JP5372206B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing device which shortens time required to transmit image data and which can reduce data size of transferred preview image. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing device includes: a reception part 23 which receives from PC5 a first printing job including returning order command of PDL (Page Description Language) data and preview image or a second printing job including intermediate image designation information which designates converted intermediate image data in a storage unit 26; an image processing part 24 which converts printing data of the first printing job to intermediate image data and preview image data, and writes the intermediate image data by relating it to the job discrimination information of the first printing job to the storage unit 26; a transmission part 23 which adds job discrimination information to the preview image data, and returns the preview image data and the job discrimination information to PC5, and a control part 27 which reads the intermediate image data corresponding to this job discrimination data from the storage unit 26 when intermediate image designating information of the second printing job coincides with job discrimination information in the storage unit 26. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and relates to a technique of using an image processing apparatus provided in a digital multifunction peripheral or the like from a PC (personal computer) or the like.

  Generally, a printer preview function is realized by a PC executing a simple process.

  Since the PC application cannot freely access the print data stored in the spool file, it is difficult for a person to determine what kind of print result can be obtained depending on the print settings set by the printer driver. .

  With regard to the technology for solving the problem that the image of the paper printed out by the printing device and the contents of the preview screen do not completely match, trial printing of the image is performed using the image processing function of the digital multi-function peripheral. There has been proposed an image signal processing method in which settings of an image to be printed can be confirmed more accurately on a monitor (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  There has been proposed a multi-function image processing apparatus that, after image data received via a network is processed by an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral), directly returns the processed image data to the network side (see Patent Document 2).

  Also known is a composite apparatus having a specifying means for specifying a desired information processing apparatus connected to the network, a receiving means for accessing the specified information processing apparatus and receiving data, and a data processing means for processing the received data. (See Patent Document 3).

  In addition, a page printer which develops page description language data on a buffer from the host computer and uses the image as bitmap image data, an interface for returning the bitmap image data to the host computer, and the host computer for the bitmap image data A page description language data display device has been proposed that includes color conversion means for performing color conversion processing using a color conversion table by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a display for displaying converted image data (patent) Reference 4).

  A printing control means having a buffer and control means for temporarily storing data received from the host computer; and an image forming means for forming an image on the paper with the data supplied from the printing control means. A printer device that returns the print data to the host computer has also been proposed (see Patent Document 5).

  In addition, a color printing apparatus has been proposed in which color correction can be performed by specifying a part of a print image while a person sees a preview screen on the printer apparatus side (see Patent Document 6).

JP 2006-262471 A JP 2005-33796 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-269044 JP 9-207393 A JP 2000-47834 A JP-A-9-198217

  However, all of the above-described conventional techniques require time for preview.

  When the PC instructs the printing apparatus to modify the printed image after the user sees the image at the time of printing, the printing apparatus must perform processing such as rasterizing and color conversion each time a modification instruction is notified. Don't be.

  Each process of developing PDL (Page Description Language) data, generating a preview image, and returning the preview image to the PC takes time. Since the preview takes time, there is also a problem that it is difficult to use for users who do not need detailed confirmation.

  Further, in the above-described conventional technology, the preview image data created by the printing apparatus has a high resolution, so the data size of the preview image data is large. When the range of the image area set for printing is large, it takes time to transfer the image data over a network or the like.

  When the transmission source PC changes the print setting many times, it is necessary to transfer image data having a large data size from the printing apparatus to the PC a plurality of times.

  Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus capable of reducing the time required for transferring image data and reducing the data size of a transferred preview image. Is one of the purposes.

In order to solve such a problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, is described a procedure for executing the image processing function to their respective computers, a plurality including JPGE optimization process, the print image generation and processing result storage A storage device that stores a plurality of image processing programs customized in advance according to the image processing function in association with processing identification information for identifying the plurality of image processing functions, and the storage device and the storage device The JPG optimization hot folder, the print image generation hot folder, and the processing result storage hot folder that are shared with the transmission source are configured, and image data to be printed from the transmission source. A plurality of image data input units to which the processing identification information and the plurality of image processing programs are respectively input; and the plurality of image data Selected from the radical 19 by the storage device to the stored various image processing programs, you select one of the image processing program corresponding to the process identification information input into any of the plurality of image data input unit A controller and a processor that reads and executes the image processing program selected by the selection control unit in a memory, and the processor executes the image processing program from the hot folder for the JPG optimization processing , an image processing unit that generates a small print preview image of the data size I line image processing on the image data to be the print which is input to the hot folder for the print image generation, the image processing section the image processing to output the processed image data stored in the hot folder for storing the processing result to the sender addressed The image processing apparatus is provided which is characterized in that an output unit.

  According to the present invention, the time required for transferring image data can be shortened, and the data size of a preview image to be transferred can be reduced.

It is a figure which shows the setting screen of the conventional print property. It is a figure which shows an example of the conventional print preview screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the processing result in the conventional computer side. It is a hardware block diagram of the system containing the image processing apparatus which concerns on a reference form. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the system containing the image processing apparatus which concerns on a reference form. It is a figure which shows each data structure of three types of print jobs. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the digital multi-function peripheral. 10 is another flowchart for explaining processing in the digital multi-function peripheral. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing of a printer driver. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method in which a part of image data is sent from a digital multifunction peripheral to a transmission source. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the system containing the image processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating a hot folder function. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation process of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the system containing the image process part which concerns on the 4th modification of one Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. In the drawings, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  Prior to the description of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment, a print preview image generation function by a printer driver in a PC will be briefly described. When a PC application is instructed to print via a user operation device such as a mouse or a keyboard, the application calls a printer driver via the OS (operating system).

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print property setting screen. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print preview screen generated by the printer driver.

  The printer driver performs settings related to print image quality, such as halftone settings and document mode settings. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer driver displays a dialog box on the monitor screen so that the user can understand the setting contents. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the application side displays a window on the screen so that the user can confirm the layout in which the image is printed and the number of pages.

  In this case, the print preview screen created on the application side does not reflect the settings relating to the print image quality set on the print property setting screen. There is a problem that the printed result on paper after printing is different from the preview screen.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1, the PC sends image data and image quality related setting data including setting contents related to image quality to the printing apparatus, and the image processing unit in the printing apparatus performs color conversion processing and image conversion processing on the image data. The point which performs a gradation process and returns a process result to PC is disclosed.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of the processing result on the PC side described in Patent Document 1. The setting screen of FIG. 3 is obtained when the PC captures the reply image data and processes the reply image data. The image processing method described in Patent Document 1 attempts to solve the problem that the print result and the preview screen are different.

  In this case, the person can understand how the image quality related setting contents are reflected in the preview image. However, since the image data after image processing generated by the printing apparatus has the resolution of the printing apparatus, the data size of the image data is large. It takes time to transfer image data from the printing apparatus to the PC.

  In the image processing method described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary for the PC to perform processes such as adjusting the image layout and performing monitor color matching. It takes a long time for the PC to process image data with high resolution. There is a problem that it takes time for the PC to reflect the setting contents set by the user operating device on the preview screen.

  Therefore, the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment returns the print preview image to notify the transmission source that the image quality-related print setting contents are reflected in the preview image, and reduces the time required for the print preview. Yes.

  In addition, the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment includes a mechanism that enables the image processing system to be used for program processing different from processing for creating a print preview image by converting the image processing into software. This image processing apparatus provides an image processing system and an image processing technique that are easier to use.

(Reference form)
An image processing apparatus and an image processing method according to a reference form will be described. The image processing apparatus according to the reference form is provided in a digital multifunction peripheral.

  A digital multi-function peripheral is equipped with a plurality of functions such as copying, scanning, printing, and faxing. The digital multi-function peripheral is equipped with dedicated hardware for executing complex image processing at high speed. Dedicated hardware refers to LSI (Large Scale Integration) for specific applications.

  In recent years, processors capable of high-speed computation have been developed, and instead of hardware, software can realize a part of image processing functions. The advantage of software is that it can flexibly respond to various processing requirements, and the cost for realizing these functions is smaller than the cost when hardware is implemented.

  Since the cost of mounting dedicated hardware on the image processing apparatus is very high, it is necessary to give up mounting the hardware on the image processing apparatus in consideration of the frequency of use and effects.

  However, when a certain condition is satisfied, the software can be installed in the image processing apparatus at a low cost. The necessary cost is a cost that increases the storage area for storing the program in the hard disk drive, and is very low cost.

  Therefore, the digital multi-function peripheral including the image processing apparatus according to the reference mode makes use of the flexibility of processing obtained by executing image processing by software. This image processing apparatus not only realizes a function of displaying a print preview on a PC, but also realizes a function of executing image processing executable by the PC or the like at high speed. A digital multi-function peripheral uses an image processing apparatus that has a high execution processing speed, thereby providing a system that can execute high-speed image processing.

(A1) Hardware Configuration of System 1 FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of a system including an image processing apparatus according to a reference embodiment. The system 1 includes an interface that communicates with a transmission source, a processor, and a memory. The processor loads a plurality of image processing programs into the memory and executes these programs, thereby converting image data from the computer into a preview image. This is an image processing system that performs calculations at high speed.

  The system 1 includes an interface block 2, a plurality of multi-core processors 3, a plurality of memories 4, and a plurality of module devices each formed by modularizing MFP functions.

  The interface block 2 transmits and receives data between the interface block 2 and the PC 5 via a high-speed LAN (Local Area Network) 6.

  PC5 is a transmission source. The PC 5 includes a CPU, a memory, and a user operation device. The memory stores the application. When receiving a command from the user operation device, the CPU executes the application on the memory.

  Each multi-core processor 3 is a processor that calculates various image processing programs at high speed. Each of the memories 4 is a storage element that stores a program and work data. The multi-core processor 3 uses the storage area of the memory 4 as a work area.

  The interface block 2 is connected to various module devices and manages an interface between these module devices.

  The interface block 2 includes a scanner interface (scanner I / F) 2 a that interfaces with the scanner 7 and a printer interface (printer I / F) 2 b that interfaces with the printer 8.

  The printer 8 is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The printer 8 prints a color image at a target resolution on a medium such as paper and conveys it.

  The interface block 2 includes a hard disk drive interface (HDD I / F) 2 c that interfaces with a hard disk drive (HDD) 9. The hard disk drive 9 stores various image processing programs and an OS.

  Further, the interface block 2 includes an expansion interface (extended I / F) 2 d that interfaces with each multi-core processor 3 and a network interface (network I / F) 2 e that interfaces with the high-speed LAN 6. The interface block 2 includes a modem 2f that interfaces with a public line connection device 10 such as a FAX.

  The interface block 2 includes an operation panel interface (operation panel I / F) 2g that performs interface processing of a signal indicating the operation content applied to the operation panel 11. The operation panel 11 includes a keyboard, a display panel, or a device having a personal authentication function. The operation panel interface 2g converts information input to the keyboard and the personal authentication device into a signal and outputs the signal.

  Further, the interface block 2 has a general-purpose input / output interface (general-purpose I / OI / F) 2h. The general-purpose input / output interface 2h is connected to an external device through a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, an IEEE (Institut of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394 interface, or the like. The external device is a flash ROM 12.

  The interface block 2 includes a bus (not shown) that connects the interfaces 2a to 2h to each other via a bus, an I / O controller connected to the bus, and a network controller connected to the bus. These controllers are all hardware and are managed by the OS. The OS is a program that performs job management, input / output management, and file management.

  The flash ROM 12 or the hard disk drive 9 stores program files of various image processing programs. One or more multi-core processors 3 read and execute program files for various image processing stored in the flash ROM 12 or the hard disk drive 9 as necessary.

  A function as an image processing system is realized by each multi-core processor 3 executing various image processing programs.

  As a storage medium for storing the program file, a memory card, CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray disc, or the like can be used.

  The digital multifunction peripheral 13 is mainly configured by the interface block 2, the multi-core processor 3, the memory 4, the scanner 7, the printer 8, the hard disk drive 9, and the operation panel 11.

  The image processing apparatus according to the reference form includes each multi-core processor 3, each memory 4, a network interface 2e, an expansion interface 2d, a hard disk drive interface 2c, and a general-purpose I / O interface 2h. A function of previewing a print preview image by the printer 8 is executed by the image processing apparatus and the PC 5.

(A2) Functional configuration of system 1 The system 1 also functions as a print control system. The flow of the printing process in the system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the system 1. Elements having the same reference numerals as those described above among the reference numerals shown in FIG.

(A3) Configuration of PC 5 The PC 5 includes an operation unit 14, an application 15, a printer driver 16, a network interface (network I / F) 17, and a display unit 19.

  The operation unit 14 is a user operation device such as a mouse or a keyboard.

  The application 15 is an application program that creates a document to be printed.

  The application 15 can exchange data with an interface program such as a graphic device interface (not shown).

  The interface program converts the data format of the document from the application 15 and generates image information suitable for the printer driver 16.

  The printer driver 16 is a program. The functions of the printer driver 16 include a function for converting image information into PDL data including drawing information that can be analyzed by the digital multifunction device 13, a function for creating preview image data, and a digital multifunction device 13 side. And the function of controlling communication. PDL data is print data. Detailed functions of the printer driver 16 will be described later.

  The network interface 17 interfaces the network 18 and the printer driver 16. A high-speed LAN 6 is used for the network 18.

  The network interface 17 sends a print job to the digital multifunction device 13 via the network 18 and receives preview image data created by the digital multifunction device 13 from the digital multifunction device 13.

  The network interface 17 includes terminals connected to the network 18, an IC (Integrated Circuit), a CPU for performing packet transmission / reception processing, a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

  The display unit 19 is a monitor that displays a preview screen generated by the printer driver 16 using preview image data received by the network interface 17.

(A4) Function of Printer Driver 16 The printer driver 16 causes the display unit 19 to display a PDL data creation unit 16a that creates PDL data, a table 16b that stores job numbers for managing print jobs, and a preview image. A preview screen creation unit 16c. The preview image created by the preview screen creation unit 16 c is received from the digital multifunction device 13.

  As an example of processing, the PDL data creation unit 16a creates PDL data when a print instruction is issued from the application 15, creates a print job including PDL data and a header, and registers the print job in the spooler. The spooler is a program that the OS of the PC 5 has loaded into a RAM provided in one of the networks 18. The spooler stores the print job as a print job file.

  The table 16b stores job numbers for identifying print jobs. When the application 15 instructs printing, the PDL data creation unit 16a gives a job number to the print job. The table 16b performs processing such as incrementing the job number every time a job is issued. When the PC 5 receives a message from the digital multifunction device 13, the CPU can refer to the job number stored in the table 16b.

  The preview screen creation unit 16 c creates preview screen data for monitor display based on the preview image data from the digital multifunction device 13 and displays the preview screen data on the display unit 19. The preview image data is obtained by further post-processing the converted intermediate image data after the digital multi-function peripheral 13 converts the PDL data into intermediate image data.

  In the system 1 including the image processing apparatus according to the reference form, when the application 15 receives a preview command from the operation unit 14, the application 15 performs printing without previewing information, information indicating that the preview has been confirmed, and without previewing. One of the information to the effect is created. When the printer driver 16 receives a print command from the application 15, the printer driver 16 determines whether any one of the three types of preview information is included in the print command.

  The printer driver 16 extracts from the print command from the application 15 either the information indicating the necessity of preview, the information indicating that the preview is confirmed, or the information indicating that printing is performed without previewing. For this information, a print job having three types of data structures is generated. This will be further described with reference to FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (c).

  FIG. 6A shows the data structure of a print job created by the printer driver 16 during preview. The print job 20 has data areas for job numbers, command commands, other control data, and print data.

  The job number is job identification information. Each print job is uniquely assigned by the printer driver 16. The command command is a command for creating a preview image of the PDL data and for sending the preview image back to the PC 5. The command command is described in a data format representing information on necessity of preview. For the command command, for example, byte data capable of expressing a plurality of logical values including two values of preview ON and preview OFF is used.

  Other control data is an instruction other than image processing, and includes a reply address of the preview image after the change when the reply destination of the preview image is changed. The print data is PDL data described for each page.

  If the print command from the application 15 includes information requesting a preview, the printer driver 16 creates a print job 20 with preview ON added in the header. The printer driver 16 writes the job number corresponding to the print job 20 in the table 16b.

  When the printer driver 16 sends the print job 20 to the digital multifunction peripheral 13, the printer driver 16 generates image data for previewing the PDL data in the print job 20 to the digital multifunction peripheral 13, and the generated image data is sent to the digital multifunction peripheral 13. Once it is accumulated without printing, the preview image data before printing is notified to be sent to the PC 5.

  FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a print job created by the printer driver 16 at the time of actual printing 1 (first actual printing). The print job 21 does not have a print data area.

  When the print command from the application 15 includes information indicating that the preview has been confirmed by the user confirming the preview screen via the display unit 19, the printer driver 16 does not include the PDL data in the print job 21. The job number corresponding to the confirmed image data is read from the table 16b, and this job number is included in the print job 21 as a preview job number. The preview job number is intermediate image designation information that designates converted intermediate image data that is managed and stored in units of print jobs in the storage device 26 on the digital multifunction peripheral 13 side.

  That is, after the printer driver 16 instructs the digital multi-function peripheral 13 to generate and return preview image data, the printer driver 16 is notified of the completion of preview confirmation from the application 15 in a situation where the preview image data is received. In this case, the printer driver 16 instructs the digital multifunction device 13 to print the image data that has been subjected to the preview process and stored in the digital multifunction device 13. Since the command message does not include print data, the data size of the command message itself is reduced.

  The digital multifunction peripheral 13 also stores the PDL data included in the previously received print job and the job number of this print job in association with each other. The digital multifunction machine 13 assigns the stored job number to the preview image data to be sent to the PC 5. When the printer driver 16 receives a reply from the digital multifunction device 13, the printer driver 16 extracts a job number corresponding to the image data for preview from the reply message.

  FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a print job created by the printer driver 16 at the time of actual printing 2 (second actual printing). The print job 22 does not have preview ON or preview OFF data.

  If the print command from the application 15 includes information indicating that the preview is unnecessary and printing is to be performed, the printer driver 16 prints the print job including the PDL data and the job number corresponding to the PDL data. 22 is created.

  The printer driver 16 notifies the digital multifunction peripheral 13 of the print job 22 to instruct the digital multifunction peripheral 13 to print the PDL data without generating a preview image of the PDL data.

(A5) Configuration of Digital Multifunction Device 13 The digital multifunction device 13 in FIG. 5 includes a network interface 23, an image processing unit 24, a printing unit 25, a storage device 26, and a control unit 27.

  The network interface 23 interfaces the network 18 and the internal bus. The network interface 23 functions as a reception unit and a transmission unit. The network interface 2e is used as the network interface 23.

  The image processing unit 24 is an image processing apparatus according to a reference form. The image processing unit 24 receives a print job from the PC 5 via the network interface 23, and generates print image data from PDL data in the print job. The image processing unit 24 performs image processing on the PDL data to convert it into intermediate image data for printing and preview image data, and writes the intermediate image data for printing in the storage device 26 in association with the job number included in the print job. Include. The intermediate image data for printing is temporarily stored in the storage device 26.

  The printing unit 25 prints the printing image data on a recording medium such as paper. The printer 8 is used for the print unit 25.

  The storage device 26 is a hard disk drive for temporarily storing the intermediate image data for printing from the image processing unit 24. The storage device 26 manages and stores intermediate image data created by developing the PDL data in units of print jobs to which job numbers are assigned.

  The control unit 27 controls each unit in the digital multifunction machine 13.

  The control unit 27 determines whether the job number as the intermediate image designation information included in the received print job matches the job number as the job identification information stored in the storage device 26, and the determination result is the same. In some cases, the intermediate image data corresponding to the job number as the job identification information is read from the storage device 26.

  Specifically, the control unit 27 reads a command command in the received print job, determines whether or not PDL data in the print job is converted into preview image data and returned to the PC 5 side.

  The control unit 27 manages the PDL data with the preview ON by writing the job number of the PDL data in the RAM.

The control unit 27 selects one of the following three processes (1) to (3) based on the command command and the job number.
(1) The PDL data in the received print job is converted into preview image data, and the converted preview image data is sent to the PC 5.
(2) The image data for preview stored in the storage device 26 is printed on the printing unit 25.
(3) The PDL data in the received print job is converted into preview image data, and the converted preview image data is printed.

  Further, (1) will be described. The control unit 27 causes the image processing unit 24 to generate image data for preview from the received data. The control unit 27 instructs the image processing unit 24 to temporarily write the generated image data in the storage device 26.

Regarding (2), when the job number at the time of preview is inserted in the received print job, the control unit 27 reads out the preview image data corresponding to the job number from the storage device 26, and the preview image data Is printed on the printing unit 25.

For (3), the control unit 27 determines that printing is to be performed immediately when information indicating that the preview is unnecessary is inserted in the received print job, and prints the PDL data in the print job directly. The part 25 is printed.

  The network interface 23 functioning as a receiving unit receives a first print job including PDL data and a return instruction command from the transmission source PC 5.

  Alternatively, the network interface 23 receives a second print job including a job number that specifies the converted intermediate image data stored in the storage device 26.

(A6) Configuration of Image Processing Unit 24 The image processing unit 24 includes a RIP (Raster Image Processing) processing unit 28, a print image generation pre-processing unit 29, a print image generation post-processing unit 30, and a preview image processing unit 31.

  The RIP processing unit 28 performs rasterizing, which is image development processing, and generates raster data in bitmap format from language information in which commands such as characters and line drawings are described.

  The print image generation preprocessing unit 29 performs preprocessing on the raster data output from the RIP processing unit 28 and writes the obtained intermediate image data into the storage device 26. Pre-processing is processing for converting image data in a color space that depends on the PC 5 into image data in a color space that does not depend on the PC 5 and the print unit 20, and includes color conversion, reduction, black generation (inking), and the like. .

  The print image generation post-processing unit 30 performs post-processing on the intermediate image data stored in the storage device 26 and outputs the obtained print image data to the print unit 25.

  Post-processing is processing that converts image data in a color space that does not depend on the PC 5 and the print unit 20 into image data in a color space that depends on the print unit 20, and includes conversion processing for calibration and gradation correction. Point to.

  The preview image processing unit 31 performs preview image processing on the image data stored in the storage device 26. The preview image processing unit 31 has a function of processing data necessary for displaying a preview screen on the PC 5 in addition to a function of executing substantially the same post-processing as the above-described post-processing.

  For example, in the case of color printing, the display color reproduction range of the application 15 or the display unit 19 of the PC 5 is different from the print color reproduction range of the printer unit 20. The print image generation preprocessing unit 29 refers to the color profile data describing the color conversion characteristics, and temporarily converts the image data defined in the color space on the PC 5 side into image data in a color space that does not depend on the PC 5 side. I am doing so. The print image generation post-processing unit 30 converts the converted color space into a color space depending on the printer unit 20 by referring to color profile data in which another color conversion characteristic is described. .

  After the print image generation preprocessing unit 29 performs preprocessing, intermediate image data obtained by processing is accumulated. The preview image processing unit 31 creates preview image data from the accumulated intermediate image data. After the preview image data is returned to the PC 5, the display unit 19 displays it so that a person can preview what print result is obtained.

(A7) Operation The system 1 including the image processing unit 24 having such a configuration uses data different from the data used for the preview disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses that image data and setting data are used, but the system 1 uses PDL data that is print data for preview. The system 1 uses the PDL data itself as data used in actual printing (main printing). Hereinafter, the flow of the printing process will be described.

  FIG. 7A is a flowchart for explaining processing in the digital multi-function peripheral 13. In step A1, the control unit 27 reads the header of the received print job.

  In step A2, the control unit 27 determines whether a command command is inserted in the print job. If a command command is inserted in step A2, the Yes route is passed, and in step A3, the control unit 27 determines whether or not the command command is preview ON.

  In step A3, if the control unit 27 determines that the command command is preview ON, it passes the Yes route and calls the RIP processing unit 28 in step A4. In step A4, the RIP processing unit 28 performs a rendering process on the PDL data.

  In step A5, the control unit 27 calls the print image generation preprocessing unit 29. The print image generation preprocessing unit 29 performs preprocessing on the image data output from the RIP processing unit 28. As preprocessing, the print image generation preprocessing unit 29 performs processing independent of the device and the print medium, such as processing such as color conversion, black generation, and edge enhancement.

  In step A <b> 6, the print image generation preprocessing unit 29 temporarily stores the obtained printing intermediate data in the storage device 26.

  In step A7, the control unit 27 calls the preview image processing unit 31, and the preview image processing unit 31 executes a print image generation post-processing function, and displays preview image data on the PC 5 in addition to this execution. Processing when performing. In step A8, the control unit 27 returns the preview image data to the PC 5.

  If the command command in the print job indicates preview OFF in step A3, the route passes No route, and in step A9, the control unit 27 extracts the job number for previewing the print job.

  In step A10, the control unit 27 calls the print image generation post-processing unit 30. The print image generation post-processing unit 30 reads the print intermediate data and performs post-processing on the print intermediate data. As post-processing, the print image generation post-processing unit 30 performs processing depending on the state of the device and the print medium in order to cope with changes in the color of the paper to be printed and the thickness of the paper.

  In step A11, the control unit 27 calls the print unit 25, and the print unit 25 prints the post-processed data on the print medium.

  When the PC 5 notifies the digital multi-function peripheral 13 that the preview is OK, the print image generation pre-processing has already been completed. Therefore, the print image generation suitable for the device characteristics of the print unit 25 is performed on the pre-processed data. Post-processing is performed.

  In step A2, if the control unit 27 determines that the command command is not inserted in the print job, the control unit 27 causes the control unit 27 to execute another routine marked with I through the No route.

  FIG. 7B is another flowchart for explaining the processing in the digital multifunction machine 13. In step A12, the control unit 27 causes the RIP processing unit 28 to perform rendering processing. In step A13, the control unit 27 causes the print image generation preprocessing unit 29 to perform preprocessing. In step A <b> 14, the print image generation preprocessing unit 29 writes the intermediate print data into the storage device 26. In step A15, the control unit 27 causes the print image generation post-processing unit 30 to perform post-processing. In step A16, the control unit 27 causes the printing unit 25 to print post-print data.

  The image processing unit 24 performs processing based on printing intermediate data used for actual printing. When the image processing unit 24 uses the intermediate data for printing as a base, the font shape, layout state, hue, and the like can be accurately reproduced.

  Even when a bug exists in a processing program such as RIP, the problem is faithfully reproduced, so that the user can perform an operation to correct the problem, and wasteful printing due to the problem can be prevented.

  Further, by adjusting the printer driver 16 based on the preview image in which the color profile of the printer unit 20 is reflected, it is possible to obtain a color according to the user's preference.

  Conventionally, a printing command is notified from the PC to the printing apparatus every time, and the printing apparatus repeats the RIP process each time it is notified. In the image processing unit 24 according to the reference form, a preview request is sent from the PC 5 to the image processing unit 24, the image processing unit 24 performs pre-print image generation processing, and the image processing unit 24 sends the preview image to the PC 5. Since a series of cycles such as sending is executed, the preview process can be performed at high speed.

  Next, a method in which the printer driver 16 on the PC 5 side controls the actual printing and the preview will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the printer driver 16.

  When the user clicks a button on the screen such as print preview with the operation unit 14 while the application 15 is being executed, the OS of the PC 5 detects a user command from the application 15 in step B1.

  In step B <b> 2, the printer driver 16 determines whether a preview is instructed from the application 15. If the printer driver 16 determines that a preview is instructed in step B2, the printer driver 16 passes through the Yes route, and in step B3, the printer driver 16 creates a print job by adding preview ON to the PDL data.

  In step B <b> 4, the printer driver 16 transmits a print job having the preview data structure shown in FIG. 6A to the digital multifunction peripheral 13. The printer driver 16 is in a state of waiting for a message reply.

  In step B5, when the PC 5 detects that the preview image data has been received from the digital multifunction peripheral 13, the PC 5 calls the printer driver 16.

  In step B <b> 6, the printer driver 16 displays a preview image on the screen of the display unit 19. The user confirms the print contents and operates the operation unit 14 to notify that printing is OK. The OS notifies the application 15 that a user command has been issued.

  In step B7, the printer driver 16 monitors whether or not the application 15 has been notified that the preview image has been confirmed and is to be printed, and if the confirmed information of the preview image has not been notified, the No route is displayed. Continue monitoring the street.

  When the printer driver 16 is notified that the preview has been confirmed, it passes through the Yes route, and in step B8, creates a print job having the data structure of 1 at the time of actual printing shown in FIG. 6B and transmits it to the digital multifunction device 13. To do.

  In step B2, if the printer driver 16 receives a print command from the application 15 without requesting a preview from the application 15, the printer driver 16 passes through the No route. In step B9, the printer driver 16 A print job having a data structure of 2 at the time of actual printing is created and transmitted to the digital multifunction machine 13.

  As described above, the printer driver 16 adds a command indicating preview to the PDL data at the time of preview, and adds a job number at the time of preview to the PDL data at the time of actual printing.

  In this manner, the printer driver 16 notifies the image processing unit 24 of the difference between the main printing and the preview by changing the file description format.

  In summary, whether or not there is print data in the print job depends on the timing of executing printing. When a print command process is executed immediately after preview on the preview screen, a file having a data structure of 1 at the time of actual printing is generated. When the print command process is executed without being previewed, a file having a data structure 2 at the time of actual printing is generated.

  When the preview PDL data is sent to the digital multi-function peripheral 13, the image processing unit 24 creates printing intermediate data, stores the printing intermediate data in the storage device 26, and performs preview image processing. At this time, the intermediate printing data stored in the storage device 26 is managed by the job number included in the received print job.

  The preview image data sent from the image processing unit 24 to the PC 5 is displayed on the preview screen of the display unit 19.

  Next, in this state, the image processing unit 24 searches the data in the storage device 26 when the PDL data of 1 at the time of actual printing is sent. The image processing unit 24 reads out the intermediate image data for printing managed by the job number at the time of previewing from the accumulated data. The image processing unit 24 directly performs post-print image generation processing on the printing intermediate image data, and immediately outputs the post-processed image data to the printing unit 25. Thereby, high-speed printing processing is realized in the entire system 1.

  If the PC 5 determines that the image data has not yet been previewed, the PC 5 sends a normal print job to the digital multifunction peripheral 13, and the image processing unit 24 performs normal print processing on the PDL data in the file.

  The above description is about the flow of processing.

(A8) Print Preview Speed-Up Method Next, a print preview speed-up method will be described.

  If the intermediate image data for printing generated by the digital multifunction device 13 is returned to the PC 5 as it is and previewed, the resolution of the intermediate image data for printing is high and the data size of the intermediate image data for printing is large. Transferring intermediate image data takes time.

  The speed-up method performed by the image processing unit 24 according to the reference mode performs a process of combining the resolution of the preview image data and returning the preview image data of only the displayed portion of the entire preview image. Is.

  Specifically, using the fact that the display resolution of the display unit 19 is lower than the resolution of the image that the printer unit 20 can print, the image processing unit 24 previews the preview image when previewing the entire page. Conversion is performed by reducing the resolution.

  In addition, when previewing a more detailed image, the image processing unit 24 sends only the preview image data of the displayed portion without sending the image data of the entire page.

  The image processing unit 24 reduces the amount of preview image data transferred from the digital multi-function peripheral 13 to the PC 5, thereby reducing the data transfer time.

  With reference to FIG. 9, a method in which a part of image data is sent from the digital multi-function peripheral 13 to the PC 5 will be described in detail. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an image of the entire page of the document to be printed, created by the application 15.

  FIG. 9B is a diagram showing the display range of the preview image on the preview screen. A preview image corresponding to one page of the image 32 in FIG. 9A is displayed in the display range 33 surrounded by the diagonal lines of the display unit 19.

  The data of the image 32 in FIG. 9A is sent from the printer driver 16 to the image processing unit 24. The image processing unit 24 creates a preview image and reduces the preview image. The image processing unit 24 converts the resolution of the preview image in accordance with the size of the display range 33 in FIG.

  After sending the preview ON, the printer driver 16 returns the first preview image after resolution conversion from the image processing unit 24.

  FIG. 9C shows a first preview screen of the document. On the display unit 19, a reduced image 34 having the same size as the size of the display range 33 in FIG. 9B is displayed.

  When the application 15 designates the center point of the coordinates of the image range to be displayed in the state in which the real resolution screen display is performed as shown in the figure, the printer driver 16 stores the data of the position of the center point. An update request (FIG. 5) is sent to the control unit 27 of the digital multifunction machine 13.

  Here, the printer driver 16 sends an update request to the control unit 27 together with display related data such as the display position, size, and page. When the control unit 27 receives the update request, the image processing unit 24 reads preview image data corresponding to the display position of the update request from the storage device 26 and sends back only the preview image data of the displayed portion. I have to.

  When the printer driver 16 receives the image data subjected to the image processing again, the printer driver 16 updates the stored image data to the image data. As shown in FIG. 9D, a second preview image 35 obtained by updating the position and the like is displayed on the display unit 19.

  When the image processing unit 24 performs processing such as shifting the display position of the image having the actual resolution, the image processing unit 24 uses the image frame 36 shown in FIG. Are divided into small small blocks 37. The small block 37 is an area surrounded by intersecting wavy lines. The interval between the small blocks 37 is determined in advance by the image processing unit 24.

  Of all the small blocks 37 in the image frame 36, the image processing unit 24 is effective for the small block 37 existing in the region of the displayed preview image 35 and the small block 37 overlapping the edge of the region of the preview image 35. Selected as a small block 37.

  The image processing unit 24 first sends the image data of the plurality of small blocks 37 at the selected position to the PC 5, and the PC 5 displays the preview screen. At that time, the transferred image data of the number necessary for reproduction is held in the PC 5. For example, 35 small blocks 37 necessary for reproducing the preview image 35 are held in the PC 5.

  Thereafter, when the application 15 changes the display position, size, or page, the printer driver 16 compares the image position designated by the application 15 with the image data composed of 35 small blocks 37 stored in the PC 5. To do.

  The printer driver 16 determines whether or not the preview image can be accurately displayed only with the image data stored in the PC 5. If the printer driver 16 determines that the image data consisting of 35 small blocks 37 is insufficient for the user to confirm the display, the printer driver 16 receives a print instruction via the application 15 every time the user makes a determination, and receives an update request. Is sent to the image processing unit 24.

  When receiving the update request, the image processing unit 24 sends image block data corresponding to the difference to the PC 5.

  By performing such a control method, the data transfer size and the data transfer time can be shortened. Preview processing can be performed at high speed.

  Thus, the first preview is the entire display, and the printer driver 16 displays the reduced image obtained by the resolution conversion. Next, when the printer driver 16 partially displays the preview image at the actual resolution, when the application 15 designates the center point of the position of the preview image that the user wants to display, the printer driver 16 uses the coordinates representing the center point. Information is sent to the image processing unit 24. That is, an update request is sent together with display related data. The image processing unit 24 performs image processing to perform image processing for preview. The updated preview image is returned to the PC 5. In the PC 5, the image data is updated, and the updated preview image is displayed on the display unit 19.

  The preview image can be updated from the digital multi-function peripheral 13 to the PC 5 so that the data size does not become excessive. The preview can be accelerated.

  In this way, the user can accurately and efficiently know what kind of print result is obtained during printing. Printing after confirming the printing result can also be performed at high speed. Image processing desired by the user can be used quickly and easily.

  The application 15 itself cannot display the details of the preview image and cannot display a part of the preview image in an enlarged manner. However, according to the image processing unit 24, the PC 5 does not reduce the data transfer efficiency in the network 18 and the preview is performed. Image details can be acquired.

  Conventionally, since the function of the image processing unit is configured by hardware, changing or expanding the contents of the image processing is restricted. According to the image processing unit 24 and the image processing method according to the reference form, by downloading the improved image processing program code, it is possible to improve functions as an image processing system, add new functions, and the like at any time. become.

  An image processing unit configured by hardware can only change the processing parameters. According to the image processing unit 24 and the image processing method according to the reference form, a major change is made to the digital multifunction device 13 such as making the digital multifunction device 13 correspond to a new standard related to image processing, or changing an algorithm of image processing. It becomes possible to introduce into a drastic.

  Although the reference mode is the best mode, it is possible to further reduce the processing time of the image processing by additionally connecting the multi-core processor 3 to the expansion interface 2d. By increasing the number of multi-core processors 3, the image processing unit 24 can flexibly handle from the low-speed digital multi-function peripheral 13 to the high-speed digital multi-function peripheral 13.

(B) One Embodiment In one embodiment, a method of using an image processing unit using a PC 5 will be described. The configuration of a digital multi-function peripheral including an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a programmable image processing unit as in the example described in the reference mode, and executes various image processing flexibly and at high speed. Has been made possible.

(B1) Configuration FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a system including an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 1A includes a PC 5A and a digital multifunction machine 13A.

  The PC 5A has a hard disk drive 38. The hard disk drive 38 has folders 39, 40 and 41. Each of the folders 39 to 41 has a storage area of the hard disk drive 38 as a substance. Elements having the same reference numerals as those described above in the PC 5A other than those represent the same elements.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 13A includes an image processing unit 42, a storage device 26, and a control unit 27A.

  The image processing unit 42 is an image processing apparatus according to this embodiment. The image processing unit 42 includes each multi-core processor 3, each memory 4, a network interface 2e, an expansion interface 2d, a hard disk drive interface 2c, and a general-purpose I / O interface 2h in FIG.

  The storage device 26 stores a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) table optimization program 43 and a print image generation program 44.

  The control unit 27A controls the image processing unit 42 and the like, and includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM.

  One or more multi-core processors 3 read the JPEG table optimization program 43 and the print image generation program 44 from the storage device 26, and each multi-processor 3 executes these programs. As a result, the function of the image processing unit 42 optimizing the Huffman coding table and the function of the image processing unit 42 generating the print preview image are realized. Since the image processing unit 42 is programmable, various image processes can be executed flexibly and at high speed.

  In addition, the storage device 26 stores folders 45, 46, and 47 each having a storage area as an entity, and an OS. The OS performs folder file management and job management, and input / output management using a driver program operating on the OS communicating with the PC 5A. In the digital multi-function peripheral 13A, the other symbols are the same as those described above.

  Both the folder 39-41 and the folder 45-47 function as hot folders. The folders 39-41 and 45-47 are shared by the application 15 on the OS of the digital multifunction peripheral 13A and the application on the OS of the PC 5A.

  The image processing unit 42 also has a function of always polling print jobs in the hot folder. An interval time which is a time interval of the polling operation is set in advance. When the image processing unit 42 detects that a print job has been input into the folder 39-41, the image processing unit 42 takes in the print job and passes it to the print unit 25.

  In the present embodiment, the flow of processing will be described using an example in which the image processing unit 42 performs JPEG recompression processing.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the hot folder function, and shows a screen of the display unit 19 of the PC 5A. The printer driver 16 displays a JPEG recompression icon 49, a print image generation icon 50, and a processing result storage icon 51 on the screen 48.

  The icons 49, 50, and 51 correspond to the folders 39, 40, and 41, respectively, and are linked to any of the folders 45 to 47 of the storage device 26 in the digital multifunction peripheral 13A.

  The digital multifunction peripheral 13A uses three icons 49-51 on the screen 48 in order to perform JPEG recompression processing. That is, each icon 49-51 is an I / F that exchanges data between the digital multi-function peripheral 13A and the PC 5A.

  When the user drags and drops the data to be processed onto the icon 49 using the operation unit 14, the image processing unit 42 executes predetermined image processing. The processing result of the image processing unit 42 is accumulated in the storage device 26 designated in advance.

  Returning to FIG. 10, the image processing unit 42 converts the image data in the folder 45 into data having a data size of a predetermined value.

  The image processing unit 42 has a function of dividing the image data from the PC 5A into one or a plurality of screen data. The image processing unit 42 has a function of compressing each image data so that the data size of the compressed image data for each divided screen is within a predetermined value range.

  The image processing unit 42 uses Huffman coding as a coding scheme for JPEG compression. The image processing unit 42 has a function of generating, in the RAM, an encoding table (not shown) that stores Huffman codes. The image processing unit 42 has a function of optimizing the table data of the Huffman coding table.

  The image processing unit 42 includes a Huffman decoder 52, a table optimization processing unit 53, and a Huffman encoder 54.

  The Huffman decoder 52 decodes the compressed image data in the JPEG optimization folder 45.

  The table optimization processing unit 53 optimizes table data every time the Huffman encoder 54 encodes image data.

  The Huffman encoder 54 performs Huffman coding on the image data decoded by the Huffman decoder 52 using the table data sequentially optimized by the table optimization processing unit 53. The image data obtained by the Huffman encoder 54 is sent to the processing result storage folder 47 by the application of the digital multi-function peripheral 13A.

  Huffman encoding processing assigns short codes to values that occur frequently in the bitstream of image data, encodes the data string so as to assign long codes to values that occur less frequently in the bitstream, and generates a compressed code It is processing to do. The value refers to a signal value on the mapping space.

  In general, a Huffman coding table used in JPEG processing is a table in which table data is fixed. One reason is that in order to generate an optimized Huffman coding table, it is necessary to obtain the appearance frequency of values, and it takes time to obtain the appearance frequency.

  Another reason is that the compression ratio improved by using the optimized Huffman coding table is about 10% of the compression ratio when compressed using the Huffman coding table without optimization. It is.

  The image processing unit 42 optimizes the Huffman coding table to improve the compression rate without degrading the image quality at the time of preview or printing.

(B2) Operation The operation of the image processing unit 42 of the digital multi-function peripheral 13A that performs such processing will be described.

  When the application 15 drags and drops an image file 55 having a file name such as “image.jpg” to the JPEG recompression icon 49 in FIG. 11, the CPU optimizes the JPEG of the digital multifunction peripheral 13 </ b> A via the network 18. Transfer to the folder 45 for use. When the object to be dragged and dropped is a folder, the CPU collectively transfers the file group belonging to the folder to the JPEG optimization folder 45.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation processing of the image processing unit 42 according to the present embodiment. When the control unit 27A detects that data to be processed is input to the JPEG optimization folder 45, the control unit 27A calls the image processing unit 42.

  In step C1, the image processing unit 42 executes the JPEG optimization program 43. In step C2, the image processing unit 42 performs Huffman decoding on the target image data, and examines the appearance frequency of the values. In step C3, the image processing unit 42 optimizes the Huffman coding table. In step C4, the image processing unit 42 performs a Huffman encoding process.

  An example of the Huffman encoding process will be described. The image processing unit 42 divides the input image data into a plurality of image units adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. Each image unit consists of 8 × 8 pixels. The image processing unit 42 performs DCT (discrete cosine transform) for each image. The image processing unit 42 divides 64 DCT coefficients by quantized values having different step widths for one image unit. Further, the image processing unit 42 divides the quantized 64 DCT coefficients into one DC component coefficient and 63 AC component coefficients, and encodes these coefficients according to the Huffman table.

  In step C5, the image processing unit 42 stores the JPEG image thus obtained in the processing result storage folder 47.

  Thereafter, the control unit 27A transfers the processed JPEG data to the PC 5A via the network 18 as necessary.

  In step C6, the image processing unit 42 determines whether data to be processed remains. If no data remains, the image processing unit 42 ends the process through the Yes route. If data remains, the image processing unit 42 performs the process of step C1 through the No route.

  The control unit 27A and the image processing unit 42 repeat the above processing until there is no data to be processed in the JPEG optimization folder 45.

  In one embodiment, taking the JPEG processing as an example, the image processing unit 42 reads the programmable image processing program code and performs image processing for the JPEG processing.

  According to the image processing unit 42 according to this embodiment of the present invention, various image processing can be executed at high speed using an image processing program capable of performing processing desired by the user. When the program is changed, the image processing unit 42 only needs to read the program again, and the processing contents can be changed flexibly.

  In addition, although the embodiment is the best mode, the image processing unit 28 can additionally support a multi-job by adding a processor as an option.

(B3) First Modification In one embodiment, the image file exchange between the PC 5A and the image processing unit 42 uses a hot folder or an icon, but the image processing unit 42 uses the port number to generate the PC 5A. It is also possible to exchange image files with different computer devices.

  When the image processing unit 42 processes an image file from an external computer device via the network 18 or the like, the storage device 26 stores in advance a relationship in which a port number is associated with a program for starting the image processing unit 42. Keep it.

  When the computer device adds a port number to the target image file and sends it to the network 18, the network interface program of the digital multifunction peripheral 13A extracts the port number.

The network interface program calls the control unit 27A. The control unit 27A calls the image processing unit 42. Subsequent processing is an example substantially the same as that of the embodiment.

(B4) Second Modification Also, in one embodiment, the image processing uses a hot folder and an icon. However, the image processing program and image data created by, for example, customization by the PC 5A are combined with the digital multifunction peripheral. It is also possible to perform image processing on the received image data using the image processing program received by the image processing unit 42. The customized image processing program is, for example, a program having a function of performing JPEG compression processing again on image data compressed by JPEG.

  The PC 5A associates an image processing program desired by the user with the folders 49 and 50 (FIG. 11). Also, a folder that functions as a hot folder is designated in advance between the PC 5A and the digital multifunction peripheral 13A. When the control unit 27A of the digital multi-function peripheral 13A detects that the image data has entered the hot folder, the image processing program and the image data are fetched together, and the image processing unit 42 loads the image processing program into the memory and loads the image processing program. Image processing is performed on image data using an image processing program.

  For example, when the PC 5A inputs JPEG compressed image data into the hot folder, the digital multifunction peripheral 13A performs JPEG recompression processing on the image data. The digital multi-function peripheral 13A returns the processed image data to the PC 5A.

  Conventionally, a digital multi-function peripheral has used hardware such as an ASIC when performing heavy image processing. The image processing unit 42 according to this modification performs image processing by software processing and can perform preview at high speed.

(B5) Third Modification Also, the image processing unit 42 can receive a plurality of different image processing programs from the PC 5A in advance and selectively execute these programs. In this case, when the image data to be subjected to image processing is sent to the image processing unit 42, the PC 5A also sends program identification information for identifying one of the image processing programs to the image processing unit 42.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 13A includes a program storage unit (not shown) that stores a plurality of image processing programs that perform different image processing, and a plurality of image data input units that respectively receive image data. Also in this modification, a hot folder is used for the image data input unit. The program storage unit is realized by a hard disk drive.

  The digital multifunction machine 13A includes a control unit 27A that selects an image processing program associated with each image data input unit based on identification information from the PC 5A, an image processing unit 42 that executes the selected image processing program, and an image And an interface 23 as an output unit that outputs the processed image data to the PC 5A.

  With such a configuration, using the hot folder function, the PC 5A adds identification information for identifying the image processing content that the user desires to execute among the plurality of image processing contents to the image processing unit 42 by adding it to the image data. send. The control unit 27A of the digital multi-function peripheral 13A extracts identification information, selects a target image processing program from a plurality of image processing programs stored in the storage device 26, and activates it. The subsequent processing is substantially the same as that of the embodiment. The image processing unit 42 returns the processing result to the PC 5A side.

  According to the image processing unit 42 according to this modified example, the user can cause the digital multifunction peripheral 13A to execute an image processing program customized to some extent. Preview can be performed at high speed by software processing.

(B6) Fourth Modification In the reference mode, the PC 5A may edit the image on the print preview screen received by the PC 5A from the digital multifunction peripheral 13A. The print image generation process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a system including an image processing apparatus according to a fourth modification of the embodiment. Of the reference numerals shown in the figure, elements having the same reference numerals as those described above represent the same elements.

  The image processing unit 56 receives the PDL data from the PC 5A, and generates printing image data from the PDL data. The image processing unit 56 uses a CPU, ROM, and RAM.

  The image processing unit 56 includes a RIP processing unit 57, a print image generation pre-processing unit 59, and a user-specified image processing execution unit 60. The RIP processing unit 57 generates image data by rendering PDL data.

  The print image generation preprocessing unit 59 performs preprocessing on the image data output from the RIP processing unit 57. The preprocessing is scaling processing or color conversion processing.

  The user-specified image processing execution unit 60 converts the image data output from the print image generation pre-processing unit 59 into a TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) format and stores it in the processing result storage folder 47 that can be referred to by the PC 5A. The processing is performed.

  For example, when the PC 5A sends an image file to the print image generation folder 46, the PC 5A notifies the image processing unit 56 of the information for specifying the processing.

  In the digital multi-functional peripheral 13A having the above-described configuration, the image processing unit 56 directly converts JPEG data, a portable document format file, and the like into print image data. The image processing unit 56 performs processing with substantially the same content as the processing content for obtaining the print preview of the reference form.

  The difference between this modification and the reference embodiment is that the print image data can be used not only for confirmation display by the display unit 19 but also for editing by an application on the PC 5A.

  Similar to the JPEG recompression example of the reference form, the CPU drags and drops the image file 55 on the print image generation icon 50 in FIG.

  In this modification, the CPU transfers the data of the image file 55 to the print image generation folder 46 of the digital multifunction peripheral 13A via the network.

  The control unit 27A of the digital multifunction peripheral 13A detects that there is data to be processed in the print image generation folder 46 by polling or the like. The control unit 27A causes the image processing unit 56 to execute the print image generation program 44.

  In the execution by the image processing unit 56, the RIP processing unit 57 performs rendering processing, the print image generation preprocessing unit 58 performs preprocessing, and the user specified image processing unit 59 performs user specified image processing. The image processing unit 56 stores the obtained result in the processing result storage folder 47.

  The user-specified image process is a process for storing the generated print image data in the TIFF format. This process is a process in which the multi-core processor 3 selects one of a plurality of programs prepared in advance in the storage device 26 of the digital multi-function peripheral 13A.

  Alternatively, the user-specified image processing may be processing in which the multi-core processor 3 uses a program created by the PC 5A and transferred to the digital multifunction peripheral 13A by a user operation.

  Thereafter, the multi-core processor 3 transfers the processed TIFF data to the PC 5A via the network 18 as necessary.

  The multi-core processor 3 repeats the above processing until there is no data to be processed in the print image generation folder 46.

  With this configuration, according to the image processing unit 56 according to this modification, print preview and image processing desired by the user can be easily and quickly executed by the image processing unit in the digital multi-function peripheral. It becomes like this.

(C) Other Embodiments The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the components without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage.

  In one embodiment, the image processing unit 42 communicates with the PC 5, but the image processing unit 42 may be used from an external device such as a portable terminal.

  In this case, the system including the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is a private wireless communication system, and includes a mobile terminal, a wireless relay device, a LAN, and a digital multifunction machine 13A (not shown).

  The portable terminal is a wireless terminal that transmits and receives high-frequency wireless signals, and has the same functions as those of the application 15, the printer driver 16, and the hot folder among the functions of the PC 5A. The portable terminal has a touch key as an operation unit and a display as a display unit. The portable terminal has a high-frequency circuit, a baseband circuit, and the like (not shown) that transmit and receive wireless signals.

  The wireless relay device performs wireless communication with a plurality of portable terminals, and performs wired communication for transmitting and receiving packet signals with the LAN side.

  The portable terminal having such a configuration sets an image processing unit 42 and a hot folder in advance. When the CPU of the mobile terminal drags and drops the image file to the JPEG recompressed icon, the baseband circuit of the mobile terminal performs baseband processing of the image file, the high frequency circuit wirelessly modulates the processing result, and converts the radio signal to Send it out. The wireless relay device demodulates the wireless signal, converts the protocol of the transmission signal, and then transfers the packet signal to the JPEG optimization folder 45 of the digital multifunction peripheral 13A. The image processing unit 42 performs substantially the same process as in the embodiment.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 13A sends a packet signal including a preview image to the mobile terminal. The packet signal is transferred to the mobile terminal via the wireless relay device. The mobile terminal demodulates the received signal and performs a preview using the display. After confirmation, the user again drags and drops the icon into the hot folder, and then the image is printed out.

  According to the image processing apparatus according to this embodiment, the encoding table is optimized within a range that is within the upper limit of the data transmission speed on the wireless line, a plurality of portable terminals can access the digital multifunction peripheral 13A, and each The mobile terminal can execute the preview process at high speed.

  In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  1, 1A ... system, 2 ... interface block, 2a ... scanner interface, 2b ... printer interface, 2c ... hard disk drive interface, 2d ... expansion interface, 2e ... network interface, 2f ... modem, 2g ... operation panel interface, 2h ... general purpose Input / output interface, 3 ... multi-core processor, 4 ... memory, 5, 5A ... PC (source), 6 ... high-speed LAN, 7 ... scanner, 8 ... printer, 9 ... hard disk drive, 10 ... public line connection device, 11 ... Operation panel, 12 ... flash ROM, 13, 13A ... digital multifunction peripheral, 14 ... operation unit, 15 ... application, 16 ... printer driver, 16a ... PDL data creation unit, 16b ... table, 16c ... preview image Creation unit, 17 ... network interface, 18 ... network, 19 ... display unit, 20, 21, 22 ... print job, 23 ... network interface (reception unit, transmission unit), 24, 28, 56 ... image processing unit (image processing) Device), 25 ... print unit, 26 ... storage device, 27, 27A ... control unit, 28, 57 ... RIP processing unit, 29, 58 ... pre-print image generation processing unit, 30 ... post-print image generation processing unit, 31 ... Image processing unit for preview, 32, 34 ... image, 33 ... display range, 35 ... preview image, 36 ... image frame, 37 ... small block, 38 ... hard disk drive, 39-41, 45-47 ... folder, 43, 44 ... Program, 48 ... Screen, 49-51 ... Icon, 52 ... Huffman decoder, 53 ... Table optimization processing unit, 54 ... Huffman Encoder, 55 ... image file, 59 ... user-specified image processing execution unit.

Claims (3)

A plurality of image processing programs each describing a procedure for causing a computer to execute an image processing function and customized in advance on the transmission side according to a plurality of image processing functions including JPG optimization processing, print image generation, and processing result storage A storage device that stores the information in association with processing identification information for identifying the plurality of image processing functions ;
The JPG optimization processing hot folder, the print image generation hot folder, and the processing result storage hot folder that are shared between the storage device and the transmission source are configured, and from the transmission source, A plurality of image data input units to which image data to be printed, the processing identification information, and the plurality of image processing programs are respectively input;
Any image processing corresponding to the processing identification information input to any one of the plurality of image data input units from various image processing programs stored in the storage device by the plurality of image data input units A selection control unit for selecting a program;
A processor that reads the image processing program selected by the selection control unit into a memory and executes the image processing program, and the processor executes the image processing program from the hot folder for JPG optimization processing, thereby generating the print image an image processing unit that generates a small print preview image of the data size line image processing on the image data to be the print which is input to the hot folder use,
An image processing apparatus comprising: an output unit configured to output processed image data that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit and stored in the processing result storage hot folder to the transmission source. The hot folder of each image data input unit is shared between a folder secured in a storage area of the storage device and a folder secured in a storage area of another storage device provided at the transmission source. It is Ru image processing apparatus 請 Motomeko 2 wherein. The image processing unit is connected to an interface that communicates with a network side to which the transmission source is connected,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each image data input unit is a port number of the interface.

Images