JP5668285B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program.

  In the image forming apparatus, reduction of the capacity of the mounted memory is always required for cost reduction. One of the processes that consumes a large amount of memory in the image forming apparatus is a process of generating image data representing an image to be output using an image input by reading with a scanner (referred to as an input image). It is done. Conventionally, since the capacity of the memory used for the processing is determined based on the size of the input image, a memory having an unnecessary capacity is used. Against this background, in recent years, a technique for reducing the capacity of a memory used as a work area for image data when performing aggregation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the capacity of a memory used as a work area for image data cannot be reduced unless aggregation is performed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program capable of reducing a memory capacity required as a work area for image data regardless of whether or not aggregation is performed. The purpose is to provide.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is an image processing apparatus, which represents an image input unit to which a first image is input, and a first image input by the image input unit. using the first image data, an image generating means for generating a second image data representing a second image you output, a storage unit having a storage area for storing the second image data, the second image data And an image output means for outputting the second image, and an image size for outputting the second image corresponding to the output method according to an output method of the second image by the image output means. calculating the capacity of the storage area required for storing, characterized in that it comprises an image memory securing section to secure the output image storage area in said storage means the storage area of the calculated volume.

The present invention is also an image processing method executed by an image processing apparatus comprising an image input means, an image generation means, a storage means, an image output means, and an image memory securing means, wherein the image input means but the representative image input step of first image is input, the image generation means, by using the first image data representing a first image inputted by the image input unit, the second image you output An image generation step for generating two image data, an image output means for outputting the second image using the second image data, and an image memory securing means for the image output step. According to the output method of the second image, the capacity of the storage area necessary for storing the size of the image for outputting the second image corresponding to the output method is calculated, and the calculated capacity Record Characterized in that it comprises an image memory reservation step of reserving an area as a storage area for output images in the storage unit.

  The present invention is also an image processing program for causing a computer to execute the method described above.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the memory capacity required as a work area for image data regardless of whether or not aggregation is executed.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between the size of the finished image and the size of the input image. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between the size of the finished image and the size of the input image. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between the size of the finished image and the size of the input image. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between the size of the finished image and the size of the input image. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between the size of the finished image and the size of the input image. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between the size of the finished image and the size of the input image. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image output processing. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between the size of the input image and the size of the recording medium. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between the size of the input image and the size of the recording medium. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between the size of the input image and the size of the recording medium. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between the size of the input image and the size of the recording medium. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of image output processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between the size of the input image and the size of the recording medium. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between the size of the input image and the size of the recording medium. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of image output processing performed by the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First embodiment]
First, the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is a multi-function machine that can realize a copy function, a printer function, and a FAX function. Such an image processing apparatus includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 2, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 3, a RAM control unit 4, an NVRAM 5, a scanner engine 6, an NCU. (Network Control Unit) 7, FAX control unit 8, host I / F control unit 9, operation display unit I / F (Interface) control unit 10, operation display unit 11, and printer engine 12. Although not shown, the image processing apparatus has an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) for continuously reading each image of a plurality of documents and a pressure plate for pressing the documents when realizing a copy function and a scanner function. Provide as appropriate. The image processing apparatus also includes a tray for feeding a recording medium such as paper on which an image is output. The CPU 1 controls the entire image processing apparatus, and realizes various functions by executing various programs stored in the ROM 2 and the RAM 3. The ROM 2 stores various data and various programs. In the figure, only one CPU 1 and ROM 2 are shown, but the image processing apparatus may include a plurality of them. The RAM 3 temporarily stores various data and various programs. The RAM control unit 4 controls storage of various programs and various data in the RAM 3. The NVRAM 5 stores various data such as device information unique to the image processing apparatus, crisis period usage status information indicating the usage status of the image processing apparatus, and various parameters.

  The host I / F control unit 9 controls communication with an external host device 20 such as a personal computer. In the present embodiment, the host I / F control unit 9 is an input unit to which an image is input when a print function or a FAX function is realized, and print data instructing image printing is transmitted to the external host device 20. The image is input to the host I / F control unit 9. Examples of the interface type include IEEE 1284, USB (Universal Serial Bus), and a wired or wireless network. The network is, for example, a local area network (LAN), an intranet, Ethernet (registered trademark), or the Internet. The scanner engine 6 is an input unit for inputting an image when a copy function, a scanner function, or a FAX function is realized. An image is input to the scanner engine 6 by reading an image from a recording medium such as a document. . The NCU 7 is an input unit to which an image is input when the FAX function is realized. The NCU 7 is connected to a general line and receives print data that is encoded and transmitted by FAX communication. Is done. The FAX control unit 8 decodes the data received by the NCU 7 to obtain print data. The printer engine 12 is an output unit that outputs an image, and an image to be output (referred to as an output image) using an input image (referred to as an input image) by an image forming method such as a laser method, an LED method, or an ink jet method. ) Is generated, and an output image is output to a recording medium using the image data. The operation display unit 11 is formed by integrally forming an operation device including operation keys, operation buttons, a mouse, and the like to which an operation from a user is input, and a display device such as an LED or an LCD for displaying information. . The operation display unit 11 displays information for guiding an operation for starting copying, printing, and FAX, and an image to be output so that the user can confirm the printing finish in advance. The operation display unit I / F control unit 10 controls reception of an operation input via the operation display unit 11 and display of information on the operation display unit 11.

  Next, various functions implemented in the image processing apparatus in such a hardware configuration will be described with reference to FIG. The image processing apparatus includes an input unit 30, an output unit 31, an image memory securing unit 32, an input image memory 33, and an output image memory 34 as functions. The function of the input unit 30 is realized by the host I / F control unit 9, the scanner engine 6, and the NCU 7 described above. An image is input to the input unit 30, and image data representing the input image (input image) is stored in the input image memory 33. The function of the output unit 31 is realized by the printer engine 12 and the operation display unit 11. The output unit 31 outputs an image using the image data stored in the output image memory 34. The input image memory 33 and the output image memory 34 are storage areas secured on the RAM 3 by the image memory securing unit 32. The input image memory 33 stores image data representing an image (input image) input to the input unit 30. The output image memory 34 stores image data representing a target image (output image) to be output to the output unit 31. In this embodiment, the work area whose capacity can be reduced corresponds to the output image memory 34. The function of the image memory securing unit 32 is realized by the CPU 1 executing various programs stored in the ROM 2 and the RAM 3 and by the RAM control unit 4. Specific functions are as follows.

  The image memory securing unit 32 calculates the necessary storage area capacity according to the image output method in the output unit 31 and the size relationship between the input image size and the output image size, and stores the calculated capacity. The area is secured in the RAM 3 as the output image memory 34. The image output method in the output unit 31 includes, for example, print output and preview output for the user to confirm the print finish in advance. Print output is a method of outputting an image to be output to a recording medium. The preview output is a method of outputting an image by causing the operation display unit 11 to display an image image (referred to as a finished image) indicating a state in which the image is output to a recording medium. Any one of the output methods and the size of the target recording medium for outputting an image is designated by a user's operation input via the operation display unit 11. When the output method is preview output, how the image is output to the recording medium is displayed on the operation display unit 11, so that the margin part of the recording medium must also be included in the output target image as a display. There is. Therefore, the size of the display target image (finished image) is handled as the size of the output target image in this case. 3 to 8 are diagrams illustrating the correspondence between the size of the finished image and the size of the input image, respectively.

  The example of FIG. 3 is a pattern in which the size of the finished image is larger than the size of the input image, and the finished image includes the entire input image. This is a pattern in which a margin portion on the recording medium is also included in the output target image. The example of FIG. 4 is a pattern in which the size of the finished image is equal to or smaller than the size of the input image. This is a pattern in which only a part of the input image becomes an output target image. In the example of FIG. 5, the finished image and the input image have the same direction, the finished image size is smaller than the input image size in the main scanning direction, and the finished image size is larger than the input image size in the sub-scanning direction. It is a pattern. This is a pattern in which only a part of the input image becomes an output target image and a margin part on the recording medium is also included in the output target image. In the example of FIG. 6, the direction of the finished image and the input image are different, but when the directions are matched, the size of the finished image is smaller than the size of the input image in the main scanning direction, and the size of the finished image is input in the sub-scanning direction. The pattern is larger than the image size. This is also a pattern in which only a part of the input image becomes an output target image and a margin part on the recording medium is also included in the output target image. The example of FIG. 7 is a pattern in which when the input image is scaled, the size of the finished image is equal to or smaller than the scaled size of the input image. The execution of the scaling factor and scaling is specified by a user operation input via the operation display unit 11. This pattern is a pattern in which only a part of the scaled input image becomes an output target image. In the example of FIG. 8, when two pages of input images are combined into one page, the size of the finished image for half a page is smaller than the size of the input image scaled to 50% in the main scanning direction. In the scanning direction, the size of the finished image for half a page is a pattern larger than the size of the input image scaled to 50%. The number of pages to be aggregated is designated by a user operation input via the operation display unit 11. This pattern is a pattern in which only a part of the input image becomes an output target image. In any of these patterns, the size of the image to be output corresponds to the size of the recording medium on which the image is output. Therefore, when the output method is preview output, the image memory securing unit 32 secures the output image memory 34 with a storage area having a capacity corresponding to the size of the recording medium.

  On the other hand, when the output method is print output, it is not necessary to include a margin area in the recording medium in the output target image, so a storage area having a capacity corresponding to the size of the target image to be output to the recording medium is provided. The image memory securing unit 32 secures the output image memory 34.

  Next, the procedure of image output processing performed by the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. When the user sets an original on the ADF or pressure plate of the image processing apparatus, and performs an operation input for starting copying by designating the output method and the size of the recording medium to which the image is output, via the operation display unit 11. The image processing apparatus receives the operation input, reads the image by the scanner engine 6, and stores the image data representing the image in the input image memory 33 (step S1). When there are a plurality of originals, the image processing apparatus repeats step S1 and when reading of images from the plurality of originals is completed (step S2: YES), the following processing is performed for each image read from each original.

  The image processing apparatus determines whether the output method designated by the operation input is preview output or print output (step S3). When the output method is preview output (step S3: YES), assuming that the size of the image to be output is the size of the recording medium, the image processing apparatus outputs a storage area having a capacity corresponding to the size of the recording medium to the output image. The memory 34 is secured. The image processing apparatus generates image data to be displayed on the operation display unit 11 using the image data stored in the input image memory 33 and stores the image data in the output image memory 34. Thereafter, the image processing apparatus displays an image on the operation display unit 11 using the image data stored in the output image memory 34 (step S4).

  On the other hand, when the output method is print output, the image processing apparatus secures a storage area having a capacity corresponding to the size of the image to be output as the output image memory 34. The image processing apparatus generates image data for outputting an image from the printer engine 12 using the image data stored in the input image memory 33 and stores the image data in the output image memory 34. Thereafter, the image processing apparatus outputs an image to a recording medium having a size designated by the user, using the image data stored in the output image memory 34 (step S5). The above processing is performed for each image read from each document, and when the processing is completed for all the documents (step S6: YES), the image processing apparatus ends the image output process. If the processing has not been completed for all the originals (step S6: NO), the process returns to step S3.

  As described above, depending on whether the output method is preview output or print output, the size of the storage area for storing the image data representing the output image is considered in consideration of the magnitude relationship between the input image and the output image. The memory 34 is secured. As a result, the capacity used as the output image memory 34 in the RAM 3 can be reduced regardless of whether or not aggregation is executed. Therefore, the cost can be reduced.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program according to a second embodiment will be described. In addition, about the part which is common in the above-mentioned 1st Embodiment, it demonstrates using the same code | symbol or abbreviate | omits description.

  In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus includes a plurality of trays for feeding recording media to which images are output, and recording media of different sizes are set in each tray. In such a configuration, there are a tray designation mode for designating one of a plurality of trays via the operation display unit 11, and an automatic selection mode for automatically determining a recording medium to which an image is output, When a tray is designated at the start of copying, the image processing apparatus operates in the tray designation mode. When no tray is designated, the image processing apparatus operates in the automatic selection mode. When the image processing apparatus operates in the tray designation mode, the image memory securing unit 32 compares the size of the input image and the size of the recording medium set in the designated tray in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction, respectively. A storage area having a capacity corresponding to the smaller size is secured as the output image memory 34. When the direction of the input image is different from the direction of the recording medium set on the designated tray, the image memory securing unit 32 performs the above comparison after matching these directions.

  10 to 13 are diagrams illustrating the correspondence between the size of the input image and the size of the recording medium, respectively. The example of FIG. 10 is a pattern in which the size of the input image is smaller than the size of the recording medium and the entire input image is included in the recording medium. The example of FIG. 11 is a pattern in which the size of the input image is equal to or larger than the size of the recording medium. This is a pattern in which only a part of the input image becomes an output target image. The hatched portion in the figure is the output target image. In the example of FIG. 12, the direction of the input image and the recording medium is the same, the size of the input image in the main scanning direction is equal to or larger than the size of the recording medium, and the size of the recording medium is larger than the size of the input image in the sub-scanning direction. It is a small pattern. This is also a pattern in which only a part of the input image becomes an output target image. The hatched portion in the figure is the output target image. In this case, the image memory securing unit 32 sets the size of the recording medium in the main scanning direction in the main scanning direction as a reference, and sets the size of the input image in the sub scanning direction as the reference in the sub scanning direction. A storage area having a corresponding capacity is secured as the output image memory 34. In the example of FIG. 13, the directions of the input image and the recording medium are different. However, when the directions are matched, the size of the input image in the main scanning direction is equal to or larger than the size of the recording medium, and the size of the input image in the sub-scanning direction. The recording medium has a small size. This is also a pattern in which only a part of the input image becomes an output target image. The hatched portion in the figure is the output target image. In this case, the image memory securing unit 32 uses the size of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction as a reference in the main scanning direction, and sets the size of the input image in the sub-scanning direction as a reference in the main scanning direction. A storage area having a corresponding capacity is secured as the output image memory 34.

  Further, when the image processing apparatus operates in the automatic selection mode, the image memory securing unit 32 determines the size of the target recording medium to output the image according to the input image, and sets the tray on which the recording medium is set. And a storage area having a capacity corresponding to the determined size of the recording medium is secured as the output image memory 34.

  Next, the procedure of image output processing performed by the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. When a user sets an original on an ADF or a pressure plate of the image processing apparatus, and performs an operation input for starting copying by designating a tray on which a recording medium to which an image is output is set via the operation display unit 11. The image processing apparatus receives the operation input, reads the image by the scanner engine 6, and stores the image data representing the image in the input image memory 33 (step S1). Next, the image processing apparatus determines whether or not the tray designation mode is set (step S10). Here, since the tray is designated, it is assumed that the tray designation mode is set (step S10: YES), and the process proceeds to step S11. In step S11, the image processing apparatus determines whether the direction of the input image is the same as the direction of the recording medium set on the designated tray (step S11). If these directions are different (step S11: NO), the image processing apparatus rotates the input image, matches the direction of the input image with the direction of the recording medium (step S12), and proceeds to step S13. Even when the direction of the input image is the same as the direction of the recording medium (step S11: YES), the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the image processing apparatus compares the size of the input image with the size of the recording medium set on the designated tray in the main scanning direction, and determines whether the former size is equal to or smaller than the latter size. Determine whether. When the input image is rotated in step S12, the image processing apparatus switches the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the input image, and performs the determination in step S13. If the size of the input image in the main scanning direction is equal to or smaller than the size of the recording medium (step S13: YES), the image processing apparatus uses the smaller size of the input image in the main scanning direction for the output image. The size of the storage area to be secured as the memory 34 is determined (step S14), and the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, when the size of the input image is larger than the size of the recording medium in the main scanning direction (step S13: NO), the image processing apparatus uses the smaller size of the recording medium in the main scanning direction as the output image memory. The size of the storage area to be secured as 34 is determined (step S15), and the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, the image processing apparatus compares the size of the input image and the size of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, and determines whether the former size is equal to or smaller than the latter size. If the size of the input image in the sub-scanning direction is equal to or smaller than the size of the recording medium (step S16: YES), the image processing apparatus uses the smaller size of the input image in the sub-scanning direction as the output image memory. This is determined as the size of the storage area secured as 34 (step S17). Then, the image processing apparatus secures, as an output image memory 34, a storage area having a capacity corresponding to the size determined in the sub-scanning direction in step S17 and the size determined in either the main scanning direction in step S14 or S15. To do. As a pattern when the size in the main scanning direction is determined in step S14, for example, there is a pattern of FIG. 10, and as a pattern when determined in step S15, for example, there is a pattern of FIG. The image processing apparatus generates image data for outputting an image from the printer engine 12 using the image data stored in the input image memory 33 and stores the image data in the output image memory 34. Thereafter, the image processing apparatus outputs the image to the recording medium set on the tray designated by the user, using the image data stored in the output image memory 34, and proceeds to step S21.

  On the other hand, when the size of the input image is larger than the size of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction (step S16: NO), the image processing apparatus uses the smaller size of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction for the output image. The size of the storage area to be secured as the memory 34 is determined (step S18). Then, the image processing apparatus secures, as an output image memory 34, a storage area having a capacity corresponding to the size determined in the sub-scanning direction in step S18 and the size determined in either the main scanning direction in step S14 or S15. To do. As the pattern when the size in the main scanning direction is determined in step S14, for example, there is the pattern of FIG. 13, and as the pattern when determined in step S15, for example, FIG. There is a pattern. The image processing apparatus generates image data for outputting an image from the printer engine 12 using the image data stored in the input image memory 33 and stores the image data in the output image memory 34. Thereafter, the image processing apparatus outputs the image to the recording medium set on the tray designated by the user, using the image data stored in the output image memory 34, and proceeds to step S21. In step S21, when the image processing apparatus determines that there is a document to be read (step S21: YES), the process returns to step S1, and the image processing apparatus ends the image output process.

  If the tray is not designated, the automatic selection mode is set, the determination result in step S10 is negative, and the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, the image processing apparatus determines the size of the target recording medium to output an image according to the input image, and selects the tray on which the recording medium is set. Then, the image processing apparatus secures a storage area having a capacity corresponding to the determined size of the recording medium as the output image memory 34 (step S20). The image processing apparatus generates image data for outputting an image from the printer engine 12 using the image data stored in the input image memory 33 and stores the image data in the output image memory 34. Thereafter, the image processing apparatus outputs an image to a recording medium having a size designated by the user using the image data stored in the output image memory 34, and proceeds to step S21.

  As described above, the storage for storing the image data representing the output image in consideration of the magnitude relationship between the input image and the output image depending on whether or not the recording medium to which the image is to be output is designated. The capacity of the area is secured as the output image memory 34. As a result, the capacity used as the output image memory 34 in the RAM 3 can be reduced regardless of whether or not aggregation is executed. Therefore, the cost can be reduced.

[Third embodiment]
Next, an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program according to a third embodiment will be described. In addition, about the part which is common in the above-mentioned 1st Embodiment or 3rd Embodiment, it demonstrates using the same code | symbol or abbreviate | omits description.

  In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which consolidation and scaling factors are designated in the tray designation mode described in the second embodiment. When a tray is designated via the operation display unit 11 at the start of copying, and the number of pages to be aggregated and execution of aggregation are designated, the image memory securing unit 32 of the image processing apparatus displays the designated tray. The size of the recording medium set in is divided into the number specified as the number of pages to be aggregated. For example, when two pages are consolidated into one page, the image memory securing unit 32 divides the size of the recording medium into two. Then, the image memory securing unit 32 sets the divided size as the size of the recording medium used for comparison with the input image. Further, the image memory securing unit 32 scales the input image so that the number of pages to be aggregated can be reduced to one page. For example, when two pages are consolidated into one page, the image memory securing unit 32 scales the input image with a scaling factor of 50%. The image memory securing unit 32 compares the size of the scaled input image and the size obtained by dividing the recording medium set on the designated tray in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, respectively. A storage area having a capacity corresponding to the size is secured as the output image memory 34. When the scaling ratio and execution of scaling are designated, the image memory securing unit 32 scales the input image at the designated scaling ratio. The image memory securing unit 32 compares the size of the scaled input image and the size of the recording medium set in the designated tray in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction, respectively. A storage area having a capacity corresponding to the smaller size is secured as the output image memory 34. When both aggregation and scaling are performed, the image memory securing unit 32 is scaled and designated so that the number of pages to be aggregated is one page in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, respectively. By comparing the size of the input image scaled with the magnification and the size of the recording medium set on the designated tray, a storage area having a capacity corresponding to the smaller size is secured as the output image memory 34. To do. When the direction of the input image is different from the direction of the recording medium set on the designated tray, the image memory securing unit 32 determines these directions as in the second embodiment. After matching, the above comparison is performed.

  15 to 16 are diagrams illustrating examples of the correspondence between the size of the input image and the size of the recording medium. The example of FIG. 15 is a pattern in which the size of the input image after scaling is larger than the size of the recording medium when the input image is scaled at a scaling ratio smaller than 100%. This is a pattern in which only a part of the scaled input image becomes an output target image. The hatched portion in the figure is the output target image. In this case, the image memory securing unit 32 secures a storage area having a capacity corresponding to the size of the recording medium as the output image memory 34. In the example of FIG. 16, when two pages of input images are combined into one page, the half size of the recording medium is smaller than the size of the input image scaled to 50% in the main scanning direction, and the sub scanning direction In FIG. 5, the half size of the recording medium is a pattern larger than the size of the input image scaled to 50%. This pattern is also a pattern in which only a part of the input image becomes an output target image. The hatched portion in the figure is the output target image. In this case, the image memory securing unit 32 secures a storage area having a capacity corresponding to the size of the recording medium as the output image memory 34. In the main scanning direction, the size of the recording medium in the main scanning direction is used as a reference, and in the sub scanning direction, the storage area having a capacity corresponding to these sizes is used for the output image on the basis of the size of the input image in the sub scanning direction. Secured as memory 34.

  Next, the procedure of image output processing performed by the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The user sets a document on the ADF or the pressure plate of the image processing apparatus, designates a tray on which a recording medium to which an image is to be output is specified via the operation display unit 11, and executes the number of pages to be aggregated and aggregation. When the operation input for starting copying is performed by designating the scaling factor and the execution of scaling, the image processing apparatus receives the operation input, reads the image by the scanner engine 6, and displays the image representing the image Data is stored in the input image memory 33 (step S1). Step S2 is the same as that in the first embodiment. Steps S10 to S12 are the same as those in the second embodiment. In step S30, the image processing apparatus determines whether execution of aggregation is designated. Here, since execution of aggregation is designated, the determination result in step S30 is affirmative. In this case (step S30: YES), the image processing apparatus divides the size of the recording medium set in the designated tray into the number designated as the number of pages to be aggregated (step S31). The image processing apparatus sets the divided size as the size of the recording medium used in step S13 and subsequent steps. Next, the image processing apparatus scales the input image so that the number of pages to be collected fits into one page (step S32). Then, the process proceeds to step S33. In addition, also when the judgment result of step S30 becomes negative, it progresses to step S33.

  In step S33, the image processing apparatus determines whether execution of scaling is designated. Here, since execution of zooming is designated, the determination result in step S30 is affirmative. In this case (step S33: YES), the image processing device scales the input image at the designated scaling factor (step S34). Then, the process proceeds to step S13. In addition, also when the judgment result of step S32 becomes negative, it progresses to step S13. The processing after step S13 is as described in the second embodiment. In step S13, when the input image is scaled in at least one of steps S32 and S34, the image processing apparatus compares the scaled size of the input image with the size of the recording medium. If the size of the recording medium is divided in step S31, the image processing apparatus uses the size of the divided recording medium as the size of the recording medium used for comparison.

  As described above, the capacity of the storage area for storing the image data representing the output image is taken into consideration in consideration of the magnitude relationship between the input image and the output image even when aggregation or scaling is executed. The memory 34 is secured. As a result, the capacity used as the output image memory 34 in the RAM 3 can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced.

[Modification]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Moreover, 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. Further, various modifications as exemplified below are possible.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, various programs executed by the image processing apparatus may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The various programs are recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) in a file in an installable or executable format. The computer program product may be provided.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the image processing apparatus may have at least one of a copy function, a printer function, and a facsimile function, or two or more of these functions. May be.

1 CPU
2 ROM
3 RAM
4 RAM controller 5 NVRAM
6 Scanner Engine 7 NCU
8 FAX control unit 9 Host I / F control unit 10 Operation display unit I / F control unit 11 Operation display unit 12 Printer engine 20 External host device 30 Input unit 31 Output unit 32 Image memory securing unit 33 Input image memory 34 Output image Memory

JP 2008-118438 A

Claims (7)

Image input means for inputting the first image;
An image generating means for using the first image data representing a first image to generate a second image data representing a second image you output inputted by said image input means,
Storage means having a storage area for storing the second image data;
Image output means for outputting the second image using the second image data;
According to the output method of the second image in the image output means, the capacity of the storage area required for storing the size of the image for outputting the second image corresponding to the output method is calculated. An image processing apparatus comprising: an image memory securing unit that secures the storage area having the calculated capacity as an output image storage area in the storage unit. The image memory securing means compares the size relationship between the size of the first image and the size of the second image in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, respectively, and a capacity corresponding to the smaller size, The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus calculates the capacity of the storage area. When the first image and the second image have different directions, the image memory securing unit adds the directions of the first image and the second image in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the size relationships with the second image size is compared, and a capacity corresponding to a smaller size is calculated as a capacity of the storage area. . The image output means outputs a first output means for outputting the second image to a recording medium, and an image image representing a state in which the second image is output to the recording medium, to the display unit. Second output means for outputting the image including two images,
The image memory securing unit calculates a capacity of the storage area depending on whether the first output unit outputs the second image or the second output unit. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. In the case where the second output means outputs the second image, the image memory securing means has a capacity corresponding to the size of the recording medium to which the second image is output as a capacity of the storage area. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image processing apparatus is calculated as: An image processing method executed by an image processing apparatus comprising an image input means, an image generation means, a storage means, an image output means, and an image memory securing means,
An image input step in which the image input means inputs a first image;
Wherein the image generation means, by using the first image data representing a first image inputted by the image input means, an image generating step of generating a second image data representing a second image you output,
An image output step for outputting the second image using the second image data;
The image memory securing means stores the size of the image for outputting the second image corresponding to the output method according to the output method of the second image in the image output step. An image processing method comprising: an image memory securing step of calculating a capacity of a storage area and securing the storage area of the calculated capacity as an output image storage area in the storage unit.   An image processing program for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 6.

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