JP5712676B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing system, and image processing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing technique based on device cooperation.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image processing system that converts an accumulated image into a data format suitable for a transfer destination in an image processing apparatus and transmits the converted data to the transfer destination device is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a data format suitable for a distribution destination at the time of distribution in an image processing apparatus having a function of distributing stored images to an external device for the purpose of preventing inconvenience in use after distribution. A system for converting data to and transmitting converted data is disclosed.

  However, in the conventional image processing method, when the conversion data is printed by the transfer destination device, the image quality of the printed matter is deteriorated.

  In the transfer source device, image processing depending on the device is performed, and image data after the image processing is accumulated. The image processing depending on the device includes, for example, a total amount regulation value adjustment processing and a screen processing. These image processes have different processing contents for each device, and once processed, there is a case where the state before the processing cannot be restored. For this reason, image data after image processing depending on the transfer source device is transferred to the transfer destination device even if the data format is appropriate, and the image processing of the transfer source device has an effect on the print result. The image quality is deteriorated.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described problems of the prior art. An image processing apparatus, an image processing system, and an image processing program capable of obtaining a high-quality output result at a transfer destination device in device cooperation by image transfer are provided. It is to provide.

To achieve the above object, device management equipment according to the present invention is connected via a transfer destination device and a predetermined data transmission path for outputting image data stored in the own device, the storage image output by device cooperation An image processing apparatus for performing
An image holding unit that holds the image data,
Transfer means for transferring the image data to the transfer destination device;
Image processing means for performing image processing depending on at least the transfer destination device with respect to the image data;
The image holding unit holds at least the image data before the image processing unit performs image processing on the image data,
The transfer means determines a data type of image data to be transmitted to the transfer destination device based on transfer destination data type information indicating a data type of image data received at the time of transfer from the transfer destination device.
When it is determined that the data type of the image data is image data after performing image processing depending on the transfer destination device,
The image processing means performs image processing depending on the transfer destination device on the received image data before image processing, and passes the image data after image processing to the transfer means,
The transfer means transmits the received image data after image processing.

  With such a configuration, when receiving an image accumulation instruction, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention accumulates image data before image processing depending on the apparatus (image data before image processing). When receiving the stored image transfer instruction, the image processing apparatus transmits the stored image data before image processing to the transfer destination device. As a result, the transfer destination device can perform optimal image processing on the device based on the image data before image processing of the transfer source device, and obtain an output result that is not affected by the image processing of the transfer source device.

  Thus, in the image processing system according to the present invention, a high-quality output result can be obtained at the transfer destination device in device cooperation by image transfer.

  According to the present invention, image data before device-dependent image processing is stored at the time of image storage at the transfer source, and image data before image processing is transmitted to the transfer destination at the time of stored image transfer. In the device cooperation according to the above, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, and an image processing program that can obtain a high-quality output result at the transfer destination device.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of the image processing which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process sequence of the image storage which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of accumulated image printing according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence example of the stored image transfer which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting screen of the stored image transfer which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen at the time of the stored image transfer which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of the image processing which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of data of the accumulation | storage state information which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process sequence of the image storage which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen at the time of the accumulation image printing which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence example of the stored image printing which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process sequence of the write error detection which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process sequence of the stored image management which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration in which a plurality of image processing apparatuses 100 _{1 to} 100 _n (hereinafter collectively referred to as “image processing apparatus 100”) are connected by a data transmission line N such as a LAN (Local Area Network). An example is shown.

  The image processing apparatus 100 is a device having an image processing function. Examples of the image processing function include a copy function, a scan function, and a print function.

In the image processing system 1, the following image processing can be performed. For example, the image processing apparatus 100 _1, when receiving an image storage instruction to store and accumulate the read image obtained by the scanner 140 in a predetermined storage area. Thereafter, the image processing apparatus 100 ₁ has received the stored image transfer instruction, the read image which has been accumulated, transmits to the image processing apparatus 100 _{and second} transfer destination device. As a result, the image processing apparatus 100 _2, read image received is outputted.

  As described above, the image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment can provide an image processing service based on device cooperation with the above-described system configuration.

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 100 includes a controller 110, an operation panel 120, a plotter 130, a scanner 140, and the like, which are connected to each other via a bus B.

  The operation panel 120 includes a display unit and an input unit, and provides various information such as device information to the user and accepts various input operations such as operation settings and operation instructions. The plotter 130 includes an image forming unit and forms an output image on a sheet. Examples of a method for forming an output image include an electrophotographic process and an ink jet method. The scanner 140 optically reads a document and generates a read image.

  The controller 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a storage device 112, a network I / F 113, an external storage I / F 114, and the like, which are connected to each other via a bus B.

  The CPU 111 controls the entire apparatus by executing a program. The storage device 112 stores and holds the program and various data (for example, “image data”). Examples of the storage device 112 include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is a volatile memory, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that is a nonvolatile memory, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that has a large-capacity storage area. There is. The RAM functions as a work area for the CPU 111 (a storage area from which programs and data are temporarily read). ROM and HDD are used as storage locations for programs and various data. As a result, in the image processing apparatus 100, the CPU 111 reads the program stored in the ROM onto the RAM and executes the program.

  The network I / F 113 is an interface for connecting the image processing apparatus 100 to a predetermined data transmission path N such as a network. The external storage I / F 114 is an interface for connecting a recording medium 114a corresponding to an external storage device. Accordingly, the image processing apparatus 100 can perform data communication with other devices (for example, “authentication management apparatus”) via the network I / F 113.

  Examples of the recording medium 114a include an SD memory card (SD memory card) and a USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory). Thereby, the image processing apparatus 100 can read and / or write to the recording medium 114a via the external storage I / F 114.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can provide an image processing service with the above hardware configuration.

<Image processing function>
The image processing function according to this embodiment will be described.
When receiving an image accumulation instruction, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment accumulates image data (image data before image processing) before performing image processing depending on the apparatus. When receiving the stored image transfer instruction, the image processing apparatus 100 transmits the stored image data before image processing to the transfer destination device. As a result, the transfer destination device can perform optimal image processing on the device based on the image data before image processing of the transfer source device, and obtain an output result that is not affected by the image processing of the transfer source device. The image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has such an image processing function.

  In the conventional image processing method, image processing depending on the device is performed in the transfer source device, and the image data after the image processing is accumulated. For this reason, image data after image processing depending on the transfer source device is transferred to the transfer destination device even if the data format is appropriate, and the image processing of the transfer source device has an effect on the print result. The image quality is deteriorated.

  Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when storing an image at the transfer source, image data before device-dependent image processing is stored, and when transferring the stored image, the image data before image processing is used as the transfer destination. A transmission mechanism was adopted.

  Thereby, in the image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, a high-quality output result can be obtained at the transfer destination device in device cooperation by image transfer.

The configuration and operation of the image processing function according to this embodiment will be described below.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of image processing according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 shows a functional configuration example of two image processing apparatuses 100a and 100b that cooperate with each other. Hereinafter, for convenience, the image processing apparatus 100a is referred to as a transfer source apparatus 100a, and the image processing apparatus 100b is referred to as a transfer destination apparatus 100b.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing function according to the present embodiment includes an image storage unit 11, a storage printing unit 12, an image processing unit 13, an image transfer unit 14, and the like.

  The image storage unit 11 is a functional unit that stores input image data. The image storage unit 11 stores, for example, images read by the scanner 140 of the device DV. For example, when the image storage unit 11 receives an image storage instruction from the user via the operation panel 120, the image storage unit 11 requests the scanner 140 to read a document and acquires a read image. The image storage unit 11 stores and stores such input image data in the stored image holding unit 21. The accumulated image holding unit 21 corresponds to, for example, a predetermined storage area of a storage device included in the transfer source device 100a.

  In the accumulated image holding unit 21, image data includes, for example, information for identifying an accumulated image such as an image ID (hereinafter referred to as “accumulated image identification information”), and information relating to an accumulated image such as a user ID and an accumulated date (hereinafter referred to as “accumulated image”) Stored in association with “accumulated image related information”). Therefore, the image storage unit 11 stores and records the above-described various information together with the image data in the stored image holding unit 21 during image storage.

  Also, the image storage unit 11 conventionally stores image data after performing device-dependent image processing (hereinafter referred to as “image data after image processing”). (Hereinafter referred to as “image data before image processing”).

  Conventionally, device-dependent image processing is performed on input image data, and image data after image processing is accumulated. Here, “image processing” includes, for example, adjustment processing of a total amount restriction value, screen processing, and the like, and the total amount restriction value and the color point / color line interval differ for each plotter 130 included in the image processing apparatus 100. Therefore, conventionally, as described above, when the stored image is output after being transferred to the transfer destination device 100b, the image data subjected to the image processing depending on the transfer source device 100a is dependent on the transfer destination device 100b. Further image processing is performed, and image quality deterioration occurs in the output result.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the image storage unit 11 stores image data before image processing. The image data before image processing means image data before performing device-dependent image processing, and device-independent image processing is performed in consideration of the processing efficiency of accumulated image output. Shall.

  The accumulated printing unit 12 is a functional unit that prints accumulated images. The image processing unit 13 is a functional unit that performs device-dependent image processing on image data. The accumulated printing unit 12 functions when the accumulated image output is printing. The image processing unit 13 functions when image data to be processed is received from another functional unit.

  First, the storage printing unit 12 performs predetermined operation settings (for example, “paper size designation”, “number of copies designation”, etc.) for the plotter 130 of the device DV, for example, and the image data processed by the image processing unit 13. And request printing. As a result, the plotter 130 prints the image data after the image processing according to the operation setting.

  For example, when the accumulated printing unit 12 receives a stored image print instruction from the user via the operation panel 120, the accumulated printing unit 12 accesses the accumulated image holding unit 21 and, based on the accumulated image identification information at the time of the printing instruction, the corresponding accumulated image. (Accumulated image data before image processing) is acquired. The accumulation printing unit 12 passes the acquired image data to the image processing unit 13. The image processing unit 13 performs, on the received image data, device-dependent image processing (such as “total amount regulation value adjustment processing” or “screen processing”) based on the device information of the own device on which the function unit 13 operates. The image data after image processing is transferred to the storage printing unit 12. As a result, the plotter 130 prints image data after image processing that is optimal for the transfer source device 100a (image data after image processing depending on the own device).

  The image transfer unit 14 is a functional unit that transfers stored images. The image transfer unit 14 functions when the accumulated image output is transfer.

  For example, the image transfer unit 14 performs network setting of a transfer destination (for example, “IP address (Internet Protocol address) designation”) for the network I / F 113 of the device DV, and the image processed by the image processing unit 13. Pass data and request transfer. As a result, the network I / F 113 transmits the image data after the image processing to the transfer destination according to the network setting.

  For example, when the image transfer unit 14 receives a stored image transfer instruction from the user via the operation panel 120, the image transfer unit 14 accesses the stored image holding unit 21, and based on the stored image identification information at the time of the transfer instruction, the corresponding stored image (Accumulated image data before image processing) is acquired. As a result, in the network I / F 113, image data before image processing (image data before image processing depending on the transfer source device) is transmitted to the transfer destination.

  The image transfer unit 14 acquires device information from the transfer destination device 100b, determines an optimum data type to the transfer destination based on the acquired device information, and transmits image data based on the determined data type. It may be. For example, it is assumed that the transfer destination device 100b can respond to the transfer source device 100a with a data type considering the processing efficiency of the stored image output. In this case, it is desirable that the transfer destination device 100b performs image processing depending on the transfer destination device 100b and transmits the image data after the image processing.

  For example, the image transfer unit 14 requests a data type response at the time of transfer to the transfer destination device 100b. As a result, the transfer destination device 100b receives either the image data before image processing or the image data after image processing optimal for the transfer destination device 100b at its own device (transfer destination device) upon request. Determine whether it is desirable (optimal). The transfer destination device 100b transmits device information including information (hereinafter referred to as “data type information”) indicating the data type of image data received at the time of transfer, which is the determination result, to the transfer source (hereinafter referred to as “transfer destination data type response”). Called).

  Note that the transfer destination device 100b determines the optimum data type of image data based on, for example, the processing load state of the own device and the processing performance of the own device. For example, when the transfer destination device 100b is in a high load state due to another job execution or the like, it is more efficient to receive image data after image processing that is optimal for the transfer destination device 100b from the transfer source device 100a. Is good. The same applies when the transfer destination device 100b is a low-priced machine. On the other hand, when the transfer destination device 100b is a high-priced machine having high processing performance, it is preferable to transmit image data before image processing from the transfer source device 100a and perform image processing in the transfer destination device 100b. , Processing efficiency is good. The transfer destination device 100b responds to the transfer source device 100a with a data type determination result considering the above points.

  The image transfer unit 14 acquires from the accumulated image holding unit 21 when it is determined that the image data after image processing that is optimal for the transfer destination device 100b is the optimal data type based on the data type information received from the transfer destination. The transferred image data is transferred to the image processing unit 13 and the transfer destination device 100b is requested to perform optimal image processing. The image processing unit 13 performs device-dependent image processing on the received image data based on device information received from the transfer destination device 100b, and passes the image data after image processing to the image transfer unit. Specifically, the image processing unit 13 performs image processing dependent on the transfer destination device to the image data based on the operation parameter value related to the image processing included in the device information of the transfer destination device 100b, and the image after the image processing is performed. Data is transferred to the image transfer unit 14. As a result, in the network I / F 113, image data after image processing (image data after image processing depending on the transfer destination device) optimum for the transfer destination device 100b is transmitted to the transfer destination by the transfer source device 100a. Is done.

  As described above, the image processing function according to the present embodiment is realized by the above-described functional units operating in cooperation. Note that each of the functional units described above has a program (software that realizes an image processing function) installed (installed) in the image processing apparatus 100 transferred from a storage device (ROM) to a memory (RAM) by an arithmetic unit (CPU). This is realized by reading and executing the following processing.

  A detailed operation of the image processing function according to the present embodiment (cooperation operation of the functional unit group) will be described with reference to a flowchart showing a processing procedure.

《Accumulated image processing》
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an image storage processing procedure according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, in the transfer source device 100a, when an image storage instruction is accepted, the image storage unit 11 performs the following processing.

  Upon receiving an image storage instruction from the user (step S101: YES), the image storage unit 11 requests read data from the scanner 140 (step S102). As a result, the scanner 140 reads the original and passes the read image to the image storage unit 11. Thereby, the image storage unit 11 acquires a read image (step S103).

  Next, the image storage unit 11 requests the stored image holding unit 21 to write data (step S104). As a result, information indicating a data writing position (for example, “address value of storage area” or the like, hereinafter referred to as “data writing position information”) is passed from the stored image holding unit 21 to the image storing unit 11.

  Next, the image accumulating unit 11 accesses the accumulated image holding unit 21, and stores and accumulates image data before image processing based on the data writing position information (step S105). At this time, the image storage unit 11 also stores stored image identification information and stored image related information in association with the image data.

  In this way, image data before device-dependent image processing is accumulated in the transfer source device 100a.

《Accumulated image print processing》
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of accumulated image printing according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, in the transfer source device 100a, when the stored image printing instruction is received, the storage printing unit 12 performs the following processing.

  When the accumulated printing unit 12 receives an accumulated image print instruction from the user (step S201: YES), the accumulated printing unit 12 requests the accumulated image holding unit 21 to read data (step S202). At this time, the accumulated printing unit 12 accesses the accumulated image holding unit 21 based on the accumulated image identification information designated at the time of printing instruction. As a result, the stored image holding unit 21 acquires the image data before the image processing specified by the stored image identification information, and passes the acquired image data to the storage printing unit 12. Thereby, the accumulation printing unit 12 acquires the accumulated image data before image processing (step S203).

  Next, the storage printing unit 12 requests the image processing unit 13 for device-dependent image processing (step S204). At this time, the storage printing unit 12 passes the acquired image data to the image processing unit 13. As a result, the image processing unit 13 performs image processing depending on the transfer source device 100a on the image data based on the device information of the own device (transfer source device) on which the function unit 13 operates (step S205). ), The image data after the image processing is transferred to the storage printing unit 12.

  Next, the accumulation printing unit 12 requests the plotter 130 to perform printing (step S206). The accumulation printing unit 12 performs operation settings at the time of printing, and passes the image data after image processing to the plotter 130 (step S207).

  In this way, the transfer source device 100a prints image data after device-dependent image processing (image data after image processing that is optimal for the device itself).

<Stored image transfer processing>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of stored image transfer according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, in the transfer source device 100a, when the stored image transfer instruction is received, the storage transfer unit 14 performs the following processing. Note that (A) shows an example of a processing procedure when the transfer destination data type determination process is not performed, and (B) shows a processing procedure when the transfer destination data type determination process is performed. An example is shown.

<< When transfer destination data type is not processed >>
As shown in (A), when the image transfer unit 14 receives a stored image transfer instruction from the user (step S301: YES), the image transfer unit 14 requests the stored image holding unit 21 to read data (step S302). . At this time, the image transfer unit 14 accesses the stored image holding unit 21 based on the stored image identification information designated at the time of transfer instruction. As a result, the stored image holding unit 21 acquires the image data specified by the stored image identification information, and passes the acquired image data to the image transfer unit 14. As a result, the image transfer unit 14 acquires the stored image data before image processing (step S303).

  Next, the image transfer unit 14 requests the network I / F 113 to transfer data (step S304). The image transfer unit 14 sets the network of the transfer destination, and passes the image data before image processing to the network I / F 113 (step S305).

  In this way, the transfer source device 100a transmits the image data before performing device-dependent image processing to the transfer destination device 100b.

<< With transfer destination data type processing >>
As shown in (B), when the image transfer unit 14 receives a stored image transfer instruction from the user (step S401: YES), the image transfer unit 14 requests the stored image holding unit 21 to read data (step S402). . At this time, the image transfer unit 14 accesses the stored image holding unit 21 based on the stored image identification information designated at the time of transfer instruction. As a result, the stored image holding unit 21 acquires the image data specified by the stored image identification information, and passes the acquired image data to the image transfer unit 14. As a result, the image transfer unit 14 acquires the stored image data before image processing (step S403).

  Next, the image transfer unit 14 requests the network I / F 113 to transfer data (step S404). At this time, the image transfer unit 14 sets the transfer destination network to the network I / F 113 and requests the transfer destination device 100b for a data type response at the time of transfer. As a result, the transfer destination device 100b determines which of the image data before image processing or the image data after image processing optimal for the transfer destination device 100b is the optimal image data to receive. In the transfer destination device 100b, device information including transfer destination data type information as a determination result is transmitted to the transfer source device 100a. Thereby, in the transfer source device 100a, the image transfer unit 14 receives the transfer destination data type information (step S405).

  The image transfer unit 14 determines the optimum data type for the transfer destination based on the received transfer destination data type information (step S406).

  If the image transfer unit 14 determines that the image data before image processing is the optimum data type (step S406: [before image processing]), the image transfer unit 14 passes the image data before image processing to the network I / F 113 (step S407). ).

  On the other hand, when the image transfer unit 14 determines that the image data after image processing that is optimal for the transfer destination device 100b is the optimal data type (step S406: [after image processing]), the image transfer unit 14 The transfer destination device 100b is requested to perform optimal image processing (step S408). As a result, the image processing unit 13 performs image processing depending on the transfer destination device 100b on the image data based on the operation parameter value related to the image processing included in the device information received from the transfer destination device 100b ( In step S409), the image data after the image processing is transferred to the image transfer unit 14.

  Next, the image transfer unit 14 passes the image data after image processing (image data after image processing depending on the transfer destination device) to the network I / F 113 (step S410).

  In this way, in the transfer source device 100a, when an optimum image data type is sent from the transfer destination device 100b to the transfer destination at the time of transfer, image data corresponding to the data type (image before image processing) is sent. Data or image data after image processing most suitable for the transfer destination device) is transmitted to the transfer destination device 100b.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the transfer source device 100a according to the present embodiment, when the image storage unit 11 receives an image storage instruction, the image data before performing image processing depending on the device (image before image processing) Data) is stored in the stored image holding unit 21. When the image storage / transfer unit 14 receives the stored image transfer instruction, the transfer source device 100a accesses the stored image holding unit 21 and transmits the stored image data before image processing to the transfer destination device 100b. As a result, the transfer destination device 100b can perform optimal image processing in the device based on the image data before the image processing of the transfer source device 100a, and an output result that is not affected by the image processing of the transfer source device 100a is obtained.

  As a result, in the image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, a high-quality output result can be obtained by the transfer destination device 100b in device cooperation by image transfer.

  When the transfer destination device 100b can respond to the data type of the transfer destination, the transfer source device 100a determines the optimum data type for the transfer destination based on the transfer destination data type information. Based on the determination result, the transfer source device 100a may transmit either the image data before image processing or the image data after image processing most suitable for the transfer destination device 100b to the transfer destination device 100b. .

  Thereby, in the image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, in device cooperation by image transfer, a high-quality output result can be obtained by the transfer destination device 100b, and the accumulated image output processing of the transfer destination device 100b can be performed efficiently.

<Modification>
Here, a modified example when the accumulated image output is transfer will be described.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for stored image transfer according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, the image storage unit 11 may provide the user with a setting screen W <b> 1 that can set in advance whether the stored image can be transferred. For example, the image storage unit 11 displays a setting screen W1 on the operation panel 120, and accepts a transferable / non-transferable setting of the stored image via a predetermined GUI (Graphical User Interface). The image storage unit 11 stores in the image storage holding unit 21 a set value indicating whether transfer is accepted (hereinafter referred to as “transfer enable / disable setting”) in the stored image related information corresponding to the image data. Record.

As a result, the image transfer unit 14 provides an operation screen W2 as shown in FIG. 8, for example.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen at the time of transferring the stored image according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 shows an example of an operation screen on which the user can select and specify the stored image to be transferred. For the stored image that cannot be transferred, the selection instruction is not displayed by the half-brightness display (the white area in the figure). It is possible. As described above, when displaying the stored image list, the image transfer unit 14 accesses the image storage holding unit 21 and sets the transfer availability setting included in the stored image related information associated with each stored image data. Based on this, the display control is performed.

  Thereby, in the image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the user can easily know the stored image that cannot be transmitted to the transfer destination device 100b in the device cooperation by image transfer, and the quality deterioration of the output result due to erroneous transmission. Can be prevented in advance.

[Second Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, at the time of image storage, both the image data after the device-dependent image processing and the image data before the device-dependent image processing are stored are stored in the transfer source device or the transfer destination device. We propose a method for efficiently performing the accumulated image output process. That is, in the present embodiment, the image data for printing the stored image by the own device and the image data for transferring the stored image by device cooperation (the image data for printing the accumulated image by the cooperation destination device) are stored, and the stored image is used. We propose a technique that can use image data properly according to the purpose. Therefore, hereinafter, image accumulation processing in the transfer source device will be mainly described. In addition, about the matter similar to the said embodiment, the same referential mark is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

<Image processing function>
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of image processing according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the transfer source device 100a holds information indicating the accumulation state of image data before and after image processing (hereinafter referred to as “accumulation state information”). The point which has the part 22 differs. The accumulation state information holding unit 22 corresponds to a predetermined storage area of a storage device included in the transfer source device 100a, for example.

Here, the accumulation state information will be described.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a data example of the accumulation state information 22D according to the present embodiment.
The storage state information 22D shown in FIG. 10 is associated with information items such as stored image identification and storage state, and shows an example of data managed for each stored image.

  The “accumulated image identification” item is an item in which accumulated image identification information is held, and the item value is, for example, a value such as an image ID. The [accumulation state] item is an item that holds the accumulation state information of each image data before and after image processing, and the item value is, for example, a value indicating “accumulated” or “unaccumulated” It is. The item values of the storage state information 22D are managed by the image storage unit 11.

  Returning to the description of FIG. In the present embodiment, the image storage unit 11 first attempts to store (write data) image data before image processing to the stored image holding unit 21, and if the image data can be stored, the image after image processing by the image processing unit 13 is performed. Attempt to accumulate data.

  As a result, when the image storage unit 11 receives an error indicating that there is no storage area for storing image data from the stored image holding unit 21 (write error when there is no space in the storage area) during image storage, The information holding unit 22 is accessed, and a value indicating “unprocessed” is recorded in the [accumulation state] item associated with the accumulated image identification information.

  As described above, the storage state information 22D records a state in which image data before and after image processing could not be stored when image data before image processing could not be stored. Further, in the accumulation state information 22D, a state in which only the image data after the image processing could not be accumulated when the image data after the image processing could not be accumulated is recorded. Note that image data before or after image processing in which a writing error has occurred is temporarily stored in, for example, a memory included in the transfer source device 100a.

  Thereafter, the image accumulating unit 11 confirms the empty state of the storage area in the accumulated image holding unit 21 and tries to accumulate image data in which “accumulation unprocessed” is recorded in the accumulation state information 22D. At this time, the image storage unit 11 compares the free space of the storage area in the stored image holding unit 21 with the data amount of the image data, and if the free space is larger than the data amount (including the case where it is equal), the image data Try to accumulate. Note that the empty state confirmation and image data storage processing by the image storage unit 11 may be performed periodically according to a predetermined time, for example.

  As a result, the image storage unit 11 stores the storage state information holding unit based on the stored image identification information of the image data in which the writing error occurs when the free space is larger than the data amount and the unprocessed image data is stored. 22 is specified, and the corresponding accumulation state information 22D is specified. The image storage unit 11 records and updates a value indicating “stored” in the [storage state] item of the specified storage state information 22D. Note that image data temporarily generated in the memory due to a write error is erased from the memory when accumulated.

  Further, when the image storage unit 11 stores the image data before the image processing by checking the empty state, the image storage unit 11 requests the image processing unit 13 to perform device-dependent image processing on the image data, and again stores the stored image holding unit. 21 confirms the free state of the storage area and tries to store image data after image processing.

  As a result, the image accumulating unit 11 updates the corresponding accumulating item when the “before image processing” and “after image processing” items of “accumulation state” in the accumulation state information 22D are all updated to values indicating “accumulated”. The state information 22D is deleted.

  The image storage unit 11 performs such image storage processing, and stores both the image data after the device-dependent image processing and the image data before the device-dependent image processing are performed.

  Thereby, in the present embodiment, the accumulated printing unit 12 accesses the accumulated image holding unit 21, and the accumulated image data after image processing is acquired based on the accumulated image identification information at the time of printing instruction, and is stored in the plotter 130. Passed. As a result, the plotter 130 prints image data that has undergone image processing depending on the transfer source device 100a (image data that has undergone image processing that is optimal for the device itself). That is, in the present embodiment, when the stored image is printed by the own device (transfer source device), the image processing by the image processing unit 13 does not have to be performed, so the processing is shortened.

  In the present embodiment, the image transfer unit 13 accesses the stored image holding unit 21 to acquire the stored image data before image processing based on the stored image identification information at the time of transfer instruction, and the network I / F 113. Passed to. As a result, image data that has not been subjected to image processing depending on the transfer source device 100a is transmitted from the network I / F 113 to the transfer destination. That is, in this embodiment, since the image data before performing device-dependent image processing is transmitted to the transfer destination device 100b, a high-quality output result can be obtained at the transfer destination device 100b.

  As described above, the image processing function according to the present embodiment is realized by the above-described functional units operating in cooperation.

  A detailed operation of the image processing function according to the present embodiment (cooperation operation of the functional unit group) will be described with reference to a flowchart showing a processing procedure.

《Accumulated image processing》
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an image storage processing procedure according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 11, in the transfer source device 100a, when an image storage instruction is accepted, the image storage unit 11 performs the following processing.

  When receiving an image storage instruction from the user (step S501: YES), the image storage unit 11 requests read data from the scanner 140 (step S502). As a result, the scanner 140 reads the original and passes the read image to the image storage unit 11. Thereby, the image storage unit 11 acquires a read image (step S503).

  Next, the image storage unit 11 requests the stored image holding unit 21 to write data (step S504). As a result, the data writing position information is transferred from the stored image holding unit 21 to the image storing unit 11.

  Next, the image accumulating unit 11 accesses the accumulated image holding unit 21 to store and accumulate image data before image processing based on the data writing position information (step S505). At this time, the image storage unit 11 also stores stored image identification information and stored image related information in association with the image data.

  Next, the image storage unit 11 requests device-dependent image processing from the image processing unit 13 (step S506). At this time, the image storage unit 11 passes the image data before image processing to the image processing unit 13. As a result, the image processing unit 13 performs image processing depending on the transfer source device 100a on the image data based on the device information of the own device (transfer source device) on which the function unit 13 operates (step S507). ), The image data after image processing is transferred to the image storage unit 11.

  Again, the image storage unit 11 requests the stored image holding unit 21 to write data (step S508). As a result, the data writing position information is transferred from the stored image holding unit 21 to the image storing unit 11.

  Next, the image accumulating unit 11 accesses the accumulated image holding unit 21, and stores and accumulates image data after image processing based on the data writing position information (step S509).

  In this manner, the transfer source device 100a stores image data before performing device-dependent image processing and image data after performing device-dependent image processing during image storage.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen when printing an accumulated image according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 12 shows an example of an operation screen on which the user can select and select an accumulated image to be printed on the own machine. As described above, in the present embodiment, even when the above two types of image data are accumulated, the image data is displayed on the operation screen W3 so as to be accumulated. This is because it is not necessary for the user to select two types of image data in accordance with the purpose of use, and the image processing apparatus 100 discriminates between the stored image print instruction and the stored image transfer instruction received from the user based on the operation event. However, it is only necessary to dynamically use two types of image data.

《Accumulated image print processing》
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of accumulated image printing according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 13, in the transfer source device 100a, when the stored image printing instruction is received via the operation screen W3, the storage printing unit 12 performs the following processing.

  When the accumulated printing unit 12 receives an accumulated image print instruction from the user (step S601: YES), the accumulated printing unit 12 requests the accumulated image holding unit 21 to read data (step S602). At this time, the accumulated printing unit 12 accesses the accumulated image holding unit 21 based on the accumulated image identification information designated at the time of printing instruction. As a result, the stored image holding unit 21 acquires the image data after image processing specified by the stored image identification information, and passes the acquired image data to the storage printing unit 12. As a result, the storage printing unit 12 acquires the stored image data after image processing (step S603).

  Next, the accumulation printing unit 12 requests the plotter 130 to perform printing (step S604). The accumulation printing unit 12 performs operation setting at the time of printing, and passes the image data after the image processing to the plotter 130 (step S605).

  In this way, the transfer source device 100a prints the image data after the device-dependent image processing accumulated at the time of image accumulation (image data after image processing optimized for the own device). That is, in the transfer source device 100a, it is not necessary to perform the image processing by the image processing unit 13 when printing the stored image by the own device, so the processing is shortened.

  Note that the processing procedure of stored image transfer according to the present embodiment is the same as the processing procedure of FIG. 6 shown in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

《Error detection process when writing data》
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of write error detection according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 14 shows a processing procedure example for detecting a write error from the stored image holding unit 21 in the data write request processing (steps S504 and S508 shown in FIG. 11) by the image storage unit 11.

  The image storage unit 11 determines whether an error (write error) indicating that there is no free space for storing the image data from the stored image holding unit 21 is detected when a data write request is made (step S701).

  When detecting a writing error (step S701: YES), the image storage unit 11 determines the data type of the image data in which the writing error has occurred (step S702).

  When the type of the image data in which the writing error has occurred is the image data before the image processing (step S702: [before image processing]), the image storage unit 11 accesses the storage state information holding unit 22 and writes the error. New accumulation state information 22D is generated based on the accumulated image identification information of the image data in which the occurrence has occurred (step S703). The image storage unit 11 records information indicating that the image data before and after image processing could not be stored in the generated storage state information 22D (step S704). Specifically, the image storage unit 11 records a value indicating “unstored” in the “before image processing” item and “after image processing” item of “storage state” in the storage state information 22D. At this time, the image data before the image processing in which the writing error has occurred is temporarily stored in the memory included in the transfer source device 100a. Further, image processing on the image data by the image processing unit 13 is not performed.

  On the other hand, when the type of the image data in which the writing error has occurred is the image data after the image processing (step S702: [after image processing]), the image storage unit 11 accesses the storage state information holding unit 22, Based on the accumulated image identification information of the image data in which the writing error has occurred, information indicating that the image data after the image processing could not be accumulated is recorded in the corresponding accumulation state information 22D (step S705). Specifically, the image storage unit 11 identifies the corresponding storage state information 22D based on the stored image identification information of the image data in which the write error has occurred. In the specified storage state information 22D, the image storage unit 11 records a value indicating “not stored” in the “after image processing” item of “storage state”. At this time, the image data after the image processing in which the writing error has occurred is temporarily stored in the memory included in the transfer source device 100a.

  Thus, in the transfer source device 100a, when the image data before the image processing cannot be stored in the storage state information 22D, there is a state in which the image data before and after the image processing cannot be stored. To be recorded. Further, in the transfer source device 100a, when the image data after the image processing cannot be stored, the state where only the image data after the image processing could not be stored is recorded in the storage state information 22D.

<< Management of stored image after writing error >>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of stored image management according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 15, in the transfer source device 100a, when the write error occurs and the storage state information 22D is recorded, the image storage unit 11 performs the following stored image management process.

  The image storage unit 11 accesses the storage state information holding unit 22 and determines whether or not the storage state information 22D is recorded (step S801).

  When the storage state information 22D is recorded (step S801: YES), the image storage unit 11 determines the data type of the image data in which information indicating that storage has failed (storage unprocessed) has been recorded (step S801). S802).

  When the image data type is image data before image processing (step S802: [before image processing]), the image storage unit 11 accesses the stored image holding unit 21 and temporarily stores the image in the memory. It is determined whether or not there is a free area where image data before processing can be stored (step S803). At this time, the image storage unit 11 compares the free capacity of the stored image holding unit 21 with the data amount of image data temporarily stored in the memory before image processing, and based on the comparison result, there is a free space that can be stored. It is determined whether or not there is.

  When there is a vacant area that can be stored in the stored image holding unit 21 (step S803: YES), the image storage unit 11 accesses the stored image holding unit 21, and based on the data writing position information, the image data before image processing Are stored and stored (step S804).

  Accordingly, the image storage unit 11 accesses the storage state information holding unit 22 and updates the corresponding storage state information 22D based on the stored image identification information of the stored image data (step S805). Specifically, the image storage unit 11 records and updates a value indicating “stored” in the “before image processing” item of “storage state” in the corresponding storage state information 22D. At this time, the stored image data before image processing is erased from the memory.

  Next, the image storage unit 11 requests the image processing unit 13 to perform device-dependent image processing. At this time, the image storage unit 11 passes the image data before image processing to the image processing unit 13. As a result, the image processing unit 13 performs image processing depending on the transfer source device 100a on the image data based on the device information of the own device (transfer source device) on which the function unit 13 operates (step S806). ), The image data after image processing is transferred to the image storage unit 11.

  Next, the image storage unit 11 accesses the stored image holding unit 21 and determines whether or not there is a free area in the memory where the image data after image processing temporarily stored can be stored (step S807).

  When there is an available space that can be stored in the stored image holding unit 21 (step S807: YES), the image storage unit 11 accesses the stored image holding unit 21, and based on the data writing position information, the image data after image processing Are stored and stored (step S808).

  Accordingly, the image storage unit 11 accesses the storage state information holding unit 22 and updates the corresponding storage state information 22D based on the stored image identification information of the stored image data (step S809). Specifically, the image storage unit 11 records and updates a value indicating “stored” in the “after image processing” item of “storage state” in the corresponding storage state information 22D. At this time, the accumulated image data after image processing is erased from the memory.

  In this way, the transfer source device 100a tries to store both the image data before and after the image processing when the image data before the image processing cannot be stored, and updates the storage state information 22D if the image data can be stored. To do.

  On the other hand, when the type of image data is image data after image processing (step S802: [after image processing]), the image storage unit 11 accesses the stored image holding unit 21 and is temporarily stored in the memory. It is determined whether there is a free area in which image data after image processing can be stored (step S810).

  When there is a free area that can be stored in the stored image holding unit 21 (step S810: YES), the image storage unit 11 accesses the stored image holding unit 21 and performs image processing after image processing based on the data writing position information. Are stored and accumulated (step S811).

  Thus, the image storage unit 11 accesses the storage state information holding unit 22 and updates the corresponding storage state information 22D based on the stored image identification information of the stored image data (step S812).

  In this way, the transfer source device 100a tries to store the image data after the image processing when only the image data after the image processing cannot be stored, and updates the storage state information 22D if it can be stored.

  The image storage unit 11 accesses the storage state information holding unit 22 and determines whether or not information indicating that image data has been stored is recorded in the updated storage state information 22D (step S813). Specifically, the image storage unit 11 records a value indicating “stored” in the “before image processing” item and “after image processing” item of “storage state” in the updated storage state information 22D. It is determined whether or not.

  When information indicating that image data has been stored is recorded in the updated storage state information 22D (step S813: YES), the image storage unit 11 deletes the corresponding record from the storage state information holding unit 22 (step S813). S814). Specifically, the image storage unit 11 deletes the storage state information 22D in which a value indicating “stored” is recorded in the “before image processing” item and the “after image processing” item of the “storage state”.

  The image storage unit 11 repeats the above process as many times as the number of storage state information 22D recorded in the storage state information holding unit 22, and ends the process when all the storage state information 22D is deleted.

  If there is no free space that can be stored in the stored image holding unit 21 (steps S803, S807, S810: NO), the image storage unit 11 proceeds to the process of step S801 and continues the process.

  In this way, the transfer source device 100a manages the stored image print image data by itself and the stored image transfer image data by device cooperation (stored image print image data by the cooperation destination device). The image data can be used properly according to the purpose of use of the stored image.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the transfer source device 100a according to the present embodiment, when the image storage unit 11 receives an image storage instruction, the image data before performing image processing depending on the device (stored image by device cooperation). (Transfer image data) and image data after image processing depending on the apparatus (image data for printing the stored image by the own device) are stored in the stored image holding unit 21.

  When the image storage / printing unit 12 receives the stored image printing instruction, the transfer source device 100a accesses the stored image holding unit 21 and prints the stored image data for printing the stored image. As a result, in the transfer source device 100a, the image processing by the image processing unit 13 does not have to be performed when the stored image is printed by the own device, so the processing is shortened.

  When the image transfer unit 14 receives the stored image transfer instruction, the transfer source device 100a accesses the stored image holding unit 21 and transmits the stored image data for stored image transfer to the transfer destination device 100b. To do. As a result, the transfer destination device 100b can perform optimal image processing in the device based on the image data before the image processing of the transfer source device 100a, and an output result that is not affected by the image processing of the transfer source device 100a is obtained.

  Thereby, the image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment can obtain a high-quality output result at the transfer destination device 100b and efficiently perform the stored image output processing of the transfer source device 100a in device cooperation by image transfer.

  The above-described embodiment has been described so far. The “image processing function” according to the above-described embodiment is a programming language suitable for the operating environment (platform). The coded program is realized by being executed by an arithmetic unit (CPU) included in the image processing apparatus 100.

  The program can be stored in a computer-readable recording medium 114a. Thereby, for example, the program can be installed in the image processing apparatus 100 via the external storage I / F 114. Further, since the image processing apparatus 100 includes the network I / F 113, the program can be downloaded and installed using an electric communication line.

  Finally, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations of other elements with the shapes and configurations described in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing system 11 Image storage part 12 Storage printing part 13 Image processing part 14 Image transfer part 21 Accumulated image holding part 22 Accumulation state information holding part (D: Accumulation state information)
100 image processing apparatus (a: transfer source device, b transfer destination device)
110 Controller (Control board)
111 CPU (arithmetic unit)
112 Storage device (ROM, RAM, HDD)
113 Network I / F
114 External storage I / F (a: recording medium)
120 Operation panel 130 Plotter 140 Scanner B Bus N Data transmission path (network)
DV device

JP 2004-194278 A

Claims (6)

An image processing apparatus that is connected to a transfer destination device that outputs image data stored in its own device via a predetermined data transmission path, and that outputs a stored image by device cooperation,
An image holding unit that holds the image data,
Transfer means for transferring the image data to the transfer destination device;
Image processing means for performing image processing depending on at least the transfer destination device with respect to the image data;
The image holding unit holds at least the image data before the image processing unit performs image processing on the image data,
The transfer means determines a data type of image data to be transmitted to the transfer destination device based on transfer destination data type information indicating a data type of image data received at the time of transfer from the transfer destination device.
When it is determined that the data type of the image data is image data after performing image processing depending on the transfer destination device,
The image processing means performs image processing depending on the transfer destination device on the received image data before image processing, and passes the image data after image processing to the transfer means,
The image processing apparatus , wherein the transfer unit transmits the received image data after image processing. Accumulating means for accessing the image holding means and storing and accumulating the image data;
Anda print means for printing accumulated image data before Symbol image holding means,
The printing means passes image data before image processing acquired from the image holding means to the image processing means based on the accumulated image identification information designated at the time of printing,
Wherein the image processing means, the received image pre-processing of image data, performs image processing that depends on the ship, passes the processed image data to said printing means,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit prints received image data after image processing. The storage means accesses the image holding means, stores image data before image processing dependent on the image processing apparatus and image data after image processing dependent on the image processing apparatus,
The printing means, the image processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that to print the pre-Symbol processed image data obtained from the image holding means. The storage status information indicating whether the accumulated image data and an information holding means for holding a predetermined storage area,
The storage means accesses the information holding means when there is no free space for storing image data in the image holding means, and records information indicating that the image data could not be stored as the storage state information of the image data. When there is a free capacity for storing image data that could not be stored in the image holding means, the information holding means is accessed and updated to information indicating that the storage status information of the corresponding image data has been stored, 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein storage of the corresponding image data in the image holding unit is repeated until the accumulation state information of the corresponding image data is updated to information indicating that the image data has been accumulated. . An image processing apparatus that outputs an accumulated image by cooperation between an image processing apparatus that transmits image data accumulated in its own apparatus and a transfer destination apparatus that is a transmission destination of the image data via a predetermined data transmission path. A processing system,
The image processing apparatus includes :
An image holding unit that holds the image data,
Transfer means for transferring the image data to the transfer destination device;
Image processing means for performing image processing depending on the transfer destination device for the image data;
The image holding means holds image data before the image processing means performs image processing on the image data;
The transfer means determines a data type of image data to be transmitted to the transfer destination device based on transfer destination data type information indicating a data type of image data received at the time of transfer from the transfer destination device.
When determining that the data type of image data to be transmitted to the transfer destination device is image data after performing image processing depending on the transfer destination device,
The image processing means performs image processing depending on the transfer destination device on the received image data before image processing, and passes the image data after image processing to the transfer means,
The transfer means transmits the received image processed image data,
The destination device is
The image processing system characterized by printing the image data after the image processing received from the image processing apparatus. The image data includes an image holding unit that holds, via a predetermined data transmission path is connected to the transfer destination device to output image data stored in the image holding unit, an image for performing an accumulation image output by device cooperation An image processing program in a processing device,
Computer
Transfer means for transferring the image data to the transfer destination device;
For the image data, function as image processing means for performing image processing depending on the transfer destination device ,
The image holding means holds image data before the image processing means performs image processing on the image data;
The transfer means determines a data type of image data to be transmitted to the transfer destination device based on transfer destination data type information indicating a data type of image data received at the time of transfer from the transfer destination device.
When determining that the data type of image data to be transmitted to the transfer destination device is image data after performing image processing depending on the transfer destination device,
The image processing means performs image processing depending on the transfer destination device on the received image data before image processing, and passes the image data after image processing to the transfer means,
The transfer means is an image processing program for transmitting received image data after image processing.

Images