JP4155306B2 - Image processing apparatus, copying machine, document reading apparatus, and printing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a copying machine, a document reading apparatus, and a printing apparatus.

In image processing apparatuses such as color printers, various techniques for preventing counterfeiting of banknotes and securities are proposed. For example, in the device described in Patent Document 1, image data acquired by reading a document image by a document reading unit is supplied to an image processing unit and a specific document determination unit. Then, after the output image data is generated based on the image data in the image processing unit, printing based on the output image data is performed in the printing unit. The specific document determination unit determines whether or not the image data from the document reading unit includes specific image data that should be prohibited from being output. If it is determined that the specific image data is included, The printing unit is configured to stop the output.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-62242

  In the above configuration, the specific document determination unit for determining the specific document is provided independently of the image processing unit, and therefore is not operated when it is not necessary to perform the determination. Therefore, depending on the usage situation, the operation rate of the specific document determination unit is low, and the resources are not effectively used.

  The present invention has been completed based on the above situation, and an object thereof is to effectively use resources for determining a specific document.

As means for achieving the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 includes an acquisition means for acquiring image data, the first processing is a correction process against the image data acquired by the acquisition unit a first processing unit that performs a second processing unit that performs second processing a correction process against the image data acquired by the acquisition unit, the image data processed by the first processing unit and the second processing unit A generating unit that generates output image data, a determination unit that determines whether the image data includes specific image data based on the image data processed by the second processing unit, and the generating unit. and output means for outputting the generated output image data, and switching means for switching the determination mode and the non-determination mode, wherein the at determination mode is processed by the second processing unit Image data is supplied to the determination unit, and determination processing in the determination unit and processing for generating the output image data based on the image data processed by the first processing unit in the generation unit are executed. In the non-determination mode, the image data processed by the second processing unit is supplied to the generation unit, and the generation unit processes the image data processed by the first processing unit and the second processing unit. The generation of the output image data is executed based on the image data thus obtained .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, when the determination unit determines that specific image data is included in the image data, the output unit stops the output, or The present invention is characterized in that it includes a prohibiting means for performing invalidated output.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the method according to the first or second aspect, the second processing unit executes a different process depending on a supply destination of the processed image data as the second process. Has characteristics.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the method according to the third aspect, the second processing unit executes the same process as the first process as the second process when the supply destination is the generation unit. It has a feature.

The invention of claim 5 is characterized in that, in any of claims 1 to 4 , the first processing unit and the second processing unit each have an independent storage area. .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the generation unit generates image data for output based on the image data processed by the first processing unit. A first generation unit and a second generation unit that generates output image data based on the image data processed by the second processing unit, wherein the first generation unit and the second generation unit perform processing independently of each other. It has the feature in performing.

A seventh aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the sixth aspect , the first generation unit generates color output image data, and the second generation unit generates monochrome output image data. Have

The invention of claim 8 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 6 , the second generation unit generates output image data having a resolution lower than that of the first generation unit.

The image processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 9 includes an acquisition means for acquiring image data, a first processing unit that the first treatment is applied is acquired correction against the image data by the acquisition unit, by the acquisition unit a second processing unit for the second process is performed is acquired correction against the image data, based on the image data processed by the second processing unit, for determining whether the image data including the specific image data An output image data is generated on the basis of a determination unit that uses a storage unit and image data processed by the first processing unit and the second processing unit, and an image processed by the second processing unit. When generating the output image data based on the data, a generation unit that performs processing using the determination storage unit, and an output unit that outputs the output image data generated by the generation unit. When, and a switching means for switching the determination mode and the non-determination mode, the in determination mode, the second processed image data processed by the unit is supplied to said determining means, and the processing of judgment in said judging means And generating the output image data based on the image data processed by the first processing unit in the generating unit, and in the non-determination mode, the image data processed by the second processing unit. Is supplied to the generation unit, and the generation unit generates the output image data based on the image data processed by the first processing unit and the image data processed by the second processing unit. having the features at that.

Copier according to the invention of claim 10, the first process applied and the document reading section that acquires image data by reading a document image, the first processing is against correction processing on image data obtained by the document reading unit and parts, and a second processing unit for the second process is performed wherein a correction process against the image data acquired by the document reading unit, based on the image data processed by the first processing unit and the second processing unit, the output Generation means for generating image data for use, determination means for determining whether the image data includes specific image data based on the image data processed by the second processing unit, and generated by the generation means comprising a printing unit for printing out an image based on the output image data on the recording medium, and switching means for switching the determination mode and the non-determination mode, the said at determination mode, the second processing The image data processed by the unit is supplied to the determination unit, and the output image data is generated based on the determination process in the determination unit and the image data processed by the first processing unit in the generation unit. In the non-determination mode, the image data processed by the second processing unit is supplied to the generation unit. In the generation unit, the image data processed by the first processing unit and the first data The generation of the output image data is executed based on the image data processed by the two processing units .

Document reading apparatus according to the invention of claim 11 is a document reading section for acquiring image data by reading a document image, first applying the first treatment is against correction processing on image data obtained by the document reading unit a processing unit, a second processing unit for the second process is performed wherein a correction process against the image data acquired by the document reading unit, based on the image data processed by the first processing unit and the second processing unit, A generating unit that generates output image data; a determination unit that determines whether the image data includes specific image data based on the image data processed by the second processing unit; and the second processing unit. A switching unit that switches a supply destination of the processed image data to either the generation unit or the determination unit, and an output that outputs the output image data generated by the generation unit as a signal. And means, and switching means for switching the determination mode and the non-determination mode, the said at determination mode, the image data processed by the second processing unit is supplied to said determining means, the processing of determination in said determination means And processing for generating the output image data based on the image data processed by the first processing unit in the generation unit. In the non-determination mode, the image processed by the second processing unit Data is supplied to the generation unit, and the generation unit generates the output image data based on the image data processed by the first processing unit and the image data processed by the second processing unit. It is characterized by

Printing apparatus according to the invention of claim 12 has a communication unit for receiving image data sent from the connected information processing apparatus performs the first process is a correction process against the image data acquired by the communication unit a first processing unit, a second processing unit for the second process is performed is a correction process against the image data acquired by the communication unit, based on the processed image data by said first processing unit and the second processing unit Generating means for generating output image data; determination means for determining whether the image data includes specific image data based on the image data processed by the second processing section; and the second processing section A switching unit that switches a supply destination of the image data processed by the generation unit to the generation unit, and an image based on the output image data generated by the generation unit. A printing unit for printing out above and a switching means for switching the determination mode and the non-determination mode, the in determination mode, the image data processed by the second processing unit is supplied to said determining means, said A determination process in the determination unit and a process of generating the output image data based on the image data processed by the first processing unit in the generation unit are executed. In the non-determination mode, the second process The image data processed by the unit is supplied to the generation unit, and the generation unit uses the output data based on the image data processed by the first processing unit and the image data processed by the second processing unit. It is characterized in that generation of image data is executed .

<Invention of Claim 1>
The supply destination of the image data processed by the second processing unit is switched to either the determination unit or the generation unit. Thereby, the second processing unit can be utilized even when the determination by the determination unit is not performed, and resources can be effectively used.
Further, since the correction process is a pre-process that is necessary for both means when supplying the image data to the generation unit and the determination unit, the supply destination of the image data subjected to the correction process is the generation unit and the determination unit. By switching to either of these, resources can be used effectively.
Further, when it is not necessary to determine whether or not the image data includes specific image data, the second processing unit can be used for generating output image data, which is efficient.

<Invention of Claim 2>
When it is determined that the specific image data is included in the image data, the output can be stopped or invalidated to prevent the specific image from being output and misused. .

<Invention of Claim 3>
In the second processing unit, the process applied to the image data supplied to the determination unit and the process applied to the image data supplied to the generation unit are switched and executed, so that a process suitable for each purpose can be executed. it can.

<Invention of Claim 4>
When the supply destination of the second processing unit is the generation unit, the first processing unit and the second processing unit execute the same processing, whereby the overall processing speed can be improved.

<Invention of Claim 5 >
Since the storage area of the first processing unit and the storage area of the second processing unit are provided independently, memory management is facilitated and the storage area of the second processing unit does not supply image data to the determination unit. Since it is also used in some cases, resources can be used effectively.

<Invention of Claim 6 >
The generation unit includes a first generation unit that processes image data from the first processing unit and a second generation unit that processes image data from the second processing unit, and both generation units perform processing independently of each other. Therefore, the processing is simplified as compared with the case where one generating unit combines and processes the image data from the first processing unit and the image data from the second processing unit.

<Invention of Claim 7 >
When generating both monochrome and color output image data, the first generation unit generates color output image data, and the second generation unit generates monochrome output image data. Thus, it is possible to suppress the processing capability required for the second generation unit, thereby simplifying the configuration of the second generation unit.

<Invention of Claim 8 >
When generating output image data with different resolutions, such as for printing and for thumbnails, the second generation unit is configured to generate output image data with a low resolution so that processing necessary for the second generation unit is performed. The capability can be suppressed, and thereby the configuration of the second generation unit can be simplified.

<Invention of Claim 9 >
When the determination by the determination unit is not performed, the generation unit generates output image data using the determination storage unit of the determination unit. Thereby, resources can be used effectively.

<Invention of Claim 10 >
The same effect as that of the first aspect can be obtained in a copying machine provided with a document reading section and printing means.

<Invention of Claim 11 >
In the document reading device (scanner) provided with the document reading unit, the same effect as in the first aspect can be obtained.

<Invention of Claim 12 >
An effect similar to that of the first aspect can be obtained in a printing apparatus (printer) that receives image data transmitted from a connected information processing apparatus and prints an image based on the image data.

<Embodiment 1>
Next, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

1. Overall Configuration FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a multifunction machine 1 as an example of an image processing apparatus, a copying machine, an original reading apparatus, and a printing apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a state in which an original cover 35 is raised. 1 is a perspective view of a multifunction machine 1 shown. The multifunction device 1 is a multifunction peripheral device having various functions such as a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function. The multi-function device 1 includes a main body 2 that houses an image forming unit 10 that forms an image on a sheet 5 and a document reading unit 3 that is provided above the main body 2 and reads a document image.

(Main body)
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the main body 2. In the following description, the left side in FIG.

  The main body 2 includes a substantially box-shaped main body casing 4, and a sheet on which a plurality of sheets 5 (an example of a recording medium) for forming an image is stacked on the bottom of the main body casing 4. A tray 6 is provided so as to be drawn forward. A paper feed roller 7 is provided above the front end of the paper feed tray 6, and a single sheet 5 stacked on the top of the paper feed tray 6 by the rotation of the paper feed roller 7 is fed to the paper feed roller 6. 7 is sent out to a registration roller 8 provided above 7. The registration roller 8 feeds the paper 5 onto the rear belt unit 11 at a predetermined timing.

  An image forming unit 10 (an example of an output unit and a printing unit) is provided above the paper feed tray 6 in the main body casing 4. The image forming unit 10 includes a belt unit 11, four process units 12 </ b> M, 12 </ b> C, 12 </ b> Y, and 12 </ b> K, four exposure units 13, and a fixing device 14.

  The belt unit 11 has a conveying belt 18 installed horizontally between a pair of front and rear support rollers 16, 17. The belt unit 11 circulates and moves when the rear support roller 17 is driven to rotate, and the paper 5 placed on the upper surface thereof. To the rear. Inside the conveyance belt 18, four transfer rollers 19 are provided in the front and rear side so as to face each photosensitive drum 26 of the process unit 12 described later.

  The exposure unit 13 emits laser light L corresponding to one color of image data from the light source, and the laser light L is rotated on the surface of the photosensitive drum 26 via a polygon mirror or the like that is rotationally driven by the polygon motor 21. Irradiate with high-speed scanning.

  The process units 12M, 12C, 12Y, and 12K respectively include a toner storage chamber 23 that stores magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K) toner, a supply roller 24, and a development roller 25. A photosensitive drum 26, a scorotron charger 27, and the like.

  The toner discharged from the toner storage chamber 23 is supplied to the developing roller 25 by the rotation of the supply roller 24, and at this time, the toner is positively frictionally charged between the supply roller 24 and the developing roller 25. As the surface of the photosensitive drum 26 rotates, the surface of the photosensitive drum 26 is first uniformly charged positively by the scorotron charger 27 and then exposed by the laser light L from the exposure unit 13 to form an image to be formed on the paper 5. A corresponding electrostatic latent image is formed. Next, as the developing roller 25 rotates, the toner on the developing roller 25 is supplied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 26, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized. Thereafter, the toner image carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 26 is applied to the paper 5 by the transfer bias voltage applied to the transfer roller 19 while the paper 5 passes between the photosensitive drum 26 and the transfer roller 19. Transcribed.

  The fixing device 14 includes a heating roller 28 having a heat source and a pressure roller 29 that presses the paper 5 toward the heating roller 28, and heat-fixes the toner image transferred onto the paper 5 on the paper surface. The paper 5 thermally fixed by the fixing device 14 is conveyed upward and discharged onto a discharge tray 30 provided on the upper surface of the main body casing 4.

(Original reading section)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the document reading unit 3 (an example of an acquisition unit) includes a document placement unit 33 made of a transparent glass plate. An original is placed on the original placement portion 33 when the original is read by a so-called flat bed method. Further, the upper surface of the document placing portion 33 is covered with a document cover 35 having an ADF 34 so as to be opened and closed. The ADF 34 includes a document tray 36 on which a plurality of documents can be stacked. The document tray 36 is provided with a document detection sensor (not shown) using a photo sensor or the like for detecting whether or not a document is placed. The ADF 34 conveys the originals placed on the original tray 36 one by one, and discharges the originals after they are read by a CCD image sensor 37 described below.

  A CCD image sensor 37 (see FIG. 4) is provided below the document placing portion 33. The CCD image sensor 37 includes photodiodes arranged in a line in the front-rear direction, and receives light reflected by each photodiode when a strong light is applied to the document from the light source. The light intensity (brightness) of the reflected light is converted into an electrical signal. The document reading unit 3 converts this into digital data by an A / D converter (not shown), thereby reading an image formed on the document as image data.

  The reading of the original is performed by placing the original on the original placing portion 33 or using the ADF 34. In the former case, the CCD image sensor 37 is moved in the left-right direction along the plate surface of the document placement unit 33, and at that time, the document on the document placement unit 33 is read line by line. In the latter case, the CCD image sensor 37 is fixed to the left end position of the document placing portion 33, and the document is conveyed to a position where the CCD image sensor 37 can read the document by the ADF 34, thereby reading the document. Is performed line by line.

  An operation unit 39 including various buttons and the like is provided on the upper surface of the front end portion of the document reading unit 3. The operation unit 39 allows the user to input various instructions for operating the multifunction device 1, such as a print command for executing a document printing process.

2. Next, the electrical configuration of the multifunction machine 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram conceptually showing the electrical configuration of the multifunction machine 1. The multi-function device 1 includes a control device 50 that includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, a nonvolatile memory 54, a control unit 55, a network interface 56, a facsimile communication unit 57, a media connection unit 58, and the like.

  The ROM 52 stores various control programs, various settings, initial values, and the like for controlling the multifunction machine 1. The RAM 53 is used as a work area from which various control programs are read or as a storage area for temporarily storing image data.

  The CPU 51 controls each component of the multifunction device 1 via the control unit 55 while storing the processing result in the RAM 53 or the nonvolatile memory 54 according to the control program read from the ROM 52. The CPU 51 functions as a switching unit, a prohibiting unit, and a determining unit of the present invention.

  An external computer 60 (an example of an information processing apparatus) is connected to the network interface 56 (an example of an acquisition unit, an output unit, and a communication unit), and data communication with the computer 60 is possible.

  A telephone line 61 is connected to the facsimile communication unit 57 (an example of an acquisition unit and an output unit), and facsimile data including image data can be transmitted / received to / from an external facsimile device 62 or the like via the telephone line 61. It has become.

  A medium 63 such as a memory card is connected to the medium connection unit 58 (an example of an acquisition unit and an output unit), and image data can be written to and read from the medium 63.

  The control unit 55 includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and is electrically connected to each unit such as the document reading unit 3, the image forming unit 10, and the operation unit 39 described above. The control unit 55 includes an image processing unit 64, an image formation control unit 65, and the like. The image formation control unit 65 reads out the output image data stored in the RAM 53 under the control of the CPU 51, and controls the image formation unit 10 to print and output an image based on the output image data on the paper 5. .

  The image processing unit 64 performs various processes related to image data. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image processing unit 64. The image processing unit 64 includes a one-chip LSI, and includes a generation circuit 66 that generates output image data, and a determination circuit 67 that determines whether the image data includes specific image data. It has.

  The generation circuit 66 includes a first processing unit 68 and a first generation unit 69. The first processing unit 68 receives image data from the image reading unit 3, and performs correction processing such as black correction, shading correction, and gamma correction, and processing (first processing) such as resolution conversion processing on the image data. . The first generation unit 69 receives the image data processed by the first processing unit 68, performs color conversion processing for performing color conversion of the image data, binarization processing, compression processing, and the like, and outputs image data for output. Is generated.

  The determination circuit 67 includes a second processing unit 70, a determination unit 71, and a second generation unit 72. Similar to the first processing unit 68, the second processing unit 70 receives image data from the image reading unit 3, and performs correction processing such as black correction, shading correction, and gamma correction, resolution conversion processing, and the like on the image data. The second process is performed.

  The determination unit 71 (an example of a determination unit) receives the image data processed by the second processing unit 70 and determines whether or not the image content of the image data includes a specific image (such as banknotes or securities). The determination is made based on the determination condition. As a determination item of this determination condition, for example, a match rate between image data and reference data stored in advance is used. That is, in this case, the determination unit 71 calculates a match rate between the image data and the reference data stored in advance, and when the match rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the image data includes the specific image data. When the image data is less than the threshold, it is determined that the image data does not include the specific image data.

  The second generation unit 72 receives the image data processed by the second processing unit 70, performs color conversion processing for performing color conversion of the image data, binarization processing, compression processing, and the like, and outputs image data for output. Is generated. The 1st production | generation part 69 and the 2nd production | generation part 72 comprise the production | generation means of this invention.

  The operation mode of the image processing unit 64 is roughly divided into two types: a determination mode in which the determination by the determination unit 71 is executed, and a non-determination mode in which the determination by the determination unit 71 is not executed. Both operating modes are switched based on the signal. The supply destination of the image data processed by the second processing unit 70 is switched to the determination unit 71 in the determination mode and to the second generation unit 72 in the non-determination mode, and accordingly the second processing unit 70 is switched. The processing content is switched according to the supply destination.

  The generation circuit 66 is connected to a selection circuit 74. The selection circuit 74 is connected to a generation memory 75, and further connected to a determination memory 77 (an example of a determination storage unit) via an arbitration circuit 76. Has been. The selection circuit 74 switches the memory used when the generation circuit 66 performs each process. The first processing unit 68 and the first generation unit 69 include a generation memory 75 and a determination memory 77. Each process is executed using the memory selected by the selection circuit.

  The determination circuit 67 is connected to the determination memory 77 via the above-described arbitration circuit 76, and the second processing unit 70, the determination unit 71, and the second generation unit 72 use the determination memory 77. Execute each process. The arbitration circuit 76 adjusts access to the determination memory 77 of the determination circuit 67 and the generation circuit 66.

  The generation circuit 66 and the determination circuit 67 are connected to the arbitration circuit and the memory controller 78. The arbitration circuit and the memory controller 78 are connected to the above-described RAM 53 via a bus line, and adjust access to the RAM 53 of the determination circuit 67 and the generation circuit 66 and control writing and reading of data. . The output image data generated by the first generation unit 69 and the second generation unit 72 is stored in the RAM 53 via the arbitration circuit and the memory controller 78.

3. Operation by Control of CPU FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the CPU 51.
(Operation example during print output)
First, processing when a document image read by the document reading unit 3 is printed out on the paper 5 will be described.

  When the user places a document on the document placement unit 33 or the document tray 36 and inputs a print command for instructing printing (copying) from the operation unit 39, the CPU 51 receives the print command and performs the printing process shown in FIG. Start. The CPU 51 first determines whether or not it is necessary to determine whether or not specific image data is included in the image data (hereinafter referred to as specific image determination) (S11). Here, as a condition when it is not necessary to perform the specific image determination, for example, when a monochrome copy is designated by the user or when reading at a low resolution is designated, the image data is output to an external information processing apparatus. In this case, the specific image determination is performed by software of the information processing apparatus. If these conditions are not met, it is determined that the specific image determination needs to be performed.

  When it is determined that it is necessary to perform the specific image determination (S11: Yes), the CPU 51 outputs a mode switching signal to the image processing unit 64 and sets the operation mode of the image processing unit 64 to the determination mode. (S12).

  Subsequently, the CPU 51 executes a determination / output parallel process in which the determination by the determination unit 71 and the print output by the image forming unit 10 are performed in parallel (S13). In this determination / output parallel processing, first, a document image reading operation is performed by the document reading unit 3. Image data obtained by the document reading unit 3 is supplied to the first processing unit 68 and the second processing unit 70.

  Here, the processing content of the first processing unit 68 and the processing content of the second processing unit 70 for the image data are different from each other. That is, the first processing unit 68 performs image data correction processing using the parameters adjusted so that the first generation unit 69 generates output image data that is faithful to the original image (highly reproducible). Also, a resolution conversion process for converting the image data to a resolution designated by the user is performed. On the other hand, the second processing unit 70 performs image data correction processing using the parameters adjusted so that the determination unit 71 can perform more accurate determination, and the image data is determined by the determination unit 71. Performs resolution conversion processing to convert to an appropriate resolution.

  The first generation unit 69 converts the image data (RGB image data) into image data (MCYK image data) corresponding to each color of magenta, cyan, yellow, and black based on the image data processed by the first processing unit 68. Output image data is generated by performing color conversion processing to be converted. The image data generated by the first generation unit 69 is sequentially stored in the RAM 53. Note that the first processing unit 68 and the first generation unit 69 perform the above-described processes using the generation memory 75.

  In parallel with this, the determination unit 71 determines whether or not specific image data is included based on the image data processed by the second processing unit 70. Here, the second processing unit 70 and the determination unit 71 perform each process using the determination memory 77.

  When the output image data stored in the RAM 53 reaches a predetermined amount, print output by the image forming unit 10 is started. That is, the image data for output stored in the RAM 53 is sequentially read by the image formation control unit 65, and an image based on the image data is printed on the paper 5 and output by the image formation unit 10.

  When the determination unit 71 determines that the image data includes specific image data during the determination / output parallel processing, the CPU 51 executes a prohibition process for preventing the output based on the image data from being executed. . In this prohibition process, for example, the mechanical operation of the image forming unit 10 is stopped, and the print output of the image data is stopped. Alternatively, in this prohibition process, an invalidation process for modifying the output image data stored in the RAM 53 is performed, and an image printout based on the image data subjected to the invalidation process by the image forming unit 10 is executed. Is done. Note that the image based on the invalidated image data may be, for example, a pattern or characters superimposed on the original image, or may be an image completely different from the original image ( Including fill).

  When the CPU 51 determines that the specific image determination is not necessary in S11 (S11: No), the CPU 51 outputs a mode switching signal to the image processing unit 64, and the operation mode of the image processing unit 64 is determined. Is set to the non-determination mode (S14).

  Subsequently, the CPU 51 executes output processing for outputting image data without performing the determination by the determination unit 71 (S15). In this output process, first, an original image reading operation is executed by the original reading unit 3. Image data obtained by the document reading unit 3 is supplied to the first processing unit 68 and the second processing unit 70.

  Here, the first processing unit 68 and the second processing unit 70 share the image data input from the document reading unit 3 one by one and perform the same processing. That is, for example, each of the first processing unit 68 and the second processing unit 70 extracts image data for one line from the supplied image data every other line, and performs processing on the image data. The first processing unit 68 and the second processing unit 70 process image data of different lines.

  The first generation unit 69 performs color conversion processing on the image data processed by the first processing unit 68 to generate output image data, and the second generation unit 72 performs processing by the second processing unit 70. The converted image data is subjected to color conversion processing or the like to generate output image data. When these output image data are stored in the RAM 53, they are combined with each other into one output image data.

  The first processing unit 68 and the first generation unit 69 perform the above-described processes using the generation memory 75, and the second processing unit 70 and the second generation unit 72 use the determination memory 77. The above-described processes are performed. As described above, since the determination memory 77 is used to generate the output image data, the output image data can be generated in a shorter time than when the determination by the determination unit 71 is performed.

  When the output image data stored in the RAM 53 reaches a predetermined amount, the image forming unit 10 starts printing on the paper 5 based on the output image data.

(Operation example when outputting media)
Next, an operation example in the case of outputting image data acquired from the document reading unit 3 to the medium 63 connected via the media connection unit 58 will be described.

  When the user connects the media 63 to the media connection unit 58 and inputs an instruction to record the image data acquired by the image reading unit 3 on the media 63 from the operation unit 39, the CPU 51 performs media output processing as shown below. To start. The overall flow of this media output process is the same as that described above (see FIG. 6).

  That is, the CPU 51 first determines whether or not it is necessary to perform a specific image determination (S11). If it is determined that a specific image determination is necessary (S11: Yes), the operation of the image processing unit 64 is performed. After setting the mode to the determination mode (S12), determination / output parallel processing is performed in which determination by the determination unit 71 and output to the medium 63 are performed in parallel (S13). In this determination / output parallel processing, first, an original image reading operation is performed by the original reading unit 3, and image data obtained thereby is supplied to the first processing unit 68 and the second processing unit 70.

  The first processing unit 68 performs a correction process on the image data, a resolution conversion process for converting the image data to a designated resolution, and the like. Subsequently, the first generation unit 69 performs predetermined processing on the image data to generate output image data, and outputs the output image data to the RAM 53. Next, in order to generate thumbnail image data, the first processing unit 68 reads out the previously generated output image data from the RAM 53 and converts it into low-resolution image data. The first generation unit 69 performs predetermined processing on the low-resolution image data to generate low-resolution output image data for thumbnails.

  Both the normal resolution output image data and the thumbnail low resolution output image data are stored in the RAM 53 and written to the media 63 via the media connection unit 58.

  In parallel with this, the second processing unit 70 performs image data correction processing, resolution conversion processing for converting the image data into a resolution suitable for determination by the determination unit 71, and the like. The determination unit 71 performs specific image determination based on the image data processed by the second processing unit 70. When the determination unit 71 determines that the image data includes the specific image data during the determination / output parallel processing, the CPU 51 performs a prohibition process for preventing the output based on the image data from being executed. Execute.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 51 determines that the specific image determination is not necessary in S11 (S11: No), the CPU 51 sets the operation mode of the image processing unit 64 to the non-determination mode (S14), and then determines. An output process for outputting image data without performing the determination by the unit 71 is executed (S15).

  In this output process, first, an original image reading operation is executed by the original reading unit 3, and image data obtained thereby is supplied to the first processing unit 68 and the second processing unit 70. Here, the generation circuit 66 generates only normal-resolution output image data, and the determination circuit 67 generates low-resolution output image data for thumbnails.

  That is, the first processing unit 68 performs a correction process on the image data, a resolution conversion process for converting the image data to a specified resolution (normal resolution), and the first generation unit 69 performs predetermined processing on the image data. To generate output image data. In addition to the correction process, the second processing unit 70 performs a process of converting the image data into a thumbnail low resolution, and the second generation unit 72 performs a predetermined process on the image data and outputs the output image data. Is generated.

  The normal output image data generated by the first generation unit 69 and the low-resolution output image data for thumbnails generated by the second generation unit 72 are stored in the RAM 53 as in the determination mode. Thereafter, the data is output and stored in the medium 63 via the media connection unit 58.

  In this way, the processing can be performed in a short time by using the determination circuit 67 for generating the output image data for the thumbnail. In this case, since the load on the determination circuit 67 is small, for example, the generation circuit 66 executes each process while using a part of the determination memory 77 in addition to the generation memory 75. It may be configured.

(Operation example during facsimile output)
Next, an operation example when image data is transmitted to an external facsimile apparatus via the facsimile communication unit 57 will be described.

  When the user inputs from the operation unit 39 a command for facsimile transmission of the image data acquired by the image reading unit 3 from the operation unit 39, the CPU 51 starts a facsimile output process as described below. The overall flow of this facsimile output process is the same as that described above (see FIG. 6).

  That is, the CPU 51 first determines whether or not it is necessary to perform a specific image determination (S11). If it is determined that a specific image determination is necessary (S11: Yes), the operation of the image processing unit 64 is performed. After the mode is set to the determination mode (S12), determination / output parallel processing is performed in which determination by the determination unit 71 and facsimile transmission are performed in parallel (S13). In this determination / output parallel processing, first, an original image reading operation is performed by the original reading unit 3, and image data obtained thereby is supplied to the first processing unit 68 and the second processing unit 70.

  The first processing unit 68 performs image data correction processing, resolution conversion processing for converting image data to a specified resolution, and the like. Subsequently, the first generation unit 69 performs a conversion process for converting the image data into PDL data, and generates output image data. Further, the first generation unit 69 reads out the image data stored in the generation memory 75 and converts the image data (RGB image data) into monochrome image data, or converts the image data into PDL data. A conversion process or the like for conversion is performed to generate output image data.

  In parallel with this, the second processing unit 70 performs image data correction processing, resolution conversion processing for converting the image data into a resolution suitable for determination by the determination unit 71, and the like. The determination unit 71 performs specific image determination based on the image data processed by the second processing unit 70. When the determination unit 71 determines that the image data includes specific image data during the determination / output parallel processing, the CPU 51 executes a prohibition process for preventing the output based on the image data from being executed. .

  On the other hand, when the CPU 51 determines that the specific image determination is not necessary in S11 (S11: No), the CPU 51 sets the operation mode of the image processing unit 64 to the non-determination mode (S14), and then determines. An output process for outputting image data without performing the determination by the unit 71 is executed (S15).

  In this output process, first, an original image reading operation is executed by the original reading unit 3, and image data obtained thereby is supplied to the first processing unit 68 and the second processing unit 70. Here, the generation circuit 66 generates only color output image data, and the determination circuit 67 generates monochrome output image data.

  That is, the first processing unit 68 performs correction processing on the image data, resolution conversion processing for converting the image data to a designated resolution, and the first generation unit 69 converts the image data into PDL data. Processing and the like are performed to generate output image data. Further, the second processing unit 70 performs a correction process on the image data, a resolution conversion process for converting the image data to a designated resolution, and the like. In the second generation unit 72, color conversion processing for converting the image data (RGB image data) processed by the second processing unit 70 into monochrome image data, conversion processing for converting the image data into PDL data, and the like To generate output image data.

  Both the color output image data and the monochrome output image data generated in this way are stored in the RAM 53. If the facsimile machine 62 on the other party is a model compatible with color facsimile by communication with the facsimile machine on the other party, color output image data is transmitted and the model does not support color facsimile. If so, monochrome output image data is transmitted.

  In this manner, by using the determination circuit 67 for creating monochrome output image data, the processing can be performed in a short time. Also in this case, since the load on the determination circuit 67 is small, for example, the generation circuit 66 executes each process while using a part of the determination memory 77 in addition to the generation memory 75. You may comprise.

4). As described above, according to the present embodiment, the supply destination of the image data processed by the second processing unit 70 is switched to either the determination unit 71 or the second generation unit 72. Accordingly, the second processing unit 70 can be utilized even when the determination by the determination unit 71 is not performed, and resources can be used effectively.

  In addition, when it is determined that the specific image data is included in the image data, the output is stopped or invalidated to prevent the specific image from being output and misused. Can do.

  Further, since the second processing unit 70 executes switching between processing to be performed on the image data supplied to the determination unit 71 and processing to be performed on the image data supplied to the second generation unit 72, the second processing unit 70 can be adapted to each purpose. Can be executed.

  Further, when the supply destination of the second processing unit 70 is the generation unit 72, the first processing unit 68 and the second processing unit 70 execute the same processing, so that the overall processing speed can be improved. .

  In addition, since the correction process is a pre-process that is necessary for both the units 71 and 72 when the image data is supplied to the second generation unit 72 and the determination unit 71, the supply of the image data subjected to the correction process is provided. By switching the destination to one of the second generation unit 72 and the determination unit 71, resources can be used effectively.

  In addition, since the storage area (determination memory 77) used by the first processing unit 68 and the storage area (generation memory 75) used by the second processing unit 70 are provided independently, memory management is easy. In addition, since the storage area of the second processing unit 70 is also used when image data is not supplied to the determination unit 71, resources can be used effectively.

  Further, when it is not necessary to determine whether or not the image data includes the specific image data, the second processing unit 70 can be used for generating the output image data, which is efficient.

  The generation unit includes a first generation unit 69 that processes the image data from the first processing unit 68 and a second generation unit 72 that processes the image data from the second processing unit 70. , 70 execute processing independently of each other, so that one generation unit performs processing compared to a case where image data from the first processing unit 68 and image data from the second processing unit 70 are combined and processed. Is simplified.

  When generating both monochrome and color output image data, the first generation unit 69 generates color output image data, and the second generation unit 72 generates monochrome output image data. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the processing capability required for the second generation unit 72, thereby simplifying the configuration of the second generation unit 72.

  Further, when generating output image data with different resolutions such as for printing and thumbnails, the second generating unit 72 is configured to generate output image data with a low resolution by the second generating unit 72. The processing capability required for the second generation unit 72 can be simplified.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
(1) The present invention may be applied to an image reading apparatus (scanner) that does not include a printing unit and outputs image data acquired by reading a document image as an electric signal to an external information reading apparatus or the like. it can.

(2) The present invention can be applied to a printing apparatus (printer) that does not include an image reading unit and prints out image data received from an external information reading apparatus. In this case, the first processing unit and the second processing unit may be configured to perform processing for converting image data into predetermined format data, converting the resolution of the image data, and the like.

(3) In the above embodiment, the first generation unit and the second generation unit are configured as independent circuits. However, these are used as one generation unit, and the image data from the first processing unit and the second processing unit are The image data may be combined and processed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the multifunction machine according to the first embodiment. Perspective view of the MFP showing the document cover raised Sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of a main-body part. A block diagram conceptually showing the electrical configuration of the MFP Block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the image processing unit Flow chart showing the flow of processing

Explanation of symbols

1. Multifunction machine (image processing device, copier, document reader, printer)
3. Image reading unit (acquisition means)
5 ... paper (recording medium)
10. Image forming unit (output means, printing means)
51 ... CPU (switching means, prohibiting means, judging means)
56 ... Network interface (acquisition means, output means, communication part)
57. Facsimile communication section (acquisition means, output means)
58 ... Media connection (acquisition means, output means)
60. Computer (information processing device)
68. First processing unit 69 ... First generation unit (generation means)
70 ... second processing unit 71 ... determination unit (determination means)
72. Second generation unit (generation means)
75 ... Generation memory (storage area)
77. Memory for determination (storage area, storage means for determination)

Claims (12)

Acquisition means for acquiring image data;
A first processing unit that performs first processing is a correction process against the image data acquired by the acquisition unit,
A second processing unit that performs second processing a correction process against the image data acquired by the acquisition unit,
Generating means for generating output image data based on the image data processed by the first processing unit and the second processing unit;
Determination means for determining whether the image data includes specific image data based on the image data processed by the second processing unit;
Output means for outputting the output image data generated by the generating means;
Switching means for switching between the judgment mode and the non-judgment mode;
Equipped with a,
In the determination mode, the image data processed by the second processing unit is supplied to the determination unit. Based on the determination process in the determination unit and the image data processed by the first processing unit in the generation unit. And generating the output image data.
In the non-determination mode, the image data processed by the second processing unit is supplied to the generation unit, and the generation unit processes the image data processed by the first processing unit and the second processing unit. An image processing apparatus, wherein the output image data is generated based on the image data. When the determination unit determines that specific image data is included in the image data, the output unit includes a prohibition unit that stops the output or performs an invalid output. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second processing unit executes different processing depending on a supply destination of the processed image data as the second processing. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the supply destination is the generation unit, the second processing unit executes the same process as the first process as the second process. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the first processing unit and the second processing unit includes an independent storage area. The generation means generates first output image data based on the image data processed by the first processing unit, and output image data based on the image data processed by the second processing unit. 6. The image processing according to claim 1 , wherein the first generation unit and the second generation unit execute processing independently of each other. apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the first generation unit generates color output image data, and the second generation unit generates monochrome output image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the second generation unit generates output image data having a resolution lower than that of the first generation unit. Acquisition means for acquiring image data;
A first processing unit that performs first processing is a correction process against the image data acquired by the acquisition unit,
A second processing unit that performs second processing a correction process against the image data acquired by the acquisition unit,
A determination unit that determines whether the image data includes specific image data based on the image data processed by the second processing unit using a determination storage unit;
When generating output image data based on the image data processed by the first processing unit and the second processing unit, and generating output image data based on the image data processed by the second processing unit Includes a generation unit that performs processing using the determination storage unit;
Output means for outputting the output image data generated by the generating means;
Switching means for switching between the judgment mode and the non-judgment mode;
Equipped with a,
In the determination mode, the image data processed by the second processing unit is supplied to the determination unit. Based on the determination process in the determination unit and the image data processed by the first processing unit in the generation unit. And generating the output image data.
In the non-determination mode, the image data processed by the second processing unit is supplied to the generation unit, and the generation unit processes the image data processed by the first processing unit and the second processing unit. An image processing apparatus, wherein the output image data is generated based on the image data . An original reading unit that acquires image data by reading an original image;
A first processing unit that performs first processing is a correction process against the image data acquired by the document reading section,
A second processing unit that performs second processing a correction process against the image data acquired by the document reading section,
Generating means for generating output image data based on the image data processed by the first processing unit and the second processing unit;
Determination means for determining whether the image data includes specific image data based on the image data processed by the second processing unit;
Printing means for printing out an image based on the output image data generated by the generating means on a recording medium;
Switching means for switching between the judgment mode and the non-judgment mode;
Equipped with a,
In the determination mode, the image data processed by the second processing unit is supplied to the determination unit. Based on the determination process in the determination unit and the image data processed by the first processing unit in the generation unit. And generating the output image data.
In the non-determination mode, the image data processed by the second processing unit is supplied to the generation unit, and the generation unit processes the image data processed by the first processing unit and the second processing unit. The copying machine is characterized in that the output image data is generated based on the image data . An original reading unit that acquires image data by reading an original image;
A first processing unit that performs first processing is a correction process against the image data acquired by the document reading section,
A second processing unit that performs second processing a correction process against the image data acquired by the document reading section,
Generating means for generating output image data based on the image data processed by the first processing unit and the second processing unit;
Determination means for determining whether the image data includes specific image data based on the image data processed by the second processing unit;
A switching unit that switches a supply destination of the image data processed by the second processing unit between the generation unit and the determination unit;
Output means for outputting the output image data generated by the generating means as a signal;
Switching means for switching between the judgment mode and the non-judgment mode;
Equipped with a,
In the determination mode, the image data processed by the second processing unit is supplied to the determination unit. Based on the determination process in the determination unit and the image data processed by the first processing unit in the generation unit. And generating the output image data.
In the non-determination mode, the image data processed by the second processing unit is supplied to the generation unit, and the generation unit processes the image data processed by the first processing unit and the second processing unit. A document reading apparatus, wherein the output image data is generated based on the image data . A communication unit that receives image data transmitted from the connected information processing apparatus;
A first processing unit that performs first processing is a correction process against the image data acquired by the communication unit,
A second processing unit that performs second processing a correction process against the image data acquired by the communication unit,
Generating means for generating output image data based on the image data processed by the first processing unit and the second processing unit;
Determination means for determining whether the image data includes specific image data based on the image data processed by the second processing unit;
A switching unit that switches a supply destination of the image data processed by the second processing unit between the generation unit and the determination unit;
Printing means for printing out an image based on the output image data generated by the generating means on a recording medium;
Switching means for switching between the judgment mode and the non-judgment mode;
Equipped with a,
In the determination mode, the image data processed by the second processing unit is supplied to the determination unit. Based on the determination process in the determination unit and the image data processed by the first processing unit in the generation unit. And generating the output image data.
In the non-determination mode, the image data processed by the second processing unit is supplied to the generation unit, and the generation unit processes the image data processed by the first processing unit and the second processing unit. The printing apparatus is characterized in that the output image data is generated based on the image data .

Images