JP6780621B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that performs a job based on image data obtained by reading a manuscript.

When a plurality of jobs are input, the image processing device stores the data of the plurality of jobs in the storage unit. Then, some image processing devices perform processing related to each job in parallel. By parallel processing, it may be possible to process multiple jobs quickly. Patent Document 1 describes an example of an image processing apparatus that executes jobs in parallel.

Specifically, in Patent Document 1, it is possible to execute image processing of each of a plurality of registered jobs in parallel, and when one job is registered, there is free space for the image processing of the jobs. In the state where the area exists, the free area is secured as the guaranteed area of the job, and when the free area for the predetermined capacity exists after the secured area of one job is secured, the image processing of the job in which the guaranteed area is secured. Therefore, an image processing device having an empty area as an extended area is described. With this configuration, a guaranteed area for image processing of each job is secured in the shared storage unit, and a plurality of jobs can be executed in parallel in each guaranteed area. Further, when there is a free area, the guaranteed area is expanded to effectively use the storage unit, and the job is completed quickly (see Patent Document 1: Claim 1, paragraph [0008]).

JP-A-2009-200673

Image processing equipment may include a scanner. Some scanners can automatically transport a set document and read both sides of the conveyed document. In double-sided scanning of a conveyed document, image data for two sides (two pages) is generated from one document. The image data (input image data) of each surface obtained by reading is input to the storage unit. The image processing device processes the input image data. The image processing device executes a job based on the image data for which image processing has been completed.

The storage unit is provided with an area for pooling input image data (input pool area). In addition, an output pool area is provided in the storage unit. The output pool area is an area for generating and holding image data for job execution based on the input image data. Then, in the double-sided reading job, each area is required for each surface. That is, the double-sided reading job requires a total of four areas. Compared to single-sided reading, double-sided reading has a larger capacity of an area to be secured in the storage unit.

Then, an input pool area and an output pool area may be provided in a shared storage unit such as a RAM. However, not only the image data is stored in the shared storage unit. For example, the firmware and application are read into the shared storage unit. Then, in a model (low-end machine) whose price is suppressed, the capacity of the shared storage unit may be suppressed. If the capacity of the shared storage unit is small, it may not be possible to allocate a large amount of capacity to the input pool area and the output pool area. That is, it may be difficult to secure a total of four areas. As a result, there is a problem that the implementation of the double-sided reading function may be restricted.

In the image processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of jobs can be executed in parallel. However, there is no description about securing a storage area at the time of double-sided reading. Therefore, the above problem cannot be solved.

In view of the above problems of the prior art, the present invention reuses the storage area for input so that both sides of the original can be read in parallel even if the capacity of the shared storage unit is small.

The image processing device according to the present invention includes a document reading device, a storage device, a job execution unit, an image processing unit, and a control unit. The document reading device can read one side and the other side of a document in parallel. The storage device stores data. The job execution unit executes a job based on the image data. The image processing unit performs image processing. The control unit controls the storage of image data in the storage device. In the case of a double-sided reading job in which the document reading device reads both sides of a document, the control unit sets a first input area, a second input area, and an output area in the storage device. The control unit stores the first input image data obtained by reading one side of the document in the first input area. The control unit stores the second input image data obtained by reading the other side of the document in the second input area. The control unit stores the first output image data based on the first input image data in the output area. After the storage of the first output image data is completed, the control unit erases the corresponding first input image data. The control unit causes the job execution unit to execute a job based on the first output image data image-processed by the image processing unit. After erasing the first input image data, the control unit stores the second output image data based on the second input image data in the first input area. The control unit causes the job execution unit to execute a job based on the second output image data image-processed by the image processing unit.

According to the present invention, the storage area for input can be reused as the area for output. Even if the capacity of the shared storage unit is small, both sides of the document can be read in parallel.

It is a figure which shows an example of the multifunction device which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the document reading apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the document reading apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of double-sided reading by the multifunction device which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing flow of the double-sided reading job which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing flow of the double-sided reading job which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing flow of the double-sided reading job which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing flow of the double-sided reading job which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing flow of the double-sided reading job which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing flow of the double-sided reading job which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing flow of the double-sided reading job which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing flow of the double-sided reading job which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the size setting process of each area which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data stored in the storage part which concerns on embodiment.

Hereinafter, the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14. As an image processing device, the multifunction device 100 will be described as an example. Each element such as the configuration and the arrangement described in the description of the present embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an example of description.

(Multifunction device 100)
The multifunction device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the multifunction device 100 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction device 100 includes a control unit 1, a document reading device 2, a storage unit 3, an operation panel 4, a printing unit 5, and a communication unit 6.

The control unit 1 controls the operation of the multifunction device 100. The control unit 1 controls operations in jobs such as copying and transmission. The control unit 1 includes a CPU 11 and an image processing unit 12. The storage unit 3 includes a RAM 30 (corresponding to a storage device). Further, the storage unit 3 includes a ROM 31 and a storage 32 (HDD or SSD). The control unit 1 controls each unit based on the program and data of the storage unit 3. The document reading device 2 reads the document and generates image data (details will be described later). The image processing unit 12 performs image processing on the image data generated by the document reading device 2.

The operation panel 4 accepts the user's settings. The operation panel 4 includes a display panel 41, a touch panel 42, and a hard key 43. The control unit 1 displays a message or a setting screen on the display panel 41. The control unit 1 displays the operation image on the display panel 41. Operational images are, for example, buttons, keys, and tabs. Based on the output of the touch panel 42, the control unit 1 recognizes the operated operation image. The hard key 43 includes a start key and a numeric keypad. The touch panel 42 and the hard key 43 accept the user's setting operation (operation related to the job). For example, the operation panel 4 accepts a job setting for reading both sides of a document. The control unit 1 recognizes the setting contents based on the output of the operation panel 4.

The printing unit 5 includes a paper feeding unit 5a, a paper conveying unit 5b, an image forming unit 5c, a fixing unit 5d, and a double-sided conveying unit 5e. At the time of a print job, the control unit 1 supplies the paper to the paper feed unit 5a. The control unit 1 conveys the paper to the paper conveying unit 5b. The paper transport unit 5b discharges the printed paper to the outside of the machine. The control unit 1 causes the image forming unit 5c to form a toner image based on the image data. The control unit 1 causes the image forming unit 5c to transfer the toner image to the transport paper. The control unit 1 causes the fixing unit 5d to fix the transferred toner image on the paper.

At the time of double-sided printing, the control unit 1 operates the double-sided transfer unit 5e. The double-sided transport portion 5e includes a reversing roller 51. The control unit 1 conveys the single-sided printed paper to the reversing roller 51 toward the discharge tray. The control unit 1 reverses the rotation direction of the reversing roller 51 before it is completely discharged. As a result, the paper is switched back. The switchback flips the front and back of the single-sided printed paper. The switched-back single-sided printed paper is sent to the double-sided transport path 52. A pair of rollers for transport is provided in the double-sided transport path 52. The double-sided transport path 52 is connected to the paper transport path on the upstream side of the image forming unit 5c. The double-sided transport unit 5e feeds the switched back paper back upstream of the image forming unit 5c. As a result, the paper is fed to the image forming unit 5c again. The control unit 1 causes the image forming unit 5c to form a toner image. Then, the control unit 1 transfers the toner image to the unprinted surface. The control unit 1 fixes the toner image of the paper that has undergone the second transfer. The control unit 1 discharges the double-sided printed paper to the paper transport unit 5b toward the discharge tray.

The communication unit 6 includes communication hardware (communication circuit) and software. The communication unit 6 communicates with the computer 200 and the fax device 300. The computer 200 is, for example, a PC or a server. The operation panel 4 accepts the destination setting. The control unit 1 causes the communication unit 6 to transmit image data based on the reading of the original to the set destination (scan transmission, fax transmission). Further, the communication unit 6 receives print data from the computer 200 and the fax device 300. The control unit 1 causes the print unit 5 to print based on the received print data (print job, fax reception print).

(Original reader 2)
Next, an example of the document reading device 2 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams showing an example of the document reading device 2 according to the embodiment.

The document reading device 2 includes a document transporting unit 7 and an image reading unit 8. As shown in FIG. 2, the document transport unit 7 is provided above the image reading unit 8. The document transport unit 7 opens and closes in the vertical direction with respect to the image reading unit 8. The document transport unit 7 functions as a cover that holds the document from above. The user sets the document in the document transport section 7 so that the surface faces upward. The document transport unit 7 transports the documents set in the document tray 71 one by one. The document transport unit 7 transports the document toward the feed reading contact glass 81 (reading position).

The image reading unit 8 reads the document transported by the document transport unit 7. The image reading unit 8 reads the surface of the document. The image reading unit 8 generates surface image data. In the double-sided scanning job, the document transporting unit 7 reads the back surface of the transported document. The document transport unit 7 generates image data on the back surface. The generated image data is stored in the RAM 30 of the storage unit 3. The RAM 30 is shared (shared storage device). Data other than image data, programs, firmware, software, and applications are also stored in the RAM 30.

The double-sided scanning job is, for example, a copy job that reads both sides of a document and a scan transmission job that reads both sides of a document. The copy job is a job for causing the printing unit 5 to print based on the image data obtained by reading. The scan transmission job is a job of transmitting image data based on reading from the communication unit 6. The operation panel 4 accepts activation of double-sided reading. Further, the operation panel 4 receives an execution instruction of the double-sided reading job. For example, the operation of the start key is accepted as an execution instruction.

The document transport section 7 includes a document tray 71, a supply roller 72, a document transport path 73, a plurality of transport rollers vs. 74, a discharge roller pair 75, and a discharge tray 76 in this order from the upstream side in the document transport direction. The document tray 71 is provided with a document set sensor S1. Further, the document transport path 73 is provided with a document ejection sensor S2 and a document detection sensor S3.

As shown in FIG. 3, a document transfer control unit 70 is provided in the document transfer unit 7. The document transfer control unit 70 is a substrate including a CPU and a memory. The output of the document set sensor S1 is input to the document transfer control unit 70. Based on the output of the document set sensor S1, the document transfer control unit 70 recognizes the presence or absence of paper on the document tray 71.

The document ejection sensor S2 is provided in the vicinity of the ejection roller pair 75 on the upstream side in the transport direction. The output of the document ejection sensor S2 is input to the document transport control unit 70. Based on the output of the document ejection sensor S2, the document transfer control unit 70 recognizes that the document ejection to the ejection tray 76 is completed.

The document detection sensor S3 is provided in the transport path between the supply roller 72 and the feed reading contact glass 81. The document detection sensor S3 is provided in the vicinity of the feed reading contact glass 81. The output of the document detection sensor S3 is also input to the document transfer control unit 70. Based on the output of the document detection sensor S3, the document transfer control unit 70 detects the arrival and passage of the document to the sensor installation position.

When the double-sided scanning job is started, the control unit 1 inquires the document transport control unit 70 whether or not there is a document set in the document tray 71. Upon receiving a response with a document, the control unit 1 issues a document transfer instruction to the document transfer control unit 70. Upon receiving this instruction, the document transfer control unit 70 drives the document transfer motor M1. The document transfer motor M1 rotates the supply roller 72 and the transfer roller pair 74. Then, the document is conveyed toward the reading position. The document passes above (one side) of the feed reading contact glass 81. The feed reading contact glass 81 is provided on the upper surface of the image reading unit 8. Upon passing, the image reading unit 8 (second reading unit 83) reads the surface of the document (feed reading).

The document transport unit 7 includes a first reading unit 77. The first reading unit 77 is a CIS type scanning unit. The first scanning unit 77 faces the document transport path. At the time of the double-sided reading job, the control unit 1 issues a backside reading instruction to the document transport control unit 70. Based on this instruction, the document transport control unit 70 causes the first reading unit 77 to read the back surface of the transport document.

Next, the image reading unit 8 will be described. A contact glass 82 for mounting reading is arranged on the right side of the upper surface of the image reading unit 8. A manuscript such as a book is set in the contact glass 82 for mounting and reading. When the document is not set in the document transport unit 7, the image reading unit 8 reads the document set in the placement scanning contact glass 82 (table reading).

As shown in FIG. 3, the image reading unit 8 is provided with a reading control unit 80. The reading control unit 80 controls the operation of the image reading unit 8. The read control unit 80 is a substrate including a CPU, a memory, and other circuits. The reading control unit 80 reads the document based on the instructions and signals from the control unit 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the image reading unit 8 includes a second reading unit 83, a wire 84, and a take-up drum 85.

The second reading unit 83 is a CIS type scanning unit. The second reading unit 83 may be a CCD type scanning unit. The wire 84 is connected to the second reading unit 83 and the take-up drum 85. The take-up drum 85 is rotated by a take-up motor 86 (see FIG. 3) that rotates forward and reverse. When reading the table, the reading control unit 80 rotates the take-up drum 85. As a result, the second reading unit 83 moves in the horizontal direction (secondary scanning direction, left-right direction in FIG. 2). At the time of feed reading, the read control unit 80 arranges the second reading unit 83 below the feed / read contact glass 81.

In the following description, an example in which the first reading unit 77 and the second reading unit 83 read a document at a resolution of 600 dpi will be described. The reading resolution is not limited to 600 dpi. The reading resolution may be larger or smaller than 600 dpi.

(Double-sided reading)
Next, an example of double-sided reading by the multifunction device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of double-sided reading in the multifunction device 100 according to the embodiment.

The operation panel 4 accepts a setting of whether or not to perform double-sided reading. The user can set whether or not to perform a double-sided reading job. When the double-sided scanning is set and the job is executed, the control unit 1 causes the document scanning device 2 to perform double-sided scanning. The multifunction device 100 includes a first reading unit 77 and a second reading unit 83. Both sides of the document can be read by transporting the document once. In other words, the multifunction device 100 includes a double-sided simultaneous reading type document reading device 2. There is no need to switch back the document. The original can be read at high speed.

The first reading unit 77 includes a first lamp 77a and a first image sensor 77b. The first lamp 77a irradiates the surface of the document with light. The first image sensor 77b includes a plurality of light receiving elements (pixels) arranged in the main scanning direction. Each light receiving element outputs an analog electric signal according to the amount of reflected light of the received document.

The document reading device 2 includes a first generation unit 78. The first generation unit 78 generates surface image data based on the output of the first image sensor 77b. The first generation unit 78 includes a first A / D conversion unit 78a and a first correction unit 78b. The first A / D conversion unit 78a corrects the analog signal of each light receiving element. The first A / D conversion unit 78a converts the corrected analog signal into a digital value. The first A / D conversion unit 78a converts, for example, into 8-bit or 10-bit data. As a result, surface image data is generated. The first correction unit 78b corrects the density distortion caused by reading. For example, the first correction unit 78b performs shading correction. The image data of each line generated by the first generation unit 78 is output to the RAM 30.

The second reading unit 83 includes a second lamp 83a and a second image sensor 83b. The second lamp 83a irradiates the back surface of the document with light. The second image sensor 83b includes a plurality of light receiving elements (pixels) arranged in the main scanning direction. Each light receiving element outputs an analog electric signal according to the amount of reflected light of the received document.

The image reading unit 8 includes a second generation unit 87. The second generation unit 87 generates image data on the back surface based on the output of the second image sensor 83b. The second generation unit 87 includes a second A / D conversion unit 87a and a second correction unit 87b. The second A / D conversion unit 87a corrects the analog signal of each light receiving element. The second A / D conversion unit 87a converts the corrected analog signal into a digital value. The second A / D conversion unit 87a converts, for example, into 8-bit or 10-bit data. As a result, the image data on the back surface is generated. The second correction unit 87b corrects the density distortion caused by reading. For example, the second correction unit 87b performs shading correction. The image data of each line generated by the second generation unit 87 is output to the RAM 30.

(Area provided in RAM 30)
Next, an example of the area provided in the RAM 30 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

At the time of the double-sided reading job, the control unit 1 sets the first input area 91, the second input area 92, and the output area 93 in the RAM 30 (storage device). The double-sided scanning job is a job for causing the document scanning device 2 to read both sides of a document. Each area can store at least one page of image data (details will be described later). Each area may be large enough to store image data for a plurality of pages.

The image data generated by the document reading device 2 is input to the first input area 91 and the second input area 92. Upon input, either the front surface image data or the back surface image data is stored in the first input area 91 (details will be described later). Further, the second input area 92 stores the other of the front surface image data and the back surface image data. Hereinafter, the image data input to the first input area 91 is referred to as the first input image data id1. Further, the image data input to the second input area 92 is referred to as a second input image data id2.

The control unit 1 stores the first output image data od1 in the output area 93. The first output image data od1 is based on the first input image data id1 (details will be described later). The control unit 1 (image processing unit 12) processes the first output image data od1. The image-processed first output image data od1 is written in the output area 93.

The control unit 1 stores the second output image data od2 in the first input area 91. The second output image data od2 is based on the second input image data id2 (details will be described later). The control unit 1 (image processing unit 12) processes the second output image data od2. The image-processed second output image data od2 is written in the first input area 91.

(Processing flow in double-sided reading job)
Next, an example of the processing flow in the double-sided reading job according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 12. 5 to 12 are diagrams showing an example of the processing flow of the double-sided reading job according to the embodiment.

The flow of the double-sided scanning job of one document will be described below. When a plurality of originals are set in the original tray 71, the following processing is repeated one by one.

In the double-sided reading job, first, double-sided scanning is performed. FIG. 5 shows the flow of storing the image data obtained by scanning both sides of the original in the RAM 30. The front side reading and the back side reading are parallel. For example, the original is read at 600 dpi. The image data of each surface obtained by reading is sequentially input to the image processing unit 12. For example, image data is input to the image processing unit 12 in band units.

The band is a part of the image data of one page. The image data on one page is divided into a plurality of bands (hereinafter, the same applies). The band is strip-shaped (strip-shaped) image data. The band includes image data of lines in the main scanning direction for a predetermined number of lines. The image processing unit 12 converts the format of the image data of each surface obtained by reading in band units, and compresses the converted data. For example, the image processing unit 12 converts RGB format image data into CMY format. Further, the image processing unit 12 compresses the bitmap format file obtained by reading in, for example, the JPEG format. The image processing unit 12 performs image processing (conversion, compression) on the front surface and the back surface in parallel. The image processing unit 12 writes the image data of the compressed band in the corresponding area.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 1 stores the first input image data id1 (image data on one surface) in the first input area 91. Further, the control unit 1 stores the second input image data id2 (image data of the other surface) in the second input area 92. The first input image data id1 and the second input image data id2 finally become image data for one page. The first input image data id1 and the second input image data id2 are compressed.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which the image processing unit 12 is reading out the first input image data id1. After storing the first input image data id1 and the second input image data id2, the image processing unit 12 reads out the first input image data id1 from the first input area 91. Processing is started from the first input image data id1. The image processing unit 12 reads out the first input image data id1 in band units. The image processing unit 12 expands the read first input image data id1.

FIG. 7 shows a state in which the image processing unit 12 is performing image processing on the extended first input image data id1. The control unit 1 performs image processing for completing the first output image data od1. The image processing unit 12 performs image processing on the expanded first input image data id1 according to the type of job to be executed and the setting of the job. For example, when the enlargement is set, the image processing unit 12 enlarges the stretched first input image data id1. In addition, the format of the transmission file can be selected for the scan transmission job. The image processing unit 12 generates a file in the selected format. The control unit 1 performs image processing of the extended first input image data id1 on a band-by-band basis. The image processing unit 12 performs necessary (a series of, a plurality of types) image processing. The image processing unit 12 finally compresses the first input image data id1 of the band to which the necessary image processing has been performed. The image processing unit 12 writes the compressed first input image data id1 as the first output image data od1 in the output area 93.

The processes of FIGS. 6 and 7 are repeated until all the bands of the first input image data id1 are read out and the first output image data od1 of all the bands is written in the output area 93. That is, the image data to be transmitted to the job execution unit is sequentially stored in the output area 93 in band units. Finally, the image processing unit 12 writes the image-processed and compressed one-page first output image data od1 to the output area 93.

When the storage of the first output image data od1 in the output area 93 is completed, the control unit 1 erases the first input image data id1 corresponding to the first output image data od1. In other words, when the generation of the first output image data od1 is completed, the control unit 1 makes the first input area 91 a free area (see FIG. 8).

FIG. 8 shows the output start state of the first output image data od1 to the job execution unit. The image processing unit 12 reads out the first output image data od1. The image processing unit 12 expands the read first output image data od1. The image processing unit 12 transmits the expanded first output image data od1 to the job execution unit. The control unit 1 causes the job execution unit to perform a job based on the decompressed first output image data od1. For example, in the case of a copy job, the control unit 1 forms a toner image based on the first output image data od1. In the case of a copy job, the job execution unit is the printing unit 5 (image forming unit 5c). At the time of the scan transmission job, the control unit 1 causes the first output image data od1 to be transmitted to the set destination. In the case of a scan transmission job, the job execution unit is the communication unit 6.

FIG. 9 shows a state in which the image processing unit 12 is reading out the second input image data id2. When all the image processing to the first output image data od1 is completed, the image processing unit 12 reads out the second input image data id2 from the second input area 92. The image processing unit 12 reads out the second input image data id2 in band units. The image processing unit 12 extends the second input image data id2 read by the image processing unit 12.

FIG. 10 shows a state in which the image processing unit 12 is performing image processing on the extended second input image data id2. The control unit 1 performs image processing for completing the second output image data od2. The image processing unit 12 performs image processing on the expanded second input image data id2 according to the type of job to be executed and the setting of the job. For example, the image processing unit 12 performs image processing according to the enlargement setting and the format of the selected transmission file. The control unit 1 performs image processing of the second input image data id2 on a band-by-band basis. The image processing unit 12 performs necessary (a series of, a plurality of types) image processing. The image processing unit 12 finally compresses the second input image data id2 of the band to which the necessary image processing has been performed. The image processing unit 12 writes the compressed second input image data id2 as the second output image data od2 in the first input area 91.

After the writing of the first output image data od1 to the output area 93 is completed, the control unit 1 sets the first input area 91 as a free area (see FIGS. 8 and 9). Then, the control unit 1 writes the second output image data od2 in the first input area 91. The control unit 1 also uses the first input area 91 as an area for the second output image data od2. That is, the control unit 1 reuses the first input area 91.

The processes of FIGS. 9 and 10 are repeated until all the bands of the second input image data id2 are read out and all the bands of the second output image data od2 are written in the first input area 91. That is, the image data to be transmitted to the job execution unit is sequentially stored in the first input area 91 in band units. Finally, the image processing unit 12 writes the image-processed and compressed one-page second output image data od2 to the first input area 91.

When the storage of the second output image data od2 in the first input area 91 is completed, the control unit 1 erases the second input image data id2 corresponding to the second output image data od2. In other words, when the generation of the second output image data od2 is completed, the control unit 1 makes the second input area 92 a free area (see FIG. 11).

Note that FIG. 9 shows an example in which the reading of the first output image data od1 and the reading of the second input image data id2 are performed in parallel. The time required to read the first output image data od1 varies depending on the case. The required time depends on the type of the selected job and the data size of the first output image data od1. When all of the expanded first output image data od1 is transmitted to the job execution unit, the control unit 1 erases the first output image data od1 in the output area 93. In other words, when the output of the first output image data od1 is completed, the control unit 1 makes the output area 93 a free area (see FIG. 11).

FIG. 11 shows an output start state of the second output image data od2 to the job execution unit. The image processing unit 12 reads out the second output image data od2. The image processing unit 12 expands the read second output image data od2. The image processing unit 12 transmits the expanded second output image data od2 to the job execution unit. The control unit 1 causes the job execution unit to perform a job based on the expanded second output image data od2.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the state at the time of completion of transmission of all the second output image data od2 to the job execution unit. The control unit 1 erases the second output image data od2 in the first input area 91. In other words, when the output of the second output image data od2 is completed, the control unit 1 makes the first input area 91 a free area. When all three areas are free, the control unit 1 may cause the document reading device 2 to start double-sided scanning of the next document.

Here, which of the front and back image data is input to the first input area 91 is determined by the setting of the operation panel 4. The operation panel 4 accepts the validity / invalidity of the blank page skip setting. By default, the blank page skip setting is disabled.

When the blank page skipping setting is enabled in the double-sided scanning job, the control unit 1 stores the image data obtained by scanning the surface of the document in the first input area 91. That is, the control unit 1 uses the surface image data as the first input image data id1. Further, the control unit 1 stores the image data obtained by reading the back surface of the document in the second input area 92. That is, the control unit 1 uses the image data on the back surface as the second input image data id2. When the blank page skip setting is enabled , the input image data is written to each input area according to the page order of the original.

When the blank page skipping setting is enabled, the control unit 1 (image processing unit 12) determines whether or not the first input image data id1 and the second input image data id2 are blank pages. For example, the control unit 1 counts the number of pixels (non-white pixels) darker than the reference density value for each of the first input image data id1 and the second input image data id2. The reference concentration value is predetermined.

The control unit 1 determines that the input image data whose count value is equal to or less than the threshold value is blank. The threshold is also predetermined. The control unit 1 determines that the image data whose count value exceeds the threshold value is not blank. When the first input image data id1 is determined to be blank, the control unit 1 does not generate the first output image data od1. When the second input image data id2 is determined to be blank, the control unit 1 does not generate the second output image data od2. The control unit 1 does not perform the job of the page corresponding to the input image data determined to be blank. The page of the input image data judged to be blank is skipped.

When the blank page skip setting is invalid, the control unit 1 stores the image data obtained by reading the back surface of the document in the first input area 91. That is, the control unit 1 sets the image data on the back surface as the first input image data id1. Further, the control unit 1 stores the image data obtained by reading the surface of the document in the second input area 92. That is, the control unit 1 uses the surface image data as the second input image data id2.

Of the first input image data id1 and the second input image data id2, the first input image data id1 is processed first and output. In the multifunction device 100, of both sides, the side printed later is discharged downward. By setting the image data on the back side as the first input image data id1 and the image data on the front side as the second input image data id2, a printed matter of double-sided printing is output so that the front and back sides are the same as the original.

(Size setting of each area)
Next, an example of the size setting process of each region according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the size setting process of each region according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the storage unit 3 according to the embodiment.

The first input area 91, the second input area 92, and the output area 93 need to be set to a size (capacity) at which the stored image data does not overflow. For example, when a document is read with 256 gradations, one color component of one pixel is one byte (8 bits). When the original is read in color (for example, R, G, B), there are three color components. When generating bitmap data (raw image data) of three color components, 3 bytes are required for each pixel. When the original is A4 and the scanning resolution is 600 dpi, the image data obtained by scanning includes approximately 34.8 million pixels. Since 3 bytes are required for each pixel, about 103 to 105 Mbytes of image data on one page before compression is required. When the compression rate is about 30 to 40%, the image data on one page before compression is about 30 to 45 Mbytes.

Then, the control unit 1 stores the compressed image data in each area. Therefore, the control unit 1 sets the capacity (size) of each region based on the size after compression. For example, when the color, the resolution is 600 dpi, and the size is A4, the control unit 1 may set the capacity of each area to about 30 to 45 Mbytes. Thereby, the image data having a resolution of the reading resolution (600 dpi) can be secured regardless of the setting of the user.

If there is a margin in the capacity of the RAM 30, or if uncompressed image data may be stored in each area, the control unit 1 determines the capacity (size) of each area based on the size of the image data before compression. May be set. For example, when the color, the resolution is 600 dpi, and the size is A4, for example, the control unit 1 may set the capacity of each area to about 100 to 150 Mbytes.

Here, the first input image data id1 and the second output image data od2 are stored in the first input area 91. It is necessary to set the capacity of the first input area 91 so that each image data does not overflow. Depending on the settings, the output image data may be larger than the input image data. For example, when the enlargement setting such as A4 → A3 is made, the output image data becomes larger than the input image data.

Therefore, the control unit 1 increases the capacity of the first input area 91 larger than the data size of the first input image data id1. In addition, the control unit 1 increases the capacity of the first input area 91 larger than the data size of the second output image data od2.

When starting the double-sided reading job, the control unit 1 sets the capacity of the first input area 91 according to the setting made on the operation panel 4. An example of the flow of setting the capacity of the first input area 91 will be described with reference to FIG. The start of FIG. 13 is the execution start time of the double-sided reading job.

First, the control unit 1 confirms the document size (step # 1). The larger the original size, the larger the data size of each input image data. For example, the data size of the input image data of the A3 manuscript needs to be about twice as large as the input image data of the A4 manuscript. The operation panel 4 accepts the setting of the document size. The control unit 1 recognizes the set document size. Further, the size detection sensor may be provided in the document reading device 2. In this case, the control unit 1 recognizes the size of the document set in the document reading device 2 based on the output of the size detection sensor. The control unit 1 causes the document reading device 2 to read within the recognized document size range.

Next, the control unit 1 determines the capacity of the second input area 92 based on the recognized document size (step # 2). The storage unit 3 non-volatilely stores the second input area setting data D2. The second input area setting data D2 is data that defines the capacity of the second input area 92 corresponding to the original size.

The second input image data id2 is written in the second input area 92. The required capacity of the second input area 92 is measured in advance for each document size. For example, the size of the second input image data id2 after compression is measured for various documents. The measured required capacity or a value that is a plurality of times the required capacity is defined in the second input area setting data D2. As a result, overflow in the second input area 92 can be prevented. For example, in the second input area setting data D2, about 40 Mbytes is defined as the capacity corresponding to the A4 size.

Next, the control unit 1 confirms the output size (step # 3). The output size is the size of the output obtained by executing the job. The larger the output size, the larger the data size of each output image data. For example, when the resolutions are the same, the number of pixels of each output image data is larger when outputting with A3 than with A4. The operation panel 4 accepts the output size setting. The control unit 1 recognizes the set output size. The control unit 1 causes the image processing unit 12 to generate output image data corresponding to the set output size. For example, when enlargement is required, the control unit 1 causes the image processing unit 12 to perform the enlargement processing.

Next, the control unit 1 determines the reference capacitance of the first input area 91 and the output area 93 based on the recognized output size (step # 4). The storage unit 3 non-volatilely stores the first input area setting data D1. The first input area setting data D1 is data that defines the reference capacitances of the first input area 91 and the output area 93 corresponding to the output size.

Output image data is written in both the first input area 91 and the output area 93. The required capacities of the first input area 91 and the output area 93 are measured in advance for each output size. For example, for various documents, the sizes of the compressed first output image data od1 and the second output image data od2 are measured. The measured required capacity or a value that is a plurality of times the required capacity is defined in the first input area setting data D1. As a result, the output image data can be stored in the first input area 91 and the output area 93.

The first input area setting data D1 is created so that the larger the output size, the larger the reference capacitances of the first input area 91 and the output area 93. As a result, the control unit 1 increases the capacity of the first input area 91 as the set output size increases. When the determined reference capacity is smaller than the capacity of the second input area 92, the control unit 1 sets the same capacity as the reference capacity of the first input area 91 and the output area 93 and the capacity of the second input area 92. May be good. The control unit 1 sets the capacity of the first input area 91 to be equal to or larger than the second input area 92.

The operation panel 4 accepts the setting of the output resolution. The output resolution is the resolution of the output obtained by executing the job. The higher the output resolution, the larger the number of pixels included in the first output image data od1 and the second output image data od2. The maximum output resolution is, for example, 600 dpi, which is the same as the reading resolution. When an output resolution smaller than 600 dpi is set, the image processing unit 12 performs image processing to reduce the resolution in the process of generating each output image data. Then, in the first input area setting data D1, a value corresponding to the compressed size of the output image data having the maximum output resolution is defined. As a result, it is possible to always prevent the occurrence of image data overflow regardless of the user's setting.

Next, the control unit 1 recognizes the selected job type (step # 5). The operation panel 4 accepts the selection of the type of job to be executed. Then, the control unit 1 recognizes the reference compressibility and the number of components corresponding to the selected job type (step # 6). The control unit 1 adjusts the capacities of the first input area 91 and the output area 93 according to the recognized reference compressibility and the number of components (step # 7). Then, this flow ends. It should be noted that steps # 5 to # 7 may not be performed.

The reference compression rate is predetermined for each type of job. The storage unit 3 non-volatilely stores the reference compression rate data D3. The content of image processing performed by compression differs depending on the type of job. The reference compression rate data D3 is data that defines a reference compression rate corresponding to the type of job. The reference compression rate is a guideline for the compression rate when each output image data is compressed. The compression ratio is a value obtained by dividing the data size after compression by the data size before compression. For example, in the multifunction device 100, the standard compression rate of the copy job is about 30 to 40%. The standard compression rate of the scan transmission job is about 25 to 35%. The larger the reference compression ratio, the smaller the amount of data that can be reduced by compression. Therefore, the larger the reference compression ratio, the larger the data size of the compressed output image data tends to be. The smaller the reference compression ratio, the greater the amount of data that can be reduced by compression. Therefore, the smaller the reference compression ratio, the smaller the data size of the compressed output image data tends to be.

Therefore, the larger the reference compression rate of the selected job type, the larger the capacity of the first input area 91 and the output area 93 may be. For example, the control unit 1 sets the first adjustment value according to the reference compression rate. The control unit 1 increases the first adjustment value as the reference compression ratio increases. The control unit 1 reduces the first adjustment value as the reference compression ratio becomes smaller. The minimum value of the first adjustment value may be zero. Further, the minimum value of the first adjustment value may be a negative value. In this case, the control unit 1 may make the capacity of the first input area 91 smaller than the reference capacity.

In addition, the number of components included in the output image data differs depending on the type of job. The storage unit 3 non-volatilely stores the component number data. The component number data is data that defines the number of components included in the output image data for each type of job. For example, in the multifunction device 100, the number of components of the output image data for the copy job is 4 (C, M, Y, K). Further, the number of components of the output image data for the scan transmission job is 3. The larger the number of components, the larger the data size of the output image data. The smaller the number of components, the smaller the data size of the output image data.

Therefore, as the number of components of the output image data of the selected job increases, the control unit 1 may increase the capacity of the first input area 91. For example, the control unit 1 sets the second adjustment value according to the number of components. The control unit 1 increases the second adjustment value as the number of components increases. The control unit 1 reduces the second adjustment value as the number of components decreases.

The control unit 1 adjusts the reference capacitance based on the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value. For example, the control unit 1 sets the capacity obtained by adding the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value to the reference capacity as the capacities of the first input area 91 and the output area 93.

In this way, the image processing device (multifunction device 100) according to the embodiment includes a document reading device 2, a storage device (RAM 30), a job execution unit (printing unit 5, communication unit 6), an image processing unit 12, and a control unit. Includes 1. The document reading device 2 can read one side and the other side of the document in parallel. The storage device stores data. The job execution unit executes the job based on the image data. The image processing unit 12 performs image processing. The control unit 1 controls the storage of image data in the storage device. In the double-sided reading job in which the document reading device 2 is made to read both sides of the document, the control unit 1 sets the first input area 91, the second input area 92, and the output area 93 in the storage device. The control unit 1 stores the first input image data id1 obtained by reading one side of the document in the first input area 91. The control unit 1 stores the second input image data id2 obtained by reading the other side of the document in the second input area 92. The control unit 1 stores the first output image data od1 based on the first input image data id1 in the output area 93. The control unit 1 erases the corresponding first input image data id1 after the storage of the first output image data od1 is completed. The control unit 1 causes the job execution unit to execute a job based on the first output image data od1 image-processed by the image processing unit 12. After erasing the first input image data id1, the control unit 1 stores the second output image data od2 based on the second input image data id2 in the first input area 91. The control unit 1 causes the job execution unit to execute a job based on the second output image data od2 image-processed by the image processing unit 12.

As a result, the first input area 91 is reused as the output area 93. The number of areas reserved in the storage device (shared storage device) can be reduced to three. In the case of a double-sided read job, the size of the area to be secured in the storage device can be reduced. Even if the capacity of the shared storage device is small, both sides of the document can be read in parallel. Even if the capacity of the shared storage device is small, the double-sided reading function can be implemented without any problem.

Further, the image processing device includes an operation panel 4 that accepts settings. When starting the double-sided reading job, the control unit 1 sets the capacity of the first input area 91 according to the setting made on the operation panel 4. As a result, the capacity of the first input area 91 can be set to a capacity corresponding to the image data od2 for the second output. The capacity of the first input area 91 can be set so that the second output image data od2 fits in the first input area 91.

Further, the operation panel 4 accepts the setting of the output size of the job. The control unit 1 increases the capacity of the first input area 91 as the set output size increases. As a result, even if the size of the image data at the time of output is larger than the size of the image data at the time of input, the second output image data od2 can be stored in the first input area 91.

The operation panel 4 accepts the selection of the type of job to be executed. A reference compression rate is predetermined for each type of job. The control unit 1 increases the capacity of the first input area 91 as the reference compression rate of the selected job increases. As a result, the capacity of the first input area 91 can be set so that the second output image data od2 fits in the first input area 91.

The more components contained in the image data, the larger the data size of the image data on one page. Therefore, the control unit 1 recognizes the number of components included in the image data used in the selected job type. The control unit 1 increases the capacity of the first input region 91 as the number of components increases. As a result, the capacity of the first input area 91 can be set so that the second output image data od2 does not overflow from the first input area 91.

Further, the control unit 1 sets the capacity of the first input area 91 so as to be equal to or larger than the capacity of the second input area 92. As a result, the second output image data od2 can be stored in the first input area 91 even if the image processing for increasing the output image data is performed.

Further, the operation panel 4 accepts the validity / invalidity of the blank page skip setting. When the blank page skipping setting is enabled, the control unit 1 first sets the image data obtained by reading the front surface of the document as the first input image data id1, and sets the image data obtained by reading the back surface of the document as the first input image data id1. Let it be the second input image data id2. When the blank page skip setting is enabled, when the control unit 1 determines that the first input image data id1 is blank , the control unit 1 does not generate the first output image data od1 and sets the second input image data id2 as blank. When the determination is made, the second output image data od2 is not generated. When the blank page skip setting is invalid, the control unit 1 sets the image data obtained by reading the back surface of the document as the first input image data id1, and sets the image data obtained by reading the front surface of the document as the second input image data id1. Input image data id2. Thereby, the relationship between the front surface and the back surface in each image data can be switched according to the setting of skipping blank pages.

The present invention can be used for an image processing device (image forming device).

100 Multifunction device (image processing device) 1 Control unit 12 Image processing unit 2 Document reading device 30 RAM (storage device) 4 Operation panel 5 Printing unit (job execution unit) 6 Communication unit (job execution unit)
91 1st input area 92 2nd input area 93 Output area id1 1st input image data id2 2nd input image data od1 1st output image data od2 2nd output image data

Claims (7)

A document reader that can read one side and the other side of a document in parallel,
A storage device that stores data and
A job execution unit that executes jobs based on image data,
An image processing unit that performs image processing and
A control unit that controls the storage of image data in the storage device is included.
In the case of a double-sided scanning job in which the document scanning device reads both sides of the document
The control unit
The first input area, the second input area, and the output area are set in the storage device, and the storage device is set.
The first input image data obtained by scanning one side of the document is stored in the first input area.
The second input image data obtained by reading the other side of the document is stored in the second input area.
The image data for the first output based on the first input image data is stored in the output area.
After the storage of the first output image data is completed, the corresponding first input image data is erased.
Based on the image data for the first output processed by the image processing unit, the job execution unit is made to execute a job.
After erasing the first input image data, the second output image data based on the second input image data is stored in the first input area.
An image processing apparatus characterized in that the job execution unit executes a job based on the second output image data image-processed by the image processing unit. Equipped with an operation panel that accepts settings
When starting the double-sided reading job
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets the capacity of the first input area according to the setting made on the operation panel. The operation panel accepts the job output size setting and accepts it.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit increases the capacity of the first input region as the set output size increases. The operation panel accepts the selection of the type of job to be executed.
A standard compression rate is set in advance for each job type.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control unit increases the capacity of the first input region as the reference compression ratio of the selected job increases. The control unit
Recognize the number of components contained in the image data used in the selected job type
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the larger the number of the components, the larger the capacity of the first input region. The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit sets the capacity of the first input area so as to be equal to or larger than the capacity of the second input area. Image processing equipment. Equipped with an operation panel that accepts settings
The operation panel accepts the enable / disable of the blank page skip setting,
The control unit
When the blank paper skip setting is enabled, first, the image data obtained by scanning the front surface of the document is used as the first input image data, and the image data obtained by scanning the back surface of the document is used as the second input. As image data
When the blank page skipping setting is enabled, when the first input image data is determined to be blank, the image data for the first output is not generated, and the second input image data is determined to be blank. Without generating the second output image data,
When the blank paper skip setting is invalid, the image data obtained by scanning the back surface of the document is used as the first input image data, and the image data obtained by scanning the front surface of the document is used as the second input image data. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the image processing apparatus is characterized by the above.

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