JP3689506B2 - Image processing apparatus and method, and medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and method for an image forming apparatus that displays an image preview.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, digital color copiers have been improved in image quality and functionality, and the user's expectations have been met to a great extent with respect to the color and editing processing of output images. In such a situation, in order to obtain a desired output image, a copier having a so-called preview function in which an image is displayed on a monitor or the like and confirmed instead of being output many times on recording paper is commercialized. Being started.
[0003]
Some copiers of this type use a black and white liquid crystal display to display and confirm the scanned original image. However, if the copier itself is a color copier, a black and white display device is used. In this case, since the color of the output image cannot be confirmed, the display device is preferably a full-color preview system.
[0004]
FIG. 1 shows an example of a conventional system configuration of this type, in which constituent elements denoted by reference numerals 101 to 109 constitute a full-color copying machine, and 110, 111, and 219 are constituent elements for preview.
[0005]
Specifically, in FIG. 1, 101 is an RGB output sensor (CCD) that reads a reflected image from a document, 102 is an S / H (sample and hold) and A / D conversion circuit, and 103 is a circuit that performs shading correction. , 104 is an input masking circuit, 105 is a LOG conversion circuit, 106 is a masking UCR unit for matching colors to the characteristics of a printer unit, which will be described later, and 107 is for various image editing such as trimming, masking, painting, scaling. The circuit to be performed, 108 is an edge enhancement circuit, and 109 is a printer unit (color LBP), which scans a reflection original (not shown) three to four times to obtain a full color image output.
[0006]
110 is an image memory unit for storing an image signal (RGB) after masking in the input masking circuit 104, and 111 is a memory control unit (address counter and CPU not shown) for controlling the image memory unit 110. 219 is a CRT for displaying information from the image memory unit. Here, even if the read image is simply displayed on the monitor in full color and desired editing processing is set from an operation unit (not shown), it is not reflected on the monitor. Therefore, the memory information stored in the image memory unit 110 is configured to be arbitrarily accessible by a CPU (not shown), and editing processing equivalent to that in the editing circuit 107 is performed in software to obtain a final image. I am doing so.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional color copying machine, if all image processing of the copying machine main body is replaced with software control, the amount of software becomes enormous, and if the number of functions set is large, There is a problem that the calculation time by the software is increased and the inconvenience occurs in terms of time and cost.
[0008]
Further, although an apparatus for displaying and confirming a read original image has been devised, there is a drawback that image information from a host computer or an external device cannot be displayed in advance on a preview display means.
[0009]
There is also a drawback that the operation of the preview display means cannot be controlled from an external device such as a host computer.
[0010]
Alternatively, there is a drawback that the preview display may be hindered due to an inadvertent operation from the operation unit of the copier body despite the preview display of the image from the host computer.
[0011]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image processing apparatus and method capable of favorably controlling an image forming apparatus including a preview display unit from an external device.
[0012]
Another object of the present invention is to satisfactorily cope with preview control requests from a plurality of control devices.
[0013]
A further object of the present invention is to provide a medium on which a program capable of favorably controlling preview processing is recorded.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problem, an image processing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present application includes a reading unit that reads an original and generates an image signal;
Image forming means for forming an image based on an image signal generated by the reading means on a recording medium;
Based on the image signal generated by the reading means An image processing apparatus having display means for displaying an image formed by the image forming means;
In addition, images from external devices Information and a control signal including a command for instructing whether or not to allow the display unit to display an image based on the image information; Input means to input When ,
Image input from the input means Control means for controlling an image display operation based on the image information by the display means and an image forming operation based on the image information by the image forming means in response to information and a control signal; It is characterized by that.
[0015]
Claim 1 0 The image processing apparatus according to 1 includes a reading unit that reads an original and generates an image signal; an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on the image signal generated by the reading unit; Based on the image signal generated by the reading means An image having display means for displaying an image formed by the image forming means Formation Image from external device to device information Supply means for supplying,
The image based on the image information is By the display means What display To do The Permission Do Contains commands that indicate whether or not Output means for outputting a control signal.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0017]
(Example 1)
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the internal configuration of the digital copying apparatus according to the present embodiment. The digital copying apparatus shown in the figure has a color reader unit 351 that reads a color document and further performs digital editing processing on the color document, and a digital reader for each color sent from the color reader unit 351 having different image holders. The printer unit 352 reproduces a color image according to the image signal.
[0018]
Reference numeral 219 denotes a monitor used for previewing, and is connected to the digital copying apparatus main body by a VGA interface.
[0019]
(Configuration of reader unit)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital image processing unit of the color reader unit 351 of the digital copying apparatus according to this embodiment. Here, a color document on a document table (not shown) is exposed with a halogen lamp (not shown). As a result, a reflected image from the original is picked up by the CCD 201, further sample-held by the S / H (sample & hold) and A / D converter 202, A / D converted, and RGB three-color digital A signal is generated.
[0020]
Each color separation data of RGB is subjected to shading correction and black correction by the shading correction unit 203, correction to the NTSC signal by the input masking unit 204, and color conversion by the color conversion unit 205, and the result is input to the synthesis unit 206. Is done. The combining unit 206 combines the image data of the reflective original and the output data of the image memory unit 208. The LOG correction unit 207 performs LOG conversion processing on the output of the combining unit 206 and converts it into CMY data. Furthermore, a scaling process is performed in the scaling unit 2 (234) (when scaling is set).
[0021]
Since the compression processing performed in the image memory unit 208 works as a low-pass filter because of irreversible compression, enlargement processing is performed as scaling processing here.
[0022]
The output from the scaling unit 2 (234) is input to the image memory unit 208. The image memory unit 208 includes three elements, a compression unit, an image memory unit, and an expansion unit, and CMY data (24 bits) before output masking corresponding to each of the four photosensitive drums as described above. X4) is read out.
[0023]
In the compression unit, CMY data is converted to L ^* a ^* b ^* Are converted into luminance and chromaticity data such as the so-called JPEG method and vector quantization. The image memory unit stores the code data generated in units of blocks. The decompression unit is provided independently for four systems corresponding to the respective drums of M, C, Y, and K, reads out the code data at an arbitrary position in the image memory unit, and decodes it into CMY data.
[0024]
A masking UCR unit 212 generates color signals for the respective drums. Here, a color signal suitable for printer characteristics is generated. Reference numeral 213 denotes an editing circuit for performing editing processing on YMCK color component data such as free color processing and paint processing. The editing result here is γ corrected by the γ correction unit 214 and changed by the scaling unit 1 (211). Double processing (specifically reduction processing) is performed, and edge enhancement is further performed by the edge enhancement unit 215, and then the color LBP 216 is sent.
[0025]
A preview processing unit 217 includes a CRT image memory for storing edited image data, and a memory control unit for controlling the CRT image memory. Reference numeral 219 denotes a CRT, which displays the data in the CRT image memory. Details of the preview processing unit 217 and the CRT 219 will be described later.
[0026]
Reference numeral 220 denotes an area generation unit 1, which is either a signal generated inside the area generation unit 1 by a main scanning synchronization signal or a BD signal 228 sent from the color LBP 216. DTOP 226, ITOP signal 227 generated in color LBP (sub-scan enable signal synchronized with each drum is generated based on this signal at the time of printer output), two write enable signals (main scan (221- 1), one sub scan (221-2) and five read enable signals (one main scan (221-3), sub scan (221-M, 221-C, 221-Y, 221) The signal 221 for controlling the image data in the image memory unit 208 with a total of 7 of (K) 4) and the timing of the image signal and the area signal in synchronization with the signal 227 described above 7 signals 238 (main scanning write enable signal (238-1), sub-scan write enable signal (238) generated in consideration of the delays of the compression unit and the expansion unit in the image memory unit 208 for the purpose of adjustment. -2), a main scanning readout enable signal (238-3), a sub scanning readout enable signal (238-M, 238-C, 238-Y, 238-K)), and a CRT image memory in the preview processing unit 217 Enable signal 225 (one each for main scanning and sub-scanning). In this embodiment, a control signal 221 for an image signal input from the external device is generated based on a sub-scanning write enable signal 2536 from the external device described later.
[0027]
Reference numeral 230 denotes an area generation unit 2 which generates an area signal for each editing process. As will be described later, the area generation unit 2 includes a bitmap memory unit that stores each area signal and a bitmap memory control unit that controls the bitmap memory (for example, AGDC (Advanced Graphics Display Controller)). Reading by the CPU is also performed in synchronization with the DTOP 226 and HSNC 229 (synchronized with the optically scanned document image data).
[0028]
Outputs from the area generator 2 are signals 222, 223-2, and 236, which are a color conversion enable signal, an image synthesis enable signal, and a free color or paint enable signal, respectively.
[0029]
The area memory unit 231, DL1 (232), DL2 (233), scaling unit 3 (235), and DL3 (237) are circuits for timing adjustment for synchronizing the image signal and the area signal. In particular,
DL1: The signal 232-2 is delayed by the color conversion (the output is the signal 223-1).
The pixel delay is a D-type flip-flop (DF / F), and the line delay is a FIFO memory.
DL2: Delays the signal 226 by the masking UCR (the output is the signal 224-2)
The pixel delay is a D-type flip-flop (DF / F), and the line delay is a FIFO memory.
DL3: Delay signal 236 by color conversion + image composition + LOG
The pixel delay is a D-type flip-flop (DF / F), and the line delay is a FIFO memory.
Scaling unit 3: Specifically, in the enlargement process, the same control as that of the scaling unit 2 (234) is performed (the delay number is the same).
[0030]
The area memory unit 231 is a circuit for delay adjustment with the image memory unit 208. As shown in FIG. 8, the area memory unit 231 is completely other than the sub-scan reading enable (238-M to 238-K) corresponding to each color drum. It comprises four memory units (8101-8104) having the same configuration.
[0031]
Further, as shown in FIG. 9, each color memory section is reset at the rising edge of the memory 9201 and the signal WLE238-1, reset at the rising edge of the signal WVE238-2, and reset at the rising edge of the signal WVE238-2. A write address counter 9202 composed of an up-scanning counter is reset at the rising edge of the signal RLE238-3, reset at the rising edge of the signal RVE238-M, and reset at the rising edge of the signal RVE238-M. A read address counter 9205 constituted by a sub-scanning counter, an AND gate 9203, an inverter 9213, buffers (9210 and 9211), and a register 9212 designated by the CPU 240 in FIG. Ri made.
[0032]
In addition, during memory write,
Register 9212 → 0
Address control → selected by write address counter 9202
Buffer 9210 → Enable
Buffer 9211 → Disable
Signal OEN → 1
Signal WEN → 0 at clock fall
Thus, data via the buffer 9210 is written into the memory 9201.
[0033]
On the other hand, when reading memory,
Register 9212 → 1
Address control → read address counter 9205 selects
Buffer 9210 → Disable
Buffer 9211 → Enable
Signal OEN → 0
Signal WEN → 1
Thus, the data in the memory 9201 is read out through the buffer 9211.
[0034]
By adopting such a configuration, area signals having different timings can be handled as if they were one plane.
[0035]
The CPU 240 exchanges data with the program ROM 241 and the work RAM 242 via the CPU bus 243. The image processing unit similarly controls data sets and the like through the CPU bus.
[0036]
The program ROM stores a program for control by the CPU 240 executed in the present embodiment.
[0037]
Reference numeral 2001 in FIG. 3 denotes an interface (hereinafter referred to as an external I / F) with the host computer 2006 to an external device such as a film scanner or a video camera.
[0038]
In the present embodiment, the host computer 2006 will normally describe the case where image information is sent to the copying apparatus via the image processing controller 2007 interposed between the image forming apparatus, but of course the functions of the image processing controller 2007 are provided. By incorporating it in the copying apparatus, the host computer 2006 can be directly connected to the external I / F 2001.
[0039]
The external I / F 2001 is a bidirectional image signal I / F (external video interface 2003-1 to 2003-3) for transmitting R, G, and B 8-bit image signals (24 bits in total), an image clock VCLK, and main scanning. An image control signal I / F (2004-1) for transmitting image control signals such as a synchronization signal HSYNC, a sub-scan synchronization signal VE, and an image enable signal LE for each pixel, and the controller 2007 and the copying machine main body are controlled. The communication interface includes four serial communication lines (2004-2), a controller 2007, and a ready signal I / F (2004-3) each indicating an operable state of the copying apparatus main body. A controller 2007 is an interface device (image processing controller) for connecting the main body of the digital copying apparatus and a general computer 2006.
[0040]
The serial communication line is a half-duplex asynchronous system comprising a command signal CMD, a status signal STS, a status reception ready SRR, and a command reception ready CMD, and the baud rate (BaudRate) and data format are determined in advance at the time of system startup.
[0041]
(Description of bus selector)
FIG. 25 is a block diagram of the video interface 2238 of the external I / F 2001 and its peripheral part.
[0042]
Bidirectional buffers 2504 and 2505, 2514 and 2515, 2519 and 2520, 2526 and 2527, 2524 and 2525, output buffer 2530, signal lines 2506, 2513, 2521, 2528 and 2529 for controlling the bidirectional buffer by the CPU 240, frequency conversion Circuit (realized by FIFO) 2523, DF / F 2507 that receives the output of selectors 2508 and 2508 that select A terminal input or C terminal input, and outputs of selectors 2510 and 2510 that select A terminal input or B terminal input DF / F 2512, DF / F 2518 receiving the output of selectors 2516 and 2516 for selecting B terminal input or C terminal input, sub-scanning synchronization signal ITOP2 (2531) and main scanning synchronization signal (2532) (3 states) ) Out Buffer, and is configured from OR gate 2542.
[0043]
VVE1 (2533) is a sub-scan write enable signal to another device (reader printer), 2536 is a sub-scan write enable signal from another device (master device), and 2534 is a main scan enable signal to another device. , 2541 is a main scanning enable signal (low active) from another device as a write enable signal of the frequency converter 2523, and is inverted and used as a write reset signal, and 2535 is a video signal in the device and to other devices. A clock 2540 is a video clock from another device and is used as a write clock for the frequency converter 2523. The main scanning synchronization signal 2532 becomes an inverted signal and is used as a read reset signal for the frequency converter 2523. Reference numerals 2522 and 2539 are binarized and written to the bitmap memory when there is a bitmap memory in the apparatus, and sent to the outside or the outside, respectively, 2529, 2528, 2537, 2506, 2509, 2511, 2513. , 2521 and 2517 are I / O ports set by the CPU 240, and 2538 is a signal used as an enable signal of the frequency converter.
[0044]
Further, the B terminal 2501 and the C terminal 2502 correspond to B1 to B3 and C1 to C3 of the external interface 2001 in the external I / F 2001 of FIG.
[0045]
The signal at the A terminal is connected to an external device (controller 2007) as the IPU interface 2201 2003-1 to 2003-3 in FIG. 26 via the bidirectional video interface 2205. Although not described in detail in the present embodiment, R interfaces 1 (2202) and 2 (2203) in FIG. 26 are video interfaces when a plurality of copying apparatuses are connected in tandem as shown in FIG.
[0046]
(Signal flow in each image mode)
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 25, and FIG. 26, the flow of video signals and the setting of I / O ports in each mode will be described.
[0047]
<For reflective originals>
This is a case where the image data from the controller 2007 is not used. Therefore, the preview operation is performed by a key operation from the operation unit 244 of the copying apparatus main body.
[0048]
At this time, the CPU 240 sets B1 to B3 and C1 to C3 in 2001 to the input mode. The I / O settings of the video selector and its peripheral circuits are as follows.
2506 → High “1”
2509 → X (optional)
2511 → X (optional)
2513 → High “1”
2517 → X (optional)
2521 → X (optional)
2528 → High “1”
2529 → High “1”
2537 → High “1”
[0049]
[Normal copy]
During normal copying, the flow of the video signal is as follows: component 201 → 202 → 203 → 204 → 205 → 206 (terminal A input → terminal C output) → 207 → 234 → 208 → 212 → 213 → 214 → 211 → 215 → 216 It becomes. At this time, the sub-scan enable signals 221-M, 221-C, 221-Y, 221-K, and 238-M, 238-C, 238-Y, 238-K are arranged intervals of the color image forming units of the respective color drums. It is controlled to be in an enable state at a timing according to.
[0050]
[Display of RGB editing processing (color conversion by color conversion unit 205) result on CRT 219]
In this case, the flow of the video signal is as follows: component 201 → 202 → 203 → 204 → 205 → 206 (terminal A input → terminal C output) → 207 → 234 → 208 → 212 → 213 → 214 → 211 → 215 → 217 → 219. Since the data written in the image memory 208 at this time changes every time the editing contents (color conversion parameters in the color conversion unit 205) are modified in the preview mode, the document is processed every time it is displayed on the CRT 219. . At this time, the flow of the video signal is repeated from the CCD 201.
[0051]
At this time, the sub-scan read enable signals 221-M, 221-C, 221-Y, 221-K, and 238-M, 238-C, 238-Y, 238-K rise simultaneously and fall simultaneously.
[0052]
Note that the printout after the preview OK is performed only by reading from the image memory unit 208 without performing an optical scan. At this time, the sub-scan enable signals 221 -M, 221 -C, 221 -Y, and 221 -K are controlled to be enabled at a timing corresponding to the arrangement interval of each color drum.
[0053]
[Display of CMYK-based editing processing (painting, free color, etc. by editing circuit 213) results on CRT 219]
In this case, the flow of the video signal is as follows: component 201 → 202 → 203 → 204 → 205 → 206 (A terminal input → C terminal output) → 207 → 234 → 208 → 212 → 213 → 214 → 211 → 215 → 217 → 219. At this time, the data written in the image memory unit 208 does not depend on the editing contents in the preview mode, so that the optical scanning by the CCD 201 is not performed in the second and subsequent display on the CRT 219, and the editing parameters in the editing circuit 213 are changed. Only reading from the image memory unit 208 is performed. That is, in the second and subsequent displays, the video signal flow starts from the image memory unit 208.
[0054]
At this time, the sub-scan read enable signals 221-M, 221-C, 221-Y, 221-K, and 238-M, 238-C, 238-Y, 238-K rise simultaneously and fall simultaneously. Then, in the printout after the preview OK, the optical scan is not performed but only reading from the image memory unit 208 is performed. Also in this case, the sub-scan enable signals 221-M, 221-C, 221-Y, 221-K are controlled to be enabled at a timing according to the arrangement interval of each color drum.
[0055]
[Display of Composite Results of Reflected Documents on CRT 219]
(1) The video signal flow at the time of writing the first image is 201 → 202 → 203 → 204 → 205 → 206 (A terminal input → C terminal output) → 207 → 234 → 208,
(2) The flow of the video signal when it is combined with the second image and rewritten in the image memory unit 208 is as follows:
(2-1) The flow of the video signal representing the first image from the image memory unit 208 is 208 → 212 → 213 → 214 → 211 → 215 → 206. Here, the masking UCR 212 is in a through state, and an inverse LOG table is set for γ correction.
[0056]
(2-2) The flow of the video signal of the reflective original is 201 → 202 → 203 → 204 → 205 → 206.
[0057]
(3) Synthesis and CRT output
Signal flow is 206 → 207 → 208 (memory write)
208 → 212 → 213 → 214 → 211 → 215 → 217 → 219 (CRT output).
[0058]
<When input / output is performed with an external device (such as the host computer 2006)>
[Output to external interface 2001]
This is a mode in which document image data read from a copying machine including a color reader unit 351 and a printer unit 352 is taken into the controller 2007.
[0059]
(1) The flow of the video signal is 201 → 202 → 203 → 204 → 2001 (2001 is set so that the B input is A output by the CPU 240) → 2007 → 2006,
(2) The I / O settings of the video selector and its peripheral circuits are as follows.
2506 → High “1”
2509 → X (optional)
2511 → X (optional)
2513 → High “1”
2517 → Low “0”
2521 → Low “0”
2528 → Low “0”
2529 → Low “0”
2537 → Low “0”
[Input from the external interface 2001] (Image formation by the printer 216 of an image from a normal host computer 2006)
1. Image memory writing
(1) The video flow is as follows: 2006 → 2007 → 2001 (2001 is set so that CPU 240 outputs A input to C) → 206 (206 is set so that CPU 240 outputs B input to C output) → 207 → 234 → 208.
[0060]
Further, here, the sub-scan write enable of the memory 208 uses 211 input to the area generation unit. Also, the B terminal of 2001 is set to the input state.
[0061]
(2) The I / O settings of the video selector and its peripheral circuits are as follows.
2506 → Low “0”
2509 → X (optional)
2511 → High “1” (A side selection)
2513 → Low “0”
2517 → X (optional)
2521 → High “1”
2528 → High “1”
2529 → High “1”
2537 → Low “0”
[0062]
2. Reading from image memory 208
(1) The flow of the video signal is 208 → 212 → 213 → 214 → 211 → 215 → 216.
[0063]
Further, here, the read enable of the memory 208 uses 221 from the area generation unit.
[0064]
(2) The I / O settings of the video selector and its peripheral circuits are the same as in the case of normal copy (reflective original copy), and the B1 to B3 and C1 to C3 terminals of the external interface 2001 are set to the input state, and data collision occurs. Avoid.
[0065]
[Displays input from external interface 2001 on CRT 219]
(Displays an image from a normal host computer 2006 on the CRT 219)
1. Write to image memory 208
(1) The flow of the video signal is as follows: 2006 → 2007 → 2001 (2001 is set so that CPU 240 outputs A input to C output) → 206 (B input outputs C) → 207 → 234 → 208 (memory write )
At this time, the B terminal of 2001 is set to the input state.
[0066]
(2) The I / O settings of the video selector and its peripheral circuits are the same as in the case of input from the external interface 2001.
[0067]
2. Output to CRT219
(1) The video flow is 208 → 212 → 213 → 214 → 211 → 215 → 217 → 219.
[0068]
Further, here, the read enable of the memory 208 uses 225 from the region generation unit 1.
[0069]
(2) I / O setting of video selector and its peripheral circuits
At this time, as in the case of normal copy (reflection original copy), the B1 to B3 and C1 to C3 terminals of the external interface 2001 are set in an input state to avoid data collision.
[0070]
[Combined print of image read from CCD 201 and input image from external interface 2001]
1. Writing an input image (first image) from the external interface 2001 to the image memory 208
(1) Video signal flow
This is the same as the setting for copying an input image from the external interface 2001.
[0071]
(2) I / O setting of video selector and its peripheral circuits
This is the same as the setting for copying an input image from the external interface 2001.
[0072]
2. Writing the image (second image) read from the reflection original by the CCD 201 into the image memory 208
(The flow of the video signal when it is combined with the second image and rewritten in the image memory in 208)
(2-1) Reading from the memory 208
(1) The flow of the video signal representing the first image is 208 → 212 → 213 → 214 → 211 → 215 → 206.
[0073]
Here, a through LOG table is set for the masking UCR 212, and an inverse LOG table is set for γ correction. As a result, video data of RGB color components is supplied to the combining unit 206.
[0074]
(2-2) Flow of video signal representing second image
(1) The flow of video is 201 → 202 → 203 → 204 → 205 → 206.
[0075]
(2-3) Writing composite image to image memory 208
(1) The flow of the video signal is 206 (composite image) → 207 → 234 → 208.
[0076]
The video signal of the reflective original (second image) is input to the A input terminal of the combining unit 206, and the video signal of the input image (first image) from the external interface 2001 stored in advance is B of the combining unit 206. After being input to the input terminal, the combining unit 206 performs a predetermined combining process on the input images of the A and B terminals, and then outputs them from the C output terminal.
[0077]
As the composition process, a composition process for fitting the second image into a predetermined area of the first image is performed.
[0078]
At this time, the region signal 223-2 from the region generator 2 (230) is input to the synthesizer 206 via the delay means DL1 (232). In accordance with the area signal 223-1, the reflection original image (second image) is written in a predetermined area of the first image.
[0079]
In this embodiment, since the image data encoded in units of blocks is stored in the image memory unit 208, the first image is read out and then synthesized and stored again, but is stored for each pixel. In such a case, the second image may be directly overwritten on a predetermined area of the image memory unit 208 without reading the first image. Further, as the synthesis process, the first and second images may be synthesized at a predetermined ratio as in the so-called watermark synthesis.
[0080]
(2) I / O setting of video selector and its peripheral circuits
This is the same as the setting for normal copying (reflection original copy).
[0081]
The B terminal and C terminal of the external interface 2001 are set to the input state.
[0082]
3. Reading a composite image from the image memory 208
(1) The flow of the video signal is 208 → 212 → 213 → 214 → 211 → 215 → 216.
[0083]
Further, here, the read enable of the memory 208 uses 221 from the area generation unit.
[0084]
(2) I / O setting of video selector and its peripheral circuits
As in the case of normal copy (reflective original copy), the B1 to B3 and C1 to C3 terminals of the external interface 2001 are set in the input state to avoid data collision.
[0085]
[Displays the synthesis result on the CRT 219]
The composite image is stored in the image memory in the same manner as the setting at the time of composite copy of the image read from the reflection original and the input image from the external interface. (The explanation up to here is omitted.)
[0086]
1. Output to CRT219
(1) The output of the composite image from the image memory 208 is 208 → 212 → 213 → 214 → 211 → 215 → 217 → 219.
[0087]
(2) I / O setting of video selector and its peripheral circuits
As in the case of normal copy (reflective original copy), the B1 to B3 and C1 to C3 terminals of the external interface 2001 are set in the input state to avoid data collision.
[0088]
The above video signal flow is controlled by the CPU 240 based on a program stored in the ROM 241.
[0089]
Next, operations from setting at the time of editing to printing using the preview function will be described.
[0090]
First, the flow of the entire process will be described.
[0091]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the entire image processing according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, when the editing process is selected by the color create key, composite key, etc. in the operation unit 244 of FIG. 15 of this digital copying apparatus (step S402), the color conversion process (step S406), the paint process At least one of (Step S407), free color processing (Step S408), and color in color processing (Step S409) is selected. Then, final parameters according to the operator's wishes are respectively determined by the preview displayed on the CRT 219. The parameters are set in each processing unit in step S403, and then the final output is printed out (step S405) based on ON of the copy start button 50001 by the operator (step S404).
[0092]
Next, each of the image processing procedures will be described.
[0093]
1. Color conversion process
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a color conversion processing procedure. In this color conversion, first, either full color conversion or area color conversion is selected (step S501). At the time of area color conversion, area designation is performed by using area designating means such as a digitizer (not shown). (Step S507). Next, color specification before conversion (step S502) and color specification after conversion (step S503) are performed, and parameters necessary for color conversion are determined for the time being.
[0094]
When preview is selected in step S504 (for example, by selecting the preview button in FIG. 15), a reflection image from a document placed on a document table (not shown) is read, and the above “RGB editing processing result” is read. The processing is executed in the order shown in the section “Display on CRT 219”, and the image is displayed on the monitor 219 in step S505.
[0095]
If the display result meets the operator's request, other editing processing settings or final parameter settings and printouts are made. If the display result does not meet the operator's request, the CRT 219 is viewed until satisfied. However, the parameters are reset.
[0096]
2. Paint processing
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the paint process. In this paint process, first, an area is set using, for example, a digitizer (not shown) (step S601), and then in step S602, a paint color is designated. Next, when the preview is selected in step S603, the reflected original from the original placed on the original table (not shown) is read, and is displayed in the above-mentioned section “Display of CMYK system editing processing result on CRT 219”. Processes are executed in the order in which they were found. In step S604, an image is displayed on the CRT 219.
[0097]
If the operator is satisfied with this display result, other editing processing settings or final parameter settings and printouts are made. If not satisfied, parameter resetting (after the second time) is satisfied until satisfied. In the preview mode, display is performed on the CRT 219 using the read data from the image memory unit 208 as described above (step S605).
[0098]
Here, the printout is performed using the read data from the image memory unit 208 as described above.
[0099]
3. Free color processing
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of free color processing (processing for saving the gradation of the original image and converting it to a single color). In this free color processing, first, whether the full mode or the area mode is specified (step S701), and when the area mode is selected, then the area is set using, for example, a digitizer (not shown) (step S701). S706). In step S702, a free color is designated.
[0100]
Next, when preview is selected in step S703, a reflected document from a document placed on a document table (not shown) is read, and the above-mentioned “Display of CMYK system editing process result on monitor 219” is performed. Processing is performed in the order shown, and an image is displayed on the CRT 219 in step S704.
[0101]
If the operator is satisfied with the result of this display, other editing process settings or final parameter settings and printouts are made. If not satisfied, parameter resetting (after the second time) until satisfied. In the preview mode, display is performed using the read data from the image memory unit 208 as described above (step S705).
[0102]
Note that the printout is performed using read data from the image memory unit 208 as described above.
[0103]
4). Memory composition processing
In the memory composition process, first, the first original is read by the CCD 201 and stored in the image memory unit 208. Subsequently, the second original area to be combined is set using, for example, a digitizer (not shown), and further using read modify write, the image data stored in the image memory 208 and the image data of the second original are stored. After being synthesized based on the designated area information, it is stored in the image memory 208 again. When the preview is selected, data is read from the image memory unit 208 and displayed on the CRT 219. If the operator is satisfied with the composition position, other editing processing settings or final parameter (area information) settings are made. If not satisfied, the area information is reset until the composition position is satisfied.
[0104]
The above is an example in which both images to be combined are read by the CCD 201, but an image from the external interface 2001 may be used instead of the first original.
[0105]
(Configuration of printer unit)
The configuration of the printer unit of the digital copying apparatus according to this embodiment will be described.
[0106]
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a polygon scanner that scans a laser beam on a photosensitive drum, and 302 denotes an initial magenta (M) image forming unit. Image forming units for cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K) with the same configuration are denoted by reference numerals 303, 304, and 305.
[0107]
The polygon scanner 301 scans the photosensitive drum of each color with a laser beam from a laser element that is independently driven by MCYK by a laser control unit (not shown). The BD detection means detects the scanned laser beam and generates a main scanning synchronization signal. When two polygon mirrors are arranged on the same axis and rotated by one motor, for example, the scanning directions of main scanning are opposite to each other with M, C and Y, K laser beams. Therefore, normally, for one M and C, the other Y and K image data are mirror images with respect to the main scanning direction.
[0108]
In the image forming unit 302, a photosensitive drum 318 forms a latent image by laser light exposure, and a developing unit 313 performs toner development on the photosensitive drum 318. In the developing device 313, a sleeve 314 for applying a developing bias to perform toner development is disposed.
[0109]
315 is a primary charger that charges the photosensitive drum 318 to a desired potential, 317 is a cleaner that cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 318 after transfer, and 316 is a surface of the photosensitive drum 318 that is cleaned by the cleaner 317. This is an auxiliary charger that removes the charge and makes it possible to obtain good charge in the primary charger 315. Reference numeral 330 denotes a pre-exposure lamp for erasing residual charges on the photosensitive drum 318. Reference numeral 319 denotes a transfer charger that discharges from the back surface of the transfer belt 306 and transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 318 to a transfer member. It is.
[0110]
Reference numerals 309 and 310 denote cassettes that house transfer members. Reference numeral 308 denotes a sheet feeding unit that supplies transfer members from the cassettes 309 and 310. Reference numeral 311 denotes adsorption charging that attracts the transfer members fed by the sheet feeding unit 308. Reference numeral 312 denotes a transfer belt roller that is used to rotate the transfer belt 306 and at the same time is paired with an adsorption charger to adsorb and charge the transfer member to the transfer belt 306.
[0111]
Reference numeral 324 denotes a static elimination charger for facilitating separation of the transfer member from the transfer belt 306, and reference numeral 325 denotes a peeling charger for preventing image disturbance due to peeling discharge when the transfer member is separated from the transfer belt. Further, reference numerals 326 and 327 denote pre-fixing chargers that supplement the toner attracting force on the transfer member after separation and prevent image disturbance, and 322 and 323 discharge the transfer belt 306 and statically transfer the transfer belt 306. It is a transfer belt static elimination charger for electrical initialization.
[0112]
A belt cleaner 328 removes dirt on the transfer belt 306. A fixing device 307 heat-fixes the toner image on the transfer member separated from the transfer belt 306 and recharged by the pre-fixing chargers 326 and 327 on the transfer member. Reference numeral 340 denotes a paper discharge sensor that detects a transfer member on the conveyance path that passes through the fixing device 307. Reference numeral 329 denotes a paper leading end sensor that detects the leading end of the transfer member fed onto the transfer belt 306 by the paper feeding unit 308. A detection signal from the paper leading end sensor 329 is sent from the printer unit to the reader unit. And is used to generate a sub-scanning synchronization signal when a video signal is sent from the reader unit to the printer unit.
[0113]
Hereinafter, each block of the reader unit will be described in the order of the preview processing unit, color conversion, paint, and free color.
[0114]
(Preview processing part)
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the preview processing unit 217 for displaying the final image obtained by reading the image data through all the processing circuits on the CRT 219 of FIG.
[0115]
The final image data Y1, M1, C1, K1 (1001-1 to 1001-4) (YMCK data each 8 bits) are first input to the 4 × 3 reverse masking correction circuit 217-1 of the preview processing circuit, respectively. Therefore, the following equation is calculated. This calculation is an inverse calculation in the masking UCR 212 shown in FIG.
[0116]
Y2 = a11 * Y1 + a12 * M1 + a13 * C1 + a14 * K1
M2 = a21 * Y1 + a22 * M1 + a23 * C1 + a24 * K1
C2 = a31 * Y1 + a32 * M1 + a33 * C1 + a34 * K1
Arbitrary coefficients can be set as the coefficients a11 to a34 from the CPU 240 in FIG.
[0117]
In this reverse masking correction circuit 217-1, the four-color information is converted into three-color information Y2, M2, and C2, and the converted signal is then input to the inverse logarithmic conversion correction circuit 217-2. The Here, the LOG processing unit 207 of FIG. 3 is configured with an LUT to perform the inverse operation, and the CPU 240 can set arbitrary correction data as described above. By this inverse operation, the YMCK density data is converted into luminance data, and the signal can be displayed on a CRT or the like. However, there are many types of CRTs that are actually connected, and the color reproduction range varies. Therefore, a means for adjusting this is required.
[0118]
The next-stage 3 × 3 monitor color correction unit 217-3 is for correcting the color characteristics of the monitor 219, and here, the following equation is calculated.
[0119]
R2 = b11 * R1 + b12 * G1 + b13 * B1
G2 = b21 * R1 + b22 * G1 + b23 * B1
B2 = b31 * R1 + b32 * G1 + b33 * B1
Here, as in the reverse masking correction circuit 217-1, the CPU 240 sets an arbitrary coefficient.
[0120]
The monitor gamma correction unit 217-4 is a circuit that similarly corrects the gamma characteristic of each monitor, and the CPU 240 can set arbitrary correction data. The display editing circuit 217-5 is a circuit for performing various editing and controlling the monitor 219 when displaying on the monitor 219.
[0121]
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the above-described display editing circuit. As shown in FIG. 11, this display editing circuit is roughly divided into a portion for processing a read image and the image. It consists of parts that generate additional information such as frames and characters.
[0122]
The R3, G3, and B3 data after the above monitor / gamma correction is input to the memories 217-11, 217-12, and 217-13, respectively, and from the write address control circuit 217-17 in the display controller 217-10. With the address 217-21, the start address and end address in the X direction and the Y direction can be set from the CPU bus 243 so that writing can be performed from an arbitrary position in the memory. In the present embodiment, these memory sizes are composed of three colors of 640 × 480 × 9 × (8 bits).
[0123]
Further, when writing, it is possible to reduce the writing according to the original image size, and the magnification can be set by the CPU 240. Further, it is controlled by the write address control unit 217-17 so that it can be rotated arbitrarily depending on whether the image size to be displayed is portrait or landscape.
[0124]
At this time, with respect to areas other than the start / end addresses, that is, areas where images are not written, previously accumulated images remain or the display color is fixed. The display color can be set by the CPU 240 so that it can be displayed in color.
[0125]
Next, after being written in the memory, the CPU 240 designates arbitrary coordinates to the read address control unit 217-18 in order to designate from which part of the memory the image data is read for display on the monitor. Here, display and designation can be performed in real time by a soft key of a touch panel display of the operation unit 244 described later.
[0126]
Since the monitor image size of the digital copying machine according to the present embodiment is 640 × 480 dots, in order to display the contents of the entire memory, it is necessary to display the image in a thinned-out manner. Can be set. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, a 1 × mode for displaying the entire memory, a 2 × mode for displaying 4/9 of the memory, and a 3 × mode for displaying 1/9 of the memory can be selected.
[0127]
The memory 217-20 is a memory for adding various graphics and characters to the image information separately from the image information, and has a memory size of 640 × 480 × 9 × (4 bits). That is, different figures and characters for four sides can be developed independently.
[0128]
In the present embodiment, these pieces of information are developed directly on the memory from the CPU 240, but may be performed via a dedicated controller such as AGDC that can develop these pieces of information at high speed. .
[0129]
The read address control unit 217-19 can set the read start position and set the thinning rate in the same manner as the read address control unit 217-18 described above.
[0130]
The data read from each memory is input to the selector 217-14. In this selector, according to the signal read from the memory 217-20, when the signal 217-24 is "L", the image data 217-25 to 217-27 is output as it is, and it is "H". In some cases, R, G, and B (8 bit) data corresponding to the four planes are output.
[0131]
These R, G, and B data can be set by the CPU 240, and arbitrary colors can be attached to the figures and characters drawn on each of the four surfaces. The signal processed by the selector 217-14 is converted into an analog signal for monitoring by the D / A converter 217-16 and the final image is displayed on the monitor 219.
[0132]
(Color conversion)
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the color conversion unit according to the present embodiment. The color conversion unit shown in the figure is divided into a detection unit and a conversion unit.
[0133]
The detection unit includes three window comparators (1110, 1111 and 1112), two AND gates (1113 and 1115), and registers reg1 to reg6 (1104 to 1109) which control these comparators and gates. These registers are set by the CPU 240 in FIG. And as these operations,
Reg1 ≦ input video Rin (1101) ≦ reg2
Reg3 ≦ input video Gin (1102) ≦ reg4
Reg5 ≦ input video Bin (1103) ≦ reg6
In this case, the outputs of the respective window comparators and the two AND gates are “1”, and only a certain characteristic color is detected (however, the area signal 212 is “1”).
[0134]
On the other hand, the conversion unit includes three selectors (1119, 1120, 1121) and registers reg8 to reg10 (1116 to 1118). When the output of the AND gate (1115) is “1”, the value of the register (1116 to 1118) set by the CPU 240, that is, the conversion color is output. When the AND gate is “0”, the input video (1101) is output. ˜1103) are output as Rout, Gout, and Bout (1122 to 1124), respectively.
[0135]
(Description of paint and free color)
FIG. 13 is a circuit block diagram according to the free color paint process of the present embodiment. The free color paint circuit has the same internal configuration for each color, so only the magenta internal configuration is shown.
[0136]
That is, the free color paint circuit 1 (1211) receives a multiplier (1205), a selector (1210), and registers reg1, 3 (1206, 1207) set by the CPU 240 in FIG. Composed.
[0137]
As an operation, at the time of free color processing, the ND signal (M / 3 + C / 3 + Y / 3) generated by the masking / URC circuit and the register 3 (1206) (this value is determined by the color set by the user) ) Is multiplied by the multiplier 1205, and the output is selected by the selector 1210 and output as an output signal (1212).
[0138]
When it is desired to perform the free color processing only on a part of the document, the area signal 1 (224-1) may be set to “1” only at the portion to be processed. In this case, however, the area signal 2 (224-2) is set to “0” as shown in the truth table of FIG. At this time, the masking / UCR circuit is controlled based on the signal 226 shown in FIG. 3 so that the ND signal is output only at the area signal.
[0139]
Further, during the paint process, the selector 1210 controls the area signal 2 (224-2) to be “1” so that the register 1 (1207) set by the CPU 240 is selected. However, as shown in FIG. 14, the area signal 1 (224-1) is set to “0”.
[0140]
Reference numeral 1213 denotes a C (cyan) free color paint circuit 2, 1216 denotes a Y (yellow) free color paint circuit 3, and 1219 denotes a K (black) free color paint circuit 4. Are Cin (1202), Yin (1203), Kin (1204), and outputs are Cout (1215), Yout (1218), and Kout (1221). These are controlled by area signal 2 (224-2), area signal 3 (224-3), and area signal 4 (224-4).
[0141]
Further, when displaying on the CRT 219, these area signals 224-1 to 224-3 are controlled to be enabled simultaneously.
[0142]
(Explanation of operation unit)
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the appearance of the operation unit 244 according to the present embodiment, in which 50000 is a numeric key, 50001 is a copy start key, 50002 is a stop key, 50003 is a preheating key, and 50004 is a liquid crystal. It is a touch panel display provided with a display means and a designation means.
[0143]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a standard screen of the touch panel display 50004. As shown in FIG. Each display on the standard screen shown in the figure includes 50101 for the device status, 50102 for the number of copies, 50103 for the paper size, 50104 for the copy magnification, and 50105 for a touch key (soft key) for designating / releasing the preview mode. It is.
[0144]
Prior to starting the preview process, the operator designates the image magnification, the paper size, and the edit process from the operation unit 244, presses the preview mode key 50105, and transitions from the standard screen to the preview operation screen.
[0145]
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the preview operation screen, 50201 is an image reading key for starting preview, 50202 is a display direction setting key, 50203 is an area monitor, 50204 is a key for setting a display position, Reference numeral 50205 denotes a display magnification setting key, and reference numeral 50206 denotes an area adjustment key for fine adjustment of the area.
[0146]
The operator first sets the document on the document table or feeder, and sets the display direction (vertical or horizontal) of the document with the display direction setting key 50202. The display in the display direction is normally performed from the upper right of the CRT (monitor) 219 with an image from the document abutting position on the document table. When the display direction setting key 50202 is pressed, the display of the display direction setting key is reversed in black, and an image rotated 90 degrees is written in the memories 217-11, 217-12, and 217-13 shown in FIG. Then, the image from the document abutting position on the document table is rotated 90 degrees and displayed on the monitor.
[0147]
When the operator presses the preview start key 50201, if a document is set in the feeder, the document is sent from the feeder to the document table. If pre-scan is set, the document is placed on the document table. Scanning is performed to detect the document size of the document. Then, a scanning operation for reading an image is started, and image capture is started.
[0148]
The captured image signal is subjected to various set editing processes, and then sent to the preview processing unit 217 shown in FIG. 3. After being converted into an RGB color signal, the set display direction, magnification, and Based on the document size and the like, the most efficient size in which the entire image fits in the area of the image memory 217-11 to 217-13 is calculated, and the data is written. The data in the image memory is corrected according to the monitor characteristics by the monitor / gamma correction unit 217-4. Data is transferred to the monitor 219 by the display controller 217-10, and a preview image is displayed.
[0149]
Here, when the area is specified in the editing process, the settings of magnification, rotation, and movement (corner movement, center movement) are ignored, and the preview image is displayed in the state of the same magnification, no rotation, and no movement. . For example, if corner movement is set at 50% reduction, it is difficult to confirm that the area is set correctly on the preview monitor, and if there are multiple area designations, This is because the calculation of the area position on the monitor becomes complicated and the processing speed decreases.
[0150]
The image memories 217-11 to 217-13 have a size of 1920 × 1440 pixels, which is nine times the display size 640 × 480 of the monitor 219. Therefore, when data is transferred from the image memory to the monitor 219, the display controller 217-10 scales the data in the image memory from the display size set by the monitor display size and the display magnification setting key 50205. It is necessary to transfer data to the monitor.
[0151]
18 shows a display example of the touch panel display at the time of area adjustment, and FIG. 19 is a view showing a display example of the touch panel display at the time of selection of area processing.
[0152]
FIG. 21 shows a specific example of the above scaling.
[0153]
When the image data indicated by the reference numeral 50601 is written in the image memory, when “overall” is set as the display magnification with the display magnification setting key, the entire data area of the image memory is set to 1 by the display controller 217-10. Is reduced to / 9 and displayed on the monitor 219 as indicated by 50602. When the “2 ×” key of the display magnification setting key is pressed, the data in the 4/9 area of the image memory is reduced to 1/4 by the display controller 217-10 and transferred, as indicated by reference numeral 50603. It is displayed on the monitor 219. As a result, a part of the image memory is enlarged and displayed twice as compared with the display of “whole”.
[0154]
Similarly, when the “3 times” key is pressed, a portion of the image is tripled as shown in 50604 by transferring the 1/9 region of the image memory to the display memory at the same magnification. The image is enlarged and displayed on the monitor 219.
[0155]
Further, when the display magnification setting key is set to 2 × or 3 ×, a part of the image memory is displayed on the monitor 219, so that the memory area read position is changed and displayed on the monitor 219. No part can be displayed. That is, when the display magnification setting key is set to double, an image of an arbitrary 1/4 size in the image memory is displayed on the monitor. At this time, when the down arrow key of the display position setting key 50204 is pressed, the 1/4 size is transferred to the CRT from the position where the reading start position of the image memory is moved downward by 4 dots, so that it is displayed on the monitor. The image at the bottom of the screen that was not displayed can be displayed.
[0156]
At this time, if a part of the read area of the memory is the end of the memory, the next time the read start position is moved in the direction of the end, the area is out of the image memory. For this reason, in order to make the operator recognize that it cannot move further in the end direction, the display position setting key in the end direction is shaded, and key sense cannot be performed. An area monitor 50302 is provided so that the operator can recognize which area of the memory is displayed on the monitor 219 when the image is moved.
[0157]
(Regarding area correction by preview)
When the area is designated before the preview is performed by the operator, a preview image with the same size, no movement, and no rotation is displayed with respect to the area-processed image. If the position or size of the area of the processed image is different from the specified one, or if the processed color is slightly different from the desired color, fine-tune the area on the preview screen. Is possible.
[0158]
First, the operator presses the area adjustment key 50206 to shift to the area selection screen. When transitioning to the area selection screen, as shown in FIG. 22, the outer frame of all areas set by area designation is set with the display magnification set with the copy magnification and display magnification setting keys and the display direction setting key. The size and position of the designated area are calculated from the displayed display direction and the like, and an outer frame of the area is generated by the area generation unit (AGDC).
[0159]
The created area is developed on the area image memory 1 (hereinafter referred to as plane memory 1), further transferred to the area display memory 1 (hereinafter referred to as plane memory 1 ′), and then on the monitor 219. Is displayed. At this time, the outer frame of the area displayed on the monitor is displayed on the currently displayed preview screen. The display of the outer frame of the area is displayed in the display color set in the plane memory 1. Note that the plane memory described here is each memory obtained by dividing the memory 217-20.
[0160]
The plane memory 1 has a size several times larger than the pixel size of the monitor, and based on the magnification set with the image magnification setting key and the display position value set with the display area setting key, Similarly, since the transfer area and transfer magnification of the plane memory 1 are calculated and transferred to the plane memory 1 ′, the outer frame of the area follows the preview image each time the image display magnification setting and the display area setting are changed. Will reappear.
[0161]
In this area process, the process content can be set up to a maximum of 30 area processes, and a maximum of 15 areas can be set for each area process. For example, FIG. 22 shows an example of a preview image when a plurality of areas are designated. As area processing 1, painting is performed on three areas 50701 (area 1), 50702 (area 2), and 50703 (area 3). Processing is performed, and as area processing 2, color conversion processing is performed on two areas 50704 (area 1 ′) and 50705 (area 2 ′).
[0162]
When a plurality of areas are set in this way, the operator needs to specify an area using an area processing number setting key or an area number setting key.
[0163]
Therefore, when the UP key of the area processing number setting key is selected, the area of area processing 1 is selected. At this time, the outer frame (50701, 50702, 50703) of the area area of area processing 1 is calculated in the same procedure. It is formed on the area image memory 2 (hereinafter referred to as the plane memory 2) by the area generator.
[0164]
This is transferred to the area display memory 2 (hereinafter referred to as plane memory 2 ′) with the magnification specified by the display magnification setting key and transferred, so that the display displayed on the monitor 219 in the plane memory 1 ′. Display using a different color. For this reason, since the display colors set in the plane memory 1 ′ and the plane memory 2 ′ are different from each other, the outer frame of the area included in the area processing designated from the plurality of area processing is displayed on the monitor 219 according to the color. It becomes possible to recognize.
[0165]
Further, when area processing number 2 is designated by selecting the UP key of the area processing number setting key, the outer frame of the area of area processing 1 written on the plane memory 2 is erased, and the area processing number The outer frame of area 2 is written and displayed on the monitor 219.
[0166]
In this way, if the operator sets an area process whose processing content is to be changed, presses the setting correction key 50303 and changes the processing content on the setting content change screen, the changed content is fed back and the processing content is changed. can do.
[0167]
Next, when changing the size of an area, first, an area process including the area to be changed is selected by the above-described procedure using the area process number setting key 50301, and the area is selected using the area number selection key 50302. For example, to move the area 2 ′ (50705) of the area process 2 to the left by 1 cm, first, the area process 2 is selected with the area process number setting key 50301. When the area number setting key is pressed, the area 1 ′ (50704) of area processing 2 is selected.
[0168]
At this time, the outer frame of the area of the area 1 ′ is developed on the area image memory 3 (hereinafter referred to as the plane memory 3) by the area generation unit. This is transferred to the area display memory 3 (hereinafter referred to as plane memory 3 ') and displayed on the monitor. Here, the color of the outer frame of the area displayed on the monitor is displayed using a color different from that of the plane memory 1 ′ and the plane memory 2 ′.
[0169]
The priority of each display memory is
Plane memory 1 '<Plane memory 2'<Plane memory 3 '
Therefore, even if the operator does not remember the area number to be corrected, the operator can recognize the area process designated from all the area processes on the monitor 219, and can recognize the area from the area process.
[0170]
Next, when area 2 ′ (50705) is set by the area number setting key, the area area of area 1 ′ (50704) on the plane memory 3 ′ is erased, and the area of area 2 ′ is stored in the plane memory 3. Write and display on monitor 219.
[0171]
As described above, the operator designates the area whose area size is to be changed, and then presses the area correction key 50304 to shift the screen to the area size change screen.
[0172]
FIG. 20 shows an area correction screen on the touch panel display. In each display of FIG. 20, 50501 is an area correction key, 50502 is an area correction setting key, and 50503 is an area clear key.
[0173]
For example, in order to move the area 2 ′ to the left, first, the movement is designated with the area correction setting key. Then, the left arrow key of the area correction key is pressed. At this time, the area 2 ′ stored in the plane memory 3 is cleared, and an area shifted by 4 pixels to the left is formed on the plane memory 3, transferred to the plane memory 3 ′, and displayed on the monitor.
[0174]
For this reason, the designated area actually moves on the preview image. In addition, since the amount of movement is fed back to the CPU 240, when the image reading key is pressed again and an image is displayed, the area is processed at the position of the area that has been adjusted for movement.
[0175]
In this way, the area can be moved while comparing the preview image with the designated area. Similarly, when changing the area size, enlargement or reduction is set with the area correction setting key, and the area correction key is pressed to set an arbitrary size for the area.
[0176]
Then, the area size, position, and content are corrected while being compared with the preview image, and if the operator can display a desired image on the CRT 219, the start key 50001 is pressed and output from the printer.
[0177]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, for an image whose area is specified in the editing process, the setting of the scaling, movement, and rotation process is ignored, and the same magnification, no movement, and rotation are performed. By displaying the preview without the effect, it is possible to avoid a decrease in processing speed due to the complicated calculation of the display position of the area when displaying the area on the monitor.
[0178]
<Modification>
In the above embodiment, when the area is designated, the preview is displayed without the same size, without movement, and without rotation. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the area is corrected, the preview with the same size, without movement, and without rotation is displayed. You may make it display.
[0179]
That is, when the area adjustment key 50206 is pressed, the screen shifts to the area selection screen, and at the same time, when a document is set on the feeder, the document is sent from the feeder to the document table. Furthermore, when pre-scan is set, scanning is performed to detect the document size of the document placed on the document table.
[0180]
Then, a scanning operation for reading an image is started, and image capture is started. The captured image is subjected to various set editing processes, sent to the preview processing unit 217, converted into RGB color signals, and then stored in the image memory based on the set display direction, document size, and the like. The most efficient size that fits the entire image in the area is calculated and the data is written.
[0181]
The data in the image memory is corrected by the monitor / gamma correction unit 217-4 according to the characteristics of the monitor, and the data is transferred to the monitor by the display controller 217-10, so that a preview image with the same magnification, no movement, and no rotation is displayed. Is done.
[0182]
When transitioning to the area selection screen, as shown in FIG. 22, the outer frame of all areas set by area designation is the same size, the size of the area without moving the document, regardless of the settings of the copy magnification and output position, The position is calculated, and the outer frame of the area is generated by the area generation unit (AGDC). Then, the outer frame of the created area is developed on the area image memory 1 (hereinafter referred to as plane memory 1) and further transferred to the area display memory 1 (hereinafter referred to as plane memory 1 ′). And displayed on the monitor.
[0183]
At this time, the area displayed on the monitor is displayed on the same-size preview image currently displayed. The area is displayed in the display color set in the plane memory 1. Then, area correction is performed in the same procedure as in the above embodiment. Note that, when the image is read again for checking the correction result, the preview is displayed with the same size, no movement, and no rotation.
[0184]
As described above, when the size, position, and contents of the area are corrected while being compared with the preview image, and the image desired by the operator can be displayed on the monitor 219, the start key 50001 is pressed and output from the printer. .
[0185]
FIG. 23 shows an example of main control commands in the communication I / F that controls the entire controller 2007 and the copying machine main body composed of 351 and 352.
[0186]
Code 01 is an interface clear command, which is issued by the copier body after its own initialization.
[0187]
A code 02 is a print start command, which is issued so that the transfer source of image data such as the controller 2007 executes printing.
[0188]
Code 03 is a status request command, which is issued by the master (controller 2007) to inquire about the status of the copying machine (eg, whether there is an error).
[0189]
Code 04 is a status transfer command, which is issued by the slave (the copier CPU 240) when responding to the status of the copier in response to a status request from the master (controller 2007).
[0190]
Code 05 is an image transfer end command, which is issued by the image data transfer source after transfer is completed.
[0191]
Code 06 is a preview start command, which is a preview control command in the copying machine issued by the master.
[0192]
Hereinafter, a case where image information sent from the host computer 2006 is printed via the controller 2007 will be described.
[0193]
When the power of the copying machine is turned on, a predetermined initialization operation is performed by itself, and an interface clear command is issued upon completion of the initialization operation. As a result, the host computer 2006 and the controller 2007 determine that the interface is usable.
[0194]
Subsequently, when the warm-up of the copying machine main body is completed and copying becomes possible, the printer ready signal sent to the controller 2007 becomes active. Similarly, on the controller 2007 side, when the initialization operation of the controller is completed and image data can be transferred / received, the controller power ready signal sent to the copying machine becomes active.
[0195]
The controller 2007 issues a status request command to the copying machine main body at regular intervals, and receives the status request command to transfer the status from the copying machine side. In the status transfer, the controller 2007 receives information such as a printer status and an error state of the copying machine.
[0196]
FIG. 24 shows an example of main control commands for controlling the preview operation between the controller and the copying machine main body.
[0197]
Code 21 is a preview setting request command issued by the master (controller 2007) to inquire about the current setting of preview control, and the slave (CPU 240) returns the setting status.
[0198]
A code 22 is a preview permission command, and sets whether to permit or prohibit preview display in the copying machine.
[0199]
Code 23 is a preview clear command, which clears the currently displayed image on the monitor 219.
[0200]
A code 24 is a preview key permission command, and sets whether to permit or prohibit a predetermined key operation on the operation unit 244 when an image from an external device is displayed.
[0201]
Code 25 is a preview procedure command, which specifies the preview display and print sequence procedures.
[0202]
A code 26 is a preview image processing command, and designates whether or not the preview display image is processed.
[0203]
FIG. 28 shows a configuration for preview control by the copying machine composed of 351 and 352, the controller 207, and the host computer 2006. In FIG. 27, a host computer 2006, a controller 2007, and a copier are provided with CPUs 501, 505, and 240, respectively, and these CPUs control preview processing of this embodiment. Similarly, RAMs 502, 506, and 242 are provided and used as work areas for the CPUs 501, 505, and 240, respectively. Furthermore, ROMs 503, 507, and 241 are provided, and CPUs 501, 505, and 240 store programs for executing the control procedures, respectively.
[0204]
The host computer 2006 includes a display 500 independent of the monitor 219. In this embodiment, the significance of providing the monitor 219 on the copier side is as follows. For example, (i) even if parameters such as γ correction and edge emphasis depending on the characteristics of the copying machine are not controlled on the host computer side, processing is performed using the function of the copying machine and the processing result can be confirmed. it can. This is particularly effective when the performance (resolution, gradation, color characteristics) of the monitor 219 is good. (Ii) When the image from the CCD sensor 201 and the image from the host computer 2006 are synthesized on the copier side in real time, the synthesized image can be confirmed.
[0205]
When using the above-described usage method, the host computer 2006 or the controller 2007 once transmits image information and a command related to the preview to the copier, and then performs a preview on the copier and prints it. Can be obtained.
[0206]
Note that the host computer 2006 and the controller 2007 may be connected to the network 2010. In addition, other host computers 2008 and 2009 similar to the host computer 2006 may be connected to the network 2010, and the controller 2007 and the copier may be shared.
[0207]
Next, an overview of preview control will be described.
[0208]
After printing is possible, a preview setting request command (code 21) is issued from the controller 2007 to request preview setting information on the copier side. In response to this, the copying machine main body returns the current preview setting information. If the images for the previous preview operation remain in the preview image memories 217-11 to 217-13, a preview clear command (code 23) is issued and the preview image memories 217-11 to 217-13 are issued. The preview display screen may be cleared by rewriting the internal data with predetermined data. Even when the preview clear command is not issued when the power of the copying machine is turned on, the preview display screen is cleared as a predetermined initialization operation of the copying machine.
[0209]
When preview display is performed, various control commands relating to preview display are issued.
[0210]
As a preview control command, first, a preview permission command (code 22) is issued from the controller 2007 side, and permission / prohibition of preview display is designated. Thereby, ON / OFF of the preview display can be controlled.
[0211]
In addition, a preview procedure command (code 25) is issued to specify the preview operation procedure. For example, (1) a normal preview operation procedure, that is, after completion of image data transfer from the controller 2007, predetermined image processing is performed, and as soon as image data is stored in the preview processing unit 217, a predetermined preview operation is performed. . (2) After a print command is issued and image data transfer from the controller 2007 is completed, a predetermined preview operation is performed immediately and a print operation is also performed. For example, the preview operation procedure can be designated in advance.
[0212]
Also, a preview image processing command (code 26) is issued, and specifies whether or not to perform image processing on the preview display image. For example, (1) an image after performing predetermined image processing on the image data transferred from the controller 2007 is displayed on the preview screen. (2) An image obtained by not performing predetermined image processing on the image data transferred from the controller 2007 is displayed on the preview screen. For example, the image processing of the preview display image can be designated in advance. Thus, for example, it is designated whether the image sent from the controller 2007 is before image processing (editing processing, color conversion, gradation correction, etc.) on the copying machine main body side or after image processing, and either A preview can be selected and displayed, and the output image can be checked in advance before copying.
[0213]
When a preview start command (code 06) is issued, a preview display operation is instructed from the controller 2007 to the copying machine main body, the copying machine side processes the image data, and displays the preview image on the CRT 219. If the print start command (code 02) is issued after confirming the preview image, the image data stored in the image memory 208 is read according to a predetermined print sequence, and a final copy output image is obtained.
[0214]
When the copy image of the reflected original and the input image from the external interface 2001 are combined, predetermined image processing is performed by the preview image processing command (code 26), and the preview display is turned on according to the preview start command (code 06). A preview image of the image synthesized in the memory 208 is displayed on the CRT 219.
[0215]
When the input image from the external interface 2001 before composition is stored in the image memory 208, a preview start command (code 06) is issued, the image before composition is confirmed on the CRT 219, and then the operation unit 244 It is also possible to perform an operation of reading the reflection original by the above operation and confirm the input image from the external interface 2001 and the synthesized image after synthesis on the CRT 219 as well.
[0216]
If a copy command is issued after confirming the final composite image, or if a copy start is instructed by operation of the operation unit 244, the image data stored in the image memory 208 is stored in a predetermined print sequence. And a final copy output image is obtained.
[0217]
The above commands are transmitted to the copying machine by the controller 2007 based on an instruction from the operator in the host computer 2006.
[0218]
An example of control procedures of the CPUs 240, 505, and 501 of the copying machine, controller 2007, and host computer will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0219]
<CPU 240>
In the communication with the CPU 505 of the controller 2007, when the code 21 is received (step S101), data related to the preview setting status is returned to the controller 2007 (step S102). When the code 23 is received (step S103), the preview screen is cleared by clearing the image memories 217-11 to 217-13 (step S104). When the code 22 instructs to turn off the preview display (step S105), the preview display is prohibited (step S106). When the code 24 prohibits key input by the operation unit (step S107), predetermined key input such as a preview key in the operation unit 244 is prohibited (step S108). When the code 25 is received (step S109), a preview procedure according to the instruction is set (step S110), and when the code 26 is received (step S111), image processing according to the instruction is set (step S112).
[0220]
<CPU 505>
Communication with the CPU 240 of the copying machine is performed in the following procedure.
[0221]
First, code 03 is transmitted (step S201), and code 04 is received (step S202). As a result, if printing is possible (step S203), the code 21 is transmitted (step S204). If it is found from the return data that the previous preview screen remains (step S205), the code 23 is transmitted to instruct clearing of the screen (step S206). Next, the code 22 is transmitted (step S207). When the preview display is permitted (step S208), the codes 24, 25, and 26 are transmitted according to the instruction from the host computer 2006 (step S209).
[0222]
<CPU 501>
In response to the operator's instruction, the controller communicates with the CPU 505 as follows.
[0223]
First, when there is a preview control instruction from the operator (step S301) and information indicating whether or not to permit preview is input (step S302), the code 22 is transmitted (step S303).
[0224]
When an instruction relating to permission of the preview key is input (step S304), the code 24 is transmitted. Next, when the preview procedure and the preview image processing are respectively designated (steps S306 and 308), the code 25 and the code 26 are transmitted (steps S307 and 309).
[0225]
As described above, each CPU executes a procedure based on a program for preview control.
[0226]
As described above, the host computer and the controller may be configured separately, and the function of the controller may be shared by the host computer.
[0227]
Further, when a plurality of host computers can be connected as shown in FIG. 28 described above, access (for example, a preview request) from another host computer during the period when one host computer is executing the preview control procedure. For example, the controller 2007 can be provided with an access management function from a plurality of host computers.
[0228]
In this embodiment, various preview operation controls such as permission / prohibition of the preview operation and ON / OFF of the preview display can be performed by the preview control command. However, the controller 2007 does not depart from the gist of the present invention. Application to control of copying machine operation and preview operation is possible.
[0229]
In this embodiment, image data transmission / reception between the host computer 2006 and the image forming apparatus (in this embodiment, a color electrophotographic copying machine is described as an example) is performed via an external controller 2007. As described above, the image data is RGB (red, green, blue) image data, CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow) image data, or CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) image data. Also good.
[0230]
Further, in this embodiment, an example in which the corresponding preview operation is controlled by various commands from the controller 2007 has been described. However, it is prepared between the controller 2007 and the image forming apparatus and determined in advance, regardless of the communication command. It is also possible to control by a signal line that designates the preview operation mode.
[0231]
(Example 2)
This embodiment relates to the relationship between the operation unit operation of the copying machine main body and the preview operation from the host computer 2006 to the controller 2007.
[0232]
In particular, a part or all of the key operations on the operation panel relating to the operation control of the preview image display means can be prohibited or permitted.
[0233]
For example, when the host computer 2006 and the copying machine main body are arranged at a distance from each other, the image data sent from the host computer 2006 via the controller 2007 is displayed as a preview and then completely unrelated to the controller image output. Local copy operation may be performed by a single copying machine alone. In such a case, if a preview operation is performed in the local copy operation, the image data is replaced with the data at the time of local copy before the preview image from the controller 2007 sent in advance is confirmed. This causes a problem that the image cannot be confirmed.
[0234]
In this embodiment, a preview key permission command is issued from the controller 2007, and a key input operation from the operation unit of the copying machine is prohibited, thereby confirming a preview display of the controller image and then issuing a print command. An image-confirmed print output can be obtained.
[0235]
In addition, when an image from the controller 2007 is received and displayed as a preview, it is also effective to permit input operations of some operation keys and prohibit other key inputs. For example, only the preview key 50105 (FIG. 16) of the operation unit is allowed to be input while the preview is displayed. When the operator who has attempted the local copy operation presses the preview key or any one of the keys, a message “Preview of controller image is currently being displayed” may be displayed on the operation unit screen 50101. Further, it is also effective to allow the operator to select clearing of the preview image by displaying “Do you want to clear the controller image preview display?” And pressing a preview screen clear key (not shown). That is, a warning is displayed so that the preview display of the controller image is not inadvertently cleared, and an inadvertent occupation state of the copying machine by the controller 2007 that occurs when the preview control from the controller 2007 is not canceled is avoided. be able to.
[0236]
Therefore, in this embodiment, various kinds of problems are solved by adjusting the preview setting from the operation unit of the copying machine main body and the preview setting from the controller.
[0237]
In the first and second embodiments, the color copying machine having four photosensitive drums has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to various image forming apparatuses such as a copying machine having one photosensitive drum.
[0238]
As shown in the above-described embodiments, the read image includes an image reading unit that scans a document and reads an image, and an external input unit that inputs image information from a host computer or other external device. Information, or storage means for storing the image based on image information obtained from at least one of the external input image information and both, and an image forming means for forming a reproduced image based on the stored information The image forming apparatus that performs image formation includes preview image display means that can visualize image information prior to image formation, so that an image substantially equivalent to the final image can be immediately confirmed on the CRT. I can do it.
[0239]
The external input means includes an I / F means, and at least one of an operation mode signal or an operation mode command sent from the host computer or an external device to the image forming apparatus via the communication I / F means. The display mode for displaying the input image information on the preview image display means can be selected on the basis of the above, the ON / OFF control of the preview image display means can be performed, or the image display can be cleared. is there.
[0240]
In addition, by prohibiting or permitting part or all of key operations on the operation panel relating to operation control of the preview image display means, it is possible to prevent the preview image from being inadvertently altered. Or conversely, the preview can be directly controlled from the operation unit.
[0241]
Further, the image display mode of the preview image display means can be selected based on at least one of the operation mode signal or the operation mode command, and only the image information from the host computer or an external device is displayed as a preview image. Can be selected, or a mode in which a preview is displayed and an image is immediately formed.
[0242]
Further, it is possible to display on the preview image display means composite image information obtained by synthesizing the image information from the host computer or an external device and the original image information read by the image reading means. Even in image processing and editing processing that are difficult to predict, the effect can be easily confirmed by preview display.
[0243]
Further, when previewing image information from the host computer or an external device, it is possible to display a preview image of image information before / after predetermined image processing according to a predetermined image processing mode in the image forming apparatus. It becomes possible.
[0244]
The control of the present invention is also applicable to a case where the control is realized by supplying a program stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM or floppy disk to the system or apparatus instead of the above-described ROM 503, 507, 241. Needless to say, you can. In this case, the storage medium storing the program according to the present invention constitutes the present invention. Then, when the CPU of the device such as the host computer or the controller reads the program from the storage medium, the device operates in a procedure according to the program.
[0245]
In addition to an electrophotographic printer having one photosensitive drum, an ink jet printer or a thermal transfer printer may be used as the printer.
[0246]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus including the preview display unit can be favorably controlled from the external apparatus.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a conventional system configuration.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the internal configuration of the digital copying apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital image processing unit of the digital copying apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of overall image processing according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a color conversion processing procedure according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of paint processing according to the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of free color processing according to the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an area memory unit.
9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a memory unit for each color illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a preview processing circuit for displaying a final image on a CRT.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a display editing circuit.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a color conversion unit.
FIG. 13 is a circuit block diagram relating to free color paint processing;
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a truth table relating to free color processing;
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an operation unit according to the embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a standard screen of the display unit
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a preview operation screen.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a screen related to area adjustment.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a screen related to selection of area processing.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an area size change screen.
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of zooming.
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a preview image for area correction.
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control command.
FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a preview command.
25 is a diagram showing a configuration of an external interface 2001. FIG.
26 is a diagram showing a configuration of an external interface 2001. FIG.
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a multiple connection.
FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a copier, a controller 2007, and a host computer 2006.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a preview control procedure.
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a preview control procedure.
FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a preview control procedure.

Claims (20)

Reading means for reading an original and generating an image signal;
Image forming means for forming an image based on an image signal generated by the reading means on a recording medium;
An image processing apparatus having display means for displaying an image formed by the image forming means based on an image signal generated by the reading means ;
Moreover, input means for inputting the image information from the external device, and a control signal including a command instructing whether to permit an image based on the image information displayed by said display means,
Control means for controlling an image display operation based on the image information by the display means and an image forming operation based on the image information by the image forming means in response to image information and control signals input from the input means. the image processing apparatus characterized by having and. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the receiving unit uses bidirectional communication. The control signal, the image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that an instruction to clear the image display of the display means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an operation unit, wherein the control signal prohibits or permits a part or all of key inputs of the operation unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control signal instructs a processing mode in which display is performed by the display unit without performing image formation by the image forming unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control signal instructs a processing mode in which image formation by the image forming unit and display by the display unit are performed in parallel. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control signal instructs selection of a display mode by the display unit.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image signal generated by the reading unit and the image signal input by the input unit are combined and a combined image is displayed on the display unit. A reading unit that reads an original and generates an image signal; an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on the image signal generated by the reading unit; and an image forming unit that generates an image based on the image signal generated by the reading unit. In an image processing method of an image processing apparatus having display means for displaying an image to be formed ,
An input step of inputting image information from an external device and a control signal including a command for instructing whether or not to allow the display unit to display an image based on the image information;
In response to the image information and control signals input by the input step, the image display operation and based on the image information by the display means, the control step of controlling an image forming operation based on the image information by the image forming means And an image processing method. A reading unit that reads an original and generates an image signal; an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on the image signal generated by the reading unit; and an image forming unit that generates an image based on the image signal generated by the reading unit. Supply means for supplying image information from an external device to an image forming apparatus having a display means for displaying an image to be formed;
The image processing apparatus characterized by an output means for outputting a control signal that includes a command instructing whether to permit you to view I by an image corresponding to the image information on said display means. And the output means, the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 0, characterized by using a two-way communication. The control signal, the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 0, characterized in that an instruction to clear the image display of the display means. The control signal, the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 0, wherein without performing image formation by the image forming means and to instruct the processing mode for display by the display means. The control signal, the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 0, characterized in that indicating the processing mode performed in parallel displayed by the display means and the image formation by said image forming means. The control signal, the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 0, characterized in that indicating the selection of the display mode by the display means. A reading unit that reads an original and generates an image signal, an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on the image signal generated by the reading unit, and an image forming unit that generates an image based on the image signal generated by the reading unit a supply step of supplying image information from the external device to the image forming apparatus and a display means for displaying an image to be formed,
Image processing method according to an outputting step of outputting a control signal that includes a command instructing whether to permit you to view I by an image corresponding to the image information on the display means. For an image forming unit that forms an image based on a given image signal on a recording medium, a first supply unit that supplies the image signal, and a display unit that displays an image formed by the image forming unit And an image processing apparatus having a second supply means for supplying an image signal representing the image,
An image processing apparatus having a function of mediating instructions by a plurality of different instruction means for instructing display on the display means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein the plurality of instruction units are an operation unit of the image forming unit and an external computer. The image processing apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein the plurality of instruction units are a plurality of independent computers. For an image forming unit that forms an image based on a given image signal on a recording medium, a first supply step for supplying the image signal and a display unit for displaying an image formed by the image forming unit A second supply step of supplying an image signal representing the image,
An image processing method comprising the step of arbitrating instructions by a plurality of different instruction means for instructing display on the display means.

Images