JP2020061710A - Image forming apparatus, information processing system, information processing program, and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can avoid an unnecessary processing load from being applied thereto, an information processing system, an information processing program, and an information processing method.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 10 comprises a CPU 20, and input image data is input to the CPU by scanning a document, for example. When monochrome is set as a color mode, or the input image data is determined to be a monochromatic image, the CPU determines whether to execute processing of determining black and white binary or a gray scale according to a determination table. During execution of a scanning function, when the type of format of output image data to be generated is set to JPEG, the gray scale is predetermined as the color mode, and thus the determination processing is not executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing program, and an information processing method, and in particular, for example, an image forming apparatus, an information processing system, which determines whether to perform monochrome binary or grayscale determination processing. The present invention relates to an information processing program and an information processing method.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an example of this type of background art image forming apparatus. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, even if the user wants to change the color setting after reading the original, the color setting can be performed without reading the original again. Regardless of, whether the original image representing the read original is color or monochrome is determined. Further, when it is determined to be monochrome, it is determined whether it is grayscale or monochrome binary.

JP, 2010-183456, A

  However, in the image forming apparatus of the background art, even if the color of the determination result is fixed to black-and-white binary or gray scale depending on the output condition, the black-and-white binary or gray scale determination processing is performed, so the image forming apparatus Extra processing load.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel image forming apparatus, information processing system, information processing program, and information processing method.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing program, and an information processing method capable of avoiding an unnecessary processing load.

  A first aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus having a scan function, which includes a determination process executing unit for performing a determination process for determining monochrome binary or gray scale, and color information setting unit for setting color information of output image data. When the automatic setting of the color information of the output image data is set, the function determining unit that determines the function being executed by the image forming apparatus and the function determined by the function determining unit are the predetermined functions. In some cases, the color information setting unit includes a format detection unit that detects the format of the output image data, and the color information setting unit executes the determination processing by the determination processing execution unit when the format detected by the format detection unit is a predetermined format. Instead, the image forming apparatus sets the color information of the output image data to the first color information determined in advance.

  A second invention is according to the first invention, and the color information setting means does not execute the determination processing by the determination processing executing means when the function determined by the function determining means is not a predetermined function, and outputs the output image. The color information of the data is set to the second color information predetermined for the function determined by the function determining means.

  A third invention is according to the second invention, and the judgment processing executing means executes the judgment processing when the format detected by the format detecting means is not a predetermined format.

  A fourth invention is according to the second or the third invention, and the second color information setting means, when the function judged by the function judging means indicates a copy function or a print function, the color information of the output image data. To grayscale.

  A fifth invention is according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, and the second color information setting means, when the function judged by the function judging means is a fax function, the color of the output image data. Set the information to binary black and white.

  A sixth invention is according to any of the first to fifth inventions, the predetermined format is a JPEG format, and the first color information setting means sets a gray scale as the first color information.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus having a printing function of printing output image data generated based on input image data on a recording medium, the determination process performing a determination process of determining black and white binary or gray scale. An executing unit and a color information setting unit that sets color information of the output image data are provided. The color information setting unit is set to automatically set the color information of the output image data, and executes the printing function. In this case, the image forming apparatus sets the color information of the output image data to gray scale.

  An eighth aspect of the present invention is an information processing system having a scan function, which comprises a determination processing executing means for performing determination processing for determining black-and-white binary or gray scale, and color information setting means for setting color information of output image data. When the automatic setting of the color information of the output image data is set, the function determining unit that determines the function being executed by the image forming apparatus and the function determined by the function determining unit are the predetermined functions. In some cases, the color information setting unit includes a format detection unit that detects the format of the output image data, and the color information setting unit executes the determination processing by the determination processing execution unit when the format detected by the format detection unit is a predetermined format. The information processing system does not set the color information of the output image data to the predetermined first color information.

  A ninth invention is an information processing system including an image forming apparatus having a printing function of printing output image data generated based on input image data on a recording medium, and a server communicably connected to the image forming apparatus. The color information setting means includes a judgment processing executing means for executing a judgment processing for judging monochrome binary or gray scale, and color information setting means for setting color information of output image data. It is an information processing system that sets color information of output image data to gray scale when the information is automatically set and the image forming apparatus is executing the print function.

  A tenth aspect of the present invention is an information processing program executed by an image processing apparatus having a scan function, comprising a determination processing execution step for performing determination processing for determining monochrome binary or gray scale, and color information of output image data. The color information setting step for setting the color information and the function determining step for determining the function being executed by the image forming apparatus when the automatic setting of the color information of the output image data is set, and the function determining step When the function is a predetermined function, a format detection step of detecting the format of the output image data is provided, and the color information setting step includes a determination processing execution step when the format detected in the format detection step is the predetermined format. The color information of the output image data is determined in advance without executing the judgment processing by Set to a predetermined color information, an information processing program.

  An eleventh invention is an information processing program executed by an image forming apparatus having a print function of printing output image data generated on the basis of input image data on a recording medium, wherein the processor of the image forming apparatus has a monochrome 2 A determination process execution step for executing a determination process for determining a value or gray scale and a color information setting step for setting color information of output image data are executed, and the color information setting step automatically sets the color information of the output image data. Is set, and when the image forming apparatus is executing the print function, the information processing program sets the color information of the output image data to grayscale.

  A twelfth aspect of the present invention is an information processing method for an image processing apparatus having a scan function, including (a) a step of executing a determination process for determining black-and-white binary or gray scale, and (b) color information of output image data. In the step (c) of determining the function being executed by the image forming apparatus when automatic setting of the color information of the output image data is set. If the determined function is a predetermined function, a step of detecting the format of the output image data is provided, and step (b) includes step (a) when the format detected in step (d) is the predetermined format. The information processing method is to set the color information of the output image data to the predetermined color information that is determined in advance without executing the determination process according to (4).

  A thirteenth invention is an information processing method executed by an image forming apparatus having a printing function of printing output image data generated based on input image data on a recording medium, wherein (a) black and white binary or grayscale And (b) setting the color information of the output image data, wherein step (b) is set to automatically set the color information of the output image data, It is an information processing method for setting color information of output image data to gray scale when the image forming apparatus is executing the printing function.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to avoid an unnecessary processing load.

  The above-mentioned objects, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the function execution screen displayed on the display of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a color mode setting screen displayed on the display of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a grayscale image, FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a monochrome binary image, FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a normalized image, and FIG. ) Is a diagram showing a difference image. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of the RAM of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the determination table. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of control processing of the CPU of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 8 is another example of part of the control processing of the CPU of the image forming apparatus, and is a flowchart following FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of monochrome determination processing of the CPU of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU 20, and the CPU 20 includes a RAM 24, a touch panel control circuit 26, a display control circuit 28, an image forming unit 34, an image reading unit 36, and wired communication via a bus 22. The unit 38, the media communication unit 40, and the fax (hereinafter, referred to as “FAX”) communication unit 42 are connected. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a touch panel 30 and a display 32, the touch panel 30 is connected to the touch panel control circuit 26, and the display 32 is connected to the display control circuit 28.

  The CPU 20 controls the entire image forming apparatus 10. The RAM 24 is used as a work area and a buffer area of the CPU 20.

  The touch panel control circuit 26 applies a necessary voltage and the like to the touch panel 30, detects a touch operation or touch input within the touch effective range of the touch panel 30, and coordinates data of a position designated by the touch operation or touch input. Is output to the CPU 20.

  The touch panel 30 is provided on the display surface of the display 32. The touch panel 30 may be of any type such as a capacitance type, an electromagnetic induction type, a resistive film type, an infrared type and the like. Alternatively, a touch panel display in which the touch panel 30 and the display 32 are integrated may be used.

  The display control circuit 28 includes a GPU, a VRAM, and the like, and under the instruction of the CPU 20, the GPU uses the image generation data 404b (see FIG. 5) stored in the RAM 24 to display various screens on the display 32. The display image data is generated in the VRAM, and the generated display image data is output to the display 32.

  The display 32 is a general-purpose display device such as an LCD or an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

  The image forming unit 34 includes a photoconductor drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and the like, and forms an image on a paper surface using a dry electrophotographic method. Image data read by the image reading unit 36 or image data sent from an external information processing device or the like is used as the image data to be formed on the paper surface. Further, the recording medium is not limited to recording paper made of paper, and sheets other than paper such as OHP film may be used.

  The image reading unit 36 includes a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, and the like. The image reading unit 36 guides the reflected light reflected from the document surface to the imaging lens by the plurality of mirrors. Then, the reflected light is imaged on the light receiving element of the line sensor by the imaging lens. The line sensor detects the brightness or chromaticity of the reflected light imaged on the light receiving element, detects the brightness or chromaticity of the reflected light imaged on the light receiving element, and generates read image data based on the image on the original surface. By doing so, the image data is input. Moreover, CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), CCD (Charge Coupled Device), etc. are used for a line sensor.

  The wired communication unit 38 includes a wired communication circuit for connecting to a network such as a LAN, and is an interface for communicating with a computer and a communication terminal on the network. As an example, the wired communication unit 38 transmits / receives data based on a wired communication method that conforms to the Ethernet (registered trademark) communication standard.

  The media communication unit 40 includes a communication circuit for communicating with various media (storage media) attached to the image forming apparatus 10, and reads data from various media such as a USB memory and writes data in the media. It is an interface to do.

  The FAX communication unit 42 includes a FAX modem and is connected to an external public telephone line. The FAX modem is an interface for the image forming apparatus 10 to perform FAX communication with an external device via a public telephone line. However, in this specification, the external device means an image forming apparatus such as a FAX or an MFP having a FAX function.

  In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 is a multi-function peripheral (MFP) having a copy function (copy function), a printer function, a scan function, a FAX function, and the like. ), A printing apparatus (printer), or another image forming apparatus such as a FAX.

  The electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and the invention is not limited to this. For example, a wireless communication unit may be provided instead of the wired communication unit 38.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment has the copy function, the print function, the scan function, and the FAX function, and these functions are selected by a user operation or by receiving data from the outside. Is executed.

  In the copy function, predetermined image processing is performed on image data (corresponding to “input image data 404d” to be described later) generated from a document read by the image reading unit 36, and a new image processing is performed according to the set color mode. Image data (corresponding to “output image data 404e” described later) is generated, and an image based on the output image data 404e is printed on a recording medium such as paper.

  Note that the predetermined image processing is not limited to color / monochrome conversion processing, conversion processing to image data having a different number of gradations such as a monochrome binary image or a grayscale image, and a determination processing of monochrome binary or grayscale described later. Means gradation conversion processing such as resolution changing processing, smoothing processing, sharpening processing, and gamma correction. The same applies hereinafter in this specification.

  In the FAX function, the input image data 404d obtained by reading the original document by the image reading unit 36 is subjected to predetermined image processing, and the output image data 404e is generated in black and white binary, and the external device is transmitted via the FAX communication unit 42. Sent to. Further, in the FAX function, the input image data 404d received from the external device via the FAX communication unit 42 is subjected to predetermined image processing to generate output image data 404e in black and white binary, and based on the output image data 404e. The image is printed on a recording medium such as paper.

  In the scan function, the input image data 404d obtained by reading the original with the image reading unit 36 is subjected to predetermined image processing, and the output image data 404e is generated according to the set format and the set color mode. The data 404e is stored in a storage medium such as an HDD in the image forming apparatus 10 or a storage medium such as a HDD of a computer on the network via the wired communication unit 38, and the output image data 404e is in the form of an email in the wired communication unit. The output image data 404e is written to a medium (storage medium) such as a USB memory via the media communication unit 40 via the media communication unit 40.

  In the print function, input image data input from the computer or communication terminal on the network via the wired communication unit 38, or input image data 404d read from the medium such as a USB memory via the media communication unit 40. Predetermined image processing is performed, output image data 404e is generated according to the set color mode, and an image based on the output image data 404e is printed on a recording medium such as paper.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the function execution screen 100 displayed on the display 32. The function execution screen 100 is a screen mainly for executing a scan function, but other functions (for example, a copy function, a FAX function) including scanning of a document are executed depending on a destination of image data or an output destination. It may be done.

  An instruction image 102 is displayed on the function execution screen 100, and a display area 104 is provided next to the instruction image 102. Further, on the function execution screen 100, an icon 106, an icon 108, an icon 110, an icon 112, and icons 114 and 116 are provided below the instruction image 102 and the display area 104.

  The instruction image 102 is an image showing that the output image data 404e is output (transmitted) to the output destination (transmission destination or storage destination) displayed in the display area 104.

  The display area 104 is an area for displaying a transmission destination or a storage destination of the selected output image data 404e. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the characters “USB memory” are displayed in the display area 104.

  The icon 106 is provided to return the contents set on the function execution screen 100 to the initial state. The icon 108 is provided to execute (or start) the scan function.

  The icon 110 is provided to set or select the type of document read by the image reading unit 36. The types of originals include originals that include characters and images, originals that include only characters, and originals that include only images. In the example shown in FIG. 2, “character” is selected as the type of document.

  The icon 112 is provided to select the output method of the output image data 404e. In the example shown in FIG. 2, “media output” is selected as the output method.

  The icon 114 is provided to select the format of the output image data 404e. As the image format, JPEG, PDF, BMP, or the like can be selected or set. In the example shown in FIG. 2, “PDF” is selected as the format.

  The icon 116 is provided to select a color mode. In the first embodiment, the color mode means color information about the output image data 404e, and specifically, color, monochrome or automatic setting can be set as the color information. However, the monochrome image includes a monochrome binary image and a grayscale image.

  Although illustration is omitted, when the icon 110 is touched, a screen or a pull-down menu for selecting the document type is displayed, and the user selects the document type. When the icon 112 is touched, a screen or a pull-down menu for selecting the output method is displayed, and the user selects the output method. Further, when the icon 114 is touched, a screen for selecting a format or a pull-down menu is displayed, and the user selects the format of the output image data 404e.

  When the icon 116 is touched, the color mode setting screen 120 as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. The color mode setting screen 120 is a screen for setting or selecting the color mode of the output image data 404e.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the color mode setting screen 120 is provided with an icon 122, an icon 124, an icon 126, an icon 128, an icon 130 and an icon 132.

  The icon 122 is provided to display the previous screen (here, the function execution screen 100) on the display 32. The icon 124 is provided to set monochrome as the color mode. When monochrome is set as the color mode, processing (hereinafter, referred to as “monochrome determination processing”) for determining whether to output the input image data 404d in monochrome binary or gray scale is executed.

  The icon 126 is provided to automatically set the color mode. When the automatic setting is set as the color mode, ACS (Auto color selection) determination processing for determining a color image or a monochrome image is executed on the input image data 404d. When it is determined by the ACS determination process that the input image data 404d is a monochrome image, the monochrome determination process is executed on the input image data 404d.

  Since the ACS determination process is already well known and is not the essential content of the present invention, its detailed description is omitted.

  The icon 128 is provided to set full color as the color mode. The icon 130 is provided to set binary black and white as a color mode. The icon 132 is provided to set gray scale as the color mode.

  When the user touches or selects the icon 124 on the color mode setting screen 120, monochrome is set as the color mode. In this case, when the icon 108 is touched on the function execution screen 100 of FIG. 2, the input image data 404d is generated from the document read by the image reading unit 36, and the generated input image data 404d has a predetermined value. Image processing is performed, and output image data 404e is generated. However, as described above, when the color mode is set to monochrome, the monochrome determination processing is executed on the input image data 404d, and it is determined to output the monochrome binary image or the gray scale. However, the output image data 404e is output to the transmission destination or the storage destination displayed in the display area 104. The same applies to the case of outputting the output image data 404e.

  When the user touches or selects the icon 126 on the color mode setting screen 120, automatic setting is set as the color mode. In this case, when the icon 108 is touched on the function execution screen 100 of FIG. 2, the input image data 404d is generated from the document read by the image reading unit 36, and the generated input image data 404d has a predetermined value. Image processing is performed, and output image data 404e is generated. However, as described above, when the color mode is set to the automatic setting, the ACS determination process is executed on the input image data 404d.

  When it is determined by the ACS determination processing that the input image data 404d is a color image, full-color output image data 404e is generated and output by predetermined image processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined by the ACS determination processing that the input image data 404d is a monochrome image, the monochrome determination processing is executed on the input image data 404d. When the monochrome determination process is executed, output image data 404e is generated and output by a predetermined image process according to the determination result.

  Further, when the icon 128, 130 or 132 is touched or selected by the user on the color mode setting screen 120, full color, monochrome binary or gray scale is set as the color mode. In this case, when the icon 108 is touched on the function execution screen 100 of FIG. 2, the input image data 404d is generated from the document read by the image reading unit 36, and the generated input image data 404d has a predetermined value. Image processing is performed, and output image data 404e is generated. However, as described above, when the color mode is set to full color, binary black and white, or gray scale, the ACS determination process and the monochrome determination process are not executed, and the output image data 404e is output in the set color mode. Is generated and output.

  Here, the monochrome determination process of the first embodiment will be described. When the monochrome determination process is performed on the input image data 404d, image data suitable for setting an appropriate number of gradations, that is, monochrome binary or grayscale is determined from the input image data 404d. Appropriate grayscale image data or monochrome binary image data is generated. Therefore, the input image data 404d is corrected by image processing (preprocessing). Hereinafter, image processing for generating grayscale image data from the input image data 404d is referred to as first preprocessing, and image processing for generating monochrome binary image data from the input image data 404d is referred to as second preprocessing.

  In the pre-processing, resolution conversion processing, gradation adjustment processing such as contrast adjustment processing and smoothing processing, color / monochrome conversion processing, binarization processing, and multi-valued processing are performed on images with different numbers of gradations. The conversion process of is executed. Further, although detailed description is omitted, the two-arrest neighbor method and the bilinear method are used for the resolution conversion processing, the gamma correction is used for the contrast adjustment processing, and the spatial filter is used for the smoothing processing. Smoothing, etc. are used. Furthermore, a simple threshold value process, an error diffusion method, or the like is used as a method of converting an image having a different number of gradations.

  In addition, since the first and second preprocessing generate an image suitable for determining black-and-white binary or grayscale, if the input image data 404d is highly appropriate, all or part of the processing included in the preprocessing is performed. It is possible to omit the processing of.

  When the first preprocessing is executed, grayscale image data in which each pixel is represented by a gradation number of 0 to 255 as shown in FIG. 4A is generated. In FIG. 4A, a grayscale image of 5 pixels × 4 pixels is shown for simplicity. This also applies to the monochrome binary image shown in FIG. 4B and the difference image shown in FIG. 4C. However, FIGS. 4A to 4C are all images corresponding to the same pixel position of the input image data 404d.

  Next, the second preprocessing is performed on the input image data 404d to generate image data having the same number of pixels as the grayscale image data, that is, monochrome binary image data. In the second preprocessing, duplication of the grayscale image data is used to determine whether or not the gradation value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value in each pixel of the grayscale image data. Then, in each pixel, if the gradation value is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value, the gradation value of the corresponding pixel is set to 1 (white), and if the gradation value is less than the threshold value, it is set to 0 (black). As a result, monochrome binary image data as shown in FIG. 4B is generated. That is, the grayscale image data is converted into monochrome binary image data.

  When the grayscale image data and the black-and-white binary image data are generated, these difference image data are generated. However, since the grayscale image data and the monochrome binary image data have different gradation value ranges, the monochrome binary image data is normalized. Specifically, the gradation values of all pixels are multiplied by the maximum gradation value "255" of the grayscale image data. Therefore, normalized monochrome binary image data (hereinafter, referred to as “normalized image data”) as shown in FIG. 4C is generated.

  Difference image data is generated using the grayscale image data and the normalized image data. The absolute value of the difference value of the gradation values at the same pixel position is calculated, and as shown in FIG. 4D, difference data in which the absolute value of the difference value is described in each pixel is generated.

  Here, the difference value of each gradation value is, for example, the degree of change in the gradation value when a binary image is generated from an image having pixel values of three or more values, that is, a monochrome binary image is generated. In this case, it is a feature quantity that quantitatively represents the magnitude of information loss. Hereinafter, this feature amount will be referred to as an information loss evaluation value.

  Since the difference value itself can take positive and negative values, the information loss due to white pixels by binarization and the information loss due to black pixels due to binarization are different in information loss. Although considered, in the first embodiment, the absolute value of the difference value is used as the information loss evaluation value in order to consider only the magnitude of the information loss.

  As described above, the difference image data is image data generated between the grayscale image data and the normalized image data based on the difference value between pixels at corresponding positions. Therefore, the magnitude of the difference value (information loss evaluation value) is large in a specific portion of the difference image (that is, the information loss is large), and the magnitude of the difference value (information loss evaluation value) is small in another portion (that is, the information loss evaluation value). Information loss is small). Even in such a case, an appropriate output gradation number can be set by comprehensively evaluating the magnitude of information loss of the entire image based on both the information loss evaluation value and the statistic. it can.

  Generally, when the information loss is large, the information loss evaluation value represented as the absolute value of the difference value which is the gradation value of the difference image data as a whole tends to be large. Therefore, a statistical value that reflects the overall size of the gradation value can be used as the statistical amount. Specifically, the sum (total value), the average value, the median value, etc. of the gradation values of each pixel of the entire difference image data can be used as the statistical value.

  Further, when the information loss is large, the information loss evaluation value represented as the difference value which is the gradation value or the variation of the difference value as a whole tends to be large. The reason for this is that when the information loss is small, the absolute value of the difference value, which is the gradation value of each pixel, becomes a value close to 0 in almost all pixels, and the variation is small, but the information loss is large. This is because, in this case, many pixels having a value other than 0 are included, resulting in large variations. Therefore, it is possible to use, as the statistic, a statistic value that reflects the magnitude of variation in gradation values. Specifically, it is possible to use the variance value, the standard deviation value, the entropy value, etc. of the gradation value of each pixel of the entire difference image data.

  When the statistical amount (statistical value) is calculated, it is determined based on the statistical amount whether it is appropriate to output the input image data 404d in monochrome binary or gray scale. Specifically, if the calculated statistic is greater than or equal to a preset reference value, it is determined that it is appropriate to output the input image data 404d in gray scale. It is determined that it is appropriate to output the image data 404d in binary.

  Note that the monochrome determination process described above is an example, and determination may be made by other methods.

  Although detailed description is omitted, the same applies to the case where the output image data 404e is generated from the input image data 404d in the copy function and the FAX function. However, in the copy function or the FAX function, the output image data 404e is output to the output destination specified on the function execution screen 100.

  Although detailed description is omitted, in the print function, when a medium such as a USB memory is attached to the image forming apparatus 10, the output image data 404e according to the color mode set by the user is generated and the output image is output. An image corresponding to the data 404e is printed on the recording medium. Further, in the print function, when the input image data 404d from the computer or communication terminal on the network is received, the output image data 404e according to the color mode received together with the input image data 404d is generated, and the output image data 404e is generated. The corresponding image is printed on the recording medium.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10, normally, when the color mode is set to monochrome by the user, and from the determination result of the ACS determination processing, it is determined that the image corresponding to the input image data 404d is a monochrome image. If so, monochrome determination processing is executed.

  However, when the output image data 404e generated by the scan function is image data according to a predetermined format, it may be predetermined that the output image data 404e will be generated in gray scale or binary black and white. . For example, when the format is JPEG, black-and-white binary image data cannot be generated in the JPEG format, so it is decided that the output image data 404e will be generated in gray scale.

  Further, when the function being executed is a predetermined function, it may be predetermined that the output image data 404e will be generated in gray scale or black and white binary. For example, in the copy function or the print function, when monochrome is set or determined as the color mode, the image quality is prioritized, and the output image data 404e is determined to be generated in the gray scale. Further, in the FAX function, in order to shorten the communication time, the file size is prioritized, and it is determined that the output image data 404e will be generated in black and white binary.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, when the format of the output image data 404e is a predetermined format, or monochrome is set or determined as the color mode, the function being executed by the image forming apparatus 10 is the predetermined function. In this case, the color mode is automatically set without executing the monochrome determination process. This avoids unnecessary processing load.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of the RAM 24 of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the RAM 24 includes a program storage area 402 and a data storage area 404. A control program of the image forming apparatus 10 is stored in the program storage area 402 of the RAM 24 as an example of an information processing program. The information processing programs include a communication program 402a, an operation detection program 402b, an image generation program 402c, and a display program. 402d, an image reading program 402e, an image forming program 402f, an input image determining program 402g, a format determining program 402h, a function determining program 402i, and an output image data generating program 402j.

  The communication program 402a is a program for controlling the wired communication unit 38 and transmitting / receiving data to / from a computer or a communication terminal on the network. The communication program 402a is a program for controlling the media communication unit 40, detecting a medium connected to the image forming apparatus 10, writing data to the medium, and reading data from the medium. . Further, the communication program 402a is a program for controlling the FAX communication unit 42 to transmit / receive data to / from an external device communicably connected via a public telephone line.

  The operation detection program 402b is a program for detecting operation data 404a corresponding to an operation on each operation unit of the image forming apparatus 10. Specifically, when the touch panel 30 is touched, the CPU 20 acquires the touch coordinate data output from the touch panel 30 as operation data 404a according to the operation detection program 402b, and stores it in the data storage area 404. Further, when a button or key of hardware is pressed or operated, the CPU 20 acquires operation data 404a by pressing or operating the button or key according to the operation detection program 402b, and stores the operation data 404a in the data storage area 404. .

  The image generation program 402c uses image generation data 404b described later to generate display image data for displaying various display images (in the first embodiment, the screens 100 and 120 described above) on the display 32. It is a program for.

  The display program 402d is a program for displaying a display image corresponding to the display image data generated according to the image generation program 402c on the display 32.

  The image reading program 402e is a program for controlling the image reading unit 36 to generate the input image data 404d corresponding to the image of the read document and to give or input to the CPU 20. The CPU 20 stores the input input image data 404d in the data storage area.

  The image forming program 402f is a program for controlling the image forming unit 34 and printing the output image data 404e on a recording medium such as paper. The input image determination program 402g is a program for performing ACS determination processing and / or monochrome determination processing on the input image data 404d.

  The format determination program 402h is a program for determining the format of the output image data 404e preset by the user on the function execution screen 100.

  The function determination program 402i is a program for determining the function being executed in the image forming apparatus 10.

  The output image data generation program 402j is a program for generating output image data 404e from the input image data 404d according to the set format or / and the set or determined color mode.

  Although illustration is omitted, the program storage area 402 also stores other programs necessary for the copy function and the like.

  The data storage area 404 stores operation data 404a, image generation data 404b, determination table data 404c, input image data 404d, and output image data 404e.

  The operation data 404a is operation data detected according to the operation detection program 402b, and is stored in time series. The operation data 404a is deleted after being used for the processing of the CPU 20.

  The image generation data 404b is data including polygon data and texture data for generating display image data corresponding to the display image displayed on the display 32.

  The determination table data 404c is data regarding the determination table 140 for determining whether to execute the monochrome determination process and automatically setting the color mode when the monochrome determination process is not executed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the determination table 140, the type of format, the presence / absence of execution of monochrome determination processing, and the color mode are described corresponding to the type of function. In the determination table 140, as described above, when the function being executed by the image forming apparatus 10 is the first predetermined function and the format of the output image data 404e is the predetermined format, or when the color mode is monochrome. Is set or determined, and the function being executed by the image forming apparatus 10 is a second predetermined function different from the first predetermined function, the monochrome determination process is not executed. And the color mode to be set when the monochrome determination process is not executed.

  Specifically, according to the determination table 140, when the type of function is the copy function, the monochrome determination process is not executed, and gray scale is set as the color mode. Further, according to the determination table 140, when the function type is the scan function and the format type is JPEG, the monochrome determination process is not executed, and gray scale is set as the color mode. Further, according to the determination table 140, when the function type is the scan function and the format type is PDF or BMP, the monochrome determination process is executed, and the color mode is set according to the determination result. . Furthermore, according to the determination table 140, when the type of function is the FAX function, monochrome determination processing is not executed, and monochrome binary is set as the color mode. Further, according to the determination table 140, when the type of function is the print function, the monochrome determination process is not executed, and gray scale is set as the color mode.

  However, in the determination table 140, horizontal bars are described for items that do not apply.

  The determination table data 404c is stored in a non-volatile memory such as a HDD built in the image forming apparatus 10, and is read from the non-volatile memory at a predetermined timing such as when the image forming apparatus 10 is started. It is stored in the RAM 24.

  The input image data 404d is image data input to the CPU 20.

  The output image data 404e is image data generated by the output image data generation program 402j.

  Although illustration is omitted, the data storage area 404 stores other data necessary for executing the control program, and is provided with a counter (timer) and a flag necessary for executing the control program.

  7 and 8 are flowcharts showing an example of control processing of the CPU 20 of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, when the user touches the icon 108 on the function execution screen 100, the document is read by the image reading unit 36, and the input image data 404d is generated and input. Also, the input image data 404d is input from a computer or communication terminal on the network. Further, the input image data 404d is input from the external device. When the input image data 404d is input, the CPU 20 starts the control process, detects the input image data 404d in step S1, and stores the input image data 404d in the RAM 24 in step S3.

  Although not shown, the user can set the color mode and format of the output image data 404e before the control process is started.

  In step S5, it is determined whether or not the automatic setting is set as the color mode. If "NO" in the step S5, that is, if the automatic setting is not set as the color mode, the process proceeds to a step S13. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S5, that is, if the automatic setting is set as the color mode, the ACS determination process is executed in a step S7, and the process proceeds to the step S9.

  In step S9, it is determined whether the ACS determination result is a monochrome image. If “NO” in the step S9, that is, if the result of the ACS determination is a color image, the full color is set as the color mode in a step S11, and the process proceeds to the step S29 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S9, that is, if the result of the ACS determination is a monochrome image, the process proceeds to a step S17 shown in FIG.

  In step S13, it is determined whether monochrome is set as the color mode. If "NO" in the step S13, that is, if monochrome is not set as the color mode, the color mode set by the user is set in a step S15, and the process proceeds to the step S29. In the first embodiment, the CPU 20 sets full color, black and white binary or gray scale as the color mode in step S15. However, in step S15, when the color mode is not set by the user, the color mode set by default is set.

  On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S13, that is, if monochrome is set as the color mode, it is determined in a step S17 whether or not the function being executed is the scan function, as shown in FIG. . If “NO” in the step S17, that is, if the function being executed is a function other than the scan function (a copy function, a FAX function, a print function in the first embodiment), the process proceeds to step S23.

  On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S17, that is, if the function being executed is the scan function, it is determined in a step S19 whether or not to execute the monochrome determination process. Here, the CPU 20 acquires the type of format set on the function execution screen 100, refers to the determination table data 404c, and determines whether or not to execute the monochrome determination process in accordance with the acquired type of format. That is, the CPU 20 determines whether the type of the set format is a predetermined format (JPEG in the first embodiment).

  If “NO” in the step S19, that is, if the monochrome determination process is not executed, the process proceeds to a step S23. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S19, that is, if the monochrome determination process is to be executed, a monochrome determination process (see FIG. 9) described later is executed in a step S21, and the process proceeds to a step S29.

  In step S23, it is determined whether or not the image data is output in black and white binary. That is, the CPU 20 determines whether or not to generate the output image data 404e of the monochrome binary image. If "NO" in the step S23, that is, if the image data is output in the gray scale, the gray scale is set as the color mode in the step S25, and the process proceeds to step S29.

  On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S23, that is, if the image data is output in the monochrome binary, the monochrome binary is set as the color mode in the step S27, and the process proceeds to the step S29.

  In step S29, the output image data 404e is generated in the set format and / or the set color mode, and in step S31, the output image data 404e is output to the output destination (send destination or save) set in the function execution screen 100. The above is output and the control process ends.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the monochrome determination process of the CPU 20 shown in step S21 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, when the monochrome determination process is started, the CPU 20 executes a first preprocessing on the input image data 404d in step S51, generates grayscale image data in step S53, and then executes step S55. Then, the generated grayscale image data is stored in the RAM 24.

  Succeedingly, in a step S57, a second preprocessing is executed on the input image data 404d, a black-and-white binary image data is generated in a step S59, and the black-and-white binary image data is normalized in a step S61. Image data is generated, and the generated normalized image data is stored in the RAM 24 in step S63.

  In step S65, the difference image data is generated from the grayscale image data and the normalized image data, and in step S67, the statistical value of the gradation value of the pixel in the entire difference image data is calculated.

  Then, in step S69, it is determined whether or not the statistic is equal to or larger than the reference value. If “YES” in the step S69, that is, if the statistic is equal to or larger than the reference value, a gray scale is set as the color mode in the step S71, the monochrome determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the control process of FIG. To do. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S69, that is, if the statistic is less than the reference value, a black and white binary value is set as a color mode in a step S73, the monochrome determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the control process. To do.

  According to the first embodiment, unnecessary monochrome determination processing is omitted, so that an unnecessary processing load can be avoided.

  In the first embodiment, the description has been given mainly of the case where the function execution screen 100 for executing the scan function is displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this. The same applies when the user selects the copy function and the FAX function of scanning the original and outputting the output image data 404e to the output destination, and the execution screens for these functions are displayed.

Although the print function has been described in the first embodiment, it is not necessary to scan when the print function is executed. Therefore, when focusing only on the print function, the image reading unit 36 is unnecessary. Therefore, when the automatic setting is set as the color mode when the output image data 404e for printing is generated, the monochrome determination process is not executed, and the color mode, that is, the color information of the output image data 404e is set. Grayscale is set.
[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment is an information processing system 50 including the image forming apparatus 10 shown in the first embodiment. The information processing system 50 includes an image processing server 54, and the image forming apparatus 10 is communicatively connected to the image processing server 54 via a network 52. The image processing server 54 is a general-purpose server.

  The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the image processing server 54 executes a part of the control processing shown in the first embodiment.

  As an example, the image processing server 54 may execute steps S5 to S29 in the control process shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In such a case, the image forming apparatus 10 instructs the image processing server 54 to execute the processing of steps S5 to S29 in the control processing, and transmits the input image data 404d to the image processing server 54. Then, the image forming apparatus 10 may receive the output image data 404e generated by the image processing server 54.

  Further, in another embodiment, the image processing server may execute monochrome determination processing. In such a case, the image forming apparatus 10 transmits the input image data 404d to the image processing server 54 and receives the determination result of the monochrome determination processing from the image processing server 54 when “YES” in the step S19. do it.

  In the second embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, unnecessary monochrome determination processing is omitted, so that an unnecessary processing load can be avoided.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, since the image processing server 54 bears a part of the control processing, the processing of the image forming apparatus 10 can be reduced.

  In addition, in the second embodiment, the image processing server 54 is described as always carrying out a part of the control processing, but the present invention is not limited to this. In another embodiment, the image processing server 54 may bear a part of the control processing only when the processing load on the image forming apparatus 10 is large (for example, the usage rate of the CPU 20 exceeds 70%). .

  It should be noted that the specific numerical values and screens shown in each of the above-described embodiments are examples, and can be appropriately changed in an actual product.

  Further, the flow charts shown in the above-described embodiments are examples, and the order of each step can be arbitrarily changed when the same effect can be obtained.

10 ... Image forming apparatus 20 ... CPU
24 ... RAM
26 ... Touch panel control circuit 28 ... Display control circuit 30 ... Touch panel 32 ... Display 34 ... Image forming section 36 ... Image reading section 38 ... Wired communication section 40 ... Media communication section 42 ... FAX communication section 50 ... Information processing system 52 ... Network 54 … Image processing server

Claims (13)

An image forming apparatus having a scan function,
Determination processing executing means for executing determination processing for determining black and white binary or gray scale;
Color information setting means for setting color information of output image data,
When it is set to automatically set the color information of the output image data, a function determination unit that determines the function that the image forming apparatus is executing,
When the function determined by the function determining means is a predetermined function, a format detecting means for detecting the format of the output image data is provided,
When the format detected by the format detecting means is a predetermined format, the color information setting means does not execute the determination processing by the determination processing executing means, and the color information of the output image data is determined in advance. An image forming apparatus that sets one color information.   When the function determined by the function determining means is not the predetermined function, the color information setting means does not execute the determination processing by the determination processing executing means, and sets the color information of the output image data to the function concerned. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second color information determined in advance is set for the function determined by the determination unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the determination processing execution unit executes the determination processing when the format detected by the format detection unit is not a predetermined format.   The second color information setting unit sets the color information of the output image data to gray scale when the function determined by the function determining unit indicates a copy function or a print function. Image forming device.   The image according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second color information setting unit sets the color information of the output image data to black and white binary when the function determined by the function determining unit is a fax function. Forming equipment. The predetermined format is a JPEG format,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first color information setting unit sets a gray scale as the first color information. An image forming apparatus having a print function of printing output image data generated based on input image data on a recording medium,
Determination processing executing means for executing determination processing for determining black and white binary or gray scale;
The color information setting means for setting the color information of the output image data is provided,
The color information setting unit is set to automatically set the color information of the output image data, and sets the color information of the output image data to gray scale when executing the printing function, image formation apparatus. An information processing system having a scan function,
Determination processing executing means for executing determination processing for determining black and white binary or gray scale;
Color information setting means for setting color information of output image data,
When it is set to automatically set the color information of the output image data, a function determination unit that determines the function that the image forming apparatus is executing,
When the function determined by the function determining means is a predetermined function, a format detecting means for detecting the format of the output image data is provided,
When the format detected by the format detecting means is a predetermined format, the color information setting means does not execute the determination processing by the determination processing executing means, and the color information of the output image data is determined in advance. An information processing system for setting one color information. An information processing system, comprising: an image forming apparatus having a print function for printing output image data generated based on input image data on a recording medium; and a server communicably connected to the image forming apparatus,
Determination processing executing means for executing determination processing for determining black and white binary or gray scale;
The color information setting means for setting the color information of the output image data is provided,
The color information setting unit is set to automatically set the color information of the output image data, and when the image forming apparatus is executing the print function, the color information of the output image data is set to grayscale. Information processing system to set. An information processing program executed by an image processing apparatus having a scan function,
A determination process execution step of performing a determination process for determining black and white binary or gray scale;
A color information setting step for setting color information of output image data,
A function determining step of determining a function being executed by the image forming apparatus when automatic setting of color information of the output image data is set,
When the function determined in the function determination step is a predetermined function, a format detection step of detecting the format of the output image data is provided,
In the color information setting step, when the format detected in the format detecting step is a predetermined format, the color information of the output image data is determined in advance without executing the determination processing in the determination processing execution step. An information processing program that sets color information. An information processing program executed by an image forming apparatus having a print function of printing output image data generated based on input image data on a recording medium,
In the processor of the image forming apparatus,
A determination process execution step of performing a determination process for determining black and white binary or gray scale;
Execute the color information setting step to set the color information of the output image data,
In the color information setting step, it is set to automatically set the color information of the output image data, and when the image forming apparatus is executing the print function, the color information of the output image data is set to grayscale. Information processing program to set. An information processing method for an image processing apparatus having a scan function, comprising:
(A) a step of executing a determination process for determining black and white binary or gray scale;
(B) a step of setting color information of output image data,
(C) determining a function being executed by the image forming apparatus when automatic setting of color information of the output image data is set,
(D) a step of detecting the format of the output image data when the function determined in step (c) is a predetermined function,
In the step (b), when the format detected in the step (d) is a predetermined format, the determination process in the step (a) is not executed, and the color information of the output image data is predetermined to a predetermined value. Information processing method to set to color information of. An information processing method executed by an image forming apparatus having a print function for printing output image data generated based on input image data on a recording medium,
(A) a step of executing a determination process for determining black and white binary or gray scale;
(B) including a step of setting color information of output image data,
In the step (b), it is set to automatically set the color information of the output image data, and when the image forming apparatus is executing the printing function, the color information of the output image data is set to grayscale. Information processing method to be set.

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