JPH0884248A - Image processor and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide the image processor capable of applying rotation processing to an image to be inputted/outputted to/from a host device by an instruction from the host device. CONSTITUTION: An original image read by a reader section 1 is once stored in an image memory of a core section 10. The core section 10 reads the image stored in a storage section while rotating the direction depending on a received command. The image subjected to rotation processing and outputted from the core section 10 is sent to an external device 12 via an interface section 7.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and method thereof, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus for inputting / outputting image information to / from an external device such as a computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image processing unit (IPU) for inputting and outputting image information with a host such as a general-purpose computer is known.

[0003]

However, the above-mentioned conventional example has the following problems.

When inputting / outputting image information to / from the host, the orientation of the image is set on the host side, and the image processing apparatus is not involved. Therefore, when rotating an image, it is necessary to process it on the host side. However, the rotation process of the host, which is a general-purpose computer, takes time, and when the rotation process is necessary, there is a problem that the processes other than the rotation process cannot be started until the image information for one page is received from the image processing apparatus.

The present invention is for solving the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and method capable of performing rotation processing on an image input / output with a host. And

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems] and

The present invention has the following structure as one means for achieving the above object.

The image processing apparatus according to the present invention stores the image information input by the input unit for inputting the image information from the host, the image information input by the input unit in the storage unit, and stores the image information stored in the storage unit. It has a control means for rotating and reading the direction.

Further, an instruction means for inputting an instruction, an input means for inputting image information from a host, and image information input / output by the input / output means are stored in a storage section and stored in the storage section. And a control means for reading image information,
The control unit may read the image information stored in the storage unit by rotating its orientation in accordance with an instruction input by the instruction unit.

The image processing method according to the present invention comprises an input step of inputting image information from a host, a storing step of storing the image information input in the input step in a storage section, and an image stored in the storage section. And a read step of reading the information by rotating its direction.

Further, an input step of inputting image information from the host, a storing step of storing the image information input in the input step in a storage section, and an input instruction of the image information stored in the storage section And a reading step of rotating and reading the direction according to the above.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[Arrangement] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, an image input device (hereinafter referred to as "reader unit") 1 reads a document image and outputs image data. 2 is an image output device (hereinafter referred to as "printer unit"), which has a cassette for accommodating a plurality of types of recording paper, and is visible on the recording paper based on the image data output from the reader unit 1 by a print command. Form an image.
3 is an external device, which is electrically connected to the reader unit 1,
It has the following functional parts.

Reference numeral 4 is a facsimile unit, which transmits image information through a telephone line. The hard disk 11 connected to the facsimile unit 4 stores image information to be transmitted, received image information, and the like. Reference numeral 5 is a file unit, to which an external storage device 6 such as a hard disk or a magneto-optical disk is connected. An interface unit 7 is for connecting an external device 12 such as a computer. A network such as a LAN can be connected to the interface unit 7. A formatter unit 8 is for converting information input from the external device 12 or the like into image information. An image memory unit 9 temporarily stores information input from the reader unit 1, the external device 12, and the like. Reference numeral 10 denotes a core unit, which controls each of the above functional units.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a configuration example of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2.

In FIG. 1, the originals stacked on the original feeding device 101 are sequentially conveyed one by one onto the original glass 102. When the document is conveyed to a predetermined position, the lamp 103 of the scanner unit 104 lights up, and the scanner unit 104
Moves to illuminate the original. The reflected light from the original passes through the lenses 108 through the mirrors 105, 106 and 107, is input to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as “CCD”) 109, and is converted into an electric signal. The converted electric signal is sent to the image processing unit 11
After being input to 0 and subjected to various kinds of image processing, it is output to either the printer unit 2 or the external device 3 by a selector (not shown) provided in the image processing unit 110. The selector also has a function of passing the signal output from the external device 3 to the printer unit 2.

The image signal input to the printer unit 2 is converted into an optical signal by the exposure control unit 201 and irradiates the photoconductor 202. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 202 by the irradiation light is
It is developed by the developing device 203. The recording paper is conveyed from the recording paper stacking unit 204 or 205 at the same timing as this development, and the image formed on the photoconductor 202 is transferred to the recording paper at the transfer unit 206.

The image transferred onto the recording paper is fixed by the fixing unit 207 and then discharged from the paper discharging unit 208 to the outside of the apparatus.
The discharged recording papers are stacked in the highest bin of the sorter 220 when the sort function of the sorter 220 is stopped.

Next, the case where the sequentially read images are formed on both sides of one recording sheet will be described.

The recording paper having passed through the fixing unit 207 is once conveyed to the paper ejection unit 208, and then the conveyance direction is reversed,
Reloading section 210 for refeeding via transfer direction switching member 209
Be transported to. When the next original is prepared, the original image is read as in the above process, but the recording paper is reloaded.
Since it is supplied from 210, an image is formed on each of two sides of the same recording paper.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the operation panel of the reader unit 1.

In the figure, reference numeral 301 denotes a display section on which an operating state, messages and the like are displayed. In addition, the surface of the display unit 301 is a touch panel, and by touching the surface with a fingertip or the like, it functions as a selection key. 302 is a ten-key pad for inputting numbers. Reference numeral 303 denotes a start key, and when this key is pressed, reading operation of a document image or the like is started.

[Operation Mode] Next, the operation mode of this embodiment will be described in detail. 4 to 9 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation procedure of the present embodiment, which is executed by, for example, a control unit (not shown) of the reader unit 1.

When the power is turned on or reset, first, the initial setting of this embodiment is performed in step S401 of FIG.
A key for selecting an operation mode is displayed on the display unit 301 of the operation panel. The operator can select a desired operation mode by touching the selection key with a fingertip or the like.

Then, it is determined in step S402 whether the copy mode is selected, in step S403 it is determined whether the facsimile mode is selected, and in step S404 it is determined whether the file mode is selected. . When the copy mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S501 shown in FIG. 5, when the facsimile mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S601 shown in FIG. 6, and when the file mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S701 shown in FIG. .

When none of the operation modes is selected, it is determined in step S405 whether there is an input through the interface unit 7, and in step S406 whether there is a facsimile reception. If there is an input from the external device 12 or the like via the interface unit 7, step S80 in FIG.
If the process proceeds to step 1 and a facsimile is received, step S9 in FIG.
Go to 01.

If there is no input via the interface unit 7 and no facsimile reception, the process returns to step S402 to determine again whether the operation mode is selected.

When the copy mode is selected, the copy operation is initialized in step S501 of FIG.
In 02, the copy condition input from the operation panel is set, and in step S503, the start key 303 is pressed. When the start key 303 is pressed, the original image is read in step S504 in accordance with the set copy conditions, and step S5
After printing the image read in 05 with the printer unit 2,
Return to step S401.

When the facsimile mode is selected,
In step S601 of 6, the initial settings for facsimile transmission are performed, in step S602 the facsimile transmission conditions input from the operation panel are set, and in step S603 the start key 30
Wait for 3 to be pressed. When the start key 303 is pressed,
Step S6 according to the set facsimile transmission conditions
The original image is read in 04, the image read in step S605 is transmitted by the facsimile unit 4, and then the image in step S401 in FIG.
Return to. The facsimile unit 4 performs facsimile transmission according to the set conditions (style) and the determined protocol.

When the file mode is selected, the file operation is initialized in step S701 of FIG. 7, the mode selection key for selecting file recording or file search is displayed on the operation panel, and the mode is selected in step S702. Wait for is selected. If file recording is selected, recording conditions are set in step S703, the document image is read in step S704, and the image data read in step S705 is sent to the file unit 5 and recorded in the external storage device 6. . On the other hand, when the file search is selected, the search condition is set in step S706, the file recorded in the external storage device 6 is searched in step S707, and the step S706 is performed.
In 708, the search result is output from the printer unit 2 according to the set search condition. When the file recording or the file search is completed, the process returns to step S401 in FIG.
The recording condition and the search condition are input by the operator from the operation panel.

When a command or data is input from the external device 12 or the like, the interface unit 7 accepts the command input in step S801 of FIG. 8, and the input data is passed through the core unit 10 in step S802. Formatter part 8
Send to. The data sent to the formatter unit 8 is, for example, PDL.
The formatter unit 8 interprets these data and develops image data. Then, in step S803, it is determined whether or not the printer unit 2 is in operation, and if it is not in operation, the image data expanded in step S804 is printed by the printer unit 2. If the printer unit 2 is in operation, the image data expanded in step S805 is stored in the image memory unit 9 and then stored in step S803.
After the current operation of the printer unit 2 is completed, the image data stored in the image memory unit 9 is printed in step S804. Then, when printing is completed, the process returns to step S401 in FIG.

If there is facsimile reception, step S9
In 01, the facsimile unit 4 receives the facsimile, and in Step S902, it is determined whether or not the printer unit 2 is operating. If not, the printer unit 2 prints the received image in Step S903. If the printer unit 2 is operating, the image received in step S904 is stored in the hard disk 11
After the current operation of the printer unit 2 is completed, the hard disk 11 is stored in step S903.
Print the image stored in. Then, when printing is completed, the process returns to step S401 in FIG.

In each of the above-described modes, it has been described that the image or data of the processing result is output from the printer unit 2, but the present embodiment is not limited to this, and the facsimile unit 4 can be used for transmission. It can be stored in the external storage device 6 by the file unit 5, and can be sent to the external device 12 or the like by the interface unit 7. These operating conditions are set by the external device 12 or the like via the operation panel or the interface unit 7.

In addition, some of these operation modes can be operated simultaneously in combination, and some can be operated independently at the same time. The priority order, operation order, and data flow at that time. Etc. are controlled by the core unit 10.

[Interface Unit] Next, the interface unit 7 will be described in detail.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of a part of the external device 3. In the figure, reference numerals 103 to 108
The blocks indicated by are the core unit 10, and the blocks indicated by reference numerals 109 to 115 are the interface unit 7.

First, the core portion 10 will be described.
Is a serial I / F that communicates with the reader unit 1, 104 is a C of the core unit
PU, 105 is a program ROM, 106 is a work RAM, 107 is a memory controller, and these are connected to each other by a bus 10a. An image memory 108 stores multi-valued image information and is controlled by the memory controller 107. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, processing such as rotation can be performed on the image stored in the image memory 108.

Next, the interface section 7 will be described. 109 is a dual port RAM for communicating with the core section 10.
(Hereinafter referred to as "DPRAM"), 110 is a CPU, 111 is a program
ROM, 112 is work RAM, 113 is memory controller, 115
Is a SCSI controller, which are connected to each other via a bus 7a. Further, 114 is a buffer memory,
It is controlled by the memory controller 113.

An interface (hereinafter referred to as "I / F") 116 connecting the memory controllers 107 and 113 is a video interface, and a large amount of image information can be transferred at one time by a video transfer clock. Is.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the transfer method in the video interface of this embodiment, and particularly shows an example of the relationship between the image reference signal and the recording paper. In FIG. 10A, 1101 is a signal VSYNC, which is a signal indicating the leading edge of the recording paper and a reference signal in the sub-scanning direction. 1102 is the reference signal HSYNC in the main scanning direction, 1103 is the video transfer clock VCL
K and 1104 are video signals VIDEO transferred in synchronization with VCLK. The relationship between each reference signal and the recording paper is shown in FIG.

[Rotation Processing] FIG. 12 is a view for explaining the rotation processing of the present embodiment. FIG. 12A shows the relationship between the original image and the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction. In addition, the necessity of the rotation process, the rotation angle, and the like are instructed by the operator through the above-described operation panel or the external device 12.

First, a case where multi-valued image information is transferred from the core unit 10 to the external device 12 via the SCSI-I / F 117 of the interface unit 7 will be described. The image memory 108
The image memory such as the facsimile unit 4 and the file unit 5 has a capacity for one page, but the buffer memory 114 has a capacity for storing a half-value page of a multivalued image in order to save the memory.

The memory controller 107 stores in the image memory 108 the original image read by the reader unit 1 and sent via the external I / F 118. Image memory at this time 108
The storage order of the data is in the order of being transferred from the reader unit 1, as indicated by reference numeral 1202 in FIG. Then, when the image is read from the image memory 108, the image is rotated and read as indicated by reference numeral 1203. The read image is written in the buffer memory 114 by the memory controller 113 of the interface unit 7 in the order and direction indicated by reference numeral 1204. Next, the images read in the order indicated by reference numeral 1204 are transferred to the SCSI controller 115 by the CPU 110 of the interface unit 7 and transferred to the external device 12 via the SCSI-I / F 117.

Next, a case where multi-valued image information is transferred from the external device 12 to the printer unit 2 via the SCSI-I / F 117 and the core unit 10 will be described.

External device 1 in the order indicated by reference numeral 1205 in FIG.
The image sent from 2 is the SCSI controller 115, CPU1
10, the buffer memory 114 by the memory controller 113
Stored in. Since the buffer memory 114 has a storage capacity of half a page as described above, the memory controller 113, when the image of a half page is stored in the buffer memory 114,
The image is transferred to the core unit 10. When the transfer of the first half page is completed to the core unit 10, the remaining half page is similarly transferred,
As a result, the images are stored in the image memory 108 of the core unit 10 in the order indicated by reference numeral 1206. Next, the images read by the memory controller 107 in the order indicated by reference numeral 1207 are sent to the printer unit 2 via the reader unit 1, and the image shown in FIG.
Printed in the direction shown in (a).

In this way, in this embodiment, the image input / output with the external device 12 is rotated.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the memory controller 107 and the image memory 108. Reference numerals A, B, C and D shown in the figure correspond to the respective terminals of the controller 107 shown in FIG. Note that, here, a case where an image input from the reader unit 1 is written into the image memory 108 and then rotated and read out will be described, and therefore, a part of the configuration is omitted in FIG.

The image information input from the reader unit 1 to the terminal B is input to the selector 1402 with the timing adjusted by the input video signal processing unit 1401. At this time selector 1402
Is input by the selection signal from the control signal generator 1409.
The side is selected. Therefore, the image information is input to the data terminal of the memory 1406 via the bidirectional buffer 1405. Further, the main scanning address generation unit 1407 and the sub-scanning address generation unit 1408 generate an address based on the signals HSYNC, VSYNC, VCLK. CPU10
Controlled by 4. As a result, the memory 140 shown in FIG.
The image input from the reader unit 1 is stored in the memory 1406 according to the relationship between the address of 6 and the original image.

Next, when image information is read from the memory 1406, a signal used as a count by the main scanning address generation unit 1407,
The sub-scanning address generation unit 1408 replaces the signal used as the counter, and the sub-scanning address generation unit 1408 is set to the down count. In this way, the image rotated 90 degrees to the right is read. Then, the read image information is sent to the interface section 7 and the like via the bidirectional buffer 1405 and the output video signal processing section 1403. Bidirectional buffer 1
Input / output directions of 404 and 1405 and CS and WE of the memory 1406 are controlled by the control signal generation unit 1409.

In the above description, the image is read by rotating it by 90 degrees to the right, but 180,270 degrees to the right or 90 to the left.
Needless to say, it can be rotated by 180,270 degrees, and can be read by reversing left and right or top and bottom. Also,
It is possible to rotate not only when reading but also when writing an image in the memory.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the external device 12
It is possible to perform rotation processing on the image input to and output from, and this is effective when an external device needs to process the rotated image.

Of course, the image output from the reader unit 1 is
It is also possible to transfer images to the page memory of the external device 12 in the same order and orientation as they are, and then to retrieve images in the required order (direction) by the external device 12. However, in this case, the external device 12
There is a drawback that the processing of the image cannot be started until the image information for one page is stored in the page memory. Further, when the external device 12 does not have a memory for one page, the external device 12 can sequentially process a part of the received image by rotating the image according to the present embodiment. Also,
It is possible to set the document in a desired orientation when the reader unit 1 reads the document image, but the read image is stored in the external storage device 6 or the like, and then the external device 12
When transferring to the external storage device 6
It is decided when stored in. Therefore, the image can be rotated by this embodiment when the orientation of the image stored in the external storage device 6 or the like is not desired.
Further, when the originals are automatically supplied by the original feeder RDF provided in the reader unit 1, the orientation of each original cannot be changed. it can.

Further, this embodiment is useful in a color image forming apparatus.

The present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or an apparatus including a single device.

Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

[0056]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to provide an image processing apparatus and method capable of performing rotation processing on an image input / output with a host. For example, when rotation processing is required in addition to performing rotation processing in a short time, The host can solve the problem that processing other than rotation processing cannot be started until the image information for one page is received from the image processing apparatus.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention,

2 is a schematic view showing an example of the configuration of a reader unit and a printer unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an operation panel of a reader unit,

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of the present embodiment,

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of the present embodiment,

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of the present embodiment,

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of the present embodiment,

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of the present embodiment,

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of the present embodiment,

10 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of a part of the external device shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a transfer method in the video interface of the present embodiment,

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a rotation process of the present embodiment,

13 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of a memory controller and an image memory shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a relationship between an address of the memory shown in FIG. 13 and a document image.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Image input device (reader unit) 2 Image output device (printer unit) 3 External device 4 Facsimile unit 5 File unit 6 External storage device 7 Interface unit 8 Formatter unit 9 Image memory unit 10 Core unit 11 Hard disk 12 External device

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hideyuki Ozaki 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Kento Utsunomiya 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo In Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Keiji Inaba 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) In Minor Hashimoto 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. Within

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. Input means for inputting image information from a host, image information input by the input means is stored in a storage portion, and the image information stored in the storage portion is read out by rotating its orientation. An image processing apparatus comprising: a control unit. 2. An instruction unit for inputting an instruction, an input unit for inputting image information from a host, image information input by the input unit is stored in a storage unit, and the image information stored in the storage unit is stored in the storage unit. An image processing apparatus, comprising: a control unit for reading the image information, wherein the control unit reads the image information stored in the storage unit by rotating its orientation in accordance with an instruction input by the instruction unit. . 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image information is color image information. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage size of the storage unit is at least one page of the image information. 5. The image according to claim 2, wherein the input unit includes a buffer memory for inputting image information, and the storage size of the buffer memory is less than one page of the image information. Processing equipment. 6. The apparatus further comprises output means for outputting image information to an external device, wherein the control means stores image information of a document read by an image reading device in the storage section and reads it from the storage section. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image information is sent to the output means. 7. The control unit stores image information input from the host via the input unit in the storage unit, and sends the image information read from the storage unit to an image forming apparatus. The image processing device according to claim 1 or 2. 8. An input step of inputting image information from a host, a storing step of storing the image information input in the input step in a storage section, and rotating the orientation of the image information stored in the storage section. An image processing method, comprising: 9. An input step of inputting image information from a host, a storing step of storing the image information input in the input step in a storage section, and an input instruction of the image information stored in the storage section. And a reading step for reading the image by rotating the direction according to the image reading method.