JP2712293B2 - Color image editing device - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a color copier capable of editing an image, and more particularly, to a color image capable of designating an arbitrary color or pattern at the time of editing. Related to an editing device.

[Conventional technology]

In recent years, in addition to simply copying the image of a document as it is, image processing such as extraction and shading is performed by specifying a region of the image of the document, and furthermore, the color of the image in the specified region is specified. 2. Description of the Related Art An image-editable color copying machine that converts an image into a color and outputs an image has been developed.

In such an image editing color copier,
In the above-described color conversion image editing, it may be necessary to specify a color. Conventionally, when specifying a color, the color is specified by selecting a desired color from a plurality of predetermined standard colors using a color image editing apparatus. The standard color is yellow for generating color images,
The amount or density of each of the magenta and cyan color materials is stored in, for example, a ROM (read only memory).
At the time of outputting the edited image, data such as color conversion is performed on the document by reading data at an address corresponding to the designated standard color.

Further, when shading is performed, the image in the editing area of the document is shaded by repeatedly reading the basic pattern of the halftone stored in the ROM.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

However, in the conventional color image editing apparatus, it is difficult to perform the editing according to the user's intention because the types of colors or patterns that can be used are limited for the following reasons.

That is, when the number of standard colors increases, a large area is required to specify the colors, and there is a problem that the operation panel becomes large. In addition, a large-capacity ROM is required for storing standard color data.

There is also a similar problem with patterns used when shading.

[Means for solving the problem]

The present invention provides a color image forming apparatus for forming a color image in which one color is reproduced in a unit matrix by a combination of dot patterns of a plurality of colors in the unit matrix. An editing device, comprising: a plurality of instruction input units for designating a type of processing or a type of color; and a value corresponding to each instruction input unit when each instruction input unit of the plurality of instruction input units is operated. Means for outputting a code, rewritable storage means for storing the plurality of color dot patterns for each code corresponding to the code corresponding to the operated instruction input unit, and storing the dot pattern in the storage means. Means for changing each code, means for specifying a code to be used at the time of editing, and means for reading the code read from the storage means based on the specified code. Characterized by providing an image processing means for processing the image of the original by preparative pattern.

As the dot pattern of the plurality of colors, a pattern generated by comparing density data of each color with a threshold matrix can be used.

Further, the dot pattern of the plurality of colors may be the same pattern except for the color in which no dot exists.

Further, it is desirable that the storage means is a nonvolatile storage means detachably connected to the color image editing apparatus main body.

[Action]

In the present invention, one color is reproduced in the unit matrix by combining a plurality of color dot patterns in the unit matrix. The type of color used in image editing is determined by a combination of dot pattern shapes corresponding to the density of each color. The combination of the dot pattern shapes is stored in the storage unit in advance corresponding to a predetermined code. As for the type of processing or the type of color, when each of the plurality of instruction input units is operated, a code having a value corresponding to each of the instruction input units is output. Then, a dot pattern corresponding to the code is read, and an image of the document is processed by the dot pattern. In the present invention, the storage means is, for example, a rewritable memory such as a RAM,
The shape of the dot pattern can be rewritten from outside. Therefore, it is possible to assign any different dot patterns to the same instruction input unit as needed. Thus, when editing an image, the user can use an arbitrary color or pattern by using a small number of instruction input units, thereby enabling free editing according to the user's intention.

If a dot pattern of each color is written in dot units in the same pattern except for a color in which no dot exists, an arbitrary pattern such as oblique lines and halftone dots can be added to the image.

As described above, since the dot pattern of a plurality of colors can be rewritten from the outside, any type of color or pattern can be selected even when the number of usable colors or patterns is limited.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, the features of the present invention will be specifically described based on embodiments with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the relationship between a copying machine to which the image editing apparatus of the present invention is applied and an external editing apparatus provided separately from the copying machine.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an image input device for reading an image of a document. The image input apparatus 1 irradiates a document (not shown) placed on a platen glass 1a with a light source 1b as shown in FIG.
Reflected by c, 1d, 1e, image sensor 1g by lens 1f
And an image signal is obtained from the image sensor 1g. Light source 1b and mirror 1c are full speed carriage
Mounted on 1h, mirrors 1d and 1e are mounted on half-speed carriage 1i. Then, the full-speed carriage 1h is moved in the direction of the arrow along the lower surface of the platen glass 1a, and the half-speed carriage 1i is moved in the same direction at half the speed of the full-speed carriage 1h to read the image of the document.

An image signal from the image input device 1 is converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter 2, a halftone image such as a photographic original is passed through a dither processing circuit 3, and a binary image such as a text original is converted into a digital signal. It is supplied to the image processing circuit 5 via the value conversion circuit 4. The image processing circuit 5 is connected to a RAM (random access memory) table 6 in which function codes indicating types of processing such as deletion, extraction, color conversion, and back shading are stored in advance. Each of the above processes is performed according to the function code read from the.

The image signal processed in the image processing circuit 5 is
The image data is supplied to an image output device 7 such as a laser printer and output as an image. That is, copying is performed in a state where the image of the document is edited.

In the present embodiment, the image of the original is separated into red, green, and blue original densities by the image input device 1, and then converted into yellow, magenta, and cyan color material densities. The color material density of black is generated from the material density. In each of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black recording sections provided in the image output device 7,
By changing the area of the output dot of each color using the dither method, a full-color image having a halftone is output.

Further, a standard color table 8 and a registered color table 9 are connected to the image processing circuit 5, and each of the color tables 8, 9 includes, for example, a color material density of a color to be output at the time of the color conversion. The corresponding dot pattern is stored.

The standard color table 8 is composed of a ROM, and the dot pattern is fixed.
The dot pattern can be changed from outside as described later.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a bitmap memory for storing an editing area. This bitmap memory 10 has a drawing device
11 is connected. The drawing device 11 is provided to perform writing to the bitmap memory 10 at high speed, and is usually provided with a CRTC (cathode ray tube control device), for example, HD63.
An integrated circuit dedicated to drawing such as 484 (manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd.) is used. This drawing device 11 has a CPU (central processing unit) 1
2 is connected.

Further, a gate 13 is connected between the output side of the bitmap memory 10 and the drawing device 11. This gate 13
Open when the drawing device 11 is in the input mode,
The drawing device 11 can refer to the contents of the bitmap memory 10.

The CPU 12 writes a function code into the RAM table 6 and controls the drawing device 11, etc., and a digitizer 14 for designating an area of a document to be edited and a type of processing.
Based on the instruction from the CPU, the contents of the RAM table 6 are rewritten, and an instruction of which area of the bitmap memory 10 is to be filled is given to the drawing apparatus 11. The details of the digitizer 14 will be described later.

One of the output of the bitmap memory 10 or the output of the CPU 12 is selected by the multiplexer 15 and supplied as an address signal to the RAM table 6, and the output of the RAM table 6 is a function indicating the type of processing to the image processing circuit 5. Supplied as code. Further, a gate 16 is provided between the RAM table 6 and the CPU 12, and the gate 16 is opened during periods other than the reading period of the image of the document, and the CPU 12
Can be rewritten.

The CPU 12 is also connected to a nonvolatile memory 17 for storing registered color data and the like, and an editing condition memory 18 for storing editing conditions such as an editing area. The writing and reading processes for these memories 17 and 18 are also performed by the CPU 12.

The non-volatile memory 17 stores the relationship between the color code and each color material density. For example, in the relationship shown in Table 1, values Y _n , corresponding to the density of each color material of yellow, magenta, and cyan are stored. M _n and C _n (n = 1 to 16) are recorded in address order. That is, it is recorded with 3 bytes per color.

By changing the combination of the density data of these color materials, different colors can be assigned to the same color code. In the present embodiment, the standard color codes are, for example, 24 of 00H to 17H (H indicates hexadecimal notation).
Are assigned, and the registered color code is 30H-3FH
Sixteen are assigned.

The CPU 12 further includes an operation panel unit 19 for instructing a copying operation by a user, a copying mechanism control unit 20 for controlling the operation of the copying machine, and an external IC (integrated circuit) card for storing the registered color data. An interface circuit (indicated by an I / F circuit in the figure) 21 for writing to or reading from the IC card 30 is connected.

The output of the counter 22 is supplied as an address to the standard color table 8, and the output of the counter 22 or the output of the CPU 12 is selectively supplied to the registered color table 9 by the multiplexer 23. The counter 22 includes a horizontal scanning counter unit driven by a video clock synchronized with pixel reading at the time of main scanning in the image input device 1, and a vertical scanning counter unit driven each time main scanning ends. A gate 2 is provided between the registered color table 9 and the CPU 12.
4 is provided, and is opened when the registered color is written.

The above-mentioned digitizer 14 is a kind of a coordinate input device and has, for example, a plane of A3 size paper, and obtains a position pressed by a pen or the like as coordinate data. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, function specification area E _F to specify the type of processing and region designation area E _R for designating an editing area is provided.
A plurality of keys 14a~14h in response to processing of the kind is formed at the specified area E _F. In this embodiment, the key
14a to 14h are area designation start key, area set key, color conversion key, extraction key, end key, clear key,
It corresponds to an edit condition read key and an edit condition write key. It should be noted that a number of other keys are actually provided, but only some of the keys are shown to simplify the description.

When the area specified area E _R is pressed, CPU 12
Processes coordinate data as area information, and
When any key 14a~14h of E _F is pressed so that to process the coordinate data as a function information.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the digitizer 14 is provided integrally with a platen cover 1j that covers the platen glass 1a of the image input apparatus 1 so as to be openable and closable.

As shown in FIG. 3, an operation panel section 19 is provided on the front side of the platen cover 1j. The operation panel section 19 has power switches 19a, Numeric keys 19b, clear key 19c, start key 19d,
Stop key 19e, tray selection key 19f, original size key 19
g, Reduction key 19h, Copy density key 19i, Original type key 19j
And a copy mode key 19k, a saturation key 19l, a color adjustment key 19m, etc., which are unique to a color copying machine. The copy mode key 19k is used for switching between full-color copying and mono-color copying.

As described above, in the present embodiment, keys without area designation are arranged on the operation panel section 19 of the copying machine main body A, and keys used directly for area designation are arranged on the digitizer 14 side. .

Next, the operation of the above-described copying machine will be described using color conversion as an example.

When the power is turned on, first, the registered color data previously stored at a specific address of the nonvolatile memory 17 is referred to by the CPU 12, and is compared with, for example, a threshold matrix table shown in FIG. A dot pattern for each color of × 6 is generated.

For example, the density data of yellow, magenta, and cyan corresponding to a registered color code is “18”, “10”,
If it is "0", the dot patterns of yellow, magenta and cyan are as shown in FIGS. 4 (b), (c) and (d). These patterns are combined at the time of image output, and in this example, they are orange. Note that this combination of density data corresponds to one color code.

At this time, the gate 24 is opened, and these dot patterns are written into the registered color table 9 via the gate 24 by the CPU 12.

The data of the density of each color material in the non-volatile memory 17 can be changed by operating the operation panel section 19 by setting the copier in a special mode described below before the copying operation.

For example, a numeric keypad 19b provided on the operation panel unit 19
By turning on the power switch 19a while pressing the key "1", a special mode is provided in which each key provided on the operation panel section 19 has a function different from the original function.
These keys can be used to change the values corresponding to the densities of the yellow, magenta, and cyan color materials.

In this special mode, for example, numeric keypad 19b
By pressing the key "6", density data can be input, and the value of the density data is increased or decreased by the reduction ratio key 19h. This operation is repeated in the order of yellow, magenta, and cyan to change the density data of a plurality of color codes.

To release this special mode, once turn off the power switch 19a, and then turn off the power switch 1 as usual.
Turn on 9a.

Next, an original to be edited is placed on the digitizer 14 and an area to be edited is specified. For example, function specification area E _F region specified start key 14 of the first digitizer 14
Press a, then inputs the coordinates defining the editing area by pressing the space designated area E _R. When the area set key 14b is pressed after the designation of the editing area is completed, the coordinate data of the specified editing area is stored in a register (not shown) in the CPU 12 or the editing condition memory 18. Then, pressing the color conversion key 14c functions designated area E _F digitizer 14,
Further, a target color is designated by the standard color designation unit 14i or the registered color designation unit 14j.

For example, the standard color designation section 14i is divided into 24 sections, and the registered color designation section 14j is divided into 16 sections. Then, when any of the sections is pressed, the CPU 12 processes the coordinate data as a color code.

When the color specification is completed, the type of processing, that is, the “color conversion” data and the color code to be output,
The data is stored in the register in the U12 or the editing condition memory 18 in correspondence with the coordinate data of the editing area.

By repeating the above operation, a plurality of editing areas are designated, and different types of processing can be set for each editing area. Note that the plurality of editing areas can be applied to the same original, or may correspond to different originals.

Next, after placing this original on the platen glass 1a of the image input device 1, press the start key 19d,
Start image reading.

In the present embodiment, prior to actual image reading, a portion corresponding to the editing area of the bitmap memory 10 is painted out based on the coordinate data of the editing area previously input. That is, the bit of the address corresponding to the inside of the editing area of the bitmap memory 10 is set to a predetermined state, for example, “1”. These drawing operations are performed at high speed by the drawing device 11 based on an instruction from the CPU 12 using a known algorithm. At this time, data of the type of editing is also written at the same time.

Next, the RAM table 6 is set. That is, the correspondence between the function number and the type of actual processing is set.

When the filling of the area is completed, the actual copying operation starts, and the scanning optical system provided in the image input apparatus 1 is moved to read the image of the document. The signal obtained from the image input device 1 at the time of this reading is supplied to the image processing circuit 5 via the A / D converter 2, the dither processing circuit 3, or the binarization circuit 4.

In synchronization with reading this image, bitmap memory
10 reads are performed and the read output is the multiplexer
The data is supplied to the RAM table 6 as an address signal via 15. Reading from this bitmap memory 10 is performed by DM
This is performed by a method called A (direct memory access). That is, at the time of scanning that requires high-speed operation of the memory, the gates 13 and 16 are closed by a DMA control signal generated in synchronization with the scanning of the original, and the address of the RAM table 6 is changed by the multiplexer 15 to the bitmap memory 10 side. And reading from the bitmap memory 10 is directly performed by a DMA control circuit (not shown).

As described above, the correspondence between the above-described function numbers and the function codes indicating the types of processing is written in the RAM table 6 by the CPU 12 in advance. Therefore, the function code is read from the RAM table 6 in bit units corresponding to the filled area of the bit map memory 10.

In the image processing circuit 5, processing corresponding to the function code from the RAM table 6 is performed.

That is, the standard color table 8 or the registered color table 9
Is supplied with an output of a counter 22 driven in synchronization with scanning in the image input apparatus 1. The horizontal scanning counter unit and the vertical scanning counter unit of the counter 22 are each hexadecimal corresponding to the size of the bit pattern, that is, 6 × 6 in the present embodiment. A 6 × 6 dot pattern corresponding to the previously specified color code is repeatedly read from the color table 9, and based on this, the image signal from the dither processing circuit 3 or the binarization circuit 4 is subjected to color conversion. Processing is performed.

The image signal after the image processing is supplied to the image output device 7, and an image in which the color of the portion corresponding to the editing area in the image of the document is converted into the designated color is output.

Further, in this embodiment, each bit pattern stored in the registered color table 9 can be written to the IC card 30 via the interface circuit 21. IC card 30
Is detachable from the copying machine main body A via an interface circuit 21, and functions as a normal memory when viewed from the CPU 12. That is, when the IC card 30 is mounted on the copying machine main body A, the IC card 30 and the interface circuit 21 are connected by the address bus and the data bus of the CPU 12. A memory (not shown) built in the IC card 30 is backed up by a battery and operates as a non-volatile memory.

The address for the IC card 30 is assigned to a different address than the address for the registration color table 9, after connecting to the IC card 30 to the interface circuit 21, editing condition writing key 14h functions designated area E _F digitizer 14 By pressing, the contents of the registered color table 9 are written to the IC card 30. By pressing the edit condition read key 14g, the contents of the IC card 30 are written in the registered color table 9.

Thus, by storing the editing conditions in the external IC card 30, a wide variety of editing conditions can be set. Also, a different IC card 30 is allocated to each user or each work type, and the IC card 30 is used for copying.
Is attached, and the editing conditions are read into the copying machine main body A side, so that the operation of setting the editing conditions for each copy becomes unnecessary, and the operability is improved.

As described above, in the present embodiment, keys without area designation are arranged on the operation panel section 19 of the copying machine main body A, and keys used directly for area designation are arranged on the digitizer 14 side. Therefore, the keys to be used when operating the copier and setting the editing conditions can be easily and intuitively selected, and the operability is improved.

Further, by adopting such a key arrangement, it becomes possible to provide an external editing apparatus B which can specify editing conditions similarly to the main body side, separately from the copying machine main body A.

A digitizer 42, a non-volatile memory 43, an editing condition memory 44, and the like are connected to the CPU 41 in order to specify editing conditions in the same manner as the main body side. An interface circuit 45 for writing to the card 30 is connected. Also, externally,
It has substantially the same configuration as the digitizer 14 of the copying machine main unit A, and has operation keys directly used for designating an editing area. Note that the nonvolatile memory 43 is not always necessary, and the IC card 30 may be directly written as a memory.

In this embodiment, the digitizer 14 of the copying machine main body A is used.
Is provided with an operation key directly used for designating an editing area, so that an external editing apparatus B having a function equivalent to that of the digitizer 14 can be provided separately from the copying machine main body A side. Editing conditions can be set in the same way as the side.

Then, the editing conditions are stored in the IC card 30 by the external editing device B, and the IC card 30 is adhered to the copying machine main body A side. The A side can output the edited image.

By providing the external editing device B in this manner, when setting the above-described editing conditions, the copying machine is not occupied for a long time, and other users who simply copy with the copying machine cannot be used. No more annoying. In addition, since the editing condition setting work can be performed not on the place where the copying machine main body A is installed but on, for example, one's own desk, the work can be performed easily and necessary materials can be kept at hand. Work efficiency is improved because it can be referenced immediately.

In the above-described embodiment, only the case of registering a color used at the time of editing has been described. However, not only a color but also various patterns can be registered.

For example, the 6 × 6 bit pattern shown in FIG. 5A or FIG.
If the contents of the registered color table 9 are read out in synchronization with the scanning of the original in the same manner as described above, the bit pattern is repeatedly read out at a cycle of 6 pixels. A net-like pattern as shown in FIG. 6B or a hatched pattern as shown in FIG. 6B is formed. Note that the bit pattern as shown in FIG. 5A or FIG. 6A can be easily generated by calculation in the CPU 12, for example.

At this time, if the same pattern is written in three colors of yellow, magenta, and cyan, the output color becomes black. For example, the same pattern is written in only two colors of yellow and magenta, and writing is performed in cyan. Otherwise, the output color will be red. By changing the combination of colors to be written, various colors can be output.

Further, the CPU 1 is connected to an external personal computer or the like.
By supplying the pattern data via the second bus line, not only a simple geometric pattern but also an arbitrary pattern can be easily formed in dot units.

If these patterns are also made to correspond to the color codes, the registered patterns can be selected by designating the color codes at the time of use.

The bit pattern in the registered color table 9 is stored in the IC card 30.
If the card 30 is mounted on the copying machine main body A, a desired pattern can be used as needed. In addition, a bit pattern that is frequently used can be written in the IC card 30 on the manufacturer side in advance.

〔The invention's effect〕

As described above, according to the present invention, when each instruction input unit is operated, a means for outputting a code having a value corresponding to each instruction input unit, and a code corresponding to the operated instruction input unit And rewritable storage means for storing the dot patterns of the plurality of colors for each code. Therefore, even if the user can register an arbitrary color or pattern and the number of instruction input units is limited, there is no limitation on the types of colors or patterns that can be used. For this reason, at the time of image editing, the user can use an arbitrary color or pattern by using a small number of instruction input units, and free editing according to the user's intention becomes possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a use mode of a color image editing apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of an image input apparatus having a digitizer, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of the operation panel, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a bit pattern in a registered color table, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams showing the relationship between the bit pattern and redevelopment. 1: Image input device, 2: A / D converter 3: Dither processing circuit, 4: Binarization circuit 5: Image processing circuit, 6: RAM table 7: Image output device, 8: Standard color table 9: Registered color Table, 10: Bitmap memory 11: Drawing device, 12, 41: CPU 13, 16, 24: Gate, 14, 42: Digitizer 14a: Area designation start key, 14b: Area set key 14c: Color conversion key, 14d: Extraction key 14e: End key, 14f: Clear key 14g: Edit condition read key 14h: Edit condition write key 14i: Standard color designator, 14j: Registered color designator 15: Multiplexer, 17, 43: Non-volatile memory 18,44 : Editing condition memory, 19: Operation panel section 19a: Power switch, 19b: Numeric keypad 19c: Clear key, 19d: Start key 19e: Stop key, 19f: Tray selection key 19g: Original size key, 19h: Reduction ratio key 19i: Copy density key, 19j: Original type key 19k: Copy mode key, 19l: Saturation key 19m: Color adjustment key, 20: Copy mechanism control unit 21, 45: Centers face circuit 22: Counter, 23: multiplexer 30: IC card A: copying machine main body, B: an external editing apparatus E _R: region designation area, E _F: function designated area

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A color image editing apparatus used in a color image forming apparatus for forming a color image in which one color is reproduced in a unit matrix by a combination of dot patterns of a plurality of colors in the unit matrix. A plurality of instruction input units for designating the type or type of color, and means for outputting a code having a value corresponding to each instruction input unit when each instruction input unit of the plurality of instruction input units is operated, Rewritable storage means for storing the plurality of color dot patterns for each code corresponding to a code corresponding to the operated instruction input unit, and means for changing the dot pattern in the storage means for each code Means for designating a code to be used at the time of editing; and an original by the dot pattern read from the storage means based on the designated code. Color image editing apparatus is characterized by providing an image processing means for processing the image. 2. The color image editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of color dot patterns are generated by comparing density data of each color with a threshold matrix. 3. The color image editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dot patterns of the plurality of colors are the same pattern except for a color in which no dot exists. 4. The color image editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said storage means is a non-volatile storage means detachably connected to a color image editing apparatus main body.