JP4127836B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for a digital copying machine.

  For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a digital copying machine includes an input system, a shading correction circuit, a misregistration correction circuit, an MTF correction circuit, a scaling circuit, a γ correction circuit, a color correction circuit, a gradation processing circuit, and an output system. And various image processing means, and a complex function is realized by combining these image processing functions. In particular, in recent years, a plurality of image storage functions have been added, and the complexity has increased. However, there are a plurality of input systems and output systems, and the storage function is complicated, so that when the functions are requested independently, the conventional sequential configuration cannot cope.

JP-A-2-67076

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a general image processing apparatus in which a plurality of image processing units are connected in order. As shown in the figure, a scanner 1, a first image processing unit 2 that performs image processing A, a second image processing unit 3 that performs image processing B, a third image processing unit 4 that performs image processing C, and image processing The fourth image processing unit 5 and the printer 8 that perform D are arranged in order, and between the second image processing unit 3 and the third image processing unit 4, as shown in the figure, the external output unit 6 and the external There is an input unit 7. In the sequential control with such a configuration, when the function becomes complicated, or when a plurality of inputs / outputs are performed at the same time, functional restrictions occur.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram when the processing order of functions is changed, FIG. 9 is a block diagram when a plurality of inputs / outputs are simultaneously performed, and FIG. 10 is a block diagram when two types of outputs are performed. When the image processing B and the image processing A are reversed, when the external input is performed to the second image processing unit 3, and when two types of output are performed from the third image processing unit 4, FIG. Although shown in FIG. 10, such a function cannot be achieved by the conventional apparatus shown in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing another example of a general image processing apparatus in which a plurality of image processing units are connected in order. In addition to the apparatus shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 11 shows a first accumulation processing unit 9-1 that performs accumulation processing A and a second accumulation processing unit 9-2 that performs accumulation processing B. The accumulation processing unit 9 is not limited to these two. For example, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 show four accumulation processing units 9-1 to 9-4. In the apparatus of FIG. 11 as well, as in FIG. 7, when the function becomes complicated or when a plurality of inputs / outputs are performed simultaneously, functional restrictions occur.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram when the accumulation processes A and B are reversed, and FIG. 13 is a simultaneous output to the first accumulation processing unit 9-1 to the second and third accumulation processing units 9-2 and 9-3. FIG. 14 is a block diagram when the first accumulation processing unit 9-1 is also input from the third accumulation processing unit 9-3. Such a function could not be achieved by the conventional apparatus shown in FIG.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image processing apparatus capable of efficiently performing control even when functions are complicated or when a plurality of inputs and outputs are performed simultaneously. In particular, when multiple request modes are requested multiple times, when processing is in progress, priority is given to requests that can be processed when other requests are waited or the next request cannot be processed for some reason. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus capable of processing the above.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on input image data, and performs predetermined image processing on the input image data. A plurality of image processing means to perform, an image processing combination means for combining a predetermined image processing means among the plurality of image processing means, and the image processing to perform image processing based on an external request The combination unit obtains the predetermined image processing unit to be combined, and when the acquired image processing based on the request is completed by the acquired predetermined image processing unit, the combined image processing unit is released. A release control unit, and the acquisition / release control unit further performs image processing based on the request from the outside, except for the remaining image processing unit other than the image processing unit being acquired. And it determines whether it can perform a combination of the image processing means, if it is judged to be executed, and characterized by obtaining a predetermined new image processing means for combining by the image processing union means To do.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 2 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an accumulation control means for accumulating a mode according to the request from the outside, The acquisition / release control unit can sequentially acquire the modes stored in the storage control unit when acquiring the predetermined image processing unit to be combined by the image processing combination unit, and also relates to the acquired mode. If it is determined that the image processing based on the request cannot be executed by the combination of the remaining image processing means, the mode related to the next request stored in the storage control means is acquired and the mode related to the acquired mode is acquired. It is determined whether image processing based on the request can be executed by the combination of the remaining image processing means .

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 3 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the combination processing of the image processing means by the image processing combination means is an image processing means to be used. On the other hand, it is characterized by setting parameters and constructing the processing order of image processing . According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the images are grouped into a group including predetermined image processing means among the plurality of image processing means. The processing combination means performs the combination in units of the groups. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, each of the plurality of image processing means is handled as an input / output unit of image data, and The combination means performs the combination in the input / output unit.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the second aspect, the input image data is stored in the image processing apparatus for storing the input image data. On the other hand, in order to perform a storage process based on a request from the outside and a plurality of image storage units each performing a predetermined storage process, parameters are set for the image storage unit used for the storage process, And a storage processing combination means for constructing the processing order of the storage processing.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein the plurality of image storage means are grouped into a group consisting of predetermined image storage means, and the storage processing is performed. The combination means performs the combination in units of the groups .

In order to achieve the above object, according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect, each of the plurality of image storage means is treated as an input / output unit of image data, and the combination for the storage processing is performed. The means performs the combination in the input / output unit .

According to the first , second, and third aspects of the invention, since the control is a combination of the image processing means divided into functions, not the sequential control, the function is complicated or Even when a plurality of outputs are performed simultaneously, the control can be performed efficiently. In addition, since a plurality of requests can be accumulated and controlled, it is possible to perform optimum image processing by using optimum image processing means.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since the control is not the sequential type control but the function-divided image processing means combined in units of groups, when the function becomes complicated or when a plurality of inputs and outputs are performed simultaneously. Even in this case, control can be performed efficiently, and it can be used and managed more easily. In addition, since a plurality of requests can be accumulated and controlled, optimal image processing can be performed by using an optimal image processing means group.

According to the invention described in claim 5 , since the control is not the sequential control but the combination of the function-divided image processing means in the input / output unit, the case where the function becomes complicated or when a plurality of inputs / outputs are performed simultaneously. Also when performing, control can be performed efficiently. In addition, since a plurality of requests can be accumulated and controlled, it is possible to perform optimum image processing by using optimum image processing means.

According to the invention described in claim 6 , since the control is not the sequential control but the combination of the function-divided image accumulating means, even when the function becomes complicated or when a plurality of inputs and outputs are performed simultaneously. Can be controlled efficiently.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, since the control is not a sequential type control but a combination of function-divided image accumulating means in units of groups, when the function becomes complicated or when a plurality of inputs and outputs are performed simultaneously Even in this case, control can be performed efficiently, and it can be used and managed more easily.

According to the invention described in claim 8 , since the control is not the sequential control but the combination of the function-divided image accumulating means in the input / output unit, the function becomes complicated, or a plurality of inputs / outputs are simultaneously performed. Even when it is performed, control can be performed efficiently, and the image storage means can be managed in input / output units while maintaining the expandability of connection and disconnection.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image processing apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention. The input means 11 is provided with three systems (11-1, 11-2, 11-3), and the output means 12 is provided with two systems (12-1, 12-2). The image processing unit 13 includes image processing units 13-1 to 13-5 that are divided into functions. Also, an image processing combination means (hereinafter simply referred to as a combination means) for performing a combination of necessary image processing means in response to a request 14, and acquisition / control for controlling acquisition and release of the combined image processing means 13-1 to 13-5. The release control unit 15 includes an accumulation control unit 16 that accumulates and controls a plurality of request modes.

  Next, the operation will be described. The combination means 14 assembles the necessary image processing means 13-1 to 13-5 in accordance with the set request mode. For example, in response to a request that the input image from the input unit 11-1 is processed by the image processing units 13-1 and 13-2 and output to the output unit 12-1, the image processing units 13-1 and 13-2 On the other hand, parameters are set and an image path is assembled so that image signals flow in order.

  The acquisition / release control means 15 permits the setting to the combination means 14 when no image signal is flowing on the assembled image path. That is, when the previous request uses the image processing means 13-1 or 13-2, the request is permitted after the image signal has finished flowing on the assembled image path. In other words, the image processing means assembled after the flow is released is released.

The accumulation control means 16 accumulates a plurality of request modes such as the request mode currently being processed, the next request mode, and the following. Therefore, for example, the following control is performed.
1) When a certain request mode is being processed, the next request mode is stored.
2) If not in process, request the acquisition / release control means 15 to acquire the next requested mode. In this case, if necessary image processing means can be acquired, the processing is started. However, if acquisition is not possible, the acquisition of the next requested mode is requested.

  As described above, parameters are set only for the image processing means required for the request, and the processing order of the image processing is controlled according to the request. Furthermore, since the image processing means is optimally acquired at that time, a comfortable image processing apparatus can be provided to the requester.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an image processing apparatus showing a second embodiment of the present invention. The input means 21 is provided with three systems (21-1, 21-2, 21-3), and the output means 22 is provided with two systems (22-1 and 22-2). The image processing unit 23 includes image processing means 23-1 to 23-5 whose functions are divided. Further, in order to simplify the management, groups are made as shown by dotted lines in the figure. Also, management / combination means 24 for managing and combining required image processing means groups for requests, acquisition / release control means 25 for controlling acquisition and release of combined image processing means groups, and a plurality of request modes are stored. Accumulation control means 26 for controlling is provided.

  Next, the operation will be described. The combination means 24 manages and assembles the necessary image processing means groups according to the set request mode. For example, in response to a request to perform group 1 image processing on the input image from the input unit 21-1 and output it to the output unit 22-1, the image processing units 23-1 and 23-2 belonging to the group 1 are requested. Set parameters and assemble image paths between groups.

  The acquisition / release control means 25 permits the management / combination means 24 to set when no image signal is flowing on the assembled image path. That is, if the previous request uses group 1, the request is permitted after the image signal has finished flowing on the image path between the assembled groups. In other words, the image processing means of each group assembled after the flow is completed is released.

The accumulation control means 26 accumulates a plurality of request modes such as the request mode currently being processed, the next request mode, and the following. Therefore, for example, the following control is performed.
1) When a certain request mode is being processed, the next request mode is stored.
2) If not in process, request the acquisition / release control means 25 to acquire the next requested mode. In that case, if the necessary image processing means group can be acquired, the processing is started. However, if acquisition is not possible, the acquisition of the next requested mode is requested.

  As described above, the parameter setting is performed only for the image processing means group required for the request, and the connection between the groups is controlled by the request. Further, since the image processing means group is optimally acquired at that time, a comfortable image processing apparatus can be provided to the requester.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an image processing apparatus showing a third embodiment of the present invention. The input means 31 is provided with three systems (31-1, 31-2, 31-3), and the output means 32 is provided with two systems (32-1, 32-2). The image processing unit 33 includes image processing units 33-1 to 33-5 that are function-divided. Further, in order to simplify the management, management is performed for each input / output unit as shown by a dotted line in the figure. Also, management / combination means 34 for managing and combining image processing means for each input / output unit required for the request, acquisition / release control means 35 for controlling acquisition and release of the combined image processing means, a plurality of request modes Storage control means 36 for storing and controlling.

  Next, the operation will be described. In accordance with the set request mode, the management / combination means 34 manages and assembles the necessary image processing means for each input / output unit. For example, image processing belonging to the management of the input unit 31-1 and the output unit 32-1 in response to a request to perform related image processing on the input image from the input unit 31-1 and output to the output unit 32-1. Parameters are set for the means 33-1 and 33-4, and an image path between input and output is assembled.

  The acquisition / release control means 35 allows the management / combination means 34 to set when no image signal is flowing on the assembled image path. That is, when the previous request uses the image processing means, the request is permitted after the image signal has finished flowing on the assembled image path. In other words, the image processing means assembled after the flow is released is released.

The accumulation control means 36 accumulates a plurality of request modes such as the request mode currently being processed, the next request mode, and the following. Therefore, for example, the following control is performed.
1) When a certain request mode is being processed, the next request mode is stored.
2) If not in process, request the acquisition / release control means 35 to acquire the next requested mode. In this case, if necessary image processing means can be acquired, the processing is started. However, if acquisition is not possible, the acquisition of the next requested mode is requested.

  As described above, parameters are set only for the image processing means that manages each input / output necessary for the request, and the connection between each input / output is controlled by the request. Furthermore, since the image processing means is optimally acquired at that time, a comfortable image processing apparatus can be provided to the requester.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an image processing apparatus showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The input means 41 is provided with three systems (41-1, 41-2, 41-3), and the output means 42 is provided with two systems (42-1, 42-2). The image storage unit 43 includes a plurality of image storage units 43-1 to 43-4. The image storage units 43-1 to 43-4 are, for example , primary storage devices or secondary storage devices that are used according to speed . In addition, a combination unit 44 that performs a combination of necessary image storage units in response to the request is provided.

  Next, the operation will be described. The combination means 44 assembles necessary image storage means according to the set request mode. For example, the input image from the input unit 41-1 is stored in the image storage unit 43-1, 43-2, and the image stored in the image storage unit 43-2 is stored in the image storage unit 43-3. In response to a request to output to 42-1, parameters are set for the image storage means 43-1 and 43-2 at the time of image storage, and an image path is assembled so that the image signals are stored in the above order. Further, when the stored image is output, parameters are set for the image storage units 43-2 and 43-3, and an image path is assembled so that the image signals are stored and restored in the above order.

  As described above, parameters are set only for the image storage means necessary for the request, and the image storage processing order is controlled according to the request.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an image processing apparatus showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The input means 51 is provided with three systems (51-1, 51-2, 51-3), and the output means 52 is provided with two systems (52-1, 52-2). The image storage unit 53 includes a plurality of image storage units 53-1 to 53-4. The image storage units 53-1 to 53-4 are, for example, a primary storage device or a secondary storage device. In order to simplify the management, the image storage means are grouped as shown by the dotted line in the figure. Further, a management / combination means 54 for managing and combining necessary image storage means groups for the request is provided.

  Next, the operation will be described. The management / combination means 54 manages and assembles the necessary image storage means groups according to the set request mode. For example, in response to a request that the input image from the input unit 51-1 is stored in the image storage units 53-1 and 53-2 of the group 1 and output to the image output unit 52-1, the image storage unit 53 belonging to the group 1. Parameters are set for −1 and 53-2, and image paths between groups are assembled. As described above, parameters are set only for the image storage means group required for the request, and the connection between the groups is controlled according to the request.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an image processing apparatus showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The input means 61 is provided with three systems (61-1, 61-2, 61-3), and the output means 62 is provided with two systems (62-1, 62-2). The image storage unit 63 includes a plurality of image storage units 63-1 to 63-4. The image storage means 63-1 to 63-4 are, for example, a primary storage device or a secondary storage device. In order to simplify the management, management is performed for each input / output unit (grouping) as shown by the dotted line in the figure. Further, a management / combination means 64 is provided for managing and combining image storage means groups for each input / output unit necessary for the request.

Next, the operation will be described. The management / combination means 64 manages and assembles the necessary image storage means for each input / output unit according to the set request mode. For example, the management of the image input unit 61-1 and the image output unit 62-1 is performed in response to a request that the input image from the input unit 61-1 is stored in the related image storage unit and output to the image output unit 62-1. Parameters are set for the image storage means 63-1 and 63-4 belonging to, and an image path between input and output is assembled. As described above, in response to a request, parameters are set only in the image storage means managed in each necessary input / output unit, and the connection between the input and output is controlled according to the request.

1 is a block diagram of an image processing apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the image processing apparatus which shows the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the image processing apparatus which shows the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the image processing apparatus which shows the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the image processing apparatus which shows the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the image processing apparatus which shows the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing an example of a general image processing device in which a plurality of image processing means are connected in order. It is a block diagram in the case of changing the processing order of functions. It is a block diagram in the case of performing a plurality of inputs / outputs. It is a block diagram in the case of performing two types of outputs. It is a block diagram which shows the other example of the general image processing apparatus with which a some image processing means is connected in order. It is a block diagram at the time of reverse storage process A and B. FIG. It is a block diagram in the case of outputting simultaneously from the 1st accumulation | storage process part to the 2nd, 3rd accumulation | storage process part. It is a block diagram in case an input is performed from the 3rd accumulation | storage process part to a 1st accumulation | storage process part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Input means 12 Output means 13 Image processing parts 13-1 to 13-5 Image processing means 14 Combination means 15 Acquisition / release control means 16 Accumulation control means 21 Input means 22 Output means 23 Image processing parts 23-1 to 23-5 Image processing means 24 Management / combination means 25 Acquisition / release control means 26 Accumulation control means 31 Input means 32 Output means 33 Image processing units 33-1 to 33-5 Image processing means 34 Management / combination means 35 Acquisition / release control means 36 Storage control means 41 Input means 42 Output means 43 Image storage sections 43-1 to 43-4 Image storage means 44 Combination means 51 Input means 52 Output means 53 Image storage sections 53-1 to 53-4 Image storage means 54 Management / combination Means 61 Input means 62 Output means 63 Image storage units 63-1 to 63-4 Image storage means 64 Management / Assembly Combined means

Claims (8)

In an image processing apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on input image data,
A plurality of image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on each of the input image data;
Image processing combination means for combining predetermined image processing means among the plurality of image processing means;
In order to perform image processing based on a request from the outside, a predetermined image processing unit combined by the image processing combination unit is acquired, and image processing based on the request is completed by the acquired predetermined image processing unit Then, it has acquisition / release control means for releasing the predetermined image processing means combined, and further,
The acquisition / release control means determines whether or not image processing based on the external request can be executed by a combination of the remaining image processing means other than the image processing means being acquired. When it is determined that the image processing apparatus is a predetermined new image processing means to be combined by the image processing combination means, an image processing apparatus is obtained. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
Storing control means for storing a mode according to the request from the outside;
The acquisition / release control unit can sequentially acquire the modes stored in the storage control unit when acquiring the predetermined image processing unit to be combined by the image processing combination unit, and also relates to the acquired mode. If it is determined that the image processing based on the request cannot be executed by the combination of the remaining image processing means, the mode related to the next request stored in the storage control means is acquired and the mode related to the acquired mode is acquired. An image processing apparatus for determining whether image processing based on a request can be executed by a combination of the remaining image processing means.   The combination processing of the image processing means by the image processing combination means sets the parameters for the image processing means to be used and constructs the processing order of the image processing. The image processing apparatus described.   4. The image processing unit is grouped into a group of predetermined image processing units among the plurality of image processing units, and the image processing combination unit performs combination in units of groups. An image processing apparatus according to 1.   The plurality of image processing units are treated as input / output units of image data, and the image processing combination unit performs combination in the input / output units. The image processing apparatus described. In an image processing apparatus that performs storage processing of input image data,
A plurality of image storage means each for performing a predetermined storage process on the input image data;
In order to perform a storage process based on a request from the outside, the image storage means used for the storage process has a parameter setting and a storage processing combination means for constructing the processing order of the storage processes. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2 .   The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of image storage units are grouped into a group including predetermined image storage units, and the storage processing combination unit performs combination in units of the groups.   7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of image storage units is handled as an input / output unit of image data, and the storage processing combination unit performs the combination in the input / output unit.

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