JP6696234B2 - Image forming apparatus, image processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

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

  2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral), components including a plurality of LSIs that generate images are mounted on a board. In order to reduce the development cost and the mass production cost, it is general that the components and the substrate are shared. Although development costs can be reduced by using common parts and boards, there is a problem that it is difficult to support fields such as product printing that require high-performance printing processing.

  Therefore, it has been proposed to increase the transfer rate of signals between the components mounted on the board by using PCI Express (registered trademark) or the like to improve the capability of the image forming apparatus (for example, Patent Document 1). ..

  However, there is a problem in that the performance of each component becomes a bottleneck merely by improving the signal transfer speed between the components, and the high-speed printing processing required for product printing or the like is not sufficient.

  When the image forming apparatus receives a large number of print processing requests from one external device in product printing or the like, the print processing request from one external device occupies the resources of the image forming apparatus. However, there is a problem that it takes time to receive and execute a print processing request from the external device.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to realize high-speed printing processing by an image forming apparatus.

According to one aspect, the first receiving unit that receives the image data and the print request signal of the image data transmitted from the external device through the first route, and the determination that determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. And a switching unit that switches a route for receiving the image data from the first route to a second route different from the first route when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, A second receiving unit that receives data from the second path ; a print data generating unit that receives the image data from the first receiving unit and generates print data from the image data; An intermediate data generation unit that receives the image data from the second reception unit, performs a predetermined process on the image data, and generates intermediate data, and the print data generation unit includes the intermediate data generation unit. Is provided, the print data is generated from the intermediate data, and the predetermined process is a process different from the process executed by the print data generating unit .

  High-speed printing processing by the image forming apparatus can be realized.

It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the image processing system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the input path of the image forming apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the image forming apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of functional composition of an image forming device concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a functional structure of the capability improvement part which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation sequence which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation | movement flow which concerns on this embodiment.

<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of an image processing system 1 according to this embodiment. The external device 20 is realized by a personal computer, a server, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like, and is connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via a cable or the network 2. The external device 20 transmits image data to the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 is realized by, for example, a printer, a copy machine, an MFP, or the like. Although one external device 20 is illustrated in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 receives image data from a plurality of external devices 20.

  When the present embodiment is applied to product printing, the server holding the image data transmits the image data to the image forming apparatus 10. In this case, the image forming apparatus 10 may obtain the image data from the server constructed on the cloud via the network 2.

  The image forming apparatus 10 receives the image data from the external device 20, and executes the print process for the image data. The image forming apparatus 10 has an image reading function, and performs image data generation and storage processing in response to receiving an image scanning process from the user of the image forming apparatus 10. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 reads an image, generates image data, and executes a printing process on the generated image data in response to the image copying process received from the user.

  Next, the input path of the image data of the external device 20 and the control data to the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an input path between the general image forming apparatus 10A and the external device 20.

  The image forming apparatus 10A has an overall control unit 150A that performs overall control of image processing and printing processing in the image forming apparatus 10A.

  The overall control unit 150A of the image forming apparatus 10A uses the first input path 30 to exchange control signals with the external device 20. Further, the image forming apparatus 10A receives the image data from the external device 20 using the first input path 30. In this case, as the external device 20, a general personal computer or the like is used.

  FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an input path between the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment and the external device 20. The image forming apparatus 10 includes an overall control unit 150 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 10A, and a capability improving unit 170 that executes high-speed and high-quality image forming processing. The capability improving unit 170 receives image data from the external device 20 via the second input path 31. The function of the ability improving unit 170 will be described later.

  The overall control unit 150 transmits / receives a control signal such as a print request signal to / from the external device 20 via the first input path 30. The overall control unit 150 may receive image data from the external device 20 via the first input path 30.

  As the external device 20, it is assumed that a product print server or the like that transmits a large amount of image data to the image forming apparatus 10 is used.

  The image forming apparatus 10 instructs the external device 20 on an input path used for receiving image data from the external device 20.

  When a large amount of image data such as a product print is input to the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 uses the second input path 31 to input the image data from the external apparatus 20. A notification instructing to may be transmitted. For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a print request requesting printing of a predetermined number of sheets or more, the image forming apparatus 10 may transmit a notification instructing.

  For example, when the usage rate of the first input path 30 exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the image forming apparatus 10 transmits a notification instructing the external device 20 to input image data via the second path. May be.

  As a result, even when a large amount of image data is received from the external device 20, it is possible to prevent the resources of the overall control unit 150 and the first input path 30 from being occupied by a large amount of image data. .. The overall control unit 150 can receive a print request from another external device 20 and execute print processing.

  For example, when the advanced image processing provided by the capability improving unit 170 is required, the image forming apparatus 10 sends a notification for instructing the external device 20 to input the image data via the second input path 31. You may send it.

  As a result, it is possible to execute high-quality image processing that cannot be provided by the general image forming apparatus 10A.

  For example, when the load on the overall control unit 150 or the like exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the image forming apparatus 10 transmits a notification instructing the external device 20 to input image data via the second input path 31. May be.

  As a result, the load is distributed between the overall control unit 150 and the capacity improving unit 170, and the processing capacity of the image forming apparatus 10 can be improved.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 changes the input path of the image data based on the amount of image data that needs to be printed, the attribute of the image data, the load of the image forming apparatus, and the like. This makes it possible to execute high-speed and high-quality image forming processing. Further, the capacity improving unit 170 can be added to the general image forming apparatus 10A. Therefore, it is possible to improve the processing capacity of the image forming apparatus 10 while using existing parts and software.

  In addition, it is preferable that the transmission capacity of the second input path 31 is ensured so that the print processing capacity of the image forming apparatus 10 can be maximized.

  Further, it is preferable that the transmission capacity of the second input path 31 is determined according to the type of the external device 20 connected. For example, when the external device 20 is a server compatible with product printing, the second input path 31 may be set according to the VbyOne standard. In this case, the capacity of the second input path 31 needs to be about 300 Gbps, and the length of the second input path 31 can be extended to about 5 m.

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU 101 that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10, a ROM 102 that stores a program used to drive the CPU 101, and a RAM 103 that is used as a work area of the CPU 101. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 stores various data such as image data, document data, programs, font data and form data, programs for the image forming apparatus, and reads or writes various data to the HD 104 under the control of the CPU 101. A HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104a that controls the HDD is provided.

  The image forming apparatus 10 has a plurality of network I / Fs 105 for data communication using a network and various cables.

The image forming apparatus 10 includes a switching circuit 106 that performs path switching processing. Further, an image processing device 107 that performs image processing on the image data received from the external device 20 to generate intermediate data may be provided. The generated intermediate data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 108 that executes the printing process. The image forming apparatus 10 displays various information such as menus, windows, characters, and images, and also displays characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like. Having the operation panel 109 provided with a plurality of keys for input, the printing apparatus 108 performs various printing processes according to the operation content of the operation panel 109 and the print request received from the external device.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an external storage device I / F unit 111, which is an interface unit for connecting to an external storage medium such as a USB flash memory or SmartMedia (registered trademark), and the above-described components. A bus line B such as an address bus or a data bus for electrical connection is provided as shown in FIG.

  The CPU 101 reads out and executes the program stored in the ROM 102 or the like to realize each function of the image forming apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 2.

<Functional configuration>
The functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes an image reading unit 110, an image processing unit 120, a print processing unit 130, an operation unit 140, an overall control unit 150, a print control unit 160, and a capability improving unit 170. The functional blocks are connected via the interfaces (32 to 40) set between the functional blocks. Through this interface, transmission / reception of image data and the like, transmission / reception of control signals, and monitoring of the operating state of each functional block are performed.

  The operation unit 140 displays various states regarding the image forming apparatus 10. The operation unit 140 receives various instructions from the user of the image forming apparatus 10 and notifies the overall control unit 150 of the received content. The interface 33 is used to notify the received content.

  The image reading unit 110 provides the user with a scanner function and a copy function. When the operation unit 140 receives an image reading instruction from the user, the image reading unit 110 receives an image reading instruction from the overall control unit 150. The interface 35 is used for the image reading instruction. The image reading unit 110 executes the image reading process in response to the instruction to read the image. Specifically, the image reading unit 110 reads an image on a sheet set on a reading surface of the image forming apparatus 10 or a document feeder (a reading document setting unit). The image reading unit 110 transmits the image data of the read image to the image processing unit 120. The interface 37 is used for transmitting the image data.

  The overall control unit 150 performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 10. The overall control unit 150 receives the instruction content received from the user by the operation unit 140, and controls the image reading unit 110, the image processing unit 120, and the print control unit 160.

  The overall control unit 150 receives image data from the external device 20 via the first input path 30. The overall control unit 150 sends the image data to the image processing unit 120 and instructs the image processing unit 120 to process the image data. The image data processing instruction is transmitted to the image processing unit 120 via the interface 34, the capability improving unit 170, and the interface 36.

  The overall control unit 150 transmits / receives a control signal to / from the external device 20 via the first input path 30. The control signal includes a signal for monitoring.

  The image processing unit 120 performs image processing on the received image data, generates print data, and transmits the generated print data to the print processing unit 130. The interface 38 is used to transmit the print data. The image processing unit 120 receives an image processing instruction from the print control unit 160. The interface 39 is used to transmit the image processing instruction.

  The image processing unit 120 performs image processing such as gradation processing, color tone correction processing, compression processing, enlargement / reduction processing, and density conversion on image data. Here, the gradation process is to set a brightness value within a predetermined range according to brightness to each pixel included in the image data. Color tone correction is a process for bringing image data closer to the original image.

  The print processing unit 130 receives print data from the image processing unit 120. The print processing unit 130 receives the instruction from the print control unit 160 and executes print processing using the received print data. Specifically, the print processing unit 130 transfers and fixes print data on a sheet. The interface 40 is used to receive the instruction from the print control unit 160.

  The print control unit 160 receives the instruction from the overall control unit 150, operates the image processing unit 120 and the print processing unit 130, and causes the image processing and the print processing to be executed. The overall control unit 150 transmits various control commands such as printing start and interruption to the print control unit 160. The interface 32 is used to receive the instruction from the overall control unit 150.

  The capacity improving unit 170 is used for increasing the speed and improving the performance of the image forming apparatus 10. The capability improving unit 170 will be described with reference to FIG. The capacity improving unit 170 includes a process cooperation unit 171, a switching processing unit 172, and an intermediate processing unit 173.

  The process cooperation unit 171 acquires the status of the external device 20, the content of the process received from the external device 20, the processing status of the overall control unit 150 and the image processing unit 120, and the like from the overall control unit 150. The capability improving unit 170 determines whether or not it is necessary to switch the route for receiving the image data from the external device 20 based on these pieces of information.

  When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the process cooperation unit 171 determines to switch the route for receiving the image data from the first input route 30 to the second input route 31.

  For example, when the processing load of the overall control unit 150 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the process cooperation unit 171 determines to switch the route for receiving image data from the first input route 30 to the second input route 31. Good.

  For example, when the usage rate of the first route exceeds a predetermined threshold, the process cooperation unit 171 determines to switch the route for receiving image data from the first input route 30 to the second input route 31. Good.

  For example, the processing cooperation unit 171 switches the path for receiving image data from the first input path 30 to the second input path 31 when the number of printed sheets included in the print request from the external device 20 exceeds a predetermined number. You may judge that.

  When it is determined that the switching is necessary, the processing cooperation unit 171 notifies the overall control unit 150 that the input path is switched.

  In response to the processing cooperation unit 171 determining to switch the route for receiving the image data, the switching processing unit 172 executes the route switching process. The switching processing unit 172 transmits a notification instructing the external device 20 to transmit the image data to the second route. The overall control unit 150 may send this notification.

  Upon receiving the image data from the external device 20, the switching processing unit 172 transfers the image data to the image processing unit 120.

  The switching processing unit 172 executes transfer of image data and control signals, and priority control at the time of transfer. Specifically, the switching processing unit 172 receives the image data and the control signal from the overall control unit 150 via the interface 34, and transmits the image data to the image processing unit 120 via the interface 36. The switching processing unit 172 also transfers the image data received from the second input path 31 and the intermediate data generated by the intermediate processing unit 173 to the image processing unit 120 via the interface 36.

  The switching processing unit 172 transfers the image data and the control signal transferred to the image processing unit 120 via the interface 36 in accordance with a predetermined priority. The switching processing unit 172 accumulates low-priority data (for example, image data and monitoring signals) for a predetermined period, and transfers high-priority data (for example, control signals related to print processing). It may be transferred after completion. Further, the switching processing unit 172 may instruct the external device 20 and the overall control unit 150 to stop the transmission of the low priority data for a predetermined period.

  When it is necessary to process the image data by the capability improving unit 170, for example, when the image processing unit 120 performs more advanced image processing, the switching processing unit 172 transfers the image data to the intermediate processing unit 173.

  The intermediate processing unit 173 performs color tone correction processing, gradation processing, compression processing, and the like on the image data to generate intermediate data. The intermediate processing unit 173 may execute color tone correction processing, gradation processing, compression processing, and the like that are different from the color tone correction processing, gradation processing, compression processing, and the like executed by the image processing unit 120.

  When the processing cooperation unit 171 needs to generate the intermediate data from the image data, for example, when it is determined from the print request that the processing by the intermediate processing unit 173 is necessary, the processing cooperation unit 171 determines that the input path needs to be switched, The switching processing unit may be instructed to switch the input path from the first input path 30 to the second input path 31.

  The intermediate processing unit 173 executes, for example, γ conversion in order to correct the color tone.

  The intermediate processing unit 173 performs gradation processing on the image data to generate image data with a reduced value. For example, the intermediate processing unit 173 converts the pixel data included in the image data represented by 8 bits (256 gradations) into the pixel data of 2 bits (4 gradations) or 1 bit (2 gradations).

  The intermediate processing unit 173 performs a compression process on the image data. The compression of image data can also be realized by gradation processing.

  The capability improving unit 170 transmits the generated intermediate data to the image processing unit 120. The image processing unit 120 performs image processing on the intermediate data when additional image processing is necessary, and generates print data. The additional image processing is executed when the type of processing not provided by the intermediate processing unit 173 is required. For example, enlargement / reduction processing, density conversion, etc. may be executed as additional image processing. If no additional image processing is required, the image processing unit 120 sends the received intermediate data to the print processing unit 130 as print data.

  The size of the image data is reduced by the gradation processing and compression processing of the intermediate processing unit 173. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the capacity of the interface (the interface 36 or the like) between the functional blocks occupied by the image data.

  The image processing unit 120 may be provided with a generally used image processing function, and the capability improving unit 170 may be provided with a function of performing higher image processing than the image processing unit 120. The advanced image processing is, for example, gradation processing, compression processing, and color tone correction processing used for product printing or the like that is different from the generally used one. As a result, it becomes possible to add an advanced function used for product printing or the like to the image forming apparatus 10 while diminishing costs by diverting existing functions.

<Operating procedure>
(1) Operation Sequence An operation sequence according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S601, the overall control unit 150 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives a print request from the external device 20. The print request includes the print execution content and the attribute of the image data to be printed.

  In step S <b> 602, the capability improving unit 170 receives a notification that the print request has been accepted from the overall control unit 150. The notification may include print execution contents, image data attributes, the processing load of the overall control unit 150, the usage status of the interface in the image forming apparatus 10, and the like.

  In step S603, the ability improving unit 170 determines whether or not the input path needs to be switched. Here, it is assumed that the capability improving unit 170 determines that the switching from the first input path 30 to the second input path 31 is necessary.

  In step S604, the capability improving unit 170 notifies the overall control unit 150 that the image data related to the received print request will be received from the second input path 31.

  In step S605. The capability improving unit 170 gives an instruction to transmit the image data related to the print request to the image forming apparatus 10 using the second input path 31.

  In step S606, the external device 20 uses the second input path 31 to transmit the image data to the capability improving unit 170.

(2) Operation Flow The operation flow according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

  In step S701, the overall control unit 150 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives a print request from the external device 20.

  In step S702, the overall control unit 150 activates each function of the image forming apparatus 10 to execute the image processing and the print processing.

  In step S703, the capability improving unit 170 sets the image data input path from the first input path 30 to the second input path 31 in response to the notification that the print request has been received from the overall control unit 150. It is determined whether it is necessary to switch to.

  When the input path is switched (Yes in step S703), the process proceeds to step S704. On the other hand, when the input path is not switched (No in step S703), the process proceeds to step S708.

  In step S704, the capability improving unit 170 instructs the external device 20 to transmit the image data to the second input path 31.

  When the capability improving unit 170 receives the image data from the external device 20 in step S705, the switching processing unit 172 determines whether the intermediate processing unit 173 needs to process the image data.

  When it is determined that the processing in the intermediate processing unit 173 is necessary (Yes in step S705), the process proceeds to step S706. On the other hand, when it is determined that the processing in the intermediate processing unit 173 is unnecessary (No in step S705), the process proceeds to step S707.

  In step S706, the intermediate processing unit 173 performs image processing on the image data to generate intermediate data.

  In step S707, the capability improving unit 170 transmits the image data or the intermediate data to the image processing unit 120.

  In step S <b> 708, the overall control unit 150 receives the image data from the external device 20, and transmits the received image data to the image processing unit 120.

  In step S709, the image processing unit 120 performs image processing on the image data or the intermediate data to generate print data.

  In step S710, the print processing unit 130 executes print processing on the print data based on the instruction from the print control unit 160.

  In step S711, the print control unit 160 notifies the overall control unit 150 that the printing process has been completed, and the overall control unit 150 notifies the external device 20 that the printing process has been completed.

  In the above-described operation procedure, the case where the print request is received from the external device 20 has been described, but the same applies when the operation unit 140 receives an instruction such as a copy from the user and the image reading unit 110 reads an image. It is possible to carry out the procedure. In this case, the switching processing unit 172 instructs the image reading unit 110 to transmit the image data to the ability improving unit 170 or the overall control unit 150.

  The overall control unit 150 may execute the switching determination and the switching instruction to the external device 20.

[Other]
The overall control unit 150 is an example of a first receiving unit. The ability improving unit 170 is an example of a second receiving unit. The process cooperation unit 171 is an example of a determination unit. The switching processing unit 172 is an example of a switching unit and a notification unit. The image processing unit 120 is an example of a print data generation unit. The intermediate processing unit 173 is an example of an intermediate data generation unit.

  The first input path is an example of the first path. The second input path is an example of the second path.

  A storage medium recording a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments may be supplied to the image forming apparatus 10. Needless to say, the above-described embodiment is also achieved by the image forming apparatus 10 reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes one of the embodiments. Here, the storage medium is a recording medium or a non-transitory storage medium.

  Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments are not only realized by executing the program code read by the computer device. An operating system (OS) or the like running on the computer device may perform a part or all of the actual processing according to the instructions of the program code. Further, it goes without saying that the functions of the above-described embodiments may be realized by the processing.

  Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made within the scope of the present invention.

1 Image Processing System 2 Network 10 Image Forming Apparatus 20 External Device 30 First Input Path 31 Second Input Path 110 Image Reading Unit 120 Image Processing Unit 130 Print Processing Unit 140 Operation Unit 150 Overall Control Unit 160 Print Control Unit 170 Capability Improvement unit 171 Processing cooperation unit 172 Switching processing unit 173 Intermediate processing unit

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-065847

Claims (8)

A first receiving unit that receives image data transmitted from an external device and a print request signal for the image data from a first path;
A determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied,
When it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, a switching unit that switches the path for receiving the image data from the first path to a second path different from the first path,
A second receiver that receives the image data from the second path;
A print data generation unit that receives the image data from the first reception unit and generates print data from the image data;
An intermediate data generation unit that receives the image data from the second reception unit, performs a predetermined process on the image data, and generates intermediate data;
Have
The print data generation unit receives the intermediate data, generates the print data from the intermediate data,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the predetermined process is different from the process executed by the print data generating unit. If the load of the first receiver exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the determination unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
If the usage rate of the first path exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the determination unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the number of printed sheets included in the print request signal exceeds a predetermined number, the determining unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied. The determination unit determines whether to generate the intermediate data from the image data,
If the is determined to generate the intermediate data, the switching unit, a path for receiving the image data is switched from the first path to the second path, in any one of claims 1 to 4 The image forming apparatus described. The print data generation unit performs a first gradation process, a first compression process, or a first color tone correction process on the image data,
The intermediate data generation unit, for the image data, a second gradation process different from the first gradation process, a second compression process different from the first compression process, or the first color tone. executing the correction process is different from the second color correction processing, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The image forming device
A first receiving step of receiving image data transmitted from an external device and a print request signal of the image data from a first path;
Determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied,
Switching the path for receiving the image data from the first path to a second path different from the first path when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied,
A second receiving step of receiving the image data from the second path;
A print data generating step of receiving the image data in the first receiving step and generating print data from the image data;
A step of receiving the image data in the second receiving step, performing a predetermined process on the image data, and generating intermediate data;
Run
The print data generating step receives the intermediate data, generates the print data from the intermediate data,
The image processing method, wherein the predetermined process is a process different from the process executed in the print data generating step. Image forming device,
A first receiving step of receiving image data transmitted from an external device and a print request signal of the image data from a first path;
Determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied,
Switching the path for receiving the image data from the first path to a second path different from the first path when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied,
A second receiving step of receiving the image data from the second path;
A print data generating step of receiving the image data in the first receiving step and generating print data from the image data;
A step of receiving the image data in the second receiving step, performing a predetermined process on the image data, and generating intermediate data;
Run
The print data generating step receives the intermediate data, generates the print data from the intermediate data,
The program, wherein the predetermined process is different from the process executed in the print data generating step.

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