JP5021021B2 - Image processing system, control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system, a control method, and a program that can be applied to the field of a digital image input / output device that processes a document image as a digital image signal, for example.

  Conventionally, as an image input / output system, an image input / output processing apparatus capable of executing composite image processing having a copy function, a printer function, a facsimile function, etc., such as a so-called multi-function digital copier Things are known.

  However, since the multi-function digital copying machine has not only a copy function for copying a document image but also a print function, a facsimile function, etc., a control program for controlling these functions becomes complicated.

  Further, since various image processing is performed on the document image, the image processing function for realizing the processing is complicated, and the storage capacity of the storage device that stores an execution program for executing the image processing is increased.

  Furthermore, since the memory area for storing such control / execution programs increases, other data storage areas such as a work area memory for temporarily storing image data for image handling, etc. Storage area is limited.

  As a result, in a multi-function digital copier, when trying to import an operable control program, execution program, and other data from the outside such as a server on a network, such various data are inevitably stored. As a result, the storage capacity for doing so increases, resulting in an increase in size and cost of the memory device.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to increase the size and cost of the memory device by optimally using the capacity of the memory device at the storage destination even when data is taken in from outside such as a server on the network. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image processing system and an image processing method capable of efficiently storing various data.

  The present invention is an image configured to selectively supply a plurality of correction data to the image processing apparatus from a server that registers a plurality of correction data usable for image processing of the image data by the image processing apparatus. A processing system, means for transmitting image data and apparatus information of an image processing apparatus from an image processing apparatus to a server, analysis means for analyzing received apparatus information and the image data, and analysis by the analysis means From the result, the correction data for performing image processing in the image processing apparatus is specified, the means for supplying the specified correction data to the image processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus uses the supplied correction data to And means for causing the image processing apparatus to execute image processing.

  The apparatus further comprises means for enabling a user to select whether or not to compress the correction data supplied from the server to the image processing apparatus.

  The apparatus further comprises means for enabling a user to select whether or not to save the correction data supplied from the server to the image processing apparatus in a storage unit provided in the image processing apparatus. To do.

  A user interface configured to allow a user to select whether or not to supply correction data from the server to the image processing apparatus, to execute guidance display and / or warning display regarding supply of the correction data. It further has a means.

  The present invention is an image configured to selectively supply a plurality of correction data to the image processing apparatus from a server that registers a plurality of correction data usable for image processing of the image data by the image processing apparatus. A control method for a processing system, a step for transmitting image data and device information of an image processing device from an image processing device to the server, an analysis step for analyzing the received device information and the image data, A step of identifying correction data for performing image processing in the image processing device from the result of analysis by the analyzing means, and supplying the specified correction data to the image processing device; and the correction data supplied to the image processing device And a step for causing the image processing apparatus to perform image processing of the image data.

The present invention is characterized by comprising a computer-executable program for causing a computer to execute the control method described above.
The present invention is directed to a transmitting means for transmitting image data and device information of the image processing device to a server, the device information received by the server and the image data are analyzed, and the image is obtained from the analyzed result. The server specifies correction data for performing image processing in a processing device, receiving means for receiving correction data specified by the server from the server, and image processing of the image data using the received correction data And image processing means for executing the above.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a multifunction digital copying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a multifunction digital copying machine. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a multifunction digital copying machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an image reader part. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the search server on a network. It is explanatory drawing which shows the registration process of an application. It is explanatory drawing which shows the search of the storage place of an application. It is explanatory drawing which shows acquisition and execution of an application. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of an application HTML format. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of an application HTML format. It is explanatory drawing which shows the color determination method in a color determination part. It is a flowchart which shows the creation process of the parameter file in a host computer. It is a flowchart which shows the acquisition process of the parameter file in this system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation screen which is the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation screen which is the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation screen which is the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation screen which is the 6th Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First example]
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

<System configuration>
First, the configuration of this system will be described.

(Network configuration)
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an image processing system according to the present invention. On the network 200 (LAN) of this system, a multi-function digital copier 400 (hereinafter referred to as multi-function device), a file server 500 in which a program operable with the multi-function device 400 is registered, A search server 600 that searches for the storage location of the program is connected to a host computer 300 that performs overall control of the entire system.

  The multi-function device 400 is connected to the local area network 200 via a LAN interface such as 10BaseT.

  The file server 500 manages access to files stored in a plurality of host computers such as the host computer 300 and recording devices such as the hard disk 960 in the multi-function device 400.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the multi-function device 400.

  The multi-function device 400 includes an operation unit 410 that provides a user with operation of a device, a scanner 101 that reads a document image recorded on paper or the like, and a read image or an image sent from a host computer 900. The printer 102 for outputting the data to a medium such as paper, the device controller 440 for controlling the operations of the scanner 101 and the printer 102, or performing various image processing, and the image data and the processing program temporarily or permanently. A memory 450 to be stored, a hard disk 460, an input image compression unit 470, and a fax transmission / reception device 480 are provided.

  The multi-function device 400 has a function of not only simply copying the input original image but also performing various image processing on the original image to copy. For example, various processes such as negative / positive reversal processing for reversing black and white of a document, trimming processing for copying only a part of a document, reduction layout processing for reducing a plurality of documents and combining them on one output sheet, and the like are performed. It is possible.

  In addition to copying the original, the image data read by the scanner 420 is transferred to the host computer 900 via the network 200, and conversely, a document created by a word processor or the like on the host computer 900 is printed out by the printer 102. It also has a function.

  The input image compression unit 470 has a function of compressing the read document image, various data captured from an external server via the network 200, and the like.

  Further, it has a function of transmitting a document image to a remote fax transmitter / receiver using the fax transmitter / receiver 470.

  Although the host computer 300, the multi-function device 400, and the search server 600 are configured separately, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be integrated.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of each unit will be described in detail.

(Image input / output device)
FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the multi-function device 400 (here, a color machine).

  The multi-function device 400 is roughly divided into a scanner unit (image reader unit) 101 that reads a document image and a printer unit 102 that reproduces image data read by the scanner unit 101.

  The scanner unit 101 is a part that reads a document with a resolution of 400 dip (dots / inch) and performs digital signal processing. The printer unit 102 is a part that outputs an image corresponding to the original image read by the scanner unit 101 to a specified sheet at a resolution of 400 dip on a full color.

  In the scanner unit 101, reference numeral 100 denotes a specular pressure plate. A document 104 on a platen glass (hereinafter referred to as a platen) 103 is irradiated by a lamp 105, guided to mirrors 106, 107, and 108 and condensed by a lens 109. An image is formed on a three-line sensor (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 110 that converts the received light into an electrical signal, and is sent to the signal processing unit 111 as red (R), green (G), and blue (B) components as full color information.

  The carriages 105 and 106 are fixed at a speed of v and 107 and 108 are mechanically moved at a speed of 1/2 v in a direction perpendicular to the electric scanning (main scanning) direction of the line sensor 110, Scan the entire document (sub-scan).

  The signal processing unit 111 electrically processes the read image signal, decomposes it into magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (Bk) components and sends them to the printer unit 102. .

  In addition, one component of M, C, Y, and Bk is sent to the printer unit 102 for one document scan in the scanner unit 101, and one printout is completed by a total of four document scans. .

  M, C, Y, and Bk image signals sent from the scanner unit 101 are sent to the laser driver 112. The laser driver 112 modulates and drives the semiconductor laser 113 in accordance with the transmitted image signal. The laser beam scans on the photosensitive drum 117 via the polygon mirror 114, the f-θ lens 115, and the mirror 116.

  Reference numeral 118 denotes a rotary developer, which includes a magenta developing unit 119, a cyan developing unit 120, a yellow developing unit 121, and a black developing unit 122. These four developing units 119 to 122 alternately contact the photosensitive drum 117 and develop the latent image developed on the photosensitive drum 117 with toner. A transfer drum 123 winds the paper supplied from the paper cassette 124 or 125 around the transfer drum 123, and transfers the image developed on the photosensitive drum 117 to the paper.

  After the four colors M, C, Y, and Bk are sequentially transferred in this way, the paper 50 passes through the fixing unit 126, and after the toner is fixed on the paper 50, the paper 50 is discharged to the external tray 60. Is done.

(Scanner part)
FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the scanner unit 101.

  The line sensor 110 is composed of a CCD (solid-state imaging device) sensor having spectral sensitivity characteristics of red (R), green (G), and blue (B), respectively.

  Analog image data read by the line sensor 110 is input to the A / D converter 202. The A / D converter 202 converts the input signals into 8-bit output 0-255 digital signals and outputs the digital signals.

  The digital signal output from the A / D conversion unit 202 is input to the shading correction unit 203. The shading correction unit 203 corrects variations in the read data due to uneven illumination of the document by the lamp 105 shown in FIG. 3, sensitivity variations among the pixels of the CCD, and the like.

  The digital data corrected by the shading correction unit 203 is subjected to interline data interpolation processing in the interline correction unit 204. This is because the line sensor 110 has three lines of CCDs arranged at a predetermined interval in order to read RGB image data, so that the reading of R, G, and B is corrected. is there.

  The digital signal output from the interline correction unit 204 is input to the input signal correction unit 205 and executes a predetermined masking calculation process. This is for correcting that the spectral characteristics of the color separation filter for each reading pixel of the line sensor 110 are not ideal characteristics but have unnecessary transmission characteristics.

  The background processing unit 206 sets the background level of the document so that the brightest color in the document is white in the digital signal from the input signal correction unit 205.

  The digital signal output from the background processing unit 206 is input to the luminance density conversion unit 207, and the read luminance signals of R, G, and B are converted into the density signals of magenta (M), cyan (C), and yellow (Y). And logarithmic transformation. The luminance density conversion unit 207 is converted by a lookup table, and the lookup table is configured by a ROM or a RAM.

  The digital signal output from the luminance density conversion unit 207 is input to the output signal correction unit 208, calculates a black (Bk) signal from the CMY signal, and matches the color of the original and the copy output by the printer unit 102. Then, a predetermined masking operation is performed, and M, C, Y, and Bk signals for output are output in a predetermined bit length, for example, 8 bits, in frame order for each reading operation.

  The CMYK signal output from the output signal correction unit 208 is input to the spatial filter unit 209 and corrects the spatial frequency. Edge enhancement and smoothing processing suitable for the document image is executed on the image data.

  After a predetermined process is performed by the spatial filter unit 209, the density conversion unit 210 corrects the density characteristics of the printer unit 102 in FIG. The density conversion unit 209 is configured by a lookup table ROM or RAM.

  On the other hand, the device controller 440 is a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as CPU) that controls the apparatus, and 220 is a CPU bus.

  The memory 450 includes a ROM 212 and a RAM 213. The ROM 212 stores a program for operating the CPU 211. The RAM 213 is used as a work area for executing various programs and storing the coefficients of the respective processing units. The data in the RAM 213 is lost when the apparatus is turned off.

  The hard disk 460 (HD) stores various control and execution programs according to the present invention, various image processing data, image processing correction data, and the like. Reference numeral 221 denotes an interface conversion unit between the CPU bus 220 and the hard disk 460.

  Data such as programs executed by the CPU 440 is stored uncompressed in the ROM 212 and compressed and stored in the hard disk 460. Therefore, when the CPU 440 handles data stored in the hard disk 460, it is necessary to decompress the compressed data and expand it on the RAM 213 before handling.

  The data compression method and its format may be a general-purpose one such as zip, or may be a device-specific one.

  In this example, a hard disk is used as a device for storing data even when the power of the apparatus is turned off, but a configuration with a Flash-ROM or a battery-equipped SRAM is also possible instead.

  The input image compression unit 470 compresses an input image obtained by reading a document. In this example, the input image compression unit 470 compresses a digital signal from the input signal correction unit 205. This may be compressed with a digital signal before the input signal correction unit 205.

  The input image compression unit 470 includes an image compression unit that compresses an input image using a compression method such as JPEG, a work area memory necessary for image compression, and a memory for storing a compressed image.

(Search server)
FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the search server 600 on the network 200.

  Reference numeral 701 denotes a RAM that stores the compressed image sent from the multi-function device 400. A color determination unit 702 determines whether the original read by the multi-function device 400 is color or monochrome from the compressed image. Reference numeral 703 denotes a file search unit, which inquires about necessary program file and parameter file storage destinations based on the result determined by the color determination unit 702 and notifies the multi-function device 400 of the result via the LAN 200.

<System operation>
The operation of this system will be described below.

(Application registration)
FIG. 6 shows a network configuration example in the case of registering a program operable on the multi-function device 400 in the file server 500 connected on the network 200 (LAN).

  In the host computer 300, when a program file operable on the multi-function device 400 is created, the created program filter is transferred to the file server 500 via the LAN 200. The program file created by the host computer 300 follows an Internet application language such as HTML or Java (registered trademark). A language other than the Internet application language may be used.

  In the file server 500, the program file transmitted from the host computer 300 is stored in a storage device. Further, the host computer 300 notifies the search server 600 of the storage location information of the program file transferred to the file server 500. Preferably, according to the URL format used in the HTTP protocol, for example, the address of the file server 500 is a path indicating the storage location of the program file in the storage device of the www.pipit.canxx.co.jp file server 500 is pmfp In addition, the program file name is stored in index.html and the search server 600.

  At the same time, the path indicating the storage location also serves as an identifier of a multifunction device capable of operating the program file, and the search server 600 efficiently stores the program file storage location information notified from the host computer 300, and It operates to respond to the inquiry of the program file storage destination requested from the device 400 or the like.

(Search application storage location)
FIG. 7 shows an example of a network configuration when the multi-function apparatus 400 according to the present invention searches for a program file stored in a storage device of a file server 500 connected on the network 200.

  In order to obtain the optimum program file and parameter file storage destination for copying, which is necessary for the copying operation, which is operable on the multifunction device 400 when the multifunction device 400 is in the copying operation, the local area network ( LAN) Sends out a packet for inquiring the storage location of the program file on 200. This packet includes the device identifier of the transmission source, and is transmitted as destination unspecified by broadcast or multicast methods. Also, a compressed image of the input image compressed by the input image compression unit 470 in FIG. 4 is attached to this packet.

  The search server 600 connected to the network 200 receives the packet transmitted from the multi-function device 400, and the device identifier of the transmission source included in the packet and the program stored in the search server 600 described with reference to FIG. Based on the file storage location information, an inquiry is made from the compressed image sent from the multi-function device 400 about the storage location of the program file and parameter file that is most suitable when the multi-function device 400 copies the image. Notification is made to the multi-function device 400 via the LAN 200.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the multi-function device 400 transmits a packet including DeviceType: = pmfp, Country: = Japan as a device identifier on the LAN 200, and the search server 600 matches the pmfp and Japan device identifiers. When the file is searched and there is matching data, address (URL) data indicating the storage location of the program file is transmitted to the multi-function device 400.

(Acquisition and execution of application)
FIG. 8 shows an example of a network configuration when a program file operable on the multi-function device 400 according to the present invention is acquired from the file server 500 connected to the network 200 and executed.

  A program file operable on the multi-function device 400 is stored in the storage device of the file server 500, and the procedure described in FIG. 7 or the operation panel of the operation unit 410 previously connected to the multi-function device 400 ( The program file storage location information is acquired by an operation from (see FIG. 4) and the like, and a packet for requesting acquisition of the program file is sent to the file server 500 based on the program file storage location information.

  In this example, http://www.pipit.canxx.co.jp/pmfp/japan/index.html is described in the request packet to store the address of the file server 500 and the storage location of the program file in the storage device. Is instructing.

  The file server 500 transmits a program file (index.html in the example) from the storage device according to the content of the acquisition request packet received from the multi-function device 400. Since the program file transferred from the file server 500 is compressed in the zip format, it is executed after the CPU 211 decompresses it with the decompression program stored in the ROM 212 or the like.

  9 and 10 show an example in which the data after decompression of the program file acquired from the file server 500 is described according to the HTML format.

  In the example of FIG. 9, the acquired program file (Index.html) 510 is a program for controlling the menu displayed on the operation unit 410, as shown in FIG. 9A. As shown in FIG. 9B, “Account”, “Job Control”, and “Service Maintenance” are displayed on the operation unit 410 of the multi-function device 400.

  Further, this program file 510 can associate (link) with other program files. For example, by storing the storage location information of the subprogram in the program file 510, the control of acquiring the program according to the storage location information when the subprogram becomes necessary is realized.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the Job Control 520 is displayed on the operation unit 410, an execution program for executing the job control 520 is prepared as a subprogram, and the Job Control 520 is executed. In this case, it is possible to realize control such as acquiring a job control 520 program according to the storage location information 530.

[Location of program]
The storage location in the multi-function device 400 for data such as program files transferred from the file server 500 is the hard disk 460 in FIG. When saving, the CPU 440 may store the uncompressed data after compressing it, or if it is compressed when acquired from the file server 500, it may be stored as it is.

  When the data is used again, the CPU 440 decompresses the data and develops it on the RAM 213 for use.

(Search server application search operation flow)
Here, the search server 600 makes a series of queries for inquiring about the storage destination of the program file and the parameter file that are most suitable when the multifunction device 400 copies the compressed image sent from the multifunction device 400. The operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  The search server 600 shown in FIG. 5 determines whether the original is color or monochrome from the compressed image, and stores program files and parameter files that are optimal for copying by the multi-function device 400 according to the result. Although the case where the destination is inquired is described, the color determination unit 702, as a character / natural image determination unit, determines whether the document image to be copied by the multi-function device 400 is a character or a natural image, and The configuration may be such that the optimal program file and parameter file storage location is inquired.

  FIG. 11 shows a determination method in the color determination unit 702.

  A color determination unit 702 determines whether the document image is a color image or a monochrome image from the RGB signal values of each pixel of the compressed image. The RGB signal is converted into a uniform color space (Lab color space or the like), and the number of pixels falling within a predetermined threshold 711 is determined by the Lab value of each pixel.

  For example, when all the pixels are within the threshold 711, it is determined as a monochrome document, and when there are 10% or more of all pixels outside the threshold 711, it is determined as a color document. Needless to say, the threshold value and the determination percentage can be varied.

  In addition to the determination of only color or monochrome, for example, it is possible to add a determination result indicating whether the image has a lot of skin color, whether it has a lot of red, or a lot of blue.

  In FIG. 11, for example, to determine whether the image has a lot of skin color, the determination is made based on the number of pixels that fall within a predetermined threshold 712. Similarly, in the case of red, the determination is made based on the number of pixels falling within a predetermined threshold 713. In the case of red, if there are 40% or more of all pixels within the threshold 713, it is determined that the document is rich in red. Needless to say, the threshold value and the determination percentage can be varied.

  As a result of the determination by the color determination unit 702, in the case of a color image, the parameter file is stored so that the optimum parameter file for copying the color original is sent to each processing unit of the image reader unit 101 in FIG. The file search unit 703 queries the destination.

  If it is determined that the image has a lot of skin color, the file search unit 703 inquires about the storage location of the parameter file so as to send a parameter file that is weighted especially for the color matching of the skin color peripheral color. In the case of a monochrome image, the file search unit 703 inquires about the storage location of the program file so as to send the optimal program file for copying the monochrome image.

(Application acquisition operation flow)
FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are flowcharts for explaining an operation in which the multi-function device 400 as an image processing device acquires an image processing parameter file from the file server 500 via the network 200.

  FIG. 12 shows processing in the host computer 300.

  In step S701, a program file that can be operated on the multifunction apparatus 400 in advance, here, an image processing parameter file for each image processing unit of the scanner unit 101 when copying a full-color document, and each of the scanner unit 101 when copying a monochrome document. An image processing parameter file and a program file for the image processing unit are created.

  In step S702, the created parameter file and program file are transferred to the file server 500 via the LAN 200 and stored as a library in a storage device of the file server 500.

  In step S <b> 703, the host computer 300 notifies the search server 600 of the storage location information of the parameter file and program file transferred to the file server 500.

  In this case, the search server 600 stores the following information, for example.

  The address of the file server 500 is stored as www.pipit.canxx.co.jp.

  The path indicating the storage location of the parameter file and program file within the storage device of the file server 500 is stored as pmfp / japan /.

  Further, here, for example, the image processing parameter file name for full-color document copy is stored as keisuu.html.

  At the same time, the path indicating the storage position also serves as an identifier of the multi-function device 400 that can operate the image processing parameter file for full-color original copy. The search server 600 is notified by the host computer 300 of the full-color. The storage location information of the image processing parameter file for document copy is efficiently stored, and the operation is performed in response to the inquiry about the storage location of the image processing parameter file for full color document copy requested from the multi-function device 400 or the like. ing.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of acquisition processing of an image processing parameter file for full-color document copying in each unit of the multifunction device 400, the file server 500, and the search server 600.

  When copying a document in the multi-function device 400 (step S801), on the multi-function device 400, an input image obtained by reading and reading the document is compressed in the input image compression unit 470 of FIG. 4 (step S802).

  Then, in order to obtain the storage destination of the program file and the parameter file that is most suitable for copying the read document operable on the multi-function device 400, the storage of the program file and the parameter file on the local area network (LAN) 200 is performed. A packet for inquiring about the destination and a compressed image are transmitted (step S803).

  The search server 600 receives the packet transmitted from the multi-function device 400 via the network 200, and transmits the device identifier included in the packet and the program file stored in the search server 600 described with reference to FIG. Based on the storage location information, the compressed image sent from the multi-function device 400 is determined according to the procedure described above (step S804).

  Here, for example, when it is determined that the original is a color original and is an image with many red colors, a program file and a parameter file that are optimal for copying the corresponding color image by the multi-function device 400. The storage location information indicating the storage location is inquired (step S805).

  Then, the inquiry result is notified to the multi-function device 400 via the network 200 (step S806).

  Next, the multifunction device 400 transmits a packet including DeviceType: = pmfp, Country: = Japan as a device identifier to the search server 600 via the network 200. The search server 600 searches the file server 500 for a program file that matches the device identifiers pmfp and Japan. If there is matching data, the search server 600 sets the storage location of the image processing parameter file for the output signal correction unit 208. The indicated address (URL) data is transmitted to the multi-function device 400.

  The storage device of the file server 500 stores an image processing parameter file for full-color document copying that can be operated on the multi-function device 400.

  The multi-function device 400 stores an image processing parameter file for copying a full-color document, in particular, a parameter file that puts weight on color matching of red peripheral colors by an operation from an operation panel (see FIG. 4) of the operation unit 410. Prior information is acquired (step S807).

  Then, the multi-function device 400 sends a packet for requesting acquisition of the parameter file to the file server 500 based on the storage location information of the acquired image processing parameter file of the red peripheral color for full-color document copy ( Step S808).

  By describing http://www.pipit.canxx.co.jp/pmfp/japan/keisuu.html in the packet that requests the acquisition, it is possible to copy the full-color manuscript in the address of the file server 500 and the storage device. The storage location of the image processing parameter file of the red peripheral color is designated.

  The file server 500 acquires an image processing parameter file (keisuu.html in this example) for the red peripheral color for full-color original copy from the storage device in accordance with the content of the packet for requesting acquisition received from the multi-function device 400. Then, the acquired data is transmitted to the multi-function device 400 (step S809).

  The multi-function device 400 receives the red peripheral color image processing parameter file for full-color original copy from the file server 500, and executes the parameter file processing (step S810).

  That is, the transferred image processing parameter file of red peripheral color for full-color original copy is compressed data. Accordingly, the CPU 440 of the multi-function device 400 first decompresses the compressed data. Next, using the decompressed data, the CPU 440 sets parameters in the image processing hardware and executes file processing.

(Parameter file storage location)
The storage location of the acquired parameter file (keisuu.html) in the multi-function device 400 is the hard disk 460 of FIG. When saving, the CPU 440 compresses the non-compressed data and saves it, or saves the compressed data transferred from the file server 500 as it is.

  When the data is used again, the CPU 440 decompresses the data and develops it on the RAM 213 for use.

(Application execution operation flow)
A specific example of the operation for executing full-color original copying will be described below with respect to the processing of the image processing parameter file for red peripheral colors for full-color original copying (step S810 in FIG. 13 described above) in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  The image processing parameters supplied by the red peripheral color image processing parameter file for full-color original copying described with reference to FIG. 13 are executed by programs stored in the CPU 440 and the ROM 212 of the scanner unit 101 in the multi-function device 400. At the same time, it is stored in the RAM 213.

  In order to improve the color matching accuracy of the color original image and the color of the copy output output from the printer unit 102, particularly the color matching of the red peripheral color, the image processing coefficient of each image processing unit of the scanner unit 101 is rewritten. For example, in the scanner unit 101, parameters of the background processing unit 206, the luminance density conversion unit 207, the output signal correction unit 208, and the spatial filter unit 209 are rewritten to improve red reproducibility. As a result, it is possible to perform the copy output with the optimum parameters for copying and outputting the red peripheral color, which is suitable for the read original, instead of the image processing coefficient prepared in advance.

  As described above, even when data is fetched from the file server 500 on the network 200, the capacity of the memory device at the save destination is made effective by compressing and storing the data, and decompressing the data when used. Can be used.

[Second example]
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The description of the same parts as those in the first example described above is omitted, and the same reference numerals are given.

  In this example, in the system of FIG. 1 described above, the multi-function device 400 is supplied from the file server 500 by the correction data for image processing (for example, the above-described image processing parameter file of red peripheral colors for full-color document copy). This is an example in which a function for selecting whether or not to compress the correction data is provided when data such as image processing parameters is acquired and stored in the memory 450.

  FIG. 14 shows a screen of the operation unit 410 for selecting whether the data transferred from the file server 500 is to be compressed or stored without being compressed.

  If the compression key 1001 as a soft key is pressed and then the close key 1003 is pressed, the transferred data is compressed and stored. If the uncompressed key 1002 is pressed and the close key 1003 is pressed, the transferred data is stored in an uncompressed manner.

  Further, in the same system configuration as in the first example described above, it is possible to select from the operation unit 410 in FIG. 4 whether the data is compressed and stored or not.

  If the data is always decompressed before use, extra time is required for decompression at runtime. Therefore, when there is a margin in the capacity of the memory device or when the memory device is frequently used, it is also effective to store it without compression.

[Third example]
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the description is abbreviate | omitted about the part same as each example mentioned above, and the same code | symbol is attached | subjected.

  In this example, in the system of FIG. 1 described above, the multifunction device 400 displays a warning message when the free space in the memory 450 becomes less than a predetermined value, and the acquired correction data This is an example in which the data of compression or deletion candidate is displayed based on the usage frequency, capacity, and both, and the data to be compressed or deleted is selected.

  FIG. 15 is an operation screen of the operation unit 410 for selecting whether the data storage format is compressed or uncompressed. The total capacity of the hard disk 460 is 2 Gbytes, and when the remaining free capacity becomes 200 Mbytes and becomes 1% or less of the total capacity, the screen of FIG. 15 is displayed as a warning. Of course, the setting of 1% during display can be changed to 10% or the like.

  In such a system configuration, it is also possible to select from the operation unit 410 whether the data is compressed or stored without compression when the capacity of the memory device decreases.

  In the example of FIG. 15, four files are displayed as compression candidates in ascending order of use frequency. If the compression key 1101 that is a soft key is pressed, all the files including the four candidates are set for compression, and then if the compression execution key 1103 is pressed, the compression of all the files is executed.

  In the example of FIG. 15, three files are set to be compressed (reverse characters).

  If the screen is closed by pressing the close key 1102 without pressing the compression execution key 1103, the file is not compressed at all.

  In the example of FIG. 16, it is possible to select from “compress”, “delete”, and “no change”. Also in this case, if the close key 1301 is pressed without pressing the execution key 1103 and the screen is closed, the file is not compressed at all and is not deleted.

[Fourth example]
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the description is abbreviate | omitted about the part same as each example mentioned above, and the same code | symbol is attached | subjected.

  This example shows a modification of the third example described above. In the system of FIG. 1 described above, when the free space of the memory 450 becomes smaller than a predetermined value, the data to be compressed or deleted is judged from the use frequency, the capacity, or both, and the data is automatically compressed. Or it is an example in the case of having a function to delete.

  In the above-described third example, the method in which the user selects whether or not to compress on the operation screen is used. However, if there is a shortage or the free space is reduced without the user's selection, the file is not used frequently. It is also possible to take a method of automatically compressing four from the above.

  In addition, regardless of the number of the top four, it is possible to perform compression in the order of low use frequency until the remaining free capacity becomes 5%.

  Of course, the values of the top four and 5% can be arbitrarily set, and are not specified by these values.

[Fifth Example]
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the description is abbreviate | omitted about the part same as each example mentioned above, and the same code | symbol is attached | subjected.

  This example shows a modification of the third example described above.

  In the system configuration similar to the first example described above, when the data transferred from the file server 500 is stored in the hard disk 460, the data is compressed and stored only when a capacity shortage actually occurs. It is also possible to take a method of selecting whether to save in an uncompressed manner from the operation screen of the operation unit 410.

  In the example of FIG. 17, as in the example of FIG. 15 described above, four files are displayed as compression candidates in order of decreasing usage frequency. If the compression key 1101 is pressed, all the files including the four candidates are set to be compressed, and then if the compression execution key 1103 is pressed, the compression of all the files is executed.

  In the example of FIG. 17, three files are set to be compressed (reverse characters). Insufficient capacity is also displayed on the screen, and if the three files are each compressed to ¼ capacity, the total capacity is reduced to 832.5 KB (= 1110 × (3/4) KB). Since there is no shortage, the display of the shortage capacity is 0 KB.

  If the cancel key 1201 is pressed without closing the compression execution key 1103 and the screen is closed, the file is not compressed at all, and the file is not saved because there is no capacity to save a new file.

  As a specific example, assume that the size of a file to be saved is 2400 KBytes. When this is compressed, it is assumed that the capacity becomes 1/4 Kbyte 600 Kbytes. However, if there is currently only 100 Kbytes of free space on the hard disk 460, there will be a shortage of 500 Kbytes.

  In such a case, on the operation screen of FIG. 17, the user is warned that a shortage of 500 KBytes has occurred, and which of the files already in the hard disk 460 is to be compressed is selected.

  As another example, as shown in FIG. 18, it is possible to select from “compress”, “delete”, and “no change”. Also in this case, if the execution key 1103 is not pressed and the cancel key 1401 is pressed to close the screen, the file is not compressed at all and is not deleted.

[Sixth example]
A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the description is abbreviate | omitted about the part same as each example mentioned above, and the same code | symbol is attached | subjected.

  This example is an example in the case of having a function of setting in advance before image processing whether or not to save correction data in the memory 450 in a compressed manner.

  FIG. 19 shows a setting screen of the operation unit 410 in a serviceman mode that only a serviceman can access and a user cannot access.

  In this setting screen, when the setting key 1501 is pressed and then the close key 1503 is pressed to close this operation screen, the hard disk 460 is set to compress and save data. When the setting cancel key 1502 is pressed and the close key 1503 is further pressed to close this operation screen, the hard disk 460 is set to store data in an uncompressed state.

  For example, an apparatus having a large hard disk capacity can be set to handle uncompressed, and can be optimized for each user apparatus configuration such as a compression setting when the capacity is small.

  As described above, whether to handle compressed data as data to be stored can be changed by setting in the serviceman mode.

  In each of the above examples, an example of a copying machine is shown as an application example of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various other apparatuses.

  Further, the present invention can be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.). You may apply to the apparatus which consists of a small image processing apparatus, a copying machine, a facsimile machine.

  Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. Then, a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program code stored in the storage medium It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention also by reading and executing.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card (IC memory card), ROM (mask) ROM, flash EEPROM, etc.) can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in the search server, the image data transferred from the image processing apparatus is analyzed, and the registration location of the correction data necessary for correcting the image processing is filed based on the analyzed image data. The server device is searched, and the registered location of the searched correction data is notified to the image processing device. In the image processing device, desired correction data is obtained from the file server based on the registered location of the correction data notified from the search server. Since the acquired correction data is used to perform image processing and the processed image data is output, a multi-function digital copying machine is configured as an image processing apparatus, and a control program capable of operating the copying machine Download the execution program and various image processing parameters from the file server on the network to the copier. If the over-de, it can be optimally utilized space on the destination memory device data to the download.

Claims (11)

An image processing system configured to selectively supply the plurality of correction data to the image processing apparatus from a server that registers a plurality of correction data usable for image processing of the image data by the image processing apparatus Because
Means for causing the image processing device to transmit the image data and device information of the image processing device to the server;
Analyzing means for analyzing the received device information and the image data;
The results of the analysis by said analyzing means, and means for the identifying the correction data for performing image processing by the image processing apparatus, to supply the correction data the specific previous SL image processing apparatus,
The image processing apparatus comprises: means for causing the image processing apparatus to perform image processing of the image data using the supplied correction data. Means for transmitting device information of the image processing device to the server;
  Means for causing the image processing apparatus to transmit information indicating a storage location of a program corresponding to the apparatus information received by the server and information for identifying the program;
  Means for acquiring a corresponding program from the received information and causing the image processing apparatus to perform image processing of the image data using the program;
  The image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: Means for configuring the information indicating the storage location of the program to include an identifier of the image processing apparatus
  The image processing system according to claim 2, further comprising: Transmitting means for transmitting image data and apparatus information of the image processing apparatus to a server;
  The apparatus information and the image data received by the server are analyzed, the server specifies correction data for performing image processing in the image processing apparatus from the analysis result, and the correction specified by the server Receiving means for receiving data from the server;
  Image processing means for performing image processing of the image data using the received correction data;
  An image processing apparatus comprising: Means for transmitting device information of the image processing device to the server;
  Means for receiving from the server information indicating the storage location of the program corresponding to the device information received by the server, and information identifying the program;
  Means for obtaining a corresponding program from the received information and executing image processing of the image data using the program;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the information indicating the storage location of the program includes an identifier of the image processing apparatus. The image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising means for enabling selection of whether to compress the correction data supplied to the image processing apparatus from the server by Yu over THE . Further comprising means for enabling selection by the correction User chromatography THE whether to store data in a storage means which is provided in the image processing apparatus to be supplied to the image processing apparatus from said server The image processing system according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that 9. The image processing according to claim 1 , further comprising means for causing the image processing apparatus to execute guidance display and / or warning display regarding the supply of the correction data from the server. system. An image processing system configured to selectively supply the plurality of correction data to the image processing apparatus from a server that registers a plurality of correction data usable for image processing of the image data by the image processing apparatus Control method for
A step for transmitting the image data and device information of the image processing device from the image processing device to the server;
An analysis step of analyzing the received device information and the image data;
The results of the analysis by the analyzing means, a step for the specified correction data for performing image processing by the image processing apparatus, to supply the correction data the specific previous SL image processing apparatus,
The image processing apparatus includes a step for causing the image processing apparatus to perform image processing of the image data using the supplied correction data. A computer-executable program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 10 .

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