JP2014135566A - Device cooperation image processing system, method for processing device cooperation image, program for device cooperation image processing, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow for easy visual confirmation on new image plate data synthesized on image data.SOLUTION: An MFP 25 comprises: a reading device 1 which inputs image data; a first image processing unit 2 which synthesizes new transparent toner data into the input image data; an operation display device 12 which specifies image edit processing for the synthetic image data synthesized by the first image processing unit 2; an HDD 5 and a memory 10 which accumulate the image data input by the reading device 1 and the synthetic image data synthesized by the first image processing unit 2; an external I/F device 14 which transfers the synthetic image data read from the HDD 5 and the memory 10 to another MFP; a second image processing unit 4 which performs image processing so as to improve visibility of the transparent toner data included in the synthetic image data transferred from the external I/F device 14; and a plotter device 6 which visualizes the conversion image data processed by the second image processing unit 4.

Description

  The present invention relates to a device cooperation image processing system, a device cooperation image processing method, a device cooperation image processing program, and a recording medium that are capable of device cooperation in which image data is shared by a plurality of devices.

The importance of information value in business is already recognized, and it is simultaneously required not only to convey information quickly, accurately and reliably, but also to convey information in an easy-to-understand and effective manner.
In addition, new functions for efficiently handling information using digital data have been provided along with higher communication technology, larger memory capacity / lower cost / miniaturization, and higher performance of personal computer PCs. Therefore, it is desired that MFPs that handle image data, which is a part of digital data, also provide new functions and fuse.
For example, there is a device cooperation technique for sharing image data among a plurality of MFPs. This is a technique in which the same image data is shared between other MFPs by using communication technology from using closed image data in one MFP. In recent years, for the purpose of improving the print quality of the MFP, the number of models that handle transparent toner for adjusting the glossiness for giving gloss to printed matter is increasing.
Note that, as a conventional technique related to device cooperation, in Patent Document 1, when it is declared that image data is to be reused for the purpose of improving the reusability of the image, characteristics predetermined by the first image data processing apparatus are used. A technique for performing image processing according to the processing mode of the image output destination image processing unit or the processing mode on the second image data processing apparatus after the image processing to be unified to the memory device is stored in the memory device. It is disclosed.

In addition, as a conventional technique related to transparent toner, Patent Document 2 discloses that a color output image is divided into small regions (in the embodiment, for each pixel) for the purpose of improving the glossiness and uneven glossiness of the image, and the color color for each small region. A technique for forming a color output image by means for predicting the amount of material and means for calculating the amount of transparent color material to be superimposed for each small area based on the predicted amount of color color material is disclosed.
Further, as a conventional technique for converting transparent toner to colored toner, Patent Document 3 discloses a print control apparatus using transparent toner for the purpose of enabling confirmation of overlap between transparent toner data and colored toner data in a state of good visual confirmation. When the user performs a test print without using the transparent toner in order to confirm the effect of the transparent toner, two colors different from the colored portion of the input image are determined, and the portion on which the transparent toner is placed is determined as the first color. A technique for reproducing a non-mounting portion with a second color is disclosed.

As mentioned above, while there is an increasing demand for transparent toner, there are a mix of models that support transparent toner and non-compatible models in the market. When linked to devices that share image data among multiple devices, it is generated with a model that supports transparent toner. When the image data including the transparent toner data is received by a model that does not support transparent toner, there is a problem that the transparent toner data cannot be expressed when the paper is output by the device.
Further, the conventional techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 are disclosed for individual techniques. However, the problem that the transparent toner data cannot be transferred in the system configuration in which the transparent toner compatible model / non-compatible model cooperates has not been solved.
Therefore, when the transparent toner compatible model and the non-compatible model are linked, even if the model that does not support transparent toner receives image data including transparent toner data, the visibility of the transparent toner data should be increased when outputting paper. Is desired.
The present invention has been made in view of the above, and as its purpose, a device-linked image processing system and a device-linked image processing capable of easily performing visual confirmation of new image plane data synthesized on image data. It is to provide a method and an apparatus cooperation image processing program.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a device-linked image processing system that communicates image data between at least two devices via a communication line, and one of the devices includes an image. Image data input means for inputting data, image combining means for combining new image plane data with the image data input by the image data input means, and the combined image data combined by the image combining means An image transfer means for transferring to the device, and the other device has an image so as to enhance the visibility of the new image plate data included in the composite image data transferred from the one device. Image processing means for performing processing, and image output means for outputting converted image data processed by the image processing means are provided.

  According to the present invention, one device synthesizes new image plane data with input image data, transfers the synthesized image data to the other device, and the other device A new image synthesized on the image data by performing image processing so as to improve the visibility of the new image plane data included in the synthesized image data transferred from the device, and outputting the processed converted image data Visual confirmation of the plate data can be easily performed.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing an outline of performing a closed copy operation with one MFP shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure for demonstrating the image image which added the transparent toner. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation display apparatus at the time of adding transparent toner. FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing details of a first image processing apparatus related to a copying operation of an MFP. FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing details of a second image processing apparatus related to a copying operation of an MFP. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an image storage operation closed by one MFP. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a reuse operation of an accumulated image closed by one MFP. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a device cooperation copy operation using a plurality of MFPs. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an operation for reusing a stored image of a model that is not equipped with a transparent toner function by a receiving MFP in a device cooperation copy operation using a plurality of MFPs. It is a figure for demonstrating the detail of a 2nd image process part. (A) is a figure showing the relationship between the input pixel value and output pixel value when not performing background removal processing, (b) is the figure showing the relationship between the input pixel value and output pixel values when performing background removal processing It is. (A) is a figure showing the characteristic of an emphasis process, (b) is a figure showing the characteristic of a smoothing process. (A) is a figure which mainly shows the matrix coefficient which detects the variation | change_quantity in the main scanning direction (horizontal direction), (b) shows the matrix coefficient which mainly detects the variation | change_quantity in the subscanning direction (vertical direction). FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st Example of an operation display apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the 2nd Example of an operation display apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the components, types, combinations, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like described in this embodiment are merely illustrative examples and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only unless otherwise specified. .

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an image processing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as MFP) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The MFP 25 includes at least a reading device 1, a first image processing unit 2, an operation display device 12, an HDD 5, a memory 10, an external I / F device 14, a second image processing unit 4, and a plotter device 6. .
The reading device 1 (image data input means) inputs image data. The first image processing unit 2 (image synthesizing means) synthesizes new transparent toner data (image plate data) with the image data input by the reading device 1. The operation display device 12 (image editing designation means) designates image editing processing for the synthesized image data synthesized by the first image processing unit 2. The HDD 5 and the memory 10 (image storage means) store the image data input by the reading device 1 and the combined image data combined by the first image processing unit 2. The external I / F device 14 (image transfer means) transfers the composite image data read from the HDD 5 and the memory 10 to the other MFP. The second image processing unit 4 (image processing means) performs image processing so as to improve the visibility of the transparent toner data included in the composite image data transferred by the external I / F device 14. The plotter device 6 (image output means) visualizes the converted image data processed by the second image processing unit 4.

In addition, the MFP 25 includes a bus control device 3, a CPU 8, a plotter I / F device 7, a line I / F device 13, an S.P. B15, ROM 16, general-purpose bus 11, etc. are provided. The MFP 25 is configured to be able to perform data communication with an external device such as the FAX 18, the PC 20, and other MFPs.
Specifically, the reading device 1 includes a line sensor composed of a CCD photoelectric conversion element, a contact image sensor (CIS), and an A / D converter driving circuit thereof. Then, based on the density information of the document obtained by scanning the set document, 8-bit RGB digital image data is generated and output to the first image processing unit 2. In the present embodiment, the reading resolution is 600 dpi, but the resolution is not limited to this.

The first image processing unit 2 is reused so that digital image data input from the reading device 1 can be optimized and output using any of the copy application, distribution scanner application, and FAX application. The image is processed and output in a form suitable for. This image data is stored in the HDD 5 or the memory 10 of the MFP 25, and is output after being optimized for characteristics according to the output destination when reused.
The bus control device 3 is a data bus control device that transmits and receives various data such as image data and control commands required in the MFP 25, and has a bridge function between a plurality of types of bus standards. In this embodiment, the bus control device 3 is connected to the first image processing unit 2, the second image processing unit 4, and the CPU 8 through a PCI-Express bus, and is connected to the HDD 5 through an ATA bus 9. ASIC.

The second image processing unit 4 performs image processing suitable for the output destination designated by the user on the digital image data changed to a form suitable for reuse by the first image processing unit 2 and outputs the digital image data. .
The HDD 5 is a large-sized storage device for storing electronic data that is also used in a desktop personal computer, and mainly stores digital image data and accompanying information of the digital image data. In the present embodiment, as the HDD 5, for example, an ATA bus-connected hard disk standardized by expanding IDE can be used.
The CPU 8 is a microprocessor that controls the entire control of the MFP 25. In the present embodiment, an integrated CPU in which a + α function is added to a CPU core that has been widespread in recent years can be used. For example, a PMC RM11100 can use a CPU in which a connection function with a general-purpose standard I / F and a bus connection function using a crossbar switch are integrated. Further, the CPU 8 controls the reading / writing of the HDD 5 and detects the remaining capacity of the HDD 5 and the like.

  The memory 10 temporarily stores data in order to absorb a speed difference when bridging between a plurality of types of bus standards and a processing speed difference between connected circuit components themselves. That is, it is a volatile memory for temporarily storing programs and intermediate processing data when the CPU 8 controls the MFP 25. That is, since the CPU 8 is required to perform high-speed processing, the system is activated by the boot program stored in the ROM 16 at the normal activation, and thereafter, the processing is performed by the program developed in the memory 10 that can be accessed at high speed. In the present embodiment, a standardized DIMM used for a personal computer can be used as the memory 10.

When the plotter I / F device 7 receives the CMYK digital image data sent via the general-purpose standard I / F integrated with the CPU 8, the plotter I / F device 7 performs a bus bridge process for outputting to the dedicated I / F of the plotter device 6. Do. In the present embodiment, for example, a PCI-Express bus can be used as the general-purpose standard I / F.
When the plotter device 6 receives the digital image data composed of CMYK, the plotter device 6 outputs the received image data on the transfer paper using an electrophotographic process using a laser beam.
S. B. Reference numeral 15 denotes one of chip sets used for a personal computer, which is a general-purpose electronic device called South Bridge. S. B. Is a general-purpose circuit that bridges a bus used when a CPU system including a PCI-Express and an ISA bridge is constructed, and bridges the ROM 16.
The ROM 16 is a memory that stores a program (including a boot program) used when the CPU 8 controls the MFP 25.

The operation display device 12 is a part that performs an interface between the MFP 25 and the user. The operation display device 12 includes an LCD (liquid crystal display device) and key switches, displays various states and operation methods of the MFP 25 on the LCD, and receives key switch inputs from the user. Detect. In the present embodiment, the CPU 8 is connected via a PCI-Express bus.
The line I / F device 13 is a device that connects the PCI-Express bus and the telephone line 17, and transmits and receives various data via the telephone line 17.
The FAX 18 is a normal facsimile, and transmits / receives image data to / from the MFP 25 via the telephone line 17.
The external I / F device 14 is a device that connects the PCI-Express bus and the external medium 21, and this apparatus enables the MFP 25 to exchange various data with the external medium 21. In this embodiment, a network (Ethernet (registered trademark)) is used for the connection I / F. That is, the MFP 25 is connected to the network 19 via the external I / F device 14.
The PC 20 is a so-called personal computer, and the user performs various controls and input / output of image data with respect to the MFP 25 via installed application software and drivers.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of performing a closed copy operation with one MFP shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the same constituent elements will be described with the same reference numerals as those in FIG. If the MFP that performs the copy operation is the A machine 25a, the image data is stored in the HDD 5a.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an image image to which transparent toner is added. A normal image 31 (Aiueo ABCD...) Is recorded on the transfer paper 30, and an image 32 representing “confidential” with a transparent toner is added thereto.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an operation display device when transparent toner is added. The operation display device 12 includes a button 12a for selecting a composite function, a display unit 12b for selecting transparent toner addition, addition position, additional character, bit depth, and the like from a touch panel, and a numeric keypad unit 12c for inputting a telephone number and number information. Is provided.

Next, a schematic operation when adding the transparent toner will be described with reference to FIGS. The user sets an original on the reading device 1, sets a desired mode and the like, inputs a copy start, enlargement / reduction ratio, setting of transparent toner addition (transparent toner is combined), transparent toner amount (transparent toner amount) Thickness) setting and the like are performed from the operation display device 12 (FIGS. 3 and 4). The operation display device 12 converts information (copy mode or the like) input from the user into control command data inside the device and issues it. The issued control command data is notified to the CPU 8 via the PCI-Express bus.
The user gives an instruction for image editing processing, such as to clearly emphasize the output image or to add transparent toner, via the display unit 12 b of the operation display device 12. As a user's request, there is of course a request to make the output image exactly the same as the original, but there is a request to make characters clearer than the original. In addition, since there is a request to obtain a glossy output image or a tint block added output image expressed with transparent toner by adding transparent toner, images obtained by image editing are very diverse. The CPU 8 executes a copy operation process program in accordance with the copy start control command data, and executes settings and operations necessary for the copy operation.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining details of the first image processing apparatus related to the copying operation of the MFP. The operation process is described below.
First, RGB 8-bit digital image data 37 obtained by scanning a document with the reading device 1 is converted into predetermined characteristics according to a predetermined mode by the first image processing unit 2a. That is, the image is converted into an image having characteristics suitable for reuse after storage and sent to the bus control device 3. At that time, in the model equipped with the transparent toner function, the α plate generation unit 35 at the head of the first image processing unit 2 a receives an image editing processing instruction, and transparent toner is added to form RGB + α image data (8 bits) 38. There is also a case. Further, the α image data may be sent to the bus control device 3 as digital image data similar to RGB 8-bit data. Further, the α version value reduction unit 36 at the end of the first image processing unit 2 a performs a value reduction process to perform 8-bit → 1 bit conversion, and a bus is provided as α image data (1-bit auxiliary information) 39. There is a case where it is sent to the control device 3.
Hereinafter, a case in which RGB image data and α image data (1-bit supplementary information) are converted will be described as an example. The bus control device 3 stores the RGB image data and α image data (1-bit auxiliary information) 39 input from the first image processing unit 2a in the HDD 5a via the CPU 8. The RGB image data and α image data (1-bit supplementary information) 39 stored in the HDD 5 a are sent to the second image processing unit 4 via the CPU 8 and the bus control device 3.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the details of the second image processing unit related to the copying operation of the MFP.
The second image processing unit 4 a converts the RGB image data 41 received from the HDD 5 a into CMYK image data for plotter output, and outputs it to the bus control device 3. The received α image data (1-bit supplementary information) is output to the bus control device 3 as plotter output alpha image data (1-bit supplementary information). However, when the black-and-white copy mode is designated as the copy mode, or when the black-and-white document is determined in the ACS mode, it is converted to K single-color image data instead of CMYK image data and output to the bus control device 3. Also, the received α image data (1-bit supplementary information) is 1-bit information at this time, but the α plate multi-value conversion unit 40 determines the amount of transparent toner (transparent toner amount) in accordance with the above-described image editing processing instruction. According to the (thickness) setting, it is converted into 8-bit information and output to the bus controller 3. The bus control device 3 re-accumulates the CMYK or K monochrome image data and α image data (8 bits) input from the second image processing unit 4a in the HDD 5a via the CPU 8.
Next, the CMYK or K monochrome image data and the α image data (8 bits) re-stored in the HDD 5 a are sent to the plotter device 6 via the CPU 8 and the plotter I / F device 7. The plotter device 6 outputs the received CMYK or K single color image data and α image data (8 bits) to the transfer paper 30 to generate a copy of the document.

The α version data reduction unit 36 of the first image processing unit 2a converts the α image data from 8 bits to 1 bit, and then the α version multivalue reduction unit 40 of the second image processing unit 4a 1 Bit → 8 bit conversion. The reason for this is due to an improvement in transfer speed on the bus and problems in the device cooperation copying operation using a plurality of MFPs (models with / without a transparent toner function) to be described later.
Also, the reason why the alpha version generation unit 35 of the first image processing unit 2a generates 8-bit data is that if 1-bit data is generated, the detailed scaling in the first image processing unit 2a This is because processing cannot be performed (only simple enlargement / reduction). The above is a schematic description of the copying operation closed by one MFP.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the image storage operation closed by one MFP. The MFP 25a of the present embodiment can be performed only by the HDD 5a without performing a copy operation. Even in the case of only image storage, there is a request that the user wants to execute various image editing from the operation display device 12. This is because it is cumbersome to edit each time it is output later, so that the user's request to execute editing at the time of image accumulation is satisfied. Such image editing can be executed from the operation display device 12 in the same manner as in the copy operation described above.
When image accumulation is performed, reading is performed under general-purpose conditions as much as possible so that it can be reused for various purposes after accumulation. That is, the entire original is always read at the same magnification. The operation display device 12 converts the information input from the user into control command data inside the device and issues it. The issued control command data is notified to the CPU 8 via the PCI-Express bus.
The CPU 8 executes a program for an image accumulation operation process in accordance with the control command data for starting image accumulation, and sequentially performs settings and operations necessary for the image accumulation operation. The operation process is up to the operation of accumulating in the HDD 5a without the operation in the second image processing unit 4a of the above-described copy operation. Up to this point, the outline of the image storage operation closed by one MFP is described.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the reuse operation of the stored image closed by one MFP. The MFP 25a of this embodiment can reuse image data even when time has elapsed since the image was stored. First, the user confirms what kind of images are accumulated from the operation display device 12. The operation display device 12 has a function of displaying file names, date / time, and thumbnail images of images stored at the time of browsing, and can be arbitrarily checked by the user. The user selects an image to be reused, and gives the operation display device 12 inputs such as a desired mode setting.
If the purpose of reuse is paper output, as described in the outline of the copy operation in FIG. 2, the user inputs the setting of a desired mode and the like, input of paper output start, enlargement / reduction ratio, transparency, as described in the operation display device 12. Performs additional toner settings and transparent toner amount (transparent toner thickness) settings.
The operation display device 12 converts the information input from the user into control command data inside the device and issues it. The issued control command data is notified to the CPU 8 via the PCI-Express bus. The CPU 8 executes a paper output operation process program in accordance with the control command data for starting paper output at the time of reuse, and sequentially performs settings and operations necessary for the paper output operation. The operation process is an operation after the first image processing unit operation and the storage operation of the copy operation described above are omitted and after the memory is stored. Up to this point, the outline of the reuse operation of the stored image closed by one MFP is described.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the device cooperation copy operation using a plurality of MFPs. For example, the MFP of the present embodiment can perform a device cooperation copy operation by combining a plurality of A machines 25a, B machines 25b, and C machines 25c. As an advantage of the device cooperation copy operation, image storage is performed by the HDD 5a of the machine A 25a, and the copy operation can be performed in cooperation with the machine B 25b or the machine C 25c at a remote place. Even in the case of this device cooperation copy operation, the user can execute various image editing from the operation display device 12 in the same manner as the copy operation, the image storage operation, and the stored image reuse operation. Further, by performing reading under general conditions as much as possible so that it can be reused for various purposes after accumulation, it can be reused even when time has elapsed since the image was accumulated. Even in this case, the operation display device 12 converts the information input from the user into control command data inside the device and issues it. The issued control command data is notified to the CPU 8 via the PCI-Express bus. The CPU 8 executes the device cooperation copy operation process program in accordance with the control command data for starting the device cooperation copy operation, and sequentially performs settings and operations necessary for the device cooperation copy operation. The operation process is a combination of the above-described image storage operation closed by one MFP and the reuse operation of the stored image closed by one MFP. This is the outline of the device cooperation copy operation using a plurality of MFPs.
The above-described device cooperative copy operation using a plurality of MFPs is premised on a model in which the sending MFP (A machine 25a) and the receiving MFP (B machine 25b, C machine 25c) are equipped with a transparent toner function. If the C machine 25c is a model not equipped with a transparent toner function, that is, if it is an MFP equipped with a plotter that cannot print transparent toner, α image data (transparent image data) of the linked image data cannot be output on paper. There is. The operation in that case will be described below.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an operation for reusing a stored image of a model not equipped with a transparent toner function by a receiving MFP in a device cooperation copy operation using a plurality of MFPs.
The copying operation closed by one MFP is as described with reference to FIG. 5. In the image accumulation operation of the sending MFP (A machine 25a), the α image data at the end of the first image processing unit 2a is the same as RGB. In some cases, 8-bit digital image data is sent to the bus control device 3.
Further, there is a case in which a value reduction process is performed at the end of the first image processing unit 2a, 8 bit → 1 bit conversion is performed, and α image data (1 bit incidental information) is sent to the bus control device 3. The reason for the conversion from 8 bits to 1 bit is that the alpha image data can be handled as 1-bit supplementary information as the transfer speed on the bus is improved.

As the supplementary information of the image data, there is supplementary information related to known image area separation in addition to the α image data. Examples of supplementary information for image area separation include a character part / non-character part determination result represented by 1 bit, and a chromatic part / achromatic part determination result represented by 1 bit.
In order to improve the visibility by making the second image processing unit 4a clear the characters according to the supplementary information of the image area separation, enhancement processing by a filter is performed, or CMYK by color correction is performed to suppress coloring of black characters → K conversion processing is performed.

  Similar to the auxiliary information of the image area separation described above, the processing of the second image processing unit 4c can be switched in accordance with the α image data (1-bit auxiliary information). In other words, the function of the second image processing unit 4c can be switched by the α image data (1-bit supplementary information) 45 output from the HDD 5c. Also, by managing the α image data (1-bit supplementary information) together with the supplementary information of the image area separation, the lower first bit is the character / non-character determination result, and the lower second bit is the chromatic part. / The achromatic part and the lower 3 bits can be handled in the same row as the part with transparent toner / the part without transparent toner. This also simplifies the hardware configuration (reduction of signal lines).

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining details of the second image processing unit.
The decompression processing unit 50 performs decompression processing on 600 dpi RGB image data that has been JPEG compressed during memory storage.
The background removal processing unit 51 removes the background portion of the non-character portion of the image when the background removal processing is set based on the image area separation information. Based on the image area separation information, the filter processing unit 52 performs smoothing for smoothing the non-character portion of the image and edge enhancement for sharpening the character portion.
The scaling processing unit 53 performs enlargement / reduction processing for converting the image data into a predetermined output resolution and image size. Based on the image area separation information, the color conversion processing unit 54 converts RGB 8-bit data into CMYK 8-bit data that is the color space of the plotter device (only K signal for monochrome output) or nothing. For example, the chromatic portion is converted to K single color.
The image composition processing unit 55 synthesizes an image (annotation text, logo, mark, etc.) designated by the operation display device 12. The gradation processing unit 56 converts pseudo 8-tone data such as dither processing, error diffusion processing, and simple binarization processing in order to convert CMYK 8-bit data into the number of gradations of the plotter device 6 (for example, 1 bit for CMYK). Process. Also, an outer contouring (outlining) process is performed in which the amount of change in the image is read and only pixels with a large amount of variation are output.

Conventionally, processing has been switched according to the image area separation supplementary information in each of the blocks described above, but in the present embodiment, in addition to the above process switching, α image data (1-bit supplementary information) is added. The processing is switched accordingly. Processing for switching according to α image data (1-bit supplementary information) will be described below.
In the background removal processing, when the background removal processing described later is set (see FIG. 16), based on the α image data (1-bit supplementary information), an image of the actual image is applied to the transparent toner portion of the image. The background of the pixel value is removed, and the background is not removed for the non-transparent toner portion of the image. A general background removal process is performed by the following calculation.
Output pixel value = (input pixel value / background level value) * 255
A background level value (whiteness peak value) is detected within one line in the main scanning direction, and an output pixel value is determined from the input pixel value and the background level value. At this time, the background level value is updated in units of lines in the sub-scanning direction, and the background removal process according to the input image becomes possible. Generally, the relationship between the input pixel value and the output pixel value is as shown in FIG.

FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an input pixel value and an output pixel value when the background removal process is not performed, and FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating an input pixel value and an output pixel value when the background removal process is performed. It is a figure showing a relationship. That is, when the background removal process is not performed, the output pixel value increases in proportion to the increase of the input pixel value (straight line 60).
On the other hand, when the background removal process is performed, the change amount of the output pixel value greatly increases as the input pixel value increases, but when it reaches a predetermined value, it is saturated and becomes a constant value (straight line 61).
By performing the background removal processing based on the α image data (1-bit supplementary information) described above, the actual image portion 31 and the transparent toner portion (external secret) in the output image image 30 to which the transparent toner shown in FIG. 3 is added. The density of the actual image of the 32 overlapping portions is processed lightly. As a result, the user can expect the effect that the “confidential” character can be easily visually confirmed.
When the enhancement or smoothing process described later is set, the filter process performs an enhancement process or a smoothing process on the pixel value of the actual image for the transparent toner portion of the image based on the α image data, The non-transparent toner portion is not subjected to enhancement processing or smoothing processing.

A general enhancement process is performed by the following calculation.
Output pixel value = Σ (input pixel value * weighting coefficient)
A general smoothing process is performed by the following calculation.
Output pixel value = Σ (input pixel value * weighting coefficient) / total value of weighting coefficient Enhancement processing by multiplying the input pixel value of the target pixel and the input pixel value of the surrounding pixels by a predetermined weighting coefficient, the input pixel of the target pixel A smoothing process can be performed by multiplying the value and the input pixel value of the surrounding pixels by a predetermined weighting coefficient, and adding up the sum of the weighting coefficients. This process is performed in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and is repeated for each target pixel. In general, the relationship between the input pixel value and the output pixel value is as shown in FIG. Here, ◯ represents an input pixel, and ◎ represents an output pixel.

FIG. 13A is a diagram illustrating characteristics of enhancement processing, and FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating characteristics of smoothing processing. By performing the filtering process based on the α image data described above, in the output image image to which the transparent toner shown in FIG. 3 is added, the actual image at the portion where the actual image portion 31 and the transparent toner portion 32 overlap is enhanced or smoothed. It is processed.
As a result, the user can expect the effect that the “confidential” character can be easily visually confirmed.
Further, in the color conversion process, when the color conversion process described later is set, the pixel value of the actual image is replaced with the transparent toner portion of the image based on the α image data, and the image The pixel value replacement process is not performed on the non-transparent toner portion.

A general replacement process is performed as follows.
Output pixel value = predetermined designated pixel value By replacing the input pixel value of the actual image of the target pixel with the predetermined designated pixel value, color conversion processing can be performed. For example, the input pixel value is gray (R, G, B) = (128, 128, 128), and is replaced with a predetermined designated pixel value (R, G, B) = (255, 0, 0). As a result, the color of the actual image of the transparent toner portion becomes red.
By performing color conversion processing based on the α image data described above, the color of the actual image at the location where the actual image portion 31 and the transparent toner portion 32 overlap in the output image image to which the transparent toner shown in FIG. For example, it is replaced (in red).

As a result, the user can expect the effect that the “confidential” character can be easily visually confirmed.
In addition, in the case where an image composition process to be described later is set (see FIG. 16), the image composition process is based on the α image data, and the end of the output image is an image in which the transparent toner portion is one pixel. Image composition processing such as adding annotations to the part. In addition, image composition processing is not performed for an image having no clear toner portion in the image. As a method for determining whether or not the transparent toner portion is one pixel in the image, the number of pixels may be counted. As an example of adding an annotation, an annotation sentence such as “transparent toner was added to this image” is synthesized at the end of the output image. In addition, a logo or mark that can be confirmed visually is synthesized.
As a result, it can be expected that the user can be notified of the fact that there is information on the transparent toner other than the output image in the designated accumulated image with improved visibility.

In addition, an outer contouring (outlining) process which is one function of the gradation processing is based on α image data (1-bit supplementary information) when an outer contouring process to be described later is set. For the transparent toner portion of the image, the target pixel value and the peripheral pixel value of the actual image are referred to.
A conversion amount (edge amount) is detected by matrix calculation using the matrix of FIG. 14, and the detected change amount is compared with a predetermined threshold value. A pixel whose change amount is larger than the predetermined threshold value is high-density black. Pixels whose change amount is smaller than the threshold value are output in white on paper.
Thus, the outer contouring process is performed, and the outer contouring process is not performed on the non-transparent toner portion of the image.

FIG. 14 shows coefficients used for matrix calculation. FIG. 14A mainly detects the amount of change in the main scanning direction (horizontal direction), and FIG. 14B mainly detects the amount of change in the sub-scanning direction (vertical direction). Matrix coefficient to be used. By performing the outer contouring process based on the α image data (1-bit supplementary information) described above, the actual image portion 31 and the transparent toner portion 32 overlap in the output image image added with the transparent toner shown in FIG. The actual image of the part is subjected to the outer contouring process.
As a result, it is possible to expect an effect that the user can easily visually check the “confidential” character.
Since the processing performed based on the α image data (1-bit supplementary information) described above is performed by independent processing units as shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of processing can be specified and executed.
The processing performed based on the α image data (1-bit supplementary information) described above is a typical typical example, and may be performed by another means.
As described above, the alpha image data is sent to the bus control device 3 as 8-bit digital image data as in the case of RGB, or at the end of the first image processing unit 2, the value is reduced and converted from 8-bit to 1-bit. Is done.

There are cases where α image data (1-bit supplementary information) is sent to the bus control device 3, and so far the example has been described on the assumption that the α-image data is 1-bit supplementary information.
However, if it is allowed to increase the accumulated file size, slow down the transfer speed at the time of device cooperation, and not simplify the hardware configuration without handling it in the same row as the image area separation information, the α image data You may implement with 8-bit information.
As described above, the device-linked copy operation using a plurality of MFPs has the same data format for delivery between the sending MFP (A machine) 25a and the receiving MFP (B machine 25b, C machine 25c). Is desirable.
For example, it is desirable that both the sending MFP and the receiving MFP are models compatible with the transparent toner function, and the RGB image data and the α image data are exchanged.

However, it can be assumed that the sending MFP is a model compatible with the transparent toner function and the receiving MFP is a model not equipped with the transparent toner function. Therefore, when the receiving MFP is a model not equipped with a transparent toner function, it is necessary to determine whether or not the received image data includes transparent toner information.
As this determination method, when the accumulated image is RGB + α image data (8 bits), it is possible to determine whether there is 8-bit data information other than RGB image data.
Further, when the accumulated image is RGB + α image data (1 bit), it can be determined by whether or not there is auxiliary information corresponding to α image data (1 bit) other than RGB image data.
This determination may be made by placing a determination device at the head of the second image processing unit 4a, or may be performed by a control software operation.
Further, when the receiving MFP is a model not equipped with a transparent toner function and the image data to be transferred is data including transparent toner information, a function for notifying the user that the transparent toner information cannot be printed is required.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the first embodiment of the operation display device.
When a stored image including transparent toner stored in the sending MFP is to be output by the receiving MFP, the stored image data designated on the operation display device 12 is displayed on the display unit 12b (notification means) on the transparent toner information. Is displayed (notified). (For example, “The specified image data has transparent toner information added.”), Prompts the user to specify whether or not to print the transparent toner information (for example, “Do you want to print the transparent toner information? ").
FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a first embodiment of the operation display device. When the “print” button 62 shown in FIG. 15 is selected, the display unit 12b outputs a message “Please select a clear toner print means.” To the user as an alternative print means for clear toner information. Ask for it. The warning display of the operation display device 12 is performed by a control software operation in accordance with the above-described determination result of the presence / absence of the transparent toner information.

In accordance with the means specified by the operation display device 12, the processing of the second image processing unit 4c is switched according to the α image data (1-bit supplementary information) described above. The switching method includes processing parameters for the above-described known background removal processing, filter processing, color conversion processing, image composition processing, and outer contouring processing by control software operation according to α image data (1-bit auxiliary information). Switch.
As described above, when the device on the image data sending side is a device compatible with transparent toner during device cooperation, the transparent toner data is reduced and stored. If the model that receives the image data is a model that does not support transparent toner, it converts the pixel value by referring to the transparent toner data that has been reduced in value, and converts it to colored toner data. An alternative expression can be made with colored toner.
Note that the device-linked image processing system according to the present embodiment may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a scanner, a printer, and a server).

Further, a recording medium on which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the image processing system described above is recorded is supplied to the system or apparatus. A computer (or CPU, MPU, DSP) of the system or apparatus executes the program code stored in the recording medium.
In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium implements the functions of the image processing system described above. Recording media for supplying the program code include FD, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory, optical recording medium such as ROM, magnetic recording medium, optical There are magnetic recording media and semiconductor recording media.
Further, the functions of the image processing system described above are realized by executing the program code read by the computer.

In addition, based on the instruction of the program code, the OS running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the image processing system described above are realized by the processing. included.
The program code read from the recording medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, and then executed based on an instruction of the program code. Needless to say, the CPU or the like provided therein performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the image processing system described above are realized by the processing.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Reading apparatus, 2 ... 1st image processing part, 3 ... Bus control apparatus, 4 ... 2nd image processing apparatus, 5 ... HDD, 6 ... Plotter apparatus, 7 ... Plotter I / F apparatus, 8 ... CPU, 9 ... ATA bus, 10 ... memory, 11 ... expansion bus, 12 ... operation display device, 13 ... line I / F device, 14 ... external I / F device, 15 ... S.P. B, 16 ... ROM, 17 ... telephone line, 18 ... FAX, 19 ... network, 20 ... PC, 21 ... external media, 25 ... PDF, 30 ... transfer paper, 31 ... actual image portion, 32 ... transparent toner portion, 35 ... Α version generation unit, 36... Α reduction unit, 37... RGB (8 bit) data, 38... RGB (8 bit) /. Alpha. (8 bit) data, 39... RGB (8 bit) /. Alpha. α version multi-value conversion unit, 41... RGB (8 bit) / α (1 bit) data, 42... RGB (8 bit) / α (8 bit) data, 43... RGB (8 bit) / α (1 bit) data, 44. 8 bits) data, 45... Α (1 bit) data, 50... Expansion processing unit, 51 .. background removal processing unit, 52 .. filter processing unit, 53 .. scaling processing unit, 54 .. color conversion processing unit, 55. Parts, 56 ... gradation processing unit

JP 2007-88783 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-55089 JP 2010-033419 A

Claims (9)

A device cooperation image processing system for communicating image data via a communication line between at least two devices,
One of the devices includes
Image data input means for inputting image data;
Image synthesizing means for synthesizing new image plane data with the image data input by the image data input means;
Image transfer means for transferring the composite image data synthesized by the image synthesis means to the other device,
On the other device,
Image processing means for performing image processing so as to improve the visibility of the new image plane data included in the composite image data transferred from the one device;
And an image output means for outputting the converted image data processed by the image processing means. The image synthesizing means of the one device includes halftone processing means for performing halftone processing on new image plane data included in the synthesized image data,
The image processing unit of the other device performs image processing so as to improve the visibility of the image plane data subjected to halftone processing included in the composite image data transferred by the image transfer unit. The device cooperation image processing system according to claim 1.   The device cooperation image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image output unit of the other device outputs the new image plane data combined with the image data as a transparent toner image.   4. The device cooperation image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the other device includes image version data presence / absence determination means for determining presence / absence of the image output means. 5. The other device is
Image editing designating means for designating image editing processing on the composite image data transferred from the one device;
An informing means for informing that the image plate data is added to the image data designated by the image editing designation means;
Designating means for designating whether or not to perform image processing on the image data input by the image data input means according to the image plate data by a predetermined alternative means when notified by the notification means The apparatus cooperation image processing system according to claim 1, comprising: The image processing means is capable of performing different types of image processing,
6. The apparatus cooperation image processing system according to claim 5, wherein the specifying unit specifies one of a plurality of types of image processing performed by the image processing unit as the predetermined alternative unit. A device cooperation image processing method for communicating image data via a communication line between at least two devices,
One of the devices includes
An image data input step for inputting image data;
An image synthesis step of synthesizing new image plane data with the image data input in the image data input step;
An image transfer step of transferring the combined image data combined by the image combining step,
On the other device,
An image processing step of performing image processing so as to enhance the visibility of the new image plane data included in the composite image data transferred from the one device;
An image output step of outputting the converted image data processed by the image processing means.   A device cooperation image processing program for causing a processor to execute each step of the device cooperation image processing method according to claim 7.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the device cooperation image processing program according to claim 8 is recorded.

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