JP2004364246A - Data transmission device, image processing device, image forming device, computer program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve data transmission efficiency, reduce communication cost and improve performance.
SOLUTION: In a data transmission apparatus for encoding and compressing image data with respect to a plurality of devices interconnected by a network and transmitting and receiving the data in a compressed state, the encoded data is decoded into original digital image data. The system controller includes a data decompression unit 507, a data conversion unit 506 for performing image processing on the decoded digital image data, and a data compression unit 503 for encoding and compressing the digital image data after the image processing. The image processing conditions in the data conversion unit 506 are switched according to the destination level to the partner device.
[Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

  The present invention relates to a data transmission device that encodes and transmits image data in a compressed state to a plurality of devices interconnected by a network, and a filing device that processes a digital image signal using the data transmission device. An image processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine, a facsimile, and a printer that reproduces an image on a transfer sheet using the data transmission apparatus, and encodes image data into a plurality of apparatuses interconnected by a network. The present invention relates to a data transmission method for exchanging data in a compressed and compressed state, a computer program for executing the data transmission method by a computer, and a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded.

In a digital multifunction peripheral, also referred to as an MFP (multifunction peripheral such as a copier, facsimile, printer, scanner, etc.—multifunction peripheral), image processing of a read signal, image storage in a memory, parallel operation of a plurality of functions, and image processing of each are performed. As the invention to be optimized, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. In addition, JPEG (Non-Patent Document 1) and JPEG2000 (Non-Patent Document 2), which are standard methods of ITU-T and ISO, are used as encoding methods for encoding multi-valued images (particularly, color images). It is known and used.
JP-A-8-274986 ISO 10918-1 Compression and Coding of Continuous-tone Still Images (JPEG) ISO 15444-1 JPEG2000 Image Coding System (JPEG2000)

  On the other hand, the code format of the data distributed via the network is various, and if the formats that can be encoded and decoded on the transmitting side and the receiving side do not match, the information sent from the transmitting side will be received. Can not be seen by the side. Also, if the format sent by the other party differs, the image quality and the data capacity also differ. Depending on the application, when the image quality is not so important, or when the network is congested, there is a case where it is desired to transmit the data as quickly as possible with a reduced data amount.

  Further, there is a case where it is desired to embed some management information in an image as security management of a file such as originality compensation by digital watermarking and falsification detection, and to operate the file while compensating for the validity and security of the file. However, there is a case where the image quality is greatly affected depending on the image format and the image content, and it is sometimes difficult to embed the management information when trying to suppress the effect.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation of the related art, and an object of the present invention is to enable efficient data transmission.

  Another object is to enable data transmission in which security is sufficiently considered when performing efficient data transfer.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first means is a data transmission apparatus which encodes image data for a plurality of apparatuses interconnected by a network and transmits / receives the data in a compressed state. One or more decoding means for decoding the digital image data into original digital image data, an image processing means for performing image processing on the decoded digital image data, a plurality of encoding means for encoding and compressing the digital image data after the image processing, Control means for switching image processing conditions to be processed by the image processing means according to a destination level to a partner device in a target network.

  A second means is the first means, further comprising a storage means for storing the destination level as a priority, wherein the control means switches the image processing condition based on the priority.

  A third means is the first or second means, further comprising a setting means for setting the priority and / or image processing conditions by a user.

  A fourth means is a data transmission device which encodes image data for a plurality of devices interconnected by a network and transmits / receives the data in a compressed state, and converts the encoded data into original digital image data. One or more decoding means for decoding; an image processing means for performing image processing on the decoded digital image data; a plurality of coding means for coding and compressing the digital image data after the image processing; And control means for switching encoding processing conditions to be processed by the image processing means according to a destination level to a device.

  A fifth means is the fourth means, further comprising a storage means for storing the destination level as a priority, wherein the control means switches the encoder processing condition based on the priority.

  A sixth means is the fourth or fifth means, further comprising a setting means for setting the priority and / or the encoding condition by a user.

A seventh means is a data transmission device which encodes image data for a plurality of devices interconnected by a network and transmits and receives the data in a compressed state, and converts the encoded data into original digital image data. One or more decoding means for decoding, image processing means for performing image processing on the decoded digital image data, a plurality of coding means for coding and compressing the digital image data after the image processing, and storage for storing arbitrary data Means, comparison means for comparing the data stored in the storage means with the image data input to the device or the decoded data, and the encoding processing conditions in the image processing means based on the comparison result of the comparison means The eighth means is for transmitting and receiving image data in a compressed state to a plurality of devices interconnected by a network. In the data transmission apparatus for performing the above, one or more decoding means for decoding the encoded data into the original digital image data, an image processing means for performing image processing on the decoded digital image data, and the digital image data after the image processing A plurality of encoding means for encoding and compressing, a storage means for storing arbitrary data, and a comparing means for comparing the data stored in the storage means with the image data input to the device or the data after decoding And control means for switching image processing in the image processing means based on a comparison result of the comparison means.

  The ninth means is characterized in that, in the seventh or the eighth means, a setting means for setting the importance of the data stored in the storage means by a user is provided.

  A tenth means is the image processing apparatus according to the eighth means, further comprising changing means for changing image processing settings switched by the image processing means.

  An eleventh means is a data transmission device which encodes image data for a plurality of devices interconnected by a network and transmits / receives the data in a compressed state, and converts the encoded data into original digital image data. Decoding means for decoding, image processing means for performing image processing on the decoded digital image data, watermark embedding means for embedding arbitrary information in the image-processed data, and watermark embedding embedded by the watermark embedding means. Encoding means for encoding and compressing the embedded image; comparing means for comparing the amount of image data after decoding with a predetermined amount of data; setting of the image processing means based on a comparison result of the comparing means And control means for changing

  A twelfth means is the image processing apparatus according to the eleventh means, wherein the control means changes the processing content of the watermark embedding means according to a change in the setting of the image processing means.

  A thirteenth means is the data processing apparatus according to the eleventh means, wherein the data to be compared by the comparing means is a pixel edge amount of the decoded image.

  A fourteenth means is the image processing apparatus according to the eleventh means, wherein the data amount compared by the comparing means is the number of pixel run lengths of the decoded image.

  A fifteenth means is characterized in that the image processing device includes the data transmission device according to any one of the first to fourteenth means.

  According to a sixteenth aspect, the image forming apparatus includes the data transmission device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects.

  A seventeenth means is characterized in that a procedure for causing a computer to execute the functions of each means of the data transmission device according to the first to fourteenth means is included in a computer program.

  The eighteenth means is characterized in that the program according to the sixteenth means is read out by a computer and recorded on a recording medium in an executable manner.

  In the following embodiments, the decoding unit is in the data decompression unit 504, the image processing unit is in the data conversion unit 506 or the image processing unit 508, the encoding unit is in the data compression unit 503, the control unit is in the system controller 12, The storage means for storing the destination level as the priority is stored in the RAM 16, the setting means is stored in the operation panel 18, the storage means for storing arbitrary data and the comparison means are stored in the data registration / comparison section 507, and the priority and / or encoding process is performed. The setting means for setting the condition by the user is set in the operation panel 18, the watermark embedding means for embedding arbitrary information in the post-image data is set in the watermark embedding unit 509, and the amount of the decoded image data is set in advance. The comparing means for comparing the data amount corresponds to the data comparing unit 510.

  According to the present invention, the most efficient encoding process and image quality are selected according to the target priority of the other party who transmits information, so that data transmission efficiency can be improved, communication costs can be reduced, and Performance can be improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, the most efficient encoding processing, image processing and watermark embedding processing are selected in conjunction with each other to transmit information, and the image quality is reduced as much as possible, and the algorithm is concealed. It is possible to realize a system that performs high security operation.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First embodiment>
This embodiment is provided with an encoding / decoding means for encoding and compressing image data and decoding the encoded image information into the original image data. A plurality of encoding / decoding means having different encoding compression rates and encoding processing speeds of image data; and image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on the decoded image data. And control means for selecting which of the plurality of encoding / decoding means and image processing means to use based on the effective image level to the communication partner in accordance with the importance. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The reading unit 1 that optically reads a document condenses reflected light of lamp irradiation on the document on a light receiving element by a mirror and a lens. A light receiving element (a CCD-Charge Ccuppled Device is used in this embodiment) is mounted on an SBU (sensor board unit) 2, and an image signal converted into an electric signal in the CCD is converted into a digital signal. After that, it is output from SBU2. The image signal output from the SBU 2 is input to a CDIC (compression / decompression and data interface control unit) 3. The CDIC 3 controls all image data transmission between the functional device and the data bus. The CDIC 3 performs data transfer between the SBU 2, the parallel bus 10, and the IPP (image processing processor) 4, and performs communication between the system controller 12 which controls overall control and the process controller 7 for image data. The process controller 7 is connected to the reading unit 1, SBU2, and CDIC3 via the serial bus 11. Further, the image signal from the SBU 2 is transferred to the IPP 4 via the CDIC 3, where the signal deterioration due to the quantization into the optical system and the digital signal (signal deterioration of the scanner system) is corrected, and is output to the CDIC 3 again. .

  In the MFP, there are a job in which the read image is stored in the memory (MEM) 13 for reuse, and a job in which the read image is not stored in the memory 13. Each case will be described. As an example of storing the data in the memory 13, when copying a plurality of originals, the reading unit 1 is operated only once, the data is stored in the memory 13, and the stored data is read a plurality of times. As an example in which the memory 13 is not used, when only one document is copied, it is only necessary to reproduce the read image as it is, so that there is no need to access the memory.

  First, when the memory 13 is not used, the data transferred from the IPP 4 to the CDIC 3 is returned from the CDIC 3 to the IPP 4 again. In IPP4, image quality processing for converting luminance data by the CCD into area gradation is performed. The image data after the image quality processing is transferred from the IPP 4 to the VDC (video data control unit) 5. The VDC 5 performs post-processing relating to the dot arrangement and pulse control for reproducing the dots with respect to the signal changed to the area gradation, and the image forming unit 6 forms a reproduced image on transfer paper.

  The flow of image data when the image data is stored in the memory 13 and additional processing such as image direction rotation and image synthesis is performed at the time of image reading is as follows.

  The data transferred from the IPP 4 to the CDIC 3 is sent from the CDIC 3 to the IMAC (image memory access control) 14 via the parallel bus 10. Here, under the control of the system controller 12, access control of the image data and the MEM (memory module) 13, expansion of print data of the external PC (personal computer) 15, and compression / expansion of the image data for effective use of the memory are performed. The data sent to the IMAC 14 is stored in the MEM 13 after data compression, and the stored data is read as needed. The read data is expanded and returned to the original image data, and then returned from the IMAC 14 to the CDIC 3 via the parallel bus 10. After the transfer from the CDIC 3 to the IPP 4, image quality processing and pulse control by the VDC 5 are performed, and the image forming unit 6 forms a reproduced image on transfer paper.

  In the flow of image data, the function of the MFP is realized by the bus control by the parallel bus 10 and the CDIC 3.

  In a situation where a plurality of jobs, for example, a copy function, a facsimile transmission / reception function, and a printer output function operate in parallel, the system controller 12 and the process controller 7 allocate the reading unit 1, the imaging unit 6, and the parallel bus 10 to the job. Control.

  The process controller 7 controls the flow of image data, and the system controller 12 controls the entire system and manages the activation of each resource. The RAM 8 functions as a work area when the process controller 8 executes a program stored in the ROM 9. Similarly, the RAM 16 functions as a work area when the system controller 12 executes a program stored in the ROM 17, and also functions as a table for storing priorities in this embodiment. Reference numeral 18 denotes an operation panel of the MFP. The function of the MFP is selected and input from the operation panel 18 (Operation Panel), the processing content is set, and a desired operation input is performed by the user.

  The system controller 12 and the process controller 7 communicate with each other via the parallel bus 10, the CDIC 3, and the serial bus 11. Data format conversion for a data interface between the parallel bus 10 and the serial bus 11 is performed in the CDIC 3.

  An MLC (Media Link Controller) 19 realizes a code conversion function. More specifically, conversion from the coding method used in the CDIC 3 and the coding method used in the IMAC 14 to another coding method (for example, a standard JPEG method) is performed.

  The FCU 20 is a facsimile controller unit, which is connected to a telephone line (PN) 21 and controls facsimile communication.

  This embodiment relates to the configuration of the CDIC 3 as the image bus management unit, the IMAC 14 as the memory management unit, and the MLC 19 as the code conversion unit in the above example, and particularly relates to the MLC 19.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing, as an image, a state in which devices interconnected via the network NT, here, the MFP, PC1, PC2, printer PR, scanner SC, server SRV, and facsimile FAX are connected to the network NT. These devices are not limited to one each, and a plurality of devices may exist in the network NT.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the CDIC3. The CDIC 3 includes an image data input / output control unit 301, a command control unit 302, an image data input control unit 303, a data compression unit 304, a data conversion unit 305, a data decompression unit 306, an image data output control unit 307, and a parallel data I / F 308. , And serial data I / Fs 309 and 310.

  In the CDIC 3 configured as described above, the image data input / output unit 301 receives image data from the SBU 2 and outputs data to the IPP 4. The image data input control unit 303 receives the data obtained by performing the scanner image correction in the IPP4. The input data is subjected to data compression in the data compression unit 304 in order to increase the transfer efficiency of the parallel bus 10. The compressed data is sent to the parallel bus 10 via the parallel data I / F 308. Image data input from the parallel data bus 10 via the parallel data I / F 308 is compressed for bus transfer, and is expanded by the data expansion unit 306. The expanded image data is transferred from the image data output control unit 307 to the IPP4. As the encoding method used in the data compression unit 304 and the data decompression unit 306, for example, an encoding method with a fixed codeword length is suitable. This fixed-length encoding method is suitable for an MFP because the position of the image before encoding can be known in the encoding state, and therefore, it is possible to reproduce only an arbitrary part of the image. In addition, image processing and editability are good. The CDIC 3 has a function of converting parallel data and serial data. The system controller 12 transfers data to the parallel bus 10, and the process controller 7 transfers data to the serial bus 11. Then, the CDIC 3 performs data conversion for communication between the system controller 12 and the process controller 7. The serial data I / F has two systems 309 and 310 for connection to the serial bus 7 and for connection to the IPP4, and also interfaces with the IPP4.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the IMAC 14. The IMAC 14 basically includes a parallel data I / F 401, a data conversion unit 402, a video control unit 403, a data compression unit 404, a video data decompression unit 405, a line buffer 406, a system controller I / F 407, and a memory access control unit 408. Have been.

  In the IMAC 14 configured as described above, the interface of the image data with the parallel bus 10 is managed in the parallel data I / F 401. In terms of configuration, the storage / readout of image data to / from the MEM 13 and the expansion of code data mainly input from the external PC 15 into image data are controlled. A semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or both are used as the MEM 13 here. The input code data is stored in the local area in the line buffer 406. The code data stored in the line buffer 406 is expanded into image data in the video control unit 403 based on an expansion processing instruction from the system controller input via the system controller I / F 407. The expanded image data or the image data input from the parallel bus 10 via the parallel data I / F 401 is stored in the MEM 13. In this case, the image data to be stored is selected by the data conversion unit 402, data compression is performed by the data compression unit 404 to increase the memory usage efficiency, and the memory access control unit 408 manages the address of the MEM 13 while controlling the MEM 13. Stores image data.

  The encoding method used for compression / expansion here is preferably a highly efficient encoding method suitable for saving the MEM area. This is an encoding method that emphasizes efficiency, unlike the encoding method that emphasizes functions required for the CDIC 3 described above. To read the image data stored in the MEM 13, the read address is controlled by the memory access control unit 408, and the read image data is expanded by the data expansion unit 405. When transferring the decompressed image data to the parallel bus 10, data transfer is performed via the parallel data I / F 401.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the MLC 19 according to the present embodiment. The MLC 19 basically includes a system computer I / F 501, a data access control unit 502, a data compression unit 503, a data decompression unit 504, a feature amount extraction unit 505, and a data conversion unit 506.

  In the MLC 19 configured as described above, the system controller I / F 501 transmits a data access control unit 502, a data compression unit 503, a data decompression unit 504, a feature amount extraction unit 505, and a data conversion unit based on a processing command from the system controller 12. The unit 506 is controlled. The data access control unit 502 is a part that inputs and outputs data to be subjected to code conversion to and from the IMAC 14. This input / output is input / output of data stored in the MEM 13 via the IMAC 14, for example. The original image data is reproduced by the data decompression unit 504 for the input data.

  The feature amount extraction unit 505 determines the characteristics of an image reproduced or reproduced in parallel with or after data reproduction by the data decompression unit 504. For the reproduced image data, data conversion such as image processing and scaling is performed by the data conversion unit 506 if necessary. The converted data is subjected to an encoding process in the data compression unit 503 in order to create a code format to be output. At this time, the determination result of the feature amount extraction unit 505 is used. The newly created code data is output from the data access control unit 502. If the target data is not a code, the process of the data decompression unit 504 is not performed. Conversely, if the data to be output is not a code, the processing in the data compression unit 503 is not performed. Also, one or more data decompression units 504 are prepared according to the type of data format to be processed, and a plurality of data compression units 503 are prepared to perform at least two encoding processes.

  Since the binary image has a smaller amount of information than the multi-valued image, the code amount after encoding is generally smaller than that of the multi-valued image. However, in general, the image quality may be inferior. When character images and photographic images are considered, a binary image encoding method is suitable for a character image and a multi-value image encoding method is suitable for a photographic image in terms of a balance between encoding efficiency and image quality. Therefore, the feature amount extraction unit 505 determines, for example, whether the image is a character image or a photographic image. Based on the determination result, the data conversion unit uses a binary image encoding method for the character image, The data conversion unit 506 performs data conversion by selecting each of the value image coding methods.

  Similar to the relationship between a binary image and a multi-valued image, in the case of a multi-valued image, there is a relationship between a black-and-white image and a color image, and it is also possible to use this. Since a black-and-white image has a smaller amount of information than a color image, the code amount after encoding is generally smaller than that of a color image. If the color information is not so important, or if the image is a multi-valued image but has no color information, there is no major problem in terms of image quality even if it is handled as a monochrome image.

  The MH / MR / MMR method used in facsimile is used as a coding method suitable for a binary image, and the JPEG method or JPEG2000 method is used as a coding method suitable for a multivalued image. Note that the JPEG system and the JPEG2000 system are suitable for both monochrome images and color images.

  Further, when the data is converted by the data conversion unit 506, the resolution can be changed. That is, when the importance is high, the resolution is not changed so as not to impair the image quality of the original image, and when the importance is low, it is sufficient that the content or the image can be understood. It is also possible to perform a process of lowering the value. The importance is stored in the RAM 16 in advance according to the destination or according to the instruction of the destination, and the resolution is changed according to the importance. In this case, it is also possible to configure so as to change the encoding method in addition to the resolution. This instruction is issued from the system controller 12 via the system controller I / F 501.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the IPP4.

  The IPP 4 basically includes a scanner image processing unit 601, an image quality processing unit 602, a command control / program control unit 603, input I / Fs 604, 605, and output I / Fs 606, 607.

  In the IPP 4 configured as described above, the read image is transmitted from the input I / F 604 of the IPP 4 to the scanner image processing unit 601 via the SBU 2 and the CDIC 3. The scanner image processing unit 601 performs shading correction, scanner γ correction, MTF correction, and the like to correct the deterioration of the read image signal. Although not a correction process, a scaling process for enlargement / reduction is also performed. After the correction processing of the read image data is completed, the image data is transferred to the CDIC 3 via the output I / F 606. For output to transfer paper, image data from the CDIC 3 is received from the input I / F 605, and the image quality processing unit 602 performs area gradation processing. The data after the image quality processing is output to the VDC 5 via the output I / F 607. The area gradation processing includes density conversion, dither processing, error diffusion processing, etc., and the main processing is area approximation of gradation information. At this time, once the image data processed by the scanner image processing unit 601 is stored in the memory, various reproduced images can be confirmed by changing the image quality processing. For example, by changing the density of the reproduced image or changing the number of lines of the dither matrix, the atmosphere of the reproduced image can be changed. At this time, if the data is stored in the memory, it is not necessary to reread the image from the reading unit every time the processing is changed. If the stored image is read from the MEM 13, different processing can be performed on the same data any number of times. In the case of a single scanner, scanner image processing and gradation processing can be performed together and output to the CDIC 3.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the VDC.
The VDC 5 includes an edge smoothing processing unit 701, a pulse control unit 702, a data conversion unit 703, a parallel data I / F 704, and a serial data I / F 705. The VDC 5 performs additional processing on the input image data according to the characteristics of the imaging unit 6. The edge smoothing unit 701 performs a dot rearrangement process by the edge smoothing process, the pulse control unit 702 performs pulse control of an image signal for dot formation, and image data is output to the image forming unit 6. You. Apart from the conversion of the image data, a data conversion unit 703 connected to the parallel data I / F 704 and the serial data I / F 705 is provided. The data conversion unit 703 has a function of converting the format of the parallel data and the serial data. Even a single unit can support communication between the system controller 12 and the process controller 8.

  In this embodiment, the image forming unit 6 is provided after the VDC 5, but a filing unit for filing an image is provided instead of the image forming unit 6 or in addition to the image forming unit 6. May be configured as an image processing apparatus provided with.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the image processing system has the table information for managing the priority order to the transmission destination in the target network, and the image processing method is determined based on the table information. To encode an image signal with good image quality and an appropriate image size by gradation processing (binary / multi-valued), or to determine the purpose or importance, such as poor image quality, small image size but clear contents. It becomes possible to encode a suitable image signal.

  For example, the resolution is not changed and gradation processing is not performed so that the image quality of the original image is not impaired as much as possible because the importance is high for to “destination”. On the other hand, from the viewpoint that the importance is low, it is sufficient that the content or the image can be understood, so that the resolution is lowered, the gradation processing is binarized, and the data amount is reduced and encoded. The control can be changed.

  In addition, the device manager (user) as a user customizes settings according to the importance from the operation panel 18 so as to take into account the increase / decrease of traffic due to other communication during communication or the size of a network backbone to be passed. The most suitable data conversion method can be selected. As a result, an image transfer processing device capable of storing an optimal image can be configured.

  Further, the RAM 16 has table information for managing priorities to transmission destinations in the target network, and determines an encoding method based on the table information. It is possible to manage the encoding of the image signal suitable for the purpose and importance, such as whether to encode a good image signal or to encode the content with a high compression rate and poor image quality. As a result, the storage area of each device can be effectively used, and an increase in network traffic can be suppressed. At that time, the user can use the format without being aware of the details of the format.

<Second embodiment>
This embodiment is provided with an encoding / decoding means for encoding and compressing image data and decoding the encoded image information into the original image data. A plurality of encoding / decoding means having different encoding compression rates and encoding processing speeds of image data, and image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on decoded image data, and a data pattern registered in advance. A control means for determining an effective image level to a communication partner according to the importance based on the comparison result, and selecting one of the plurality of encoding / decoding means and the image processing means. is there. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the MLC according to the second embodiment. This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the data registration / comparison unit 507 is provided in the MLC 19 shown in FIG. Are denoted by the same reference numerals, overlapping description will be omitted, and only different points will be described.

  The data registration / comparison unit 507 is a place where a fixed image which is frequently used by the user or a fixed image indicating that the data is important is stored in advance as registered data. The block is a block for comparing the input data and determining whether the data corresponds to the registered data. The block is connected to the system controller I / F 501 and the data conversion unit 506. The data registration / comparison unit 507 compares, for example, pattern matching and shape characteristics of a certain image area with the registered data, and determines whether or not the image data corresponds to the registered data.

The feature amount extraction unit 505 determines the characteristics of an image reproduced or reproduced in parallel with or after data reproduction by the data decompression unit 504. For the reproduced image data, data conversion such as image processing and scaling is performed by the data conversion unit 506 if necessary. The converted data is subjected to an encoding process in the data compression unit 503 in order to create a code format to be output. At this time, the control of the data compression unit 503 is switched according to the result of the data registration / comparison unit 507. This switching is performed according to an instruction from the system controller 12. This switching indicates, for example, a change in a compression parameter or a change in a compression method. The determination result of the feature amount extraction unit 505 is also used for compression of the data compression unit 503. The newly created code data is output from the data access control unit 502. If the target data is not a code, the process of the data decompression unit 504 is not performed. Conversely, if the data to be output is not a code, the processing in the data compression unit 503 is not performed.
As described above, since the binary image has a smaller amount of information than the multi-valued image, the code amount after encoding is generally smaller than that of the multi-valued image. However, in general, the image quality may be inferior. When character images and photographic images are considered, a binary image encoding method is suitable for a character image and a multi-value image encoding method is suitable for a photographic image in terms of a balance between encoding efficiency and image quality. Similar to the relationship between a binary image and a multi-valued image, in the case of a multi-valued image, there is a relationship between a black-and-white image and a color image. Since a black-and-white image has a smaller amount of information than a color image, the code amount after encoding is generally smaller than that of a color image. If the color information is not so important, or if the image is a multi-valued image but has no color information, there is no major problem in terms of image quality even if it is handled as a monochrome image.

  Other components not particularly described are configured and function the same as in the first embodiment.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the data registered in advance in the data registration / comparison unit 507 is compared with the input data, and if it is determined that the input data matches the registration applicable data or corresponds to the corresponding data, When the importance setting for the registered data is high, the encoding parameter of the data compression unit 503 is changed so that the image quality deterioration by the data compression unit 503 is minimized. Conversely, when the importance setting for the registered data is low, the compression degree is set higher than the image quality deterioration by the data compression section 503, and the encoding parameters of the data compression section 503 are reduced so that the encoded data is small and the data handling is improved. To change. This change can achieve high image quality or high compression by, for example, changing the weighting coefficient for quantization.

  Further, the importance setting for the registered image can be set and changed to an arbitrary level at the time of data registration or at any time. This setting / change is performed by the user operating the operation panel 18 when storing (registering) the MEM 13 that stores an image as registration data or at any time.

<Third embodiment>
This embodiment is provided with an encoding / decoding means for encoding and compressing image data and decoding the encoded image information into the original image data. A plurality of encoding / decoding means having different encoding compression rates and encoding processing speeds of image data, and image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on decoded image data, and a data pattern registered in advance. Control means for judging an effective image level to a communication partner in accordance with the degree of importance according to the comparison result, and selecting one of the plurality of encoding / decoding means and image processing means. . Hereinafter, a specific description will be given with reference to the drawings.

  This embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments only in the function of the data registration / comparison unit 507 in the second embodiment, and the other units are the same as those in the first and second embodiments. The reference numerals are used, duplicate explanations are omitted, and only different points will be described.

  The data registration / comparison unit 507 is a place where a fixed image which is frequently used by the user or a fixed image indicating that the data is important is stored in advance as registered data. The block is a block for comparing the input data and determining whether the data corresponds to the registered data. The block is connected to the system controller I / F 501 and the data conversion unit 506. The data registration / comparison unit 507 compares the data registered in the data registration / comparison unit 507 in advance with the input data, recognizes the input data as the data corresponding to the registration, and sets the importance for the registered data. If the value is high, the image processing parameters of the data conversion unit 506 are set so as to preserve the image quality. Conversely, if the input data is recognized as registered data, and the importance setting for the registered data is low, the Also, the image processing parameters of the data conversion unit 506 are changed so that the image data and the degree of compression are increased to improve data handling. Specifically, the change of the image processing parameter is to reduce the capacity of the image data by performing binarization in the gradation processing.

  At this time, by the operation input from the operation panel 18, the importance for the registered image and the image processing setting for the set importance can be performed. For example, these input settings can be set to an arbitrary level at the time of data registration or at any time as long as the importance is set, or can be changed at any time. It can be selected or set or changed at any time or at any time.

  In addition, each unit not particularly described is configured and functions equivalently to the first and second embodiments.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the most efficient encoding process and image quality are selected in accordance with the target priority of the other party transmitting the information, so that the data transmission efficiency can be improved, Communication costs can be reduced and performance can be improved.

<Fourth embodiment>
This embodiment is provided with an encoding / decoding means for encoding and compressing image data and decoding the encoded image information into the original image data. A plurality of encoding / decoding means having different encoding compression rates and encoding processing speeds of image data, an image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on decoded image data, and embedding for embedding arbitrary information in an image Means for judging a watermark embedding means according to an image, and a control means for selecting a watermark embedding method in conjunction with the plurality of encoding / decoding means and the image processing means. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the MLC in this embodiment. This embodiment differs from the second and third embodiments in the configuration of the MLC in FIG. 8 in that the feature extraction unit 505 is used for the image processing unit 508, the data conversion unit 506 is used for the watermark embedding unit 509, and the data registration comparison unit 507 is used. Are replaced by the data comparison unit 510, respectively. Since the other parts are configured in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, duplicate description will be omitted, and only different points will be described.

  The system controller I / F 501 controls the data access control unit 502, the data compression unit 503, the data decompression unit 504, the data comparison unit 510, the image processing unit 508, and the watermark embedding unit 509 based on a processing command from the system controller 12. I do.

  The data comparison unit 510 is a block that compares the decoded image data with a preset data amount threshold. The comparison result is sent to the image processing unit 508, the watermark embedding unit 509, and the data compression unit 503, and is used for processing selection control. The image processing unit 508 performs binary / multi-value conversion and image processing (filter, gradation processing, scaling) for image quality correction.

  The watermark embedding unit 509 embeds arbitrary information, position information for falsification detection, and the like into the image data after the image processing. As a general technique of the watermark, for example, there is an electronic watermark. The data after embedding the watermark is subjected to an encoding process in the data compression unit 503 in order to create a code format to be output. At this time, as described above, there is a mechanism for switching control data of the image processing unit 508, the watermark embedding unit 509, and the data compression unit 503 according to the result of the data comparison unit 510. The newly created code data is output from the data access control unit 502. If the target data is non-code image data, the data decompression unit 504 does not perform the processing. Conversely, if the data to be output is not a code, the processing in the data compression unit 503 is not performed.

  In the watermark embedding process performed by the watermark embedding unit 509 for embedding arbitrary information in an image, it is possible to embed a binary or multi-valued image. / 1, that is, there is only white / black, so that the image quality change is more remarkable than multi-valued. Normally, information is added to a change point (edge) of a pixel. However, when the amount of information is small in the original image, the only option is to add an image where there is no image. However, depending on the intended use, it is necessary to make the change in image quality less noticeable, but there is a limit in making the change in image quality less noticeable. In this way, if the change in image quality is made as inconspicuous as possible, or if it exceeds the limit for making it inconspicuous, the fact that a watermark is embedded is also indicated. Then, if it is known that the watermark is embedded, it may lead to an algorithm analysis of the watermark embedding.

  On the other hand, if the image is multi-valued, information can be embedded with a slight change in pixels, and the change in image quality is less noticeable, and the analysis of the algorithm becomes difficult. That is, if the binary is changed to a multi-value, the capacity of the image file naturally increases as described above. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the embedded watermark is detected by the application software of the external PC. Of course, it can also be realized by having a watermark detection unit on the device side.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the data comparison unit 510 tries to embed the information as it is in the case where the input source image (the decoded image in the case of code input) is binary and the image information is small (the number of pixel change points is small). Then, if it is judged that the influence on the image quality is so large that it is not preferable, the information cannot be embedded as it is. Therefore, the image processing unit 508 performs multi-value processing to minimize the image quality change due to the information embedding. A series of processing, embedding method, and encoding settings are switched and output. These controls are executed by instructions from the system controller 12.

  At this time, the data comparison unit 510 determines the amount of image information by comparing the amount of pixel edges of the decoded image with the amount of pixel edges set in advance. The determination of the image information amount can be performed by comparing the amount of the pixel run length number of the decoded image with the predetermined amount of the pixel run length number.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the most efficient encoding processing, image processing, and watermark embedding processing are selected in conjunction with the data comparison unit 510 corresponding to the party to which the information is to be transmitted. It is possible to realize a system that performs security operation with little image quality degradation and high algorithm confidentiality.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the MFP according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the apparatus mutually connected via network NT as an image. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a CDIC in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an IMAC in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an MLC according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an IPP in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a VDC in FIG. 1. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an MLC according to second and third embodiments. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an MLC according to a fourth embodiment.

Explanation of reference numerals

1 reading unit 2 SBU
3 CDIC
4 IPP
5 VDC
Reference Signs List 6 imaging unit 7 process controller 10 parallel bus 11 serial bus 12 system controller 13 MEM
14 IMAC
16 RAM
18 Operation panel 19 MLC
502 Data access control unit 503 Data compression unit 504 Data decompression unit 505 Feature extraction unit 506 Data conversion unit 507 Data registration / comparison unit 508 Image processing unit 509 Watermark embedding unit 510 Data comparison unit

Claims (18)

For a plurality of devices interconnected by a network, a data transmission device that encodes image data and transmits and receives data in a compressed state.
One or more decoding means for decoding the encoded data into the original digital image data;
Image processing means for performing image processing on the decoded digital image data,
A plurality of encoding means for encoding and compressing digital image data after image processing,
Control means for switching image processing conditions in the image processing means according to a destination level to a partner device in a target network;
A data transmission device comprising:   2. The data transmission apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit configured to store the destination level as a priority, wherein the control unit switches the image processing condition based on the priority.   3. The data transmission device according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit configured to set the priority and / or image processing conditions by a user. For a plurality of devices interconnected by a network, a data transmission device that encodes image data and transmits and receives data in a compressed state.
One or more decoding means for decoding the encoded data into the original digital image data;
Image processing means for performing image processing on the decoded digital image data,
A plurality of encoding means for encoding and compressing digital image data after image processing,
Control means for switching encoding processing conditions in the image processing means according to a destination level to a destination device in a target network;
A data transmission device comprising:   5. The data transmission apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a storage unit that stores the destination level as a priority, wherein the control unit switches the encoder processing condition based on the priority.   The data transmission apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a setting unit configured to allow a user to set the priority and / or the encoding processing condition. For a plurality of devices interconnected by a network, a data transmission device that encodes image data and transmits and receives data in a compressed state.
One or more decoding means for decoding the encoded data into the original digital image data;
Image processing means for performing image processing on the decoded digital image data,
A plurality of encoding means for encoding and compressing digital image data after image processing,
Storage means for storing arbitrary data;
A comparison unit that compares the data stored in the storage unit with the image data input to the device or the data after decoding,
A control unit that switches encoding processing conditions in the image processing unit based on a comparison result of the comparison unit;
A data transmission device comprising: For a plurality of devices interconnected by a network, a data transmission device that encodes image data and transmits and receives data in a compressed state.
One or more decoding means for decoding the encoded data into the original digital image data;
Image processing means for performing image processing on the decoded digital image data,
A plurality of encoding means for encoding and compressing digital image data after image processing,
Storage means for storing arbitrary data;
A comparison unit that compares the data stored in the storage unit with the image data input to the device or the data after decoding,
Control means for switching image processing in the image processing means based on a comparison result of the comparison means,
A data transmission device comprising:   9. The data transmission device according to claim 7, further comprising a setting unit configured to allow a user to set the importance of the data stored in the storage unit.   9. The data transmission apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising changing means for changing image processing settings switched in said image processing means. For a plurality of devices interconnected by a network, a data transmission device that encodes image data and transmits and receives data in a compressed state.
Decoding means for decoding the encoded data into the original digital image data,
Image processing means for performing image processing on the decoded digital image data,
Watermark embedding means for embedding arbitrary information in the image-processed data;
Encoding means for encoding and compressing the watermark embedded image embedded by the watermark embedding means,
Comparing means for comparing the amount of image data after decoding with the amount of data set in advance,
Control means for changing settings of the image processing means based on a comparison result of the comparison means,
A data transmission device comprising:   12. The data transmission apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control unit changes the processing content of the watermark embedding unit according to a change in the setting of the image processing unit.   12. The data transmission device according to claim 11, wherein the data compared by the comparison unit is a pixel edge amount of the decoded image.   12. The data transmission device according to claim 11, wherein the data amount compared by the comparing unit is the number of pixel run lengths of the decoded image.   An image processing device comprising the data transmission device according to claim 1.   An image forming apparatus comprising the data transmission device according to claim 1.   A computer program comprising a procedure for causing a computer to execute the function of each unit of the data transmission device according to claim 1. 18. A recording medium, wherein the computer program according to claim 17 is read by a computer and recorded so as to be executable.

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