JP3477658B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus applied to a digital copying machine or the like, and more particularly, to an image processing apparatus characterized by area designation control. 2. Description of the Related Art An image processing apparatus for repeatedly outputting image data of a characteristic region in a document image or image data of part or all of a document and performing different image processing for each repetition region. However, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-1260
No. 74, JP-A-1-255542, JP-A-2-23376
And Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 3-1077893 and 3-178267. However, in each of the above-mentioned prior arts, however, it is necessary to store (1) all of the monitored image data, (2) a region signal (an image different from the others). (3) There is a drawback that (3) the region designation method is not described. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of creating desired image data with a small memory capacity. [0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method of reading an original read as digital data.
An image processing apparatus for performing predetermined image processing on the read image data from the image data or a storage unit,
An area indicating the type of image processing and whether or not it is a repetition area
A region signal generator that occurs the frequency signal for each pixel, a line memory capable of storing image data for one line, be out repeatedly read a specific region of the image data of one line stored in the line memory repeatedly reads out the image data shown to be repetitive returns region, together can be output as image data of one line, and repeat section said area signal is output as it is in synchronization with the image data, Image data output from the repeat unit
To over data, characterized by comprising an image processing means for outputting by performing image processing of the specified kind by the area signal output in synchronization with the image data from the repeat unit. [0006] [0007] [0008] [0009] [0010] In [action] Before Kite stage, image processing in the region signal
Contains a signal indicating the type of
Therefore, the image processing means defines the repetition area
The image data of the repetition area based on the signal
When outputting repeatedly, the entire output image area is divided into predetermined areas
Of the type specified by the area signal
The image data subjected to the image processing is output . Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the image processing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises an image reading section (image reading means) 1 for reading an original while scanning (or sequentially from a storage means) digital data, An image processing unit (image processing unit) 2 for performing the processing and processing described above, an image recording unit (image recording unit) 3 for printing image data on paper (or storing it in a storage unit), and specifying an image area. And an area designating section (operation means) 4 which can be used. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image processing unit according to the first embodiment. In this first embodiment, R (red), G
(Green) and B (blue) are input simultaneously and Y
(Yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K (black)
4 shows an example of a configuration for outputting the four outputs simultaneously. Reference numeral 21 denotes a magnification unit for performing main scanning magnification independently for R, G, and B; 22, an RGB gamma correction unit for performing gamma correction such as gray balance of R, G, and B; and 23, a blur correction of a lens system. For this purpose, an RGB filter for MTF correction (sharpening) independently for R, G and B, and a repeater 24 for repeatedly outputting the same image data in the main scanning direction. Reference numeral 25 denotes a create unit for performing image processing such as mirror, italic, shadow, hollow, paint, and movement.
Is a first-order masking equation, from R, G, B to Y, M, C,
A color correction unit that converts the data system to K. [0019] 27 CMYK filter for filter <br/> process according to the MTF of the printer, 28 CMYKγ correction unit for performing a γ correction according to γ characteristics of the printer, 29 is a dither processing unit that performs halftone processing The dither processing unit 29 converts C, M, Y, K into C ', M', Y ', K' (where the number of bits is C> C ', M>M',Y> Y ', K> K ′). Each of the image processing blocks 21 to 29 includes a scaling unit 21, an RGB γ correction unit 22, an RGB filter 23, a repeat unit 24, a create unit 25, a color correction unit 26, and CMY.
The K filter 27, the CMYK γ correction unit 28, and the dither processing unit 29 are connected in this order. The area signal generated by the area signal generator 30 is a signal for switching the processing for each area, and is connected to each of the processing blocks 21 to 29. For example, No. 0 can be arbitrarily defined as a normal process, No. 1 a process for thinning the density curve of γ correction, No. 2 as a mirror, and No. 3 as a repeat. Next, a description will be given of the repeat processing which is a main part of the present invention. However, only image data is repeated. FIG. 3 is an overall block diagram of a main part according to the first embodiment, and FIGS. 4 and 5 are detailed block diagrams of a toggle memory and control means according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 31 denotes a toggle memory;
Is control means. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 41 denotes an entire surface address, which controls the shift amount of the entire surface and up / down control of the counter. Reference numeral 42 denotes an exchange unit. When S = L, X outputs A, and Y outputs B. When S = H,
X outputs B. Y outputs A. Reference numeral 43 denotes a selector, and when S = L, Y outputs A. Also, S = H
At this time, Y outputs B. Reference numeral 44 denotes an up / down counter. When <UD>(<> indicates an inverted symbol。; the same applies hereinafter), L outputs Q, and Q outputs D. When U / <D> is H, it counts up, and when it is L, it counts down. Q outputs a count of a clock (pixel synchronization signal). Reference numeral 45 denotes a comparator, and when A = B, C outputs L. 46 is a control unit. In FIG. 5, reference numerals 51 to 54 denote registers, each of which is constituted by a flip-flop for storing a write address. Reference numeral 55 denotes a repeat area signal decoder, which decodes a signal generated by an area signal generator (not shown). Here, when a repeat is selected to hold the data in the register 5 1. Next After repeat selection is completed, to hold the data in the register 5 2.
By line synchronization signal is generated, the register 5 1,
5 holds 2 of the contents of register 5 3, 5 4. register
5 3 RSAD, register 5 4 outputs a READ.
At the same time as the RSAD, a repeat selection flag is also held. Next, specific examples of repeat (in the case of A4) are shown in FIGS. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the input document,
7 to 10 are explanatory diagrams showing the contents of image processing.
When monitoring the image of the H, I, and J areas of the original shown in FIG. 6, data is generated by the area processing unit as shown in FIG. Area number 4 defines standard image processing,
Area No. 3 defines a γ curve in which only the density of Y is raised by one step with respect to the standard. Area No. 6 defines a Y curve with respect to the standard.
Is defined as a gamma curve and a repeat region in which only the density of M is increased by one level, and region number 5 is defined as a gamma curve and a repeat region in which only the density of M is raised by one level with respect to the standard. Area number 2 defines a γ curve in which only the density of M is raised by one step from the standard, and area number 1 defines a γ curve in which only the density of C is raised by one step with respect to the standard. , Area number 9 defines a γ curve in which only the density of K (black) is raised by one step with respect to the standard, area number 8 is white by paint, and area number 7 is black by paint, for example. Print out characters and symbols that indicate what kind of processing was performed on the standard. By setting as described above, the result shown in FIG. 7 is obtained for the input document shown in FIG. The γ correction means the Y, M, C, and K γ corrections. When it is desired to reduce the density, each γ may be lowered rather than raised by one step from the standard, and printed out as shown in FIG. . The operation of raising or lowering Y, M, C, and K by one step corresponds to a color balance key (not shown). In this embodiment, the density is changed by one step.
It can be changed according to the preference of the operator. Further, the standard of the embodiment is based on the color balance set by the operator, so that when performing repeatedly many times, the first value is set to Y + 1 as the center value and the image condition is easily set. It can be changed. Also, Y, M, C,
Although it has been described that only the Kγ correction is changed, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can easily be applied to image processing such as filter coefficients and processing (shading, hollowing). Next, a method of specifying an area on the image monitor will be described. (1) When the area is not specified The size that can be monitored from the left edge of the document (here, the magnification is 100
%, If the sheet is A4, the area number becomes 9) in FIG. Here, if there is no A4 size, the priority order of the selected paper is determined in advance, such as selecting the A3 size, and the size that can be monitored is determined according to the paper size. FIG.
The number of monitors in FIG. 8 does not change. Further, if the size of the highest priority, for example, the magnification is 200% in both the vertical and horizontal directions, the area of the document is reduced to 1/4. Notify, and if the operator is satisfied, output on another sheet. This allows the operator to freely select the priority of the sheets. (2) When One Point is Specified in Area When point A is specified in FIG. 10, point A is moved to the left end of the sheet, and the same processing as when no area is specified is performed. When point A is designated, the center of the monitor image is point A
It may be. (3) When two points are designated for area designation (a) Area priority Trimming a rectangle surrounded by points B and C in FIG. 10 and moving the left end point of the trimming (here, point B) to the left end of the sheet Then, the trimming area is enlarged or reduced at the same vertical and horizontal magnifications so as to fall within the monitorable range of the highest paper selection priority. If there is no size with the highest priority, the operator is informed that output is performed on another sheet,
If you are satisfied, output it on another paper. Here, since the size that can be monitored differs depending on the output size, the enlargement / reduction magnification differs depending on the paper. (B) Magnification priority The rectangle enclosed by points B and C in FIG. 10 is trimmed, the left end point of the trimming (point B in this case) is moved to the left end of the sheet, and the first sheet selection priority is given. When the points B and C of the document fit within the monitor size due to the high size monitorable size and magnification, the document is output as it is. When the points B and C of the original do not fit on the monitor size, the document is cut by an area that does not fit from the right end point of trimming (here, point C). If there is no size with the highest priority, the operator is informed that output is to be performed on another sheet, and if satisfied, the output is performed on another sheet. Here, since the size that can be monitored differs depending on the output size, the area cut by the paper differs. When points B and C are designated, the center of the monitor image may be set as the center of points B and C. Further, it is possible to input the number of sheets and monitor images, but the operation becomes more complicated. Here, the operability is improved by selecting the operation according to the number of area designation points on the image monitor. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an image processing unit according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, R, G, B3
By inputting the input simultaneously, an arbitrary color of Y, M, C, K is created and output to the image recording unit 3. That is, since Y, M, C, and K planes are sequentially output, four scans are required. Blocks 21 to
29 inside the same as FIG. 2, different from the a point domain signal generation unit 3 0 is a series (cascade) connected to the image processing blocks 21 to 29, The image processing blocks 21-29 Are an RGB gamma correction unit 22, an RGB filter 23, a color correction unit 26, a scaling unit 21, and a repeat unit 2.
4. Create unit 25, CMYK filter 27, CMY
The Kγ correction unit 28 and the dither processing unit 29 are connected in this order. That is, each of the image processing blocks 21 to 29 synchronizes the image data and the area signal so as not to be shifted, and transfers the image data to the next block. Further, the scaling section 21 performs scaling of the area signal. Next, the main parts according to the second embodiment will be described. 12 is an overall block diagram of a main part according to the second embodiment, FIG. 13 is a detailed block diagram of a main part according to the second embodiment, and FIGS. 14 and 15 are main blocks according to the second embodiment. It is a detailed block diagram. In FIG. 12, reference numerals 31 and 33 denote toggle memories, and reference numeral 32 denotes control means. In FIG. 13, reference numeral 61 denotes a write address generator, 62 denotes a read address generator, 63 to 66 denote registers, 67 to 70 and 67 'to 70' denote buffers,
71 to 74 are memories, and 75 and 76 are selectors. The area signal is provided by providing buffers 67 'to 70'.
Image data can be controlled independently. The operation of the buffers 67'-70 'is the same as that of the buffers 67-70. That is, only the read addresses are different. In FIG. 14, reference numeral 81 denotes an entire address, 8
2 is an exchange unit, 83 is a selector, 84 is an up / down counter, 85 is a comparator, and 86 is a control unit. In this control unit 86, the RPLD generates a line synchronization signal, or the RFLAG is valid for repeat, and the comparator 85
Operates when matches. LSEL is H when RFLAG is valid for repetition, the comparator 85 matches, and no synchronizing signal is generated, and LSEL otherwise. All other signals output L. The read address is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, only the count up or count down is performed. That is, there is no repeat. FIGS. 14 and 15 are shown in FIG. 16 and FIG.
The same operation is performed even if it is replaced with. FIG. 16 is a detailed block diagram of a main part according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 16, reference numeral 91 denotes a write address generator, 92 denotes a read address generator, 93 to 96 denote registers, 97 to 100 denote buffers, 101 to 104 denote memories, and 105 and 106 denote selectors. 107 is a trimming unit, 108
Is a register whose output is directly input to the selector 106. In FIG. 16, a register 108 is provided.
The output is input to the selector 106. During image monitoring, the output of the register 108 is output as it is as the output of the selector 106. As a result, at the time of image monitoring, the image data is repeated, but the area signal is not repeated. Here, for example, a signal accompanying the image data (information on a character area or a photograph area) is repeated.
Similarly, the scaling section does not scale during image monitoring. In the above-described embodiment, the image processing apparatus includes the repeat unit 24 for repeatedly outputting the image data of part or all of the document, and performs different image processing for each repetition area. , A storage means 31 capable of storing at least one line of image data, a reading means 32 capable of repeatedly reading a specific area of the storage means 31, and at least one Since image processing means 2 capable of performing image processing is provided, image data for each line stored in the storage means 31 is repeatedly read out, and thereafter, one image processing is collectively performed. It can be a storage means of the memory capacity. In addition, a signal accompanying the image data is subjected to a repetition process and a scaling process for each repetition area.
The signal (a signal for distinguishing the picture area) is repeatedly scaled to make the positional relationship with the image coincide. In the above embodiment, if the coordinate designating means for designating the area, the counting means for counting the number of coordinates designated by the coordinate designating means, and the method of calculating the area designation depending on the count of the counting means are different. Since the calculation of the area designation is performed based on the number of designated areas, the operability can be improved. In the above embodiment, when monitoring the image,
Since the paper selection means for selecting a predetermined paper is provided, the paper can be efficiently selected at the time of image monitoring. Further, when there is no paper in the paper feeding section selected by the paper selecting means, the apparatus further comprises priority order selecting means for selecting another paper according to the priority set for the other paper. Can be performed efficiently. According to the present invention, the above configuration
In, Ru can be a storage unit of a small memory capacity. [0046]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image processing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an image processing unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an overall block diagram of a main part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram of a main part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a detailed block diagram of a main part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an input document. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing image processing contents. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing image processing contents. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing image processing contents. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing image processing contents. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an image processing unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is an overall block diagram of a main part according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a detailed block diagram of a main part according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a detailed block diagram of a main part according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a detailed block diagram of a main part according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a detailed block diagram of a main part according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Description of Signs] 1 Image reading unit 2 Image processing unit 3 Image recording unit 4 Area designation unit 24 Repeat unit

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-2-44993 (JP, A) JP-A-1-127607 (JP, A) JP-A-4-256637 (JP, A) JP-A-2-284570 (JP) JP-A-1-255542 (JP, A) JP-A-3-178267 (JP, A) JP-A-6-197372 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB Name) H04N 1/40-1/409 H04N 1/46 H04N 1/60

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] [Claim 1] An original document read as digital data
In an image processing apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on image data or image data read from a storage unit , a field indicating the type of image processing and whether or not the area is a repetition area
An area signal generating unit for generating an area signal for each pixel; a line memory capable of storing one line of image data; and a repetitive area for repeatedly reading a specific area from one line of image data stored in the line memory. a repeat unit with can be output as image data of one line is repeatedly reads out the image data indicated that there, the area signal is output as it is in synchronization with the image data, outputted from the repeat unit For the image data to be
An image processing apparatus, comprising: image processing means for performing a type of image processing designated by the area signal synchronously output from the repeat unit with image data and outputting the processed image data.