JPH06284289A - Method and device for picture processing - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To print out a color picture subjected to high picture quality processing by performing smoothing processing at every color component in a full color printer. CONSTITUTION:A printer controller 200 in a color printer has picture memories used to store picture data of Y, M, C, K colors. A memory selector 2005 switches a picture memory used sequentially to generate a picture at every color. The memory selector 2005 outputs a color designation signal CRCD representing a picture memory selected at present. The level of the CRCD signal is '00' for a Y picture memory 2001, '01' for a M picture memory 2002, '10' for a C picture memory 2003, and '11' for a K picture memory 2004, which indicates a color of picture data processed at present. A VDO signal processing section 302 switches logic of smoothing processing based on the CRCD signal to execute smoothing processing of the picture.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing method and apparatus, and more particularly to an image processing method and apparatus in an image recording apparatus such as a laser printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, as an output device of a computer,
2. Description of the Related Art Recording devices using electrophotography, such as laser beam printers, have been widely used. These devices have many advantages such as high image quality and low noise. Especially 3
The printing density of 00 dpi is one of the causes of rapid development of the desktop publishing (DTP) field in terms of high image quality. In addition, in recent years, in order to meet the further demands of users, a product has been developed in which print pixels are modulated to improve print density in the main scanning direction and a character image or the like is smoothed for printing.

[0003]

However, the above-mentioned technique relates to a monochrome printer, and the development of a printer including a high-quality image processing is also awaited for a full-color printer.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned state of the art. The first object of the present invention is to improve the image quality by performing smoothing processing for each color component in a full-color printer. An image processing method and apparatus capable of printing out a recorded color image.

A second object of the present invention is to prevent image deterioration caused by performing smoothing processing on an image which does not require smoothing.

Furthermore, the present invention makes it possible to specify the degree of smoothing for each color component from an external device or the like.
A third object of the present invention is to provide an image processing method and device capable of performing a desired smoothing process finely for each image data.

Further, according to the present invention, an image processing method capable of detecting an operating environment inside the recording apparatus (for example, humidity inside the apparatus) and automatically changing the degree of smoothing according to the operating environment, and A fourth object is to provide a device.

[0008]

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above first object includes a storage unit for storing color image data for each image data of each color component, and a storage unit for the image data. Smoothing means for performing smoothing processing for each color component, and changing means for changing the smoothing logic used in the smoothing means for each color component of the image data.

Further, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above second object, a storage means for storing color image data for each image data of each color component, and smoothing of the image data. Designation means for designating image data of a color component to be corrected, smoothing means for smoothing image data of the color component designated by the designation means among the image data, and color component designated by the designation means When the image is formed, the image data smoothed by the smoothing unit is output, and when the image of another color component is formed, the image data that is not smoothed is output.

Further, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention for attaining the third object specifies a storage means for storing color image data for each image data of each color component and a smoothing level for each image data of each color component. Designating means,
A smoothing unit that changes the smoothing level for each image data of each color component based on the smoothing level designated by the designating unit to perform a smoothing process, and an output unit that outputs the image data smoothed by the smoothing unit are provided. .

Further, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned fourth object is for storing the color image data for each image data of each color component, and for recording and outputting the color image data. Measuring means for measuring the environment of the recording operation in the recording apparatus, specifying means for specifying a smoothing level based on the result of the measurement by the measuring means, and an image of each color component based on the smoothing level specified by the specifying means. A smoothing unit that performs data smoothing processing and an output unit that outputs the image data smoothed by the smoothing unit are provided.

[0012]

According to the structure for achieving the above-mentioned first object, the color image data is stored for each color component, and the smoothing is executed for each of the image data for each color component. Here, the smoothing logic is changed according to each color component.

Further, according to the configuration for achieving the above-mentioned second object, the color image data is stored for each color component, and the smoothing is executed for each of the image data for each color component. Here, the smoothing is performed on the color component designated in advance, and the image of the color component not designated is output without being smoothed.

Further, according to the structure for achieving the above-mentioned third object, the color image data is stored for each color component,
Smoothing is performed on each of the image data for each color component. Here, the smoothing level is set for each color component, and the smoothing of the image data of each color component is performed at the smoothing level set for each color component.

According to the structure for achieving the above-mentioned fourth object, the color image data is stored for each color component, and the smoothing is executed for each of the image data for each color component. Here, the operating environment of the recording apparatus (humidity in the apparatus, etc.) is measured. Then, the smoothing level is changed based on the result of this measurement.

[0016]

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a laser beam type full color printer 100 in this embodiment.

In the figure, the paper 102 fed from the paper feed unit 101 is held by the gripper 103 f of the transfer drum 103 at the leading end thereof and is held on the outer periphery of the transfer drum 103. The optical unit 107 forms a latent image for each color component on the image carrier 1 (photosensitive drum 1) of the drum cleaner unit C. The developing device selection mechanism includes developing cartridges Dy, Dc, Dm and Dk for developing images of respective color components of yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M) and black (K), and image bearing. A developing cartridge holding member 108 rotatable about an axis 110 parallel to the axis of the body 1, and a guide member 11 for holding the developing cartridge on the holding member 108.
4. Control for selectively moving the developing cartridge by rotating the pressing member 112 and the holding member 108 for pressing and positioning each developing cartridge in the developing unit in the direction of the image carrier 1 of the drum cleaner cartridge C. Drive mechanism,
Further, it is constituted by a drive mechanism and the like for maintaining each developing cartridge in a specific posture.

The developed images obtained by developing the respective color components by the selecting mechanism are sequentially transferred to the sheet 1 on the transfer drum 103.
Transcript 02. Then, after the multicolor image is formed,
Separated from the transfer drum 103. After that, the toner is fixed by the fixing unit 104 and is discharged from the paper discharge unit 105 to the paper discharge tray unit 106.

As described above, in the full-color printer, the same sequence as in the monochrome printer is performed for Y, M, C, and K4 colors. Therefore, it is developed on the photosensitive drum 1 four times before being discharged. That is, the image data VDO corresponding to the four colors of Y, M, C and K are separately transmitted for each color component from the printer controller described later.

The smoothing process in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control arrangement of the color printer of the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 200 denotes a printer controller, which is a host computer 400.
The print data input from an external device such as the above is expanded into image data and output to the printer engine 300 as a video signal (VDO signal). The VDO signal processing unit 301 included in the printer engine 300 receives the image data VDO transmitted from the printer controller 200 and its synchronization clock VCLK, performs smoothing processing, and outputs V
Output as DOM. Then, an image is recorded by the smoothed video signal (VDOM).

The printer controller 200 has a CPU 2
01, a host interface unit 202, and a video interface unit 203. CPU201 is a ROM
Various controls of the color printer 100 are executed by various control programs stored in (not shown). The host interface unit 202 is an external host computer 40.
An interface for receiving recording data from 0. The received recording data is generated as image data by the CPU 201 and stored in the video RAM (not shown). The video interface unit 203 provides, for each color component, various signals necessary for image formation, such as a video signal (VDO) obtained from image data stored in the video RAM and a clock signal (VCLK) which is a VDO synchronization signal. Output to the printer engine 300. BD is a beam detect signal used as a synchronization signal in the main scanning direction. The video RAM stores image data for each color component (for each Y, M, C, K). The control signal is a signal necessary for the printer controller 200 to control each unit such as a drive motor (not shown) included in the printer engine 300.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the VDO signal processing section 301 of FIG. In FIG. 3, 25
Numeral 33 denotes a line memory, which is an input image signal VD
O is stored while being sequentially shifted in synchronization with the clock signal VCLK. Each line memory stores dot information of the main scanning length of the page (image) to be recorded. Each line memory is connected in order of a line memory 25, a line memory 26, a line memory 27, ... A line memory 33, and stores dot information of a main scanning length for 9 lines in the sub scanning direction. Reference numerals 34 to 42 are shift registers, each shift register is provided corresponding to each of the line memories 25 to 33, and the output data from each line memory is input. Each shift register 34-42 is composed of 11 bits, and as shown in the figure, 1a-1k, 2a-2k, 3a-3k,
..., 9a to 9k main scanning direction 11 dots x sub-scanning direction 9
Configure a dot matrix memory for lines. In the dot matrix memory, the central dot 5f is defined as the target dot.

Reference numeral 43 denotes a smoothing processing circuit, which detects the characteristics of the data stored in the dot matrix memory, changes the target pixel 5f as necessary, and performs smoothing. The smoothing processing circuit 43 includes data of each bit of the shift registers 34 to 42 (that is, 1a to
A total of 9k dot matrix data of 9k) is input. Then, the pixel data of the target pixel 5f is subjected to smoothing processing in accordance with the characteristics of the dot matrix data to generate a 4-bit parallel signal MDT.
The parallel signal MDT output from the smoothing processing circuit 43 is input to the parallel-serial conversion circuit 44. The parallel-serial conversion circuit 44 converts the input parallel signal MDT into a serial signal VDOM, and uses this to drive a laser by a laser driver (not shown). In this example, the parallel signal MDT is 4 bits (X
1, X2, X3, X4). That is, the MDT signal is a signal obtained by dividing one pixel of interest 5f into four pixel data in the main scanning direction. The laser is driven by the laser drive signal obtained using the signal, and the pixel is scanned in the main scanning direction. Modulation.

The target pixel 5f is sequentially shifted in the main scanning direction, and the smoothing processing is repeated as described above, whereby the processing for one main scanning line is performed.

Reference numeral 45 denotes a clock generation circuit, which inputs a BD signal which is a main scanning synchronization signal and generates a clock signal VCK as a clock signal synchronized with the BD signal. The clock signal VCK is, for example, a clock frequency f necessary for recording at 300 dots / inch in the main scanning direction.
It has four times the frequency of 0. This is a parallel signal MD
T1 is data obtained by dividing one pixel of data into four in the main scanning direction X1.
This is because it is composed of 4 bits of X4. The serial signal VDOM is sequentially transmitted in synchronization with the clock VCK. Reference numeral 46 is a frequency dividing circuit, which divides the VCK output from the clock generating circuit 45 into 1/4 to obtain VCK.
N is generated and output to the smoothing processing circuit 43. The smoothing processing circuit 43 outputs the parallel signal MDT in synchronization with this VCKN.

An outline of the operation will be described with reference to FIG. When the image signal VDO (image dot data) of 300 dots / inch is transmitted from the printer controller 200 to the printer engine 300 in synchronization with the image clock signal VCLK, the image dot data is sequentially stored in the line memory 2
5 to 33. At the same time, dot matrix information of 11 dots in the main scanning × 9 dots in the sub scanning is extracted from the image dot data stored in the line memories 25 to 33 and stored in the shift registers 34 to 42. Thereafter, the smoothing processing circuit 43 detects the feature of the dot matrix information, and generates change data composed of four data X1 to X4 divided into four equal parts in the main scanning direction with respect to the target pixel according to the detected feature. It functions like printing.

Next, smoothing according to this embodiment will be described.

4 to 6 are diagrams showing patterns to be smoothed according to this embodiment. 7 and 8A and 8B are views for explaining the smoothing process according to the first embodiment.

The smoothing processing circuit 43 is shown in FIGS.
Pattern detection circuit 4 for detecting a pattern as shown in FIG.
301 (FIG. 3). When it is detected that the dot matrix data is one of those shown in FIGS. 4 to 6,
The MDT signal is determined at Xi (1 ≦ i ≦ 4) shown on the right side of the pattern.

As a result, for example, "a" shown in FIG.
8A in which a part S of the dot configuration of the character is enlarged is converted, that is, smoothed as shown in FIG. 8B, and printing is performed.

The above operation will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the smoothing processing circuit 43 in the first embodiment. In step S11, the smoothing processing circuit 43 takes in the image data of the dot matrix memory of 11 dots × 9 lines. In step S12, the pattern detection circuit 4301 compares the image data captured in step S11 with the patterns shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 to check whether there is a matching pattern. Then, in step S13, if there is a matching pattern as a result of the previous comparison, the process proceeds to step S14, and Xi corresponding to the matching pattern is determined.
The pattern is output as a parallel signal MDT. On the other hand, if there is no matching pattern, the pixel of interest (5
The pixel data of f) constitutes an MDT signal and outputs it.

The above operation is executed for all colors. For example, in FIG. 2, the image signal VDO of an image to be formed in Y (yellow) is first transmitted from the printer controller 200, and the smoothing process described above is performed. Then, by the recording operation described in FIG.
The smoothed yellow image is transferred onto the paper.
The sheet on which the yellow image has been transferred rotates around the transfer drum 103, and subsequently an M (magenta) image is formed.
That is, the image signal V of the image to be formed with M (magenta)
The DO is received from the printer controller 200, the smoothing process is performed similarly to the yellow image, and the M image is transferred onto the paper. After the same processing is performed on the images of other colors (C, K), the toner is fixed by the fixing unit 104, and the image of which the image quality has been improved is printed out.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, by performing the smoothing process on the image of each color in the full color printer, it is possible to print out the color image having the high image quality process. .

<Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above,
The colors Y, M, C and K were processed by the same smoothing processing logic. For this reason, the optimum smoothing process is not performed for each color having different visual sensitivity, which may cause deterioration in image quality. In the second embodiment, an image processing apparatus having an appropriate smoothing processing logic for each color component will be described in order to solve the above point.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the control arrangement of the color printer according to the second embodiment. In the figure, 2
Image memories (video RAMs) 001 to 2004 store image data for each of the Y to K color components. Reference numeral 2005 denotes a memory selector, which switches the image memory sequentially used to form an image for each color component. The memory selector 2005 outputs a signal (color designation signal CRCD) indicating the currently selected image memory. The CRCD signal is “00” for the Y image memory 2001 and “0” for the M image memory 2002.
1 "and C for the image memory 2003 is" 10 ", K
“11” for the image memory 2004, indicating the color of the image data currently being processed.

Reference numeral 302 is a VDO signal processing unit according to the second embodiment. The VDO signal processing unit 302 will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of the VDO signal processing unit according to the second embodiment. The same components as those in Embodiment 1 (FIG. 3) are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted here.

Numerals 47 to 50 are processing circuits dedicated to respective colors, and execute smoothing processing suitable for the respective colors. Reference numeral 51 denotes a selector, which corresponds to the color of the image data currently processed by the CRCD, and the processing circuits 47 to 47 for the respective colors.
One of the parallel signals input from 50 is selected and output as an MDT signal.

The operation of the second embodiment will be described below.

Similar to the first embodiment, the line memories 25 to 3
3 and the shift registers 34 to 42 form a dot matrix memory, and hold dot matrix data of a predetermined number of pixels. This dot matrix data is processed by the Y processing circuit 47, the M processing circuit 48, the C processing circuit 49,
It is input to each of the K processing circuits 50. Then, the smoothing process is performed in each processing circuit to obtain pixel data of 4 bits each. These pixel data are input to the selector 51. At this time, for example, the color designation signal C
It is assumed that RCD is code 00 indicating that VDO is a signal corresponding to Y. Then, according to this CRCD signal, the selector 51 outputs the output 4 from the Y processing circuit 47.
A bit is selected and output as an MDT signal. afterwards,
It is converted into serial data by the parallel-serial conversion circuit 44 and output as image data VDOM.

Next, when the image signal VDO corresponding to M is sent, the CRCD also becomes a code "01" indicating that VDO is a signal corresponding to M. Therefore, the selector 51 selects the output from the M processing circuit 48 and outputs it as the MDT signal. This MDT signal is processed by the parallel-serial conversion circuit 44 in the same manner as described above, and is output as image data (VDOM). After that, the same processing is performed for C and K, optimally smoothed for each color, and printed out. Where Y
, M, C, and K processing circuits 47 to 50 have different smoothing logics. For example, in FIG.
The smoothing logic of the pattern shown in (A) is used for the K processing circuit 50, and the logics of (A) to (C) of FIG. 12 are applied to Y, M, and C. Since Y, M, and C have lower visual sensitivity than K, the smoothing effect is enhanced by changing the logic in a darker direction (direction in which smoothing strength is increased).

Regarding the above operation, the operation of the VDO signal processing section 302 will be further described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S21, the dot matrix data of 11 dots × 9 lines is loaded into the processing circuits 47 to 50 corresponding to each color. In step S22, the processing circuits 47 to 50 for the respective colors perform the smoothing processing using the smoothing logic suitable for the respective colors.

In steps 23 to S25, CR
The color of the image data being processed is determined from the code indicated by the CD, and the process is branched. If CRCD = "00",
Since the current VDO signal corresponds to the Y image,
From step S23 to step S26, the selector 5
1 selects the output pattern Xi from the Y processing circuit 47 and outputs it as MDT (step S30).
If CRCD = "01", the flow advances from step S24 to step S27 to select the output pattern Xi of the M processing circuit 48. Similarly, if CRCD = “10”, the output pattern Xi of the processing circuit 49 for C is CRCD.
= “11”, the output pattern X of the K processing circuit 50
i is selected and output as an MDT signal.

As described above, according to the second embodiment,
Since an appropriate smoothing process is applied to each color component,
It is possible to obtain a higher quality color recorded image.

<Third Embodiment> Next, an image processing apparatus according to a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the control arrangement of the color printer 100 according to the third embodiment. Example 1
The same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as (FIG. 3),
The description is omitted here.

SMON is a smoothing signal, which is on ("true") while the image data of the color that needs the smoothing process is output, and is off while the image data of the color that does not require the smoothing process is output. ("Fa
lse ”).

Next, the VDO signal processing section 303 of the third embodiment.
Will be described. FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the VDO signal processing unit 303 according to the third embodiment. In the figure, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals,
The description is omitted here.

Reference numeral 52 denotes a selector, which inputs the parallel signal MDT output from the smoothing processing circuit 43 and the raw data (original pixel data) of the target pixel 5f,
If the status of SMON is "true", parallel MDT
If SMON is “false”, the original pixel data is selected and the signal is output as pixel data (4 bits).

The pixel data output from the selector 52 is input to the parallel / serial conversion circuit 44. The parallel-serial conversion circuit 44 converts the input pixel data into a serial signal VDOM to obtain a video signal, which is output to a laser driver (not shown) in synchronization with the clock signal VCK. Since the pixel of interest is divided into four in the main scanning direction in the smoothing process as described above, the pixel data is composed of 4 bits (X1, X2, X3, X4).

Next, the operation of the color printer of the third embodiment having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The full-color recording data transmitted from the host computer 400 includes an identification signal indicating which color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) to be smoothed. Has been. In the first embodiment, the following description will be made on the assumption that a signal indicating that only K is smoothed is included. The print data transmitted from the host computer 400 is received by the host interface unit 202 (step S31),
The CPU 201 determines Y, M, C, K based on the recorded data.
Bit map data (image data) for one page is generated for each (step S32).

Next, the video interface unit 203 transmits the image data for one page to the printer engine 300 in the order of Y, M, C and K. At this time,
SMON for designating whether or not to perform the smoothing process for each color component is also output (step S33).
Here, the smoothing signal SMON is "false" when Y, M, and C image data is being transmitted, but is "tr" when K image data is being transmitted.
ue ”.

The above steps S31 to S33
Are contents processed on the printer controller 200 side. After step S34, the VDO signal processing unit 303
This process is described below, and this procedure will be described below.

By checking the smoothing signal SMON received together with the image data, it is determined whether or not smoothing is executed (step S34). Then, when performing smoothing (SMON is set to "tr
ue ”) to step S35, and if not executed (SMON is“ false ”) to step S36.
To each. When performing smoothing, VDO
The video signal of the image that has been smoothed by the signal processing unit 303 is output to the laser beam driver (step S35). On the other hand, if the smoothing is not executed, the image data to which the smoothing processing has not been applied is output (step S36). Then, it is determined whether or not the video signal output is completed for all the colors, and if it is completed, this processing is completed, and if not completed, step S33.
It returns to (step S37).

Regarding the processing operations of steps S34 to S36 described above, the operation of the VDO signal processing section 303 will be described in more detail. Video interface 20
The image data transmitted from No. 3 is subjected to smoothing processing and input to the selector 52 as a parallel signal MDT. The original pixel data that has not been subjected to the smoothing process is also input to the selector 52. And Y,
While processing the image data of M and C, S
Since MON is "false", the selector 52 selects the original pixel data of the target pixel 5f and outputs it as a parallel signal (step S35). When K image data is input, SMON becomes "true", so the selector 52 selects and outputs the data (parallel signal MDT) from the smoothing processing circuit 43 (step S36). As a result, only the K (black) image is smoothed and recorded.

By the control as described above, when the Y image data VDO is transmitted from the printer controller 200 to the VDO signal processing section 303, the image data is converted into a video signal and a yellow image is transferred onto the recording paper. It At this time, since SMON is "false", the smoothing process is not executed. Then, the recording paper 102 on which the yellow image is transferred rotates around the transfer drum 103.
Next, the M image data VDO is transferred to the printer controller 20.
When it is received from 0, it is converted into a video signal as in the case of Y and the magenta image is transferred to the recording paper.
The same applies to C. Next, when K image data is received, SMON becomes "true".
The smoothed image is converted to a video signal,
The smoothed black image is transferred onto the recording paper. Then, the sheet is fixed by the fixing unit 104 and discharged.

Incidentally, the above-mentioned steps S31 to S3.
The processing of 3 is processing on the printer controller 200 side, and the processing of steps S34 to S7 is the printer engine 30.
This is processing on the 0 side. Therefore, although the processing progresses in series on the flowchart, there are actually portions where the processing progresses in parallel. For example, when the Y image formation is completed in the printer controller 200, this is output to the printer engine 300. Then, the printer controller 200 processes the M print data input from the host computer 400 while the Y image is printed by the printer engine 300, and forms an image.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to specify the presence or absence of smoothing for each color of Y, M, C and K from the host computer, and obtain a print image desired by the user. You can

Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, all the image data of each color are smoothed. In this case, for example, if a black character image and a yellow photo image are mixed on the same page, smoothing processing is performed not only on the character image that needs to be smoothed but also on the photo image that does not need to be smoothed. I will end up. Therefore, the formed image may be adversely affected, but according to the third embodiment, such a problem is solved.

In the third embodiment, K (black) image data is designated as an image to be smoothed, but it is needless to say that image data of other colors may be used, and a plurality of colors ( Obviously, it is also possible to specify (for example, K and Y) as image data to be smoothed.

<Fourth Embodiment> In the third embodiment, smoothing processing is performed by designating whether or not to perform smoothing processing for each color component. In the printer of the fourth embodiment, smoothing is performed for each color component. The processing logic can be specified, and the intensity of smoothing is changed for each color component to output an image.

The structure of the color printer of the fourth embodiment is almost the same as the structure of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. Therefore, here, with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, portions different from the third embodiment will be described.

In FIG. 14, the host computer 400 is 1
A signal (referred to as a strength designation signal) for designating the strength of smoothing of each color is transmitted to the printer controller 200 together with the image data for pages.

The printer controller 200 determines the degree of smoothing in the image of each color based on the received strength designation signal. Then, when the bitmap data of each color is transmitted to the printer engine 100, the smoothing signal SMON is changed and transmitted. In the fourth embodiment, SMON is smoothing strong, medium, weak,
It consists of 2 bits to indicate the four states of none. In the third embodiment, as an example of the strength designation signal, it is assumed that Y is designated as strong smoothing, M is not smoothed, C is smoothed weakly, and K is designated as being smoothed. In this case S
The MON signal is "11 (strong)" when Y, "00 (none)" when M, "01 (weak)" when C, and "10 (medium)" when K.

In FIG. 15, the smoothing processing circuit 4
The operation of each part except 3 and the selector 52 is the same as that of the third embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted here. The smoothing processing circuit and the selector will be described below.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the internal arrangement of the smoothing processing circuit 43 'according to the fourth embodiment. In the figure, reference numerals 431 to 433 denote smoothing processing units, each having a different smoothing intensity. Here, the smoothing processing unit 431 has a smoothing processing logic with a high degree of smoothing processing. Further, the smoothing processing unit 432 has smoothing processing logic with a moderate degree of smoothing processing, and the smoothing processing unit 433 has smoothing processing logic with a weak degree of smoothing processing.

The smoothing processing sections 431 to 433 are
Each bit of the shift registers 34 to 42 (that is, 1a to 9k)
4 bits of image data obtained by smoothing the target pixel 5f based on the data of 99 bits). Therefore, the smoothing processing circuit 43 'outputs three types of image data having different degrees of smoothing processing. That is, each smoothing processing unit 43
A total of 12 bits are input to the selector 53, three sets of 4 bits each including 1 to 433.

Further, the original pixel data of the target pixel 5f is input to the selector 53 as in the third embodiment. The selector 53 follows the 2-bit smoothing signal SMON
It outputs one of the three sets of 4-bit signals and the original pixel data.

According to this example, when Y, the degree of smoothing is strengthened, so the output 4 bits from the smoothing processing unit 431 is output. Similarly, when M, the signal of the target pixel 5f is output, and when C, the smoothing processing unit 433.
When K, the data from the smoothing processing unit 432 is selected and output.

The smoothing processing units 431 to 433 are provided.
The smoothing logic used in (1) changes the intensity of smoothing by the method described in the second embodiment, for example. That is, for the pattern as shown in FIG. 5A, the smoothing processing unit 431 uses the logic of FIG. 12A, and the smoothing processing unit 432 uses the logic of FIG. 12B.
The smoothing processing unit 433 uses the logic of FIG.

The above processing will be further described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 18 corresponds to the step S34 to step S36 of the flowchart of FIG. 16 described above, and shows the characteristic processing of the fourth embodiment.

First, in step S41, SMON
If “= 11”, the process proceeds to step S42, and the selector 5
After selecting the image smoothed by the smoothing processing unit 431, the process proceeds to step S48. On the other hand, S
If MON = “11” is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S43. If SMON = "10" in step S43, the process proceeds to step S44, the selector 53 selects the image smoothed by the smoothing processing unit 432, and then the process proceeds to step S48. Also, in step S43, SM
If it is not ON = “10”, the process proceeds to step S45.
If SMON = "01" in step S45, the process proceeds to step S46, in which the selector 53 selects the image smoothed by the smoothing processing unit 433, and then the process proceeds to step S48. Then, in step S45, if SMON = "01" is not satisfied, SMON
Assuming that “= 00”, the process proceeds to step S47, selects an image that has not been smoothed, and selects step S48.
Go to. In step S48, the above-mentioned step S
Selector 5 in any of 42, 44, 46, 47
The image selected in 3 is output to the laser driver, and this processing ends.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to apply smoothing with a desired intensity to an image of a desired color from the host computer side, and fine smoothing control can be performed.

<Fifth Embodiment> In the third and fourth embodiments, the smoothing is controlled by the signal from the host computer 400. However, in the fifth embodiment, the operating environment (in this embodiment, the humidity in the apparatus and the photosensitive drum). A color printer in which smoothing is automatically controlled by the electric potential) will be described.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the control arrangement of the color printer of the fifth embodiment. Incidentally, the above-mentioned Example 3
The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 14 are attached to the configurations having the same functions as those, and the description thereof is omitted here.

In FIG. 19, the printer controller 2
Mode signal AUTO transmitted from 00 is "true"
Then, the CPU 312 in the printer engine 300 outputs SMON2 so as to select the most suitable processing circuit at the time of smoothing based on the outputs from the humidity sensor 313 and the potential sensor 314 of the photosensitive drum 1. For example, when the humidity is high, the recorded image tends to be dark, so
Outputs SMON2 so that the degree of smoothing becomes weak. Further, for example, when the potential of the photosensitive drum 1 is low,
Since the recorded image tends to be thin, step SMON2 is output so that the degree of smoothing becomes strong.
When AUTO is “false”, the same operation as in the above-described fourth embodiment is performed. That is, the printer controller 2
The smoothing designation signal SMON1 from 00 is transmitted to the printer engine 300, and the VDO signal processing unit 305 performs smoothing processing according to the smoothing designation signal SMON1.

The above processing will be further described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 20 shows the processing procedure of the fifth embodiment in the steps S33 to S36 of the flowchart of FIG.

In step S51, the image data VDO and SMON1 are output for each color component. Step S
At 52, the status of the AUTO signal is judged and "true" is determined.
If so, the process proceeds to step S54, and if "false", the process proceeds to step S53. In step S53, SMON1 input in step S51 is used to execute steps S41 to S48 of FIG. 18 described above, and the process proceeds to step S56. On the other hand, in step S54, from the measurement data of the humidity sensor 303 and the potential sensor 304,
SMON2 for setting the content of the smoothing process is generated. Then, in step S55, SMON2 is used to execute the above-described steps S41 to S4 in FIG.
8 is executed and the process proceeds to step S56. In step S56, it is determined whether or not the video signal output is completed for all colors. If it is completed, this process is terminated, and if not completed, the process returns to step S51.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment,
It is possible to detect the environment of the recording operation and perform optimum smoothing, and it becomes unnecessary to specify the smoothing control during use, which has the effect of reducing the burden on the user.

In the fifth embodiment, whether the smoothing process is selected by SMON1 or SMON2 is determined depending on whether the AUTO signal is "true" or "false", but the present invention is not limited to this. For example,
When the AUTO signal is “true”, when the humidity is high, the smoothing degree is weakened to the smoothing processing (SMON1) designated by the host computer 400 (for example, when SMON1 = “11”, SMON2).
It is also possible to make a modification so that it is output as "= 10". That is, the SMON1 signal may be modified based on the environmental conditions.

Furthermore, although the humidity and the potential of the photosensitive drum are used as the environment for the recording operation in the fifth embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and the environmental conditions such as the temperature in the apparatus that affect the recording state may be used. Anything can be used.

In the smoothing method used in each of the above-described embodiments, the target pixel to be smoothed is detected based on the dot information of 9 × 11, and the target pixel is divided into four in the main scanning direction to obtain pixel data. Although the change is made, the present invention is not limited to this, and various smoothing processing methods can be applied.

Furthermore, in the second, fourth, and fifth embodiments described above, a plurality of smoothing processing circuits are made to function in parallel to realize a plurality of smoothing logics, and a plurality of obtained smoothed image data are obtained. One is configured to be selected by the selector (51 or 53). However, these configurations are only one embodiment of the present invention, and for example, it is possible to implement a plurality of types of smoothing processing by one smoothing processing circuit by switching the smoothing logic to be applied. It's clear. Also, in the third embodiment, the selector 5
The smoothing circuit 4 may determine whether or not to perform smoothing according to the SMON signal without using 2.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a case where it is achieved by supplying a program that causes a system or an apparatus to execute the processing defined by the present invention.

[0085]

As described above, according to the present invention, in a full-color printer, a smoothing process is performed for each color, so that a color image can be printed with high image quality.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately execute the smoothing process according to the difference in the visual sensitivity for each color of the image data to be recorded, and to prevent the deterioration of the image quality due to unnecessary smoothing. Has the effect of

[0087]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a laser type full color printer according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the color printer according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of a VDO signal processing unit according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a pattern as a target of smoothing processing and an output pattern of a pixel of interest in the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a pattern to be a target of smoothing processing and an output pattern of a pixel of interest in the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a pattern which is a target of smoothing processing and an output pattern of a target pixel in the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating image data of a character “a”.

8A is an enlarged view of a region S that is a part of the image in FIG. 7, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a smoothing state in the region S.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a smoothing operation procedure according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a color printer according to a second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of a VDO signal processing unit according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a smoothing process according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of smoothing processing according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a color printer according to a third exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of a video signal processing unit according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operating procedure of the color printer according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a smoothing processing circuit according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of the color printer according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a color printer according to a fifth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an operating procedure of the color printer according to the fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 color printer 200 printer controller 201 CPU 202 host interface unit 203 video interface unit 300 printer engine 301 VDO signal processing unit 25-33 line memory 34-42 shift register 43 smoothing circuit 44 parallel serial conversion circuit 45 clock generation circuit 46 frequency divider circuit 50-53 selector

Claims (25)

[Claims] 1. A storage unit for storing color image data for each image data of each color component, a smoothing unit for performing a smoothing process on the image data for each color component, and a smoothing logic used in the smoothing unit. An image processing apparatus comprising: a changing unit that changes each color component of the image data. 2. The smoothing means is a storage means for extracting and storing an image of a predetermined size including a pixel of interest from the image data for each color component, and an image stored in the storage means is predetermined. Determining means for determining whether or not the image has a predetermined characteristic pattern, acquisition means for acquiring predetermined modulation data corresponding to the characteristic pattern when the image has the predetermined characteristic pattern, and the modulation data 2. A modulation unit that modulates the pixel of interest in the main scanning direction based on
The image processing device according to item 1. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the changing unit changes the modulation data acquired by the acquiring unit for each image data of each color component. 4. An image data for each color component, comprising a storage unit for storing color image data for each image data of each color component, and a plurality of smoothing processing units for smoothing the image data by different logic for each color component. Smoothing means for smoothing each of the plurality of smoothing processing parts to obtain a plurality of types of output image data, and the smoothing means based on the color components of the image data processed by the smoothing means. An image processing apparatus comprising: an output unit that selects and outputs any one of a plurality of types of output image data. 5. A storage unit for storing color image data for each image data of each color component, a designation unit for designating image data of a color component for which smoothing is to be executed among the image data, and among the image data, Smoothing means for performing smoothing on the image data of the color component designated by the designating means; and outputting the image data smoothed by the smoothing means when forming an image of the color component designated by the designating means. An image processing apparatus comprising: an output unit that outputs image data that has not been smoothed during image formation of other color components. 6. A storage unit for storing color image data for each image data of each color component, a designation unit for designating image data of a color component of the image data to be subjected to smoothing, and each of the image data. Smoothing means for performing smoothing, and outputting image data smoothed by the smoothing means when forming an image of the color component designated by the designating means, and smoothing processing when forming an image of another color component An image processing apparatus, comprising: an output unit that outputs unprocessed image data. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the designation unit designates image data of a color component for which smoothing is to be performed, by the color. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the designation unit inputs information designating image data of color components to be smoothed from an external device. 9. A storage unit for storing color image data for each image data of each color component, a designating unit for designating a smoothing level for each image data of each color component, and based on the smoothing level designated by the designating unit. An image processing apparatus comprising: a smoothing unit that changes a smoothing level for each image data of each color component to perform a smoothing process; and an output unit that outputs the image data smoothed by the smoothing unit. 10. A storage unit for storing color image data for each image data of each color component, a designation unit for designating a smoothing level for each image data of each color component, and a plurality of storage units for forming an image for each color component. Smoothing means for obtaining a plurality of types of output image data by smoothing image data at a smoothing level; and the smoothing based on the color components of the image data being processed by the smoothing means and the smoothing level designated by the designating means. An image processing apparatus comprising: an output unit that selects and outputs one of a plurality of types of output image data output from the unit. 11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the specifying unit inputs information specifying a smoothing degree for each image data of each color component from an external device. 12. A storage unit for storing color image data for each image data of each color component, a measuring unit for measuring an environment of a recording operation in a recording apparatus for recording and outputting the color image data, and the measuring unit. Designating means for designating a smoothing level based on the measurement result, smoothing means for performing a smoothing process on the image data of each color component based on the smoothing level designated by the designating means, and image data smoothed by the smoothing means. An image processing apparatus comprising: an output unit that outputs 13. A storage unit for storing color image data for each image data of each color component, a measuring unit for measuring an environment of a recording operation in a recording apparatus for recording and outputting the color image data, and an image of each color component. First specifying means for specifying a smoothing level for each data, second specifying means for specifying a smoothing level based on the result of measurement by the measuring means, and specified by the first specifying means and the second specifying means An image processing comprising: a smoothing unit that changes the smoothing level for each image data of each color component based on the smoothing level to perform a smoothing process; and an output unit that outputs the image data smoothed by the smoothing unit. apparatus. 14. Storage means for storing color image data for each image data of each color component, measuring means for measuring a recording operation environment in a recording device for recording and outputting the color image data, and the measuring means. Designation means for designating a smoothing level based on the result of measurement, and smoothing means for obtaining a plurality of types of output image data by performing a smoothing process on the image data at a plurality of smoothing levels during image formation based on each of the image data. An image processing apparatus comprising: an output unit that selects and outputs one of a plurality of types of output image data output by the smoothing unit based on the smoothing level designated by the designating unit. 15. The image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the measuring unit measures humidity in a recording device for recording and outputting the color image data. 16. A recording device for recording and outputting the color image data records a color image by a laser beam method, and the measuring means measures a potential of a photosensitive drum in the recording device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 14. 17. A storage process of storing color image data for each image data of each color component, a smoothing process of performing a smoothing process on the image data for each color component, and a smoothing logic used in the smoothing process. And a changing step of changing each color component of the image data. 18. A storage step of storing color image data for each image data of each color component; and a plurality of smoothing processing units for smoothing the image data by different logic for each color component, the image data for each color component. A smoothing process for smoothing each of the plurality of smoothing processing units to obtain a plurality of types of output image data; and a smoothing process based on the color components of the image data processed by the smoothing process. And an output step of selecting and outputting any one of a plurality of types of output image data. 19. A storing step of storing color image data for each image data of each color component; a designating step of designating image data of a color component of the image data to be subjected to smoothing; A smoothing step of performing smoothing on the image data of the color component designated by the designation step, and outputting the image data smoothed by the smoothing step during image formation of the color component designated by the designation step. And an output step of outputting image data that has not been smoothed during image formation of other color components. 20. A storing step of storing color image data for each image data of each color component; a designating step of designating image data of a color component of the image data to be subjected to smoothing; And a smoothing process of performing smoothing, and outputting image data smoothed by the smoothing process at the time of image formation of the color component designated by the designation process, and smoothing process at the time of image formation of other color components. An image processing method for outputting unprocessed image data. 21. Based on a storing step of storing color image data for each image data of each color component, a specifying step of specifying a smoothing level for each image data of each color component, and a smoothing level specified by the specifying step. An image processing method comprising: a smoothing step of performing a smoothing process by changing a smoothing level for each image data of each color component; and an output step of outputting the image data smoothed by the smoothing step. 22. A storing step of storing color image data for each image data of each color component, a designating step of designating a smoothing level for each image data of each color component, and a plurality of steps for forming an image for each color component. A smoothing process for smoothing image data at a smoothing level to obtain a plurality of types of output image data; and a smoothing process based on the color components of the image data being processed in the smoothing process and the smoothing level specified in the specifying process An image processing method comprising: an output step of selecting and outputting one of a plurality of types of output image data output from the step. 23. A storing step of storing color image data for each image data of each color component, a measuring step of measuring a recording operation environment in a recording device for recording and outputting the color image data, and the measuring step. A designating step of designating a smoothing level based on the result of measurement, a smoothing step of performing a smoothing process of image data of each color component based on the smoothing level designated by the designating step, and image data smoothed by the smoothing step. And an output step of outputting the image processing method. 24. A storing step of storing color image data for each image data of each color component, a measuring step of measuring a recording operation environment in a recording device for recording and outputting the color image data, and an image of each color component A first designating step of designating a smoothing level for each data, a second designating step of designating a smoothing level based on a result of the measurement by the measuring step, and a second designating step designated by the first designating step and the second designating step. An image processing characterized by comprising a smoothing step of performing a smoothing process by changing the smoothing level for each image data of each color component based on the smoothing level, and an output step of outputting the image data smoothed by the smoothing step. Method. 25. A storing step of storing color image data for each image data of each color component, a measuring step of measuring an environment of a recording operation in a recording device for recording and outputting the color image data, and the measuring step. A designating step of designating a smoothing level based on the result of measurement, and a smoothing step of smoothing the image data at a plurality of smoothing levels to obtain a plurality of types of output image data when forming an image based on each of the image data. And an output step of selecting and outputting one of a plurality of types of output image data output from the smoothing step based on the smoothing level designated by the specifying step.