JPH02202761A - Picture processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To efficiently execute various operations by executing two operations out of a first operation to read and store a picture, a second operation to store a reception picture or transmit the stored picture, and a third operation to record the stored picture in parallel. CONSTITUTION:When the reading operation and the recording operation are not executed at the time of a copy request from an operation/display part 26, a CPU 12 judges that the copying operation is possible, and the reading operation and the recording operation are started to perform the copying operation. When the reading operation and the transmitting operation are not executed and picture data to be transmitted is stored in a memory 15 at the time of a transmission read request from the display part 26, the CPU 12 judges that transmission is possible, and the reading operation and the transmitting operation are started to transmit data. When the receiving operation and the recording operation are not executed at the time of an incoming request through a MODEM 14, the CPU 12 judges that reception is possible, and the receiving operation and the recording operation are started to record the picture.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image transmission device, and particularly to an image transmission device such as a facsimile machine equipped with an image memory.

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, facsimile machines serving as this type of image transmission apparatus have adopted a configuration as shown in FIG. 12 or FIG. 13. That is, in FIG. 12, data obtained by reading the original image with the reading unit 1 (data replaced with binary values of 0.1 corresponding to black and white of the image...hereinafter referred to as raw data) is The raw data is stored in the memory 5 via the CPU 2 and the bus 6, and when the raw data stored in the memory 5 can be encoded, the CPU 2 reads the raw data from the memory 5 again, encodes it, and stores it in the memory 5 again. . Further, in FIG. 13, the data encoded by the encoder 8 provided separately from the CPU 2 is transferred to the DMA controller 7.
(hereinafter referred to as DMAC) is stored in the memory 5.

Next, a case will be described in which the image data read and encoded as described above and stored in the memory 5 is transmitted.

Via the modem 4, the encoded image data stored in the memory 5 is converted to the original size and encoding method according to the connected partner machine, and then the data is transmitted via the modem 4. is sent to the other party's machine.

Here, in order to convert the original size and encoding method,
The encoded data stored in memory 5 is sent to C through bus 6.
The PU2 takes it in, encodes it into raw data, performs reduction (or enlargement) in the main scanning and sub-scanning directions as necessary, converts it again to encoded data compatible with the encoding method requested by the other machine, and sends it to the modem. It will be sent via 4.

Next, the case of reception will be described.

In FIG. 2, the encoded data from the other party's device connected via the modem 4 is decoded by the CPU 2, after which a decoding error check is performed, and the data is supplied to the recording section 3. The image is recorded.

Incidentally, if necessary, such as when recording multiple sheets, the encoded data is stored in the memory 5 either as is or after being converted to encoded data with a higher compression ratio. Furthermore, when the number of partner machines is 62 machines, the received data is raw data, but it may be encoded by the CPU 2 and stored in the memory 5 during proxy reception when there is no recording paper.

Further, in FIG. 3, the encoded data received via the modem 4 is stored as is in the memory 5, and then the encoded data read from the memory 5 is supplied to the decoder 9 via the bus 6. The image is then decoded by the recording section 3 and recorded as an image.

[Problem that the invention is trying to solve] In this way, conventionally,
In particular, in facsimile machines that perform memory transmission/reception, image data processing at the time of transmission (decoding (expansion) of read data compressed and stored in memory → matching of read data to the transmission size/mode → transmission data encoding),
Image data processing in the receiving section (decoding of received data -> checking for data errors -> compression encoding of data for storage in memory) was all performed by a common CPU.

Therefore, in order to achieve high functionality such as communication at a high modem speed and multiplexing of other operations during communication, a CPU that can operate at higher speed is required. Furthermore, there is a limit to how sophisticated the functionality can be.

[Means for solving problems]

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and includes: a reading means for reading a document image and outputting image data; a recording means for recording an image based on the image data; a transmission means for transmitting and receiving image data; a first operation of storing image data from the reading means in the storage means; storing image data received by the transmission means in the storage means or storing the image data from the storage means; To provide an image processing device capable of performing two operations in parallel: a second operation of causing the transmission means to transmit data and a third operation of causing the recording means to record an image based on the image data of the storage means. and, further, an image processing apparatus comprising the reading means, the storage means, the recording means and the storage means, and the transfer means for DMA-transferring image data between the transmission means and the storage means. and a conversion means for encoding the image data to be transmitted by the transmission means and decoding the encoded data received, the storage means, the reading means, and the recording means. Supplying image data from the storage means to the conversion means via a bus line different from the bus line for image data transmission between the storage means and the conversion means, and importing the image data from the conversion means to the storage means. The present invention provides an image processing device that performs image capture.

〔Example〕

The present invention will be explained below based on preferred embodiments. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a facsimile machine to which the present invention is applied.
A reading unit that photoelectrically reads image information using an image sensor or the like, converts the image information into binary raw data, and outputs it; 12 is a CPU that controls the device; 13 is a recorder that records images on recording paper based on the raw data. 14 is a modem that modulates transmitted data or demodulates received data; 15 is a memory capable of storing approximately 70 pages of CCIT standard manuscript; 16 is a CPU 1
2. Encoder 18° Decoder 19. Memory 15. Encoder (decoder) 23. Modem14. Decoder (encoder) 21 and DMA
This is the bus to which C17 is connected.

The encoder 18 encodes the raw data read from the reading circuit 11 into an intermediate code such as a run-length code, and the decoder 19 decodes the intermediate code into raw data and outputs it to the recording circuit 3.

The DMAC 7 performs DMA transfer of data from the encoder 18 to the memory 15 on the bus 16, DMA transfer of data from the memory 15 to the decoder 19, and decoding (coding) with the memory 15.
a multi-channel D that performs DMA transfer of data between the encoder (decoder) device 23 and the memory 15;
It is MAC.

The DMAC 20 also connects the decoder (encoder) 2 on the bus 24.
DMA transfer of data between 1 and memory 22 and memory 22
DMA transfer of data between the encoder (decoder) and the encoder (decoder) 23 is performed.

The decoder (encoder) 21 decodes encoded data (intermediate code) input via the bus 16 during transmission, and
The operation of converting the bit length of the decoded raw data by further thinning or the like as necessary and outputting it onto the bus 24;
A decoder that outputs the raw data input via the bus 24 as is or after performing the bit length conversion as necessary, and a decoder that outputs the raw data input via the bus 24 as it is or after converting the bit length as necessary, and Encode the raw data into intermediate code and send it to bus 16
and an encoder that outputs to the top.

The memory 22 also receives several lines of raw data from the bus 24 (
For example, 16 lines) are stored and the raw data is output to the bus 24.

The encoder (decoder) 23 encodes the raw data input via the bus 24 at the time of transmission, and sends the encoded data to the bus 1.
an encoder that outputs to the bus 6, an operation that decodes the encoded data input from the bus 16 at the time of reception into raw data and outputs it to the bus 24, and an operation that transfers the raw data input from the bus 16 as it is and outputs it to the bus 24. It consists of a decoder that performs the following operations.

DMAC 20 and decoder (encoder) 21. Memory 22 and encoder (decoder) 23 are connected to bus 24 . Also, 15
is a control signal line from the CPU2.

Reference numeral 26 denotes an operation/display unit having input keys such as a destination telephone number input key 9 and a send/copy start key, and a display for displaying a telephone number and the like.

The operation of the above configuration will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 to 11. Note that the program procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 to 11 are stored in advance in the built-in ROM of the CPU 12.

Figures 2 and 3 show the monitoring procedure, in which CPU 1
2 usually runs this program, which causes
Determine what action request is currently occurring.

That is, it is determined in step S21 whether or not there is a copy request from the operation/display unit 26. If there is a copy request, the process proceeds to step S31 in FIG. 3(1), where it is determined whether the reading section 11 is currently in the reading operation, and if it is in the reading operation, the copy request is not accepted. , proceed to step S22 in FIG.

If the reading operation is not in progress, the process proceeds to step S32, where it is determined whether or not the recording unit 13 is currently in operation. If the recording unit 13 is currently in operation, the copy request is not accepted and the process proceeds to step S22 in FIG. .

On the other hand, if the reading operation is not in progress (and the recording operation is not in progress), it is determined that the copying operation is possible, and after starting the reading and recording operations in steps S33 and S34, the process proceeds to step S22 in FIG.

Further, it is determined in step S22 whether or not there is a request for transmission/reading from the operation/display unit 26. If there is a transmission request, the process proceeds to step S35 in FIG. 3(2).
It is determined whether the reading unit 11 is currently in a reading operation, and if it is in the reading operation, the transmission reading request is not accepted and the process proceeds to step S23 in FIG.

On the other hand, if the reading operation is not in progress, it is determined that the document for transmission can be read, and the process proceeds to step S36, where the reading operation is started, and then the process proceeds to step S23 in FIG.

Further, it is determined in step S23 whether or not image data to be transmitted is stored in the memory 15. If the image data to be transmitted is stored in the memory 15, the process advances to step S37 in FIG. The request is not accepted and the process advances to step S24 in FIG.

On the other hand, if the transmission operation is not in progress, it is determined that the image data stored in the memory 15 can be transmitted, the process proceeds to step 838, and after starting the transmission operation, step S24 in FIG.
Proceed to.

Further, it is determined in step S24 whether or not there is an incoming call request via the modem 14. If there is an incoming call request, the process proceeds to step S39 in FIG. 3(4), where it is determined whether or not the receiving operation is currently in progress, and if the receiving operation is in progress, the process proceeds to step S25 in FIG. 2.

On the other hand, if reception is not in progress, the process advances to step S40 and a reception operation is started. Then, the process advances to step S41, and currently,
It is determined whether or not the recording unit 13 is in the recording operation, and if it is in the recording operation, the reception operation continues and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.
Proceed to step 5.

On the other hand, if the recording operation is not in progress, the process advances to step S42;
After starting the recording operation, the process advances to step S25 in FIG.

Further, it is determined in step S25 whether or not image data to be recorded is stored in the memory 15. If the image data to be recorded is stored in the memory 15, the process advances to step S43 in FIG. If there is, the recording request is not accepted and the process advances to step S45 in FIG.

On the other hand, if the recording operation is not in progress, the recording operation is activated in step S44, and then the process advances to step S45 in FIG.

As mentioned above, the CPU 12 constantly monitors the five types of requests.
When a certain request occurs, it is determined whether the action for the request is executable or not, and if it is executable, the action for the request is started, and then the five types of requests are monitored again. . Even after starting one action, if a request for an action that can run in parallel occurs, the action for that request is started even before the previously started action has finished, and the parallel processing is performed. do.

Also, step S45. S48. S51 and S54
Then, each of them determines whether it is currently reading, transmitting, receiving, or recording, and if any of the operations are in progress,
Step S46. S49. S52. Proceeding to S55, it is determined whether the recording of -page is finished, the transmission of -page is finished, -
It is determined whether the reception of the page is completed or the recording of the -page is completed, and if it is determined that the corresponding operation is completed, the corresponding interlinked data is executed in steps S47 and S50, respectively. It is prohibited in S53 and S56.

4 to 7 are diagrams showing detailed processing of the activation operation of each operation in the flowchart of FIG. 3, and specific operation examples will be explained using these diagrams.

First, the transmission operation will be explained.

When a transmission read request is issued from the operation/display unit 26, step S3 in FIG. 3(2) is performed according to the procedure described above.
A read operation is initiated at 6.

FIG. 4 shows the start-up procedure for a read operation.

In starting the document direct transmission operation, the CPU 12 controls the reading unit 11. The transmission mode is set to the encoder 18 and DMAC 17 via the bus 16 or by the control signal line 25.

After further permitting read inclusion as shown in FIG. 8, the process returns to the monitoring program.

In the reading interoperable mode shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 12 activates the reading section 11. Thereby, the reading unit 11 outputs the raw data read from the original to the encoder 18, and the encoder 18 encodes the raw data. The encoder 18 generates a DMA request to the DMAC 17 every time encoded data is prepared, and the encoded data is thereby DMA-transferred to the memory 15 via the bus 16 under the control of the DMAC 17 and stored therein. In the same manner, through this reading interwoven process, the document is read and encoded for each scanning line while the document is conveyed by a document drive device (not shown), and the encoded data is stored in the memory 1 until the trailing edge of the read document is detected.
Store in 5.

In addition, in parallel with the above operation or following the above operation, the CPU 12
determines the communication mode with the connected partner device via the modem 4.

When the CPU 12 determines that the encoded data is stored in the memory 15 in a decodable state, it starts the transmission operation in step S38 of FIG. 3(3) according to the procedure described above.

FIG. 6 shows the procedure for starting the transmission operation.

The CPU 12 uses a decoder (encoder) 21 . Encoder (decoder) 23. DMAC17, DMAC
20 and modem 14.

Then, after permitting transmission intercommunication as shown in FIG. 10, the process returns to the monitoring program.

In the transmission included in FIG. 10, the CPU 12
The MAC 17 is activated and the encoded data stored in the memory 15 is transferred to the decoder (encoder) 2 via the bus 16.
DMA transfer to 1.

The decoder (encoder) 21 decodes the input encoded data, and each time decoded data, that is, raw data is formed,
Notify DMAC20 that raw data is available (
(hereinafter referred to as DRQ). Thereby, raw data from the decoder (encoder) 21 is stored in the addressed area of the memory 12 via the bus 24 under the control of the DMAC 20 .

Here, if it is necessary to reduce or enlarge the document size (change the length of one line), the decoder (encoder) 21 thins out or expands the raw data.

Naturally, at this point, depending on the initial settings of the CPU 2, the raw data is input to the decoder (encoder) 21 and the raw data is output (hereinafter referred to as transfer). It is quite easy to invert and transfer .1.

When the above decoding operation is repeated and raw data that can be encoded is stored in the memory 22, the raw data in the memory 22 is DMA-transferred to the encoder (decoder) 23 via the bus 24 under the control of the DMAC 20. be done. The encoder (decoder) 23 encodes the raw data input via the bus 4 under the control of the DMAC 20 using an encoding method suitable for the other device connected via the modem 14. , a status FL (not shown) indicates that the encoded data is prepared.
Notification is made to the CPU 12 by the AG or interactive.

Here, too, as described above (by the initial setting of the CPU 12, the encoder (decoder) 23 is caused to perform the operation of transmitting the raw data, reducing or enlarging it and transmitting it, or the operation of inverting the O9l of the data and transmitting it. is quite easy to do.

Every time encoded data is prepared in the encoder (decoder) 23,
After storing the encoded data in the memory 15, the CPU 12 transmits the encoded data to the other party via the bus 16 and the modem 14 in response to a request from the modem 14.

By repeating the above operations, the image data read from the reading circuit 11 and stored in the memory 15 is transmitted.

Next, the reception operation will be explained.

When an incoming call request occurs via the modem 14, steps S40 and S4 in FIG. 3(4) are performed according to the procedure described above.
At step 2, reception and recording operations are started.

FIG. 6 shows the procedure for starting the receiving operation.

In starting the receiving operation, the CPU 12 uses the encoder (decoder) unit 23. Decoder (encoder) 21. DMAC17゜DM
Set the reception mode on the AC 20 and modem 14.

After further permitting reception inclusion as shown in FIG. 11, the process returns to the monitoring program.

In the reception interlock shown in FIG. 11, encoded data sent from the other party's device connected via the modem 14 is temporarily stored in the memory 15. Then, under the control of the DMAC 17, the data is DMA-transferred and decoded by the encoder (decoder) 20 via the bus 16. The decoded raw data is DMA-transferred to the memory 22 via the bus 24 and stored under the control of the DMAC 20.

When encoded raw data is stored in the memory 22, the raw data is DMA-transferred to the decoder (encoder) 211 via the bus 24 under the control of the DMAC 20. Decrypt (
The data encoded and compressed by the encoder 21 is
D to the memory 15 via the bus 16 under the control of the
MA transfer and storage.

FIG. 5 shows the procedure for starting the recording operation.

In starting the recording operation, the CPU 12
, sets the recording mode in the decoder 19 and DMAC 17.

Further, recording inclusion shown in FIG. 9 is permitted.

In the recording mode shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 12 stores all the encoded data in the memory 15 and can decode it.
In addition, if the recording unit 13 is in a state where recording operation is possible, the encoded data is DMA-transferred to the decoder 19 via the bus 6 under the control of the DMAC 17, and is decoded by the decoder 19 to become raw data. . Then, the raw data is stored in the recording unit 1.
3, the image is recorded on recording paper as an image. Also, recording section 1
If 3 is not recordable, as soon as it becomes recordable,
The encoded data is read out from the memory 15, decoded, and recorded. Here, as in the case of transmission, the operations of the encoder (decoder) 23 and the decoder (encoder) 21 may include the operation of transmitting the raw data as is or after processing such as reduction or enlargement without any problem. do not have. In addition, the control signal line 25
may be shared by the bus 16.

The transmission operation and reception operation have been explained above, but in the case of a copy operation, the reading operation startup procedure and the recording operation startup procedure shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively, can be performed in parallel or sequentially. It will be easily understood that it can be implemented by doing the following.

As explained above, each of the above-mentioned operations, that is, reading operation, transmission encoding operation, reception decoding operation, and recording operation, are independently controlled. Here, the reading operation refers to the process from when raw data is input from the reading unit 11 to the encoder 18 to when the encoded data is transferred and stored in the memory 15 via the bus 16 under the control of the DMAC 17. To tell. This also includes a document drive device (not shown). What is the transmission encoding operation?
The encoded data stored in the memory 15 is DMAC1
The raw data is input to the decoder 21 via the bus 16 under the control of the DMAC 20.
2, this raw data is input to the encoder 23 via the bus 24 under the control of the DMAC 20, converted into encoded data to be sent to the line, output to the memory 15, and transmitted by the modem 14. Until it is sent. The reception decoding operation refers to the received encoded data demodulated from the other party's device via the modem 14, stored in the memory 15, and then transferred to the bus 1.
6 to the decoder 23, where it is converted into raw data, stored in the memory 22 via the bus 24 under the control of the DMAC 20, and encoded via the bus 24 under the control of the DMAC 20. 21 until the encoded data is stored in the memory 15 via the bus 16. Also, the recording operation is performed by the decoder 1 via the bus 16.
This refers to the period from when encoded data from the memory 15 is input to 9 and converted into raw data until it is printed and recorded by the recording unit 13. This also includes a recording paper conveyance device (not shown).

By operating these independently operable elements in combination, the following multiple operations can be performed simultaneously.

(1) Reading operation/transmission operation While transmitting the image stored in the memory, another document is read and stored in the memory.

(2) Recording operation/transmission operation While transmitting the images stored in the memory, the images stored in the memory are recorded and printed.

(3) Reading operation/receiving operation The original is read into the memory while receiving the image into the memory.

(4) Recording operation/receiving operation While receiving the image into the memory, record and print the image stored in the memory.

(5) Reading operation/recording operation The original is read into the memory while recording and printing the image stored in the memory.

As described above, since each operation can independently process different images, dual access is possible, for example, even during transmission, the next document can be read without waiting for the transmission to end. In addition, because the buses are separated, dual access is possible with almost no reduction in the operating speed of each.

As explained above, the processes of decoding (encoding), reduction (enlargement), and encoding (decoding), which were conventionally performed serially by the CPU, are performed by the decoder 21. Bus 24°Memory 22. Since the processing is carried out in parallel through the path of the encoder (decoder) 23, the amount of work of the CPU 12 is extremely reduced, and the huge amount of raw data refined during the above processing also does not have to travel back and forth on the bus 16. Therefore, the efficiency of the bus 16 is also greatly improved.

Therefore, if you compare it with a facsimile machine with the same function,
A lower CPU can be used, and a C with the same function can be used.
If a PU is used, the remaining power of the CPU will be significantly increased.

In addition to the efficiency of the CPU, the aforementioned series of decoding (encoding) and encoding (decoding) operations are performed by the decoder 21. Since the encoder (decoder) 23 operates at the same time, it can exhibit sufficient power to increase the communication speed.

In this embodiment, the image data from the reading section ii and the image data sent to the recording section 13 are converted into intermediate codes and stored in the memory 15. , the raw data may be stored in the memory 15.

Further, in this embodiment, a facsimile machine capable of sending and receiving is shown as an example, but the present invention is also applicable to a facsimile machine capable of either sending or receiving. Furthermore, it can be used not only as a facsimile device but also as an input/output unit for electronic image files and the like.

As explained above, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the processing of the CPU can be significantly reduced without significantly changing the basic configuration of the conventional technology. In particular, a series of transmission/reception encoding and decoding processes can be realized as interrupt processing. For this reason, C.P.
U can perform processing at the required time and frequency, eliminating unnecessary CPU constraints such as waiting time, and making efficient C
PU can be used.

They also provide faster modem speeds (e.g.
4.4 Kbps), and multiple functions such as reading the next original to be sent, outputting an image stored in memory, or making a copy can be performed by the same CPU during communication operation.

〔effect〕

As explained above, according to the present invention, the first operation is to store image data from the reading means in the storage means, store image data received by the transmission means in the storage means, or store image data from the storage means in the transmission means. Since the second operation of causing the image data to be transmitted by the storage means and the third operation of causing the recording means to record the image based on the image data in the storage means can be performed in parallel, the image can be transmitted.

Reception, reading, recording, etc. can be performed quickly and efficiently.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a facsimile machine to which the present invention is applied, FIGS. 2 to 11 are flowcharts showing the operating procedure of the facsimile machine shown in FIG. 1, and FIGS. 12 and 13 are conventional configurations. 11 is a diagram showing an example, 11 is a reading section, 1
2 is a recording unit, 15 and 22 are memories, 17 and 20 are D
MAC, 21 is a decoder (encoder), and 23 is an encoder (decoder). Figure Otsu HW

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) It has a reading means for reading a document image and outputting image data, a recording means for recording an image based on the image data, a transmission means for transmitting and receiving the image data, and a storage means for storing the image data, a first operation of storing image data from the reading means in the storage means; a second operation of storing image data received by the transmission means in the storage means or transmitting image data from the storage means by the transmission means; An image processing apparatus characterized in that two operations, an operation and a third operation of causing the recording means to record an image based on image data in the storage means, can be performed in parallel. (2) In the image processing apparatus according to claim (1), image data is transmitted between the reading means and the storage means, the recording means and the storage means, and the transmission means and the storage means. 1. An image processing apparatus comprising: a transfer means for performing DMA transfer. (3) The image processing apparatus according to claim (1), further comprising a conversion means for encoding image data to be transmitted by the transmission means and decoding the received encoded data, Supplying image data from the storage means to the conversion means via a bus line different from a bus line for image data transmission between the storage means and the reading means and the recording means; Taking in data and converting the image data; An image processing apparatus characterized in that image data is taken in from the storage means to the storage means.