JP4333951B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing method, image processing program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that performs image processing that is applied to an apparatus that reads an original and accumulates the read image data, or an apparatus that reads an image from the original reading apparatus and forms an image on a transfer sheet. In particular, the present invention relates to an image processing apparatus suitable for digital copiers, scanners, and MFPs (multifunction machines such as copy, FAX, printer, and scanner).

  For example, the present invention relates to a color MFP, and an input correction unit that corrects input image data to recording color data of a plurality of colors, and an image that indicates whether the input image data is a character area or a photographic area of an image. Image area separation means for generating area separation data and output conversion for converting the recording color data of each color into color component output data for print output of a color printer with conversion characteristics corresponding to the image area represented by the image area separation data Means, a color print means for forming an image based on the color component output data, a data bus for transferring data, and the recording color data corrected by the input correction means for compressing the compressed data and the image area separation The image area separation data generated by the means is sent to the data bus, the compressed data read on the data bus is decompressed, and together with the image area separation data read on the data bus Data control means, data memory, and compressed data and image area separation data sent on the data bus are sent to the data memory, and the compressed data and image area separation of the data memory are sent to the output conversion means. There is a color image forming apparatus that includes a memory control unit that reads data to the data bus and processes document image data to obtain a transferred image (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The processing operation in a conventional color MFP similar to that of Patent Document 1 will be described below. FIG. 1 suggests the configuration of the system block of the image processing apparatus, and suggests the control configuration of the MFP.

  A reading unit (1) for optically reading an original condenses reflected light of lamp irradiation on the original on a light receiving element by a mirror and a lens. The light receiving element (for example, CCD) is mounted on the sensor board unit (SBU) (2), and after the image signal converted into an electrical signal in the light receiving element is converted into a digital signal, the SBU (2) Will be output. The image signal output from the SBU (2) is transferred to the image processing processor (IPU) (3), and corrects the signal deterioration accompanying the quantization of the optical system and the digital signal (referred to as signal deterioration of the scanner system). Input to the compression / decompression and data interface controller (CDIC) (4). Note that the transmission of image data between the functional device and the data bus is entirely controlled by the CDIC (4).

  The CDIC (4) relates to image data between the SBU (2), the parallel bus (10), the IPU (3), the system controller (11) that controls the entire control, and the process controller (22) for the image data. Communicate. The data transferred from the IPU (3) to the CDIC (4) is sent from the CDIC (4) to the image memory access control (IMAC) (15) via the parallel bus (10). In this IMAC (15), based on the control of the system controller (11), the access control of the image data and the memory module (MEM) (17), the development of the print data of the external PC (PC) (16), the effective use of the memory Therefore, compression / decompression of image data is performed.

  The data sent to the IMAC (15) is stored in the MEM (17) after data compression, and the stored data stored in the MEM (17) is read out as necessary. The read data is decompressed and restored to the original image data, and is returned from the IMAC (15) to the CDIC (4) via the parallel bus (10).

  After transfer from the CDIC (4) to the IPU (3), image quality processing by the IPU (3) and pulse control by the video data control unit (VDC) (5) are performed, and transfer is performed in the image forming unit (6). A reproduced image is formed on the paper. In the flow of image data, the MFP function is realized by bus control by the parallel bus (10) and the CDIC (4).

  The FAX transmission function performs image processing on the read image data in the IPU (3), and transmits the image data subjected to the image processing to the FAX via the CDIC (4) and the parallel bus (10). Transfer to control unit (FCU) (19). Data conversion to the communication network is performed by the FCU (19), and the data is transmitted to the PN (public line) (20) as FAX data.

  The FAX reception function converts the line data from the PN (20) into image data by the FCU (19) and transfers it to the IPU (3) via the parallel bus (10) and the CDIC (4). . In this case, without performing special image quality processing, dot rearrangement and pulse control are performed in the VDC (5), and a reproduced image is formed on the transfer paper in the image forming unit (6).

  In a situation where a plurality of jobs, for example, a copy function, a FAX transmission / reception function, and a printer output function are operated in parallel, to the job of the right to use the reading unit (1), the image forming unit (6), and the parallel bus (10) Is controlled by the system controller (11) and the process controller (22).

  The process controller (22) controls the flow of image data, and the system controller (11) controls the entire system and manages each resource activation.

  The function selection of the MFP is selected and input on the operation panel (operation unit) (14), and processing contents such as a copy function and a FAX function are set. The system controller (11) and the process controller (22) communicate with each other via the parallel bus (10), the CDIC (4), and the serial bus (21). In the CDIC (4), data format conversion for data interface between the parallel bus (10) and the serial bus (21) is performed.

  In the scanner application, the image quality processing is performed in the IPU (3) on the document image data acquired by the reading unit (1) and the sensor board unit (SBU) (2), and the image processing is performed. The performed image data is stored in the memory (MEM) (17) or the hard disk (HDD) (18) from the CDIC (4) via the parallel bus (10) and IMAC (15), and from there as required. Thus, the document image data is sent to the personal computer (PC) (16).

  Next, the processing operation in the image processing processor (IPU) (3) suggested in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 suggests a schematic configuration of image processing in the IPU (3).

  As suggested in FIG. 2, the image processing processor (IPU) (3) has an input I / F, an output I / F, a scanner image processing unit, an image quality processing unit, and a command control unit. Configured.

  The read image is transmitted from the input I / F of the IPU (3) suggested in FIG. 2 to the scanner image processing unit via the SBU (2) suggested in FIG. The scanner processing unit performs shading correction, scanner γ correction, MTF correction, and the like for the purpose of correcting deterioration of the read image signal. Then, after completing the correction process of the read image data in the scanner processing unit, the image data is transferred to the CDIC (4) suggested in FIG. 1 via the output I / F.

  The image data from the CDIC (4) suggested in FIG. 1 is received by the input I / F of the IPU (3) suggested in FIG. Tonal processing is performed. The data after the image quality processing is output to the VDC (5) suggested in FIG. 1 via the output I / F.

  The area gradation processing includes density conversion, dither processing, error diffusion processing, and the like, and mainly performs area approximation of gradation information. Once the image data subjected to the scanner image processing is stored in the memory (MEM) (17), various reproduced images can be confirmed by changing the image quality processing. For example, it is possible to change the atmosphere of the reproduced image by changing the density of the reproduced image or changing the number of lines of the dither matrix. At this time, it is not necessary to re-read the image from the reading unit (1) every time the processing is changed, and if the stored image is read from the memory (MEM) (17), different processing is repeatedly performed on the same data. It can be implemented. In the case of a single scanner, scanner image processing and gradation processing are performed together and output to the CDIC (4) suggested in FIG. Processing switching, processing procedure change, and the like are managed by the command control unit suggested in FIG.

  Next, the processing operation in the image data control unit (CDIC) (4) suggested in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 suggests a schematic configuration of the CDIC (4).

  The image data control unit (CDIC) (4) includes a command control unit, an image data input control unit, a data compression unit, a data conversion unit, a data decompression unit, an image data output control unit, and a parallel data I / O. F and two serial data I / Fs.

  In the image data control unit (CDIC) (4), data obtained by correcting the scanner image with the IPU (3) suggested in FIG. 1 is input to the image data input control unit. The input data is subjected to data compression in the data compression unit in order to increase the transfer efficiency on the parallel bus (10) suggested in FIG. Then, it is sent to the parallel bus (10) suggested in FIG. 1 via the parallel data I / F.

  Image data input from the parallel data bus (10) suggested in FIG. 1 through the parallel data I / F included in the CDIC (4) suggested in FIG. 3 is compressed for bus transfer. It is decompressed by the data decompression unit. The expanded image data is transferred to the IPU (3) in the image data output control unit.

  The CDIC (4) also has a conversion function between parallel data and serial data. The system controller (11) suggested in FIG. 1 transfers data to the parallel bus (10), and the process controller (11) suggested in FIG. 1 transfers data to the serial bus (21). The CDIC (4) performs data conversion for communication between the two controllers (11, 21). Note that the serial data I / F included in the CDIC (4) has one more system for the IPU (3), and the CDIC (4) has both the IPU (3) and the I / F as suggested in FIG. Will do.

  Next, the processing operation in the video data control unit (VDC) (5) suggested in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 suggests a schematic configuration of the VDC (5).

  The video data control unit (VDC) (5) includes a parallel data I / F, a data conversion unit, a serial data I / F, an edge smoothing processing unit, and a pulse control unit. The image data to be processed is subjected to additional processing according to the characteristics of the image forming unit (6) suggested in FIG.

  The edge smoothing unit performs dot rearrangement processing, and the pulse control unit performs pulse control of image signals for dot formation, and outputs image data for the image forming unit (6) suggested in FIG. Will be. The video data control unit (VDC) (5) includes a parallel data I / F, a data conversion unit, and a serial data I / F. The parallel data and the serial data are separated from the conversion of the image data. The video data control unit (VDC) (5) alone can support communication between the system controller (11) and the process controller (22).

  Next, the processing operation in the image memory access control unit (IMAC) (15) suggested in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 suggests a schematic configuration of the image memory access control unit (IMAC) (15).

  The image memory access control unit (IMAC) (15) includes a system controller I / F, a video control unit, a line buffer, a data conversion unit, a parallel data I / F, a data compression unit, and a data expansion unit. And a memory access control unit.

  The image memory access control unit (IMAC) (15) manages the interface of the image data with the parallel bus in the parallel data I / F. In terms of configuration, the storage / reading of image data to / from the MEM (17) suggested in FIG. 1 and the development of code data input from the external PC (16) to the image data are controlled.

  The code data input to the image memory access control unit (IMAC) (15) is stored in the local area in the line buffer. The code data stored in the line buffer is converted into image data by the video controller based on the expansion processing command input from the system controller (11) suggested in FIG. 1 via the system controller I / F. Will be deployed. The image memory access control unit (IMAC) (15) displays the developed image data or image data input from the parallel bus (10) suggested in FIG. 1 via the parallel data I / F. 1 is stored in the MEM (17) suggested in FIG. In this case, the image memory access control unit (IMAC) (15) selects image data to be stored in the data conversion unit, and performs secondary compression of the data in the data compression unit in order to increase memory use efficiency. The memory access control unit stores the image data in the MEM (17) while managing the address of the MEM (17) suggested in FIG. Note that the image data stored in the MEM (17) is read by the memory access control unit by controlling the read destination address, and the image data read from the MEM (17) is expanded by the data expansion unit. When the decompressed image data is transferred to the parallel bus (10) suggested in FIG. 1, data transfer is performed via the parallel data I / F.

  Next, the processing operation in the facsimile control unit (FCU) (19) suggested in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 suggests a configuration example of the facsimile control unit (FCU) (19).

  The FAX transmission / reception unit included in the facsimile control unit (FCU) (19) includes an external I / F unit, a FAX image processing unit, an image memory, a memory control unit, a facsimile control unit, an image compression / decompression unit, A modem and a network control device are included.

  The FAX transmission / reception unit converts the image data into a communication format and transmits it to an external line. The FAX transmission / reception unit returns the data from the outside to the image data, and records and outputs it in the image forming unit (6) suggested in FIG. 1 via the external I / F unit and the parallel bus.

  Regarding the FAX image processing in the FAX image processing unit, the binary smoothing process for the received image is performed in the edge smoothing processing unit included in the video data control unit (VDC) (5) suggested in FIG. As for the image memory, as for the output buffer function, part of the function is transferred to the image memory access control unit (IMAC) (15) and the memory (MEM) (17) suggested in FIG.

  6, when the FAX transmission / reception unit starts transmission of image information, the facsimile control unit instructs the memory control unit, and the memory control unit sequentially reads out the image information stored in the image memory. It will be. The image information read out by the memory control unit is restored to the original signal by the FAX image processing unit, and density conversion processing and scaling processing are performed and added to the facsimile control unit. The image signal applied to the facsimile control unit is code-compressed by the image compression / decompression unit, modulated by the modem, and then sent to the destination via the network control unit. Then, the image information that has been transmitted is deleted from the image memory. At the time of reception, the received image is temporarily stored in the image memory, and if the received image can be recorded and output, it is recorded and output when reception of one image is completed. Also, when a call is started during a copying operation and reception starts, the image memory usage rate is accumulated in the image memory until the usage rate of the image memory reaches a predetermined value, for example, 80%, and the usage rate of the image memory reaches 80%. In this case, the writing operation being performed at that time is forcibly interrupted, and the received image is read from the image memory and recorded. At this time, the received image read from the image memory is deleted from the image memory, the writing operation that was interrupted when the usage rate of the image memory has decreased to a predetermined value, for example, 10%, is resumed, and all the writing operations are terminated. At that time, the remaining received images are recorded and output. In addition, various parameters for the writing operation at the time of interruption are internally saved so that the writing operation can be resumed after being interrupted, and the parameters are internally restored at the time of resumption.

  Next, processing operations in the multifunction digital copying machine will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 suggests an overview of the multifunction digital copying machine.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the multi-function digital copying machine is schematically shown in FIG. 7, an automatic document feeder (ADF), an operation board (OPB), a scanner (SCR), and a printer (PTR), not shown. , A finisher with a tray on which a stapler and an imaged sheet can be mounted, and each unit of a sheet supply bank. The in-flight image data processing apparatus is connected to a personal computer (PC) via a LAN (Local Area Network), and to the facsimile control unit (FCU) is connected to a telephone line (PN) (facsimile communication line). An exchange (PBX) is connected. The paper that has been printed by the printer (PTR) is discharged onto the paper discharge tray or finisher.

  Next, the document reading unit mounted on the multifunction digital copying machine suggested in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 suggests a schematic configuration of the document reading unit.

  The document reading unit feeds documents placed on the document table one by one to the contact glass and reads image data on the document. A reading unit that optically reads a document obtains a reflected image of the document by light emitted from a light source, is sent to mirror 1, mirror 2, and mirror 3, and is received by a light receiving element (CCD in FIG. 8) through a lens. It is converted into an electrical signal and sent to an image processing system. Note that an image of the entire surface of the document can be obtained by a scan unit including a light source, a mirror 1, a mirror 2, and a mirror 3 moving under the document and scanning. In the following, a processing operation when obtaining a document image will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9A is a conceptual diagram of a state in which an original is placed on the scanner unit as viewed obliquely from above. In order to acquire the original image, as suggested in FIG. 9A, the original is placed on the contact glass, and the scan unit scans under the contact glass so that the original placed on the contact glass is scanned. Image data is read. FIG. 9B is a conceptual diagram of the scanner viewed from above. In this specification, as suggested in FIG. 9B, the direction in which the scan unit moves is defined as the sub-scanning direction, and the direction of each line constituting the sub-scan is defined as the main scanning direction.

  Next, the internal processing of the image processing processor (IPU) (3) suggested in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 suggests the internal configuration of the IPU (3) shown in FIG. 2, and is a configuration in the case where the enlargement / reduction scaling of the document is performed by the IPU (3).

  Document image data (RGB data) input from the SBU (2) suggested in FIG. 1 is captured by the input interface (30), and is subjected to shading correction (31), scanner γ (33), filter processing (34), Sub-scanning magnification (35) and main-scanning magnification (36) are transferred.

  Thereafter, at the time of copying, the data after color correction (39) is selected by the selector (40), and from the output interface (41) to the image data control unit (CDIC) (4) suggested in FIG. Will be transferred.

  In the binarization mode of the scanner application, the data after main scanning scaling is transferred as binarization (37) and packing (38), the selector (40) selects the data after packing, The data is transferred from the output interface (41) to the image data control unit (CDIC) (4) suggested in FIG.

  In the multi-value mode of the scanner application, RGB multi-value data after main scanning scaling is selected by the selector (40), and the image data control unit (CDIC) (FIG. 1) suggested in FIG. 1 is selected from the output interface (41). 4).

  In the scanner application ACS monochrome binary mode, RGB multi-value data and monochrome binary data are sent. In the scanner application ACS monochrome multi-value mode, RGB multi-value data and monochrome multi-value data are It is sent to the image data control unit (CDIC) (4) suggested in FIG.

  The document detection ACS (32) monitors the RGB data after shading, detects whether the document is a monochrome document or a color document, and sends the result to the command control unit (54). Note that ACS means an automatic color selection function.

  The document detection ACS (32) cannot perform the determination process unless it normally reads to the end of one document. This is because there may be color information at the edge of the original, such as when a monochrome original is marked. A document detection ACS result indicating whether the document is a monochrome document or a color document is sent to the command control unit (54), and the process controller (22) suggested in FIG. By accessing (54), the document is read and then transferred to the system controller (11). When it is determined that the read original is a color original, the RGB multi-value data stored in the memory (MEM) (17) suggested in FIG. 1 is used as it is. In general, such color multilevel data is then converted into a general-purpose format such as JPEG by a PC or the like.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the read document is a monochrome document, monochrome binary data or monochrome multi-value data stored in the memory (MEM) (17) is used.

  At the time of printing a copy, the image data from the image data control unit (CDIC) (4) suggested in FIG. 1 is captured by the input interface (50), and the printer γ (51), gradation processing (52), output It is sent to the interface (53) and output to the video data control unit (VDC) (5) suggested in FIG.

  Next, another internal process in the image processor (IPU) (3) suggested in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 11 suggests a second internal configuration for performing another process in the IPU (3) shown in FIG. 2, and scaling in the sub-scanning direction is performed by the scanner unit described above. This is a case where it is executed mechanically by adjusting the moving speed. Therefore, sub-scanning magnification is not necessary, and in FIG. 11, the sub-scanning magnification (35) suggested in FIG. 10 is not mounted. Other configurations are the same as those of FIG. 10 described above.

  Here, a case will be described in which scaling in the sub-scanning direction is mechanically executed by the above-described scanner unit by adjusting the moving speed of the scan unit.

  FIG. 12 suggests that an A4 size original (a) is read at the same magnification (b), reduced (c), and enlarged (d) with a 600 dpi reading scanner. Here, dpi indicates dot per inch, and 600 dpi indicates the reading resolution read at 600 dots per inch (= 25.4 mm). Here, the case of reading at the same magnification is realized by scanning the document at a predetermined constant speed by the scan unit shown in FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 12C, for example, in the case of reduction to 66.7% (600 → 400 dpi), the scan unit shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. = 600/400) This is realized by scanning early.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12D, for example, in the case of enlarging to 200% (600 → 1200 dpi), the scan unit shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. In the case of%, it is realized by scanning at 0.5 times (= 600/1200), that is, at half the speed compared to the case of the same magnification.

  FIG. 13 shows the selector (40) suggested in FIG. 10 or FIG. FIG. 14 suggests a signal output by the output selection signal SEL.

  As suggested in FIG. 14, when the selection signal SEL is SEL = '0', RGB binary signals for the scanner application are selected and output. When the selection signal SEL is SEL = '1', RGB multi-value signals for the scanner application are selected and output. When the selection signal SEL is SEL = '2', CMYK multilevel signals for copy application are selected and output. When the selection signal SEL is SEL = '3', RGB multi-value signals for scanner application and black binary data are selected and output. When the selection signal SEL is SEL = '4', RGB multi-value signals for scanner application and black multi-value data are selected and output.

  As described above, in the binary mode of the scanner application in FIG. 14 (SEL = '0'), RGB binary data is selected and output to channels 0 to 2, respectively. As shown in FIG. Here, 8 pixels of binary data for one pixel are packed. The first pixel of Red (red) is R0, the second pixel is R1, and the eighth pixel is R7. Similarly, the first pixel of Green (green) is G0, the second pixel is G1, and the eighth pixel is G7. Furthermore, the first pixel of Blue (blue) is B0, the second pixel is B1, and the eighth pixel is B7. The state of being stored in the memory (MEM) (17) at this time is as shown in FIG. 16 (a), and each RGB storage area is secured and stored in the memory (MEM) (17). Become.

  When the scanner application is in the multi-value mode (SEL = '1'), RGB multi-value data, for example, 8-bit data is selected as an example, and is output to channels 0 to 2, respectively. The image format at that time is suggested in FIG. Here, data of one pixel 8 bits is shown. Further, the state of being stored in the memory (MEM) (17) is as shown in FIG. 16B, and storage areas for each RGB are secured and stored on the memory (MEM) (17). However, since one pixel is multivalued, the storage area is larger than the binary value shown in FIG.

  At the time of copying (SEL = '2'), CMYK multi-value data, in this example, 8-bit data is selected and output to channels 0 to 3, respectively. The image format at that time is shown in FIG. Here, data of one pixel 8 bits is shown. Further, the state stored in the memory (MEM) (17) is as shown in FIG.

  Next, the scanner application ACS (automatic document selection) (SEL = '3' or '4') will be described.

  In a scanner application that captures an image of a read original to the controller-side hard disk (HDD) (18) or PC (16) suggested in FIG. 1, if the original is a monochrome original and a color original, There is a strong demand for capturing originals in monochrome binary and for color originals in RGB multi-value. For such a usage, a black and white binary value is sufficient for a monochrome manuscript, but a color manuscript is generally used frequently, for example, when it is desired to read even color information cleanly.

  First, in a scanner application that imports an image of a read original to the controller-side hard disk (HDD) (18) or PC (16) suggested in FIG. 1, when the original is mixed with a monochrome original and a color original. When the monochrome document is captured in monochrome binary and the color document is captured in RGB multi-value, the output of the selector (40) suggested in FIG. 13 is the ACS mode at the time of the scanner application as suggested in FIG. In this case, when SEL = '3', the RGB multi-value data from the main scanning magnification (36) in FIG. 10 or FIG. , RGB G data (which is regarded as a black component) is binarized (37), and G binary data after packing (38) is output. Then, the image data for these four channels are transferred to and stored in the controller-side memory (MEM) (17) suggested in FIG. At this time, the data format output from the selector (40) is suggested in FIG. 15 (d), and the state of mapping in the controller side memory (MEM) (17) is suggested in FIG. 16 (d). The processing flow on the controller side at this time is as suggested in FIG. Hereinafter, the processing operation on the controller side will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, document reading is started, and it is determined whether or not document reading is completed. If it is determined by this determination that the document reading has been completed, the ACS result is read to determine whether the document is a color document. If it is determined that the document is a color document, the RGB image data is processed as final data. If it is determined that the document is not a color document, the binarized data is processed as final data.

  As a result, when the read original is found to be a color original, the RGB multi-value data stored in the memory (MEM) (17) is used, and the binary data is invalidated and discarded. On the other hand, when the read original is found to be a monochrome original, K binary data stored in the memory (MEM) (17) is selected and used, and RGB multi-value data is invalidated and discarded. It will be.

  Next, in the scanner application for importing the image of the read original document to the controller-side hard disk (HDD) (18) or PC (16) suggested in FIG. 1, when the original is mixed with a monochrome original and a color original A case will be described in which a monochrome document is captured in monochrome multi-value, and a color document is captured in RGB multi-value. At this time, as indicated in FIG. 14, the output of the selector (40) shown in FIG. 13 is provided with an ACS multi-value mode at the time of the scanner application. In this case, when sel = '4', 10 outputs the RGB multi-value data from the main scanning scaling (36) suggested in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11, and the channel 3 performs optimum processing within the color correction block (39) from the RGB multi-value data. Multi-valued black data is output. Then, the image data for these four channels are transferred to and stored in the controller side memory (MEM) (17) suggested in FIG. At this time, the data format output from the selector (40) is suggested in FIG. 15 (e), and the mapping of the controller side memory (MEM) (17) is suggested in FIG. 16 (e). The processing flow on the controller side at this time is as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the processing operation on the controller side will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, document reading is started, and it is determined whether or not document reading is completed. If it is determined by this determination that the document reading has been completed, the ACS result is read to determine whether the document is a color document. If it is determined that the document is a color document, the RGB image data is processed as final data. If it is determined that the document is not a color document, black multi-value data is processed as final data.

  As a result, when the read original is found to be a color original, the RGB multi-value data stored in the memory (MEM) (17) is used, and the black multi-value data is invalidated and discarded. On the other hand, when the read original is found to be a monochrome original, the black multi-value data stored in the memory (MEM) (17) is selected and used, and the RGB multi-value data is invalidated and discarded. . Here, in the case of ACS corresponding to FIG. 10, after executing sub-scanning scaling and main-scanning scaling, a part of the data is output as RGB data as it is, as a part of monochrome binary data or monochrome multi-value data. For this reason, the scaling factor of both data must be the same. This is insufficient as data desired by the user.

  FIG. 19 shows a case where an A4 size original is read at 600 dpi resolution to obtain a 400 dpi scanner image. When the A4 size is 210 mm × 297 mm and read at a resolution of 600 dpi, it becomes 4960 pixels × 7016 pixels. When RGB is read with 8 bits per pixel, the total is 99.6 Mbytes. If this is the case, the image size is too large, and if it is scaled to 400 dpi (scaling factor 66.7%), the color document will be 44.3 Mbytes, as suggested in FIG. As suggested in (c), it is 5.53 MByte.

FIG. 20 shows a case where an A4 size original is read at 600 dpi resolution to obtain a 200 dpi scanner image. When the scanned image is scaled to 200 dpi (magnification ratio 33.3%), the color document is 11.1 MBytes as suggested in FIG. 20B, and the monochrome document is suggested in FIG. 20C. 1.38 MByte.
JP 2003-162382 A

  However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 and the above-described multi-function digital copying machine, the resolution for a color document and the resolution for a monochrome document can only be set to be the same. If you want a resolution, but a monochrome document, you don't want a large resolution. Conversely, a color document has a large amount of data, so the resolution can be small. Because it is small, it can not cope with the case where a relatively large resolution is desired. Therefore, a scanner image cannot be obtained at a resolution desired by the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a scaling ratio for a color document and a scaling ratio for a monochrome document are set separately, and the file size can be set to an optimum value. It is an object to provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, an image processing program, and a recording medium that can provide image data in a format desired by a user.

  In order to achieve this object, the present invention has the following features.

The image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes multi-value data of each color component of R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue) and the same original image in a single reading scan by a single reading unit. , black as black component or, white generates a binary data indicating, stored in the storage unit, the read document is either monochrome document, or has an identification means for identifying a color document or, When the document read by the identification unit is determined to be a monochrome document, the binary data of the black component stored in the storage unit is selected, and when the document read by the identification unit is determined to be a color document, An image processing apparatus that selects multi-value data of RGB stored in a storage means and processes the data as effective image data, and performs first enlargement or reduction for generating multi-value data of each color component of RGB . Magnification And stage, or black, as black component, for binary data generating showing the white, expanded, or the second variable magnification means for performing reduction, the have separately, at least, color and monochrome is set by the user When different magnifications are set for each of RGB color component multi-value data and binary data indicating black or white based on the magnification setting, and when the read original is determined to be a color original, If the original that has been read is determined to be a monochrome original after being scaled by the first scaling unit and stored in the storage unit, the second scaling unit may perform scaling and store in the storage unit. It is a feature.

Further, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is capable of multi-values of each color component of R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue) for a single original image by a single reading scan by a single reading unit. Data and black component multi-value data are generated, stored in the storage means, and has an identification means for identifying whether the read original is a monochrome original or a color original, and the identification means reads the original. If the original is determined to be a monochrome original, the multi-value data of the black component stored in the storage means is selected, and if the original read by the identification means is determined to be a color original, it is stored in the storage means. An RGB image processing apparatus that selects and processes RGB multi-value data as effective image data, and a first scaling unit that performs enlargement or reduction for generating multi-value data of each color component of RGB; Multivalued black component For over data generated, enlargement, or have separately with a second scaling means for performing reduction and, at least, based on the color and monochrome magnification setting set by the user, RGB of the color components multivalued data If the scanned original is determined to be a color original, the first scaling unit performs scaling and stores it in the storage unit. If the read original is determined to be a monochrome original, the second enlargement / reduction means performs the enlargement / reduction and stores it in the storage means .

The image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes at least a scaling factor when the document is a color document, a scaling factor when the document is a monochrome document , based on at least color and monochrome magnification settings set by the user , Is set separately by adjusting the reading speed of the scanning unit, and the scaling factor with the smaller scaling ratio is converted to the scaling ratio by adjusting the reading speed by digital data processing. It is characterized by having means for executing with a value obtained by multiplying the magnification to be executed.

  Further, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention selects an image path through a magnification changer in the image processing of a monochrome image when the magnification ratio for a color document is larger than that of a monochrome document. When the magnification ratio for a color document is smaller than that for a monochrome document, the image processing apparatus has a means for selecting an image path via a magnification scale for image processing of a color document image. .

Also, the image processing method according to the present invention is a multi-value of each color component of R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue) in a single scanning scan by a single scanning unit for the same document image. data, black as black component or to generate the binary data indicating the white, and stored in the storage means, the read document is either monochrome document, or an identification step of identifying a color original or, When it is determined that the read original is a monochrome original by the identification process, the binary data of the black component stored in the storage unit is selected, and when the read original is determined to be a color original by the identification process, An image processing method in an image processing apparatus for selecting RGB multi-value data stored in a storage means and processing as effective image data, wherein the image processing apparatus performs multi-values for each color component of RGB For over data generated, enlargement, or a first variable magnification step of performing reduction, black as black component, or, for binary data generating showing the white, expanded, or the second variable magnification performing reduction performs a process, separately, at least, varying based on the color and monochrome magnification setting set by the user, and each color component multivalued data of RGB, and binary data indicating the black or white, different to each of the When the magnification is set and the read original is determined to be a color original, the first scaling process is performed, and the original is stored in the storage means. If the read original is determined to be a monochrome original, In the second scaling step, the zooming is performed and stored in the storage means .

Also, the image processing method according to the present invention is a multi-value of each color component of R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue) in a single scanning scan by a single scanning unit for the same document image. Data and black component multi-value data are generated, stored in storage means, an identification process for identifying whether the scanned original is a monochrome original or a color original, and the original read by the identification process However, if it is determined that the document is a monochrome document, the multi-value data of the black component stored in the storage unit is selected, and if the read document is determined to be a color document by the identification process, the RGB stored in the storage unit is selected. An image processing method in an image processing apparatus that performs a process of selecting multi-value data and processing as effective image data, wherein the image processing apparatus is an enlargement for generating multi-value data of each color component of RGB It includes a first variable magnification step for reduction, for multi-level data generation of the black component, expanding, or performed separately with the second scaling step of performing reduction and, at least, is set by the user If different magnifications are set for each of RGB color component multi-value data and black component multi-value data based on the color and monochrome magnification settings, and the scanned document is determined to be a color document If the original that has been read is determined to be a monochrome original, the magnification is changed in the second scaling step and stored in the storage means. It is characterized by.

Also, the image processing method according to the present invention is based on at least the color and monochrome magnification settings set by the user, and the image processing apparatus has a variable magnification when the document is a color document and when the document is a monochrome document. When setting the zoom ratio of the zoom ratio separately, the zoom ratio with the larger zoom ratio is adjusted by adjusting the reading speed of the scanning unit. And a step of executing with a value obtained by multiplying the magnification by the magnification of magnification executed by digital data processing.

  Also, the image processing method according to the present invention selects an image path through a magnification changer in monochrome image processing when the magnification ratio for a color document is larger than that for a monochrome document. When the magnification ratio for a color document is smaller than that for a monochrome document, the image processing apparatus performs a process of selecting an image path through a magnification scale for image processing of a color document image. It is what.

  An image processing program according to the present invention causes the above-described image processing method to be executed in an image processing apparatus.

  A recording medium according to the present invention is characterized in that the above-described image processing program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

According to the present invention , the scaling ratio for a color document and the scaling ratio for a monochrome document are set separately, the file size can be set to an optimum value, and image data can be set in a format desired by the user. In the case where a color document and a monochrome document are mixedly loaded as a read document, RGB multi-value data is provided at a predetermined resolution for a color document, and monochrome multi-value for a monochrome document. When image data having a resolution different from that of a color original is requested, it is possible to obtain necessary image data at a high speed in one scan. In addition, since the resolutions for color and monochrome documents can be set separately, the optimum image file size can be selected according to the type of document, reducing the capacity of the storage means for storing the file, and reducing the user's capacity. Desired data can be obtained at high speed.

  First, the features of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  As suggested in FIG. 21, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention has a scaling function (42, 43) for enlarging or reducing for generating multi-value data of each color component of RGB, and black as a black component. Alternatively, the scaling function (35, 36) for performing enlargement or reduction for generating binary data indicating white is separately performed, and each color component multivalue data of RGB and 2 indicating black or white are performed. A different scaling factor is set for each of the value data, and scaling is performed. As a result, when a color original and a monochrome original are mixedly loaded as a read original, RGB multi-value data with a predetermined resolution is obtained for a color original, and monochrome multi-value data is obtained for a monochrome original. When image data having a resolution different from that of a color document is requested, necessary image data can be obtained at a high speed in one scan. In addition, since the resolutions for color and monochrome documents can be set separately, the optimum image file size can be selected according to the type of document, reducing the capacity of the storage means for storing the file, and reducing the user's capacity. Desired data can be obtained at high speed.

  Further, as suggested in FIG. 21, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention has a scaling function (42, 43) for performing enlargement or reduction for generating multi-value data of RGB color components, and a black component. For each of the RGB color component multi-value data and the black component multi-value data, the scaling function (35, 36) for enlarging or reducing the multi-value data for generating the multi-value data is separately performed. It is characterized in that different magnifications are set and magnification is performed. As a result, when a color original and a monochrome original are mixedly loaded as a read original, RGB multi-value data with a predetermined resolution is obtained for a color original, and monochrome multi-value data is obtained for a monochrome original. When image data having a resolution different from that of a color document is requested, necessary image data can be obtained at a high speed in one scan. In addition, since the resolutions for color and monochrome documents can be set separately, the optimum image file size can be selected according to the type of document, reducing the capacity of the storage means for storing the file, and reducing the user's capacity. Desired data can be obtained at high speed.

  A multifunction digital copying machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 21 suggests a first embodiment of the present invention in the IPU (3) suggested in FIG. 21 and FIG. 10, the common image data after the sub-scan scaling (35) and main-scan scaling (36) are performed in FIG. The color correction block (39) and selector (40) are input. In FIG. 21, the sub-scan scaling (35) and the main scanning scaling (36) for binarization (37) and color correction (39) are shown. ), Sub-scan magnification (42) for input of the selector (40), and main-scan magnification (43) are provided separately.

  Here, as suggested in FIG. 23, the case of reading a 600 dpi read original with 300 dpi multi-value data for a color original and 200 dpi binary data for a monochrome original will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the case of a color original, the image processing pass is subjected to 50.0% scaling by sub-scanning scaling (42) and main scanning scaling (43) after the filter (34), and output to the selector (40). To do. On the other hand, the image processing path in the case of a monochrome original is subjected to 33.3% scaling by sub-scan scaling (35) and main scanning scaling (36) after the filter (34), and these are binarized. After conversion (37), packing (38) is performed and output to the selector (40). The selector (40) outputs RGB multi-value data to channels 0-2 and monochrome binary data to channel 3 as suggested by the scanner application ACS (SEL = '3') in FIG. At this time, RGB multi-value data is an image that has been scaled by 50.0%, and monochrome binary data is an image that has been scaled by 33.3%, making it possible to obtain image data having different scaling ratios.

  Next, as suggested in FIG. 24, the case of reading a 600 dpi read original with 200 dpi multi-value data for a color original and 300 dpi binary data for a monochrome original will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the case of a color original, the image processing path is subjected to 33.3% magnification by the sub-scan magnification (42) and main-scan magnification (43) after the filter (34), and is output to the selector (40). To do. On the other hand, in the case of a monochrome document, the image processing pass is subjected to 50.0% scaling by the sub-scan scaling (35) and the main scanning scaling (36) after the filter (34), and these are binarized. After conversion (37), packing (38) is performed and output to the selector (40). The selector (40) outputs RGB multi-value data to channels 0-2 and monochrome binary data to channel 3 as suggested by the scanner application ACS (SEL = '3') in FIG. At this time, RGB multi-value data is an image that has been scaled by 33.3% and monochrome binary data that has been scaled by 50.0%, making it possible to obtain image data having different scaling ratios.

  As described above, the multi-function digital copying machine according to the present invention is capable of reading each color of R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue) with a single reading unit with respect to the same original image. Both multi-value data of components and binary data indicating black or white as a black component are generated and stored in the memory (MEM). At the same time, the read original is a monochrome original or a color original. If the read original is determined to be a monochrome original, the binary data of the black component stored in the memory (MEM) is selected, and the read original is color If the document is determined to be a document, the RGB multi-value data stored in the memory (MEM) is selected and processed as effective image data, and there is an enlargement for generating multi-value data for each of the RGB color components. Separately has a scaling function for performing reduction, and a scaling function for performing enlargement or reduction for generating binary data indicating black or white as a black component. Different scaling factors are set for each of the data and binary data indicating black or white, and scaling is performed. As a result, when a color original and a monochrome original are mixedly loaded as a read original, the RGB multi-value data has a predetermined resolution for a color original, and a monochrome binary for a monochrome original. When image data having a resolution different from that of a color original is requested, it is possible to obtain necessary image data at a high speed in one scan. In addition, since the resolutions for color and monochrome documents can be set separately, the optimum image file size can be selected according to the type of document, reducing the capacity of the memory for storing the file, Can be obtained at high speed.

Next, a second embodiment will be described.
Note that FIG. 22 suggests a second embodiment of the present invention in the IPU (3) suggested in FIG.

  22 differs from FIG. 11 in FIG. 22. In FIG. 22, the sub-scan scaling (35), the selector (44) for binarization (37) and color correction (39), the main scanning scaling (36). ), The selector (45) for inputting the selector (40), and the main scanning zooming (43) are provided separately.

  Here, as suggested in FIG. 23, the case of reading a 600 dpi read original with 300 dpi multi-value data for a color original and 200 dpi binary data for a monochrome original will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, since the magnification ratio is 50.0% for a color document and the magnification ratio of 33.3% for a monochrome document is 50.0%, the magnification ratio is larger. The magnification of scanning is mechanically executed by adjusting the moving speed of the scanning unit in the reading unit (1). Since it is 50.0%, the scanning unit moving speed is increased by 2.0 times faster (= 600/300) than that at the same magnification. 1). Thereafter, the image processing path in the case of a color original is the filter (34), the image data after the filter (34) is selected by the selector (45), and the main scanning magnification (43) is 50.0%. Scaling is performed and output to the selector (40).

  On the other hand, in the case of a monochrome document, after the filter (34), the sub-scan variable magnification (35) performs 66.7% magnification (300 dpi → 200 dpi), and the selector (44) performs the sub-scan variation. The data after double (35) is selected, and 33.3% scaling is performed by main scanning scaling (36). These are binarized (37), packed (38), and sent to selector (40). Output.

  The selector (40) outputs RGB multi-value data to channels 0 to 2 and monochrome binary data to channel 3 as suggested by the scanner application ACS (SEL = '3') in FIG. At this time, RGB multi-value data is an image that has been scaled by 50.0%, and monochrome binary data is an image that has been scaled by 33.3%, making it possible to obtain image data having different scaling ratios.

  Next, as suggested in FIG. 24, the case of reading a 600 dpi read original with 200 dpi multi-value data for a color original and 300 dpi binary data for a monochrome original will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, since the magnification is 33.3% for a color document and 50.0% for a monochrome document and 50.0%, the magnification is larger. The magnification of scanning is mechanically executed by adjusting the moving speed of the scanning unit in the reading unit (1).

  Now, since it is 50.0%, the scanning unit moving speed is increased by 2.0 times (= 600/300) from the same magnification, so that 50.0% of the image data after sub-scan scaling is read unit It can be obtained in (1). Thereafter, the image processing pass in the case of a color original is subjected to 66.7% scaling (300 dpi → 200 dpi) after sub-scan scaling (35) after filter (34), and sub-scanning using selector (45). The data after zooming (35) is selected, and 33.3% zooming is performed in main scanning zooming (43) and output to the selector (40).

  On the other hand, in the case of a monochrome document, after the filter (34), the data after the filter (34) is selected by the selector (44), and the main scanning magnification (36) is 50.0% magnification. These are binarized (37), packed (38), and output to the selector (40). The selector (40) outputs RGB multi-value data to channels 0 to 2 and monochrome binary data to channel 3 as suggested by the scanner application ACS (SEL = '3') in FIG. At this time, RGB multi-value data is an image that has been scaled by 33.3% and monochrome binary data that has been scaled by 50.0%, making it possible to obtain image data having different scaling ratios.

  As described above, the multi-function digital copying machine according to the present invention has a larger magnification ratio when separately setting a magnification ratio when the original is a color original and a magnification ratio when the original is a monochrome original. Magnification is adjusted by adjusting the reading speed of the reading unit. Magnification with the smaller scaling ratio is executed by multiplying the scaling ratio by adjusting the reading speed by the scaling ratio of scaling performed by digital data processing. Therefore, when setting the magnification ratio for color documents and the magnification ratio for monochrome documents separately, the larger magnification ratio is adjusted by adjusting the moving speed of the scan unit in the scanning unit. Since the magnification with the smaller magnification can be realized by multiplying the magnification by the moving speed of the scan unit with the magnification by the data processing, the number of sub-scanning magnification units can be reduced in the image processing unit (IPU). It is possible to reduce the scale.

  Also, if the scaling ratio for a color document is larger than that for a monochrome document, the image path is selected so that a monochrome image is processed through the scaling device, while the scaling ratio for a color document is If it is smaller than the scaling ratio of a monochrome document, select the image path so that the image processing of the color document image passes through the scaling mechanism. , When the variable magnification is set separately, the larger magnification is adjusted by adjusting the moving speed of the scan unit in the reading unit, and the smaller variable magnification is changed to the variable magnification according to the moving speed of the scan unit by data processing. Since it can be realized by multiplying the magnification, it has the minimum necessary sub-scanning magnification changer in the image processing unit (IPU) and can be arbitrarily selected, so the circuit scale can be reduced. It made.

  Next, as suggested in FIG. 25, the case of reading a 600 dpi read original with 300 dpi multi-value data for a color original and 200 dpi multi-value data for a monochrome original will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the case of a color original, the image processing pass is subjected to 50.0% scaling by sub-scanning scaling (42) and main scanning scaling (43) after the filter (34), and output to the selector (40). To do. On the other hand, the image processing path in the case of a monochrome original is subjected to 33.3% magnification by the sub-scan magnification (35) and main-scan magnification (36) after the filter (34), and the subsequent monochrome Color correction (39) is performed on the multi-value data, and the result is output to the selector (40). The selector (40) outputs RGB multi-value data to channels 0 to 2 and monochrome multi-value data to channel 3 as suggested by the scanner application ACS (SEL = '4') in FIG. At this time, the RGB multi-value data is an image that has been scaled by 50.0%, and the monochrome multi-value data is an image that has been scaled by 33.3%, so that it is possible to obtain image data having different scaling ratios.

  Next, as suggested in FIG. 26, a case of reading a 600 dpi read original with 200 dpi multi-value data for a color original and 300 dpi multi-value data for a monochrome original will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the case of a color original, the image processing path is subjected to 33.3% magnification by the sub-scan magnification (42) and main-scan magnification (43) after the filter (34), and is output to the selector (40). To do. On the other hand, in the case of a monochrome document, after the filter (34), the sub-scan magnification (35) and the main scan magnification (36) are subjected to 50.0% magnification, and color correction processing ( 39) After that, it outputs to the selector (40).

  The selector (40) outputs RGB multi-value data to channels 0 to 2 and monochrome multi-value data to channel 3 as suggested by the scanner application ACS (SEL = '4') in FIG. At this time, the RGB multi-value data is an image that has been scaled by 33.3%, and the monochrome multi-value data has been scaled by 50.0%, so that it is possible to obtain image data having different scaling factors.

  As described above, the multi-function digital copying machine according to the present invention is capable of reading each color of R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue) with a single reading unit with respect to the same original image. The multi-value data of the component and the multi-value data of the black component are generated and stored in the memory (MEM), and at the same time, there is a function for identifying whether the read original is a monochrome original or a color original. If the read original is determined to be a monochrome original, the multi-value data of the black component stored in the memory (MEM) is selected. If the read original is determined to be a color original, the memory ( The RGB multi-value data stored in the MEM) is selected and processed as effective image data, and the enlargement / reduction function for generating the multi-value data of each color component of RGB and the black component It has a scaling function that performs enlargement or reduction separately for value data generation, and sets different scaling ratios for each of RGB color component multi-value data and black component multi-value data. By changing the magnification, a color original and a monochrome original are mixedly loaded as a read original. When a color original, RGB multi-value data is provided at a predetermined resolution. When image data having a resolution different from that of a color original is requested for monochrome multivalued data, it is possible to obtain necessary image data at a high speed in one scan. In addition, since the resolutions for color and monochrome documents can be set separately, the optimum image file size can be selected according to the type of document, reducing the capacity of the memory for storing the file, Can be obtained at high speed.

  Next, as suggested in FIG. 25, a case of reading a 600 dpi read original with 300 dpi multi-value data for a color original and 200 dpi multi-value data for a monochrome original will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, from 50.0% for a color document in FIG. 25 and 33.3% for a monochrome document to 50.0%, the magnification is larger. The magnification of scanning is mechanically executed by adjusting the moving speed of the scanning unit in the reading unit (1).

  Since it is 50.0%, the scanning unit moving speed is increased by 2.0 times faster (= 600/300) than that at the same magnification. It becomes possible to obtain in 1). Thereafter, the image processing path in the case of a color original is the filter (34), the image data after the filter (34) is selected by the selector (45), and the main scanning magnification (43) is 50.0%. Scaling is performed and output to the selector (40).

  On the other hand, in the case of a monochrome document, after the filter (34), the sub-scan variable magnification (35) performs 66.7% magnification (300 dpi → 200 dpi), and the selector (44) performs the sub-scan variation. The data after the magnification (35) is selected, the magnification is changed by 33.3% by the main scanning magnification (36), and after the color correction process (39), it is output to the selector (40).

  The selector (40) outputs RGB multi-value data to channels 0 to 2 and monochrome multi-value data to channel 3 as suggested by the scanner application ACS (SEL = '4') in FIG. At this time, the RGB multi-value data is an image that has been scaled by 50.0%, and the monochrome multi-value data is an image that has been scaled by 33.3%, so that it is possible to obtain image data having different scaling factors.

  Next, as suggested in FIG. 26, the case of reading a 600 dpi read original with 200 dpi multi-value data for a color original and 300 dpi multi-value data for a monochrome original will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the magnification ratio of 33.3% for a color document and the magnification ratio of 50.0% for a monochrome document is larger from 50.0%, so the magnification ratio is larger. The magnification of scanning is mechanically executed by adjusting the moving speed of the scanning unit in the reading unit (1).

  Since it is 50.0%, the scanning unit moving speed is increased by 2.0 times faster (= 600/300) than that at the same magnification. It becomes possible to obtain in 1). Thereafter, the image processing pass in the case of a color original is subjected to 66.7% scaling (300 dpi → 200 dpi) after sub-scan scaling (35) after filter (34), and sub-scanning using selector (45). The data after the scaling (35) is selected, the main scanning scaling (43) performs 33.3% scaling, and is output to the selector (40).

  On the other hand, in the case of a monochrome document, after the filter (34), the data after the filter (34) is selected by the selector (44), and the main scanning magnification (36) is 50.0% magnification. After the color correction process (39) for the monochrome multi-value data, it is output to the selector (40).

  The selector (40) outputs RGB multi-value data to channels 0 to 2 and monochrome multi-value data to channel 3 as suggested by the scanner application ACS (SEL = '4') in FIG. At this time, the RGB multi-value data is an image that has been scaled by 33.3%, and the monochrome multi-value data has been scaled by 50.0%, so that it is possible to obtain image data having different scaling factors.

  As described above, the multi-function digital copying machine according to the present invention has a larger magnification ratio when separately setting a magnification ratio when the original is a color original and a magnification ratio when the original is a monochrome original. Magnification is adjusted by adjusting the reading speed of the reading unit. Magnification with the smaller scaling ratio is executed by multiplying the scaling ratio by adjusting the reading speed by the scaling ratio of scaling performed by digital data processing. Therefore, when setting the magnification ratio for color documents and the magnification ratio for monochrome documents separately, the larger magnification ratio is adjusted by adjusting the moving speed of the scan unit in the scanning unit. Since the magnification with the smaller magnification can be realized by multiplying the magnification by the moving speed of the scan unit with the magnification by the data processing, the number of sub-scanning magnification units can be reduced in the image processing unit (IPU). It is possible to reduce the scale.

  Also, if the scaling ratio for a color document is larger than that for a monochrome document, the image path is selected so that a monochrome image is processed through the scaling device, while the scaling ratio for a color document is If it is smaller than the scaling ratio of a monochrome document, select the image path so that the image processing of the color document image passes through the scaling mechanism. , When the variable magnification is set separately, the larger magnification is adjusted by adjusting the moving speed of the scan unit in the reading unit, and the smaller variable magnification is changed to the variable magnification according to the moving speed of the scan unit by data processing. Since it can be realized by multiplying the magnification, it has the minimum necessary sub-scanning magnification changer in the image processing unit (IPU) and can be arbitrarily selected, so the circuit scale can be reduced. It made.

  The above-described embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications are made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is possible to carry out with. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the processing operation of the image forming apparatus alone has been described. However, the present embodiment can also be applied to a connected image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected. Further, the processing operation in the image forming apparatus of the above-described embodiment can be executed by a computer program incorporated in the image forming apparatus. For example, this program can be executed by an optical recording medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a magneto-optical recording. It is possible to perform processing operations in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment by recording on a recording medium such as a semiconductor or a semiconductor and reading the recorded recording medium into the image forming apparatus. The processing operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment can also be performed by downloading the image forming apparatus from an external connection device connected via a predetermined network.

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention performs image processing applied to an apparatus that reads an original and stores the read image data, or an apparatus that reads an image from the original reading apparatus and reproduces the image on a transfer sheet. The present invention can be applied to a processing apparatus, and is particularly suitable for digital copying machines, scanners, and MFPs (multifunction machines such as copying, faxing, printers, and scanners).

2 is a diagram suggesting a control configuration of an MFP (multifunction digital copying machine). FIG. It is a figure which suggests the schematic structure of the image processing in the image processor (IPU) (3) suggested in FIG. It is a figure which suggests the schematic structure of the image data control part (CDIC) (4) suggested in FIG. This suggests a schematic configuration of the video data control unit (VDC) (5) suggested in FIG. It is a figure which suggests schematic structure of the image memory access control part (IMAC) (15) suggested in FIG. It is a figure which suggests the example of 1 structure of the facsimile control unit (FCU) (19) suggested in FIG. 1 is a diagram suggesting an overview of a multifunction digital copying machine. FIG. It is a diagram suggesting a schematic configuration of a document reading unit. It is a figure for demonstrating the processing operation at the time of acquiring a manuscript image, (a) is the conceptual diagram which looked at the mode that the manuscript was arrange | positioned to the scanner unit from diagonally upward direction, (b) is a scanner. It is a conceptual diagram seen from the top. FIG. 3 suggests a first internal configuration of the IPU (3) shown in FIG. 2 and is a configuration diagram in the case where the enlargement and reduction scaling of the document are performed by the IPU (3). FIG. 3 suggests a second internal configuration of the IPU (3) shown in FIG. 2, and is a configuration diagram in the case where the enlargement and reduction scaling of the document are performed by the IPU (3). FIG. 6 is a diagram suggesting that an A4 size original (a) is read at an equal magnification (b), reduced (c), and enlarged (d) with a 600 dpi reading scanner. It is the figure which showed the selector (40) suggested to FIG. 10 or FIG. It is a figure which suggests the signal output by the output selection signal SEL. It is a figure which suggests the image format by the output selection signal SEL suggested in FIG. It is a figure which suggests the data structure stored in the memory (MEM) (17) by the output selection signal SEL suggested in FIG. It is a flowchart which suggests the 1st processing operation on the controller side. It is a flowchart which suggests the 2nd processing operation on the controller side. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a case where an A4 size original is read at 600 dpi resolution and a 400 dpi scanner image is obtained. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a case where an A4 size original is read at 600 dpi resolution to obtain a 200 dpi scanner image. It is a figure which suggests the 1st structure of this invention in IPU (3) suggested in FIG. It is a figure which suggests the 2nd structure of this invention in IPU (3) suggested in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a case where a 600 dpi read original is read with 300 dpi multi-value data for a color original and 200 dpi binary data for a monochrome original. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a case where a 600 dpi read original is read with 200 dpi multi-value data for a color original and 300 dpi binary data for a monochrome original. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a case where a 600 dpi read original is read with 300 dpi multi-value data for a color original and 200 dpi multi-value data for a monochrome original. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a case of reading a 600 dpi read original with 200 dpi multi-value data for a color original and 300 dpi multi-value data for a monochrome original.

Explanation of symbols

1 Reading unit 2 Sensor board unit (SBU)
3 Image processor (IPU)
4 Image data control unit (CDIC)
5 Video data control unit (VDC)
6 Image forming unit 10 Parallel bus 11 System controller 12, 23 RAM
13, 24 ROM
14 Operation Panel (Operation Panel)
15 Image memory access controller (IMAC)
16 PC (personal computer)
17 Memory (MEM)
18 Hard disk (HDD)
19 Facsimile control unit (FCU)
20 Public line (PN)
21 Serial Bus 22 Process Controller 30 Input Interface 31 Shading Correction 32 Document Detection ACS
33 Scanner γ
34 Filter 35, 42 Sub-scanning zoom 36, 43 Main scan zoom 37 Binarization 38 Packing 39 Color correction 40, 44, 45 Selector 41 Output interface 50 Input interface 51 Printer γ
52 Gradation processing 53 Output interface 54 Command control

Claims (10)

Multi-value data of each color component of R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue) and black or white as a black component for the same document image by a single scanning scan by a single scanning unit. generates a binary data indicating, stored in the storage unit, the read document is either monochrome document, or has an identification means for identifying a color document or, by said identification means, read the If the original is determined to be a monochrome original, the binary data of the black component stored in the storage means is selected, and if the identification means determines that the read original is a color original, the storage means An image processing apparatus that selects RGB multi-value data stored in the
A first scaling unit for enlarging or reducing for generating multi-value data of each color component of RGB;
A second scaling unit for enlarging or reducing, for generating binary data indicating black or white as the black component;
Separately
At least based on color and monochrome magnification settings set by the user , different scaling factors are set for each of the RGB color component multi-value data and binary data indicating black or white, and the reading is performed. If it is determined that the original is a color original, the first scaling unit performs scaling, and the image is stored in the storage unit. If the read original is determined to be a monochrome original, the second original An image processing apparatus characterized in that a magnification change is performed by a magnification change means and is stored in the storage means . For the same document image, multi-value data of each color component of R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue), multi-value data of a black component, and a single scan by a single scanning unit; generates and stores in the storage unit, the read document is either monochrome document, or has an identification means for identifying a color document or, by said identification means, said read document is determined as a monochrome document In this case, the multi-value data of the black component stored in the storage means is selected, and when the reading means determines that the read original is a color original, the RGB multi-value data stored in the storage means is selected. An image processing apparatus that selects value data and processes it as effective image data,
A first scaling unit for enlarging or reducing for generating multi-value data of each color component of RGB;
A second scaling means for enlarging or reducing the black component multi-value data;
Separately
Based on at least the color and monochrome magnification settings set by the user, a different scaling factor is set for each of the RGB color component multi-value data and the black component multi-value data, and the read original However, if it is determined that the original is a color document, the first scaling unit performs scaling, the image is stored in the storage unit, and if the read document is determined to be a monochrome document, the second scaling is performed. An image processing apparatus characterized in that the magnification is changed by means and stored in the storage means . At least when changing the magnification ratio when the original is a color original and the magnification ratio when the original is a monochrome original based on at least the color and monochrome magnification settings set by the user. The magnification with the larger magnification is adjusted by adjusting the reading speed of the reading unit, and the magnification with the smaller magnification is set to the magnification by adjusting the reading speed by changing the magnification of the magnification executed by digital data processing. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for executing the multiplied value.   If the scaling ratio for a color document is larger than that for a monochrome document, the image path is selected so that a monochrome image is processed through the variable magnification unit, while the scaling ratio for a color document is a monochrome document. 4. An image processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising means for selecting an image path through a power variator in image processing of a color original image when the magnifying power is smaller than. Multi-value data of each color component of R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue) and black or white as a black component for the same document image by a single scanning scan by a single scanning unit. generates a binary data indicating, stored in the storage unit, the read document is either monochrome document, or an identification step of identifying a color original or,
If it is determined in the identification step that the read original is a monochrome original, the binary data of the black component stored in the storage unit is selected, and the read original is determined as a color original in the identification step. If determined, an image processing method in an image processing apparatus that selects RGB multi-value data stored in the storage means and processes as effective image data,
The image processing apparatus includes:
A first scaling step for enlarging or reducing for generating multi-value data of each color component of RGB ;
A second scaling step for enlarging or reducing for generating binary data indicating black or white as the black component ;
Are done separately,
At least based on color and monochrome magnification settings set by the user , different scaling factors are set for each of the RGB color component multi-value data and binary data indicating black or white, and the reading is performed. If the original is determined to be a color original, the first scaling process is performed, and the original is stored in the storage means. If the read original is determined to be a monochrome original, the second original is selected. An image processing method characterized in that scaling is performed in a scaling process, and the scale is stored in the storage means . For the same document image, multi-value data of each color component of R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue), multi-value data of a black component, and a single scan by a single scanning unit; It generates and stores in the storage unit, the read document is either monochrome document, or an identification step of identifying a color original or,
If it is determined in the identification step that the read original is a monochrome original, the multi-value data of the black component stored in the storage unit is selected, and the read original is determined as a color original in the identification step. If determined, an image processing method in an image processing apparatus that selects RGB multi-value data stored in the storage means and processes as effective image data,
The image processing apparatus includes:
A first scaling step for enlarging or reducing for generating multi-value data of each color component of RGB ;
A second scaling step for enlarging or reducing for generating the multi-value data of the black component ;
Are done separately,
Based on at least the color and monochrome magnification settings set by the user, a different scaling factor is set for each of the RGB color component multi-value data and the black component multi-value data, and the read original However, if it is determined that the original is a color original, it is changed in the first scaling step, stored in the storage means, and if the read original is determined as a monochrome original, the second enlargement is performed. An image processing method characterized in that scaling is performed in a process and stored in the storage means . Based on at least the color and monochrome magnification settings set by the user, the image processing apparatus separately sets a magnification ratio when the document is a color document and a magnification ratio when the document is a monochrome document. At the time of setting, scaling with the larger scaling factor is performed by adjusting the reading speed of the reading unit, and scaling with the smaller scaling factor is executed by digital data processing to the scaling factor by adjusting the reading speed. 7. The image processing method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a step of executing a value obtained by multiplying a magnification of magnification is performed.   If the scaling ratio for a color document is larger than that for a monochrome document, the image path is selected so that a monochrome image is processed through the variable magnification unit, while the scaling ratio for a color document is a monochrome document. 8. The image processing method according to claim 7, wherein the image processing apparatus performs a step of selecting an image path so as to pass through a magnification changer in image processing of a color original image when the magnification is smaller than .   An image processing program that causes an image processing apparatus to execute the image processing method according to claim 5.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the image processing program according to claim 9 is recorded.

Images