JP3243260B2 - Image communication device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image communication apparatus for transmitting and receiving image information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the transmission of a color image read from a color original colored in a plurality of colors has been performed by an image communication apparatus such as a color facsimile apparatus dedicated to color transmission and reception.

[0003] However, in the above-described conventional example, it is necessary to purchase an expensive color image transmitting / receiving apparatus for transmitting / receiving color images, although color image transmission / reception is relatively small. In order to mutually transmit and receive images, there is a problem that it is necessary to prepare an image transmission / reception device dedicated to the color on the transmission side and the reception side.

In connection with this, Japanese Patent Laid- Open No. 63-2
No. 78469 and JP-A-63-33067.
Indicates that the receiving device cannot perform color printing.
The sender converts the color area of the original to a black and white pattern image.
An image transmitting apparatus for transmitting the image data has been proposed. However
In these conventional technologies, the receiving device has a color transmission / reception function.
If the device does not have a
When there is no means, a single color, such as red
Different parts can be identified (JP-A-63-278).
No. 469) or a color composition that cannot be recorded by the receiving device.
Is converted to a recordable color component image.
Superimposing a predetermined pattern on the converted image
This is to identify the part of the color.
JP-A-63-33067).
In conventional technology, the receiving device has a color transmission / reception function.
If not, the color information of the image cannot be reproduced.
There was a problem.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and can transmit color information of an image with an inexpensive configuration.
Color information of the image received from the image transmitting device
While providing an image communication device that can be reproduced,
Normal image reception when providing such an image communication device
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image communication device that does not confuse the recipient even if the communication is performed.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, an image communication apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a receiving means for receiving an image via a communication line; and a monochrome image received by the receiving means.
It is simply a black and white image or a black and white pattern representing a color image area.
Identification means for identifying whether the image is a black and white image including a turn,
The identification result of the identification means is changed from a color image area to a black and white pattern.
In the case of a converted monochrome image, the monochrome pattern image area in the image received by the receiving unit corresponds to the pattern .
Conversion means for converting the image into a color image, and identification by the identification means
If the result is just a black and white image,
Visualize the received black and white image, and identify the identification result of the identification means.
Is a black and white image containing a black and white pattern,
Visualizing means for visualizing an image including the color image converted by the step .

Further, the image communication apparatus according to the present invention, a communication
Receiving means for receiving an image via a line; and
The received image is a color image or a simple black and white image
Image or a black and white pattern representing a color image area.
Identification means for identifying whether the image is a black and white image,
When the column identification result is a black and white image containing a black and white pattern
Is a black and white pattern image in the image received by the receiving means.
Conversion means for converting an image area into a color image corresponding to a pattern
And if the identification result of the identification means is a color image,
Visualizing the color image received by the receiving means,
If the identification result of the identification means is just a black and white image,
The black and white image received by the receiving means is visualized, and the
The result of identification by another means is converted from a color image area to a black and white pattern
If the image is a converted black and white image, it is converted by the conversion means.
Visualization means for visualizing an image including a color image
It is characterized by that. are doing.

[0008]

According to the above arrangement, the received image is converted to a black and white pattern.
In the case of a black and white image that includes
If the received image is just a black and white image,
You can see the black and white image you just received
You.

Further, according to the above arrangement , the received image
Is a color image, the received color image
You can see it in a state, and the received image is just black and white
In the case of an image, the received black and white image is viewed as it is
And if the received image is a color image area
If the image is a black and white image converted to a black and white pattern,
The included image can be visually recognized.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an internal structure diagram showing an embodiment of an image communication apparatus according to the present invention. The image communication apparatus comprises an image information reading section 1 for reading image information drawn on a document, The image forming system includes an image forming system 3 for forming an image on a recording sheet 2 based on image information read by the image information reading section 1, and a sheet feeder 4 for supplying the recording sheet 2 to the image forming system 3. In this embodiment, the image forming system 3 and the sheet feeding / transporting unit 4 use the copying unit 5.
Is composed.

More specifically, the image information reading section 1 includes a document table 6 on which an appropriate number of documents are placed, a document conveying mechanism (not shown), and a document table Scanner unit 9 for irradiating the original placed on glass 8
, A plurality of reflecting mirrors 10a, 10b, 10c, a condenser lens 11, and a CC to which image information drawn on a document is input.
And an image sensor 12 (image input means) such as D (charge coupled device).

The image forming system 3 includes the image sensor 1
2, an exposure control unit 13 that converts the image information (electric signal) input into an optical signal, a photoconductor 14 irradiated by irradiation light from the exposure control unit 13, and a photoconductor 14 formed on the photoconductor 14. A developing unit 15 for developing the latent image in a desired color; a transfer unit 16 for transferring image information onto the recording paper 2;
7, a fixing unit 18 having a pair of upper and lower drums as main parts,
Plural sets of transport rollers 19 each including a pair of rollers ...
And a pair of registration rollers 20.

The developing unit 15 includes a black developing unit 15K containing black toner, a cyan developing unit 15C containing cyan (C) toner, and a yellow developing unit 15C containing yellow (Y) toner. A developing device 15Y, and a magenta developing device 15M containing magenta (M) toner.
They are appropriately set at predetermined positions so that development can be performed in each of these colors. Further, one of the drums of the fixing unit 18 has a built-in heater, and the heater fixes an image.

The paper feeder 4 includes paper feed cassettes 21a and 21b containing the recording paper 2 and recording paper holders 22a and 22a.
22b and a plurality of sets of transport rollers 23...

In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the originals stacked on the original platen 6 are sequentially conveyed one by one onto the original platen glass 8 by the original conveying mechanism. And
When the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 8, the lamp 7 is turned on, and the scanner unit 9 moves in the direction of arrow A to irradiate the document. Thereafter, the reflected light is reflected by the reflecting mirrors 10a to 10a.
The light passes through the condenser lens 11 via 10 c and is input to the image sensor 12. Next, the image information input to the image sensor 12 is subjected to predetermined processing by an image signal control circuit to be described later, input to the exposure control unit 13, and converted into an optical signal. Next, the image information converted into an optical signal by the exposure control unit 13 is applied to the photoconductor 14 via the lens 24 and the reflecting mirror 25. The latent image formed on the photoreceptor 14 by the irradiation light is developed by a developing unit 15 in which a predetermined developing device is set.

On the other hand, the recording paper 2 is fed from the paper feed cassettes 21a and 21b together with the
3 and is transferred to the transfer unit 16, and the developed image is transferred to the recording paper 2. Next, the recording sheet 2 is conveyed on the conveyor 17 in the direction of arrow B and sent to the fixing unit 18, and the transferred image is fixed on the recording sheet 2 by the fixing unit 18.

In the case of a single-color copy, the copy is discharged to the outside as shown by an arrow C via a pair of discharge rollers 26. On the other hand, in the case of a multi-color copy, the recording paper 2 is conveyed in the direction of arrow D via the separation mechanism 27, passes through the lower conveyance unit 28, temporarily stops at a pair of registration rollers 20, and then stops at the developing unit 15 After the developing device is converted to a predetermined developing device and developed, the process proceeds to the transfer portion 16 again, and after the transfer in the transfer portion 16 and the fixing in the fixing portion 18,
After a predetermined multi-color copy is made, the discharge rollers 26
Is discharged to the outside as shown by arrow C.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the image communication apparatus.

The image information input to the image information reading unit 1 is transmitted to an image signal control circuit 30 controlled by the CPU 29.
Is subjected to a predetermined process, and is output to the copying unit 5.

When transmitting / receiving an image, the image information is sent from the CPU 29 to the line control circuit 31.
A predetermined control is executed and transmitted to the partner terminal. on the other hand,
The image information received from the partner terminal is processed by the CPU 29, sent to the image signal control circuit 30, and output to the copying unit 5.

An operation unit 32 includes a ten-key pad and a display panel, and inputs various mode settings. Also, 33
Is a memory unit, which includes a read-only ROM area for storing a predetermined control program executed by the CPU 29, and a rewritable RAM area for storing various information from the line control circuit 31 and the operation unit 32. I have.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image signal control section 30 converts the analog signal into a digital signal, specifically, the first to third A / D converters 34a to 34c.
To convert the input color information into density information.
Third look-up table (Lookup table and below,
"LUT") 35a to 35c, and first to third binarizing circuits 3 for converting multi-valued density information into binarized color information.
6a to 36c, and a color information memory unit 50 for storing cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) color information, respectively.
(C memory 37C, M memory 37M, Y memory 37Y)
And a K memory 37K for storing black information, a pattern memory 38 for storing predetermined pattern information, and image information input from the color information memory unit 50 or the K memory 37K to select any one of the image information. Selector 3 that outputs
9 is provided.

The line control circuit 31 includes a compression circuit 40 for compressing transmitted image information, an expansion circuit 41 for expanding received image information, and a modem 42 for performing mutual conversion between digital signals and analog signals. And a network controller (Netw
ork control unit (hereinafter referred to as “NCU”) 43.

The image signal control circuit 30, the line control circuit 31, the CPU 29, and the memory unit 33 are connected to each other via a control bus 44.

Next, a case where a normal color copy is performed in the image communication apparatus will be described.

First, the red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color information photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 12 in the image information reading unit 1 is supplied to respective amplifiers (first to third amplifiers). 45a to 45c). Next, the color information is amplified by the first to third amplifiers 45a to 45c so as to match a predetermined input level, and then input to the image signal control circuit 30.

In the image signal control circuit 30, the color information is first converted from an analog signal to a digital signal by the first to third A / D converters 34a to 34c, and the first to third LUTs 35a to 35c are converted. 35c.

In the first to third LUTs 35a to 35c, R, G, B color information is logarithmically converted to generate multi-value density information of cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). I do.

Next, the multi-valued density information is
The signals are input to the third binarization circuits 36a to 36c and converted into binary (0, 1) density information.
It is stored in the M memory 37M and the Y memory 37Y.

Next, the cyan developing device 15c (FIG. 1) is set at a predetermined position, and reads out image information (density information) stored in the C memory 37C. At this time, the selector 39 is set by the CPU 29 via the control bus 44 so that the signal line from the C memory 37C is selected, and the contents of the C memory 37C selected by the selector 39 are output to the copying unit 5.

Next, the image information output to the copying unit 5 is
The exposure controller 13 converts the light signal into an optical signal to form a latent image on the photoconductor 14. Next, the latent image is developed with cyan toner contained in the cyan developing device 12c, and then transferred to the transfer unit 16c.
, And is fixed by the fixing unit 18 to form a cyan image on the recording paper 2.

Next, the recording paper 2 on which the cyan image is formed passes through the lower transport unit 28 via the sorting mechanism 27,
The sheet is transported to the position of the registration roller 20. Thereafter, the magenta developing device 12M is set at a predetermined position, and M
Reading of image information from the memory 37M is started. At this time, the selector 39 is set so that the image signal from the M memory 37M is selected. And M memory 37M
Are selected by the selector 39 and output to the copying unit 5.

The image information output to the copying unit 5 is developed by the magenta toner included in the magenta developing unit 15M through the same process as described above, and then the recording paper 2 stopped at the position of the registration roller 20 Is transferred and fixed to
A magenta image is formed on the recording paper 2 on which a cyan image is formed.

Thereafter, a yellow color image is formed using the Y memory 37Y in the same manner as described above, whereby a desired color image can be formed.

Next, a case where a color original is transmitted to the partner terminal will be described.

As a specific example, a case where a color original of a bar graph as shown in FIG. 4 is transmitted will be described.

FIG. 4 is a bar graph of the number of patent applications of the laboratories A to C. The number of applications of the laboratory A is a red bar graph.
The number of applications for Lab B is indicated by a blue bar graph, and the number of applications for Lab C is indicated by a green bar graph.

First, the color document is placed on the document table 8 and read by the image scanner 12, and the image information is stored in the C memory 37C, the M memory 37M, and the Y memory 37Y as described above.

FIGS. 5A to 5C show C memories 37C and M
It is a graph which showed the content of the memory respectively memorized by memory 37M and Y memory 37Y. In the figure, a portion (XY axis) where the same information is stored in each of the C memory 37C, the M memory 37M, and the Y memory 37Y
Indicates a black portion in the document, and the other portions are chromatic portions. That is, the red bar graph of the laboratory A is stored in the M memory 37M and the Y memory 37Y. Further, the blue bar graph of the laboratory B is stored in the C memory 37C and the M memory 37M. Further, the green bar graph of the laboratory C is stored in the C memory 37C and the Y memory 37Y.

Next, the CPU 29 sets the C memory 37C, M
The contents of the memory 37M and the Y memory 37Y are compared to detect a portion (black information) where the same information is stored, and black information and color information other than black (hereinafter, referred to as “color information”) are separated. The content of the black information is copied to the K memory 37K as it is.

The CPU 29 separates the color information from the contents of each memory, reads the pattern information set in the pattern memory 38 in advance from the color, and reads the pattern information corresponding to the color of the original from the K memory 37K.
Write to.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a pattern written in the K memory 37K. The red bar graph of the laboratory A is the first pattern 46a, and the blue bar graph of the laboratory B is the second pattern. Laboratory C as 46b
Green bar graphs as K as the third pattern 46c
It is written in the memory 37K.

Next, a transmission procedure for transmitting image data will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

First, a telephone call is made to the receiving terminal to make a line connection with the receiving terminal (step S1). Then, it is determined whether or not the receiving terminal has a capability of receiving a color image based on a signal indicating the capability of the receiving terminal, for example, an NSF signal (step S2). That is, it determines whether to perform color transmission or monochrome transmission, and notifies the receiving side. At this time, a signal indicating whether or not an image pattern is included may be sent to the receiving side even when it is determined that black-and-white transmission is to be performed. If color image data can be received, the C, M, and Y data in the memory 50 is sent to the compression circuit 40 via the control bus 44, and color encoding, for example, ADCT encoding is performed (step S3). ), And transmits the color image to the receiving side (step S4). Next, the process proceeds to step S5, where it is determined whether or not there is data (next page) for transmitting a color image. If there is a next page, the process returns to step S3. If there is no next page, the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the receiving side can receive only black and white data,
The contents of the memory 37K are read by raster scanning and sent to the line control circuit 31 via the control bus 44. In the line control circuit 31, information of one line in the main memory of the K memory 37K is first encoded by the compression circuit 40 in either the MH system (Modified Huffman system) or the MR system (Modified read system).
The information in the memory 37K is compressed (step S7). The encoded information is then phase modulated by modem 42 to
It is input to the CU 43 and performs control for sending to the communication line. The above operations are sequentially performed in the line control circuit 31 by K
By performing the processing for one page of the memory 37K, the compressed image information is output to the communication line (step S
8). Next, the process proceeds to step S9, where it is determined whether or not there is data (next page) for transmitting a black-and-white image. If there is a next page, the process returns to step S7.

As described above, in the image communication apparatus,
When transmitting a color original, color transmission can be performed if the other party is a color terminal according to the other party's terminal, and even if it is a black and white terminal, a color portion can be patterned and transmitted. Therefore, the partner terminal can receive as a patterned monochromatic original even if it does not have a color receiving function,
Images can be transmitted without any loss of information content.

Next, a case where color information sent from a partner terminal is received based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 will be described. First, in step S21, when the call signal CI from the partner terminal is received, a signal indicating that color reception, monochrome reception, and monochrome pattern colorization processing is possible is transmitted to the calling side by an NSF signal or the like ( Step S22). In steps S24 and S30, a signal indicating whether a color signal is transmitted from the calling side using an NSS signal or the like, a pattern-processed monochrome signal or a simple monochrome signal is transmitted. The image information sent from the communication line is transmitted to the NCU 4 of the line control circuit 31.
When it is input to 3, the reception is controlled according to the type of information from the communication line.

That is, in the case of color information, NCU4
3 is input to the modem 42, demodulated and input to the decompression circuit 41. In the expansion circuit 41, decoding is performed by the MH method (Modified Huffman method), MR method (Modified read method) or ADCT (step S25), and the image information is expanded.
The image information output from the decompression circuit 41 is transmitted to the control bus 44
Is stored in the memory information unit 50 via the
6) The color image information is output to the copying unit 5 and color recording is performed (step S27). Then, it is determined whether or not there is a next page (step S28). If there is a next page, the process returns to step S25. If there is no next page, the process is terminated.

On the other hand, in the case of black and white information including a pattern, first, pattern information and the like are decoded (step S32), and then the data is sent to the K memory 37K.
It is stored in K (step S34). For example, when bar graph data similar to the above specific example is sent from the partner terminal, image information having pattern information shown in FIG. 6 is stored in the K memory 37K.

Next, the CPU 29 checks a patternized portion from the storage contents from the K memory 37K (step S).
36) If the pattern information matches the pattern information set in the pattern memory 38 in advance, “1” is set at a position corresponding to the patterned portion in the memory information portion 50 corresponding to the predetermined color. Is written (step S3
8). For example, red is set in the first pattern 46a, blue is set in the second pattern 46b, and green is set in the third pattern 46c in the pattern memory 38 in advance, and C corresponding to these preset colors is set. “1” is written at a position corresponding to the patterned portion of the memory 37C, the M memory 37M, and the Y memory 37Y, and color recording is performed (step S40). Next, the process proceeds to step S42,
It is determined whether or not there is a next page, and if there is no next page, the process ends.

When a simple black and white signal is transmitted, the black and white information is first decoded (step S4).
4) Then, the data is stored in the K memory 37K (step S46), and the black and white information is output to the copying unit 5 to perform black and white recording (step S48). Next, the process proceeds to step S50, and if there is no next page, the process ends.

FIGS. 9A to 9D show the memories 37C and 3C.
The image information stored in 7M, 37Y, and 37K is shown.

That is, the K memory 37K (FIG. 7A)
Stores image information that is not stored as pattern information in the pattern memory 38, and the C memory 37C (FIG. 7).
In (b)), portions corresponding to the second and third patterns 46b and 46c are stored as image information. Further, portions corresponding to the first and second patterns 46a and 46c are stored as image information in the M memory 37M (FIG. 7C), and the first and second patterns are stored in the Y memory 37Y (FIG. 7D). Portions corresponding to the third patterns 46a and 46c are stored as image information. After this, an image is formed on the recording paper 2 through the same steps as described above.

That is, the cyan developing unit 15c is set at a predetermined position, and an image is read from the C memory 37C. Next, the contents of the C memory 37C are selected by the selector 39 and output to the copying unit 5.

The image information output to the copying section 5 is converted into an optical signal by the exposure control section 10 to form a latent image on the photosensitive member 14. The latent image is developed by the cyan toner contained in the cyan developing device 15c. Next, the recording sheet 2 on which the cyan image has been formed passes through the lower conveying section 28 and is conveyed to the position of the registration roller 20, and thereafter, using the magenta developing device 15M and the yellow developing device 15Y, the magenta ( M) and yellow (Y) to form an image.
A desired color copy can be obtained.

In the case of simple black and white data, the data is expanded (step S44), stored in the K memory 37K (step S46), and stored in black and white (step S48).

As described above, in the above image communication apparatus,
Even if the other party's sending terminal does not have a color sending function, when a monochrome original having a pattern portion is sent, a color copy in which the pattern portion is colored can be received.

[0059]

As described in detail above, in the image communication apparatus according to the present invention, the received black and white image is a simple black and white image.
Or a black and white image containing a black and white pattern representing a color image area
Are identified, and the result of the identification is
If the image is a black and white image that has been converted to a black and white
Convert the turn image area to a color image corresponding to the pattern
Visualize and receive if the identification result is just a black and white image
Visualize a black-and-white image without converting it to a color image
The image color information can be transmitted with an inexpensive configuration.
Reproducing the color information of the image received from the image transmission device
Is possible, and normal plain black and white image reception is performed.
Not confuse recipients when

[0060] Further, the image communication apparatus according to the present invention, receiving
The image to be transmitted is a color image or just a black and white image
Or contains a black and white pattern representing a color image area
Identify whether the image is a black and white image.
If the image is a black and white image converted to a black and white pattern,
Black and white pattern image area into a color image corresponding to the pattern
Convert and visualize, if the identification result is a color image
Visualize the received color image, and the identification result is just black and white
If it is an image, convert the received black and white image to a color image
Visualization without the need for color information of images
Of the image received from the image transmission device
Color information can be reproduced and color facsimile
Color image received from a color image device such as a millimeter device
Can also be reproduced, and when ordinary black and white image reception is performed
Do not confuse the recipient.

[0061] The receiving means may further include:
Device that can convert the color image area existing in
By receiving from the device, the transmission time can be reduced.
You.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an internal structural diagram showing one embodiment of an image communication apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image communication device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing details of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transmission original or a recording sheet on which an image is formed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of storage data stored in a color information memory unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of storage data stored in a K memory unit.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for transmitting image information.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for receiving image information.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of storage data stored in a K memory unit and a color information memory unit during reception.

[Explanation of symbols]

12 Image Scanner (Image Input Unit) 29 CPU (Color Detecting Unit, Pattern Generating Unit, Combining Unit, Pattern Detecting Unit, Color Information Generating Unit, Image Forming Unit) 40 Compression Circuit (Encoding Unit) 41 Decompression Circuit (Decoding Unit) 42 modem (modulation means)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hiroshi Omura 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hirohiko Ito 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon (56) References JP-A-62-48871 (JP, A) JP-A-63-278469 (JP, A) JP-A-63-33067 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/46-1/64

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A receiving means for receiving an image via a communication line, and a monochrome image received by the receiving means is a simple monochrome image.
Black and white, including black and white patterns representing color image areas
Identification means for identifying whether the image is an image, and identification of the identification means
The result is a black and white image converted from a color image area to a black and white pattern.
If the image is an image, the white
Conversion means for converting the color image corresponding to the pattern of the black pattern image regions, the identification result is just black and white of the identification means
If it is an image, a monochrome image received by the receiving means
And the identification result of the identification means indicates a black and white pattern.
If the image is a black and white image that contains
And a visualizing unit for visualizing an image including the color image . 2. Receiving means for receiving an image via a communication line.
And the image received by the receiving means is a color image
Or just a black and white image, or a color image area
To identify whether the image is a black and white image containing a black and white pattern
The identification result of the identification means includes a black and white pattern.
If the image is a black and white image,
Color image corresponding to the pattern in the black and white pattern image area in the image
Conversion means for converting the image into an image;
If the received image is a color image,
-Visualize the image and the identification result of the identification means is just white
If it is a black image, the black and white image received by the receiving means
Visualize the image and determine whether the identification result of the identification means is a color image area.
If the image is a black and white image converted to a black and white pattern,
Visualizing an image including a color image converted by the conversion unit
Image communication device comprising:
Place.