JP3937638B2 - Image processing apparatus and image processing apparatus control method - Google Patents

Description

ただし、αｉｊ（ｉ，ｊ＝１，２，３），Ｘ０，Ｙ０，Ｚ０は定数である。
【００３２】
ここで、Ｘ，Ｙ，ＺはＲ，Ｇ，Ｂ信号により発生される信号であり、以下に示す式により計算される。
【００３３】
【数２】

ただし、βｉｊ（ｉ，ｊ＝１，２，３）は定数である。
【００３４】
３０７は符号化器で、明度情報であるＬ信号を４×４の画素ブロック単位で符号化し、その符号Ｌ＿ｃｏｄｅを出力する。また、色度情報のａ，ｂ信号を４×４の画素ブロック単位で符号化し、その符号ａｂ＿ｃｏｄｅを出力する。
【００３５】
一方、３０８は黒文字検出回路で、当該画素が黒信号であるかどうかを判定する。また、黒文字検出回路３０８は、不図示の黒画素検出回路および不図示の文字領域検出回路により構成され、まず不図示の黒画素検出回路によって、４×４の画素ブロック内が黒画素エリアであるか否かを判定し、さらに不図示の文字領域検出回路により、当該画素が文字領域であるかを判定し、文字領域であった場合、黒判定信号Ｋ＿ｃｏｄｅに「１」を出力し、それ以外は「０」を出力する。
【００３６】
３０９は画像メモリで、明度情報の符号であるＬ＿ｃｏｄｅ信号、色度情報の符号であるａｂ＿ｃｏｄｅ信号、特徴抽出の結果である黒判定信号Ｋ＿ｃｏｄｅ信号を蓄える。画像メモリヘの書き込み及び読み出しは、アドレスコントローラ３１８及びデータコントローラ３１９によって制御される。
【００３７】
３１０ａ（同様にして３１０ｂ，３１０ｃ，３１０ｄ）は復号化器で、画像メモリ３０９より読み出されたＬ＿ｃｏｄｅ信号により、明度情報Ｌ信号を復号し、ａｂ＿ｃｏｄｅによって色度情報ａ信号及びｂ信号を復号する。
３１１ａ( 同様にして３１ｌｂ，３１ｌｃ，３１ｌｄ）は色空間変換部で、復号化されたＬ，ａ，ｂ信号をトナー現像色であるマゼンタ（Ｍ），シアン（Ｃ），ブラック（Ｂｋ）の各成分へ変換する。
３１２ａ( 同様にして３１２ｂ，３１２ｃ，３１２ｄ）はマスキング部およびＵＣＲ部（マスキング・ＵＣＲ部）であり、ＵＣＲ部内の黒抽出回路により、「Ｂｋ ＝ ｍｉｎ（Ｍ，Ｃ，Ｙ）」の式に基づいて、黒信号Ｂｋを生成し、さらにマスキング部において、入力される黒判定信号Ｋ＿ｃｏｄｅが「０」、即ち当該画素が黒信号でないときは、Ｃ，Ｍ，Ｙ，Ｂｋの各信号に所定の係数ａ１，ａ２，ａ３，ａ４，を乗じ、「( 出力Ｃ，Ｍ，ＹｏｒＢｋ）＝ａｌＭ＋ａ２Ｃ＋ａ３Ｙ＋ａ４Ｂｋ」の和積演算を行う。
【００３８】
また、入力される黒判定信号Ｋ＿ｃｏｄｅが「１」、即ち当該画素が黒信号であるときは、Ｃ，Ｍ，Ｙ，Ｂｋの各信号に異なる所定の係数ｂｌ，ｂ２，ｂ３，ｂ４を乗じ、「( 出力Ｃ，Ｍ，ＹｏｒＢｋ）＝ｂｌＭ＋ｂ２Ｃ＋ｂ３Ｙ＋ｂ４Ｂｋ」の和積演算を行う。
３１３ａ( 同様にして３１３ｂ，３１３ｃ，３１３ｄ）はフィルタ処理判定部で、符号化された画像コードによって、その画像ブロックのフィルタリング処理（フィルタＯＮ／ＯＦＦ）を決定して、判定信号をフィルタ処理部３１４に送る。３１４ａ( 同様にして３１４ｂ、３１４ｃ、３１４ｄ）はフィルタ処理部で、復号化されたＬ，ａ，ｂ信号に対して、フィルタＯＮ／ＯＦＦを判定するフィルタ処理判定部３１３ａ（３１３ｂ、３１３ｃ、３１３ｄ）の判定結果により、選択的に空間フィルタを施して画像補正する。
【００３９】
３１５は第２の変倍処理部で、特に縮小時に画像信号を主走査方向に変倍する。副走査方向の変倍はミラーユニットの駆動速度を制御することによって変倍される。また、第１の変倍処理部と第２の変倍処理部は同じ回路を用いても良い。その際はトライステー卜のゲート回路を用いて、図示されないＣＰＵが変倍モードによって出力するゲートを制御するようにする。
【００４０】
３１６はガンマ（γ）補正部で、出力装置の特性によってＣ，Ｍ，Ｙ，Ｂｋデータを補正する。そして、３１７はエッジ強調部で、Ｃ，Ｍ，Ｙ，Ｂｋデータに対しスムージングフィルタもしくはエッジ強調フィルタをかけ、プリンタ装置に出力画像データとしてプリンタ部２へ出力する。
【００４１】
また、３２０は区間信号生成部で、主走査メモリ書き込み区間信号ＷＬＥ，主走査メモリ読み出し区間信号ＲＬＥと副走査メモリ書き込み区間信号ＷＰＥを生成し、また、プリンタ装置より送られてくる副走査区間信号ＭＰＥ，ＣＰＥ，ＹＰＥ，ＫＰＥをマゼンタ副走査メモリ読み出し区間信号ＭＰＥｌ，シアン副走査メモリ読み出し区間信号ＣＰＥｌ，イエロー副走査メモリ読み出し区間信号ＹＰＥｌ，ブラック副走査メモリ読み出し区間信号ＫＰＥｌに加工して出力している。これらの区間信号はメモリ制御を行うアドレスコントローラ３１８，データコントローラ３１９に入力され、各区間信号によって定められた区間で画像メモリ３０９への書き込み読み出しを行う。
【００４２】
＜装置タイミングチャート＞
図３は、本発明に係る画像処理装置の動作タイミングを示すタイミングチャートである。
【００４３】
図において、ＳＴＡＲＴ信号は、本実施形態における原稿読み取り動作開始を示す信号である。ＷＰＥ信号は、リーダ部１のイメージスキャナが原稿を読み取り、符号化処理及びメモリライトを行う区間を示す信号である。ＩＴＯＰ信号は、プリント動作の開始を示す信号である。ＭＰＥ１信号は、画像メモリ３０９からマゼンタ画像データを読み出すとともに、図１に示した半導体レーザ（マゼンタ）２１６を駆動する区間信号であり、ＣＰＥ１信号は、画像メモリ３０９からシアン画像データを読み出すとともに、図１に示した半導体レーザ（シアン）２１５を駆動する区間信号であり、ＹＰＥ１信号は、画像メモリ３０９からイエロー画像データを読み出すとともに、図１に示した半導体レーザ（イエロー）２１４を駆動する区間信号であり、ＢＰＥ１信号は、画像メモリ３０９からブラック画像データを読み出すとともに、図１に示した半導体レーザ（ブラック）２１３を駆動する区問信号である。
【００４４】
また、ＣＰＥ１信号，ＹＰＥ１信号，ＢＰＥ１信号は、それぞれＭＰＥ１信号に対してｔ１，ｔ２，ｔ３だけ遅延されており、これは図１に示したｄｌ，ｄ２，ｄ３に対し、「ｔ１＝ｄ１／Ｖ」，「ｔ２＝ｄ２／Ｖ」，「ｔ３＝ｄ３／Ｖ」（ただしＶは用紙の送り速度）なる関係を持つように制御される。
【００４５】
ＨＳＹＮＣ信号は主走査同期信号で、ＣＬＫ信号は画素同期信号である。図２に示した主走査メモリ書き込み区間信号ＷＬＥ信号は、１つのＨＳＹＮＣ信号区間内でリーダ部１のイメージスキャナから画像信号が入力されてくる有効画像区間（即ち、画像メモリ３０９に書き込む区間）を表す区間信号である。また、図２に示した主走査メモリ読み出し区間信号ＲＬＥ信号は、１つのＨＳＹＮＣ信号区間内でプリンタ部２へ画像信号を出力する有効画像区間（即ち、画像メモリ３０９から読み出す区間）を表す区間信号である。
【００４６】
＜印字領域設定＞
以下、図４のフローチャートを参照して、デジタル複写機の印刷領域設定処理について説明する。
【００４７】
図４は、本発明の画像処理装置の第１の処理プログラムの一例を示すフローチャートであり、デジタル複写機の印刷領域設定処理に対応し、図２に示したＣＰＵ３２１がＲＯＭまたはその他の記憶媒体に格納されたプログラムに基づいて実行する。なお、（１）〜（９）は各ステップを示す。
【００４８】
まず、操作部２００上の不図示のスタートボタンが押されると、ＣＰＵ３２１は、操作部２００で設定された原稿検知ＯＮ／ＯＦＦボタンの状態を確認し（１）、原稿検知ボタンがＯＮ状態である場合は、原稿サイズを検知するためにミラーユニット２１０等のリーダ部１の各部を動作させてプリスキャンを行い、原稿検知部３２４によって原稿検知を行う（２）。次に、ステップ（２）で得られた原稿検知結果をもとに、ＣＰＵ３２１は区間信号生成部３２０が生成する区間信号（ＷＬＥ，ＲＬＥ，ＭＰＥ１，ＣＰＥ１，ＹＰＥ１，ＫＰＥ１）の長さ（幅）を原稿読みとりサイズ（「区間長 ＝ 原稿読みとりサイズ」）に設定し（６）、ステップ（７）へ移行する。
【００４９】
一方、ステップ（１）において、原稿検知ボタンがＯＮ状態でない（ＯＦＦ状態である）場合は、操作部２００で設定されている出力用紙サイズを確認する。このとき、設定されている用紙サイズがノビサイズであるかどうかを判定し（３）、ノビサイズでないと判定された場合は、通常モードと判断され、ＣＰＵ３２１は区間信号生成部３２０が生成する区間信号（ＷＬＥ，ＲＬＥ，ＭＰＥ１，ＣＰＥ１，ＹＰＥ１，ＫＰＥ１）の長さ（幅）を用紙サイズ（「区間長 ＝ 用紙サイズ」）に設定し（５）、ステップ（７）へ移行する。
【００５０】
一方、ステップ（３）で用紙サイズがノビサイズであると判定された場合は、ＣＰＵ３２１は区間信号生成部３２０が生成する区間信号（ＷＬＥ，ＲＬＥ，ＭＰＥ１，ＣＰＥ１，ＹＰＥ１，ＫＰＥ１）の長さ（幅）を製本時の用紙サイズ（操作部２００により設定された出力サイズ）より所定の長さ（ＲＯＭ３２２に格納される）だけ長い区間長（「区間長 ＞ 製本時の用紙サイズ」）に設定し（４）、ステップ（７）へ移行する。
【００５１】
区間信号の幅の設定（ステップ（４）〜（６）のいずれか）が終わると、各画像処理部の設定を行った後（７）、区間信号生成部３２０により生成される区間信号（ＷＬＥ，ＲＬＥ，ＭＰＥ１，ＣＰＥ１，ＹＰＥ１，ＫＰＥ１）に基づいて、リーダ部１をスキャンさせて画像を読みとり（８）、画像処理を行ってプリンタ部２へ画像を出力すると、この画像に基づいてプリンタ部２が記録媒体としての用紙にプリントアウトする（９）。
【００５２】
なお、有効画像領域は、区間信号生成部３２０が生成する区間信号（ＷＬＥ，ＲＬＥ，ＭＰＥ１，ＣＰＥ１，ＹＰＥ１，ＫＰＥ１）により制御されるので、ノビサイズモード時は、製本時の用紙サイズよりやや大きめの画像が、プリンタ部２へと出力される。
【００５３】
なお、用紙サイズがノビサイズであると判定された場合に、上述のステップ（４）で各区間信号に設定される「所定の長さだけ長い区間長」の「所定の長さ」とは、ＣＰＵにより予めプログラムされている一定値であり、所定の区間長の画像を印字し、実際の出力画像を実測して伸縮率を算出し、その伸縮分を補正する値等であり、実際の長さは、数〔ｍｍ〕程度までである。
【００５４】
また、この時変更する区間信号は、主走査方向を補正する場合は、ＷＬＥ，ＲＬＥで、副走査方向を補正する場合は、ＷＰＥ，ＭＰＥ，ＣＰＥ，ＹＰＥ，ＫＰＥとなり、図５に副走査方向の区間長を変更した場合の各区間信号を示す。
【００５５】
図５は、副走査方向の区間長を変更した場合の各区間信号を示すタイミングチャートである。
【００５６】
このように、やや大きめの画像を出力することにより、プリンタ部２の搬送精度による紙送り位置のずれや、定着時の紙サイズの縮みが生じても、用紙サイズ全面に画像を印字することが可能となる。
【００５７】
よって、設定された記録紙サイズが、所定のサイズ（ノビサイズ）かどうかを判断し、該当する用紙サイズであると判断した場合には、印字領域を所定の大きさだけ長く設定することにより、不要な余白領域の発生を防止することができる。
【００５８】
よって、記録紙にノビサイズを選択して画像出力した記録紙を所望の紙サイズに裁断した時に、裁断後の記録紙上に不要な余白部分ができてしまうことを防止することができる。
【００５９】
なお、本実施形態では、画像処理部２１２の中に原稿検知部３２４を設け、入力画像信号から原稿領域を判断させているが、リーダ部１にフォトセンサなどの原稿検知センサを複数持たせて、各センサ出力のレベル変化を検知して原稿領域を特定するように構成してもよい。
【００６０】
また、本実施形態では、本発明をデジタルカラー複写機に適用する場合について説明したが、モノクロの複写機であってもよい。
【００６１】
〔第２実施形態〕
上記第１実施形態では、本発明をリーダ部で読み取った画像をリーダ部で出力するデジタルカラー複写機に適用する場合について説明したが、本発明をプリンタケーブルやＬＡＮ等の所定の通信媒体を介してコンピュータ等の外部機器から入力される画像情報に基づいてプリント出力するプリンタに適用してもよい。以下、その実施形態について説明する。
【００６２】
プリンタの場合は、入力信号はプリンタケーブルやＬＡＮ等の所定の通信媒体を介してコンピュータ等の外部機器から伝送される画像ファイルであり、それらは外部機器のＣＰＵとプリンタ本体のＣＰＵ間とで通信を行って、伝送されてくるものとする。
【００６３】
＜画像処理部の構成＞
図６は、本発明の第２実施形態を示す画像処理装置の画像処理部の構成を説明するブロック図であり、図２と同一のものには同一の符号を付してある。
【００６４】
図において、６０１はインタフェース（Ｉ／Ｆ）で、ネットワークまたはセントロニクス等の所定のインタフェースを介してパーソナルコンピュータ等の外部機器６００と接続され、外部機器６００から転送される画像情報（画像ファイル）を受信し、第１の変換部３０４および黒文字検出回路３０８に出力する。
【００６５】
＜印字領域設定＞
以下、図７のフローチャートを参照して、本発明のプリンタの印刷領域設定処理について説明する。
【００６６】
図７は、本発明の画像処理装置の第２の処理プログラムの一例を示すフローチャートであり、プリンタの印刷領域設定処理に対応する。なお、（１）〜（７）は各ステップを示す。
【００６７】
まず、プリンタケーブル，ＬＡＮ等によってプリンタと通信可能に接続された外部機器によるコピージョブスタートの通知をＩ／Ｆ６０１で受信すると、プリンタ本体のＣＰＵ３２１と外部機器のＣＰＵとの間で画像データ出力に必要なデータ（パラメータ）が転送されてくる（１）。プリンタ本体のＣＰＵは、そのデータ中の出力用紙サイズのデータを判定し（２）、ノビサイズでないと判定された場合は、通常モードと判断し、プリンタ本体のＣＰＵ３２１は区間信号生成部３２０が生成する区間信号（ＷＬＥ，ＲＬＥ，ＭＰＥ１，ＣＰＥ１，ＹＰＥ１，ＫＰＥ１）の長さ（幅）を用紙サイズ（「区間長 ＝ 用紙サイズ」）に設定し（４）、ステップ（５）へ移行する。
【００６８】
一方、ステップ（２）で用紙サイズがノビサイズである判定された場合は、プリンタ本体のＣＰＵ３２１は区間信号生成部３２０が生成する区間信号（ＷＬＥ，ＲＬＥ，ＭＰＥ１，ＣＰＥ１，ＹＰＥ１，ＫＰＥ１）の長さ（幅）を（操作部２００により設定された出力サイズ）より所定の長さ（ＲＯＭ３２２に格納される）だけ長い区間長（「区間長 ＞ 製本時の用紙サイズ」）に設定し（３）、ステップ（５）へ移行する。
【００６９】
区間信号の幅の設定（ステップ（３）または（４））が終わると、各画像処理部の設定を行った後（５）、区間信号生成部３２０により生成される区間信号（ＷＬＥ，ＲＬＥ，ＭＰＥ１，ＣＰＥ１，ＹＰＥ１，ＫＰＥ１）に基づいて、Ｉ／Ｆ６０１による外部機器からの画像データの転送を受け付け（６）、受信した画像データに基づく画像を記録媒体としての用紙に出力（プリントアウト）する（７）。
【００７０】
なお、有効画像領域は、区間信号生成部３２０が生成する区間信号（ＷＬＥ，ＲＬＥ，ＭＰＥ１，ＣＰＥ１，ＹＰＥ１，ＫＰＥ１）により制御されるので、ノビサイズモード時は、製本時の用紙サイズよりやや大きめの画像が、プリンタ部２へと出力される。
【００７１】
〔その他の実施形態〕
本発明は、上述した第１実施形態で示したカラーデジタル複写機，第２実施形態で示したプリンタに限られるものではなく、ファクシミリ，印刷機等の画像データを記録用紙に印刷する画像処理装置一般に広く適用可能である。
【００７２】
以上より、使用者により設定された記録紙サイズが、所定のサイズ（ノビサイズ）かどうかを判断し、該当する用紙サイズであると判断した場合には、印字領域を記録紙の幅よりも、所定の大きさだけ長く設定することにより、不要な余白領域の発生を防止することを可能にする。
【００７３】
また、本発明の画像処理装置は、電子写真方式であっても、インクジェット、熱転写式、昇華式でもその他の方式であっても適用可能である。
【００７４】
以上のように、前述した実施形態の機能を実現するソフトウエアのプログラムコードを記憶した記憶媒体を、システムあるいは装置に供給し、そのシステムあるいは装置のコンピュータ（またはＣＰＵやＭＰＵ）が記憶媒体に格納されたプログラムコードを読出して実行することによっても、本発明の目的が達成されることは言うまでもない。
【００７５】
この場合、記憶媒体から読み出されたプログラムコード自体が本発明の新規な機能を実現することになり、そのプログラムコードを記憶した記憶媒体は本発明を構成することになる。
【００７６】
プログラムコードを供給するための記憶媒体としては、例えば、フロッピーディスク，ハードディスク，光ディスク，光磁気ディスク，ＣＤ−ＲＯＭ，ＣＤ−Ｒ，磁気テープ，不揮発性のメモリカード，ＲＯＭ，ＥＥＰＲＯＭ等を用いることができる。
【００７７】
また、コンピュータが読み出したプログラムコードを実行することにより、前述した実施形態の機能が実現されるだけでなく、そのプログラムコードの指示に基づき、コンピュータ上で稼働しているＯＳ（オペレーティングシステム）等が実際の処理の一部または全部を行い、その処理によって前述した実施形態の機能が実現される場合も含まれることは言うまでもない。
【００７８】
さらに、記憶媒体から読み出されたプログラムコードが、コンピュータに挿入された機能拡張ボードやコンピュータに接続された機能拡張ユニットに備わるメモリに書き込まれた後、そのプログラムコードの指示に基づき、その機能拡張ボードや機能拡張ユニットに備わるＣＰＵ等が実際の処理の一部または全部を行い、その処理によって前述した実施形態の機能が実現される場合も含まれることは言うまでもない。
【００７９】
また、本発明は、複数の機器から構成されるシステムに適用しても、１つの機器からなる装置に適用してもよい。また、本発明は、システムあるいは装置にプログラムを供給することによって達成される場合にも適応できることは言うまでもない。この場合、本発明を達成するためのソフトウエアによって表されるプログラムを格納した記憶媒体を該システムあるいは装置に読み出すことによって、そのシステムあるいは装置が、本発明の効果を享受することが可能となる。
【００８０】
さらに、本発明を達成するためのソフトウエアによって表されるプログラムをネットワーク上のデータベースから通信プログラムによりダウンロードして読み出すことによって、そのシステムあるいは装置が、本発明の効果を享受することが可能となる。
【００８１】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明によれば、記録媒体の搬送精度や記録媒体の印字後の伸縮等により記録媒体上の印字領域の長さが変動してしまう場合でも、画像出力領域を拡大して所望のサイズの画像を得ることができる。
【００８２】
また、簡単な構成で画像出力領域を拡大することができる。
【００８３】
また、記録媒体の搬送精度や記録媒体の印字後の伸縮等により記録媒体上の印字領域の長さが変動してしまう場合でも、所望のサイズの複写画像を得ることができる。
【００８４】
また、記録媒体の搬送精度や記録媒体の印字後の伸縮等により記録媒体上の印字領域の長さが変動してしまう場合でも、所望のサイズのプリント画像を得ることができる。
【００８５】
また、記録媒体の搬送精度や記録媒体の印字後の伸縮等により記録媒体上の印字領域の長さが変動してしまう場合でも、所望のサイズの多色画像を得ることができる。
【００８７】
従って、記録媒体の搬送精度や記録媒体の印字後の伸縮等により記録媒体上の印字領域の長さが変動してしまう場合でも、画像出力領域を拡大して所望のサイズの画像を出力し、記録媒体上の不要な余白領域の発生を防止することができるという効果を奏する。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施形態を示す画像処理装置を適用可能なデジタルカラー複写機の構成を説明する断面図である。
【図２】図１に示した画像処理装置の画像処理部の構成を説明するブロック図である。
【図３】本発明に係る画像処理装置の動作タイミングを示すタイミングチャートである。
【図４】本発明の画像処理装置の第１の処理プログラムの一例を示すフローチャートである。
【図５】副走査方向の区間長を変更した場合の各区間信号を示すタイミングチャートである。
【図６】本発明の第２実施形態をす画像処理装置の画像処理部の構成を説明するブロック図である。
【図７】本発明の画像処理装置の第２の処理プログラムの一例を示すフローチャートである。
【符号の説明】
１ リーダ部
２ プリンタ部
２１２ 画像処理部
３０７ 符号化器
３１０ 復号化器
３１８ アドレスコントローラ
３１９ データコントローラ
３２０ 区間信号発生部
３２１ ＣＰＵ
３２２ ＲＯＭ
３２３ ＲＡＭ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on input image information and visually outputs it to a recording medium, and a control method for the image processing apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in order to copy and print a document, image information is read from an image input device, image processing is performed, the image information is once stored in an image memory, and the image information is read from the image memory and output to an output device. Image processing apparatuses are widely used.
[0003]
On the other hand, when binding a document, a general method is to print an image on a recording paper slightly larger than the bookbinding size (hereinafter referred to as “novi size”) and cut the printed recording paper to a desired size. is there.
[0004]
Also, in recent image processing apparatuses, those in which the maximum sheet passing size of the output device corresponds to these nobi sizes have become mainstream.
[0005]
In such a conventional image processing apparatus, the print region is usually determined by pre-scanning or detecting a document using a document detection sensor when image information is input from a reader unit that reads the document, such as an image scanner. Or, the operator selects the recording paper size in advance.
[0006]
Also, when transmitted from an external device such as a computer, information on the image size is received using a communication means.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional image processing apparatus described above, the length of the print area on the recording paper varies due to the paper conveyance accuracy of the recording paper, the expansion and contraction of the paper after printing, and the size of the print image becomes smaller than the desired size. End up. For this reason, there is a problem in that when a nobi size is selected for the recording paper and the paper is cut to a desired paper size, an unnecessary margin is formed on the cut recording paper.
[0008]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. Mysterious My goal is ,Record Even when the length of the print area on the recording medium fluctuates due to the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium or the expansion / contraction after printing of the recording medium, the image output area is enlarged and an image of a desired size is output. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of unnecessary blank areas on the top. Structure Is to provide.
[0009]
[Means for solving problems]
Main departure Tomorrow , Input means for inputting image information (reader unit 1 shown in FIG. 1, interface (I / F) 601 shown in FIG. 6), and image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on image information input by the input means (Image processing section 212 shown in FIG. 1), output means (printer section 2 shown in FIG. 1) for visually outputting image information processed by the image processing means to a recording medium, and the size of the recording medium is predetermined. Control means for controlling the enlargement of the output image area of the image information from the set output size (the section signal generator 320 based on a program stored in the ROM 322 by the CPU 321 shown in FIG. 2). The effective image area is controlled by increasing the section length of the section signal generated by the The image processing means includes a first processing means for performing a first image process on the image information input by the input means, and a storage means for storing the image information processed by the first processing means. And generating means for generating an effective image section signal corresponding to the set output size, and control for enabling writing and reading of image information to and from the storage means during generation of an effective image section signal generated by the generating means And a second processing unit that performs second image processing on the image information read from the storage unit, and the output unit performs image processing on the second processing unit. And the control means outputs the effective image section signal generated by the generation means when the size of the recording medium is a predetermined size. To control the width of the extension, Is.
[0011]
The present invention also provides The first image processing includes division processing (division processing by the encoder 307 shown in FIG. 2) for dividing the image information into an integer number of pixel blocks in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and the division processing. Encoding processing (encoding processing by the encoder 307 shown in FIG. 2) for encoding image data for each pixel block, and the second image processing is an image read from the storage means. This includes a decoding process for decoding information (decoding process by the decoder 310 shown in FIG. 2).
[0012]
The present invention also provides The input means (reader unit 1 shown in FIG. 1) optically reads an image and converts it into an electrical signal.
[0013]
The present invention also provides The input means (interface (I / F) 601 shown in FIG. 6) receives an image signal from the information processing apparatus (external device 600 shown in FIG. 6) via a predetermined communication medium.
[0014]
The present invention also provides The output means (printer unit 2 shown in FIG. 1) has a plurality of image forming units (semiconductor lasers 213, 214, 215, 216, polygon mirror 217 shown in FIG. 1) for forming an image in accordance with each color component of the image information. , 218, 219, 220, photosensitive drums 225, 226, 227, 228, developing units 221, 222, 223, and 224) and conveying means for sequentially conveying the recording medium to the plurality of image forming units (the resist shown in FIG. 1). A roller 233 and a transfer belt 234).
[0015]
The present invention also provides , A first image processing step of performing first image processing on input image information; The A storage step of storing the image information subjected to the first image processing in the storage means, a generation step of generating an effective image section signal corresponding to the set output size, and the generated effective image section signal being generated A memory control step for controlling writing and reading of image information to and from the storage means, a second processing step for applying a second image process to the image information read from the storage means, An output process for visually outputting the image information subjected to the image processing to a recording medium; In the determination step of determining the size of the recording medium (step (3) in FIG. 4 and step (2) in FIG. 7) and the size of the recording medium is a predetermined size, A control step of extending and controlling the width of the effective image section signal generated in the generating step, and controlling the enlargement of the output image area of the image information from a set output size; It is what has.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[First Embodiment]
<Overview of device>
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a digital color copying machine to which the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied, and includes a reader unit 1 and a printer unit 2. The configuration and operation will be described below.
[0017]
In the reader unit 1, reference numeral 201 denotes an original table glass on which an original 202 to be read is placed. Reference numeral 200 denotes an operation unit, which is arranged on the upper part of the image processing apparatus. The user can operate the operation unit 200 to perform various settings such as setting the size of a sheet as a recording medium and an instruction for a copy operation. When a start button (not shown) on the operation unit 200 is pressed, the document 202 is irradiated with illumination 203 and an image is formed on a CCD image sensor (CCD) 208 by an optical system 207 through mirrors 204 and 205.
[0018]
Further, the mirror 209 including the mirror 204 and the illumination 203 is mechanically driven by the motor 209 at the speed V, and the second mirror unit 211 including the mirrors 205 and 206 is driven at the speed ½ V, and the document 202 Are scanned. Hereinafter, the direction in which the mirror unit is driven is defined as the sub-scanning direction (or line direction), and the direction orthogonal to the driving direction is defined as the main scanning direction (or pixel direction). Each of the above parts is generically called an image scanner.
[0019]
An image processing circuit unit 212 processes image information read by the CCD 208 as an electrical signal and outputs it as a print signal to the printer unit 2.
[0020]
The operation unit 200 also has a document detection ON / OFF button (not shown). When the start button is pressed while the document detection ON / OFF button is set to the ON state, the size of the document 202 is changed. In order to detect, pre-scanning is performed by operating each part of the reader unit 1 such as the mirror unit 210, and document detection (document size detection) is performed by a document detection unit 324 described later.
[0021]
In the printer unit 2, 213, 214, 215, and 216 are semiconductor lasers that are driven by a print signal output from the image processing circuit unit 212, and the laser beams emitted by the respective semiconductor lasers are polygon mirrors 217, 218, A latent image is formed on the photosensitive drums 225, 226, 227, and 228 by 219 and 220.
[0022]
Reference numerals 221, 222, 223, and 224 denote developing units that develop the latent images with black (Bk), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M) toners, respectively. The developed toner of each color is transferred to a sheet and printed out in full color. Note that the photosensitive drum (magenta) 228 and the photosensitive drum (cyan) 227 are spaced apart by d1, and the photosensitive drum 228 (magenta) and the photosensitive drum (yellow) 226 are spaced apart by d2, and the photosensitive drum 228 (magenta) and photosensitive drum are exposed. The drum (black) 225 is disposed at intervals of d3.
[0023]
The paper fed from any of the paper cassettes 229, 230, 231 and the manual feed tray 232 passes through the registration rollers 233 and is sucked onto the transfer belt 234 and conveyed. The photosensitive drums 225, 226, 227, and 228 are preliminarily developed with toner of each color in synchronization with the conveyance of the paper, and the toner is transferred onto the paper.
[0024]
The sheet on which the toner of each color is transferred is separated / conveyed, and the toner is fixed on the sheet by the fixing device 235 and discharged onto the discharge tray 236.
[0025]
<Configuration of image processing unit>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image processing unit 212 of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0026]
In the figure, reference numeral 321 denotes a CPU which performs image processing based on a program stored in a ROM 322 and performs overall control of the reader unit 1. The RAM 323 is used for storing backup data and as a work area for the CPU 321.
[0027]
The CCD 208 includes a red (R) CCD, a green (G) CCD, and a blue (B) CCD (not shown), and outputs R, G, and B signals. Reference numeral 301 denotes an analog / digital conversion unit & sample hold unit (A / D & S / H), which amplifies R, G, B signals output from the CCD 208 by an analog amplifier and outputs them as digital signals by an A / D converter. Further, the R and G signals are respectively delayed by a delay memory, and the spatial deviation of the three CCDs (RCCD, GCCD, BCCD) is corrected and output.
[0028]
A shading correction unit 302 performs shading correction on the output signal from the A / D & S / H 301. An input masking unit 303 converts an output signal from the shading correction unit 302 into an NTSC (National Television System Committee) RGB signal. A document detection unit 324 determines whether a document is placed on the document table based on the input RGB signal level, and determines a document region based on the input signal.
[0029]
Reference numeral 304 denotes a first scaling processing unit that scales an image signal in the main scanning direction, particularly at the time of enlargement. The magnification in the sub-scanning direction is varied by controlling the driving speed of the mirror unit. A LOG conversion unit 305 converts the image signal output from the first scaling processing unit 324 from an RGB signal to a CMY signal.
[0030]
A color space conversion unit 306 converts an input CMY signal into a lightness signal L and chromaticity signals a and b. Here, the L, a, and b signals are signals representing chromaticity components defined as L, a, and b spaces as international standards in the CIE, and the L, a, and b signals are calculated according to the following equations.
[0031]
[Expression 1]

However, αij (i, j = 1, 2, 3), X0, Y0, Z0 are constants.
[0032]
Here, X, Y, and Z are signals generated by the R, G, and B signals, and are calculated by the following equations.
[0033]
[Expression 2]

However, βij (i, j = 1, 2, 3) is a constant.
[0034]
Reference numeral 307 denotes an encoder that encodes the L signal, which is lightness information, in units of 4 × 4 pixel blocks, and outputs the code L_code. Also, the a and b signals of chromaticity information are encoded in units of 4 × 4 pixel blocks, and the code ab_code is output.
[0035]
On the other hand, reference numeral 308 denotes a black character detection circuit, which determines whether or not the pixel is a black signal. The black character detection circuit 308 includes a black pixel detection circuit (not shown) and a character area detection circuit (not shown). First, a black pixel area is formed in a 4 × 4 pixel block by the black pixel detection circuit (not shown). In addition, a character area detection circuit (not shown) determines whether the pixel is a character area. If the pixel is a character area, “1” is output to the black determination signal K_code, otherwise Outputs “0”.
[0036]
An image memory 309 stores an L_code signal that is a code of lightness information, an ab_code signal that is a code of chromaticity information, and a black determination signal K_code signal that is a result of feature extraction. Writing to and reading from the image memory are controlled by an address controller 318 and a data controller 319.
[0037]
310a (similarly 310b, 310c, 310d) is a decoder that decodes the lightness information L signal by the L_code signal read from the image memory 309 and decodes the chromaticity information a signal and b signal by the ab_code. .
Reference numeral 311a (similarly 31lb, 31lc, 31ld) denotes a color space conversion unit, and the decoded L, a, b signals are converted into toner development colors magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk). Convert to component.
312a (similarly, 312b, 312c, and 312d) are a masking unit and a UCR unit (masking / UCR unit), and are based on the formula “Bk = min (M, C, Y)” by the black extraction circuit in the UCR unit. Then, the black signal Bk is generated, and when the input black determination signal K_code is “0”, that is, the pixel is not a black signal, the masking unit applies a predetermined coefficient to each of the C, M, Y, and Bk signals. Multiply a1, a2, a3, a4, and perform a sum product operation of “(output C, M, YorBk) = alM + a2C + a3Y + a4Bk”.
[0038]
When the input black determination signal K_code is “1”, that is, the pixel is a black signal, the C, M, Y, and Bk signals are multiplied by different predetermined coefficients bl, b2, b3, and b4, A sum-product operation of “(output C, M, YorBk) = blM + b2C + b3Y + b4Bk” is performed.
Reference numeral 313a (similarly 313b, 313c, 313d) denotes a filter processing determination unit, which determines a filtering process (filter ON / OFF) of the image block based on the encoded image code, and converts the determination signal into a filter processing unit 314. Send to. 314a (similarly, 314b, 314c, 314d) is a filter processing unit, and a filter processing determination unit 313a (313b, 313c, 313d) that determines filter ON / OFF for the decoded L, a, b signals. Based on the determination result, a spatial filter is selectively applied to correct the image.
[0039]
Reference numeral 315 denotes a second scaling processing unit that scales the image signal in the main scanning direction, particularly at the time of reduction. The magnification in the sub-scanning direction is varied by controlling the driving speed of the mirror unit. Further, the first scaling unit and the second scaling unit may use the same circuit. At that time, a gate circuit of a tri-state is used to control a gate output by a CPU (not shown) in a scaling mode.
[0040]
A gamma (γ) correction unit 316 corrects C, M, Y, and Bk data according to the characteristics of the output device. An edge enhancement unit 317 applies a smoothing filter or an edge enhancement filter to the C, M, Y, and Bk data, and outputs the result to the printer unit 2 as output image data.
[0041]
Reference numeral 320 denotes a section signal generation unit which generates a main scanning memory writing section signal WLE, a main scanning memory reading section signal RLE, and a sub scanning memory writing section signal WPE, and a sub scanning section signal sent from the printer device. MPE, CPE, YPE, and KPE are processed into magenta sub-scanning memory reading section signal MPE1, cyan sub-scanning memory reading section signal CPE1, yellow sub-scanning memory reading section signal YPEl, and black sub-scanning memory reading section signal KPEl and output. Yes. These interval signals are input to an address controller 318 and a data controller 319 that perform memory control, and are written into and read from the image memory 309 in intervals determined by the interval signals.
[0042]
<Device timing chart>
FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing the operation timing of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
[0043]
In the figure, a START signal is a signal indicating the start of a document reading operation in the present embodiment. The WPE signal is a signal indicating a section in which the image scanner of the reader unit 1 reads an original, performs encoding processing, and memory write. The ITOP signal is a signal indicating the start of the printing operation. The MPE1 signal is a section signal for reading out the magenta image data from the image memory 309 and driving the semiconductor laser (magenta) 216 shown in FIG. 1, and the CPE1 signal is for reading out the cyan image data from the image memory 309. 1 is a section signal for driving the semiconductor laser (cyan) 215, and the YPE1 signal is a section signal for reading the yellow image data from the image memory 309 and driving the semiconductor laser (yellow) 214 shown in FIG. The BPE1 signal is a question signal for reading the black image data from the image memory 309 and driving the semiconductor laser (black) 213 shown in FIG.
[0044]
Further, the CPE1 signal, the YPE1 signal, and the BPE1 signal are respectively delayed by t1, t2, and t3 with respect to the MPE1 signal, which is “t1 = d1 / V with respect to dl, d2, and d3 shown in FIG. ”,“ T2 = d2 / V ”,“ t3 = d3 / V ”(where V is the paper feed speed).
[0045]
The HSYNC signal is a main scanning synchronization signal, and the CLK signal is a pixel synchronization signal. The main scanning memory writing section signal WLE signal shown in FIG. 2 is an effective image section in which an image signal is input from the image scanner of the reader unit 1 within one HSYNC signal section (that is, a section for writing to the image memory 309). It is a section signal to represent. The main scanning memory read section signal RLE signal shown in FIG. 2 is a section signal representing an effective image section (that is, a section read from the image memory 309) for outputting an image signal to the printer unit 2 within one HSYNC signal section. It is.
[0046]
<Print area setting>
The print area setting process of the digital copying machine will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0047]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the first processing program of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. The CPU 321 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to the print area setting process of the digital copying machine and is stored in the ROM or other storage medium. Execute based on the stored program. In addition, (1)-(9) shows each step.
[0048]
First, when a start button (not shown) on the operation unit 200 is pressed, the CPU 321 confirms the state of the document detection ON / OFF button set by the operation unit 200 (1), and the document detection button is in the ON state. In this case, in order to detect the document size, each part of the reader unit 1 such as the mirror unit 210 is operated to perform prescan, and the document detection unit 324 performs document detection (2). Next, based on the document detection result obtained in step (2), the CPU 321 generates the length (width) of the section signals (WLE, RLE, MPE1, CPE1, YPE1, KPE1) generated by the section signal generation unit 320. Is set to the original reading size (“section length = original reading size”) (6), and the process proceeds to step (7).
[0049]
On the other hand, if the document detection button is not in the ON state (in the OFF state) in step (1), the output paper size set in the operation unit 200 is confirmed. At this time, it is determined whether or not the set paper size is the nobi size (3). If it is determined that the paper size is not the nobi size, the normal mode is determined, and the CPU 321 generates the section signal ( The length (width) of WLE, RLE, MPE1, CPE1, YPE1, KPE1) is set to the paper size (“section length = paper size”) (5), and the process proceeds to step (7).
[0050]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the paper size is the nobi size, the CPU 321 determines the length (width) of the section signals (WLE, RLE, MPE1, CPE1, YPE1, KPE1) generated by the section signal generator 320. ) Is set to a section length (“section length> paper size at bookbinding”) longer than a paper size at the time of bookbinding (output size set by the operation unit 200) by a predetermined length (stored in the ROM 322) ( 4) Go to step (7).
[0051]
When the setting of the width of the section signal (any of steps (4) to (6)) is completed, after setting of each image processing section (7), the section signal (WLE) generated by the section signal generation section 320 is set. , RLE, MPE1, CPE1, YPE1, KPE1), the reader unit 1 scans and reads the image (8), performs image processing and outputs the image to the printer unit 2, and the printer unit based on this image 2 prints out on a sheet as a recording medium (9).
[0052]
The effective image area is controlled by section signals (WLE, RLE, MPE1, CPE1, YPE1, and KPE1) generated by the section signal generation unit 320. Therefore, in the novi size mode, the effective image area is slightly larger than the paper size at the time of bookbinding. An image is output to the printer unit 2.
[0053]
The “predetermined length” of the “section length longer by a predetermined length” set in each section signal in the above step (4) when it is determined that the paper size is the nobi size is the CPU Is a constant value programmed in advance, prints an image of a predetermined section length, calculates an expansion / contraction rate by actually measuring an actual output image, and corrects the expansion / contraction, etc. Is up to several [mm].
[0054]
The section signal to be changed at this time is WLE and RLE when correcting the main scanning direction, and WPE, MPE, CPE, YPE and KPE when correcting the sub-scanning direction. Each section signal when the section length is changed is shown.
[0055]
FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing each section signal when the section length in the sub-scanning direction is changed.
[0056]
In this way, by outputting a slightly larger image, even if a paper feed position shift due to the conveyance accuracy of the printer unit 2 or a paper size shrinkage at the time of fixing occurs, the image can be printed on the entire paper size. It becomes possible.
[0057]
Therefore, it is not necessary to determine whether the set recording paper size is a predetermined size (novi size), and if it is determined to be the corresponding paper size, the print area is set longer by a predetermined size. Can be prevented from occurring.
[0058]
Therefore, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary margin from being formed on the cut recording paper when the recording paper on which the nobi size is selected as the recording paper and the image output is cut to a desired paper size.
[0059]
In this embodiment, the document detection unit 324 is provided in the image processing unit 212 to determine the document region from the input image signal. However, the reader unit 1 is provided with a plurality of document detection sensors such as photosensors. The document area may be specified by detecting the level change of each sensor output.
[0060]
In this embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a digital color copying machine has been described. However, a monochrome copying machine may be used.
[0061]
[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a digital color copying machine that outputs an image read by the reader unit by the reader unit has been described. However, the present invention is applied via a predetermined communication medium such as a printer cable or a LAN. The present invention may be applied to a printer that prints out based on image information input from an external device such as a computer. The embodiment will be described below.
[0062]
In the case of a printer, the input signal is an image file transmitted from an external device such as a computer via a predetermined communication medium such as a printer cable or LAN, and these are communicated between the CPU of the external device and the CPU of the printer body. To be transmitted.
[0063]
<Configuration of image processing unit>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image processing unit of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0064]
In the figure, reference numeral 601 denotes an interface (I / F) which is connected to an external device 600 such as a personal computer via a predetermined interface such as a network or Centronics, and receives image information (image file) transferred from the external device 600. Then, the data is output to the first conversion unit 304 and the black character detection circuit 308.
[0065]
<Print area setting>
Hereinafter, the print area setting process of the printer of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0066]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the second processing program of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, which corresponds to the print area setting process of the printer. In addition, (1)-(7) shows each step.
[0067]
First, when the I / F 601 receives a copy job start notification from an external device communicably connected to the printer via a printer cable, LAN, etc., it is necessary for image data output between the CPU 321 of the printer main body and the CPU of the external device. Data (parameters) are transferred (1). The CPU of the printer main body determines the data of the output paper size in the data (2). If it is determined that it is not the nobi size, it is determined as the normal mode, and the CPU 321 of the printer main body generates the section signal generation unit 320. The length (width) of the section signals (WLE, RLE, MPE1, CPE1, YPE1, KPE1) is set to the sheet size (“section length = paper size”) (4), and the process proceeds to step (5).
[0068]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2) that the paper size is the novi size, the CPU 321 of the printer main body length of the section signals (WLE, RLE, MPE1, CPE1, YPE1, KPE1) generated by the section signal generation unit 320. (Width) is set to a section length (“section length> paper size at the time of bookbinding”) longer than a predetermined length (stored in the ROM 322) by (output size set by the operation unit 200) (3), The process proceeds to step (5).
[0069]
When the setting of the width of the section signal (step (3) or (4)) is finished, after setting each image processing section (5), the section signal (WLE, RLE, MPE1, CPE1, YPE1, KPE1) accepts transfer of image data from an external device by I / F 601 (6), and outputs (prints out) an image based on the received image data on a sheet as a recording medium. (7).
[0070]
The effective image area is controlled by section signals (WLE, RLE, MPE1, CPE1, YPE1, and KPE1) generated by the section signal generation unit 320. Therefore, in the novi size mode, the effective image area is slightly larger than the paper size at the time of bookbinding. An image is output to the printer unit 2.
[0071]
[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the color digital copying machine shown in the first embodiment and the printer shown in the second embodiment, but is an image processing apparatus for printing image data on a recording sheet, such as a facsimile or a printing machine. Generally widely applicable.
[0072]
As described above, it is determined whether the recording paper size set by the user is a predetermined size (novi size). If it is determined that the recording paper size is the corresponding paper size, the print area is set to a predetermined value rather than the width of the recording paper. It is possible to prevent the generation of unnecessary blank areas by setting the length of the image to be longer.
[0073]
In addition, the image processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied to an electrophotographic system, an inkjet, a thermal transfer system, a sublimation system, and other systems.
[0074]
As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.
[0075]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0076]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, an EEPROM, or the like is used. it can.
[0077]
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0078]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0079]
Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .
[0080]
Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .
[0081]
【The invention's effect】
As explained above, the present invention According If ,Record Even when the length of the print area on the recording medium fluctuates due to the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium or expansion / contraction after printing of the recording medium, an image of a desired size can be obtained by expanding the image output area.
[0082]
Also The image output area can be enlarged with a simple configuration.
[0083]
Also Even when the length of the print area on the recording medium fluctuates due to the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium or the expansion / contraction of the recording medium after printing, a copy image having a desired size can be obtained.
[0084]
Also Even when the length of the print area on the recording medium varies due to the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium or the expansion / contraction of the recording medium after printing, a print image having a desired size can be obtained.
[0085]
Also Even when the length of the print area on the recording medium fluctuates due to the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium or expansion / contraction after printing of the recording medium, a multicolor image having a desired size can be obtained.
[0087]
Therefore, even when the length of the print area on the recording medium fluctuates due to the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium or the expansion / contraction after printing of the recording medium, the image output area is enlarged and an image of a desired size is output. There is an effect that it is possible to prevent generation of unnecessary blank areas on the recording medium.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a digital color copying machine to which an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.
2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit of the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing the operation timing of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a first processing program of the image processing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing each section signal when the section length in the sub-scanning direction is changed.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit of an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a second processing program of the image processing apparatus of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Reader section
2 Printer section
212 Image processing unit
307 Encoder
310 Decoder
318 Address controller
319 Data controller
320 Section signal generator
321 CPU
322 ROM
323 RAM

Claims (6)

An input means for inputting image information;
Image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on image information input by the input means;
Output means for visually outputting image information processed by the image processing means to a recording medium;
Wherein when the size of the recording medium is a predetermined size, have a control means for enlarging controlling the output size set the output image area of the image information,
The image processing means includes: first processing means for performing first image processing on image information input by the input means; storage means for storing image information processed by the first processing means; A generating unit that generates an effective image section signal corresponding to a set output size, and a memory that controls writing and reading of image information to and from the storage unit during generation of an effective image section signal generated by the generating unit Control means and second processing means for performing second image processing on the image information read from the storage means,
The output means is for visually outputting the image information image-processed by the second processing means to the recording medium,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the size of the recording medium is a predetermined size, the control means extends and controls a width of an effective image section signal generated by the generation means . The first image processing includes division processing for dividing the image information into an integer number of pixel blocks in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and encoding for encoding image data for each of the divided pixel blocks. Processing,
The second image processing, the image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a decoding process for decoding the image information read from the storage means.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit optically reads an image and converts the image into an electric signal.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit receives an image signal from the information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium.   2. The output unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of image forming units that form an image according to each color component of the image information; and a conveying unit that sequentially conveys a recording medium to the plurality of image forming units. The image processing apparatus described. A first image processing step of performing first image processing on input image information;
A storage step of storing the image information subjected to the first image processing in the storage means,
A generation step of generating an effective image section signal according to the set output size;
A memory control step for controlling to enable writing and reading of image information to and from the storage means during generation of the generated effective image section signal;
A second processing step of performing second image processing on the image information read from the storage means;
An output step of visually outputting the image information subjected to the second image processing to a recording medium;
A determination step of determining a size of the recording medium;
When the size of the recording medium is a predetermined size, the width of the effective image section signal generated in the generation step is extended and controlled so that the output image area of the image information is expanded from the set output size. Control process;
A control method for an image processing apparatus, comprising:

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