JP4144547B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of simultaneously obtaining a rotation output corresponding to a plurality of types of rotation patterns of image data for one page stored in a memory.

  In an image processing apparatus that processes image data, such as a facsimile machine, a digital copying machine, a printer, or a multifunction machine that integrates these functions, it reads image data read by itself or image data input from an external device. Some have a function of rotating 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise and recording on paper (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In such a rotation process of image data, when the long and short directions of the graphic drawn by the image data are made coincident with the long and short directions of the paper for easy viewing, even if there is no paper set in the predetermined direction, the direction of 90 degrees This is useful, for example, when the recording process is continued with other sheets set with different colors.

Conventionally, rotation processing of image data in an image processing apparatus is generally performed as follows using a page memory. Image data read by itself or image data for one page input from an external device is temporarily stored in the page memory. Reading partial image data with the same number of pixels in the row and column directions from the stored image data, transposing the read partial image data, and writing the transposed partial image data to the original address of the page memory Is performed over one page of image data to generate transposed image data for rotation processing. Then, by reading the transposed image data in a desired order, the rotated image data is output.
JP-A-6-105118 JP 2000-268169 A

  In the image processing device, in order to improve processing efficiency, image data obtained by rotating the image data for one page with a first rotation pattern (for example, rotating 90 degrees clockwise) The image data obtained by rotating the image data in a second rotation pattern (for example, rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise) may be sent to different hardware in the image processing apparatus. As an example, image data rotated 90 degrees clockwise is sent to a recording apparatus, and image data rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise is sent to a codec unit that performs image data encoding processing. Exists. In such a case, it is effective from the viewpoint of improving the processing efficiency to obtain image data in these two types of rotation patterns at the same time and send them simultaneously to the corresponding hardware.

  However, since the conventional image processing apparatus described above transposes the partial image data read from the page memory and writes it to the original address of the page memory, image data corresponding to a plurality of types of rotation patterns (for example, There is a problem that image data rotated 90 degrees clockwise and image data rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise cannot be output simultaneously.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and by rotating the partial image data transposed according to each of a plurality of types of rotation patterns in a storage area different from the original image data, the rotation is performed. Multiple types of image data with different patterns can be output simultaneously, and the original image data and the transposed partial image data can be stored in the memory storage area in succession to effectively use the memory storage area. An object is to provide an image processing apparatus.

  An image processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that performs processing for transposing and outputting image data for one page in each of a plurality of types of transposition patterns, and a memory for accumulating image data for one page; A buffer for storing partial image data that is a part of the image data stored in a memory, and reading the partial image data to the buffer and writing the partial image data from the buffer to the memory; Means for executing transposition processing of the partial image data corresponding to each of a plurality of types of transposition patterns, and means for simultaneously reading out the partial image data after the transposition processing corresponding to each of the plurality of types of transposition patterns from the memory, The memory has a storage area corresponding to the data amount of the partial image data after transposition processing to be written, and the image data for one page is stored in the memory area. Wherein the is provided continuously to a storage area to be a product.

  The image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention reads partial image data in units of a plurality of pixels which are a part of the image data for one page from the image data for one page stored in the memory. The transposition processing in which the row direction and the column direction are switched is performed according to each of the plurality of types of rotation patterns, and the partial image data after the transposition processing corresponding to each rotation pattern is converted into image data for one page of the original memory. Writes to a different storage area. Therefore, the original image data for one page is not rewritten. Then, by reading out the partial image data after the plural types of transposition processing by controlling their read addresses, plural types of image data having different rotation patterns are output simultaneously. Further, a minimum storage area necessary for accumulating the partial image data after the transposition process is continuously secured in the memory area for accumulating the original image data not subjected to the transposition process. Therefore, it is not necessary to secure a useless storage area, and the memory can be used effectively.

  The image processing apparatus according to a second invention is the image processing apparatus according to the first invention, wherein the memory stores image data that is not subjected to transposition processing of the next page continuously in a storage area in which the partial image data after transposition processing is written. A storage area is provided.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, in the memory, image data that has not been subjected to transposition processing for the next page in succession to the storage area for storing the partial image data after transposition processing for the previous page. A storage area for accumulating data is secured. Therefore, there is no waste in using the storage area, and the memory can be used effectively.

  In the image processing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the memory has a storage area for writing partial image data after the transposition processing corresponding to each of the plurality of types of transposition patterns. Each of the two storage areas alternately performs the writing operation of the partial image data and the reading operation of the partial image data in each of the two storage areas for each transposition pattern. It is characterized by that.

  In the image processing apparatus of the third invention, two storage areas are set in the memory for writing the partial image data after the transposition processing for each of the plurality of types of rotation patterns. The partial image data writing operation and the partial image data reading operation in the two storage areas are alternately performed. Therefore, the partial image data after the transposition processing (rotated image data) is output efficiently using a small storage area.

  In the present invention, the partial image data after being read from the image data for one page stored in the memory and transposed according to each of the plurality of types of rotation patterns is not an original address of the memory, but an image for one page. Since data is written in a storage area different from the storage area in which data is accumulated, a plurality of types of image data having different rotation patterns can be output simultaneously. In addition, since the partial image data writing area after the transposition processing is continuously provided in the original image data accumulation area, the storage area of the memory can be used without waste.

  In addition, since the storage area of the image data not subjected to the transposition process on the next page is provided continuously in the writing area of the partial image data after the transposition process, the storage area of the memory can be used without waste.

  Furthermore, since the partial image data write operation and read operation are alternately performed using the two storage areas, the rotated image data can be output efficiently by using a small storage area.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile composite apparatus 20 as an image processing apparatus of the present invention.

  The facsimile multifunction device 20 includes a control unit 1, a reading unit 2, a recording unit 3, a display unit 4, an operation unit 5, a ROM 6, a RAM 7, a codec unit 8, an image memory 9, a page memory 10, a buffer 11, a modem 12, an NCU ( Network Control Unit) 13, a PC interface unit 14 and the like. The facsimile multifunction device 20 reads a document by the reading unit 2 to obtain image data, read image data, image data received by facsimile communication, or image data corresponding to image data received from an externally connected PC. The recording section 3 has a recording function and a transmission function for facsimile transmission of the read image data or the received image data.

  Specifically, the control unit 1 is configured by a CPU, and is connected to the above-described hardware units of the facsimile multifunction device 20 via the bus 15. The control unit 1 controls them and is stored in the ROM 6. Various software functions are executed according to the control program. The reading unit 2 reads a document using a CCD image sensor, for example, and outputs the read image data.

  The recording unit 3 is an electrophotographic printer device, and is an image corresponding to image data of a document read by the reading unit 2, image data received by facsimile communication, image data sent from an external PC, and the like. On the paper. The display unit 4 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device or a CRT display, displays the operation state of the facsimile multifunction device 20, displays a screen prompting the user to input an operation, or reads an image of a document read to be transmitted. Data, image data transmitted from other facsimile machines or PCs, etc. are displayed.

  The operation unit 5 includes character keys, numeric keys, abbreviated dial keys, one-touch dial keys, various function keys, and the like necessary for operating the facsimile composite apparatus 20. The operation unit 5 uses the page memory 10 and the buffer 11 as function keys to determine whether or not to perform image data rotation processing and the rotation pattern (90 degrees clockwise or 90 degrees counterclockwise). It has a rotation processing setting key 5a to be set. In addition, it is also possible to substitute a part or all of the various keys of the operation unit 5 by using the display unit 4 as a touch panel system.

  The ROM 6 stores in advance various software programs necessary for the operation of the facsimile composite apparatus 20. The RAM 7 is composed of SRAM, flash memory, or the like, and stores temporary data generated when software is executed. The codec unit 8 compresses and encodes image data and decodes the image data that has been compression-encoded. The image memory 9 stores image data encoded by reading a document, image data received and encoded from another facsimile machine or PC, and the like.

  The page memory 10 is composed of, for example, an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory), and image data for one page read by the reading unit 2 or one page received from another facsimile machine or PC. Accumulate image data. The page memory 10 stores transposed image data obtained by transposing the original image data in accordance with each of a plurality of types of rotation patterns in a buffer area different from the original image data.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the page memory 10. The page memory 10 includes an original buffer area 10a that stores image data for one original page that has not been transposed, and image data for one original page. Two first transposition buffer areas 10b and 10c for storing first transposition partial image data obtained by transposing a part according to a first rotation pattern (clockwise 90 degree rotation); Two third transposition buffer areas 10d for storing second transposition partial image data obtained by transposing a part of image data for one page according to the second rotation pattern (counterclockwise 90 degree rotation) and the fourth The first, second, third, and fourth transposition buffer areas 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e are continuous to the original buffer area 10a. The sizes of the first, second, third, and fourth transposition buffer areas 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e are the minimum sizes necessary for the rotation of the original image data to be processed. It is calculated according to. Therefore, the addresses of these transposition buffer areas are variable.

Here, a specific calculation method of the storage capacity required for each of the first, second, third, and fourth transposition buffer areas 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e will be described. When the image data is binary data, the transposition unit is n × n pixels, and the accumulated image data for one page is a y line, a and b are natural numbers (however, 0 <b <n) The storage capacity M required for 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e is as follows.
(1) When y = a × n
M = a × n ² (bit) (Formula 1)
(2) When y = a × n + b
M = (a + 1) × n ² (bit) (Expression 2)

  Further, an original buffer area 10a for accumulating image data for the next page is provided in succession to the first, second, third, and fourth transposition buffer areas 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e. As described above, since the original buffer area 10a and the minimum, first, second, third, and fourth transposition buffer areas 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e are continuously provided in the page memory 10, the page There is no waste in using the storage area of the memory 10.

  Original image data or a plurality of types of transposed partial image data stored in the page memory 10 is read out by the recording unit 3, and a normal image or a rotated image corresponding to the image data is recorded on the sheet. Yes. Further, the original image data or the plurality of types of transposed partial image data is output to the codec unit 8 for compression encoding. In order to improve efficiency, transposed partial image data having different rotation patterns based on the same page (for example, transposed partial image data corresponding to 90 ° clockwise rotation and transposed partial image corresponding to 90 ° counterclockwise rotation) Data) may be output to the recording unit 3 and the codec unit 8 at the same time.

The buffer 11 has ^two sets of n ² flip-flops configured in an n × n (n: natural number) matrix, and each flip-flop holds binary data of each pixel. Data can be written / read between the page memory 10 and the buffer 11 in units of n × n n ² pixels of the page memory 10. By writing / reading control, transposed image data is generated in a rotation process based on each of a plurality of types of rotation patterns of image data.

  The modem 12 is connected to the bus 15 and is composed of a facsimile modem capable of facsimile communication. Similarly, the modem 12 is directly connected to the NCU 13 connected to the bus 15. The NCU 13 is hardware that performs operations for closing and opening a line L1 with a public switched telephone network (PSTN), and connects the modem 12 to the PSTN as necessary. The facsimile composite apparatus 20 is connected to other facsimile apparatuses by PSTN so that normal facsimile communication can be performed. The PC interface unit 14 is connected to an external PC via a communication line L2 such as a LAN, and exchanges data with the PC. Various image data created and edited by an external PC are transmitted to the facsimile multifunction apparatus 20 (PC interface unit 14) via the communication line L2, and an image corresponding to the transmitted image data is transmitted to the facsimile multifunction apparatus 20. The data is printed out on a sheet at (recording unit 3).

  Hereinafter, regarding the output processing of the image data in the facsimile composite apparatus 20 having such a configuration, the transposition unit n is set to 8, and the transposed image data in the clockwise 90 ° rotation is sent to the recording unit 3 in the counterclockwise direction 90. A case where the transposed image data in the degree rotation is simultaneously output to the codec unit 8 will be described as an example.

  One page of image data is stored in the original buffer area 10 a of the page memory 10. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an accumulation state of the original image data in the original buffer area 10a. In this example, the number of lines is y = 24. The transposed image data that has been transposed as described below is output to the recording unit 3 and the codec unit 8.

The storage capacity required for each of the first, second, third, and fourth transposition buffer areas 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e is calculated. Since the transposition unit is n = 8 and the number of lines is y = 24, a = 3, and the storage capacity M required for each of the transposition buffer areas 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e according to (Equation 1) described above is M = 3 × 8 ² = 192 (bits).

  The data of one block is read out from the page memory 10 with 64 pixels of 8 × 8 square shape in the image data stored in the original buffer area 10a of the page memory 10 as a unit (block), and the buffer 11 After the writing is completed, the data written in the buffer 11 is read from the column direction, and the read data is read from the first transposition buffer area 10b or the second transposition buffer of the page memory 10. Write to area 10c. In this way, first transposed partial image data is generated as intermediate data for the clockwise 90 ° rotation processing. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the accumulation state of the first transposed partial image data in the first transposed buffer area 10b and the second transposed buffer area 10c. Since the minimum necessary first transposition buffer area 10b and second transposition buffer area 10c obtained by the calculation are continuously provided in the original buffer area 10a, there is no waste and the storage area of the page memory 10 is made effective. Can be used.

  On the other hand, the transposition unit processing order is different from the above processing, and 64 pixels of 8 × 8 square shape in the image data stored in the original buffer area 10a of the page memory 10 is used as a unit (block). The data of the one block is read from the page memory 10 and the data is written to the buffer 11 in the row direction. After this writing is completed, the data written to the buffer 11 is read from the column direction and the read data is read. Is written into the third transposition buffer area 10d or the fourth transposition buffer area 10e of the page memory 10, thereby generating second transposed partial image data as intermediate data for the counterclockwise 90 degree rotation processing. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a storage state of the second transposed partial image data in the third transposed buffer area 10d and the fourth transposed buffer area 10e. The third and fourth transposition buffer areas 10d and 10e are also provided in succession to the first and second transposition buffer areas 10b and 10c so as to effectively use the storage area of the page memory 10.

  Then, the first transposed partial image data stored in the first transposed buffer area 10b and the second transposed buffer area 10c is read and output to the recording unit 3, and the third transposed buffer area 10d and the fourth transposed buffer area 10e. Are read out and output to the codec unit 8. At this time, when one transposed buffer area is filled with data, the other transposed buffer area is selected and the same transposed partial image data generation process is continued, and transposed partial image data is transferred from one transposed buffer area. read out. As described above, in the first transposition buffer area 10b and the second transposition buffer area 10c, and in the third transposition buffer area 10d and the fourth transposition buffer area 10e, the transposition partial image data writing operation and the transposition partial image data reading are performed. Alternate with movement. By repeating such processing until output for one page is completed, transposed image data for one page corresponding to a 90-degree clockwise rotation as shown in FIG. 6 can be output to the recording unit 3, and The transposed image data for one page corresponding to the counterclockwise 90 degree rotation as shown in FIG. Since the original image data stored in the original buffer area 10a has not been rewritten, while the transposed image data is being output to the recording unit 3 and the codec unit 8, the original image data that has not been transposed. It is also possible to read out image data and simultaneously output it to other hardware.

  As described above, a plurality of types of image data having different rotation patterns can be simultaneously output to different hardware.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of such transposed image data generation / output processing.

  One page of image data read by the reading unit 2 or image data received from another facsimile machine or PC is stored in the original buffer area 10a of the page memory 10 (step S1). The control unit 1 determines whether or not there has been a read instruction (step S2), and if not (S2: NO), continues to monitor the read instruction. When there is a read instruction (S2: YES), the control unit 1 detects the type of the set rotation pattern (90 degrees clockwise and 90 degrees counterclockwise) (step S3), and The storage capacity required for the first, second, third, and fourth transposition buffer areas 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e is calculated, and a storage area for the calculated capacity is secured in the page memory 10 (step S4). Then, the operations of S5 to S12 described below are performed in parallel with respect to the first rotation pattern (clockwise 90 ° rotation) and the second rotation pattern (counterclockwise 90 ° rotation).

  Using 64 pixels of 8 × 8 square shape in the image data stored in the original buffer area 10a as a unit (block), the data of one block is read from the original buffer area 10a and written to the buffer 11 ( Step S5). In this case, data is written in the row direction of the buffer 11. After this writing is completed, the data written in the buffer 11 is read from the column direction, and the read data is read from one transposition buffer area (for example, the first transposition buffer area 10b or the third transposition buffer area 10d) of the page memory 10. (Step S6).

  The control unit 1 determines whether or not transposition processing (writing / reading operation to the buffer 11) over one page of image data has been completed (step S7). If not completed (S7: NO), the control unit 1 determines whether one of the transposed buffer areas is free (step S8). If it is empty (S8: YES), the operation returns to S5, and the transposed partial image data generation process for one transposed buffer area is repeated.

  When one transposition buffer area is not free (S8: NO), the control unit 1 selects the other transposition buffer area (for example, the second transposition buffer area 10c or the fourth transposition buffer area 10e) (step S9). ) Starts reading / outputting the transposed partial image data stored in one transposed buffer area (step S10), the operation returns to S5, and the transposed partial image data generation processing for the other transposed buffer area is performed. Do. In the present invention, while the transposition partial image data is being read out in one transposition buffer area, the transposition partial image data is written in the other transposition buffer area and the transposition partial image data is transposed in one transposition buffer area. While the partial image data writing operation is being performed, the transposed partial image data is read out in the other transposed buffer area, that is, the transposed partial image data writing operation and the transposed partial image data reading operation are performed. Are alternately performed by two first transposition buffer areas 10b and second transposition buffer areas 10c, and third transposition buffer area 10d and fourth transposition buffer area 10e. The operation efficiency is very good.

  When the transposition process over the image data for one page is completed (S7: YES), the control unit 1 determines whether the output of the transposed partial image data for one page is completed (step S11). If not completed (S11: NO), the output process is continued (step S12), and the operation returns to S11. When the transposed partial image data for one page corresponding to the clockwise 90 degree rotation or the counterclockwise 90 degree rotation is output (S11: YES), the operation is finished.

  In the present invention, the operations of S5 to S12 described above are performed in parallel in the first rotation pattern (clockwise 90 degree rotation) and the second rotation pattern (counterclockwise 90 degree rotation). The transposition image data corresponding to the 90 ° clockwise rotation can be output to the recording unit 3, and the transposed image data corresponding to the counterclockwise 90 ° rotation can be output to the codec unit 8. Image data can be output simultaneously to different hardware.

In the example described above, the image data is binary data, but it may be multi-value data. When the image data is multi-value data of t bits, the storage capacity M required for each of the first, second, third, and fourth transposition buffer areas 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e is as follows. However, n, y, a, and b represent the same thing as the case of the above (Formula 1) and (Formula 2).
(3) When y = a × n
M = a × n ² × t (bit) (Formula 3)
(4) When y = a × n + b
M = (a + 1) × n ² × t (bit) (Formula 4)

  In the above-described embodiment, two types of rotation patterns (clockwise 90 ° rotation and counterclockwise 90 ° rotation) have been described as examples. However, there are three types of rotation patterns such as a 180 ° rotation rotation pattern added thereto. Of course, the present invention can be similarly applied to the case where the above rotation pattern is set. In the above-described embodiment, transposed image data is generated with 8 × 8 pixels as a unit. However, this is an example, and the number of pixels as the unit may be an arbitrary value. Further, although the facsimile composite apparatus has been described as an example, it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to all apparatuses such as a facsimile apparatus, a digital copying machine, and a printer that rotate and output acquired image data.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus (facsimile multifunction apparatus) according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of a page memory. It is a figure which shows the accumulation | storage state of the original image data in the original buffer area. It is a figure which shows the accumulation | storage state of the 1st transposition partial image data in a 1st transposition buffer area | region and a 2nd transposition buffer area | region. It is a figure which shows the accumulation | storage state of the 2nd transposition partial image data in a 3rd transposition buffer area | region and a 4th transposition buffer area | region. It is a figure which shows the transposition image data for 1 page for clockwise 90 degree rotation processing. It is a figure which shows the transposition image data for 1 page for a counterclockwise 90 degree rotation process. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation procedure of transposed image data generation / output processing in the facsimile composite apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control part 2 Reading part 3 Recording part 5 Operation part 5a Rotation process setting key 6 ROM
7 RAM
10 page memory 10a original buffer area 10b first transposed buffer area 10c second transposed buffer area 10d third transposed buffer area 10e fourth transposed buffer area 11 buffer 20 facsimile composite apparatus (image processing apparatus)

Claims (3)

  In an image processing apparatus that performs processing for transposing and outputting image data for one page with each of a plurality of types of transposition patterns, a memory for accumulating image data for one page, and the image data stored in the memory A buffer for storing partial image data that is a part, and reading the partial image data to the buffer and writing the partial image data from the buffer to the memory, according to each of the plurality of types of transposition patterns. Means for executing transposition processing of partial image data, and means for simultaneously reading out the partial image data after transposition processing corresponding to each of the plurality of types of transposition patterns from the memory, the memory after the transposition processing to be written A storage area corresponding to the amount of partial image data is continuously provided in the storage area for storing the image data for one page. The image processing apparatus characterized by are.   2. The memory according to claim 1, further comprising a storage area in which image data not subjected to transposition processing of the next page is accumulated continuously to a storage area in which partial image data after transposition processing is written. Image processing apparatus. The memory has two storage areas for writing each partial image data after the transposition processing corresponding to each of the plurality of transposition patterns, and the two memory areas for each transposition pattern. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a partial image data writing operation and a partial image data reading operation in the storage area are alternately performed in each of the two storage areas.

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