processing units 334, the outputs of two divided image processing units 334 (334B and 334D) are connected to an analog switch 312 via an external terminal of the ASIC 320 in addition to the image combining unit 335.

  When the distributed processing flag received from the flow control unit 331 is set, the image composition unit 335 outputs the image forming data input from the two image processing units 334 to the outside of the ASIC 320 alternately with odd lines and even lines. And output as synthesized image forming data. At this time, the odd lines are output from two divided image processing units 334 (334A, 334C) whose outputs are not directly connected to the external terminals of the ASIC 320 among the plurality of divided image processing units 334. The output of the even lines is input from two divided image processing units 334 (334B and 334D) whose outputs are directly connected to the external terminals of the ASIC 320 among the plurality of divided image processing units 334.

  If the distribution flag is off, the image composition unit 335 selects and outputs one of the image formation data input from the two image processing units 334. At this time, what is output is input from two divided image processing units 334 (334A, 334C) whose outputs are not directly connected to the external terminals of the ASIC 320 among the plurality of divided image processing units 334.

  The distributed processing distribution unit 336 receives the determination result of the size of the image data, and performs distributed processing on the edited data output unit 126, the edited data input unit 127, the divided image data output unit 128, and the divided image data selection unit 130. A flag is set (output as a signal indicating that distributed processing is necessary). Further, the distributed processing distribution unit 336 receives the page processing start timing signal from the editing processing unit 122 and outputs the timing signal to the distributed processing unit 333.

  The distributed processing flag and timing signal are also output to the outside of the ASIC 320. Similarly, when the distributed processing flag and timing signal are input from the outside of the ASIC 320, they can be received and output to each part inside the ASIC 320. It is like that.

  As described above, the main ASIC 320 includes a plurality of main divided image processing units 334, and the sub ASIC includes a plurality of sub divided image processing units 334, and the plurality of main divided image processing units 334 (for example, divided image processing) Unit 334A and divided image processing unit 334B, divided image processing unit 334C and divided image processing unit 334D) and a plurality of subdivided image processing units 334 (for example, divided image processing unit 334A and divided image processing unit 334B, divided image processing unit 334C). And the divided image processing unit 334D) generate image formation data of one color (any one of C color, M color, Y color, and K color).

The operation of the above configuration will be described. Since the operation of the configuration of the second embodiment is different from the operation of the configuration of the first embodiment in S18 and S19 shown in FIG. 4, the different operations will be described below, and the configuration of the first embodiment will be described. The description of the same part as that of is omitted.
First, the distribution process performed by the main ASIC in cooperation with the sub-ASIC in S18 shown in FIG. 4 is performed in accordance with the step represented by S in the flowchart showing the distribution process in the second embodiment shown in FIG. explain.

  S701: The distributed processing distribution unit 336 of the main ASIC determines whether or not a page editing process end flag is set. If the flag is set, it is determined that there is data to be processed, and the process proceeds to S702. Transition. On the other hand, if the page editing process end flag is off, there is no data to be processed, so the distributed processing distribution unit 336 waits until the page editing process end flag is set and detects that the page editing process end flag is set. Then, the process proceeds to S702.

  S702: The distributed processing distribution unit 336 of the main ASIC instructs both the distributed processing unit 333 of the main ASIC and the distributed processing unit 333 of the sub ASIC to execute the distributed processing, and performs page editing to the flow control unit 331 of the main ASIC. An instruction is given to clear the process end flag, and the process proceeds to S703.

  The distribution processing unit 333 of the main ASIC and the sub ASIC receives the instruction, reads the edited data from the external memory 150, performs distribution processing and color conversion processing, and converts the raster image data expressed in the RGB space into the CMYK space. Convert. In response to the instruction, the main ASIC flow control unit 331 sets the main ASIC distributed processing flag and the sub ASIC distributed processing flag, and sets the page editing processing end flag.

  S703: The distributed processing distribution unit 336 of the main ASIC waits until both the distributed processing flag of the main ASIC 120 and the distributed processing flag of the sub ASIC change from a set state to a dropped state. When the distributed processing distribution unit 336 detects that both of the distributed processing flags are dropped, the processing proceeds to S704.

  The main ASIC distributed processing flag requests the main ASIC flow control unit 331 to drop the flag when the main ASIC distributed processing unit 333 completes the distributed processing. It is dropped by the flow control unit 331 of the ASIC. The sub-ASIC distributed processing flag requests the main ASIC flow control unit 331 to drop the flag when the sub-ASIC distributed processing unit 333 completes the distributed processing, and receives the request. It is dropped by the flow control unit 331 of the ASIC.

  S704: The distributed processing distribution unit 336 of the main ASIC instructs the flow control unit 331 of the main ASIC to set the distributed processing completion flag, and the process proceeds to S705.

  S705: The distribution processing distribution unit 336 of the main ASIC determines whether or not the distribution processing for all pages has been completed, that is, if the all editing completion flag is set and the page editing processing end flag is off, It is determined that the editing process and the distributed process are finished, and the distributed process is finished. On the other hand, if it is determined that the distributed processing for all pages has not been completed, the process proceeds to S701, and the distributed processing is executed again.

Next, the dividing process performed by the main ASIC and the sub ASIC in S19 shown in FIG. 4 is performed according to the step represented by S in the flowchart of the dividing process of the main ASIC and the sub ASIC in the second embodiment of FIG. Will be described with reference to FIG.
S801: The division processing control unit 332 of the main ASIC determines whether or not the main ASIC distributed processing completion flag is set. If the flag is set, it is determined that there is data to be processed, and the processing is performed in step S802. Migrate to On the other hand, when the distributed processing completion flag is off, there is no data to be processed, so the division processing control unit 332 waits until the distributed processing completion flag is set, and performs processing when detecting that the distributed processing completion flag is set. The process proceeds to S802.

  S802: The division processing control unit 332 of the main ASIC outputs a division processing start timing signal to start the division processing. Further, the division processing control unit 332 of the main ASIC instructs the flow control unit 331 to clear the distribution processing completion flag of the main ASIC.

  The division processing control unit 332 of the main ASIC receives the division processing start timing signal, and sets the path so that the divided image data selection unit 130 of the main ASIC receives the divided image data from the distribution processing unit 333 of the main ASIC. . Further, the division processing control unit 332 of the main ASIC changes the selection signal 313 of the analog switch 312 to connect the image forming data from the sub ASIC to the image forming unit 112.

  The divided image processing unit 334 of the main ASIC receives the division processing start timing signal, and independently for each line of the divided image data received from the distributed processing unit 333 of the main ASIC via the divided image data selection unit 130 of the main ASIC. The execution of the process is started. The image composition unit 335 of the main ASIC alternately outputs odd-numbered lines and even-numbered lines to the image formation data received from the divided image processing unit 334 of the main ASIC.

  The odd lines are output from two main ASIC divided image processing units 334 (334A, 334C) whose outputs are not directly connected to the external terminals of the ASIC 320 among the plurality of main ASIC divided image processing units 334. Input. The output of the even line is an input from the divided image processing unit 334 (334B, 334D) of the main ASIC.

  The sub-ASIC division processing control unit 332 receives the division processing start timing signal, and sets the path so that the sub-ASIC divided image data selection unit 130 receives the divided image data from the sub-ASIC distribution processing unit 333. .

  The divided image processing unit 334 of the sub ASIC receives the divided processing start timing signal, and is independent for each line of the divided image data received from the distributed processing unit 333 of the sub ASIC via the divided image data selection unit 130 of the sub ASIC. The execution of the process is started. The sub-ASIC image composition unit 335 alternately outputs odd-numbered lines and even-numbered lines with respect to the image formation data received from the divided image processing unit 334 of the sub-ASIC, and outputs the resultant data as synthesized image formation data.

  The output of the odd lines is output from the divided image processing units 334 (334A, 334C) of the two sub ASICs whose outputs are not directly connected to the external terminals of the ASIC 320 among the divided image processing units 334 of the plurality of sub ASICs. Input. Further, the output of the even line is an input from the divided image processing unit 334 (334B, 334D) of the sub-ASIC.

  S803: The division processing control unit 332 of the main ASIC waits until the division processing started in S802 is completed. When the division processing control unit 332 of the main ASIC detects the end of the division processing, the processing proceeds to S804.

  S804: The division processing control unit 332 of the main ASIC determines whether the division processing for all pages has been completed. The division processing control unit 332 of the main ASIC determines that the division processing for all pages has been completed when the all editing processing completion flag is set and the distribution processing completion flag is set, and the flow control unit of the main ASIC It requests the 331 to set the division process completion flag. On the other hand, if it is determined that the division processing for all pages has not been completed, the division processing control unit 332 of the main ASIC shifts the processing to S801 and re-executes the division processing.

  In this embodiment, the function of switching the connection of image forming data from a plurality of ASICs and outputting them to the image forming unit is realized by an analog switch outside the ASIC. However, the present invention is not limited to this. An image forming data input path to the inside may be provided and switched within the ASIC.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, an image composition unit is provided in each of the main ASIC and the sub ASIC, so that image processing for each of two colors is performed in each ASIC. Thus, it is possible to improve the image processing speed.

In the first and second embodiments, the image processing apparatus has been described as a printer. However, the image processing apparatus is not limited thereto, and may be a copier or a multifunction peripheral (MFP).
Further, the number of ASICs has been described as being composed of two main ASICs and sub-ASICs, but may be three or more, and the image processing apparatus is configured to use four color developers. It is good also as a structure which uses the developer of a color below or 5 colors or more.

Further, when the processing state of each ASIC changes, each ASIC notifies its own processing state to the main ASIC so that the main ASIC always maintains the processing state of each ASIC. The main ASIC may sequentially check with each ASIC.
Furthermore, the condition for the main ASIC to perform the distributed processing is the data size of the image of the print job. However, the paper size of the print job is set so that the distributed processing is performed when a predetermined paper size is selected. Also good.

101, 301 Printer 102 Network 103 PC
110, 310 Main ASIC
111, 311 Sub-ASIC
112 Image forming unit 120 ASIC
121 Job Accepting Unit 122 Editing Processing Unit 123, 333 Distributed Processing Unit 124, 334 Divided Image Processing Unit 125 Memory Controller 126 Edited Data Output Unit 127 Edited Data Input Unit 128 Divided Image Data Output Unit 129 Divided Image Data Input Unit 130 Divided Image data selection unit 131 Data size determination unit 132, 336 Distributed processing distribution unit 133, 332 Distributed processing control unit 134 Mode switching unit 135, 331 Flow control unit 312 Analog switch 335 Image composition unit

Claims (7)

In an image processing apparatus that performs image processing of a received print job,
A main image processing unit and at least one sub image processing unit;
The main image processing unit
A job accepting unit that accepts a print job and develops the print job into job information and image information;
An edit processing unit for generating raster image data from the image information;
An image data output unit for outputting the raster image data;
A main dispersion processing unit for generating divided image data divided for each color from the raster image data;
A divided image data input unit for inputting divided image data divided for each color from the raster image data output from the image data output unit;
A divided image processing unit that generates image formation data from the divided image data generated by the main dispersion processing unit and the divided image data input from the divided image data input unit;
The slave image processing unit
An image data input unit for inputting the raster image data output from the image data output unit;
A secondary dispersion processing unit for generating divided image data divided for each color from the raster image data input by the image data input unit;
A divided image data output unit that outputs the divided image data generated by the sub-distribution processing unit;
The main image processing unit outputs the raster image data from the image data output unit when the image information amount of the print job received by the job reception unit exceeds a threshold value, and outputs the raster image data. And generating the divided image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.
The main image processing unit outputs the raster image data for each page from the image data output unit, and causes the sub-image processing unit to generate the divided image data. In an image processing apparatus that performs image processing of a received print job,
A main image processing unit and at least one sub image processing unit;
The main image processing unit
A job accepting unit that accepts a print job and develops the print job into job information and image information;
A main editing processing unit for generating raster image data from the image information;
A main dispersion processing unit for generating divided image data divided for each color from the raster image data;
A main divided image processing unit that generates image formation data from the divided image data generated by the main dispersion processing unit;
The slave image processing unit
A secondary editing processing unit for generating raster image data from the image information;
A secondary dispersion processing unit for generating divided image data divided for each color from the raster image data;
A sub-divided image processing unit that generates image formation data from the divided image data generated by the main dispersion processing unit,
The main image processing unit causes the sub image processing unit to generate the divided image data from the image information when it is determined that the amount of image information of the print job received by the job receiving unit exceeds a threshold value. An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3.
The main image processing unit includes a plurality of main divided image processing units,
The slave image processing unit includes a plurality of slave split image processing units,
The plurality of main divided image processing units and the plurality of sub-divided image processing units each generate image forming data of one color. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4.
The main image processing unit includes a main image combining unit that combines image formation data,
The slave image processing unit includes a slave image synthesis unit that synthesizes image formation data.
Among the plurality of main divided image processing units, one main divided image processing unit generates odd line image formation data, and the other one main divided image processing unit generates even line image formation data. , The image forming data of the odd lines and the image forming data of the even lines are combined in the main image combining unit,
Among the plurality of subdivided image processing units, one subdivided image processing unit generates odd line image formation data, and the other one subdivided image processing unit generates even line image formation data. An image processing apparatus characterized in that the sub-image synthesizer synthesizes the odd line image formation data and the even line image formation data. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An image processing apparatus, wherein the main image processing unit and the sub image processing unit are of the same type. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The image processing apparatus, wherein when the main image processing unit determines that the amount of image information of the print job received by the job receiving unit is less than a threshold, the sub image processing unit is powered off.

Images