JP5644283B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing control method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral (MFP) capable of various image input / output processing, and more specifically, has a plurality of elements that can be processed in parallel and sets processing conditions for each element. The image processing apparatus, the image processing control method, and the image processing control for improving the efficiency of the processing are selected by selecting the elements of the image data processing means that can control the processing according to the processing request contents. Related to the program.

Many of today's popular copying machines are digital copying machines that have emerged after the era of analog copying machines. A digital copying machine is a device that creates a copy based on digitized image data read from a manuscript, and includes a reading device using a line sensor composed of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) photoelectric conversion element and toner by laser irradiation. It is supported by the development and development of plotters (printers) using writing devices.
Digital copiers are not limited to single-function copiers, but are more compatible with other devices that handle image data (hereinafter simply referred to as “image data”). In addition, various functions such as a scanner function are combined to be called a multi-function peripheral (MFP).

In addition, increasing the capacity and cost of memory such as HDD (hard disk) drives, speeding up and popularizing communication technologies such as networks, improving the processing power of CPU (Central Processing Unit), and improving technologies related to digital image data processing Along with the evolution of technologies related to MFP such as (compression technology), the functions to be mounted are diversified.
At the same time, MFPs are being used in various ways. For example, small MFPs have been developed that are installed in pairs beside PCs (Personal computers) and that allow operators to easily use the functions of copiers, facsimiles, printers, and scanners. On the other hand, it is a medium-sized MFP that can be shared by multiple people in each department or section in the organization such as a company and can use functions such as a certain degree of productivity and sorting, punching, and stapling. In a company that concentrates on departments, or a company that produces copy-related work itself, large-scale multifunctional MFPs with high productivity and high quality are used.

As described above, the development of MFPs has been diversified from small to large, and there are functions that are highly required for each class, while there are functions that are common to each class. For example, functions such as punching, stapling, paper folding, post-processing on paper after plotting, and electronic filing at the same time as copying are required for large MFPs, and enhancements such as Internet FAX and PC-FAX are required for small MFPs. From the intention of adapting to personal use, functions such as high-quality image printing on dedicated paper are required.
Conventionally, the variety and diversification of MFPs has taken the form of building, selling, and providing a system in which functions necessary for each class are set.
Today, with the increasing importance of the value of information such as images, new functions for efficiently handling image data have been provided, and MFPs that handle image data are also strongly demanded to provide and integrate new functions. There is.

With the above multi-functionality, the MFP can instruct various processing contents (processing conditions, etc.) by setting from the operation unit when requesting image output, etc. It is necessary to prepare an image data processing apparatus that performs processing in accordance with it and an image processing control apparatus for controlling the processing process.
Conventionally, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) configured by hardware or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) configured by middleware is used for an image data processing apparatus that processes image data or the like under the control of the image processing control apparatus. It has been known.
When the DSP is employed, various image processing functions can be realized by replacing programs and data as compared with an ASIC having a hardware configuration.

However, while it is possible to increase variations in the image processing function, the controller for controlling the DSP becomes complicated due to the increased function. In addition, since it is possible to easily change the specifications, it is required to configure a control system that can quickly and surely cope with specification changes that are expected to occur frequently. That is, it is necessary not only to execute processing according to various processing conditions set from the operation unit, but also to meet the requirement to flexibly cope with specification changes.
In such a situation, since the DSP is more expensive than the ASIC, the device used for the image data processing apparatus is either DSP or ASIC depending on the application. An image processing control apparatus is prepared depending on the selection of the image processing apparatus or the combination of these processes.

  In addition to the increase in functionality, in addition to copying, it is increasingly connected to a network and used in conjunction with various input / output devices such as printers, scanners, and fax machines. By connecting a user to the network, for example, when one user is performing mass copying, another user can print over the network. In doing so, it is important to manage resources of the image processing control apparatus. The image processing control apparatus manages the status of the currently controlled resource, determines whether or not a plurality of requests can be executed simultaneously, and determines that the request cannot be executed. In order to minimize the inconvenience for the user.

Resource management by the image processing control apparatus is also required in the following processing. MFPs that are capable of color reading and color output are becoming mainstream from models that were only capable of monochrome printing. As a result, the development point in image processing control has shifted from monochrome, which has already been improved, to color image processing, in which the handling of color information is an important factor.
The print output data of a color image is usually composed of color image data of each of the four color plates CMYK (C: cyan, M: magenta, Y: yellow, K: black). Since it is necessary to perform data generation processing, which image data processing device processes which color plate data changes depending on the performance and number of image data processing devices including ASICs and DSPs mounted on the MFP.

Since the MFP described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-172402), which can be cited as a conventional example, is equipped with a print engine having a quadruple tandem drum, it is set at each point in time. The color plate to be specified can be specified, and the setting for the four color plates of CMYK can be realized by one image data processing apparatus. In order to perform this operation, it is necessary to change the setting of the image data processing apparatus for each color plate.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses an embodiment in which an image data processing apparatus is provided for each color plate in an MFP that is required to have high productivity. In this case, it is necessary to specify which image data processing apparatus is set for each color plate and to perform control for setting the specified apparatus.

In the prior art of image processing of an MFP that uses a DSP as an image data processing apparatus, the following method is employed. This method is used when developing an image processing apparatus mounted on a model of a low speed class (layer) to a high speed class (layer) having different output performance in a short period of time.
According to this method, a DSP as an image data processing apparatus performs frame processing using a frame, which is a unit of one image, as a processing unit using a feature that the content of image processing executed internally changes when a program is replaced. Each frame is implemented in the form of four frames (frame numbers 0 to 3) that can be executed asynchronously, and processing for each color plate is assigned to each frame so that one color image can be processed.
The method of adaptation from low speed to high speed output performance is as follows. That is, in the low-speed class MFP, the time given to execute image processing at the time of copying is in time for the CMYK version image processing using frames 0 to 3 with one DSP. It consists of one DSP. When it becomes a medium speed class MFP, it will not be in time to perform CMYK version image processing with one DSP, so the two DSP versions use frames 0 and 1, respectively, to perform total processing. CMYK 4-color version processing is performed. Furthermore, when it becomes a high-speed class MFP, even if the time required to process a two-color image with one DSP is not in time, performing image processing using only frame 0 for each of four DSPs results in a total of 4 CMYK. Perform color plate processing.

As described above, by adapting the number of DSPs as image data processing devices to the output performance of the MFP and switching the frame to be used, it is suitable for image processing in MFPs of different models from the low speed class to the high speed class. It becomes possible to do.
However, since it is necessary to secure the memory for the number of frames constituting the DSP in order to implement the DSP, a large number of DSPs are used in order to adapt the output performance to the high-speed class by the above-described prior art method. The actual frame used for processing is a part. In other words, the number of frames that are not used increases, and the memory capacity reserved for these frames cannot be used, resulting in a hindrance to effective use of hardware resources. In addition, since it is necessary to set processing conditions for each DSP using a large number of DSPs, the image processing control apparatus is required to reduce the processing time required for operations such as this setting and to cope with higher speeds. This is a negative factor for hardware resources. Up to now, no effective solution has been proposed for the problems arising in the prior art, and they have not been solved.
The present invention has been made in view of the problems occurring in the above-described prior art image processing apparatus adapted to image processing in MFPs of different models from low speed class to high speed class using a DSP. The purpose is to improve the performance of the image processing apparatus by shortening the time required for processing such as use and setting of processing conditions.

The present invention is directed through command input means for instructing processing requirements to be obtained for a processing target image, image data processing means having a plurality of processing elements capable of parallel processing of component images of the processing target image, and the command input means. An image processing apparatus having each unit of an image processing control unit that changes a setting of a processing condition of a processing element that processes each component image of a processing target image according to a processing requirement, and controls an operation of the processing element. When it is determined that there are a plurality of processing elements that can be used for the processing of the one-component image of the processing target image, the control means sets a different processing condition as a variation prepared in advance for the plurality of processing elements. The setting means, the processing requirements instructed through the command input means, and the processing conditions of the plurality of processing elements set by the preliminary setting means are compared. An execution processing element determination unit that determines a processing element that minimizes the processing amount for performing a change to a setting that matches processing at the time of execution from among the processing elements, and a processing element determined by the execution processing element determination unit Among the processing conditions set by the preliminary setting means, resetting means for resetting processing conditions that do not match the processing requirements instructed through the command input means, and processing according to the processing conditions after resetting by the resetting means In an image processing apparatus comprising an execution instruction means for executing component image processing by operating an element , a color mode or a monochrome mode is instructed as a processing requirement to be obtained for a processing target image through the instruction input means. Mode history management means for managing the history accordingly, and the image processing control means is connected to the mode history management means. An image processing apparatus characterized by allocating more available processing elements to use a high degree of color component images obtained from the history of the managed process conditions I.

  According to the present invention, in the prior art, a control for selecting a processing element that minimizes a processing condition setting process according to a processing request content from among a plurality of image data processing elements capable of parallel processing is executed in the prior art. By using resources that have not been used, it is possible to effectively use hardware resources and improve processing efficiency.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow of image data at the time of copying in the image processing apparatus of FIG. 1 using an MFP as an example. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a flow of image data at the time of scanner transmission in the image processing apparatus of FIG. 1 using an MFP as an example. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a flow of image data when a printer application is activated in the image processing apparatus of FIG. 1 using an MFP as an example. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a flow of image data when a FAX application is operated in the image processing apparatus of FIG. 1 using an MFP as an example. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process of the preliminary setting of the image processing parameter at the time of power activation and the return from an energy saving mode. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the example of the preservation | save content and preservation | save form of the difference preservation | save part of an image processing control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the image processing parameter calculation at the time of the output request of an image processing control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the image processing parameter setting at the time of the output request of an image processing control apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow of image data at the time of copying in the image processing apparatus of FIG. 1 using a high-speed class MFP as an example. 11 is a time chart illustrating an example of an image processing execution period for each of the CMYK plates in the image processing data apparatus in the image processing apparatus of FIG. 10. It is a flowchart which shows the process example according to the usage history of the monochrome mode of the image processing control apparatus (refer FIG. 1) at the time of power activation and the return from energy saving mode. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing example of image processing parameter calculation at the time of an output request corresponding to FIG. 12.

Embodiments of an image processing apparatus and an image processing control method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The following embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is based on the assumption that a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) configured by middleware is used as the image data processing apparatus. The present embodiment shows an application example to a multifunction peripheral (MFP) capable of processing color images. The DSP to be mounted uses a frame as a unit of image as a processing unit, and processes each frame asynchronously. Can be executed in the form of 4 frames (frame numbers 0 to 3).
MFPs are required to provide many models from low-speed classes with low output performance to high-speed classes with high output performance, and DSPs that can execute processing in the above four frames when developing are developed. Promote efficiency. In other words, in response to the difference in output performance of the MFP, it is possible to change the number of DSPs based on a 4-frame DSP and switch the frame used for each color component image constituting the color image, so that the low speed class to the high speed class model can be used. It becomes possible to adapt to image processing.

However, when the above method is adopted, in order to adapt to a high-speed color machine having high output performance, for example, when using a large number of DSPs such as four, or to adapt to a monochrome machine, a large number of four frames or the like are used. When a DSP that executes frame processing is used, the number of frames that are not used increases, which hinders effective use of memory as hardware resources.
In addition, when a large number of DSPs are used, particularly when adapted to a color machine, it is necessary to set processing conditions for each DSP. Therefore, an image processing control apparatus that controls a DSP performs operations such as this setting. It is required to reduce the processing time required and cope with speeding up, which is a negative factor for hardware resources.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the image processing control apparatus is provided with means for shortening the time required for processing such as effective use of hardware resources and setting of processing conditions. Note that a processing method (hereinafter referred to as “efficiency processing” method) for the image processing control apparatus to efficiently perform processing such as setting processing conditions (image processing parameters) in a DSP frame (hereinafter referred to as “efficiency processing” method) Setting of image processing parameters] will be described in detail later.

[Schematic configuration of image processing apparatus]
First, the configuration of the MFP of this embodiment that uses a DSP configured by middleware for processing image data will be described.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the MFP according to the present embodiment.
The MFP according to the present embodiment has a combined copy function, scanner function, printer function, and facsimile function. The operation unit 101 illustrated in FIG. 1 instructs processing requirements (also referred to as “processing content”) to be set for image data to be processed in order to perform image output requested by the user by using a multifunction function of the MFP. This is a means for inputting a command. The host control device 102 is means for managing information indicating processing requirements specified through the operation unit 101.

The DSP configured by middleware includes an image processing control device 103 and an image data processing device 104. The image processing control device 103 downloads a program such as image data processing and setting data such as image processing parameters to the image data processing devices 104-1 to 104-n under the control of the host control device 102, and the image data processing device 104 is constructed, the state of hardware resources used during construction and operation of the device is managed, and the processing operation of the device is controlled.
The image data processing device 104 is constructed as a processing device that executes a number of frame processes such as four frames according to programs and data downloaded by the image processing control device 103. Since the image data processing devices 104-1 to 104-n are premised on the application of efficiency processing described later, in the case of a monochrome machine, only one image data processing device 104-1 may be used, and in the case of a color machine, A plurality of image data processing devices 104-1 to 104-n are used, and in the embodiments described later, two (one is shared by two color component images) or four (one is used for each color component image). Is used.

Note that image data to be processed for image output using the composite function is input through a scanner unit (not shown in FIG. 1) provided in the MFP when the user requests processing. Or a method of requesting print output and inputting print data via a network.
Further, the image output data processed by the image data processing devices 104-1 to 104-n is used for image output by a plotter unit (not shown in FIG. 1) provided in the MFP after this processing. Besides being used, it is possible to output an image via a communication medium (a network such as a public line or a LAN) as FAX transmission or scanner distribution.
In addition to the above, if you have a function to store the input image for reuse, specify the stored image as the processing target, and then process the image output such as output by the plotter unit or output to an external device. It can be.

An outline of the processing process in the MFP shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to the flow of data (information) shown in FIG.
When a processing requirement is set by a user instruction through the operation unit 101, the operation unit 101 transmits information indicating the processing requirement instructed as the setting content to a higher-level control device that is a service layer.
The upper control device 102 divides the received setting content into tasks in consideration of information indicating the processing requirements received as the setting content and the time when the setting has occurred, and notifies the image processing control device 103 as a process.
The image processing control device 103 converts the image processing program that must be set in the image data processing device 104 and data such as setting data of image processing parameters based on information indicating processing requirements requested by the user received as a task. I do. Data that is converted based on information indicating the processing requirements required by the user includes application information specified by the user, information such as the character mode, information that directly specifies the program number of the MTF filter, and specific users only Includes information such as serviceman commands used for fine adjustment of image quality that can be used.
The image processing control apparatus 103 executes downloading to a memory inside the image data processing apparatus 104 based on the converted image processing program and image processing parameter setting data.
After downloading the image processing program, the image processing parameter setting data, and the like, the image data processing device 104 executes image processing by an image data processing device constructed based on the downloaded data.

<Copy operation>
With reference to FIG. 2, the outline of the processing process of the copying operation by the MFP whose schematic configuration is shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The example shown in FIG. 2 is a configuration example in which two image data processing devices 104-2 and 104-3 that perform 4-frame processing are used for image data processing on the output side, and (A) in FIG. When full color copy is set, and (B) in the figure shows the data flow when monochrome copy is set.
As shown in FIG. 2, this embodiment includes a scanner unit 201 that can read RGB as an image input unit, and a plotter unit 202 that can output CMYK as an image output unit.
The image data processing apparatuses 104-1 to 104-3 have one processing for correction (hereinafter also referred to as “input side data processing”) for an image read by the scanner unit 201, and processing for correction for plotter output (hereinafter, referred to as “input side data processing”). This is a configuration example of an MFP corresponding to a medium speed class, in which a total of two are mounted for “output side data processing”.

In full-color copying, as shown in FIG. 2A, the scanner unit 201 reads an original in RGB, digitizes the read image, and converts the obtained image data into an image processing data device 104-1 for data processing on the input side. Send to.
The image processing data device 104-1 includes a scanner correction system image processing unit 203 at the front stage and a color conversion processing unit 204 at the rear stage. First, the scanner correction system image processing unit 203 processes the image data received from the scanner unit 201. Then, the influence caused by the characteristics unique to the scanner is corrected, and the image data is normalized. Also, the RGB signal is converted into a CMYK signal by the color conversion processing unit 204 at the subsequent stage of the normalized image data. In addition, the RGB signal or CMYK signal image data generated by the input-side data processing of the image processing data device 104-1 is stored in a nonvolatile storage device, and the stored image data can be reused. May be.
The image processing data device 104-1 sends the image data converted into the CMYK signal to the image processing data devices 104-2 and 104-3 for output side data processing.

Two image processing data devices 104-2 and 104-3 are provided for output-side data processing, both of which are configured to be able to perform 4-frame processing, and perform processing as image data used for plotter output in frame processing. In this embodiment, among the four color component images of CMYK, one image processing data device 104-2 is assigned for the MK plate, and the other image processing data device 104-3 is assigned for the CY plate. Send data and execute processing.
Each of the image data processing devices 104-2 and 104-3 has four frames from frame 0 to frame 3, and each frame is processed by downloading a program for executing the adaptive γ processing unit 205 and the gradation processing unit 206. Department is built.
The image processing control device 103 (see FIG. 1) sets the allocation of the color plates of each frame and CMYK color components. The processing performed in each frame does not change the basic processing procedure even if the image data and plotter correction values differ for each color.

The adaptive γ processing unit 205 performed in each frame performs γ correction for generating output data of an intended color without the influence caused by the characteristics unique to the plotter. Further, the gradation processing unit 206 performs area gradation (dither processing or the like) on the binary data for the multi-value data, and generates data that can be used for output by the plotter unit 202. The image processing data devices 104-2 and 104-3 send print output data of color component images generated in each frame to the plotter unit 202.
The plotter unit 202 prints and outputs a full color image based on the print output data of the CMYK color component image sent thereto. In this embodiment, since both the image data processing devices 104-2 and 104-3 assign the color component images of the MK and CY versions to the frames 0 and 1, the frames 2 and 3 are unused. .

In the monochrome copy, as shown in FIG. 2B, a scanner correction system image performed by an image processing data device 104-1 that processes image data received from the scanner unit 201 after the original is read by the scanner unit 201 in RGB. The processing up to the processing unit 203 is the same as the above-described full color copy processing. Further, the color conversion processing unit 204 at the subsequent stage of the image processing data device 104-1 processes only the K color component image and sends the processed image data to the image processing data device 104-2 for output side data processing. Also at this time, since only the K color component image is supported, the processing after color conversion is not required for color component images other than K.
Therefore, even if two image processing data devices 104-2 and 104-3 are provided for output side data processing, only the K color component image that is sent is processed, and the K color component image is received. One image processing data device 104-2 processes image data for the K plate used for plotter output. Therefore, in the monochrome copy, the image processing data devices 104-2 and 104-3 have one frame to be processed, and in this embodiment, the adaptive γ processing unit 205 and the gradation processing unit 206 of frame 1 apply. In other words, the processing units of the other frames are not used.
Only the print output data of the K color component image generated in frame 1 of the image processing data device 104-2 is sent to the plotter unit 202.
The plotter unit 202 prints out a monochrome image based on the print output data of the K color component image sent thereto.

<Scanner transmission operation>
With reference to FIG. 3, an outline of the processing process of the scanner transmission operation by the MFP whose schematic configuration is shown in FIG. 1 will be described. In the example shown in FIG. 3, when a scanner application (“application” is an abbreviation of “application”, hereinafter the same) is activated and a scanner input image is transmitted to an external device, the image data processing device 104-1 is used for transmission. Is a configuration example for executing processing of image data to be processed. When full-color scan transmission is set in (A) in the figure, monochrome scan transmission is set in (B) in the figure. Shows the flow of data when
As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the scanner unit 201 capable of RGB reading is used as the image input means, and the image data processing apparatus 104-1 described in the above <Copy operation> is adapted to the scanner application. Make it work. In addition, a communication unit (not shown) provided as an image output unit that enables data transmission / reception with an external device such as the client PC 301 is operated. In the scanner transmission operation, since the plotter unit 202 does not output an image, it is not necessary to operate the image data processing devices 104-2 and 104-3 used for plotter output.

As shown in FIG. 3 (A), a scanner correction system image processing unit performed by an image processing data device 104-1 that processes image data received from the scanner unit 201 after the original is read by the scanner unit 201 in RGB. The processing up to step 203 is the same as the full color copy processing in the above-described <copying operation>.
The image data after processing by the scanner correction system image processing unit 203 at the previous stage is converted into data for scanner transmission by the color conversion processing unit 204 at the subsequent stage. At this time, the color conversion processing unit 204 outputs full-color scan transmission data or outputs monochrome scan transmission data depending on whether the input RGB is output as RGB as it is or converted into K and output. To do.
A client PC 301 is an external device connected to the MFP via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). When using the scanner application, the client PC 301 designates the scanner application and makes a transmission request. In this case, the scanned image of the document input from the scanner unit 201 by the MFP that has received the transmission request is processed as scanner transmission data by the image data processing apparatus 104-1, and is sent to the client PC 301 that issued the transmission request. It will come. On the other hand, it can be transmitted (distributed) by an operation on the MFP side. In this case, an image to be scanned and a client PC 301 to be distributed are designated on the operation unit 101 of the MFP, and a distribution request is made. In this case, if it can be received by the client PC 301, the scanner transmission can be performed only by the operation on the MFP side.

<Printer application operation>
With reference to FIG. 4, an outline of the processing process of the printer application operation by the MFP having the schematic configuration shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The example shown in FIG. 4 is a configuration example in which a print request issued by an external device is received, a printer application is activated, and processing of image data for print output is executed based on print data input in response to the request. FIG. 6A shows the data flow when a full-color print is requested, and FIG. 5B shows the data flow when a monochrome print is requested.
As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, a CMYK four-color component image for print output is created as print data by a printer driver installed in the client PC 301. Therefore, it is possible to receive this print data via a network such as a LAN by the MFP, analyze the received print data, and immediately use the obtained CMYK four-color image for print output.

That is, the image data used by the plotter unit 202 for image output can be obtained by simply performing the processing of the image data processing devices 104-2 and 104-3 used for plotter output on the CMYK color image obtained from the print data. Can be generated.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, for the print data requesting full color printing, as in the full color copying operation described with reference to FIG. Then, the MK plate is assigned to frames 0 and 1 of the image data processing device 104-2, the color component images of the CY plate are assigned to the image data processing device 104-3, and processed as image data for plotter output. Therefore, the frames 2 and 3 are unused.
For print data requesting monochrome printing, as shown in FIG. 4B, image data is similar to the monochrome copying operation described above with reference to FIG. Only the K version is assigned to frame 1 of the processing device 104-2. Therefore, the adaptive γ processing unit 205 and the gradation processing unit 206 of this frame 1 that executes processing are adapted, and the other processing units of the other frames are unused.
Only the print output data of the K color component image generated in frame 1 of the image processing data device 104-2 is sent to the plotter unit 202.

<FAX application operation>
With reference to FIG. 5, the outline of the processing process of the FAX application operation by the MFP whose schematic configuration is shown in FIG. 1 will be described.
The example shown in FIG. 5A is a configuration example in which processing of image data to be transmitted using the image data processing device 104-1 is executed when the FAX application is operated and the scanner input image is FAX-transmitted to an external device. In the same figure, the flow of data when FAX transmission is set is shown.
As shown in FIG. 5A, in this embodiment, the scanner unit 201 capable of reading RGB is used as an image input unit, and the image data processing apparatus 104-1 described in the above <Copy operation> is used as a FAX application. Operate according to the transmission operation. In addition, a communication unit (not shown) provided as an image output unit and capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from an external FAX machine 501 is operated. In the FAX transmission operation, since the image output is not performed by the plotter unit 202, the operation of the image data processing devices 104-2 and 104-3 used for the plotter output is unnecessary.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the scanner correction system image processing performed by the image processing data device 104-1 that processes the image data received from the scanner unit 201 after the FAX original is read by the scanner unit 201 in RGB. The processing up to the unit 203 is the same as the full-color copy processing in the above-described <Copy operation>.
For the image data processed by the scanner correction system image processing unit 203 at the previous stage, the color conversion processing unit 204 at the subsequent stage converts the input RGB into K-only data for FAX transmission.
An external FAX machine 501 is connected to the MFP via a public line or the like. When using the FAX transmission application, a transmission request is made from the operation unit 101. The scanned image of the document input from the scanner unit 201 by the MFP that has received the transmission request is processed as FAX transmission data by the image data processing apparatus 104-1, and is transmitted as FAX data to the destination FAX specified by the operation. Send.

In the example shown in FIG. 5B, when a FAX application is activated at the time of FAX reception from an external device and print output is performed based on the FAX reception image, a plotter is used by using the image data processing device 104-2. It is an example of a structure which performs the process of the image data for output.
As for the operation when performing print output based on the received FAX image, since the received FAX image is monochrome image data, as shown in FIG. 5B, refer to FIG. Similar to the monochrome copying operation described above, only the K plate is assigned to frame 1 of the image data processing apparatus 104-2. Therefore, the adaptive γ processing unit 205 and the gradation processing unit 206 of this frame 1 that executes processing are adapted, and the other processing units of the other frames are unused.
Only the print output data of the K color component image generated in frame 1 of the image processing data device 104-2 is sent to the plotter unit 202.

[Setting image processing parameters for frames]
In the above [Schematic configuration of image processing apparatus], an image processing apparatus (MFP) configured using a DSP for processing image data is described. In the MFP shown as the embodiment, a DSP used for processing image data, specifically The image data processing devices 104-2 and 104-3 can execute parallel processing of four frames. However, as described above, an unused frame is generated among the four frames, and an increase in the number of DSPs in a high-speed device increases the time required for setting image processing parameters in the frame.
Therefore, this problem is solved by performing the following efficiency process for the purpose of achieving both effective use of hardware resources and shortening of the time required for processing such as setting of processing conditions.

In the present embodiment, as an efficiency improvement process, an extra frame is used to set an image processing parameter according to the following procedure to a frame to be processed in response to an instruction of processing requirements performed by the user. Do.
That is, a plurality of frames that can be used for processing of one component image of a processing target image (each color component image of CMYK four colors in the case of full color and K color component image in the case of monochrome) in a frame that is a processing element of the DSP. If there are multiple frames, perform preliminary settings for these multiple frames with different processing condition settings as prepared variations, and the user can use the least amount of reset processing among the preset variations. Is determined as an execution frame, and a reset process is performed on the determined frame to execute the frame process.
By performing the image processing parameter setting process for the frame as described above, it helps to reduce the amount of processing required for the extra frame setting process, and reduces the time required for effective use of hardware resources and the setting process. Both shortening can be achieved.

<Initial setting>
In the above-described efficiency process in setting the image processing parameter for the frame, it is necessary to preliminarily set the image processing parameter with a variation prepared in advance for the frame in which the one-component image can be used. In the preliminary setting, there is usually no set value when the power is turned on and when returning from the energy saving mode. Note that when a normal output request is made after the initial setting, the previously set image processing parameters are used as they are as preliminary setting values.
Therefore, the image processing control apparatus 103 performs a preliminary setting process required for the initial setting when the power is turned on and when returning from the energy saving mode.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of preliminary setting of image processing parameters performed by the image processing control apparatus 103 when the power is turned on and when returning from the energy saving mode.
The preliminary setting process flow shown in FIG. 6 is started with the initial settings performed when the power is turned on and when returning from the energy saving mode. After starting this processing flow, the recalculation determination unit first determines whether or not to calculate image processing parameters. The recalculation determination unit determines whether or not recalculation is necessary depending on whether there is a difference between the default setting and the setting performed by the user from the operation unit 101. At this time, since there is no setting made by the user from the operation unit 101, there should be a difference. In this case, execution of recalculation is determined.
In accordance with this determination, the image processing parameter calculation unit calculates the image processing parameters under the default setting conditions specified for the MFP model stored in advance (step S101). The default setting condition includes the number of image data processing apparatuses depending on the model of the MFP, and includes the number of pre-set target frames determined by the number. Further, data necessary for calculation of image processing parameters for each frame is prepared according to the number of frames.
Under such default setting conditions, the image processing parameters of the adaptive γ processing unit 205 and the gradation processing unit 206 of each target frame are calculated, and the image processing parameter values obtained by the calculation are temporarily stored in a RAM (Random Access Memory). Store. In addition, image processing parameters previously assigned to a ROM (Read Only Memory) area are stored in the same RAM as an index for identifying the location.

Next, in order to store the image processing parameter value calculated in step S101 in the image data processing devices 104-2 and 104-3, the value is stored in the difference storage unit in the image processing control device 103 (step S102).
Here, an example of a configuration using two image data processing devices 104-2 and 104-3 that execute the 4-frame processing corresponding to the above-described full color with respect to the storage contents and storage form of the image processing parameters to be stored (see FIG. 2 (A), reference) will be described. In the configuration of the above-described embodiment shown with reference to FIG. 2A, two usable frames are provided for each color plate of CMYK, so image processing parameters are reserved in advance in two variations. Can be set. That is, the image processing parameter to be stored in the difference storage unit in two variations is prepared as a spare, and one of these is selected at the time of execution, and the image processing parameter to be executed is determined by resetting.

FIG. 7 is a diagram exemplifying storage contents and a storage form in the difference storage unit in the image processing control apparatus 104 when the image processing parameters can be preliminarily set with two variations.
FIG. 7 shows an example in which color mode, notch, image quality mode, resolution, number of gradations, reading device, and reading surface information, which are processing requirements that can be set by the user via the operation unit, are stored as default setting values. .
Further, the difference storage unit can grasp the number as the configuration of the image data processing device 104 from the performance information of the plotter output that can be acquired by referring to the own device information managed in the MFP. From this, it is determined how many variations should be managed as variations in which image processing parameters can be preliminarily set, the number necessary for management is switched, and the variations corresponding to the number are stored.
In the case of a configuration example (see FIG. 2A) using two image data processing devices 104-2 and 104-3 that perform full-color processing and execute 4-frame processing, as shown in FIG. For the M version, the frames 0 and 2, and for the Y and K versions, the frames 1 and 3 are used, and two variations of image processing parameters are stored as preliminary settings.

  Returning to the processing flow of FIG. 6, image processing parameters to be preliminarily set in the image data processing devices 104-2 and 104-3 are determined and stored in the difference storage unit, and then the image data processing devices 104-2 and 104-3. It is determined which of the four color plates of CMYK is assigned to each frame (step S103). In the above-described embodiment, two image data processing devices 104-2 and 104-3 that perform 4-frame processing are used. Therefore, two frames are assigned to each color plate, and C as shown in the example of FIG. For the plate, frames 0 and 2 of the image data processor 104-3, for the M plate, frames 0 and 2 of the image data processor 104-2, and for the Y plate, the image data processor 104- Frames 1 and 3 of the image data processing apparatus 104-2 are assigned to the 3rd frame 1 and 3 and the K plate, and the frame through which the respective image data flows is determined. When the power is turned on or when returning from the energy saving mode, the lower frame number is selected because there is no previous value.

After determining the assignment of the CMYK four color plates in step S103, the image processing parameters to be preliminarily set stored in step S102 are downloaded to the frames allocated by the image data processing devices 104-2 and 104-3, and the spare for each frame is downloaded. Setting is performed (step S104). By performing this process, image data can be executed by sending image data to the image data processing apparatuses 104-2 and 104-3. Here, since the image processing parameters are stored in two variations in step S102, the image processing parameters are set in two variations for each frame assigned to each color plate by two frames.
After confirming that the image quality parameters have been preliminarily set in all the frames of the image data processing devices 104-2 and 104-3, the processing of this flow is terminated.

<Image processing parameter calculation at output request>
Next, processing related to image processing parameter calculation performed when output is requested from the host control device 102, such as processing (output) request received by the operation unit 101 after the initial setting, will be described.
In the present embodiment, preliminary setting is performed by setting different image processing parameters as variations prepared in advance, and setting processing corresponding to the processing requirement instruction performed by the user with the smallest reset processing amount among the preset variations is performed. A frame that can be executed is determined as an execution frame, and a reset process is performed on the determined frame to execute the frame process.
Therefore, a frame capable of setting processing corresponding to the processing requirement instruction performed by the user with the smallest amount of reset processing is specified from the preset variations, and image processing parameters used for the reset processing are newly set when necessary. A procedure to calculate is required.
Here, an example of performing this procedure will be described with reference to the processing flow shown in FIG.

The image processing control apparatus 103 receives a calculation request for an image processing parameter issued when the host control apparatus 102 receives an output request instructed by the operation unit 101 or the like, and starts the processing flow shown in FIG. Note that the output request may be made by means other than the operation unit 1101, but here, an example in which the output request is made through the operation unit 101 will be described.
After starting this processing flow, first, for each item designated by the user on the operation unit, an image corresponding to each preset color variation managed by the difference storage unit of the image processing control apparatus 103 and the user's setting content The processing parameters are compared (step S201).
As a result of comparing the image processing parameters for each item in step S201, if there is a frame that has no difference among the preset frames, the image processing parameter is recalculated and the image data processing device 104 is reset to the frame. It is determined that the setting is unnecessary, that is, the setting corresponding to the setting contents of the user has already been performed in the frame (step S202), and the processing by this flow is ended.

On the other hand, as a result of comparing the image processing parameters for each item in step S201, if there is a difference in any of the preset frames, the image processing parameters are recalculated in order to obtain a setting that matches the user's setting contents. The amount of processing (calculation) to be applied and the set amount are estimated, and a frame to be used at the time of execution is specified by evaluating which of the preset variations requires the minimum processing amount (step S203). In the image data processing apparatus 104 of this embodiment, the above evaluation is performed for each image processing parameter that needs to be recalculated in the adaptive γ processing unit 205 and the gradation processing unit 206, unlike the preliminary setting and the user setting. The recalculation amount and the reset amount to the image processing data processing device 104 are obtained as processing time, and weighted for each to obtain an evaluation result. The processing of this step is performed by a procedure such that the evaluation results of both the recalculation amount and the reset amount obtained are combined to identify the frame that minimizes the processing time obtained.
Next, among the image processing parameters set for the identified frame, a heap area is secured only for image processing parameters having a difference, and the parameter values are recalculated (step S204).
Further, the difference storage information of the frame managed by the difference storage unit is updated by the image processing parameter obtained by recalculation in step S204 (step S205). This image processing parameter that has been recalculated and saved corresponds to the setting contents of the user who made the current output request.
After updating the difference storage information of the image processing parameter set in the frame for executing the processing, the processing of this flow is finished.

<Setting image processing parameters when requesting output>
Next, after performing the image processing parameter calculation (see <Image processing parameter calculation at the time of output request>), image processing to be performed on the frame of the image processing data processing device 104 in response to a request from the host control device 102 Processing related to parameter setting will be described.
In the present embodiment, among the pre-set frames, there is no difference from the user's setting contents while pre-set to the frame specified as the frame used for execution in the processing flow of the previous image processing parameter calculation (FIG. 8). It is not necessary to reset image processing parameters. On the other hand, the image processing parameter is reset only for the image processing parameter set in the frame used for execution, for which the difference storage information is updated.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of image processing parameter setting when an output request is issued from the image processing control apparatus.
The image processing control apparatus 103 receives the image processing parameter setting request issued after the above-mentioned image processing parameter calculation request and processing are completed by the host control apparatus 102, and starts the processing flow shown in FIG.
After starting this processing flow, first, the difference storage information managed by the difference storage unit of the image processing control apparatus 103 is referred to, and the frames that have already been set are image data processing apparatuses 104-2 and 104-3. And whether or not resetting is necessary is determined (step S301).
For frames that have already been set in step S301 and do not need to be reset, the color for flowing image data to the corresponding frames of the image data processing devices 104-2 and 104-3 based on the difference storage information The plate and frame allocation settings are made (step S304), and the processing of this flow is terminated.

On the other hand, for a frame that has not been set in step S301 and needs to be reset, the frame setting of the difference storage unit is compared with the user setting in order to obtain a setting that matches the setting contents of the user. Is determined as the image data processing apparatus for resetting the determined frame and the frame (step S302).
Next, image processing parameters are set for the image data processing device to be reset at step S302 and the frame specified as the frame (step S303). In this setting, only the image processing parameters for the difference recalculated by the image processing parameter calculation request (see step S204 in the processing flow of FIG. 8) are set.
The color plate and the frame assignment setting for flowing the image data to the corresponding frames of the image data processing apparatuses 104-2 and 104-3 that have been reset in step S303 are set (step S304), and the processing of this flow is ended.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the setting of the image processing parameters to the frames of the image data processing devices 104-2 and 104-3 is preliminarily set with variations prepared in advance, and among the preset variations, A frame that can be set in response to a processing requirement instruction performed by the user with the smallest reset processing amount is determined as an execution frame, and only the image processing parameters that need to be changed are reset to the determined frame. In this way, in an image forming apparatus equipped with a DSP having a plurality of image data processing devices in order to perform printing at particularly high speed, the user's request can be met by using a frame of an unused image data processing device. In addition to minimizing image processing parameter calculation and setting processing in the image data processing apparatus, it is possible to reduce hardware resources required for the setting processing such as RAM capacity used by software.

[Adaptation to high-speed machines]
In the above-mentioned [Setting image processing parameters for frame], CMYK four-color plate is used for the efficiency processing aiming at both the effective use of hardware resources and the reduction of the time required for processing such as setting of processing conditions. On the other hand, an example in which two usable image data processing apparatuses 104-2 and 104-3 are provided and two usable frames for each color plate are given.
When higher speed processing is required than the models supported by the two image data processing devices 104-2 and 104-3, this is dealt with by increasing the number of image data processing devices.
Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 10 shows a flow of image data at the time of copying in the image processing apparatus of FIG. 1 using a high-speed class MFP as an example. The example shown in the figure is a configuration example corresponding to the four image data processing devices 104-2 to 104-5, and the two image data processing devices 104-2, 104-2, shown in FIG. Based on 104-3, the number of image data processing devices is changed from two to four.
FIG. 11 is a time chart showing an example of an image processing execution period of each plate of CMYK in the image processing data apparatus in the image processing apparatus of FIG.

  In the image processing apparatus of FIG. 10, the four image data processing apparatuses 104-2 to 104-5 support high-speed output, because the output timing of the print output data of each CMYK plate used in the plotter unit 202 is This is because the higher the speed, the shorter. As shown in FIG. 11 showing the output timing of each plate of CMYK in the high-speed machine, the output timing of each color plate approaches, and the image processing execution period of each color plate shown in the ON (low level) state overlaps. In the period indicated by the dotted line, the CMYK four-color image processing periods overlap, so that for example, normal output cannot be realized with the performance of one image data processing apparatus. Therefore, by using one image data processing device for each color plate, output necessary for high-speed printing operation is made possible. Of course, if the printing operation is performed at a low speed, normal print output is possible even if data output of each CMYK plate is performed with the performance of one image data processing apparatus.

Incidentally, the image data processing apparatus in the configuration example of FIG. 10 is the same as the image data processing apparatus in the configuration example of FIG. 2A, and can perform parallel processing in four frames 0 to 3. In the configuration example of FIG. 10, since one image data processing device is associated with each color plate, image processing is executed for only one color plate, that is, one frame, for one image data processing device during full color copying. .
Therefore, in this example, four frames 0 to 3 can be used as variations of image processing parameters to be preset, and one of the frames is used for executing image processing.
Four variations of preliminary settings are made by default settings upon power-on and return from energy saving mode (see FIG. 6), and image processing parameter calculation (see FIG. 8) and image processing when the user requests output. Since the process of setting parameters (see FIG. 9) and causing the image data processing apparatus to perform image data processing for print output by frame processing is the same as in the above-described embodiment, description thereof is omitted here. .

<Support for color / monochrome mode>
In an MFP capable of color-compatible processing, for print output such as copying, an output request can be made by setting a color mode or a monochrome mode. However, even in such an MFP, the mode setting is biased depending on the use situation. For example, the usage rate of the monochrome mode is higher than that of other modes, or the usage rate of a specific color mode is higher than that of other modes.
Even in such a situation where the mode to be used is biased, even if the frames are equally allocated to the respective color plates and the image processing parameters are preliminarily set with the above-described variations, the efficiency process only partially works.

Therefore, the following method is used to improve this problem.
This method is based on the history of the color mode and monochrome mode used according to the user's instructions, so that the usage status of each mode can be grasped, and the number of usable frames for the color plate related to the mode with high usage. Allocate more. That is, by increasing the number of frames to be allocated, it is possible to increase variations of image processing parameters to be preset. By increasing the variation, it is possible to further reduce the processing amount required for image processing parameter calculation and setting processing to the image data processing apparatus.
In order to apply this method, it is necessary to manage the history of the used color mode and monochrome mode. This history is basically expressed in a form in which the number of times of use for each mode is known, but can also be expressed by the usage (frequency of use) in a predetermined period up to the present time. The history information expressed in such a format is stored in a nonvolatile storage unit.
Further, in the present embodiment, the means for managing the history of the use mode performs this history management in the course of a series of processes in which the image processing control device 103 sets the image processing parameters to the frame, as will be described later. Therefore, although it is provided in the image processing control apparatus 103, it may be managed by a host control apparatus 102 and referring to history information managed there.

An example in which the above method is implemented focusing on the usage of the monochrome mode will be described.
The example shown here is to be assigned to a color plate that is not used in the monochrome mode according to the level of use of the monochrome mode based on the color mode and monochrome mode history information managed as described above. In this example, a part of the frame is changed and assigned to the frame used in the K version used in monochrome.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing example of this embodiment of the image processing control apparatus (see FIG. 1) at power-on and when returning from the energy saving mode.
The processing flow of FIG. 12 is based on FIG. 6 in the previous embodiment (see FIGS. 6 to 9), and the processing according to the use history of the monochrome mode is applied. Therefore, the above description described with reference to FIG. Therefore, the processing will be mainly described with respect to the application portion according to this embodiment.
In order to store the image processing parameter values calculated in step S401 in the image data processing devices 104-2 to 104-5, the values are stored in the difference storage unit in the image processing control device 103 in step S402. Refer to the history information of the used mode.

By referring to the history information of the usage mode, the usage rate of the monochrome mode can be obtained from the number of times the monochrome mode is designated with respect to the total usage count. For example, when the usage rate of the monochrome mode is more than half, one frame of setting of the K version is assigned to the image data processing apparatus assigned to the CMY version. If it is 75% or more, 2 frames are allocated, and if it is 90% or more, 3 frames are allocated, the number of frames for pre-setting image processing parameters for the K plate is increased, and the number of variations of the pre-setting is increased. In monochrome mode, image processing is performed only in the K version, and image processing is not performed in the CMY version. Therefore, even if more frames are changed from the CMY version to the K version and assigned as the usage of the monochrome mode increases, the problem is It doesn't grow up.
In this manner, the value of each KCMY plate is stored in the difference storage unit in the image processing control apparatus 103 in such a manner that the variation of the K plate is increased and the allocation to the CMY plate is reduced accordingly (step S402).
Note that the flow from step S403 to the end of the process in this process flow is the same as the flow from step S103 to the end of the process described with reference to FIG. To do.

A process for managing the usage mode history information referred to in step S402 in the process flow of FIG. 12 will be described. In this embodiment, this processing is performed in the image processing parameter calculation process in a series of processing steps in which the image processing control apparatus 103 sets the image processing parameter to the frame.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing example of image processing parameter calculation at the time of an output request corresponding to FIG.
The processing flow of FIG. 13 is based on FIG. 8 in the previous embodiment (see FIGS. 6 to 9), and the process according to the use history of the monochrome mode is applied. Therefore, the above description described with reference to FIG. Therefore, the processing will be mainly described with respect to the application portion according to this embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a calculation process performed by confirming the necessity of recalculation for a preset image processing parameter in response to the request when the user requests an output. In order to manage the usage mode recognized in the preceding process as history information, a procedure for notifying the history information management means of the mode information of the usage mode is added.
After performing the process of recalculating the image processing parameters in FIG. 13 (steps S501 to S505), the history information indicates that the use mode (color mode) information specified by the user in the output request is saved as the use history of the mode. The management unit is instructed, and it is confirmed that the history information management unit has saved the use history based on the color mode information (step S506), and the process of this flow is terminated.
The usage mode history information stored in step S506 is referred to in step S402 in the flow of FIG.
The processing flow for recalculating the image processing parameters in steps S501 to S505 in the processing flow in FIG. 13 is the same as the flow in steps S201 to S205 described above with reference to FIG. To do.

Another example of applying a method of assigning frames to be used in each version based on the history information of the use mode will be described below.
In the above monochrome mode example, attention is paid to the fact that only the K plate is processed as data used for print output. However, in the example shown here, for example, a specific color plate is used in a biased manner as in the single color mode. Focusing on the color mode to be used, a method of allocating frames according to the usage of each plate including such a color mode is applied.
In this case, a color mode in which a specific color plate is biased and a relationship between the color mode and a color plate to be used (not used) are determined in advance, and the color mode and a color mode other than the color mode (full color) Mode) and monochrome mode.

Further, the history information of each mode to be managed is managed in the same manner as in the above-described example focusing on the monochrome mode, and the color used in the mode with high usage based on the history information of the used mode to be managed. Allocate more usable frames to the version.
The procedure for performing image processing of each color plate for print output by the image data processing devices 104-2 to 5 by applying a method of allocating frames according to the usage of each plate including the color mode is basically as follows. The present invention can be implemented in the same manner as the above-described monochrome mode example described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in the above two examples, the amount of recalculation of image processing parameters set for a frame to be executed is minimized by increasing variations of color plates with high usage based on the history of usage modes, The processing amount of the reset process to the image data processing apparatuses 104-2 to 10-5 is minimized, and the function of the efficiency process that realizes a reduction in processing time and high productivity is enhanced.

[Other examples of initial settings]
In the above <Initial Settings>, the image processing parameters obtained based on the default settings are stored in the difference storage unit of the image processing control device 103, and the image data processing devices 104-2 and 3 store the images in the difference values stored here. Processing parameters are preset.
However, in this embodiment, when the power is turned on or when returning from the energy saving mode, the default setting is always used. Depending on the use state of the MFP, the setting before turning off the power is appropriate, and the setting before turning off the power is set. Unable to respond to users who want to continue.

Therefore, in response to such a user request, the setting before the power is turned off can be continued.
For this purpose, the difference value stored in the difference storage unit of the image processing control apparatus 103 before the power is turned off is stored in a nonvolatile storage unit that does not lose data even when the power is turned off.
The difference values to be stored at this time are image processing parameters set for the number of variations set in the image data processing apparatus as preliminary settings in accordance with the settings requested by the user previously. If there are two variations, the difference value is saved in a non-volatile manner, and the setting before power-off is continued by writing again to the difference storage unit of the image processing control device 103 when the power is turned on or when returning from the energy saving mode. it can.

[Adaptation to serviceman mode]
When the serviceman mode is set and operated, the command is issued through the operation unit 101 used by a normal user, and the serviceman mode screen is displayed to perform a test procedure such as confirmation of the operation of the DSP processing described above. Run.
However, settings that are set by user commands are normally managed according to the settings. However, in the operation check of the DSP that is performed in the serviceman mode, unlike the settings that are normally set by the user, many settings are changed. In the frame processing of image data for print output according to this embodiment, for example, it is necessary to increase the speed of the difference comparison process. The operation is performed under various conditions.
Therefore, the operation by setting from the serviceman mode screen is distinguished from the operation by setting by the normal user so that each can perform the original operation.

For this reason, in this embodiment, when the serviceman mode is instructed, there is provided a means for managing the serviceman mode for receiving an instruction of the mode and performing a confirmation procedure for the received instruction.
As the serviceman mode management means, when the serviceman mode screen is displayed, a confirmation operation is requested from the operator on the transitioned screen, that is, an operation for confirming whether or not the operation of the transitioned serviceman mode is to be started. The means for issuing ON / OFF information.
The image processing control apparatus 103 performs a serviceman mode operation instructed through a confirmation procedure by the serviceman mode management means.
By using such means, the intended operations of the serviceman mode and the mode normally used by the user can be ensured.

  101 ··· operation unit, 102 ··· upper control device, 103 · · image processing control device, 104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-n · · image data processing device, 201 · · scanner unit, 202... Plotter unit, 205... Adaptive γ processing unit, 206.

JP 2008-172402 A

Claims (8)

Command input means for instructing processing requirements to be obtained for the processing target image, image data processing means having a plurality of processing elements capable of parallel processing of component images of the processing target image, and processing according to processing requirements instructed through the command input means An image processing apparatus having each unit of an image processing control unit that changes the setting of processing conditions of a processing element that processes each component image of a target image and controls the operation of the processing element,
When it is determined that there are a plurality of processing elements that can be used for processing the one-component image of the processing target image, the image processing control unit sets different processing conditions as variations prepared in advance for the plurality of processing elements. Preliminary setting means for
In order to compare the processing requirements instructed through the command input means with the processing conditions of the plurality of processing elements set by the preliminary setting means, and to change the setting to suit the processing at the time of execution from among the plurality of processing elements Execution processing element determination means for determining a processing element with a minimum processing amount;
Resetting means for resetting processing conditions that do not match the processing requirements instructed through the command input means among the processing conditions set by the preliminary setting means for the processing elements determined by the execution processing element determination means;
In an image processing apparatus comprising execution instruction means for executing processing of a component image by operating a processing element according to processing conditions after resetting by the resetting means ,
As a processing requirement to be obtained for the processing target image through the command input means, a color mode or a monochrome mode is instructed, and mode history management means for managing the history in accordance with the mode instruction,
The image processing control unit assigns more usable processing elements to a color component image having a high degree of use obtained from a history of processing conditions managed by the mode history management unit . Command input means for instructing processing requirements to be obtained for the processing target image, image data processing means having a plurality of processing elements capable of parallel processing of component images of the processing target image, and processing according to processing requirements instructed through the command input means An image processing apparatus having each unit of an image processing control unit that changes the setting of processing conditions of a processing element that processes each component image of a target image and controls the operation of the processing element,
When it is determined that there are a plurality of processing elements that can be used for processing the one-component image of the processing target image, the image processing control unit sets different processing conditions as variations prepared in advance for the plurality of processing elements. Preliminary setting means for
In order to compare the processing requirements instructed through the command input means with the processing conditions of the plurality of processing elements set by the preliminary setting means, and to change the setting to suit the processing at the time of execution from among the plurality of processing elements Execution processing element determination means for determining a processing element with a minimum processing amount;
Resetting means for resetting processing conditions that do not match the processing requirements instructed through the command input means among the processing conditions set by the preliminary setting means for the processing elements determined by the execution processing element determination means;
In an image processing apparatus comprising execution instruction means for executing processing of a component image by operating a processing element according to processing conditions after resetting by the resetting means ,
As a processing requirement to be obtained for the processing target image through the command input means, a color mode or a monochrome mode is instructed, and mode history management means for managing the history in accordance with the mode instruction,
The image processing control means is one of processing elements scheduled to be assigned to a color component image that is not used in the monochrome mode, in accordance with the level of use of the monochrome mode determined from the history of processing conditions managed by the mode history management means. An image processing apparatus characterized in that a portion is changed and assigned to a processing element of a color component image used in monochrome. In the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The image processing control device includes a difference storage unit that stores the processing requirements instructed through the command input unit in a non-volatile manner by the number of variations. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The image processing control means switches the number of preliminary setting target frames that the preliminary setting means performs as an initial setting according to the configuration of the image data processing device when the power is turned on or when returning from the energy saving mode. Processing equipment. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
As a processing requirement to be obtained for a processing target image through the command input unit, when a serviceman mode is instructed, the serviceman mode management unit which receives an instruction of the mode and performs a confirmation procedure of the received instruction,
The image processing control unit performs a serviceman mode operation instructed through a confirmation procedure by the serviceman mode management unit. A program for causing a computer to function as the image processing control means included in the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 6 is recorded. Command input means for instructing processing requirements to be obtained for the processing target image, image data processing means having a plurality of processing elements capable of parallel processing of component images of the processing target image, and processing according to processing requirements instructed through the command input means change the setting of the processing conditions of the processing element to process each component image of the target image, a contact Keru image processing control method in an image processing apparatus having the means of the image processing control means for controlling the operation of said processing elements,
A preliminary setting step of setting different processing conditions as variations prepared in advance for the plurality of processing elements when it is determined that there are a plurality of processing elements usable for processing the one-component image of the processing target image;
In order to compare the processing requirements instructed through the command input means with the processing conditions of the plurality of processing elements set in the preliminary setting step, and to change the setting to suit the processing at the time of execution from among the plurality of processing elements An execution processing element determination step of determining a processing element that minimizes the processing amount of
A resetting step for resetting processing conditions that do not conform to the processing requirements instructed through the command input means among the processing conditions set in the preliminary setting step for the processing elements determined in the execution processing element determination step;
An execution instruction step for executing processing of a component image by operating a processing element according to processing conditions after resetting in the resetting step ;
As a processing requirement for the image to be processed through the command input means, a color mode or a monochrome mode is instructed, and a mode history management step of managing the history in accordance with the mode instruction,
In the image processing control step by the image processing control means, more usable processing elements are assigned to a color component image having a high degree of use obtained from a history of processing conditions managed in the mode history management step. Image processing control method.

Images