JP3757587B2 - Image processing apparatus, image output system, and image processing method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that performs processing necessary to form a color image, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus mounted on a so-called tandem printer or the like. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an image output system that includes a so-called tandem printer or the like.Furthermore, the present invention relates to an image processing method used in an image processing apparatus or an image output system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, so-called tandem printers are becoming widespread in order to realize high-speed color image formation.
A tandem printer has a photoconductor and a developing machine corresponding to each of four primary colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), which are four primary colors for color printing. The images are output in parallel. As a result, the tandem printer can form an image on a recording sheet in one pass, so that high-speed printout can be realized.
[0003]
Here, the tandem printer will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 28, the tandem printer 1 is normally used in a state where it is connected to a client PC (personal computer) 2 via a network. Furthermore, an image output device 3 that outputs image data received from the client PC 2 as a color image onto a recording sheet and an image processing device 4 that performs processing necessary for the image output are mounted. .
[0004]
In such a tandem printer 1, the image output device 3 inputs and outputs image data and a predetermined signal (for example, a synchronization signal, etc.) with the image processing device 4, for example, as shown in FIG. Image I / F unit 31, exposure control units 32a to 32d that output Y, M, C, and K color component data as laser light, and photoconductors corresponding to Y, M, C, and K color components The drums 33a to 33d and the developing machines 34a to 34d, a paper transport unit 35 that transports the recording paper, a paper tray 36 that stores the recording paper, and the recording paper is fed from the paper tray 36 to the paper transport unit 35. And a paper feed unit 37.
[0005]
With such a configuration, the image output device 3 outputs an image onto a recording sheet in the following procedure.
First, in the image output device 3, a recording sheet on which an image is formed is fed from the sheet tray 36 and conveyed so as to pass under the four photosensitive drums 33a to 33d. At this time, each of the exposure control units 32a to 32d outputs a synchronization signal to the image processing device 4 in accordance with the conveyance timing of the recording paper, and based on image data input from the image processing device 4 according to each synchronization signal. A laser beam is output to form a latent image on each of the photosensitive drums 33a to 33d. When the latent images are formed on the photosensitive drums 33a to 33d, the developing units 34a to 34d form toner images due to adhesion of toner. Therefore, when the paper transport unit 35 transports the recording paper so that it passes under the photosensitive drums 33a to 33d, toner images for four colors are transferred onto the recording paper in the process.
[0006]
The synchronization signals output from the exposure control units 32a to 32d to the image processing apparatus 4 through the image I / F unit 31 include page synchronization signals Y-PS, M-PS, C-PS, K-PS, line There are synchronization signal LS and video clock VCK. These page synchronization signals are used to transfer the recording sheet conveyance speed (that is, the image forming process speed) and the photosensitive drums 33a to 33d so that the image of each color component is transferred to the same position on the storage sheet. It is output at a timing shifted by a predetermined time determined by the interval.
[0007]
An example of the timing of each page synchronization signal is shown in FIG. Assuming that the interval (gap) between the photosensitive drums 33a to 33d is 50 mm and the conveyance speed of the recording paper in the paper conveyance section 35 is 100 mm / s, the page synchronization signals Y-PS, M-PS, C-PS, K-PS is output from each of the exposure control units 32a to 32d with a timing shifted by 0.5 seconds. This timing is 1200 lines at a resolution of 24 dots / mm when converted by the number of lines of the image.
[0008]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 31, the image processing apparatus 4 connected to the image output apparatus 3 includes a network I / F unit 41 that transmits and receives data via a network, and controls the entire image processing apparatus 4. And a processor 42 that performs image processing such as raster expansion processing, an image compression unit 43 that performs compression processing of image data, a memory 44 that temporarily stores image data before or after compression, and an image of each compressed color component Image decompression units 45a to 45d that perform decompression processing on data and an image output I / F unit 46 that outputs decompressed image data are provided.
[0009]
Here, the operation of the image processing apparatus 4 configured as described above will be briefly described.
When the network I / F unit 41 receives image data (hereinafter referred to as PDL data) described in a page description language (hereinafter referred to as PDL) from the client PC 2, the network I / F unit 41 stores the PDL data in the memory 44. Stored in the PDL storage area. When the storage of the PDL data in the memory 44 is completed, the processor 42 starts a raster expansion process for the PDL data stored in the memory 44. First, the processor 42 divides the PDL data for each band, and develops the PDL data into raster data for each band.
[0010]
Here, the band refers to a partial image area obtained by dividing one page of image data into a band shape in the sub-scanning direction. The reason for expanding the raster data in band units is to reduce the memory capacity used for the raster data expansion processing. In this example, the width of one band is 1200 lines.
[0011]
When the development of the YMCK four color components for one band into the raster data is completed, the processor 42 activates the image compression unit 43. Then, the image compression unit 43 compresses the raster data for one band for each color, and stores the compressed data after the compression in the memory 44. Then, raster data rasterization and compression processing in units of bands are repeated for one page of PDL data, and compressed data for each color component for one page is stored in the memory 44. At this time, the compression process is performed in order to reduce the memory capacity necessary for image output. As a compression method, the JPEG method, which is an international standard for color still image compression, may be used.
[0012]
When the compression process for the compressed data for one page is completed, the processor 42 activates the four image expansion units 45a to 45d, and then activates the image output device 3. From the image output device 3, page synchronization signals Y-PS, M-PS, C-PS, and K-PS are input to the image output I / F unit 46 for each color component. Therefore, the image output I / F unit 46 generates output enable signals Y-ENB, M-ENB, C-ENB, and K-ENB according to these page synchronization signals and outputs them to the image decompression units 45a to 45d. ing. Thus, the image decompression units 45a to 45d perform decompression processing on the compressed data while the output enable signal is input, and output the raster data after decompression as decompressed image data.
[0013]
As described above, the output timing of the page synchronization signals Y-PS, M-PS, C-PS, and K-PS for each color component is shifted by an amount based on the interval between the photosensitive drums 33a to 33d for each color component. The four image decompression units 45a to 45d operate independently in synchronization with these.
[0014]
In the tandem printer, the image processing apparatus 4 processes the image data received via the network by the procedure as described above, and the image output apparatus 3 outputs the processed data onto the recording paper.
[0015]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Incidentally, the tandem color printer as described above outputs images of four color components of Y, M, C, and K in parallel and transfers them onto a recording sheet. Since the transfer timing is different every time, it is necessary to shift the output timing of the image of each color component according to the timing.
[0016]
For this reason, in the image processing apparatus 4 mounted on such a tandem color printer, the compressed data for each color component is expanded individually and independently and sent to the image output apparatus 3. There must be. Therefore, in order to make the expansion timing different for each color component, the image processing apparatus 4 requires four image expansion units 45a to 45d, which causes a complicated apparatus configuration and an increase in circuit scale. It will end up.
[0017]
On the other hand, in the image processing device 4, a gap memory that performs compression processing and decompression processing on raster data dot-sequentially in units of bands and holds the decompressed image data of each color component individually with the image output device 3. The gap memory is used to shift the output timing of the decompressed image data of each color component to the image output device 3 to cope with the output timing difference of each color component image, thereby enabling decompression processing in one image decompressing unit. It is also possible to do.
[0018]
However, in this case, a large-capacity gap memory is required to hold the decompressed image data of each color component individually, and as a result, the apparatus configuration cannot be complicated. Further, since a large capacity gap memory is required, the apparatus cost may be increased.
[0019]
  Therefore, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus that can be used in a tandem printer or the like without requiring a large capacity gap memory even when decompression processing is performed by only one image decompression unit. Objective.
  In addition, the present invention provides an image output system capable of outputting a tandem image without requiring a large-capacity gap memory even when decompression processing is performed by only one image decompression unit. Objective.
  Furthermore, the present invention provides an image processing method capable of outputting an image in a tandem system without requiring a large-capacity gap memory even when decompression processing is performed with only one image decompression unit. Objective.
[0020]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The present invention is an image processing apparatus devised to achieve the above object, and is connected to an image output apparatus that outputs a plurality of color component data for forming a color image with a predetermined delay time interposed therebetween. In the data input means for inputting color image data that is the basis of the plurality of color component data, from the color image data input to the data input means, corresponding to the plurality of color component data, and Correction data generation means for generating data after correcting the shift amount corresponding to the delay time as correction data, and data output means for sending the correction data generated by the correction data generation means to the image output device;The correction data is temporarily stored in the memory, and the correction data generation means shifts the storage position in the memory by the shift amount for each color data, Generate correction dataIt is characterized by this.
[0021]
According to the image processing apparatus having the above configuration, when color image data is input to the data input means, the correction data generation means generates correction data from the color image data, and the data output means outputs the correction data to the image output apparatus. To send. In other words, in this image processing apparatus, the data after correcting the shift amount corresponding to the predetermined delay time is sent to the image output apparatus as correction data, so that a plurality of color component data is transmitted to the predetermined delay time. Even when connected to an image output device that outputs data with a gap between them, a gap memory or the like for dealing with the delay time becomes unnecessary. Further, even when compression / decompression processing is performed to reduce the memory capacity required for image output, it is only necessary to perform compression / decompression processing on the correction data, so that a plurality of data compression means or a plurality of data expansion means Need not be provided.
[0022]
  Further, the present invention provides an image output apparatus that outputs a plurality of color component data for forming a color image with a predetermined delay time in an image output system designed to achieve the above object, A host device formed separately from the image output device, connected to the image output device via a communication line, and transmitting color image data as a basis of the plurality of color component data to the image output device; , The host device generates, as correction data, data corresponding to the plurality of color component data and after correcting the shift amount corresponding to the delay time, and the correction data As the color image dataImage output deviceCorrection data generating means for transmitting to the camera is provided.
[0023]
According to the image output system having the above configuration, since the image processing apparatus transmits data after correcting the shift amount corresponding to the predetermined delay time to the image output apparatus as correction data, the image output apparatus However, it is not necessary to provide a gap memory or the like for corresponding to the delay time in the image processing apparatus or the image output apparatus even if the plurality of color component data are output with a predetermined delay time. Further, even when compression / decompression processing is performed to reduce the memory capacity required for image output, since it is only necessary to perform compression / decompression processing on the correction data, a plurality of image processing apparatuses or image output apparatuses can perform There is no need to provide data compression means or a plurality of data decompression means.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus and an image output system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.And image processing methodWill be described.
[0025]
  [First Embodiment]
  Here, the first embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.To do.
[0026]
The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is used by being mounted on a tandem printer 2 connected to the client PC 1 via a network, as in the conventional apparatus (see FIG. 28). The PDL data edited and created in the above is received, the received PDL data is interpreted, finally developed into raster data, and sent to the image output device 3 mounted in the tandem printer 2 It is.
[0027]
However, the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured as shown in FIG. 1, unlike the conventional one (see FIG. 31).
That is, the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a network I / F unit 11 connected to the client PC 1 via a network, a processor 12 that performs control of the entire apparatus and a process of expanding PDL data into raster data, a raster, An image compression unit 13 that compresses data in JPEG format, a memory 14 that stores PDL data, raster data, and compressed data, a single image decompression unit 15 that decompresses JPEG compressed data, and an image output An image output I / F unit 16 that sends decompressed image data, which is raster data after decompression, to the image output device 3 in synchronization with a synchronization signal input from the device 3.
[0028]
These units are connected by the same bus, and read or write data from the memory 14 by DMA (Direct Memory Access) transfer. Further, the processor 12 sets the transfer source address, the transfer destination address, the number of transfer bytes, and the like of the DMA transfer in each of these units.
[0029]
Among these units, the memory 14 is divided into several areas as shown in FIG. Specifically, a PDL storage buffer 14a for storing PDL data, an intermediate code storage buffer 14b for storing intermediate codes whose details will be described later in band units, and raster data for each color component of Y, M, C, and K. A band buffer 14c for storing, a compressed data storage buffer 14d for storing compressed data, and a work area 14e used as a work area are divided and managed.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 3, the image output I / F unit 16 includes an image writing control unit 16a, buffers 16b to 16e prepared for each color component of Y, M, C, and K, and an image reading control unit. 16f. As a result, the image output I / F unit 16 separates the decompressed image data that is time-divisionally input from the image decompression unit 15 in units of one block line (8 lines) for each color component of Y, M, C, and K. Thus, the data is written in the buffers 16b to 16e for each color component. That is, the image writing control unit 16a counts the input decompressed image data, and every time data for one block line is input, the write enable signals Y-WE, M-WE, By switching between C-WE and K-WE, the buffers 16b to 16f for writing the decompressed image data are sequentially switched. Then, the image read control unit 16f outputs the read enable signal RE to each of the buffers 16b to 16e in parallel in synchronization with the line synchronization signal LS from the image output device 3, and the synchronization signal LS from the image output device 3. , The decompressed image data is read from the buffers 16b to 16e and output in synchronization with VCK.
[0031]
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the resolution of the output image in the image processing apparatus is 24 dots / mm and the image size is main scanning 5000 pixels × sub-scanning 7200 lines. The band size is assumed to be 5000 pixels for main scanning × 1200 lines for sub scanning.
[0032]
Next, an example of processing operation when a color image is output by a tandem printer using the image processing apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.
[0033]
First, a schematic flow of color image output will be described here.
In this image processing apparatus, when PDL data is received via the network (step 101; hereinafter, step is abbreviated as S), the PDL data is converted into an intermediate code in band units (S102).
For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the intermediate code is made up of information for designating the starting point coordinates of the graphic, the run length, and the display color.
[0034]
In FIG. 4, when the conversion to one page of intermediate code is completed, raster image rendering processing (raster development processing) is performed on the band buffer 14c for each color component for each band of the intermediate code (S103 to S105). . When raster development processing for one band is completed, compression processing is performed for each color component, and the compressed data is stored in the compressed data storage buffer 14d (S106). When the compression process for one page is completed (S107 to S111), the compressed data is read and decompressed (S112), the decompressed image data is sent to the image output device 3, and a color image is output (S113 to S114). ).
[0035]
Next, details of the above processing operation will be described in order.
(1) Reception processing
When PDL data is transmitted from the client PC 1 via the network, the image processing apparatus performs reception processing of the PDL data. Specifically, the network I / F unit 11 receives the PDL data, DMA-transfers the received PDL data to the PDL storage buffer 14a in the memory 14 and stores it (S101).
[0036]
(2) Image development processing
When the PDL data reception process is completed, the image processing apparatus then performs an image expansion process. That is, when the PDL data reception process is completed, a reception completion interrupt signal is output from the network I / F unit 11 to the processor 12, so that the processor 12 performs a process of expanding the PDL data into raster data. The specific expansion process is as follows.
[0037]
First, the processor 12 clears the band buffer 14c in the memory 14 with an initial value. Next, the processor 12 reads the PDL data stored in the PDL storage buffer 14 a in the memory 14, analyzes the PDL data and converts it into an intermediate code in band units (S <b> 102), and converts this into the intermediate code in the memory 14. The data is stored in the buffer area 14b. The intermediate code storage buffer 14b is divided into band units, and each intermediate code is divided into band units and stored in accordance with each drawing coordinate. Since the band size is 1200 lines, one page is divided into a total of 6 bands and converted into a set of intermediate codes for each band.
[0038]
When the process of converting the PDL data into the band-by-band intermediate code is completed, the processor 12 then clears the band buffer 14c in the memory 14 with the white data, and 1 band according to each intermediate code divided into the band units. Unit image generation processing is executed. The processor 12 sequentially reads the intermediate code stored in the intermediate code storage buffer 14b, and draws a raster image for one band on the band buffer 14c according to the read intermediate code (S103 to S105). At that time, the processor 12 draws the Y, M, C, and K color components in separate band buffers 14c. The intermediate code has color information of four color components Y, M, C, and K, and draws this on a band buffer 14c provided for each color component.
[0039]
(3) Shift amount correction processing
However, at this time, as will be described in detail later, the processor 12 renders a raster image based on the intermediate code of the band at a position shifted by the gap of the image output device 3 for each color component.
That is, the gap for each color component is one band for the M component, two bands for the C component, and three bands for the K component with respect to the Y component. Therefore, the processor 12 draws the Y component raster image of the Y component using the i-th band intermediate code, and uses the i-th band intermediate code of the M component i-band raster image. The C component i-th band raster image is drawn using the i-2th band intermediate code, and the K component raster image is drawn using the i-3 band intermediate code.
[0040]
More specifically, for example, when drawing a raster image of the first band, the Y component is drawn using an intermediate code of the first band. The M component, the C component, and the K component are not drawn because there is no corresponding intermediate code. That is, the white data of the first band. When drawing the raster image of the second band, the Y component is drawn using the intermediate code of the second band, and the M component is drawn using the intermediate code of the first band. The C component and the K component do not perform drawing because there is no corresponding intermediate code. When drawing the third band raster image, the Y component is drawn using the third band intermediate code, the M component is drawn using the second band intermediate code, and the C component is the second band intermediate code. Draw using one band of intermediate code. The K component is not drawn because there is no corresponding intermediate code. As described above, the raster image of the fourth band is drawn using the intermediate code of the fourth band for the Y component, the third band for the M component, the second band for the C component, and the first band for the K component.
[0041]
As described above, when a raster image is generated in a state where each color component is shifted by a gap, for example, four rectangles (rectangle 1, rectangle 2, rectangle 3) are formed on an image space of an image size of 5000 × 7200 as shown in FIG. When the PDL data for drawing the rectangle 4) is received, the raster image of each color component generated as a result is the color component of the image output device 3 as shown in FIGS. Are generated in a form shifted in the sub-scanning direction by the gap. Further, the image size for one page is increased by the gap of the K component in the sub-scanning direction. Originally, the sub-scanning direction for one page is 6 bands in size, but in the process of generating compressed data from the intermediate code, the fourth size is larger than the actual image size originally described in the PDL data. The size of the gap of the K component, which is the development color, that is, 3 bands is large in the sub-scanning direction, which is a total of 9 bands. For example, if the gap of the fourth development color is 3600 lines, the image size generated by the image processing apparatus is 5000 pixels for main scanning × 10800 lines for sub scanning.
[0042]
(4) Data compression processing
When rendering of a raster image for one band is completed, the image processing apparatus performs image compression processing each time as shown in FIG. Specifically, the processor 12 activates the image compression unit 13 to start image compression processing of data (raster data) for raster images for one band for each color component. In other words, the image compression unit 13 generates compressed data in units of one band for each color component (S106). The generated compressed data is stored in the compressed data storage buffer 14d in the memory 14.
[0043]
At that time, the image compression unit 13 sequentially compresses 8 lines for each color. The specific process is as follows. First, the processor 12 sets a read start address, a compressed image size, and a compressed data output destination memory address for the image compression unit 13. The read start address is the head address of the block line on the band buffer, the compressed data output destination memory address is the storage address of the compressed data storage buffer 14d, and the compressed image size is set to 5000 pixels × 8 lines. After the setting, the processor 12 issues a process start command to the image compression unit 13.
[0044]
The image compression unit 13 reads raster data for 8 lines from the designated memory address, performs compression processing on the raster data, and stores the compressed data after the processing at the designated address. As shown in FIG. 8, an RST (Restart) marker is added to the compressed data to be generated. However, other markers such as SOI (Start Of Image) markers and EOI (End Of Image) markers and header information are not added.
The compression processing in units of 8 lines is performed for one band in the color order. Since the band width of each band is 1200 lines, the compression process for one band of four color components is completed when the compression process is repeated 600 times in the order of YMCK in units of 8 lines.
[0045]
The image generation and compression processes in units of bands as described above are repeated for each band until the end of the page, and the image processing apparatus generates compressed data for one page (S107 to S110). Since one page has 10800 lines and 9 bands, the above process may be repeated 9 times.
[0046]
Since each raster buffer having a size larger than the actual image size is generated in each band buffer 14c in the memory 14, the amount of compressed data stored in the memory 14 by the image compression unit 13 increases, but increases. Since the image of the minute is white data, the compression rate of the portion is increased, and the increase in the amount of compressed data as a whole can be suppressed to a small level.
[0047]
(5) Data decompression processing
When the creation of compressed data for one page is completed, the image processing apparatus starts an output operation process to the image output apparatus 3.
First, the processor 12 communicates with the image output apparatus 3 so as to start an image output operation (S111). Thereafter, the image decompression unit 15 is instructed to start the decompression operation. More specifically, the compressed data read start address and decompressed image size are set. As the compressed data, the compressed data for four colors are sequentially arranged in units of 8 lines, and the compressed data is decompressed by one image decompression unit 15. Therefore, the decompressed image size is a value four times the actual image size. Set. That is, the decompressed image data output from the image decompressing unit 15 is decompressed and output as image data in which YMCK component image data is combined on a strip in units of 8 lines, not normal color component raster data. Here, the decompressed image size is set to 5000 pixels × 43200 lines. After this setting, the processor 12 issues a processing start command to the image decompression unit 15.
[0048]
The image decompression unit 15 reads the compressed data from the set memory address, performs decompression processing (S112), and sends the decompressed image data to the image output I / F unit 16. The decompressed image data from the image decompressing unit 15 is sent out in block scan order.
[0049]
(6) Data output processing
The image output I / F unit 16 has four buffers 16b to 16e each having a capacity of 16 lines. Therefore, the decompressed image data sent from the image decompression unit 15 is input to any one of the four buffers 16b to 16e according to the color component. The image output I / F unit 16 includes an image writing control unit 16a and an image reading control unit 16f. As a result, the writing of the decompressed image data from the image decompression unit 15 to the buffers 16b to 16e and the reading of the decompressed image data from the buffers 16b to 16e are controlled in a time division manner.
[0050]
In such an image output I / F unit 16, when the decompressed image data for a total of 32 lines for four colors is sent from the image decompression unit 15, the four buffers 16 b to 16 e decompress the head 8 lines of each color component. The image data is stored. In this state, the image writing control unit 16a and the image reading control unit 16f inactivate the ENB signal to stop the operation of the image expansion unit 15. In this state, the apparatus waits until a page synchronization signal is input from the image output device 3.
[0051]
As shown in FIG. 9, the ENB signal is generated by the logical sum of page synchronization signals Y-PS, M-PS, C-PS, and K-PS for each of the four color components. The output enable signal RE of the buffers 16b to 16e is generated by the logical product of the ENB signal and the LS signal.
When the Y-PS signal is input from the image output device 3, the ENB signal becomes active, and the operation of the image expansion unit 15 is resumed. At the same time, the decompressed image data is output in parallel from the four buffers 16b to 16e in synchronization with the video clock VCK.
[0052]
Here, the input / output operation of the decompressed image data to the buffers 16b to 16e will be described with reference to FIGS.
The image writing control unit 16a in the image output I / F unit 16 receives the decompressed image data of each color component from the image decompressing unit 15 in the order of block lines. Since the image decompression unit 15 operates in synchronization with a clock SCK having a frequency four times that of the video clock VCK input from the image output device 3, during the period when the line synchronization signal LS is input for eight lines, The expanded image data of the color component is expanded by a total of 32 lines for each block line, and is input to the image writing control unit 16a. The image writing control unit 16a counts the decompressed image data that is input. Each time image data for 8 lines is input, the write enable signal of the buffer memory is switched as shown in FIG. The expanded image data of the component is written and stored in the respective buffers 16b to 16e.
[0053]
On the other hand, the image readout control unit 16f outputs the line synchronization signal as it is to the buffers 16b to 16e as the readout enable signal RE, reads out the decompressed image data of each color component in parallel in synchronization with the video clock VCK, and outputs the image output device 3 Output to. Therefore, during the period when the line synchronization signal LS is input for 8 lines, the expanded image data for 8 lines for each color and the expanded image data for a total of 32 lines are output in parallel to the image output device 3.
[0054]
The decompressed image data of each color component output from the buffer memory to the image output device 3 is output at the same timing as shown in FIG. 11, but an image generated by shifting the gap for each color component is output. Is done. Therefore, the image data of each color component output to the image output device 3 is transferred onto the recording paper in a state where the registration positions coincide. The image transferred to the recording sheet is only effective image data, and the white dummy image data attached to the head and the rear end of the decompressed image data of each color component output from the image decompression unit 15 is the photosensitive drums 33a to 33a. Although it is formed as a latent image on 33d, it is not transferred onto the recording paper.
[0055]
In this manner, the image processing apparatus performs image expansion processing, shift amount correction processing, data compression processing, data expansion processing, and data output processing on the received PDL data, and the image output device 3 outputs the image as a visible image. .
[0056]
As described above, in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, raster data is generated by correcting the gap amount of the image output apparatus 3, that is, a shift amount corresponding to a predetermined delay time, and the corrected raster data ( Correction data) is sent to the image output device 3, so that the image output device 3 is adapted to the tandem method, that is, is configured to output each color component data with a predetermined delay time in between. Even if it is a thing, it is not necessary to provide the gap memory etc. for responding to the delay time. In other words, this image processing apparatus does not require a large-capacity gap memory or the like even when tandem image output is supported, so that the apparatus configuration can be prevented from becoming complicated. It becomes easy to reduce the cost of the apparatus.
[0057]
Further, in the present embodiment, the correction data is generated by shifting the storage position in the memory 14 for each color component, so that no special hardware configuration is required and only the control process of the processor 12 is performed. The above-mentioned effect can be obtained.
[0058]
In the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, data compression processing and data decompression processing are performed on the correction data. That is, one image decompression unit 15 performs time division processing for four colors and performs data decompression processing on compressed code data shifted by a gap. Therefore, even when the image output by the tandem method is supported, it is not necessary to provide an image expansion unit for each color component as in the conventional case. That is, since only one image decompression unit 15 can cope with tandem image output without requiring a large-capacity gap memory, the apparatus configuration is complicated and the circuit scale is conventionally increased. Will not lead to an increase in size.
[0059]
In the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the gap amount for each color component in the image output apparatus 3, specifically, the interval between the photosensitive drums 33 a to 33 d of the image output apparatus 3 and the recording paper by the paper transport unit 35. Correction data is generated based on a predetermined delay time determined by the transport speed (that is, the image forming process speed), so that it is possible to reliably cope with tandem image output. Become.
[0060]
In the present embodiment, the case where the correction data is generated based on the interval between the photosensitive drums and the conveyance speed of the recording sheet has been described. However, the image output apparatus 3 outputs the image to a plurality of recording sheets. As long as it is performed continuously, it may be based on the distance between the plurality of recording sheets in addition to the interval between the photosensitive drums and the recording sheet conveyance speed.
[0061]
  [Second Embodiment]
  Next, a second embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.To do.
[0062]
As shown in FIG. 12, the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes information indicating the storage address and data amount of compressed data for each block line in addition to the case of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). A pointer table 17 for storing is provided.
[0063]
Here, an outline of a processing operation example in the image processing apparatus will be described. In the case of the first embodiment described above, in the process of developing from PDL data to raster data, raster image development is performed by shifting the coordinate axes of the respective color components so that the developed raster data is shifted by a gap. The raster data is sequentially compressed. However, in the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, raster development from PDL data is performed without shifting the gap as in the prior art. Thereafter, compression processing is performed, and the generated compressed data is rearranged in a form shifted by the gap, and then the compressed data shifted by the gap is sequentially expanded and output.
[0064]
Next, details of the above processing operation will be described in order with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0065]
(1) Image development processing
When the PDL data from the client PC 1 is received by the network I / F unit 11 and stored in the memory 14 (S201), the processor 12 performs a process of expanding the received PDL data into raster data.
[0066]
A specific raster image development process is as follows.
Assuming that the received PDL data is what finally draws four rectangles (rectangle 1, rectangle 2, rectangle 3, rectangle 4) on an image space of image size 5000 × 7200 as shown in FIG. The processor 12 interprets the PDL data and converts them into an intermediate code in band units for each color component (S202 in FIG. 13). At that time, the intermediate codes of the M component, the C component, and the K component are drawn at normal coordinates instead of shifting the drawing coordinates in the sub-scanning direction as in the case of the first embodiment. Convert.
[0067]
At this time, the intermediate code of rectangle 1 (Y color) in FIG. 14 is broken down into six intermediate codes from rectangle 11 to rectangle 16 as shown in FIG. Similarly, the intermediate code of the rectangle 2 is broken down into six intermediate codes from the rectangle 21 to the rectangle 26 as shown in FIG. Similarly, the rectangle 3 is broken down from the rectangle 31 to the rectangle 36 as shown in FIG. 15C, and the rectangle 4 is broken down from the rectangle 41 to the rectangle 46 as shown in FIG. 15D. Each decomposed intermediate code is stored in the intermediate code storage buffer 14b of the corresponding band in the memory 14.
[0068]
When the process of converting the PDL data into band units for each color component is completed, the processor 12 then clears the band buffer 14c in the memory 14 with white data (S203 to S204 in FIG. 13), and the band Image generation processing for one band is executed according to each intermediate code divided into units.
First, the intermediate code stored in the first band intermediate code storage buffer 14b is executed to generate the first band image. In this example, the intermediate codes for drawing in the first band are the Y color rectangle 11, the M color rectangle 21, the C color rectangle 31, and the K color rectangle 41. These four rectangles are drawn on the band buffer 14c for each color component, and raster data for one band is generated (S205 in FIG. 13).
[0069]
(2) Data compression processing
When image generation for one band is completed, the processor 12 activates the image compression unit 13 and performs compression processing on the generated band image. The compression process may be performed in units of 8 lines for each color component, and the pointer may be managed in units of 8 lines. However, for simplicity of explanation, the compression process is performed in units of bands and is compressed in units of bands. A case where an RST marker is added to data and pointer information in units of bands is managed will be described.
[0070]
The processor 12 sets the head address where the Y component image data is stored, the data amount for one band, and the compressed data storage address to the image compression unit 13 and starts the compression process. The image compression unit 13 reads the raster data for one band of the Y component from the set address by DMA transfer, generates compressed data, and writes it to the specified memory address by DMA transfer. When the compression processing for one band of the Y component is completed, the processor 12 stores the transfer destination address of the compressed data set in the image compression unit 13 and the generated compressed data amount in the pointer table 17. Similarly, compression processing for one band of M component, C component, and K component is repeated (S206 in FIG. 13).
[0071]
The processor 12 repeats the above-described band-unit image generation and compression processing over one page (S204 to S208 in FIG. 13), and generates one page of compressed data and the pointer table 17. The generated pointer table 17 is shown in FIG. Thus, the pointers are arranged in the pointer table 17 in the order of P-Y1, P-M1, P-C1, P-K1, and YP-Y2.
[0072]
(3) Sorting process
When the compression process for one page is completed, the processor 12 performs a process of rearranging the compressed data (S209 in FIG. 13). The rearrangement of the compressed data is performed by reading the compressed data of each band with reference to the pointer table 17 so that the arrangement order of the compressed data is the same as the arrangement order in the first embodiment. Is shifted by the gap and transferred to another memory area so that the compressed data of the white dummy data is inserted at the shifted position.
[0073]
For example, since the gap amount of each color component is 1200 lines = 1 byte, if the compressed data is stored in the compressed data storage buffer 14d in the memory 14 in the order shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 17B, the stored compressed data is rearranged so that one band is inserted for each color in order.
[0074]
The specific processing at this time is as follows.
First, the processor 12 prepares dummy data. Since the dummy data is compressed data of a white data image for one band, the band buffer is cleared with white data, and then compressed by the image compression unit 13 to be generated.
Next, the Y-band first band compressed data is transferred from the pointer table 17 to another address in the memory 14 by the amount of data stored in the table from the pointer P-Y1 of the Y1 band. The amount of dummy data inserted in the entire page is equivalent to 6 bands of the dummy data for one band generated earlier, so the transfer destination memory address is set 6 bytes before the dummy data amount.
Next, dummy data for three bands is transferred to M, C, and K colors. Thereafter, the compressed data of the second band is transferred by the data amount. Since the second band needs to be shifted by the gap for all of the M, C, and K colors, dummy data for three bands is transferred. Thus far, the compressed data is rearranged in the memory 14 in the order of Y1, dummy, dummy, dummy, Y2, dummy, dummy, dummy. For the M component, the gap is completed. In the next two bands, dummy insertion is performed only for M and K colors. Further, for the next two bands, dummy insertion is performed only for K color. Thereafter, the compressed data of Y, M, C, and K colors are sequentially transferred one band at a time. By such rearrangement of the compressed data, the arrangement order of the compressed data as shown in FIG. 17B is obtained.
[0075]
In the above description, the case where compressed data is generated in units of one band and the compressed data in units of one band is rearranged is taken as an example, but naturally compressed data is generated in units of eight lines (one block line unit). The compressed data may be rearranged in units of block lines and dummy data may be inserted in units of one block line. In this case, the rearranged compressed data results in the same result as the compressed data of the first embodiment.
[0076]
Therefore, if the compressed data obtained in this way is expanded in order from the beginning (S210 to S213 in FIG. 13), the decompressed image data shifted by the gap for each color component is output as the image as in the first embodiment. It will be output to the device 3.
[0077]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the shift amount corresponding to the gap of the image output device 3 is corrected, and the corrected raster data is sent to the image output device 3. The same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0078]
In this embodiment, the correction data is generated by rearranging the compressed data, so that the processing time can be shortened compared with the case where correction is applied to uncompressed raster data. can do.
Furthermore, if the rearrangement of the compressed data and the generation of the raster data are performed at the same time, further high-speed processing can be achieved.
[0079]
  [Third Embodiment]
  Next, a third embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.To do.
[0080]
As shown in FIG. 18, the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment is provided with a compressed data read control unit 18 in addition to the case of the second embodiment (see FIG. 12).
The compressed data read control unit 18 reads pointer information sequentially from the top of the pointer table 17, reads compressed data from the memory 14 according to the pointer information, and sends it to the image decompression unit 15.
[0081]
Here, an outline of a processing operation example in the image processing apparatus will be described. As in the case of the second embodiment, this image processing apparatus expands raster data from PDL data as usual without shifting the expansion gap, performs compression processing thereafter, and generates the generated compressed data. After the data are rearranged in the form shifted by the gap, the compressed data shifted by the gap are sequentially decompressed and output.
However, unlike the second embodiment, this image processing apparatus does not actually rearrange the compressed data, but arranges the pointer table 17 indicating the storage addresses of the compressed data in band units on the memory. Instead, the compressed data is read one band at a time in order from the head of the rearranged pointer table 17, and decompression processing is performed.
[0082]
Next, details of the above processing operation will be described in order with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In this image processing apparatus, as in the case of the second embodiment, the PDL data reception process from the client PC 1 and the image expansion process to raster data for the received PDL data are performed (S301 to S305).
[0083]
(1) Data compression processing
When the process of converting the PDL data into the band unit for each color component is completed, the processor 12 activates the image compression unit 13 and compresses the generated band image as in the case of the second embodiment. I do. Then, image generation and compression processing in units of bands are repeated over one page (S304 to S308), and one page of compressed data and pointer table 17 are generated. In the generated pointer table 17, pointers are arranged in the order of P-Y1, P-M1, P-C1, P-K1, and YP-Y2, as shown in FIG.
[0084]
(2) Sorting process
When the compression processing for one page is completed, the processor 12 performs rearrangement processing of the pointer table 17 (S309 in FIG. 19). In the present embodiment, since the gap amount of each color component is 1200 lines = 1 byte, a pointer indicating the head address of the compressed data of each color band stored in the pointer table 17 is shown in FIG. As described above, each band is shifted by two bands, and after the shift, the pointer P-Dummy to the dummy data is inserted and rearranged.
[0085]
Here, a plurality of pointers P-Dummy to the dummy data are repeatedly stored, but the actual dummy data is for one band, and the same dummy data is referenced several times and expanded. For this reason, unlike the case of the second embodiment, there is no increase in the data amount of the entire compressed data. In addition, since the pointer data is only rearranged, the processing time can be shortened.
[0086]
(3) Data decompression processing
When the rearrangement of the pointer table 17 is completed, output operation processing to the image output device 3 is started.
First, the processor 12 communicates with the image output apparatus 3 so as to start an image output operation (S310 in FIG. 19). Thereafter, the image decompression unit 15 is instructed to start the decompression operation. Specifically, the decompressed image size is determined. The compressed data is arranged by interleaving four colors of compressed data in band units, and the data is decompressed by one image decompression unit 15, so that the decompressed image size is four times the actual image size. Set. Here, the decompressed image size is set to 5000 pixels × 43200 lines. After this setting, the processor 12 issues a processing start command to the image decompression unit 15.
[0087]
Here, the compressed data read control unit 18 reads the pointer information sequentially from the head of the pointer table 17 according to the pointer table 17 after the rearrangement is completed, and reads the compressed data from the memory 14 based on the pointer information. This is sent to the image decompression unit 15. That is, the compressed data read control unit 18 reads the pointer sequentially from the top of the address table, and sets the read start address and the number of read bytes of the compressed data. The number of read bytes is obtained by adding the compressed data amount of dummy data to the actual compressed data capacity of the image. Then, the compressed data is read from the corresponding memory address and sent to the image decompression unit 15.
[0088]
The image decompression unit 15 performs decompression processing on the compressed data received from the compressed data read control unit 18 and sends the decompressed image data to the image output I / F unit 16 (S311 to S313 in FIG. 19). When the amount of data read from reaches the set number of bytes, the DMA transfer is stopped there. When the compressed data read control unit 18 sets the read start address and the number of read bytes of the next compressed data, the decompression process is continued for the corresponding compressed data.
[0089]
In the above description, the case where compressed data is generated in units of one band and the compressed data in units of one band is rearranged is taken as an example, but naturally compressed data is generated in units of eight lines (one block line unit). The compressed data may be rearranged in units of block lines and dummy data may be inserted in units of one block line. In this case, the rearranged compressed data results in the same result as the compressed data of the first embodiment.
[0090]
Therefore, if the compressed data obtained in this way is expanded in order from the top, the expanded image data shifted by the gap for each color component is output to the image output device 3 as in the first and second embodiments. The Rukoto.
[0091]
Next, an example of processing operation when the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment outputs a plurality of identical images continuously will be described. FIG. 21 shows the timing when outputting the same page.
[0092]
According to the example, in order to increase the printing speed, the page interval between a plurality of copies that are continuously output is narrowed, and the sixth band K6 of the K component that is the fourth development color of the first copy, The timing is such that the first band Y1 of the Y component, which is the first developing color of the second copy, is overlapped by one band and output. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus, it is necessary to rearrange the pointer table 17 so that the decompressed output images are overlapped.
[0093]
The image expansion processing and data compression processing of PDL data into raster data are the same as in the case of one-part output as described above. The pointer table 17 generated as a result is rearranged so that the rear end K6 of the K component overlapping the Y component of the second part is moved to the head. If the compressed data thus rearranged is repeatedly expanded, the rear end portion of the K color is output as the front end portion of the next page pitch, and as a result, latent images are formed on the photoconductors 33a to 33d as one image. The latent image is formed and transferred onto a recording sheet.
[0094]
When the compressed data is repeatedly expanded four times in accordance with the pointer table 17 rearranged in this way, the completed three-part expanded image data is output. For the first pitch K component and the fourth pitch Y, M, and C components, an extra latent image is formed on the photosensitive drums 33a to 33d, but is transferred onto the recording paper. Absent.
[0095]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the pointer table 17 is rearranged to correct the shift amount corresponding to the gap of the image output apparatus 3, and the corrected raster data is used as the image output apparatus 3. Therefore, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained.
[0096]
In the present embodiment, instead of rearranging the compressed data itself, rearrangement is performed on the pointer table 17, and the rearrangement is performed by controlling the extraction order of the compressed data according to the pointer table 17. Therefore, there is no increase in the amount of data for the entire compressed data, and the processing time can be shortened because only the pointer data is rearranged.
Furthermore, even if the gap interval and page interval fluctuate in units of one line, it is possible to cope with this, and even if the pages overlap, it becomes easy to cope with it.
[0097]
  [Fourth Embodiment]
  Next, a description will be given of a fourth embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.To do.
[0098]
As shown in FIG. 22, the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an image output I / F unit 16, a compressed data read control unit 18, in addition to the case of the third embodiment (see FIG. 18). In addition, the following functions are provided.
The image output I / F unit 16 monitors the free capacity of the four buffers 16b to 16e in the image output I / F unit 16 and transfers the decompressed image data of the color component having the free capacity when there is free capacity for one block line. The data request signals Y-REQ, M-REQ, C-REQ, and K-REQ for requesting are output to the compressed data read control unit 18. Further, when a data request signal is input from the image output I / F unit 16, the compressed data read control unit 18 reads pointer information corresponding to the requested color component from the pointer table 17, and stores the color component of the color component. The compressed data is transferred to the image decompression unit 15.
[0099]
Here, an outline of a processing operation example in the image processing apparatus will be described.
In this image processing apparatus, the process of expanding the PDL data to the raster data is performed without shifting the gap, and then the compression process is performed to generate compressed data for each color component, and the image decompression unit 15 is generated from the memory of the compressed data. The order in which data is transferred to the image output I / F unit 16 is controlled as the order in which an image is read from the buffer in the image output I / F unit 16 and a free space of 8 lines is generated.
[0100]
Next, details of the above processing operation will be described in order with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In this image processing apparatus, similarly to the second and third embodiments, the PDL data reception process from the client PC 1 and the image expansion process to raster data for the received PDL data are performed (S401 to S401). S405).
[0101]
(1) Data compression processing
Thereafter, when the image generation of the designated band is completed, the band image is compressed. The compression process is performed in units of 8 lines for each color component. Restart processing is performed every time compression processing for 8 lines is completed, and an RST marker is added to the end of the code data. The processor 12 manages the head address (pointer) of the memory 14 in which the compressed data for every 8 lines is stored in the pointer table 17 for each color component as shown in FIG. 24 (S406 in FIG. 23). .
The image generation and compression processing in units of bands as described above is repeated over one page to generate one page of compressed data and pointer table 17 for each color component (S404 to S410 in FIG. 23).
[0102]
(2) Data decompression processing
When the compression process for one page is completed, the output operation to the image output device 3 is started as shown in FIG.
First, the processor 12 communicates with the image output apparatus 3 so as to start an image output operation (S411). Thereafter, the image expansion unit 15 is caused to start expansion processing. Specifically, an expanded image size is set. The compressed data includes four colors arranged in units of 8 lines, and is expanded by one image expansion unit 15. Therefore, the processor 12 sets a value four times the actual image size, for example, 5000 pixels × 28800 lines as the image expansion size. After the setting, the processor 12 issues a processing start command to the image decompression unit 15.
[0103]
At this time, when the output of the image is started, the buffers 16b to 16e in the image output I / F unit 16 are in an empty state, so the data request signals Y-REQ, M-REQ, C- Both REQ and K-REQ are asserted. Therefore, the compressed data read control unit 18 arbitrates the request signal and reads the compressed data in the order of the Y component, M component, C component, and K component. That is, first, DMA transfer is performed from the memory address indicated by P-Y1 in the pointer table 17, and after the DMA transfer is completed, DMA transfer is performed from P-M1, P-C1, and P-K1.
[0104]
The image decompression unit 15 decompresses the compressed data transferred by DMA and outputs the decompressed data to the image output I / F unit 16. Since the transferred compressed data is transferred by 8 lines in the order of Y1, M1, C1, K1, the decompressed image data is also output by 8 lines in the order of Y1, M1, C1, K1 (S412).
[0105]
In the image output I / F unit 16, the image writing control unit 16a switches the buffers 16b to 16e for storing the expanded image data input every 8 lines. As a result, the expanded image data of each color component for 8 lines is buffered. 16b to 16e, the buffers 16b to 16e are full, and the data request signals from the buffers 16b to 16e are negated. Here, since the request signal from each of the buffers 16b to 16e is negated, the compressed data read control unit 18 enters a standby state without reading any more compressed data.
[0106]
Thereafter, the operation of the image output device 3 is started, and when the page synchronization signal PS is input, the decompressed image data is output from the buffers 16b to 16e (S413 to S414).
At this time, since the image output device 3 is of a tandem system, the Y component page synchronization signal Y-PS is first input to the image read control unit 16 f of the image output I / F unit 16. Then, the output of the decompressed image data is started from the Y component buffer 16b. When the decompressed image data of Y component for 8 lines is output, the Y component buffer 16b has a free capacity for 8 lines, so the data request signal Y-REQ is asserted.
[0107]
When the data request signal Y-REQ is asserted, the compressed data read control unit 18 recognizes that the Y component compressed data is requested to be read, and the Cy2 bytes from the memory address indicated by Py2 in the pointer table 17. The compressed data is sent to the image decompression unit 15 by DMA transfer. The image decompression unit 15 decompresses the second line of the Y component and sends the decompressed image data to the Y component buffer 16b.
[0108]
When such processing is repeated 150 times, an M component page synchronization signal M-PS is subsequently input, and output of decompressed image data from the M component buffer 16c is started. At the same time, since the output of the Y component is continued, the data request signals Y-REQ and M-REQ for the Y component and the M component are asserted for the next 1200 lines. The compressed data read control unit 18 refers to the pointer table 17 and sequentially reads the compressed data for eight lines of the Y component and the M component. As a result, the decompressed image data for eight lines of the Y component and the M component are sequentially output by the image decompression unit 15, and the decompressed image data is sequentially stored in the Y component buffer 16b and the M component buffer 16c. Meanwhile, the Y component buffer 16b and the M component buffer 16c output the decompressed image data to the image output device 3 in synchronization with the video synchronization signal.
[0109]
When such a process is repeated 150 times, a C component page synchronization signal C-PS is input, and output of decompressed image data is started from the C component buffer 16d. Accordingly, compressed data for 8 lines is read in the order of Y, M, and C, and then decompressed, and the decompressed image data is output to the image output device 3 via the buffers 16b to 16d.
[0110]
When such a process is repeated 150 times, a K component page synchronization signal K-PS is input, and output of decompressed image data is started from the K component buffer 16e. Therefore, the compressed data for every 8 lines is read out in the order of Y, M, C, and K and then decompressed, and the decompressed image data is output to the image output device 3 via the buffers 16b to 16e. This continues for the next 3200 lines.
[0111]
When the image output of the four color components elapses during the period of 3200 lines, the Y component image output ends and the Y component buffer 16b remains full, so the data request signal Y-REQ is not asserted. Therefore, in the next 1200 line period, compressed data of 8 lines is read out in the order of M, C, and K and then decompressed, and the decompressed image data is sent to the image output device 3 via the buffers 16c to 16e. Is output.
[0112]
In this manner, compressed data of only two colors C and K is read during the next 1200 line period, and only K color is read and decompressed during the next 1200 line period.
When the output of the K component is finished, all the buffers 16b to 16e are in a full state, and reading of compressed data and decompression output are stopped until the next page pitch is started and Y-PS is input.
[0113]
As described above, the image data output from the image output I / F unit 16 is output in synchronization with the page synchronization signal PS of each color component, so that there are gaps on the photosensitive drums 33a to 33d of each color component. In the shifted state, a latent image of only the effective image is formed, and the latent image is transferred to a recording sheet and output.
[0114]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the shift amount corresponding to the gap of the image output device 3 is corrected, and the corrected raster data is sent to the image output device 3. Therefore, as in the first to third embodiments, a large capacity gap memory or the like is not required, and the decompression process can be performed with only one image decompression unit, resulting in a complicated apparatus configuration. In addition, it is possible to reduce the cost of the apparatus.
[0115]
In the present embodiment, the image output I / F unit 16 monitors the free capacity of the four buffers 16b to 16e in the image output I / F unit 16 and when there is free capacity for one block line, The compressed data read control unit 18 is requested to transfer the decompressed image data of a certain color component. That is, one image decompression unit 15 performs time-sharing processing, issues a DMA transfer request if the buffers 16b to 16e are free, and transfers the compressed data for one band when this DMA is accepted. ing.
[0116]
That is, in the present embodiment, the shift amount corresponding to the gap of the image output device 3 is corrected by controlling the buffers 16b to 16e in the image output I / F unit 16. Therefore, correction of the decompressed image data output to the image output device 3 can be performed by controlling the writing of the decompressed image data of each color component to the buffers 16b to 16e and the reading of the decompressed image data from each of the buffers 16b to 16e. Therefore, prevention of complication of the apparatus configuration and the like can be surely effective.
[0117]
In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the compression method is the JPEG method, but another compression method may be used. For example, a run length compression method in which the length of the same color pixel is used as a code in the main scanning direction may be used.
[0118]
  [Fifth Embodiment]
  Next, a fifth embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.To do.
[0119]
The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment converts received PDL data into intermediate data and then expands it into raster data, as in the first to fourth embodiments. Unlike the case of the fourth embodiment, when generating the band unit intermediate code from the PDL data, the correction is applied in a form shifted by the gap for each color component.
[0120]
For this purpose, this image processing apparatus is provided with an image drawing unit 19 for drawing a raster image of an intermediate code as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 26, the inside of the memory 14 is divided into several areas and managed. Unlike the first to fourth embodiments, the memory 14 has a compressed data buffer area. Not done. Therefore, in this memory 14, the memory capacity can be reduced as compared with the case of the first to fourth embodiments.
[0121]
Here, an outline of a processing operation example in the present embodiment will be described.
Unlike the case of the first to fourth embodiments, this image processing apparatus does not perform an output operation by expanding and synchronizing with the image output apparatus 3 after the generation of compressed data for one page is completed. The intermediate code is developed into raster data in synchronization with the output device 3 and directly output to the image output device 3. In other words, when PDL data sent via the network is received, the PDL data is converted into an intermediate code for each color component in a band so that the drawing coordinates are shifted for each color component, and converted to an intermediate code for one page. When the conversion is completed, an intermediate code is drawn for each band in synchronization with the image output device 3 and output to the image output device 3 to output a full color image.
[0122]
Next, the above processing operation will be described in detail.
The PDL data reception process is the same as in the first to fourth embodiments.
When the reception of the PDL data is completed, a reception completion interrupt signal is output from the network I / F 11 to the processor 12, and then the processor 12 performs a process of expanding the received PDL data into an image.
[0123]
(1) Intermediate code generation processing
A specific image development process is as follows.
First, the processor 12 clears the four band buffers 14c in the memory 14 with initial values. Next, the processor 12 reads and interprets the PDL data stored in the PDL storage buffer 14a in the memory 14, and converts it into an intermediate code in band units. At this time, the intermediate code is converted for each color component. That is, each intermediate code does not have color information of four color components but has gradation information for each color component.
[0124]
However, the intermediate code of each color component is generated so as to have a coordinate position shifted by a gap for each color.
The processor 12 converts the image information described in PDL into a set of intermediate codes for each color component, and stores them in the intermediate code storage buffer 14b. The intermediate code storage buffer 14b is divided into band units. Therefore, each intermediate code is divided and stored in band units according to the respective drawing coordinates.
[0125]
That is, the processor 12 converts the intermediate code so that the coordinates drawn for each color component are shifted by the gap. For example, since the Y component has no gap, the processor 12 does not perform coordinate conversion in the sub-scanning direction for the intermediate code of the Y component. Since the gap length of the M component is one band (for 1200 lines), the processor 12 converts the intermediate code of the M component into coordinates shifted by one band in the sub-scanning direction from the original drawing coordinates. Similarly, the intermediate code of C component is converted into coordinates shifted by 2 bands (2400 lines) in the sub-scanning direction from the original drawing coordinates, and the intermediate code of K component is 3 in the sub-scanning direction from the original drawing coordinates. It is converted into coordinates shifted by the band (3600 lines).
As described above, the drawing coordinates are shifted for each color component. As a result, the length of the image in the sub-scanning direction is increased by 3 bands, which is the gap length of the K component, for a total of 9 bands.
[0126]
For example, when PDL data for displaying an image as shown in FIG. 6 is received, the processor 12 converts the intermediate code of the rectangle 1 corresponding to the Y component into a rectangle as shown in FIG. 11 to a rectangle 16 are broken down into intermediate codes for drawing. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7B, the intermediate code of the rectangle 2 in FIG. 6 includes 6 from the rectangle 22 to the rectangle 27 so that the coordinates are shifted by 1200 lines (one band) in the sub-scanning direction. Is broken down into two intermediate codes. Similarly, the rectangle 3 is disassembled as shown in FIG. 7C and the rectangle 4 is disassembled as shown in FIG. Each decomposed intermediate code is stored in the intermediate code storage buffer 14b of the corresponding band.
[0127]
(2) Output operation processing after completion of intermediate code generation
When the process of converting the PDL data into the intermediate code for each band is completed, the image processing apparatus starts an output operation to the image output apparatus 3 next.
First, the image drawing unit 19 performs an image drawing process for one band. The image drawing unit 19 reads the intermediate code corresponding to the first band from the intermediate code storage buffer 14b, and stores the length specified in the coordinates indicated by the intermediate code and the specified gradation value on the band buffer 14c. Draw a raster image.
[0128]
The band buffer 14c has a capacity for two bands for each color component, and is used as a ping-pong buffer. Therefore, the image output I / F 16 can read the raster data from the other band buffer while the image drawing unit 19 is drawing the one band buffer 14c.
[0129]
The image drawing unit 19 executes this image drawing process for the intermediate code of four color components for one band. That is, drawing processing for one band of four color components is executed. However, at this time, for the M component, C component, and K component, the drawing coordinates of the intermediate code are shifted in the sub-scanning direction by 1 band, 2 bands, and 3 bands, respectively. For the K component, there is no intermediate code, and only the Y component is drawn.
[0130]
When the drawing for one band is completed, the image drawing unit 19 waits until the next band synchronization signal BS is input.
Here, the processor 12 communicates with the image output apparatus 3 so as to start an image output operation. Thereafter, the image drawing unit 19 starts an image drawing operation for each band.
[0131]
Thereafter, when the synchronization signal PS is input from the image output device 3 to the image output I / F unit 16, the image output I / F unit 16 reads the raster data of the Y component from the band buffer 14c, and the internal buffer 16b. After being stored once in 16d, raster data is output to the image output device 3 in synchronization with the line synchronization signal LS and the pixel clock VCK from the image output device 3. At the same time, the image output I / F unit 16 counts the line synchronization signal LS, and outputs the pulse band synchronization signal BS to the image drawing unit 19 every time 1200 lines are counted.
[0132]
When the image drawing unit 19 receives the band synchronization signal BS from the image output I / F unit 16, the image drawing unit 19 reads the intermediate code corresponding to the predetermined band from the intermediate code storage buffer 14b, and is designated by the coordinates indicated by the intermediate code. The raster image is drawn on the band buffer 14c with the specified length and the specified gradation value. The image drawing unit 19 executes this image drawing process for the intermediate code of four color components for one band. When drawing for one band is completed, the process waits until the next band synchronization signal BS is input.
[0133]
When the above-described drawing processing and image output processing for each band are repeated for one page (for nine bands), raster data is output in a form shifted by the gap for each color component. As shown in FIG. 10, the raster data of each color component output to the image output device 3 starts output at the same timing, but an image generated by shifting the gap for each color is output. As described above, the image data of each color component output to the image output device 3 is transferred onto the recording paper in a state where the registration positions coincide. At this time, the image transferred onto the recording sheet is only effective image data. That is, white dummy image data attached to the head and rear end of raster data of each color component output from the image output I / F unit 16 is formed as a latent image on the photosensitive drums 33a to 33d. It is not transferred to the recording paper.
In this way, PDL data is output as a color image on the recording paper.
[0134]
As described above, in the present embodiment, PDL data is converted into an intermediate code that can be drawn in real time, and at that time, a deviation amount corresponding to the gap of the image output device 3 is corrected, and this is converted into the image output device. 3 is developed into raster data in synchronism with 3 and directly output to the image output device 3. Therefore, it is suitable for connection to an image output device 3 equipped with a so-called rendering engine. In this case, it is possible to perform rapid processing while preventing the complexity of the device configuration and reducing the cost of the device. It becomes. In addition, it is easy to reduce the memory capacity.
[0135]
In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which an intermediate code with a corrected amount of deviation is developed and output directly as raster data in synchronization with the image output device 3. Ordinary image expansion processing or data compression processing may be performed, and even in this case, the same effects as those in the first to fourth embodiments can be obtained.
[0136]
  [Sixth Embodiment]
  Next, a sixth embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.To do.
[0137]
Unlike the case of the fifth embodiment, the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is described in the received PDL data instead of shifting the drawing coordinates for each color component when generating the intermediate code. The drawing command is decomposed for each color component, and the drawing coordinates of the drawing command for each color component are converted so as to be shifted by the gap. As a result, the entire processing time is shortened, a compressed data storage area is not required on the memory 14, and the amount of memory can be reduced.
[0138]
Hereinafter, a processing operation example in the present embodiment will be described.
The PDL data reception process is the same as in the fifth embodiment.
When reception of the PDL data is completed, a reception completion interrupt signal is output from the network I / F 11 to the processor 12, and then the processor 12 performs color separation processing on the received PDL data.
[0139]
(1) Color separation processing of PDL data
Specific color separation processing of PDL data is as follows.
However, here, as shown in FIG. 27, it is assumed that the original PDL data is a rectangle drawing command for drawing a rectangle with a certain color (YMCK composite color).
First, the processor 12 copies this rectangular drawing command to a predetermined area in the memory 14 by the number of color components of the PDL data, that is, four. The original PDL data that has been copied is deleted from the memory 14.
[0140]
Next, the processor 12 rewrites the drawing color of the rectangular drawing command corresponding to each color component after copying to color information and coordinates other than that color component. For example, in the case of the M component, the drawing color other than the M component is replaced with “0” and the drawing coordinates are shifted in the sub-scanning direction by the gap length of the Y component = 1200 lines. The same processing is performed for the rectangular drawing command for each color component after copying.
At this time, since the coordinates of the drawing command are shifted for each color component, the length in the sub-scanning direction of the image drawn as a result is increased by 3 bands, which is the gap length of the K component, for a total of 9 bands. Is converted to
[0141]
(2) Intermediate code expansion processing
When the color separation process of the PDL data is completed, the processor 12 then expands the PDL data into an intermediate code for each band.
First, the processor 12 clears the four band buffers 14c in the memory 14 with initial values. Next, the processor 12 reads and interprets the PDL data stored in the PDL storage buffer 14a in the memory 14, and converts it into an intermediate code in band units. At this time, the intermediate code is converted for each color component. That is, each intermediate code does not have color information of four color components but has gradation information for each color component.
[0142]
The processor 12 converts the image information described in PDL into a set of intermediate codes for each color component, and stores them in the intermediate code storage buffer 14b. The intermediate code storage buffer 14b is divided into band units, and each intermediate code is divided into band units and stored in accordance with each drawing coordinate.
[0143]
By the way, the PDL data for each color component has its drawing command shifted in gaps for each color component, so the intermediate code of each color component generated from the PDL data also has its drawing coordinates The shape is shifted by the gap of each color component. As a result, the intermediate code similar to that in the fifth embodiment is stored in the intermediate code storage buffer 14b.
[0144]
(3) Output operation processing after completion of intermediate code generation
When the process of converting the PDL data into the intermediate code of the band unit is completed, the output operation to the image output apparatus 3 is performed by the same process as in the fifth embodiment.
[0145]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the received PDL data is corrected for the shift amount corresponding to the gap of the image output apparatus 3, and the corrected PDL data is developed into raster data to be the image output apparatus. 3 is output. Therefore, even in this case, the same effect as in the case of the fifth embodiment can be obtained.
[0146]
Similarly to the case of the fifth embodiment, the corrected PDL data is converted into an intermediate code in band units, and the intermediate code is raster-developed while being synchronized in band units to the image output apparatus 3. It can be applied to an image processing apparatus that outputs the data. Also, the corrected PDL data is converted into an intermediate code, and then the intermediate code is rasterized and converted into compressed data for one page before being output to the image output apparatus 3. The present invention can also be applied to an image processing apparatus.
[0147]
  [Seventh Embodiment]
  Next, an image output system according to the present invention will be described.To do.
[0148]
The image output system according to the present embodiment is formed by connecting a client PC 1 and a tandem printer 2 via a network, as in the case described in the first to sixth embodiments. The PDL data transmitted from the client PC 1 functioning as a device is configured so that the tandem printer 2 develops the raster data into raster data and outputs the raster data (see FIG. 28).
However, in this image output system, the shift amount corresponding to the gap in the image output device 3 of the printer 2 is corrected in the client PC 1.
[0149]
Next, a processing operation example in the image output system configured as described above will be described.
In the client PC 1, when an output (printout) of document data or the like is instructed by a user operating the client PC 1, a printer driver provided in the client PC 1 is activated. Then, the printer driver interprets the document data to be output held in the memory or the like in the client PC 1 and converts it into an intermediate code in units of bands for each color of YMCK.
[0150]
When the intermediate code generation process for one page is completed, the printer driver subsequently performs raster expansion processing on the intermediate code in units of one band.
At this time, as described in the first embodiment, the printer driver uses the intermediate code at the position shifted by the gap length in accordance with the gap length of each color component of the output destination printer 2 and uses the band image. Expand. The printer driver has information on the resolution of the output printer 2 and the gap length of each color component in advance, and performs raster image development processing in units of bands based on the information. Then, data compression processing is performed on the raster data generated by the raster image development processing.
The printer driver generates compressed data by repeating such raster image development and image compression processing in units of bands for one page.
[0151]
When the generation process of the compressed data for one page is completed, the client PC 1 transmits the generated compressed data to the printer 2 side via the network.
On the printer 2 side, the image processing apparatus receives the transmitted compressed data and temporarily stores it in the memory 14. When reception of the compressed data for one page is completed, the image output device 3 is activated, and as described above, the data expansion processing for four colors is performed by one image expansion unit 15 and is output to the image output device 3. Printer out to recording paper.
[0152]
As described above, according to the image output system of the present embodiment, conversion from document data to data that can be directly output by the printer 2 (compressed data in the present embodiment) is performed on the client PC 1 side, and the printer 2 The side performs output processing of the input data. That is, since the correction data is generated on the client PC 1 side, the processing load on the printer 2 side is reduced, and a plurality of client PCs 1 are connected to the network, and print output is performed from the plurality of PCs 1. However, there is an effect that the waiting time is reduced.
[0153]
In this image output system, the compressed data creation process is not performed by the image processing apparatus on the printer 2 side, but is performed on the client PC 1 side and is transmitted to the printer 2 side. On the printer 2 side, when the image processing apparatus receives one page of compressed data, it immediately outputs it to the image output apparatus 3. Therefore, there is an effect that the processing time in the image processing apparatus is further shortened.
[0154]
Here, the case where the client PC 1 performs the correction of the shift amount corresponding to the gap length in the image output device 3 when performing the raster image development processing has been described as an example. It goes without saying that the correction data may be generated as in the case of the embodiment.
[0155]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, the image processing apparatus and the image output system of the present inventionAnd image processing methodGenerates raster data by correcting a gap amount in the image output apparatus, that is, a shift amount corresponding to a predetermined delay time, and sends the corrected raster data (correction data) to the image output apparatus. Therefore, even if the image output device is compatible with the tandem system, that is, is configured to output each color component data with a predetermined delay time in between, a gap memory for corresponding to the delay time Etc. need not be provided.
  Even when data compression processing and data decompression processing are performed to reduce the amount of data, if these processing is performed on the correction data, there is no need to provide an image decompression unit for each color component data. One image decompression unit can handle this.
  Therefore, the image processing apparatus and the image output system of the present inventionAnd image processing methodAccordingly, even if the image output apparatus is compliant with the tandem method, it is possible to suppress the complexity of the apparatus configuration and the like, and to realize an apparatus cost reduction.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a memory map of a memory included in the image processing apparatus of FIG. 1;
3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image output I / F unit included in the image processing apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image processing operation in the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of an intermediate code.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of an output image.
7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams showing a specific example of a raster image that has undergone image development processing, where FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a Y component raster image, FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an M component raster image, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a C component raster image, and FIG. 4D is a diagram showing a K component raster image.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of compressed data.
FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing a specific example of an ENB signal.
FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing write / read timings with respect to the buffer of the image output I / F unit.
FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing image output timing.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing operation example according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of an output image.
15A and 15B are explanatory diagrams showing a specific example of a raster image that has been subjected to image development processing, where FIG. 15A is a diagram showing a Y component raster image, FIG. 15B is a diagram showing an M component raster image, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a C component raster image, and FIG. 4D is a diagram showing a K component raster image.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of pointer data in a pointer table.
FIGS. 17A and 17B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a specific example of a pointer table according to the second embodiment, in which FIG. 17A illustrates a diagram before rearrangement of pointer data, and FIG. 17B illustrates a diagram after rearrangement of pointer data; It is.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing operation example according to the third embodiment.
FIGS. 20A and 20B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a specific example of a pointer table according to the third embodiment, in which FIG. 20A is a diagram showing before pointer data is rearranged, and FIG. 20B is a diagram showing after pointer data is rearranged; It is.
FIG. 21 is a timing chart showing image output timing in the third embodiment;
FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image processing operation in the fourth embodiment.
FIGS. 24A and 24B are explanatory diagrams showing a specific example of a pointer table in the fourth embodiment, in which FIG. 24A shows a Y-component pointer table, FIG. 24B shows an M-component pointer table, (c) is a diagram showing a C component pointer table, and (d) is a diagram showing a K component pointer table.
FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fifth embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention;
FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a memory map of a memory of the image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of PDL data conversion processing according to the sixth embodiment;
FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image output system.
FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a conventional tandem image output apparatus.
FIG. 30 is a timing chart showing image output timing in a conventional example.
FIG. 31 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an example of a conventional image processing apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Client PC, 2 ... Printer, 3 ... Image output apparatus, 4 ... Image processing apparatus, 11 ... Network I / F part, 12 ... Processor, 13 ... Image compression part, 14 ... Memory, 14a ... PDL storage buffer, 14b ... Intermediate code storage buffer, 14c ... Band buffer, 14d ... Compressed data storage buffer, 15 ... Image decompression unit, 16 ... Image output I / F unit, 16a ... Image write control unit, 16b to 16e ... Buffer, 16g ... Image read Control unit, 17 ... pointer table, 18 ... compressed data read control unit, 19 ... image drawing unit

Claims (17)

In an image processing apparatus connected to an image output apparatus that outputs a plurality of color component data for forming a color image with a predetermined delay time therebetween,
Data input means for inputting color image data that is the basis of the plurality of color component data;
Correction data generation means for generating, as correction data, data after correcting a shift amount corresponding to the plurality of color component data and corresponding to the delay time from the color image data input to the data input means When,
Data output means for sending correction data generated by the correction data generation means to the image output device ;
Data correction means for temporarily holding the correction data in the memory,
The correction data generation means generates the correction data by shifting the storage position in the memory by the shift amount for each color data.
An image processing apparatus.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the correction data generation unit is configured to correct the shift amount to the intermediate code when the intermediate code corresponding to the plurality of color component data is obtained. . Data compression means for compressing the correction data generated by the correction data generation means;
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that a data decompression means for decompressing the correction data after compression by said data compression means is provided. In an image processing apparatus connected to an image output apparatus that outputs a plurality of color component data for forming a color image with a predetermined delay time therebetween,
Data input means for inputting color image data that is the basis of the plurality of color component data;
Data conversion means for obtaining the plurality of color component data from the color image data input to the data input means;
Data storage means for storing the plurality of color component data obtained by the data conversion means in a state of being divided into predetermined units for each color component data;
Rearrangement means for rearranging each color component data in the data storage means for each predetermined unit corresponding to a shift amount corresponding to the delay time;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a data output unit that extracts each color component data rearranged by the rearrangement unit from the data storage unit and sends the data to the image output unit. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the rearrangement unit rearranges the color component data by controlling an extraction order from the data storage unit according to a pointer table. Data compression means for compressing each color component data stored in the data storage means;
6. A data decompression unit for decompressing each color component data compressed by the data compression unit and rearranged by the rearrangement unit is provided . The image processing apparatus according to item 1 . In an image processing apparatus connected to an image output apparatus that outputs a plurality of color component data for forming a color image with a predetermined delay time therebetween,
Data input means for inputting color image data that is the basis of the plurality of color component data;
Intermediate code generation means for shifting the color image data input to the data input means for each color component by a shift amount corresponding to the delay time, and converting it into an intermediate code that can be drawn in real time;
And an image output means for sending the intermediate code converted by the intermediate code generation means to the image output apparatus as the color component data and drawing a color image in real time by the image output apparatus. Processing equipment. The image output device includes: a plurality of recording units that output an image represented by the plurality of color component data to a recording medium for each color component; and a recording medium on which the image is recorded Conveying means for conveying in the order of,
Predetermined delay time in the image output apparatus, any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that specified by the transport speed of the recording medium due to the distance and the conveying means between the plurality of recording means 1 The image processing apparatus according to item. The predetermined delay time in the image output apparatus is specified by a distance between the plurality of recording units, a conveyance speed of the recording medium by the conveyance unit, and a distance between the recording media conveyed to the conveyance unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8 . An image output device that outputs a plurality of color component data for forming a color image with a predetermined delay time; and
A host device that is formed separately from the image output device, is connected to the image output device via a communication line, and transmits color image data serving as a basis of the plurality of color component data to the image output device And an image output system comprising:
The host device generates, as correction data, data corresponding to the plurality of color component data and after correcting a shift amount corresponding to the delay time, and the correction data is used as the color image data. An image output system comprising correction data generation means for transmitting to an image output apparatus . The image output system according to claim 10 , wherein the correction data generated by the host device is described in a page description language. The image output device includes: a plurality of recording units that output an image represented by the plurality of color component data to a recording medium for each color component; and a recording medium on which the image is recorded Conveying means for conveying in the order of,
Predetermined delay time in the image output device may be any of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that specified by the transport speed of the recording medium due to the distance and the conveying means between the plurality of recording means 1 The image output system according to item . The predetermined delay time in the image output apparatus is specified by a distance between the plurality of recording units, a conveyance speed of the recording medium by the conveyance unit, and a distance between the recording media conveyed to the conveyance unit. The image output system according to claim 12 . An image processing method used in an image processing apparatus connected to an image output apparatus that outputs a plurality of color component data for forming a color image with a predetermined delay time therebetween,
A data input step in which color image data serving as a basis of the plurality of color component data is input;
A correction data generation step for generating, as correction data, data corresponding to the plurality of color component data and after correcting the shift amount corresponding to the delay time from the color image data input in the data input step When,
A data output step of sending the correction data generated in the correction data generation step to the image output device;
A data storage step of temporarily holding the correction data in a memory prior to the data output step,
  In the correction data generation step, the correction data is generated by shifting the storage position in the memory by the shift amount for each color data.
An image processing method. What image processing method der used a plurality of color component data for forming a color image by the image processing apparatus connected to an image output device for outputting across the predetermined delay time,
A data input step in which color image data serving as a basis of the plurality of color component data is input;
A data conversion step of obtaining the plurality of color component data from the color image data input in the data input step;
A data storage step of storing the plurality of color component data obtained by the data conversion step in a state of being divided into predetermined units for each color component data;
A rearranging step of rearranging each color component data stored in the data storing step for each predetermined unit corresponding to a shift amount corresponding to the delay time;
A data output step of transmitting to said image output device is taken out of each color component data after sorted by prior Symbol sorting step
An image processing method comprising: An image processing method used in an image processing apparatus connected to an image output apparatus that outputs a plurality of color component data for forming a color image with a predetermined delay time therebetween,
A data input step in which color image data serving as a basis of the plurality of color component data is input;
An intermediate code generation step for shifting the color image data input in the data input step for each color component by a shift amount corresponding to the delay time, and converting the color image data into an intermediate code that can be drawn in real time;
A data output step of sending the intermediate code converted by the intermediate code generation step to the image output device as the color component data and drawing a color image in real time by the image output device;
An image processing method comprising: An image output device for outputting a plurality of color component data for forming a color image with a predetermined delay time; and
A host device that is formed separately from the image output device, is connected to the image output device via a communication line, and transmits color image data serving as a basis of the plurality of color component data to the image output device When,
An image processing method used in an image output system comprising:
The host device generates data after correcting the shift amount corresponding to the plurality of color component data and corresponding to the delay time, and the correction data is used as the color image data to generate the image. Send to output device
An image processing method.

Images