JPH08154171A - Image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To efficiently perform write processing to a frame buffet even when plural image generating parts perform image generating processing asynchronously. CONSTITUTION: A general processing part 1 generates a plotting in struction from the interpret result of an inputted plotting command C, and the image generating parts 2a-2c calculate a reservation area and color information from the plotting instruction, and output a set instruction including a plotting order. Simultaneously, graphic data is outputted from the plotting instruction. A reservation area control part 3 controls the write of inputted graphic data on the frame buffer 4 by referring to the reservation area, the color information and the plotting order. In such write control, the graphic data can be written on the frame buffer 4 even when the reservation area of the graphic data is superimposed on the reservation area whose plotting order is earlier and also, the plotting order is later when the color information is equal to each other, thereby, fast processing can be performed, and the plotting order can be guaranteed, then, output data can be acquired.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention has a plurality of image generators, and is written when writing image data generated by the plurality of image generators into one frame buffer to generate one output data. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of guaranteeing a writing order of image data and performing high-speed writing processing of the image data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a plurality of image generation units parallelly process a plurality of drawing commands generated by interpreting an input drawing command, and sequentially write processing results to a frame buffer,
There is an image processing device that efficiently generates output data corresponding to a drawing command.

Since the plurality of drawing commands may overlap the image data individually generated from the drawing commands,
It has a drawing order when writing to the frame buffer. This is because if the image data corresponding to the drawing command is written in the frame buffer in an arbitrary order without this drawing order, it may not be possible to generate one correct output data indicated by the drawing command.

A conventional specific example in which a plurality of image generation units are provided and a plurality of drawing commands having a drawing order are processed to generate one output data will be described.

That is, FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an image generation process by a conventional image processing apparatus having a plurality of image generation units, in which two image generation units αα1 and αα2 are used as the plurality of image generation units. Figures A to C indicated by the drawing command
It shows how (drawing order: figure A → figure B → figure C) is generated and written in the frame buffer. In addition,
In FIG. 12, areas A00 to C00 of the figures A to C are shown.
Shows the case of overlapping.

In FIG. 12, first, the conversion process (PA) of the figure A having the earliest drawing order is performed by the image generation unit αα1.
Next, the conversion processing (PB) of the graphic B having the earliest drawing order is processed in parallel by the image generation unit αα2. Then, in the conversion process PA of the image generation unit αα1, the reserved area EA01 for writing the figure A in the frame buffer is calculated and set, and the figure data A01 of the figure A is generated. On the other hand, the image generation unit α
In the conversion process PB of α2, the reserved area EB01 for writing the figure B in the frame buffer is calculated and set, and the figure data B01 of the figure B is generated.

Here, the conversion processing PB of the image generation unit αα2
Ends earlier than the conversion processing PA of the image generation unit αα1, but the reserved area EA01 and the reserved area EB01 overlap each other, and the drawing order of the figure A is earlier than that of the figure B. The graphic data B01 generated in step 1 cannot be written in the frame buffer. Therefore, the writing process of the graphic data B01 by the image generation unit αα2 is
Until the conversion process PA for the graphic A that is drawn earlier is completed,
That is, it is not performed until the reserved area EA01 is released,
Waiting for processing.

Then, the conversion processing PA of the image generation unit αα1
When the process is completed, the image generation unit αα1 determines that the graphic data A
01 is written in the reserved area EA01, and the reserved area EA01 is written.
Cancel the setting of. Immediately thereafter, the image generation unit αα2
Reserves the graphic data B01 in the reserved area EB in accordance with the drawing order.
01, and the setting of the reserved area EB01 is canceled.
Then, the conversion process PC of the graphic C is performed by the image generation unit αα1 in the same manner as the above-described process.

In this way, the conventional image processing apparatus is
The drawing order is reserved, and when the graphic data converted by a plurality of image generation units overlap, the drawing order is guaranteed and the graphic data is written in the frame buffer.

As a prior art, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-73
Japanese Patent No. 459 discloses the result of image processing in a FIFO.
The commands and data read from the FIFO buffer are rearranged for each command based on the level of each command, and correct processing is possible even if commands and data of each level are mixed. The data processing method is described.

Further, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-327966, when writing a character in a frame buffer, a write-prohibited area is set at a position where the character is written, and the write-prohibited area is released when the writing of the character is completed. Things are listed.

[0012]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional image processing apparatus, when the variation in the processing speed among the plurality of image processing units becomes large, the graphic data which can be written in the frame buffer is not generated. Even if a large number of graphic data exist, if graphic data whose drawing order is earlier than this graphic data is not generated, there is a problem that the writing process of the graphic data to the frame buffer is temporarily stopped.

Therefore, the present invention eliminates such a problem and provides an image processing apparatus capable of efficiently performing writing processing to a frame buffer even when a plurality of image generating units asynchronously perform image generation processing. The purpose is to provide.

[0014]

A first invention is a frame buffer for storing output data to an output device, and an interpreting process for interpreting an input drawing command and outputting a plurality of drawing commands having a drawing order. A plurality of means for calculating a reserved area and color information of an image to be output to the frame buffer indicated by the drawing instruction from the drawing instruction input from the interpretation processing means, and converting the image into the image data indicated by the drawing instruction. When the image generation means and the reserved area of the image data converted by the image generation means do not overlap with the reserved areas of other image data whose drawing order is earlier than the drawing order of the image data, the reserved area of the image data Is overlapped with the reserved area of other image data whose drawing order is earlier than the drawing order of the image data, but the color information of each image data is the same, and Drawing order of data is characterized by comprising a reserved area control means for controlling to output the image data to the frame buffer is earlier than the drawing order of the other image data.

A second invention is a frame buffer for storing output data to an output device, an interpretation processing means for interpreting an input drawing command and outputting a plurality of drawing commands having a drawing order, and the interpretation processing. Reserved area calculating means for calculating a reserved area and color information of an image to be output to the frame buffer indicated by the drawing instruction from the drawing instruction input from the drawing instruction; and a plurality of images for converting into image data indicated by the drawing instruction With reference to the generating means and the reserved area and color information calculated by the reserved area calculating means, the reserved area of the image data converted by the image generating means has a faster drawing order than the drawing order of the image data. If the reserved area of the image data does not overlap the reserved area of the image data, the reserved area of the image data overlaps with the reserved areas of other image data whose drawing order is earlier than the drawing order of the image data. However, when the color information of each image data is the same, and when the drawing order of the image data is earlier than the drawing order of other image data, the control for outputting the image data to the frame buffer is reserved. And a region control means.

A third invention is characterized in that the color information in the first invention or the second invention is pattern information corresponding to the color information represented by a combination of binary data.

[0017]

According to the first aspect of the invention, the interpreting processing means interprets the input drawing command, generates a plurality of drawing commands having a drawing order from the result of the interpretation, and considers the generated drawing commands sequentially in processing load and the like. And outputs it to an appropriate image generating means of the plurality of image generating means. Each of the plurality of image generating means calculates a reserved area and color information of an image to be output to the frame buffer indicated by the drawing instruction from the input drawing instruction, and converts the reserved area into the image data indicated by the drawing instruction. After the processing, the reserved area, the color information and the image data are output to the reserved area control means. After that, the reserved area control means refers to the reserved area and the color information and controls the writing of the image data into the frame buffer. That is, when the reserved area of the image data does not overlap with the reserved areas of other image data whose drawing order is earlier than the drawing order of the image data, the reserved area of the image data is drawn in comparison with the drawing order of the image data. Only when the order overlaps the reserved areas of other image data but the color information of each image data is the same, and when the drawing order of the image data is earlier than the drawing order of the other image data, The control of writing the image data in the frame buffer is performed.

As a result, when the color information of the respective image data to be written in the overlapping reserved areas is the same, the writing to the frame buffer is performed regardless of the drawing order, so that a plurality of image generating means are used. Even in the case of asynchronous operation, output data with guaranteed drawing order can be obtained at high speed.

Further, in the second invention, the interpretation processing means interprets the inputted drawing command, generates a plurality of drawing commands having a drawing order from the interpretation result, and sequentially generates the generated drawing commands in the reserved area calculating means. And output to any of the plurality of image generation means. The reserved area calculation means calculates the reserved area and color information of the image to be output to the frame buffer indicated by the drawing command from the input drawing command, and outputs the calculation result to the reserved area control means. On the other hand, each of the plurality of image generation means performs a process of converting the drawing commands sequentially input into the image data indicated by the drawing commands, and outputs the image data to the reserved area control means. The reserved area control means sets a reserved area including color information to the frame buffer in accordance with the reserved area and color information input from the reserved area calculating means, and refers to the reserved area to sequentially input frames of image data. Controls writing to the buffer. That is,
When the reserved area of the image data does not overlap with the reserved areas of other image data whose drawing order is earlier than the drawing order of the image data, the reserved area of the image data has a drawing order compared to the drawing order of the image data. The image is overlapped with the reserved area of other image data earlier, but only when the color information of each image data is the same and when the drawing order of the image data is earlier than the drawing order of the other image data. Controls writing data to the frame buffer.

As a result, similarly to the first aspect, when the color information of the respective image data to be written in the overlapping reserved areas is the same, the writing to the frame buffer is performed regardless of the drawing order. Therefore, even when a plurality of image generating means operate asynchronously, it is possible to obtain output data with guaranteed drawing order at high speed. In particular, in the second invention, the reserved area calculating unit independently calculates the reserved area and the color information and outputs the information directly to the reserved area control unit, and the reserved area control unit early performs the reserved area setting process. Since it can be performed and the load on the plurality of image generation means is reduced, the overall image processing is further speeded up.

Furthermore, in the third invention, the color information in the first invention or the second invention is replaced with pattern information represented by a combination of binary data corresponding to the color information for processing.

Accordingly, even if the output device cannot output in color, it is possible to output as a pseudo intermediate color corresponding to the color information by the pattern formed of a combination of binary data.

[0023]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, referring to FIG. 2, the principle of the present invention will be described based on a specific example.

Here, two image generation units α1 and α2
However, the overlapping figures A to C (drawing order: figure A →
The case of writing figure B → figure C) in the frame buffer will be described. It should be noted that FIG. 2A shows a graphic A and a graphic B.
2 (b) shows the processing when the color information is different from that of FIG.
Indicates processing when the color information of the graphic A and the color information of the graphic B are the same. 2A and 2B, the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time of the process.

First, the processing when the color information of the graphic A and the color information of the graphic B are different will be described. In FIG. 2 (a),
The image generation unit α1 performs a process (PA1) of converting into the graphic data A1 based on the drawing command of the graphic A having the earliest drawing order. Prior to this process PA1, the reserved area EA1 on the frame buffer of the graphic A and the color information. Is calculated and the reserved area EA1 is set. On the other hand, the image generation unit α2 performs a process (PB1) of converting into the graphic data B1 based on the drawing command of the graphic B having the next earliest drawing order.
Prior to 1, the reserved area E on the frame buffer of figure B
B1 and color information are calculated, and the reserved area EB1 is set. Here, the processing PB1 of the figure B ends earlier than the processing PA1 of the figure A, but the drawing order of the figure A is earlier than the drawing order of the figure B, so the processing result of the processing PB1 is the figure data. B1 is not written in the frame buffer and waits for the end of the process PA1 of the graphic A, that is, the cancellation of the setting of the reserved area EB1. Then, when the process PA1 of the graphic A is completed, the graphic data A1 is written in the frame buffer, and the setting of the reserved area EA1 is released. As a result, the graphic data B1 is written in the frame buffer and the reserved area EB1 is also released. After that, the image generation unit α1 whose graphic conversion processing has ended early
Accepts the drawing command for the graphic C and performs the processing PC1 for the graphic C. As a result, the graphic data of each graphic is written in the frame buffer with a guaranteed drawing order.

Next, a process when the color information of the graphic A and the color information of the graphic B are the same will be described. In FIG. 2B, similarly to the processing of FIG. 2A, the image generation units α1 and α2 respectively calculate and set the reserved areas EA2 and EB2 of the graphics A and B, and the graphic data A2 and EB2. The processes PA2 and PB2 for conversion into B2 are performed, but when the process PB2 for conversion into the graphic data B2 ends, the process for writing the graphic data A2 into the frame buffer is performed. That is, the drawing order of the figure A is earlier than the drawing order of the figure B, but since the color information is the same, it is considered that the drawing order of the figure A is the same as the drawing order of the figure B, and the process PA2 ends. And is written in the frame buffer without waiting for the release of the reserved area EA2. As a result, the conversion processing PC for converting the graphic C into graphic data
2 is performed by the image generation unit α2 whose processing has been completed first.

Therefore, when there is overlapping graphic data with the same color information, the drawing order becomes the same, the graphic data is immediately written into the frame buffer, and the image generation unit whose processing has been completed first is executed. Can perform the following graphic conversion processing. In this respect, the present invention enables efficient image processing as compared with the conventional image processing apparatus.

Next, the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus interprets a drawing command C to generate and output a plurality of drawing commands, and a drawing command output from the whole processing unit 1 to a reserved area of a figure indicated by the drawing command. And a plurality of image generation units 2a to 2c that calculate the color information and the color information and that are converted into graphic data.
2c, a reserved area control unit 3 that controls writing of graphic data with reference to the reserved area and color information, and a frame buffer 4 in which graphic data is written. The control of writing by the reserved area control unit 3 is
If the reserved area of figure data does not overlap the reserved area of other figure data earlier than the drawing order of this figure data, the reserved area of this figure data is reserved for other figure data whose drawing order is earlier than the drawing order of this figure data When the graphic data overlaps with the area but the color information of each graphic data is the same, and the drawing order of this graphic data is earlier than the drawing order of other graphic data, the graphic data is written in the frame buffer 4. The data written in the frame buffer 4 can be output as output data to an output device (not shown) when the processing for the drawing command C is completed.

Here, the drawing command is a command described in, for example, the page description language PDL, and the overall processing unit 1 interprets this page description language PDL and a plurality of lower levels than the page description language PDL. Generates a drawing command for. Further, this drawing command has a drawing order. It should be noted that the overall processing unit 1 outputs a drawing command from any one of the image generation units, and the selection of the output destination of this drawing command is determined based on the load state of the image generation unit. For example, the drawing commands are sequentially output in priority from the image generation unit whose processing has ended early.

The reserved area calculated by the image generators 2a to 2c means the area and range of the graphic data on the frame buffer 4 when writing the graphic data to the frame buffer 4. Further, the color information means RGB system or YM.
The color information of the CK system and the information necessary for color correction depending on an output device (not shown). Further, the graphic data refers to data that has undergone conversion processing in accordance with a drawing command, similar to the processing performed by a normal image generation unit.

Further, in FIG. 1, the image generating units 2a to 2a.
Although 2c shows the configuration of three image generation units, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of arbitrary number of image generation units may be used.

Next, the operation of each component of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be sequentially described with reference to the flowchart.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the operation procedure of the overall processing unit 1, and the operation of the overall processing unit 1 will be described based on this flowchart.

First, when the overall processing unit 1 receives the drawing command C, it interprets the drawing command C and judges whether the result of this interpretation is a command to be written in the frame buffer 4 (S1). If it is a command to be written in the frame buffer 4, a drawing command is output to any of the plurality of image generation units 2a to 2c (S2). The determination of the output destination is performed based on the load states of the image generation units 2a to 2c as described above, and when all the load states are the same, the output is output to the image generation unit determined by default. After that, the CPU waits for a reservation processing completion notification from the image generation unit that has output the drawing command (S3), and after receiving the reservation processing completion notification (S4), interprets the next drawing command. On the other hand, if it is not the command to be written in the frame buffer 4 in step S1, the process corresponding to this drawing command is performed (S5), and the next drawing command is interpreted.
Note that the processing of a drawing command that is not a command to be written in the frame buffer 4 refers to processing such as attribute setting / change. For example, setting / changing of attributes such as Mincho or Gothic in character generation.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation procedure of the image generation units 2a to 2c, and the operation of each of the image generation units 2a to 2c will be described based on this flow chart.

First, each of the drawing generation units 2a to 2c determines whether the command received from the overall processing unit 1 is a drawing command (S11). As a result, if it is a drawing command, a reserved area and color information are calculated from this drawing command, and a setting command including the drawing order in the reserved area and color information is output to the reserved area control unit 3 (S12). Then, the reservation processing completion notification is output to the overall processing unit 1 (S13). After that, the processing according to the drawing command is performed, and the graphic data to be written is output to the reserved area control unit. On the other hand, step 11
If it is determined that the command is not the drawing command, the designated command is processed (S15). It should be noted that the processing of the designated instruction includes setting / changing attributes, setting / converting coordinate conversion values /
This is processing such as change.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the reserved area control unit 3, and the operation of the reserved area control unit 3 will be described based on this flowchart.

First, the reserved area control unit 3 judges whether or not the input data is graphic data to be written in the frame buffer 4 (S21), and if it is graphic data to be written, this graphic data is further written. It is determined whether or not the area in which is written overlaps the reserved area of the graphic having the earlier drawing order (S22). If it is determined in step S22 that they do not overlap, this graphic data is written in the frame buffer 4 (S28). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that they overlap, it is determined whether or not the color information is the same as the color information of the reserved area of the figure that is drawn earlier (S2).
3) If the color information is the same, this figure data is written to the frame buffer 4 regardless of the drawing order (S2
8) If they are not the same color information, that is, different color information, wait until this reserved area is released (S2
7) The graphic data input when the reserved area is released is written in the frame buffer 4 (S28).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that it is not graphic data, it is further determined whether or not it is a setting command including the drawing order in the reserved area and color information (S24). The reserved area, color information, and drawing order are set (S25). If it is determined in step S24 that the command is not the setting command, the specified command is processed (S26). The designated command is a command for setting / changing an attribute or the like.

As a result, when the figures are written in the frame buffer in the drawing order, the figures having the same color information can be efficiently processed.

Here, an example in which the processing of figures having the same color information is efficiently performed will be specifically described in comparison with the conventional one.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of high-speed processing by the image processing apparatus of the present invention in comparison with a conventional image processing apparatus. Here, FIG. 6A shows an arrangement relationship of the graphics D to H to be written in the frame buffer, and FIG.
Indicates output data at the end of drawing when the figure data D1 to H1 of the figures D to H are written in the frame buffer in the drawing order. It should be noted that figures D and E have the same color information (shown in gray in the figure), and figures F to D
Are the same color information (shown in black in the figure), unlike the figures D and E. Further, here, for convenience of description, two image generation units β1 and β2 or an image generation unit γ are used.
1 and γ2 are processed in parallel, and the image generation unit β
It is assumed that 1, β2, γ1, and γ2 have the same function and performance. FIG. 6C shows the drawing order of the figures D to H, and also shows the processing time required for the conversion processing into the figure data of one image processing unit.

Now, FIG. 6D shows the image generation units β1 and β2.
7 is a processing time chart of a conventional image processing apparatus having the following. First, the image generation unit β1
After setting the reserved area of figure D (t1), figure D
Is converted into graphic data D1 (PD2). Further, the image generation unit β2 sets the reserved area of the figure E (t7).
After that, a process (PE2) of converting the figure E into the figure data E1 is performed. Here, the processing PE2 of the figure E ends earlier than the processing PD2 of the figure D, but since the drawing order is later than that of the figure D, the processing PD2 waits.

After that, when the processing of the processing PD2 is completed, the graphic data D1 of the graphic D is written in the frame buffer, and the reserved area of the graphic D is released (t2). Then, the image generation unit β1 performs the process PF2 of the graphic F after setting the reserved area of the graphic F (t3).

On the other hand, the image generator β2 releases the reserved area of the figure D, writes the figure data E1 of the figure E in the frame buffer, and releases the reserved area of the figure E (t.
8), the process PG2 of the graphic G is performed after setting the reserved area of the graphic G (t9). Here, the process PG2 ends earlier than the process PF2, but since the drawing order is later than that of the graphic G, the process PF2 waits.

After that, when the processing of the processing PF2 is completed, the graphic data F1 of the graphic F is written in the frame buffer, and the reserved area of the graphic F is released (t4). Then, the image generation unit β1 performs the process PH2 of the graphic H after setting the reserved area of the graphic H (t5). When this process PH2 is completed, the graphic data H1 of the graphic H is written in the frame buffer, the reserved area of the graphic H is released (t6), and all the processes are completed.

On the other hand, FIG. 6E shows the image generation diagram γ.
3 shows a processing time chart by the image processing apparatus of the present invention having 1 and γ2. In this case, the image generator γ2
Does not need to wait for the processing PD2 and the processing PF2 of the image generation unit γ1. This is because when the processing PE3 of the image generating unit γ2 is completed, the processing PD3 of the image generating unit γ1 is performed.
This is because the color information of the graphic D to be processed is the same as the color information of the graphic E, so that the graphic data E1 is immediately written into the frame buffer and the reserved area of the graphic E is released. Therefore, the image processing unit γ2 immediately performs the process PF3 of the figure F, which is the next drawing order, after the process PE3.

As described above, according to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the processing time is shortened by T2 as compared with the conventional image processing apparatus, and the processing time is shortened by T3 by performing the parallel processing using the two image generating units. Image processing can be performed.

Next, the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the plurality of image generation units in the first embodiment respectively perform the calculation of the reserved area and the color information and the conversion process of the graphic data, while the plurality of image generation units perform the reservation. The calculation of the area and the color information is separated and performed at one place.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the image processing apparatus interprets a drawing command C to generate and output a plurality of drawing commands, and an interpretation processing unit 11 and a drawing region sequentially output from the interpretation processing unit 11 and a reserved area for each drawing command. The reserved area calculation unit 12 that calculates color information and directly outputs a setting command including the drawing order to the calculation result to the reserved area control unit 14, and the drawing for which the reserved area and color information have been calculated by the reserved area calculation unit 12. A plurality of image generation units 13a to 13c for converting an instruction into graphic data and a reserved area calculation unit 12
A reserved area control unit 14 for controlling writing of the graphic data output from the image generation units 13a to 13c to the frame buffer 4 based on the reserved area and the color information and the drawing order output from the frame buffer 15. To be done. In addition to the reserved area and color information calculation, the reserved area calculation unit 12 also performs a process of allocating drawing commands based on the load states of the image generation units 13a to 13c. Further, the writing control by the reserved area control unit 14 is similar to the reserved area control unit 3 in FIG. 1 when the reserved area of the graphic data does not overlap with the reserved areas of other graphic data earlier than the drawing order of the graphic data. , If the reserved area of this figure data overlaps the reserved area of other figure data whose drawing order is earlier than the drawing order of this figure data, but the color information of each figure data is the same, the drawing order of this figure data is This is to write the graphic data in the frame buffer 4 when it is earlier than the drawing order of other graphic data. The data written in the frame buffer 4 can be output as output data to an output device (not shown) when the processing for the drawing command C is completed.

Therefore, the functions of the image generators 13a to 13c in the second embodiment are only to generate graphic data among the functions of the image generators 2a to 2c in the first embodiment. The function of the reserved area calculation unit 12 is
Of the functions of the image generation units 2a to 2c in the first embodiment, only the reserved area and color information calculation processing is performed independently and collectively.

Next, the operation of each component of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to the flowchart.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the operation procedure of the interpretation processing unit 11, and the operation of the interpretation processing unit 11 will be described based on this flow chart.

First, the interpretation processing unit 11 draws the drawing command C.
When C is received, this drawing command CC is interpreted,
It is determined whether or not this interpretation result is a command to be written in the frame buffer 15 (S31). If it is a command to be written in the frame buffer 15, the drawing command is output to the reserved area calculating unit 12 (S32) and the next drawing command is interpreted. On the other hand, if it is not a command to be written in the frame buffer 15, a process corresponding to this drawing command is performed (S33), and the next drawing command is interpreted.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the reserved area calculating unit 12, and the operation of the reserved area calculating unit 12 will be described based on this flowchart.

First, the reserved area calculation unit 12 calculates the reserved area and the color information from the drawing command output from the interpretation processing unit 11, and the setting command including the drawing order in the reserved area and the color information as the calculation result. Is output to the reserved area control unit 14 (S41). Then, the drawing command for which the calculation of the reserved area and the color information is completed is output to any of the image generating units 13a to 13c (S42). Here, the output destination of the drawing command is 1
The image generation unit is one image generation unit, and the output destination is determined based on the load states of the plurality of image generation units 13a to 13c.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the image generating units 13a to 13c, and the operation of the image generating units 13a to 13c will be described based on this flowchart.

The image generation unit that has received the command from the reserved area calculation unit 12 determines whether or not the received command is a drawing command (S51). The data is converted and output to the reserved area controller 14 (S52). On the other hand, when it is determined that the received instruction is not the drawing instruction, the designated instruction is processed (S53).

Next, FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the reserved area control unit 14, and the operation of the reserved area control unit 14 is the same as the operation of the reserved area control unit 3 of FIG. However, the setting command including the reserved area and the drawing order in the color information is input from the reserved area calculating unit 12, and the graphic data is input from the image generating units 13a to 13c.

As a result, in the second embodiment, when writing figures in the frame buffer in the drawing order,
Since the processing of a graphic that is the same as the color information is efficiently performed, the calculation of the reserved area and the color information and the sending of the setting command are performed by different routes, and the load on each image generation unit is reduced. Further efficient parallel processing becomes possible.

Next, the third embodiment will be described.

In the first and second embodiments, the output data corresponding to the drawing command is obtained on the premise that the output device (not shown) can output the color, but the third embodiment. In the example, when the output device cannot perform color output, or when color output is possible but monochromatic output is performed for convenience, an attempt is made to obtain output data closer to the output data corresponding to the drawing command. It is a thing.

That is, in the third embodiment, the color information is replaced with the pseudo intermediate color pattern information represented by a combination of ON / OFF of binary data.

The configuration of the third embodiment is almost the same as that of the first or second embodiment, but each of the image generators 2a to 2c and 13a to 13c is based on the color information in the drawing command. Then, the graphic data is generated by the predetermined binary pattern information corresponding to the color information. Here, the color information calculated by the image generation units 2a to 2c or the reserved area calculation unit 12 is different from the drawing command, and the color information handled by the reserved area control units 3 and 14 is the color information. Since they are used for determining whether or not they are the same, it is not necessary to replace them with pattern information, and the original color information may be used as it is.

The pattern information is, for example, binary matrix data in a 3 × 3 matrix.

Further, as a concrete processing result, FIG.
The graphic data D1 to G1 written in the frame buffer shown in (b). That is, since a figure is represented by pattern information of an intermediate color that is close to the original color information, even if each drawing figure has a superimposition relationship, a relative relationship, etc. As easy as.

As a result, when a drawing command for color output is input, even when the drawing command is output to the output device for monochromatic output, the color information is treated as intermediate color data, and a more drawing command is output than in the case of simple monochromatic output. It is possible to obtain faithful output data.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the graphic data is not limited to the so-called graphic itself, but widely means image data. Therefore, the graphic data in this embodiment includes images of various categories such as graphics, characters and photographs.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiments, the image generation units are explained as having the same functions and performances, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of images for performing different specific processes sharing the entire image processing are carried out. It may be a generation unit. For example, a plurality of image generation units such as an image generation unit dedicated to surface painting processing, an image generation unit dedicated to vector processing, and an image generation unit dedicated to character generation may be used.

[0072]

As described above in detail, in the first aspect of the invention, the interpretation processing means interprets the input drawing command, generates a plurality of drawing commands having a drawing order from the interpretation result, and generates the drawing commands. The drawing commands are sequentially output to the image generating means. Each of the plurality of image generation means calculates a reserved area and color information from the drawing command, converts the drawing command into image data, and outputs the image data to the reserved area control means. The reserved area control means refers to the reserved area, the color information, and the drawing order to control the writing of the image data into the frame buffer. In this writing control, when the reserved area of the image data does not overlap with the reserved areas of other image data whose drawing order is earlier than the drawing order of the image data, the reserved area of the image data is drawn in the drawing order of the image data. The drawing order is faster than that of other image data, but when the color information of each image data is the same as the reserved area of other image data, and the drawing order of the image data is earlier than the drawing order of other image data. Only in this case, control is performed to write the image data in the frame buffer.

As a result, when the color information of the respective image data to be written in the overlapping reserved areas is the same, the writing is performed in the frame buffer regardless of the drawing order, so that a plurality of image generating means are used. Even when operating asynchronously, there is an advantage that output data with a guaranteed drawing order can be obtained at high speed.

Further, in the second invention, the interpretation processing means interprets the input drawing command, generates a plurality of drawing commands having a drawing order from the interpretation result, and sequentially generates the generated drawing commands in the reserved area calculating means. And output to any of the plurality of image generation means. The reserved area calculation means calculates the reserved area and the color information from the drawing command, and outputs the calculation result to the reserved area control means. On the other hand, each of the plurality of image generation means converts the drawing command into image data and outputs the image data to the reserved area control means. The reserved area control means sets a reserved area according to the reserved area and color information input from the reserved area calculating means, and the drawing order, and refers to the reserved area to write sequentially input image data to the frame buffer. Performs embedded control. This writing control is similar to the control of the reserved area control means in the first aspect.

Thus, similarly to the first aspect, when the color information of the respective image data to be written in the overlapping reserved areas is the same, the writing is performed in the frame buffer regardless of the drawing order. Therefore, even when a plurality of image generation means operate asynchronously, there is an advantage that output data with a guaranteed drawing order can be obtained at high speed.

In addition, the reserved area calculating means independently calculates the reserved area and the color information and directly outputs them to the reserved area control means, so that the reserved area control means can perform the reserved area setting process early. Since it is possible and the load on the plurality of image generating means is reduced, there is an advantage that the overall image processing is further speeded up.

Further, in the third invention, the color information in the first invention or the second invention is replaced with pattern information represented by a combination of binary data corresponding to the color information for processing. I have to.

As a result, even if the output device cannot perform color output, it is possible to output as a pseudo intermediate color corresponding to the color information by the pattern formed of a combination of binary data.

Therefore, when a drawing command for color output is input and the output data is output to the output device for monochromatic output, the color information is treated as intermediate color data, and as a result, compared to the case of simply outputting monochromatic color. Thus, it is possible to obtain output data that is more faithful to the drawing command.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus that is a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the overall processing unit 1.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of image generation units 2a to 2c.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a reserved area control unit 3.

FIG. 6 is a diagram comparing high-speed processing by the image processing apparatus of the present invention with a conventional image processing apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus that is a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the interpretation processing unit 11.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a reserved area calculation unit 12.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of image generation units 13a to 13c.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the reserved area control unit 14.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of image generation processing by a conventional image processing apparatus having a plurality of image generation units.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Overall Processing Section 2a to 2c Image Generation Section 3 Reserved Area Control Section 4 Frame Buffer C Drawing Command

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Taka Sakamoto 3-7-1 Fuchu, Iwatsuki City, Saitama Prefecture Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Iwatsuki Plant

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A frame buffer that stores output data to an output device, an interpretation processing unit that interprets an input drawing command and outputs a plurality of drawing commands having a drawing order, and an input from the interpretation processing unit. A plurality of image generation means for calculating a reserved area and color information of an image to be output to the frame buffer indicated by the drawing instruction from the drawn instruction, and converting into image data indicated by the drawing instruction; When the reserved area of the converted image data does not overlap with the reserved areas of other image data whose drawing order is earlier than the drawing order of the image data, the reserved area of the image data is compared with the drawing order of the image data. When the image data overlaps with the reserved areas of other image data whose drawing order is earlier, but the color information of each image data is the same, and the drawing order of the image data is other image. An image processing apparatus comprising: a reserved area control unit that controls the output of the image data to the frame buffer when the drawing order of the data is earlier. 2. A frame buffer that stores output data to an output device, an interpretation processing unit that interprets an input drawing command and outputs a plurality of drawing commands having a drawing order, and an input from the interpretation processing unit. A reserved area calculation means for calculating a reserved area and color information of an image to be output to the frame buffer indicated by the drawing instruction from the drawn instruction; and a plurality of image generation means for converting into image data indicated by the drawing instruction, By referring to the reserved area and the color information calculated by the reserved area calculating means, the reserved area of the image data converted by the image generating means is stored in another image data whose drawing order is earlier than the drawing order of the image data. If it does not overlap with the reserved area,
When the reserved area of the image data overlaps with the reserved areas of other image data whose drawing order is earlier than the drawing order of the image data, but the color information of each image data is the same, and the drawing of the image data An image processing apparatus comprising: a reserved area control unit that controls the output of the image data to the frame buffer when the order is earlier than the drawing order of other image data. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the color information is pattern information corresponding to the color information represented by a combination of binary data.