JP2004153566A - Image processing system, image processing method, and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing system or the like which always obtain an output image with no image deterioration and can optionally set the image quality and output rate of image data to be outputted or a priority of image data capacity to be stored. <P>SOLUTION: When prepared data is outputted, a data file is stored in a server 410 on a network, and a storage place of image data and its file name are attached to the image data as electronic watermark information and outputted to paper. The original data file is transferred directly from the server 410 and outputted to the paper by reading the outputted image data. In addition, the image quality and output rate of the image data to be outputted or the priority of the image data file to be stored are made to be optionally settable by designating the image data among a plurality of formats and storing the image data in the server 410. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multifunction system including image input / output devices connected to a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, when it is necessary to output a document or image data file created by a computer or the like on a plurality of sheets, the output device such as a printer prints out the image on a plurality of sheets and further prints the image as necessary. A method of copying a plurality of copies of data by a copying machine is generally performed. This method of further copying the image data output on the sheet is generally called grandchild copying.
[0003]
On the other hand, image files are stored in a database server on a network and printed out as needed.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional image forming system, there is a problem that the output image quality of image data deteriorates as copying is repeated with grandchild copying.
[0005]
Also, if the image file is stored in a database server on the network, it may take time to transfer the data file on the server and print it out. Furthermore, when the storage capacity of the server is small, the amount of data that can be stored is limited.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and has as its object to provide an image processing system and the like that can always obtain an output image without image degradation. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image processing system and the like which can always obtain an output image without image deterioration and can arbitrarily set the image quality and output speed of image data to be output, or the priority of the amount of image data to be stored. I do. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system or the like that can always obtain an output image without image degradation and can output the image data at high speed when outputting the image data.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in the image processing system of the present invention, an image storage unit for storing image data, an information addition unit for adding information on the image data stored in the image storage unit to the image data, Image printing means for printing out the image data to which the information has been added by the information adding means, image input means for inputting the image data, and the information added to the image data input from the image input means. And an additional information reading means for reading, wherein the image data stored in the image storage means is output in accordance with the information read by the additional information reading means.
[0008]
In the image processing method of the present invention, an image storage unit for storing image data, an information adding unit for adding information on the image data stored in the image storage unit to the image data, and the information adding unit adds the information. An image processing method of an image processing system, comprising: an image printing unit that prints out image data that has been output, wherein an image input step of inputting image data and an image data added to the image data input in the image input step are provided. And a step of outputting image data stored in the image storage means corresponding to the information read in the additional information reading step. .
[0009]
In the control program of the present invention, an image storage unit for storing image data, an information addition unit for adding information on the image data stored in the image storage unit to the image data, and the information is added by the information addition unit. A computer-readable control program for executing an image processing method of an image processing system having an image printing means for printing and outputting image data, wherein the image input step includes inputting image data; An additional information reading step for reading the information added to the image data input in the image input step; and image data stored in the image storage means corresponding to the information read in the additional information reading step And outputting the same.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0011]
[First embodiment]
<Overall configuration of image forming system>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0012]
The image forming system includes an image input / output device 100 including a copying machine and the like, and host computers (PCs) 401 and 402 connected to the image input / output device 100 via a network 400. And a database server 410 connected to the server.
[0013]
The image input / output device 100 includes a reader unit 200, a scanner unit 210, and a printer unit 300.
[0014]
The reader unit 200 optically reads a document image and converts it into image data. The reader unit 200 includes a scanner unit 210 having a function of reading a document, and a document feeding unit 250 having a function of conveying document sheets.
[0015]
The scanner unit 210 has an attribute information analysis unit 280. The attribute information analysis unit 280 extracts and analyzes attribute information added in advance in the read image. The attribute information is information obtained by coding information such as the address of the database server 410, the file name of the image data, and the storage directory, and is added to the image data as digital watermark information, for example.
[0016]
The printer section 300 conveys the recording paper, prints the image data thereon as a visible image, and discharges the recording paper outside the apparatus. The printer unit 300 includes a paper feeding unit 310 having a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes, a marking unit 320 having a function of transferring and fixing image data on recording paper, and a printing unit that sorts and staples printed recording paper, And a paper discharge unit 330 having a function of outputting to
[0017]
The controller unit 110 is electrically connected to the reader unit 200, the printer unit 300, and the external device 190, and further connected to the PCs 401 and 402 and the database server 410 via the network 400.
[0018]
The database server 410 manages the binary image and the multivalued image read by the image input / output device 100 as a database. Also, a file to which attribute information is added by the PC 401 or the like is managed as a database.
[0019]
The controller unit 110 controls the reader unit 200 to read image data of a document, and controls the printer unit 300 to output the image data to recording paper to provide a copy function. A scanner function for converting image data read from the reader unit 200 to code data and transmitting the code data to the PCs 401 and 402 via the network 400, and converting code data received from the PC 401 or 402 via the network 400 into image data. A printer function for converting and outputting the converted data to the printer unit 300 is provided.
[0020]
The operation unit 180 is connected to the controller unit 110, is configured by a liquid crystal touch panel, and provides a user I / F for operating the image input / output device 100.
[0021]
<Hardware Configuration of Reader Unit 200 and Printer Unit 300>
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a hardware configuration of the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300.
[0022]
The document feeding unit 250 of the reader unit feeds the document one by one on the platen glass 211 in the order of the head, and discharges the document on the platen glass 211 after the reading operation of the document is completed. When the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 211, the lamp 212 is turned on, the movement of the optical unit 213 is started, and the document is exposed and scanned. The light reflected from the original at this time is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a CCD) 218 by mirrors 214, 215, 216 and a lens 217. Thus, the scanned image of the document is read by the CCD 218.
[0023]
Reference numeral 222 denotes a reader image processing circuit which performs predetermined processing on image data output from the CCD 218 and outputs the processed data to the controller 110 via the scanner I / F 140.
[0024]
Reference numeral 352 denotes a printer image processing circuit, which outputs image data sent from the controller 110 via the printer I / F 145 to the laser driver.
[0025]
The laser driver 317 of the printer unit 300 drives the laser light emitting units 313, 314, 315, and 316, and emits laser light corresponding to the image data output from the printer image processing unit 352 to the laser light emitting units 313 to 316. Let it. The laser light is applied to the photosensitive drums 325 to 328 by mirrors 340 to 351, and a latent image corresponding to the laser light is formed on the photosensitive drums 325 to 328. 321 to 324 are developing units for developing latent images using black (Bk), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M) toners, respectively. To a full-color printout.
[0026]
Paper fed from one of the paper cassettes 360 and 361 and the manual feed tray 362 at a timing synchronized with the start of laser light irradiation is adsorbed onto the transfer belt 334 via the registration rollers 333 and is conveyed. Then, the developer attached to the photosensitive drums 325, 326, 327, 328 is transferred to a recording sheet. The recording paper on which the developer is loaded is conveyed to the fixing unit 335, and the developer is fixed on the recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 335. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 335 is discharged by a discharge roller 336, and a discharge unit 370 sorts the recording paper by bundling the discharged recording paper and staples the sorted recording paper.
[0027]
When double-sided printing is set, the recording paper is conveyed to the discharge roller 336, the rotation direction of the discharge roller 336 is reversed, and the recording paper is guided to the re-feed conveyance path 338 by the flapper 337. The recording sheet guided to the re-feeding conveyance path 338 is fed to the transfer belt 334 at the timing described above.
[0028]
<Configuration of reader image processing unit>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the reader image processing unit 222.
[0029]
In the reader image processing unit 222, the original on the platen glass 211 is read by the CCD 218 and converted into an electric signal. (If the CCD 218 is a color sensor, RGB color filters are inlined on a one-line CCD in RGB order.) Or a three-line CCD in which an R filter, a G filter, and a B filter are arranged for each CCD, or the filter may be on-chip or the filter may be configured differently from the CCD.) .
[0030]
Then, the electric signal (analog image data) is input to the image processing unit 222, and the clamp & Amp. The sample / hold (S / H) is performed by the & S / H & A / D unit 401, the dark level of the analog image data is clamped to the reference potential, and is amplified to a predetermined amount (the above processing order is not limited to the writing order). It is D-converted and converted into, for example, a digital signal of 8 bits for each of RGB. Then, the RGB signals are subjected to shading correction and black correction by the shading unit 402, and then output to the controller unit 110.
[0031]
<Configuration of controller section>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the controller unit 110.
[0032]
The main controller 111 mainly includes a CPU 112, a bus controller 113, and various I / F controller circuits. The CPU 112 and the bus controller 113 control the operation of the entire controller unit 110. The CPU 112 operates based on a program read from the ROM 120 via the ROM / I / F 121.
[0033]
The operation of interpreting the PDL (page description language) code data received from the PC and developing the data into raster image data is also described in this program and is processed by software. The bus controller 113 controls data transfer input / output from each I / F, and performs arbitration at the time of bus contention and controls DMA data transfer.
[0034]
The DRAM 122 is connected to the main controller 111 by a DRAM I / F 123, and is used as a work area for the operation of the CPU 112 and an area for storing image data.
[0035]
The start-stop synchronous serial communication controller 114 transmits and receives control commands to and from each of the CPUs of the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300 via the serial buses 172 and 173, and performs communication of a touch panel and key inputs of the operation unit 180.
[0036]
The network controller 125 is connected to the main controller 111 by an I / F 127, and is connected to an external network by a connector 126. As a network, Ethernet (registered trademark) is generally used. The serial connector 124 is connected to the main controller 111 and performs communication with an external device. A USB is generally used as the serial bus. The FAN 128 is connected to the main controller 111 and is used to cool the controller unit 110.
[0037]
The temperature monitoring IC 142 is connected to the main controller 111 by a serial bus 143. The temperature monitoring IC 142 is used for controlling the FAN 128 and correcting the temperature of the real-time clock module 137.
[0038]
An expansion connector 135 for connecting an expansion board, an I / O control unit 126, an HD controller 131, and a codec 133 are connected to the general-purpose high-speed bus 130. A general-purpose high-speed bus generally includes a PCI bus.
[0039]
The codec 133 compresses the raster image data stored in the DRAM 122 by a method such as MH / MR / MMR / JBIG / JPEG, and expands the compressed and stored code data into raster image data. The SRAM 134 is used as a temporary work area of the codec 133. Data transfer to and from the DRAM 122 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and DMA-transferred.
[0040]
The HD controller 131 is for connecting an external storage device. In the present embodiment, the hard disk drive 132 is connected via this I / F. The hard disk 132 is used to store programs and image data.
[0041]
The I / O control unit 126 controls the data bus 144 and controls the port 145 and the interrupt 146. The panel I / F 141 is connected to the LCD controller 140 and includes an I / F for displaying on a liquid crystal screen on the operation unit 180 and a key input I / F 171 for inputting hard keys and touch panel keys. Is done.
[0042]
The operation unit 180 includes a liquid crystal display unit, a touch panel input device attached on the liquid crystal display unit, and a plurality of hard keys. A signal input from the touch panel or the hard keys is transmitted to the CPU 112 via the panel I / F 171 described above, and the liquid crystal display unit displays the image data sent from the panel I / F 141. The liquid crystal display unit displays a function display, image data, and the like in operation of the image forming apparatus.
[0043]
The real-time clock module 137 updates and saves the date and time managed in the device, and is backed up by a backup battery 138. The SRAM 139 is backed up by a backup battery 138 and stores user mode, various setting information, file management information of the hard disk drive 132, and the like.
[0044]
The graphic processor 151 performs image rotation, image scaling, color space conversion, binarization, scanner image input, and printer image output processing on image data stored in the DRAM 122. The DRAM 152 is used as a temporary work area of the graphic processor 151. The graphic processor 151 is connected to the main controller 111 via the I / F 150, and the transfer of data to and from the DRAM 122 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and DMA-transferred.
[0045]
The connectors 160 and 155 are connected to the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300, respectively, and include a synchronous serial I / F (173, 172) and a video I / F (163, 162).
[0046]
The scanner image processing unit 157 is connected to the reader unit 200 via the connector 160 and is also connected to the graphic processor 151 via the scanner bus 161 and performs a predetermined process on an image received from the reader unit 200. It also has a function of outputting a control signal generated based on the video control signal sent from the reader unit 200 to the scanner bus 161.
[0047]
The FIFO 158 is connected to the scanner image processing unit 157, and is used to perform line correction of a video signal sent from the reader unit 200. The printer image processing unit 153 is connected to the printer unit 300 via the connector 155, and is connected to the graphic processor 151 via the printer bus 156, and performs predetermined processing on image data output from the graphic processor 151. And a function of outputting the control signal generated based on the video control signal sent from the printer unit 300 to the printer bus 162.
[0048]
The DRAM 154 is connected to the printer image processing unit 153, and is used to delay a video signal for a predetermined time. The transfer of the raster image data developed on the DRAM 122 to the printer unit 300 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and is DMA-transferred to the printer unit 300 via the graphic processor 151, the printer image processing unit 153, and the connector 155. You.
[0049]
<Configuration of ACS counting section>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ACS (auto color select) counting unit.
[0050]
Auto color select (hereinafter, ACS) determines whether a document is color or black and white. In other words, color determination is performed based on how many pixels that are equal to or greater than a threshold value for calculating the saturation of each pixel. However, even for a black-and-white document, there are many color pixels around the edge when viewed microscopically due to the influence of MTF and the like, and it is difficult to simply perform the ACS determination in pixel units. Although various methods are provided for the ACS method, the present embodiment is not limited to the ACS method, and will be described using a very general method.
[0051]
As described above, even in a black-and-white image, when viewed microscopically, there are a large number of color pixels, so whether or not the pixel is really a color pixel is determined by the information of the peripheral color pixel with respect to the target pixel. There is a need. Reference numeral 501 denotes a filter for this, which has a FIFO structure in order to refer to a peripheral pixel with respect to the target pixel. Reference numeral 502 denotes a circuit that creates an area signal 505 to be subjected to ACS based on the values set in the registers 507 to 510 set by the main controller 111 and the video control signal 512 sent from the reader unit 200. The color determination unit 503 refers to a peripheral pixel of the memory in the filter 501 for the target pixel based on the area signal 505 to which the ACS is applied, and determines whether the target pixel is a color pixel or a monochrome pixel. is there. A counter 504 counts the number of color determination signals output by the color determination unit 503.
[0052]
The main controller 111 determines an area to be subjected to ACS with respect to the reading range, and sets the area in registers 507 to 510 (in the present embodiment, the range is determined independently for the document). Further, the main controller 111 compares the value of a counter for counting the number of color determination signals in the area to be subjected to the ACS with a predetermined threshold value, and determines whether the original is color or monochrome.
[0053]
In the registers 507 to 510, the position at which the color determination unit 503 starts the determination and the position at which the determination ends are determined in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction based on the video control signal 512 sent from the reader unit 200. Set it. In the present embodiment, the size is set to be about 10 mm smaller than the actual size of the original.
[0054]
<Configuration of Scanner Image Processing Unit>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a portion that functions as the scanner image processing unit 157.
[0055]
For the image data sent from the reader unit 200 via the connector 160, the connection & MTF correction unit 601 adjusts the delay amount for each line according to the reading speed, and corrects the MTF changed according to the reading speed. If the CCD 218 is a three-line CCD, the splicing process corrects the signal timing so that the reading positions of the three lines are the same. FIFO 158 is used as a buffer for line delay.
[0056]
The digital signal whose read position timing has been corrected corrects the spectral characteristics of the CCD 218 and the spectral characteristics of the lamp 212 and the mirrors 214, 215, and 216 by the input masking unit 602. The output of the input masking unit 602 is sent to the ACS counting unit 405 and the graphic processor 151.
[0057]
<Configuration of Printer Image Processing Unit>
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the printer image processing unit 153.
[0058]
Image data sent from the graphic processor 151 via the printer bus 156 is first input to the LOG converter 701. The LOG conversion unit 701 converts the RGB signals into CMY signals by LOG conversion.
[0059]
Next, the moiré is removed by the moiré removing unit 702. A UCR & masking unit 703 generates a CMYK signal from the CMY signal subjected to the moiré removal processing by the UCR process, and the masking processing unit corrects the signal to an output signal of the printer unit 300. The signal processed by the UCR & masking unit 703 is subjected to density adjustment by the correction unit 704 and then smoothing or edge processing by the filter unit 705.
[0060]
In output switching 706, images are temporarily stored in the DRAM 154 for each CMYK image in order to correct the distance between the photosensitive drums 325 to 328, and the corrected image between the drums is sent to the printer unit 300 via the connector 155. And send.
[0061]
<Configuration of graphic processor>
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the graphic processor 151.
[0062]
The graphic processor 151 includes modules for performing image rotation, image scaling, color space conversion, binarization, scanner image input, and printer image output. The DRAM 152 is used as a temporary work area of each module via the DRAM controller 808.
[0063]
A work area is statically allocated to each module in advance so that work areas of the DRAM 152 used by each module do not conflict. The graphic processor 151 is connected to the main controller 111 via the I / F 150, and the transfer of data to and from the DRAM 122 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and DMA-transferred.
[0064]
The bus controller 113 performs control for setting a mode or the like for each module of the graphic processor 151 and timing control for transferring image data to each module.
[0065]
The input interface 810 inputs the image data input from the I / F 150 to the crossbar switch 809. The image data format handles binary raster image data, multi-value raster image data, JPEG, and the like. In the case of a JPEG image, the input interface 810 converts the image data into raster image data and outputs the data to the crossbar switch 809.
[0066]
The output interface 811 outputs the image data input from the crossbar switch 809 to the I / F 150. Although the image data format input from the crossbar switch 809 is raster image data, the output interface 811 performs JPEG compression and outputs data to the I / F 150.
[0067]
<Process of image rotation unit>
Next, a processing procedure in the image rotation unit 801 will be described.
[0068]
The CPU 112 makes settings for image rotation control from the CPU 112 to the bus controller 113 via the I / F 150. With this setting, the bus controller 113 performs settings necessary for image rotation (for example, image size, rotation direction, angle, and the like) for the image rotation unit 801. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data. According to this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transfer of image data from the DRAM 122 or a device connected via each I / F. Here, the image size to be rotated is set to 32 pixels and 32 lines, and when transferring image data to the image bus 2008, image transfer is performed in units of 24 bytes (8 bits each for RGB, one pixel). I do.
[0069]
As described above, in order to obtain an image of 32 pixels and 32 lines, it is necessary to perform the above-described unit data transfer 3232 times and to transfer image data from discontinuous addresses.
[0070]
The image data transferred by the discontinuous addressing is written to the SRAM 136 such that the image data is rotated at a desired angle at the time of reading. For example, if the rotation is 90 degrees counterclockwise, the transferred image data is written in the Y direction. By reading in the X direction at the time of reading, the image is rotated.
[0071]
After the image rotation of 32 pixels and 32 lines (writing to the DRAM 152) is completed, the image rotating unit 801 reads the image data from the DRAM 152 by the above-described reading method, and transfers the image to the bus controller 113.
[0072]
The bus controller 113 that has received the rotated image data transfers the data to the DRAM 122 or each device on the I / F by continuous addressing.
[0073]
Such a series of processing is repeated until there is no more processing request from the CPU 112 (when processing of the required number of pages is completed).
[0074]
<Process of image scaling unit>
Next, a processing procedure in the image scaling unit 802 will be described.
[0075]
Via the I / F 150, the CPU 112 makes settings for image scaling control in the bus controller 113. With this setting, the bus controller 113 performs settings necessary for image scaling (the scaling ratio in the main scanning direction, the scaling ratio in the sub-scanning direction, the image size after scaling, etc.) for the image scaling unit 802. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data. According to this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transfer of image data from the DRAM 122 or a device connected via each I / F.
[0076]
The image scaling unit 802 stores the received image data in the temporary DRAM 152, and uses the image data as an input buffer. The stored data has the necessary number of pixels and lines according to the main scanning and sub-scanning magnifications. The image is enlarged or reduced by performing an interpolation process corresponding to, thereby performing a magnification process. The data after the scaling is written back to the DRAM 152 again, and the image scaling unit 802 reads the image data from the DRAM 152 using this as an output buffer, and transfers it to the bus controller 113.
[0077]
The bus controller 113 that receives the image data subjected to the scaling process transfers the data to the DRAM 122 or each device on the I / F.
[0078]
<Process of color space conversion unit>
Next, a processing procedure in the color space conversion unit 803 will be described.
[0079]
The CPU 112 makes settings for the color space conversion control from the CPU 112 to the bus controller 113 via the I / F 150. With these settings, the bus controller 113 performs settings (coefficients of matrix operation, table values of the LUT 804, etc., described later) necessary for the color space conversion processing on the color space conversion unit 803 and the LUT (look-up table) 804. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data. According to this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transfer of image data from the DRAM 122 or a device connected via each I / F.
[0080]
The color space conversion unit 803 performs a predetermined matrix operation on each pixel of the received image data. Next, conversion by the LUT 804 is performed on the data after the matrix operation. As a result, nonlinear conversion can be performed. Naturally, by setting a through table, LUT conversion can not be performed substantially.
[0081]
After that, the color space conversion unit 803 transfers the image data subjected to the color space conversion processing to the bus controller 113. The bus controller 113 that has received the color space converted image data transfers the data to the DRAM 122 or each device on the I / F.
[0082]
<Process of image binarization unit>
Next, a processing procedure in the image binarization unit 805 will be described.
[0083]
Via the I / F 150, the CPU 112 makes settings for the binarization control in the bus controller 113. With this setting, the bus controller 113 performs settings (various parameters and the like according to the conversion method) necessary for the binarization processing on the image binarization unit 805. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data. According to this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transfer of image data from the DRAM 122 or a device connected via each I / F.
[0084]
The image binarization unit 805 performs a binarization process on the received image data. In the present embodiment, the binarization method is to simply binarize image data by comparing it with a predetermined threshold. Of course, any method such as a dither method, an error diffusion method, or an improved error diffusion method may be used.
[0085]
After that, the image binarization unit 805 transfers the image data subjected to the binarization processing to the bus controller 113.
[0086]
The bus controller 113 receiving the binarized image data transfers the data to the DRAM 122 or each device on the I / F.
[0087]
<Processing of scanner input unit>
Next, a processing procedure in the scanner input unit 806 will be described.
[0088]
Via the I / F 150, the CPU 112 makes settings for scanner input control in the bus controller 113. With this setting, the bus controller 113 performs necessary settings (various parameters corresponding to input processing, etc.) on the scanner input unit 806. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data.
[0089]
After that, the image data is input to the scanner input unit 806 in synchronization with the synchronization signal input from the scanner image processing unit 157. The scanner input unit 806 temporarily stores the received image data in the DRAM 152 as an input buffer. Thereafter, the scanner input unit transfers the image stored in the DRAM 152 to the bus controller 113. Upon receiving the scanner input image data, the bus controller 113 transfers the data to the DRAM 122 or each device on the I / F.
[0090]
<Process of printer output unit>
Next, a processing procedure in the printer output unit 807 will be described.
[0091]
Via the I / F 150, the CPU 112 makes settings for printer output control in the bus controller 113. With this setting, the bus controller 113 makes necessary settings (various parameters and the like according to output processing) for the printer output unit 807. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data. According to this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transfer of image data from the DRAM 122 or a device connected via each I / F.
[0092]
The printer output unit 807 temporarily stores the received image data in the DRAM 152. After that, the image stored in the DRAM 152 is output to the printer image processing unit 153 according to the synchronization signal input from the printer image processing unit 153.
[0093]
<Operation section overview>
FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the configuration of the operation unit 180.
[0094]
The LCD display unit 3001 has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD, displays an operation screen of the system, and transmits the position information to the controller CPU 112 when a displayed key is pressed. A start key 3002 is used to start a reading operation of a document image. At the center of the start key, there are two-color LEDs of green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key is usable. A stop key 3003 functions to stop an operation in operation. An ID key 3004 is used to input a user ID of a user. A reset key 3005 is used to initialize settings from the operation unit 180.
[0095]
<Operation screen>
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation screen that is a screen characteristic of the present embodiment among the screens displayed on the operation unit 180.
[0096]
The functions provided by the apparatus of the present invention include the following six functions: Copy, Original Copy, Send, Retrieve, Tasks, Tasks, Management, and Configuration. These are divided into large categories, and these are six main tabs displayed at the top of the operation screen 3010, that is, a “COPY” tab 3111, an “ORIGINAL COPY” tab 3017, a “SEND” tab 3012, and a “RETREIVE” tab. 3013, “TASKS” 3014, “MGMT” 3015, and “CONFIG” 3016. By pressing these main tabs, switching to a screen of each category is performed. If switching to another category is not allowed, the display color of the main tab changes, and there is no response even if the main tab is pressed.
[0097]
Copy (Copy) is a function for performing normal document copying using the scanner and the printer unit 300 of the own device, and copying a document using the printer unit 300 connected to the scanner of the own device via a network. Includes functions to perform (remote copy).
[0098]
The original copy (Original Copy) is a method in which attribute information such as the address, directory, and file name of the image data stored in the database server 410 is added to the image data and output on a sheet. When this sheet is scanned, This function prints out the original image data from the database server 410.
[0099]
Send is a function for transferring a document placed in a scanner of the own device to an e-mail, a remote printer, a fax, a file transfer (FTP), and a database, and it is possible to specify a plurality of destinations. .
[0100]
Retrieve is a function of acquiring an external document and printing the document on the printer unit 300 of the own device. WWW, electronic mail, file transfer, and fax can be used as a document acquisition means.
[0101]
Tasks (Tasks) automatically processes documents sent from the outside such as fax and Internet print, and generates and manages tasks for periodically performing Retrieve. The management manages jobs, address books, bookmarks, documents, account information, and the like. In the configuration (Configuration), the setting (network, clock, etc.) for the own device is performed.
[0102]
<Sequence when outputting PDL image>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of outputting a PDL image according to the present embodiment.
[0103]
In the case of outputting a PDL image, in step S5001, the user performs print setting of the PDL image output job on the PC 401. The print settings include the number of copies, paper size, single / double-sided, page output order, sort output, and whether or not stapling is performed. Further, the user sets an attribute-added print selection for storing the image file in the database server 410 and adding attribute information for printing.
[0104]
In step S5002, if the attribute-added print is selected, the image data file is transferred from the PC 401 to the database server 410 and stored in step S5003. Further, in step S5004, attribute information such as the address and file name of the network storing the image data file is added to the image data.
[0105]
Here, the digital watermarking scheme for adding attribute information to image data includes a patchwork scheme for embedding in a spatial domain, a scheme for receiving in a frequency domain using discrete cosine transform, and a scheme for receiving in a frequency domain using discrete Fourier transform. There are methods.
[0106]
If the attribute-added print has not been selected in step S5002, steps S5005 and later are executed without executing steps S5003 and S5004.
[0107]
In step S5005, a print instruction is given on the PC 401, and at the same time, driver software installed on the PC 401 converts code data on the PC 401 to be printed into so-called PDL data, and sets the print setting set in step S5001. The PDL data is transferred to the controller unit 110 of the image input / output device 100 via the network 400 together with the parameters.
[0108]
In step S5006, the CPU 112 of the main controller 111 of the controller unit 110 develops (rasterizes) the PDL data transferred via the connector 126 and the network controller 125 into image data based on the print setting parameters. The development of the image data is performed on the DRAM 122. Upon completion of the image data development, the process advances to step S5004.
[0109]
In step S5007, the main controller 111 transfers the image data developed on the DRAM 122 to the graphic processor 151.
[0110]
In step S5008, the graphic processor 151 performs image processing independently of the print setting parameters. For example, if the paper size specified by the print setting parameters is A4, but the paper supply unit 360 of the printer unit 300 has only A4R paper, the graphic processor 151 rotates the image by 90 degrees. Thus, output suitable for the output paper can be performed. Upon completion of the image processing on the image data, the process advances to step S5008.
[0111]
In step S5009, the graphic processor 151 transfers the image data after the image processing to the main controller 111. The main controller 111 stores the transferred image data on the DRAM 122.
[0112]
In step S5010, the main controller 111 controls the printer unit 300 via the graphic processor 151, the printer image processing unit 153, and the connector 155, and transfers image data on the DRAM 122 to the printer unit 300 at an appropriate timing. .
[0113]
In step S5011, the controller unit 110 controls the printer unit 300 to print out image data. When the transfer of the image data is completed, that is, when the PDL job ends, the print output ends.
[0114]
<Sequence when outputting a copy image>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure at the time of outputting a copy image in the present embodiment. The procedure for outputting a normal copy image or extracting an image file on the database server 410 and printing it will be described with reference to FIG.
[0115]
In the case of outputting a copy image, in step S5101, the user performs copy settings for the copy image output job on the operation unit 180. The copy setting contents include the number of copies, paper size, one-sided / two-sided, enlargement / reduction ratio, sort output, and whether or not stapling is performed. Further, a selection is made as to whether to perform an original copy or a normal copy.
[0116]
In step S5102, when a copy start instruction is given on the operation unit 180, the main controller 111 of the controller unit 110 controls the reader unit 200 via the connector 160 and performs an operation of reading image data of a document. First, the document feeding unit 250 feeds the placed documents one by one onto the platen glass 211, and at the same time, detects the size of the document. The image data is read by exposing and scanning the original based on the detected size of the original. The read image data is compressed in the image format designated by the graphic processor 151 and stored in the DRAM 122. Regardless of the setting of the enlargement / reduction ratio in the copy setting, the image data is always read at the same magnification (100%). It shall be performed by.
[0117]
In the case of a normal copy in which the original copy has not been set in step S5103, steps S5104 to S5109 are executed.
[0118]
In step S5104, the main controller 111 transfers the image data on the DRAM 122 to the graphic processor 151.
[0119]
In step S5105, the graphic processor 151 performs image processing based on the copy setting parameters. For example, when the enlargement is set to 400%, the image scaling unit 802 which is a module in the graphic processor 151 performs the scaling process in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. Upon completion of the image processing on the image data, the process advances to step S5106.
[0120]
In step S5106, the graphic processor 151 compresses and transfers the processed image data to the main controller 111 in the designated image format. The main controller 111 stores the transferred image data on the DRAM 122.
[0121]
In step S5107, the main controller 111 converts the image data stored in the DRAM 122 into a file in a specified file format, and reads the filed image data by transferring it to the HD drive 132 via the HD controller 131. The image data is stored in the HD drive 132.
[0122]
These operations are repeated as long as the document exists in the DF unit 250.
[0123]
In step S5108, the image data is transferred to the printer unit 300. At this time, if the image data file to be printed does not exist in the DRAM 122, the image file is read from the HD drive 132 and stored in the DRAM 122. The main controller 111 controls the printer unit 300 via the graphic processor 151, the printer image processing unit 153, and the connector 155, and transfers image data on the DRAM 122 to the printer unit 300 at appropriate timing.
[0124]
In step S5109, the controller unit 110 controls the printer unit 300 to print out image data.
[0125]
When the transfer of all the image data is completed, that is, when the copy job ends, the print output ends.
[0126]
If an original copy has been set in step S5103, steps S5110 to S5118 are executed.
[0127]
In step S5110, the attribute information analysis unit 280 searches for attribute information added in advance, and extracts and analyzes information such as the address, directory, or file name of the database server 410 where the original data is stored.
[0128]
In step S5111, the database server 410 searches for the corresponding file based on the extracted attribute information. Further, in step S5112, the driver software installed on the database server 410 converts the found file data on the data server into so-called PDL data, and sends it to the controller unit 110 of the image input / output apparatus 100 via the network 400. Via the PDL data.
[0129]
In step S5113, the CPU 112 of the main controller 111 of the controller unit 110 develops (rasterizes) the PDL data transferred via the connector 126 and the network controller 125 into image data based on the print setting parameters. The development of the image data is performed on the DRAM 122. Upon completion of the development of the image data, the process advances to step S5014.
[0130]
In step S5114, the main controller 111 transfers the image data expanded on the DRAM 122 to the graphic processor 151.
[0131]
In step S5115, the graphic processor 151 performs image processing based on the copy setting parameters. For example, when the enlargement of 400% is set, the image scaling unit, which is a module in the graphic processor 151, performs scaling processing in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. Upon completion of the image processing on the image data, the process advances to step S5116.
[0132]
In step S5116, the graphic processor 151 transfers the image data after the image processing to the main controller 111. The main controller 111 stores the transferred image data on the DRAM 122.
[0133]
In step S5117, the main controller 111 transfers the image data on the DRAM 122 to the printer unit 300 at an appropriate timing while controlling the printer unit 300 via the graphic processor 151, the printer image processing unit 153, and the connector 155. I do.
[0134]
In step S5118, the controller unit 110 controls the printer unit 300 to print out image data. When the transfer of the image data is completed, that is, when the PDL job ends, the original copy output ends.
[0135]
<Sequence of original copy with attribute added>
FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram at the time of the attribute-added original copy according to the present embodiment.
[0136]
The processing from step S6001 to step S6005 adds an attribute to the image data, and the processing from step S6006 to step S6011 shows the flow of data when an image file on the database server 410 is extracted and printed.
[0137]
First, when an attribute-added print is designated from the PC 401 in step S6001, the data file is transferred to the database server 410 in the file format designated in step S6002, and stored in the database server 410 in step S6003. The file format includes an application file, a PDL data file, a PDF (Portable Document Format) file, and the like.
[0138]
Next, in step S6004, the PC 401 adds attribute information obtained by encoding information such as the address of the database server 410, the transferred file name, and the storage directory to the image data and outputs the image data to the image input / output device 100. In step S6005, the image data with the attribute added to the sheet is output.
[0139]
Next, when an original copy is designated in step S6006, in step S6007, a sheet to which attribute information is added is scanned as a document, and the added data is analyzed. In step S6008, the database server 410 is queried for a file, and in step S6009, data in the database server 410 is searched. After expanding the file searched in the database server 410 into PDL data in step S6009, the file is transferred to the image input / output device 100 in step S6010. The data already stored as PDL data is transferred to the image input / output device 100 in the same format. Finally, in step S6011, a print is output from the printer unit 300 of the image input / output device 100.
[0140]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when the created data is output, the data file is stored in the server 410 on the network, and the storage location and the file name of the image data are stored on the image data as digital watermark information. Add it to the paper and output it. Then, by reading the output image data, the original data file can be directly transferred from the server 410 and output to a sheet, and the image can be output without deterioration.
[0141]
Furthermore, since the image data can be designated in advance from a plurality of formats and can be stored in the server 410, the image quality and output speed of the image data to be output or the priority of the image data file capacity to be stored can be arbitrarily set. It becomes possible. For example, in the case where the image capacity is large in the order of the PDL file, the application file, and the PDF file, but the time until the completion of the print output is shorter for the PDL file, in order to save the storage capacity of the database server 410, the PDF file is saved. It can be used as a file or as a PDL file to give priority to print speed.
[0142]
[Second embodiment]
A sequence at the time of attribute-added original copy according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0143]
First, when the print with the attribute is designated by the PC 401 in step S6001, the data files are transferred to the database server 410 in a plurality of file formats in step S6002, and stored in the database server 410 in step S6003. This file format includes an image file with a changed resolution in addition to an application file, a PDL data file, a PDF file, and the like.
[0144]
Next, in step S6004, the PC 401 adds attribute information obtained by coding information such as the address of the database server 410, the plurality of transferred file names in each of the above-described formats, and the storage directory to the image data, and outputs the image data to the image input / output device 100. . In step S6005, the image data with the attribute added to the sheet is output.
[0145]
Next, when an original copy is designated in step S6006, a sheet to which attribute information is added is scanned as a document in step S6007, and the added data is analyzed. In step S6008, the database server 410 is queried for a file based on the preset settings such as print speed priority and image quality priority, and the data in the database server 410 is searched in step S6009.
[0146]
After expanding the file searched in the database server 410 into PDL data in step S6009, the file is transferred to the image input / output device 100 in step S6010. Note that data already stored as PDL data is transferred to the multifunction device in the same format. Finally, in step S6011, a print is output from the printer unit 300 of the image input / output device 100.
[0147]
As described above, when the speed priority is set, it is possible to selectively use a printout of an image file with a reduced resolution, and when the image quality priority is set, a printout of a PDL file with an increased resolution. .
[0148]
[Third embodiment]
FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram at the time of attribute-added original copy according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0149]
The processing of steps S7001 to S7005 in the present embodiment adds an attribute to image data, and the processing of steps S7006 to S7011 shows the flow of data when an image file on the database server 410 is extracted and printed. I have.
[0150]
In the first and second embodiments, the data file is transferred from the PC 401 to the database server 410. In the present embodiment, the data file is transferred from the image input / output device 100 to the database server 410.
[0151]
First, when an attribute-added print is designated from the PC 401 in step S7001, the PC 401 adds the above-described attribute information to the image data and outputs the image data to the image input / output device 100 in step S7002. In step S7003, each image processing is performed in the image input / output device 100, and the image data file output to the printer unit 300 is transferred to the database server 410 in step S7004. The image file transferred in step S7005 is stored in the database server 410. Then, in step S7006, the image data with the attribute added to the sheet is output.
[0152]
Next, when an original copy is designated in step S7007, the sheet to which attribute information is added is scanned as a document in step S7008, and the added data is analyzed. In step S7009, the database server 410 is queried for a file, and in step S7010 the data in the database server 410 is searched. In step S7011, the file searched in the database server 410 is transferred to the printer unit 300 of the image input / output device 100. Finally, in step S7011, the printer unit 300 of the image input / output apparatus 100 prints out.
[0153]
As described above, since the image data subjected to the image processing by the image input / output device 100 is stored in the database server 410, it is possible to output the image data at high speed during printing.
[0154]
[Fourth embodiment]
FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram at the time of attribute-added original copy according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0155]
In the present embodiment, the processing of steps S8001 to S8005 adds an attribute to image data, and steps S8006 to S8011 show the flow of data when an image file on the database server 410 is extracted and printed.
[0156]
In the first and second embodiments, the data file is transferred from the PC 401 to the database server 410. In the present embodiment, two types of data are transferred from the PC 401 to the database server 410 and from the image input / output device 100 to the database server 410. Has been transferred.
[0157]
First, when an attribute-added print is designated from the PC 401 in step S8001, the PC 401 transfers the data file to the database server 410 in step S8002, and the data file is stored in the database server 410 in step S8003.
[0158]
In step S8004, the PC 401 adds the attribute information to the image data and outputs the image data to the image input / output device 100. In step S8005, each image process is performed in the image input / output device 100, and the image data file output to the printer unit 300 is transferred to the database server 410 in step S8006.
[0159]
The image file transferred in step S8007 is stored in the database server 410. Then, in step S8008, the image data with the attribute added to the sheet is output.
[0160]
Next, when an original copy is designated in step S8009, a sheet to which attribute information is added is scanned as a document in step S8010, and the added data is analyzed. In step S8011, the database server 410 is queried for a file based on preset settings such as speed priority and image quality priority, and the data in the database server 410 is searched in step S8012.
[0161]
In step S8013, the file searched in database server 410 is transferred to printer unit 300 of image input / output device 100. Finally, in step S8014, print output is performed from the printer unit 300 of the image input / output device 100.
[0162]
As described above, for example, since the image data subjected to the image processing by the image input / output device 100 is stored in the database server 410, it is possible to output the image data at a high speed during printing without changing the image processing.
[0163]
In the above-described embodiments, the image file is transferred to the database server 410 in various formats. However, the image file can be transferred after compression such as JPEG. In this case, since it is necessary to decompress the print data, the processing time increases, but the storage capacity on the server 410 can be reduced.
[0164]
In each of the embodiments described above, the attribute information is added to the image data by the digital watermarking method. However, a method of adding information such as a barcode may be used. By converting the attribute information into barcode information and outputting the barcode information in the margin of the print image, it is possible to read the barcode portion at the time of the original copy and refer to the original data file.
[0165]
According to the present invention, a storage medium storing program codes of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the program.
[0166]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0167]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape nonvolatile memory card, ROM, or the like is used. Can be.
[0168]
The functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented when the computer executes the readout program code. In addition, the OS or the like running on the computer executes one of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code. The functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized by performing all or part of the processes and performing the processing.
[0169]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided on a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. The CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can also be realized by the processing.
[0170]
It goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a case where the program is delivered to a requester via a communication line such as a personal computer communication from a storage medium in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded. No.
[0171]
【The invention's effect】
As described in detail above, according to the present invention, it is possible to always obtain an output image without image degradation. Further, since the format of the image data to be stored in the image storage means can be selected from a plurality of formats, the image quality and output speed of the output image data, or the priority of the stored image data capacity can be arbitrarily set. It becomes possible.
[0172]
Further, by storing the image data after the image processing in the image storage means, it is possible to output the image data at high speed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a hardware configuration of a reader unit 200 and a printer unit 300.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a reader image processing unit 222.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a controller unit 110.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ACS (auto color select) counting unit.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a portion that functions as a scanner image processing unit 157.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a printer image processing unit 153.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the graphic processor 151.
FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of an operation unit 180.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation screen.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of outputting a PDL image.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure when outputting a copy image.
FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram at the time of attribute-added original copy.
FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram at the time of attribute-added original copy according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram at the time of attribute-added original copy according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Image input / output device
200 Leader Club
210 Scanner unit
250 Document feeding unit
280 Attribute information analysis unit
300 Printer section
401, 402 Host computer (PC)
410 Database Server

Claims (9)

Image storage means for storing image data;
Information adding means for adding information on image data stored in the image storage means to the image data;
Image printing means for printing out the image data to which the information is added by the information adding means,
Image input means for inputting image data,
Having additional information reading means for reading the information added to the image data input from the image input means,
An image processing system for outputting image data stored in the image storage means in accordance with the information read by the additional information reading means. 2. The image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a unit configured to select a format of the image data stored in the image storage unit from a plurality of formats. 3. The image processing system according to claim 2, wherein the format of the image data stored in the image storage unit is a format relating to a storage capacity. 3. The image processing system according to claim 2, wherein the format of the image data stored in the image storage unit is a format relating to a speed of a print output by the image printing unit. Having image processing means for performing image processing of image data printed and output by the image printing means,
The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image storage unit stores image data after image processing by the image processing unit. Having image processing means for performing image processing of image data printed and output by the image printing means,
The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image storage unit stores image data before and after image processing by the image processing unit. 7. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information is information on a location where the image data is stored and a file name of the image data. Image storage means for storing image data, information addition means for adding information on the image data stored in the image storage means to the image data, and print output of the image data to which the information has been added by the information addition means. An image processing method of an image processing system comprising:
An image input process for inputting image data;
An additional information reading step of reading the information added to the image data input in the image input step;
Outputting the image data stored in the image storage means in accordance with the information read in the additional information reading step. Image storage means for storing image data, information addition means for adding information on the image data stored in the image storage means to the image data, and print output of the image data to which the information has been added by the information addition means. A computer-readable control program for performing an image processing method of an image processing system having an image printing unit that performs
An image input step of inputting image data;
Additional information reading step of reading the information added to the image data input in the image input step,
Outputting the image data stored in the image storage means in accordance with the information read in the additional information reading step.

Images