JP4931156B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that processes an image input as digitized data by document reading or the like into image output data such as a print output, and more particularly, performs a debug operation for confirming an abnormality in image output. Image processing apparatus (digital multifunction peripheral (MFP) combined with functions of a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer, a scanner, etc.), an image processing method, and a program for causing a computer to perform the image processing method .

Processing of images recorded on paper media is widely known by copying machines. In the case of a copying machine, an image reading device using a line image sensor consisting of a CCD (Charge-Coupled Devices) photoelectric conversion element is used for image input of a manuscript, and writing with a laser beam (scanning exposure) for image output to a paper medium. ) Devices have been adopted and have evolved from analog copying machines to digital copying machines that process digitized image data.
Since becoming a digital copier, not only copier functions but also functions such as facsimile functions, printer functions, scanner functions, etc., it is not just a digital copier, but a digital multi-function peripheral (MFP). Came to be called.

By the way, the introduction of HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc. has increased the capacity and cost of storage media, speeded up and popularized communication technologies such as networks, improved the processing power of CPU (Central Processing Unit), and related to digital image data With the development of technologies related to MFP, such as technology to standardize characteristics values and compression formats, etc., the functions installed in MFPs have also been diversified and diversified.
The way MFPs are used in offices is also diverse and diverse. For example, a small MFP can be installed in pairs next to a PC (Personal computer) so that each employee can easily use the functions of a copier, facsimile, printer, and scanner. For example, if it is a large MFP that is shared by multiple people in each department or section so that a certain level of productivity and functions such as sorting, punching, and stapling can be used, and that is highly productive, high quality, and multifunctional It can be used with maximum quality and productivity in departments that concentrate on copy-related work, or in companies that make copy-related work itself.

In many fields where the value of information is important, it is required not only to convey information quickly, accurately and reliably, but also to convey the contents of information in an easy-to-understand and effective manner. As communication technology has become faster and more widespread, memory has become larger in capacity, lower in cost and smaller, and PCs have become more sophisticated, new functions for efficiently handling information using digital data have been provided. Therefore, MFPs that handle digital image data, which is part of digital data, are also expected to provide new functions and integrate with peripheral technologies.
On the other hand, as a problem that arises with the enhancement of the image processing function, the integration of functions, and the increase in the number of functions, it can be mentioned that it is difficult to analyze the operation of the image processing apparatus when it operates abnormally.

In order to solve the problems and technical problems in such an image processing apparatus, Patent Documents 1 and 2 listed below can be exemplified as proposed conventional techniques.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133830 describes data relating to abnormality detected when an abnormal operation occurs in an image forming apparatus having an image reading apparatus and an image recording apparatus, and / or image recording and development processing from a document image to a photosensitive material. It is shown that the operation data up to the above is stored in a memory, and if necessary, at least a part of the data stored in the memory is stored in a storage medium such as a memory card that can be taken out of the apparatus.
Patent Document 2 discloses a key operation reproduction method for reproducing key operations performed on the operation panel for the purpose of improving the efficiency of debugging work and improving the evaluation efficiency. Here, key history data is acquired as saved data from storage means storing key history data including a plurality of key event information over time of key operations on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus, and based on the acquired key history data A method of generating reproduction information including key event information, transmitting the reproduction information to an application process, and reproducing a key operation on the operation panel is shown.
JP-A-6-87254 JP 2006-221671 A

However, in order to elucidate the abnormal operation in the image forming apparatus, the methods proposed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are in a situation where the image processing function is multi-functional and complex processing is required like the MFP. Therefore, it is not enough to elucidate the cause of abnormal operation. In other words, in order to elucidate the cause of abnormal processing, it is necessary to clarify the location where the malfunction occurred or the processing process where the abnormality occurred, but many image processing steps are required, especially for color image processing. In this case, the analysis becomes more difficult, and it is difficult to cope with such a situation with the methods proposed in Documents 1 and 2.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems in a conventional image processing apparatus, and the problem is that a problem can occur in an image processing process, or a process that causes an abnormality in a series of image processing processes. Is to make it easier to clarify.

The present invention provides an image reading unit that reads and digitizes a document and obtains image data, an input-side image data processing unit that processes image data obtained by the image reading unit as general-purpose data, and a process performed by the input-side data processing unit A large-capacity storage unit that stores the image data for backup and reuse, an output-side image data processing unit that processes the image data extracted from the large-capacity storage unit as image output data, and data processing of the target image And an input unit image data processing unit, the large-capacity storage unit, and the output side image data processing unit according to the processing conditions received by the operation unit, An image processing apparatus having a controller unit for performing an image output process, the image data to be processed in the input side image data processing unit and the output side image data A memory unit for storing image data processed by the data processing unit under the control of the controller unit, and the controller unit stores the image data when storing the image data in the memory unit and the mass storage unit. A function of storing additional information in association with each other and controlling a process of processing the image data stored in the memory unit or the large-capacity storage unit and the additional information as one output image data is provided. And
The present invention obtains image data obtained by reading and digitizing a document in accordance with a first operation accepting step for accepting an instruction for data processing of a target image and an input for setting a processing condition, and the processing conditions accepted in the first operation accepting step. An image reading step, an input side image data processing step for processing the image data obtained in the image reading step as general-purpose data according to the processing conditions received in the first operation receiving step, and a process in the input side image data processing step Associating the first data storage step of associating the target image data with the additional information of the image data in the memory unit, and associating the image data processed in the input side image data processing step with the additional information of the image data A second data storage step for storing data in a large-capacity storage unit for backup and reuse, and image data stored in the second data storage step. Are output from the large-capacity storage unit and processed as image output data in accordance with the processing conditions received in the first operation receiving step, and the image data processed in the output side image data processing step A third data storage step of associating the additional information of the image data and storing it in the memory unit; and an image stored in the first data storage step, the second data storage step, or the third data storage step. And an output image data processing step for processing the data and the additional information as one output image data.
The present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute each step of an image processing method according to another invention of the present application.
Furthermore, the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  A process that has a multi-functional image processing function and isolates a defect or abnormality occurring on an image in an image processing apparatus (for example, MFP) that requires complicated processing, or that causes an abnormality in a series of image processing processes. Can be easily clarified, and the efficiency of analysis can be improved.

Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus and an image processing method according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Embodiments of an image processing apparatus and an image processing method according to the present invention described below are described with respect to a main part of a configuration provided for easily analyzing an abnormality occurring in an image processing process of an image processing apparatus from an output image. The form is shown.
Here, a large-capacity storage is provided so that a document image read by an image reading unit (scanner) that reads a document with a color image signal, which is also used as an image processing system of a digital multifunction peripheral (MFP), can be backed up and reused. Can be processed into image data for use in an image output unit (printer) capable of printing out color images, or data can be communicated via a network. The structure which adapts to a series of image processing processes until it processes to the image data used with the external apparatus (PC) which did is shown.
Embodiments 1 to 4 are shown below as embodiments. The first embodiment shows a basic configuration example, and the second to fourth embodiments have means for controlling the operation so that the highest performance operation can be obtained based on the basic configuration of the first embodiment. An added example is shown.

“Embodiment 1”
In the present embodiment, when the image processing apparatus of the present invention is implemented as an MFP, a document image read by an image reading unit using a copy function is stored in a large-capacity storage unit, and is converted into an image for print output. And a form adapted to a series of image processing steps until processing. In this embodiment, in order to easily analyze an abnormality occurring in a series of image processing steps from an output image, a series of image processing steps composed of a plurality of image processing steps are divided, and images processed in the divided steps. Can be managed.
For this purpose, a memory unit is provided for each of the divided image processing steps, and the processed image data is stored and managed in each memory unit.

“Outline of image data processing system”
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of an image data processing system in the MFP of the present embodiment.
In FIG. 1, the image data processing system includes a document reading unit 10, an image processing unit 30, a controller unit 50, and an image output unit 70. The document image input through the document reading unit 10 is stored in the large-capacity storage unit 60 so that it can be backed up and reused, and is output from the image output unit 70 and the like via this.
The original reading unit 10 scans an original with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) line image sensor, thereby converting the original image into an RGB (R: RED, G: GREEN, B: BLUE) component line image (video) signal. Then, the read signal is obtained, and the obtained line image signal is also subjected to correction mainly depending on the device characteristics of the document reading unit 10 such as interline correction and shading correction, thereby generating normalized digital image data and outputting it. To do.

The image processing unit 30 performs processing for making the data versatile, such as processing for adjusting the image quality such as filter processing and color conversion processing to the standard color space, as processing for the input image. 1) (Hereinafter, this processing unit or the processing performed here is referred to as “processing (1)”) 31. The reason why versatility is required for the input image data is that, in the MFP, the document reading unit 10 performs processing on the input side (processing of the document reading unit 10, processing (1) 31 and processing (2) 52 described later), so that the large capacity is obtained. The data stored in the storage unit 60 is not only used for copy output by the image output unit 70 in the apparatus, which is a processing example in the present embodiment, but also a network for use by an external device (for example, a PC). This is because the case where it is output to is considered.
The image processing unit 30 includes a memory unit (1) 35 and a memory unit (2) 36 in the processing system on the input side as a memory unit for storing image data processed for each image processing step. The memory unit (1) 35 stores the image data processed by the document reading unit 10, and the memory unit (2) 36 stores the image data processed by the processing (1) 31.

The controller unit 50 is a means for controlling the entire MFP including the image data processing system, and controls when the CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) and the CPU control the image data processing system and various operation units.・ Hardware configuration of RAM (Random Access Memory) used for storage units for temporarily storing processing programs and intermediate processing data, and ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing control / processing programs and control data And providing a function as a processing / control means by driving the program.
Control / processing program, control data, etc. for constructing an image data processing system for executing processing according to the flow of image data processing (FIGS. 6, 9, 11, and 13) in the following embodiments including the present embodiment Is installed in ROM, HDD, etc., which are computer-readable recording media, so that the CPU reads the control / processing program, control data, etc. recorded in the recording medium such as ROM, HDD, etc. into the RAM at the time of execution, By driving the program, the hardware configuration (computer) can function as the image data processing system shown in each embodiment.

In this embodiment, the control / processing conditions according to the setting of the operation mode and the like input by the user's operation from the operation unit 80 to be described later are instructed to each unit of the image data processing system including the image processing unit 30 and the like. Let the process do.
In this embodiment, the controller unit 50 also processes the input image as data stored in the large-capacity storage unit 60 or the amount of data transmitted from the network to an external device (for example, a PC) via the large-capacity storage unit 60. In order to reduce this, processing such as data compression is performed by an image data processing section (2) (hereinafter, this processing section or processing performed here is referred to as “processing (2)”) 52.
Further, the controller unit 50 has a NIC (Network Interface Card) 54 and can communicate data with an external device shown as an external PC 90 on the network via the NIC 54.

The operation unit 80 functions as an interface between the MFP and the user. An operation panel such as an LCD (liquid crystal display device) and a key switch is used to display an operation condition such as a set operation mode, an operation state of the device, and an operation method. The key operation performed by the user is detected, and a setting input or a process execution instruction is accepted.
The large-capacity storage unit 60 is a large-capacity storage medium in which stored data is not lost even when the power is turned off to enable backup and reuse. For example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is used.
In this embodiment, all document images read by the image reading unit 10 are stored in the large-capacity storage unit 60. Therefore, a copy request is a process that is stored in the large-capacity storage unit 60 and then taken over by output side processing for processing into an image for print output.
The image stored in the large-capacity storage unit 60 stores the image data processed in the process (2) 52 in the controller unit 50, so that the image data processed for each image processing step is stored and managed. It also functions as a memory unit.

In the image processing process on the output side in response to the copy request, the image stored in the large-capacity storage unit 60 is taken out and processed by the image output unit (printer) 70 into image data used for writing. This process is performed by the image processing unit 30.
The image processing unit 30 uses image data that can be used by the image output unit 70 as image data processing for print output and conforms to the device characteristics, and is set by a user set by an input operation to the operation unit 80. The requested image quality adjustment and image editing must be performed on the image data, and this processing is performed by an image data processing unit (3) (hereinafter, this processing unit or processing performed here is referred to as “processing (3)”) 33. The processing performed here includes, for example, expansion processing for compressed data, background removal processing, scaling processing, color conversion processing from RGB to CMYK or color to monochrome, gradation processing, and the like.
The image processing unit 30 performs image processing by the process (3) 33 on the image from the large-capacity storage unit 60 and outputs the processed data to the image output unit 70 as print output data (write image data).
Further, for processing on the output side, the image processing unit 30 includes a memory unit (3) 37 as a memory unit for storing image data processed for each image processing step. The memory unit (3) 37 stores the image data processed in the process (3) 33.

“Storage data processing for each image processing process”
In the present embodiment, the image data processing described with reference to FIG. 1 described above is performed in order to analyze abnormalities that occur in a series of image processing steps from the input of the document reading unit 10 to the output of the image by the image output unit 70. The image data processed in each processing step of the system is stored in the memory units (1) to (3) 35 to 37 and the large capacity storage unit 60, respectively.
In order to visually confirm the state of the output image when the abnormality occurs, the image data stored in this way is actually printed by the data at the time of occurrence, and the output result is used for visual confirmation. In the present embodiment, it is possible to easily determine which process has an abnormality by performing print output of an image for each processing process and confirming the abnormality, thereby improving the efficiency of analysis.

However, in order to further clarify the location where a defect has occurred or the processing process in which an abnormality has occurred, it is an effective method to refer to the operation mode and processing conditions instructed for the target image.
Therefore, when image data is stored in the memory units (1) to (3) 35 to 37 and the large-capacity storage unit 60, information indicating in which processing step the image data to be stored is an image processed and The operation mode and processing conditions managed by the controller unit 50 as image bibliographic information are stored as additional information in association with image data and managed.
This processing is performed by associating the additional information with the image data processed by the image processing unit in each processing step in the normal operation mode (in the example shown in this embodiment, the copy operation in the normal mode). Are stored in the memory units (1) to (3) 35 to 37 and the large-capacity storage unit 60. It should be noted that the storage of these image data and additional information is desirable to store not only the image at the time of abnormality discovery but also past data so that the history can be seen. It is necessary to use non-volatile storage means for the memory unit.
When the image processed and stored in each processing step in this way is printed out when an abnormality occurs, additional information is embedded in the output image to generate print output data.

FIG. 2 shows a data flow in image processing during a normal mode copy operation in the MFP of the present embodiment.
In the copy operation, the processing flow of the image data until the image input from the document reading unit 10 is printed out by the image output unit 70 is as shown by the arrows in FIG. That is, the processing of each processing unit is performed in the order of the document reading unit 10 → processing (1) 31 → processing (2) 52 → processing (3) 33 → image output unit 70.
A series of image processing steps during the copying operation proceed along the processing flow of FIG. 2, and the image data processed by each processing unit is stored in each memory unit (1) as shown by the broken arrow in FIG. ~ (3) 35-37. The image data processed in the process (2) 52 is stored (accumulated) in the large-capacity storage unit 60. The image data stored in each of the memory units (1) to (3) 35 to 37 and the large-capacity storage unit 60 (hereinafter referred to as “memory units”) refers to the additional information described above. Associated and managed. Note that the image data stored in each memory unit in the normal mode copy operation is used when an abnormality occurs, which will be described later, and is not used in the normal mode operation.

In addition, additional information (processes, operation operations, processing conditions, etc.) stored in association with image data when print output is performed based on the image data processed in each processing step from each memory unit when an abnormality occurs. Print output on one recording medium.
By using this method, when visually confirming the state of the output image based on the image data processed in each processing step, it is possible to simultaneously check what operation mode and processing conditions are set in which step. The analysis efficiency can be improved.
The output process for visually confirming the state of the output image when an abnormality occurs is performed according to an instruction from the operation unit 80 as an operation mode different from the normal mode (hereinafter referred to as “debug mode”).
In the debug mode, the controller unit 50 individually selects the image data stored for each of the memory units (1) to (3) 35 to 37 and the large capacity storage unit 60 and the additional information associated with the image data. Data for print output is generated, and the image output unit 70 performs print output.

Here, an embodiment relating to additional information associated with image data stored in each memory unit will be described.
FIG. 3 shows the types of information used as additional information.
Additional information (1) shown in FIG. 3A is information for identifying which image processing unit (process) the stored image data is processed. Here, 2-bit identification information is used so that the following four types of image processing units (processes) can be identified.
1. Image reading unit 10 (stored data in memory unit (1) 35)
2. Process (1) 31 (data stored in the memory part (2) 36)
3. Process (2) 52 (data stored in the mass storage unit 60)
4). Process (3) 33 (data stored in memory section (3) 37)
In the present embodiment, since the image output in the debug operation needs to indicate which image processing unit (process) is the processed data, at least the additional information (1) is stored in each memory unit. It is an indispensable condition to associate with the image data to be stored in.

The additional information (2) shown in FIG. 3B identifies whether the stored image data is an operation such as color, monochrome, or color / monochrome automatic selection that can be set as a processing condition or an operation mode. Information. Here, 1-bit identification information is used in order to identify the following two types of processing operations.
1. Monochrome processing Color processing The additional information (3) shown in FIG. 3C indicates whether the stored image data is an operation mode or a character operation that can be set as a processing condition, a photo operation, an automatic detection operation, or the like. It is information to identify. Here, 2-bit identification information is used so that the following four types of processing operations can be identified.
1. Character / photo action 2. Character operation Photo motion Automatic detection operation

Each memory unit stores the above-described additional information in association with image data. When the image data and the additional information are associated and stored in each memory, it can be implemented by applying data formatting, which is a method usually employed when managing data in the memory unit.
4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining a data format when image data and additional information are stored in association with each other.
4 and 5 each have a data format in which the additional information portion and the image data portion are combined.
FIG. 4 shows a basic data format in which only information (additional information (1)) for identifying which image processing unit (process) the image data is processed as data of the additional information portion is described. Show. (I) to (IV) in FIG. 4 are examples of data formats corresponding to output image data of the following image processing units (processes).
(I) Output of image reading unit 10 (stored data in memory unit (1) 35)
(II) Output of process (1) 31 (data stored in memory part (2) 36)
(III) Output of process (2) 52 (data stored in mass storage unit 60)
(IV) Processing (3) 33 (data stored in memory (3) 37)

Further, FIG. 5 shows information (additional information (1)) for identifying which image processing unit (process) the image data is processed as data of the additional information unit, and color, monochrome as processing conditions. Information (additional information (2)) that identifies which of the above and information (additional information (3)) that identifies which of the four types of operation, text or photo, is specified as the operation mode Indicates the data format to be used. (I) to (IV) in FIG. 4 correspond to output image data of the following image processing units (processes), and are examples of data formats when processing conditions or operation modes are respectively set.
(I) When monochrome or text / photo operation is set in the output of the image reading unit 10 (data stored in the memory unit (1) 35)
(II) When monochrome or character operation is set in the output of process (1) 31 (data stored in memory (2) 36)
(III) When color or character operation is set at the output of process (2) 52 (data stored in the large-capacity storage unit 60)
(IV) When color or character operation is set in process (3) 33 (data stored in memory (3) 37)

Next, the data processing operation in the image data processing system will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
This flow of data processing is processing performed by the image data processing system in accordance with an instruction from the controller unit 50 when the copy function is selected. Here, after the copy function is selected, either the normal mode or the debug mode is further selected, the selected mode is operated, and the process is terminated.
Therefore, in the processing flow of FIG. 6, first, the MFP is in the standby state. At this time, the key input operation for selecting either the normal mode or the debugging mode performed by the operation unit 80, or the processing steps in the case of the debugging mode. Since each image is output, a key input operation for selecting a processing step (processed image data) to be debugged is accepted (step S101).
Next, it is confirmed whether or not the accepted key input is the debug mode (step S102).

If the debug mode is not set (step S102-NO), the process is performed in accordance with the normal mode process.
In the normal mode, first, an original image is read by the image reading unit 10, and the read image data is subjected to predetermined processing by the image reading unit 10 (description and description of the image reading unit 10 described above for configuring the image data processing system) ), Additional information including information for identifying the output from the image reading unit 10 (additional information (1)) is added according to a predetermined data format (step S103). In addition to the additional information (1), when the additional information (2) and the additional information (3) illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 are employed, these pieces of information are also added.
Next, the image data processed by the image reading unit 10 and the additional information are stored in the memory unit (1) 35 that accumulates the data processed in this processing step (step S104).

Thereafter, as the next process on the input side, predetermined processing (processing in the above “Outline of Image Data Processing System” (1 ) Processing for adding additional information including information (additional information (1)) for identifying the output from the processing (1) 31 after adding (refer to, description) 31) according to a predetermined data format Is performed (step S105). In addition to the additional information (1), when the additional information (2) and the additional information (3) illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 are employed, these pieces of information passed from the image reading unit 10 are added.
Next, the image data processed in the process (1) 31 and the additional information are stored in the memory unit (2) 36 for accumulating the data processed in this processing step (step S106).

Thereafter, as the next process on the input side, the processing (2) 52 applies the predetermined processing (the processing in the above “Outline of Image Data Processing System”) to the image data being transferred as processing target data from the processing (1) 31 ( 2) After adding (see 52), additional information including information (additional information (1)) for identifying the output from the processing (2) 52 is added according to a predetermined data format. Processing is performed (step S107). In addition to the additional information (1), when the additional information (2) and the additional information (3) illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 are adopted, these pieces of information passed from the process (1) 31 are added. .
Next, the image data and additional information processed in the process (2) 52 are stored in the large-capacity storage unit 60 that accumulates the data processed in this processing step (step S108).

Thereafter, as a processing step on the output side, predetermined processing (processing in the above-mentioned “Outline of Image Data Processing System” ( 3) After adding (see 33), additional information including information (additional information (1)) for identifying the output from processing (3) 33 is added according to a predetermined data format. Processing is performed (step S109). In addition to the additional information (1), when the additional information (2) and the additional information (3) illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 are adopted, these pieces of information extracted from the large-capacity storage unit 60 are added. .
Next, the image data processed in the process (3) 33 and the additional information are stored in the memory unit (3) 37 that accumulates the data processed in this processing step (step S110).
Thereafter, as the final processing step on the output side, the image output unit 70 performs print output using the processing target data passed from the processing (3) 33 (step S111). At this time, in the image output unit 70, the processing target data passed from the process (3) 33 includes additional information. Therefore, in order to use only the image data for output, a process of deleting the additional information is performed. Do.
Data for print output is generated, and this data is transferred to a printer engine such as a plotter, and the image processing process in the normal mode is completed.

On the other hand, when the debug mode is set in step S102 (step S102-YES), the process is performed in accordance with the debug mode process.
In the debug mode, first, in order to acquire “image data and additional information” of the processing process to be debugged selected in step S101, the memory units (1) to (3) 35 to 35 that store the debug target data. 37 and one of the large-capacity storage units 60 are designated and the data is read therefrom (step S121).
In this embodiment, the additional information is embedded in the image based on the “image data and additional information” read from the designated memory unit, and is printed out on one recording medium. Further, the output processing step in the debug mode is shared with the processing step in the normal mode.
Therefore, the flow of processing up to the print output of “image data and additional information” read from the designated memory section goes through each image processing section. However, since the purpose of debugging is to output the image data stored for each image processing step and the additional information associated with the image data individually in the stored state, the purpose of debugging is to The processing unit passes the data to the image output unit 70 without receiving any processing.

The debug mode process of FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of the image process when the data in the memory unit (1) 35 storing the output image data of the image reading unit 10 is selected in the debug mode.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a data flow of image processing corresponding to the flowchart of FIG. 6 in the debug mode on the image data processing system.
As shown in FIG. 7, the data processing flow in the debug mode until printing is output by “image data and additional information” read from the memory unit (1) 35 is as shown by an arrow in the figure. . That is, it goes through the respective processing units in the order of memory unit (1) 35 → processing (1) 31 → processing (2) 52 → processing (3) 33 → image output unit 70. However, in the processing (1) 31 → processing (2) 52 → processing (3), data passes through without receiving any processing.

This processing procedure corresponds to steps S122 to S124 in the debugging mode processing of FIG. That is, in any of the processing (1) 31, processing (2) 12, and processing (3) 33, the image processing is passed and the processing mode for adding additional information is not performed.
Thereafter, in the final processing step, as described above, the data is read from the memory unit (1) 35, passed through each image processing unit, and printed out using the received “image data and additional information” (step). S125). At this time, the image output unit 70 performs processing for generating output data for embedding the additional information in the target image based on the “image data and additional information” and printing it out on one recording medium. The additional information in the debug mode is deleted after being embedded in the image data by the image output unit 70.
In this way, data for print output is generated, and this data is taken over by a printer engine such as a plotter, and the image processing process in the debug mode is completed.

The operation in the debug mode described above with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6 is a flow executed when the data of the memory unit (1) 35 storing the output image data of the image reading unit 10 is selected. If the selected memory unit is the memory unit (2) 36, the large-capacity storage unit 60, and the memory unit (3) 37 in the subsequent stage of the processing process, the image processing performed before the memory unit is performed in the processing step. Since it does not enter, it is necessary to modify the flowchart of FIG. 6 so that it can be adapted to such a case. That is, the flow of FIG. 6 can be applied by ignoring the processing that does not enter the processing step.
For example, when data stored in the large-capacity storage unit 60 is selected in the debug mode, the data flow of image processing on the image data processing system is as shown in FIG.
That is, the processing flow of the data in the debug mode until the print output by the “image data and additional information” read from the large-capacity storage unit 60 is as shown by the arrow in FIG. Process (3) 33 → The image output unit 70 is routed through the processing unit. In this case, since the processing (1) 31 and the processing (2) 52 do not enter the processing step, this processing is ignored in the data processing flow in the debug mode, and the processing (3) 33 enters the processing step in FIG. As in step S124 of FIG. 6, the data is passed through without receiving any processing.

“Embodiment 2”
In the first embodiment, the basic configuration of the image data processing system in which the memory unit provided for each image processing step is provided with means for associating and storing additional information with the image data processed in the processing step has been described. However, in the image data processing system of the first embodiment, since the unconditionally processed data is stored in the memory unit provided for each image processing step in the normal mode operation, for example, the possibility of occurrence of abnormality is extremely low. If it is in the usage environment or usage status and stable operation is ensured during regular inspections, it is rather advantageous for the user to stop saving data and avoid wasting power and memory wastefully. May be determined to be large.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, as means for enabling the operation according to such a case, whether or not to store the data in the memory unit that stores the image data in association with the additional information is determined by, for example, the operation unit 80. The high-performance operation can be obtained by controlling the data storage operation according to the setting.

The above-described setting of necessity of data storage can be easily performed by setting the necessity for all the memory units. However, there is no problem in managing abnormal images even if data is stored in only a part of the memory units, and there is a case where power is not wasted in this way.
In order to be able to cope with such a case, it is desirable to adopt a method for setting whether or not to save data for each memory. In the embodiment described below, an example is shown in which a method for setting whether or not to save data is set for each memory.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the data processing operation in the image data processing system according to this embodiment.
This flow of data processing is processing performed by the image data processing system in accordance with an instruction from the controller unit 50 when the copy function is selected. Here, after the copy function is selected, either the normal mode or the debug mode is further selected, the selected mode is operated, and the process is terminated. In this embodiment, particularly when selecting the operation in the normal mode, the setting of accumulation or non-accumulation indicating whether or not the processed image data and additional information are accumulated in the memory unit provided for each image processing step is performed. Do. The storage or non-storage corresponds to the above description of necessity of data storage, and in this embodiment, this expression is taken because data is stored in the form of storage.
Therefore, in the processing flow of FIG. 9, first, the MFP is in a standby state. At this time, the key input operation for selecting either the normal mode or the debug mode performed by the operation unit 80, or the normal mode, each memory unit described above. A key input operation for selecting accumulation or non-accumulation is received, and for the debug mode, a key input operation for selecting a processing step (processed image data) to be debugged is accepted (step S201). Note that the input operation for selecting image data to be debugged cannot select the image data in the memory unit selected to be non-accumulated.
Next, it is confirmed whether or not the accepted key input is the debug mode (step S202).

If the debug mode is not set (NO in step S202), the process is performed in accordance with the normal mode process.
In the normal mode, first, an original image is read by the image reading unit 10, and the read image data is subjected to predetermined processing by the image reading unit 10 (description and description of the image reading unit 10 described above for configuring the image data processing system) ), Additional information including information (additional information (1)) for identifying the output from the image reading unit 10 is added according to a predetermined data format (step S203). In addition to the additional information (1), when the additional information (2) and the additional information (3) illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 are employed, these pieces of information are also added.
Next, the image data processed by the image reading unit 10 and the additional information are stored in the memory unit (1) 35 that accumulates the data processed in this processing step. Before that, the data set by the operation unit 80 is stored. Is stored or not stored (step S204).
Here, only when data accumulation is set (step S204-accumulation), the data is stored and accumulated in the memory unit (1) 35 (step S205).

Thereafter, as the next process on the input side, predetermined processing (processing in the above “Outline of Image Data Processing System” (1 ) Processing for adding additional information including information (additional information (1)) for identifying the output from the processing (1) 31 after adding (refer to, description) 31) according to a predetermined data format Is performed (step S206). In addition to the additional information (1), when the additional information (2) and the additional information (3) illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 are employed, these pieces of information passed from the image reading unit 10 are added.
Next, the image data processed in the process (1) 31 and the additional information are stored in the memory unit (2) 36 for accumulating the data processed in this processing step. Reference is made to data accumulation or non-accumulation (step S207).
Here, only when data accumulation is set (step S207-accumulation), the data is stored and accumulated in the memory unit (2) 36 (step S208).

Thereafter, as the next process on the input side, the processing (2) 52 applies the predetermined processing (the processing in the above “Outline of Image Data Processing System”) to the image data being transferred as processing target data from the processing (1) 31 ( 2) After adding (see 52), additional information including information (additional information (1)) for identifying the output from the processing (2) 52 is added according to a predetermined data format. Processing is performed (step S209). In addition to the additional information (1), when the additional information (2) and the additional information (3) illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 are adopted, these pieces of information passed from the process (1) 31 are added. .
Next, the image data processed in the process (2) 52 and the additional information are stored in the large-capacity storage unit 60 that accumulates the data processed in this processing step. Before that, the data set in the operation unit 80 is stored. Is stored or not stored (step S210).
Here, only when data accumulation is set (step S210-accumulation), the data is stored and accumulated in the large-capacity storage unit 60 (step S211).

Thereafter, as a processing step on the output side, predetermined processing (processing in the above-mentioned “Outline of Image Data Processing System”) is performed on the image data extracted as processing target data from the large-capacity storage unit 60 by processing (3) 33 ( 3) After adding (see 33), additional information including information (additional information (1)) for identifying the output from processing (3) 33 is added according to a predetermined data format. Processing is performed (step S212). In addition to the additional information (1), when the additional information (2) and the additional information (3) illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 are adopted, these pieces of information extracted from the large-capacity storage unit 60 are added. .
Next, the image data processed in the process (3) 33 and the additional information are stored in the memory unit (3) 37 for accumulating the data processed in this processing step. Reference is made to data accumulation or non-accumulation (step S213).
Here, only when data accumulation is set (step S213-accumulation), the data is stored and accumulated in the memory unit (3) 37 (step S214).
Thereafter, as the final processing step on the output side, the image output unit 70 performs print output using the processing target data passed from the processing (3) 33 (step S215). At this time, in the image output unit 70, the processing target data passed from the process (3) 33 includes additional information. Therefore, in order to use only the image data for output, a process of deleting the additional information is performed. Do.
Data for print output is generated, and this data is transferred to a printer engine such as a plotter, and the image processing process in the normal mode is completed.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a data flow of image processing corresponding to the flowchart of FIG. 9 in the normal mode on the image data processing system.
In the copy operation in the normal mode, the processing flow of the image data until the image input from the document reading unit 10 is printed out by the image output unit 70 is as shown by an arrow in FIG. That is, the processing of each processing unit is performed in the order of the document reading unit 10 → processing (1) 31 → processing (2) 52 → processing (3) 33 → image output unit 70.
A series of image processing steps during the copying operation proceed along the processing flow of FIG. 10, and image data and additional information processed by each processing unit are stored in memory units (1) to (3) corresponding to the respective processing units. However, in this embodiment, data storage can be controlled in accordance with the setting of storage or non-storage in each memory unit.
The processing flow illustrated in FIG. 10 illustrates a case where the setting for accumulating data processed by the document reading unit 10 is not performed. In other words, the broken line arrows shown in the other memory units are not marked on the memory unit (1) 35 in FIG. Therefore, it is not necessary to store image data and additional information in the memory unit (1) 35 in this processing flow, and it is not used for processing in the debug mode when an abnormality described later occurs.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 6, if the debug mode is set in step S102 (YES in step S202), the process is performed in accordance with the process process of the debug mode.
In the debug mode, first, in order to acquire “image data and additional information” of the processing process to be debugged selected in step S201, the memory units (1) to (3) 35 to 35 that store the debug target data. 37 and one of the mass storage units 60 are designated, and the data is read therefrom (step S221). Note that the image data to be debugged does not include the image data of the memory unit selected to be non-accumulated.
Steps S222 to S225 performed thereafter as the processing process in the debug mode are the same as steps S122 to S125 in the flowchart of FIG. 6 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of FIG. 6 described above is referred to and the description is omitted here.
As described above, whether or not to store the image data processed in each image processing step and the additional information in the memory unit provided for each step can be controlled according to the setting from the operation unit 80, so that the necessary minimum Necessary image data and additional information can be stored with limited power consumption, and performance can be improved.

“Embodiment 3”
In the first embodiment, the basic configuration of the image data processing system in which the memory unit provided for each image processing step is provided with means for associating and storing additional information with the image data processed in the processing step has been described. However, in the image data processing system of the first embodiment, the storage condition for storing the processed data in the memory unit provided for each image processing step in the normal mode operation is not defined. Accumulated past data may be lost, and the loss of such data may prevent accurate analysis when an abnormality occurs.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, as a means for preventing such loss of accumulated data, a write protect function is provided to prevent data loss by overwriting the data written in each memory unit. Whether or not this function is applied can be set by, for example, the operation unit 80, and the write protect function is controlled according to the setting, thereby optimizing the operation and improving the performance.

Whether or not the above-described write protection function is to be activated can be set more easily by determining whether or not the write protection is turned on for all the memory units. However, there is no problem in managing abnormal images just by turning on write protection in only a part of the memory part, and it becomes possible to improve analysis efficiency by turning on write protection only in the necessary part. In some cases.
In order to be able to cope with such a case, it is desirable to adopt a method of setting write protection ON for each memory. In the embodiment described below, an example in which a method of setting the write protection ON for each memory is adopted is shown.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the data processing operation in the image data processing system according to this embodiment.
This flow of data processing is processing performed by the image data processing system in accordance with an instruction from the controller unit 50 when the copy function is selected. Here, after the copy function is selected, either the normal mode or the debug mode is further selected, the selected mode is operated, and the process is terminated. In this embodiment, in particular, when normal mode operation is selected and processing is performed, whether or not to turn on write protection for the memory unit that stores the image data and additional information stored in the copy processing that has already been performed. It is a processing flow that enables control of data accumulation according to settings.
Therefore, in the processing flow of FIG. 11, first, the MFP is in the standby state. At this time, the key input operation for selecting either the normal mode or the debug mode performed by the operation unit 80, or the debug mode is set as the debug target. A key input operation for selecting a processing step (processed image data) is accepted (step S301). In this step, setting information on whether or not to turn on the write protection for the memory unit storing the image data and the additional information is necessary for controlling the processing flow, and this information is also acquired. In this embodiment, this information uses setting information that is already selected by an input operation performed when an abnormality occurs before the current copy process and managed by the controller unit 50.

Next, it is confirmed whether or not the accepted key input is the debug mode (step S302).
Here, if the debug mode is not set (step S302-NO), the process is performed in accordance with the normal mode process.
In the normal mode, first, an original image is read by the image reading unit 10, and the read image data is subjected to predetermined processing by the image reading unit 10 (description and description of the image reading unit 10 described above for configuring the image data processing system) ), Additional information including information for identifying that the output is from the image reading unit 10 (additional information (1)) is added according to a predetermined data format (step S303). In addition to the additional information (1), when the additional information (2) and the additional information (3) illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 are employed, these pieces of information are also added.
Next, the image data processed by the image reading unit 10 and the additional information are stored in the memory unit (1) 35 for accumulating the data processed in this processing step, but before that, write protection is applied to the accumulating memory unit. With reference to the setting information on whether or not to turn on, it is confirmed whether or not the setting of the memory section (1) 35 is the write protection ON (step S304).
Here, only when the write protection is not ON (step S304-NO), the data is stored and stored in the memory unit (1) 35 (step S305).

Thereafter, as the next process on the input side, predetermined processing (processing in the above “Outline of Image Data Processing System” (1 ) Processing for adding additional information including information (additional information (1)) for identifying the output from the processing (1) 31 after adding (refer to, description) 31) according to a predetermined data format Is performed (step S306). In addition to the additional information (1), when the additional information (2) and the additional information (3) illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 are employed, these pieces of information passed from the image reading unit 10 are added.
Next, the image data processed in the process (1) 31 and the additional information are stored in the memory unit (2) 36 for storing the data processed in this processing step, but before that, the write protection for the memory unit to be stored is performed. Referring to the setting information as to whether to turn on or not, it is confirmed whether or not the setting of the memory section (2) 36 is write protection ON (step S307).
Here, only when the write protect is not ON (step S307-NO), the data is stored and stored in the memory unit (2) 36 (step S308).

Thereafter, as the next process on the input side, the processing (2) 52 applies the predetermined processing (the processing in the above “Outline of Image Data Processing System”) to the image data being transferred as processing target data from the processing (1) 31 ( 2) After adding (see 52), additional information including information (additional information (1)) for identifying the output from the processing (2) 52 is added according to a predetermined data format. Processing is performed (step S309). In addition to the additional information (1), when the additional information (2) and the additional information (3) illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 are adopted, these pieces of information passed from the process (1) 31 are added. .
Next, the image data processed in the process (2) 52 and the additional information are stored in the large-capacity storage unit 60 that stores the data processed in this processing step, but before that, write protection for the memory unit to be stored is performed. With reference to the setting information on whether or not to turn on, it is confirmed whether or not the setting of the large-capacity storage unit 60 is write protection ON (step S310).
Here, only when the write protect is not ON (step S310-NO), the data is stored and stored in the large-capacity storage unit 60 (step S311).

Thereafter, as a processing step on the output side, predetermined processing (processing in the above-mentioned “Outline of Image Data Processing System”) is performed on the image data extracted as processing target data from the large-capacity storage unit 60 by processing (3) 33 ( 3) After adding (see 33), additional information including information (additional information (1)) for identifying the output from processing (3) 33 is added according to a predetermined data format. Processing is performed (step S312). In addition to the additional information (1), when the additional information (2) and the additional information (3) illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 are adopted, these pieces of information extracted from the large-capacity storage unit 60 are added. .
Next, the image data processed in the process (3) 33 and the additional information are stored in the memory unit (3) 37 for storing the data processed in this processing step. Before that, the write protection for the memory unit to be stored is performed. Referring to the setting information as to whether or not to turn on, it is confirmed whether or not the setting of the memory section (3) 37 is write protection ON (step S313).
Here, only when the write protect is not ON (step S313-NO), the data is stored and stored in the memory unit (3) 37 (step S314).
Thereafter, as the final processing step on the output side, the image output unit 70 performs print output using the processing target data passed from the processing (3) 33 (step S315). At this time, in the image output unit 70, the processing target data passed from the process (3) 33 includes additional information. Therefore, in order to use only the image data for output, a process of deleting the additional information is performed. Do.
Data for print output is generated, and this data is transferred to a printer engine such as a plotter, and the image processing process in the normal mode is completed.

On the other hand, if the debug mode is set in step S302 (YES in step S302), the process is performed in accordance with the debug mode process.
In the debug mode, first, in order to obtain “image data and additional information” of the processing process to be debugged selected in step S301, the memory units (1) to (3) 35 to 35 that store the debug target data. 37 and one of the large-capacity storage units 60 are designated and the data is read therefrom (step S321).
Steps S322 to S325 performed thereafter as the processing process in the debug mode are the same as steps S122 to S125 in the flowchart of FIG. 6 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of FIG. 6 described above is referred to and the description is omitted here.
As described above, whether or not to turn on the write protection for the memory unit provided for each processing step in order to store the image data and additional information processed in each image processing step is set in advance, and according to the setting. By performing the control for prohibiting overwriting, loss of written data due to inadvertent overwriting or the like can be prevented, and analysis can be performed accurately. Further, by using a part of the memory unit that is not set to write protect ON, it is possible to suppress a decrease in analysis efficiency, and to improve performance.

“Embodiment 4”
In the first embodiment, image data processed in each image processing step and additional information are stored in a memory unit provided for each step as data for use in abnormality analysis. An embodiment in which it is possible to take a usage method that does not waste power and memory by enabling control of whether or not data is stored in the memory unit based on the first embodiment based on the first embodiment. Indicated.
The present embodiment is based on the first embodiment, but shows a configuration in which the aim of not wastefully consuming power and memory is configured by a method that can be realized more effectively and at low cost. This method has a configuration in which the memory unit provided for each image processing step can be attached and detached as an individual device. If it cannot be eliminated depending on the usage situation, it should not be installed if there is no problem even if it is not necessary. To be able to take appropriate actions.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of the MFP image data processing system according to this embodiment.
In FIG. 12, the memory units that can be attached and detached as individual devices are the memory unit (1) 35 ′ and the memory unit (2) 36 ′ in the processing system on the input side, and the memory unit (3) in the processing system on the input side. 37 '. The memory unit in the image data processing system of the first and second embodiments shown in FIG. 1 is different from the memory unit of the present embodiment that is detachable in that it is fixed. The memory unit of the present embodiment that is detachable can be individually attached or detached.
Since the image data processing system shown in FIG. 1 and the image data processing system shown in FIG. 12 are the same except for the memory section, the components of the processing system are the same as those shown in FIG. The description is omitted here, and the description is omitted here.
Although not shown, the detachable memory unit has means for detecting the detachment state of each detachable memory unit (not shown). The memory unit (1) 35 ′, the memory unit (2) 36 ′, and the memory Regardless of the variation in which the part (3) 37 ′ is attached or detached, it can be adapted to the control operation of the image data processing system.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the data processing operation in the image data processing system according to this embodiment.
This flow of data processing is processing performed by the image data processing system in accordance with an instruction from the controller unit 50 when the copy function is selected. Here, after the copy function is selected, either the normal mode or the debug mode is further selected, the selected mode is operated, and the process is terminated. In this embodiment, particularly when selecting the operation in the normal mode, the setting of accumulation or non-accumulation indicating whether or not the processed image data and additional information are accumulated in the memory unit provided for each image processing step is performed. Do.
However, since the selection of the debug mode and the setting of accumulation or non-accumulation are based on the premise that a removable memory unit is installed, the memory unit that is not installed is confirmed, and processing does not contradict. The procedure.

Therefore, in the processing flow of FIG. 13, first, the mounting / non-mounting of the memory units (1) to (3) 35 ′ to 37 ′ is confirmed as mounting / non-mounting (step S401).
If there is an unmounted memory unit (step S401—not mounted), then the data storage or non-storage setting is confirmed for the unmounted memory unit (step S431). This is because a contradiction occurs when accumulation is set for a non-implemented memory unit.
Therefore, when “accumulation” of data is set for the non-implemented memory unit (step S431—accumulation), this setting is automatically changed to “non-accumulation” in order to eliminate inconsistency ( In step S432), the display on the initial input screen of the operation unit 80 is also changed to “non-accumulation”, and a message indicating that “non-accumulation” is set because it is not implemented is indicated by a message (step S433).
Thereafter, a standby state is awaited for input such as a copy function mode setting.
On the other hand, if “non-accumulation” of data is set for the non-mounted memory unit in step S431 (step S431—non-accumulation), no contradiction occurs and the debug mode operation is performed. Since there is no possibility, the operation unit 80 is in a standby state waiting for the input of the normal mode copy process. After the setting is input, the operation unit 80 performs the process according to the normal mode copy process.

If all the memory units are installed in step S401 (step S401-implementation) or after the processing in step S433, the standby state is set, so either the normal mode or the debug mode performed in the operation unit 80 at this time Key input operation for selecting the key, key input operation for selecting accumulation or non-accumulation for each mounted memory unit for the normal mode, and processing step (processed image data) to be debugged for the debug mode A key input operation is accepted (step S402). Note that the input operation for selecting image data to be debugged cannot select the image data in the memory unit selected to be non-accumulated.
Next, it is confirmed whether or not the accepted key input is the debug mode (step S403).

If the debug mode is not set (NO in step S202), the process is performed in accordance with the normal mode copy process.
Here, the flow from step S404 to step S416 performed as the copy process in the normal mode is completely the same as the step S203 to step S215 in the normal mode process flow (FIG. 9) of the second embodiment. That is, each image processing step of the image reading unit 10, processing (1) 31, processing (2) 52, and processing (3) 33 is performed, and the image data and additional information processed in each image processing step are obtained for each step. The image data for print output is processed through an accumulation process for controlling whether to accumulate in the provided memory unit according to the setting from the operation unit 80.
For details of the processing flow of step S404 to step S416 of this embodiment, refer to the description of step S203 to step S215 in the processing flow of FIG. 9 described above, and the description is omitted here.

Further, when the debug mode is set in step S403 in the process flow of FIG. 13 (step S403-YES), the process is performed in accordance with the debug mode process.
In the debug mode, first, in order to obtain “image data and additional information” of the processing process to be debugged selected in step S402, the memory units (1) to (3) 35 to 35 that store the debug target data. 37 and one of the mass storage units 60 are designated, and the data is read therefrom (step S421). Note that the image data to be debugged does not include the image data of the memory unit selected to be non-accumulated.
Steps S422 to S425 performed thereafter as the processing process in the debug mode are the same as steps S122 to S125 in the flowchart of FIG. 6 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of FIG. 6 described above is referred to and the description is omitted here.
As described above, since the memory unit that does not need to store image data and additional information can be not mounted, the cost of the device can be reduced when the above storage function is not required. In addition, since there is no contradiction between the mounting state of the memory unit, the setting of storage or non-storage and the display of the input screen of the operation unit, it is possible to prevent a setting state unintended by the user.

1 is a diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of an image data processing system in an MFP which is an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention. 2 shows a data flow of image processing during a normal copy operation in the image data processing system (FIG. 1). The type of additional information associated with the image data and stored in the memory unit is shown. It is a figure explaining the basic form of the data format which links | relates and preserve | saves image data and additional information. It is a figure explaining the Example of the data format which links | relates and preserve | saves image data and additional information. It is a figure which shows the flowchart (Embodiment 1) of the data processing in an image data processing system (FIG. 1). The data flow of the image processing at the time of debug mode in an image data processing system (FIG. 1) is shown. FIG. 9 shows another data flow in image processing in the debug mode similar to FIG. It is a figure which shows the flowchart (Embodiment 2) of the data processing in an image data processing system (FIG. 1). A data flow (second embodiment) of image processing during a normal copy operation in the image data processing system (FIG. 1) is shown. It is a figure which shows the flowchart (Embodiment 3) of the data processing in an image data processing system (FIG. 1). It is a figure which shows the outline of the whole structure of the image data processing system in MFP which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the data processing in an image data processing system (FIG. 12).

Explanation of symbols

10. Image reading unit, 30 Image processing unit, 31 Image data processing unit (1), 33 Image data processing unit (3), 35, 35 '... Memory units (1), 36, 36 '·· Memory portion (2), 37, 37' ·· Memory portion (3), 50 ·· Controller portion, 54 ·· Image data processing portion (2), 54 ·· NIC, 70 ·· Image output portion , 80 ... Operation part, 90 ... External PC.

Claims (17)

An image reading unit for obtaining image data obtained by reading and digitizing a document;
An input-side image data processing unit that processes image data obtained by the image reading unit as general-purpose data;
A mass storage unit for storing image data processed by the input side data processing unit for backup or reuse;
An output side image data processing unit for processing the image data extracted from the mass storage unit as image output data;
An operation unit for receiving an instruction for data processing of the target image and setting input of processing conditions;
An image processing apparatus having a controller unit that controls an input side image data processing unit, the large-capacity storage unit, and the output side image data processing unit according to processing conditions received by the operation unit, and performs image output processing of a target image. And
A memory unit for storing image data to be processed in the input-side image data processing unit and image data processed by the output-side image data processing unit, under the control of the controller unit;
When the controller unit stores image data in the memory unit and the large-capacity storage unit, the controller unit associates and stores additional information of the image data, stores the image data stored in the memory unit or the large-capacity storage unit, and the An image processing apparatus having a function of controlling a process of processing additional information as one output image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The output image data is print output data, and includes a print output unit using the data.
The image processing apparatus, wherein the controller unit stores a print output condition as the additional information in the memory unit and the mass storage unit. In the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The necessity to save the image data and additional information in the memory unit and the mass storage unit can be set via the operation unit,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller unit stores the image data and additional information according to a setting of necessity of storage performed in the operation unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3,
An image processing apparatus, wherein the necessity of storing the image data and additional information can be set for each of the memory unit and the large-capacity storage unit. In the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The memory unit and the mass storage unit have a write protect function,
It is possible to set whether to activate the write protect function of the memory unit and the mass storage unit via the operation unit,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller unit stores the image data and the additional information in accordance with a setting as to whether or not to operate a write protect function performed in the operation unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5,
An image processing apparatus, wherein it is possible to set whether or not a write protection function is activated for each of the memory unit and the large-capacity storage unit. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An image processing apparatus, wherein the memory unit is detachable. The image processing device according to claim 7,
The operation unit has a device status display function,
The controller unit is configured to attach / detach the memory unit through a display function of the operation unit when power is turned on, set whether to store the image data and additional information in the memory unit, and set a write protect function for the memory unit. An image processing apparatus, wherein at least one of states is displayed. An image processing method in an image processing apparatus,
A first operation accepting step for accepting an instruction for data processing of the target image and setting input of processing conditions;
An image reading step for obtaining image data obtained by reading and digitizing a document in accordance with the processing conditions received in the first operation receiving step;
An input-side image data processing step for processing the image data obtained in the image reading step as general-purpose data according to the processing conditions received in the first operation receiving step;
A first data storage step of storing the image data to be processed in the input side image data processing step and the additional information of the image data in association with each other in a memory unit;
A second data storage step for storing the image data processed in the input side image data processing step and the additional information of the image data in a large capacity storage unit for backup and reuse;
An image data processing step on the output side that takes out the image data stored in the second data storage step from the large-capacity storage unit and processes the data as image output data according to the processing conditions received in the first operation reception step;
A third data storage step of associating the image data processed in the output side image data processing step with the additional information of the image data in a memory unit;
An output image data processing step for processing the image data and additional information stored in the first data storage step or the second data storage step or the third data storage step as one output image data;
An image processing method characterized by comprising: The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein
An image processing method, wherein the output image data is print output data, and the additional information is a print output condition. The image processing method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein:
A second operation accepting step for accepting an operation for setting the necessity of the first to third data storage steps;
The first to third data storage steps are executed according to the setting of necessity of the second operation reception step. The image processing method according to claim 11,
The image processing method according to claim 2, wherein the second operation accepting step can set whether or not the image data and the additional information should be stored for each of the first to third data storing steps. The image processing method according to claim 9 or 10,
The memory unit and the mass storage unit have a write protect function,
A third operation receiving step for receiving an operation for setting whether or not to activate a write protect function of the memory unit and the mass storage unit;
The image processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first to third data storing steps are executed in accordance with a setting as to whether or not the write protection function of the third operation receiving step is activated. The image processing method according to claim 13,
The image processing method according to claim 3, wherein in the third operation reception step, it is possible to set whether or not a write protection function is activated for each of the memory unit and the large-capacity storage unit. The image processing method according to any one of claims 9 to 14,
The memory unit is detachable,
As information to be provided to assist the operations in the first to third operation accepting steps when the power is turned on, the state of attaching / detaching the memory unit, the setting state of necessity of storing the image data and additional information in the memory unit, and An image processing method comprising: displaying at least one of setting states of a write protect function for the memory unit.   A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the image processing method according to any one of claims 9 to 15.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 16 is recorded.

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