JPH0937065A - Image processing apparatus and method and image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: In an image processing apparatus having a preview display function, the processing time when printing out an edited image is shortened and the overall throughput is improved without increasing the apparatus configuration. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus, a method thereof, and an image processing system capable of performing the image processing. SOLUTION: When a print instruction is input from the operation unit 500 after confirming the preview display on the monitor 219 and a print output is performed according to the instruction, the original image is not read by the CCD 201 and the image memory unit 208 is read. An image is formed based on the stored original image data and is output on the recording medium in the color LBP 216.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as digital color copiers have been improved in image quality and function, copiers having higher performance image editing functions have become widespread in order to obtain output images desired by operators. I have. In a copying machine equipped with such an image editing function, in order to confirm the edited result of the edited image, it is necessary for the operator to actually output the image on a recording medium and check it by himself / herself. there were.

However, in such a method, an image must be output many times on a recording medium in order to obtain a desired output image, which is wasteful in terms of time and cost.

Therefore, instead of actually outputting the image on the recording medium many times to check the edited image, a copy unit is provided with a display unit such as a CRT and the edited image is displayed on the display unit. Copiers having a so-called preview function, which allows an operator to check the status, are being commercialized.

In a conventional copying machine having a preview function, there is a device for displaying and confirming a document image read by a scanner or the like using a monochrome liquid crystal display. However, if the copying machine itself is a color copying machine, it is necessary to check the tint of the output image,
It is desirable that the display unit that performs the preview display can also perform full-color display.

On the other hand, there is a strong demand for higher processing speed in digital color copying machines. 4 to answer this
Equipped with two photosensitive drums, each drum has Y, M,
A color LBP having a developing device for each of C and K has been proposed. In such an apparatus, an image memory for compensating the spatial deviation between the drums is indispensable, and it is desirable to have a full page image memory in order to realize more advanced image processing.

[0007]

However, the above-mentioned technique has the following problems. In other words, if the image data stored in the full-page image memory is subjected to the same processing as the image processing of the main body of the copying machine by software and displayed on the color monitor, a preview system can be constructed without making major changes to the hardware. be able to.
However, if the number of editing functions provided in the main body of the copying machine becomes complicated and complicated, the scale of the software for preview image processing will increase correspondingly, and the amount of calculation will also increase, thus shortening the time required for previewing. There is a problem of increasing costs, such as inevitably introducing high-speed hardware.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and in an image processing apparatus having a preview display function, without increasing the apparatus configuration,
In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus, a method therefor, and an image processing system capable of shortening the processing time when printing out an edited image and improving the overall throughput.

[0009]

As one means for achieving the above object, the image processing apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration.

That is, an input means for inputting an image, a storage means for storing the image input by the input means, and an image for at least one of the image input by the input means and the image stored in the storage means. Processing means for performing processing, display means capable of displaying the processing result of the processing means, and at least one of the image input by the input means and the image stored in the storage means are formed on a recording medium. Forming means for selectively forming a first system for forming an image input by the input means and a second system for forming an image stored in the storage means. It is characterized by being used.

Further, it is characterized in that it has an instruction input means for inputting an instruction, and the forming means forms a processing result of the processing means on a recording medium in response to a forming instruction from the instruction input means.

For example, the forming means forms an image by the second system when a forming instruction is given by the instruction inputting means after the display by the displaying means.

For example, the first system is characterized in that the image input by the input means is temporarily stored in the storage means and then formed on a recording medium.

Further, an input unit for inputting an image, a storage unit for storing the image input by the input unit, an image for at least one of the image input by the input unit and the image stored in the storage unit Processing means for performing processing, display means capable of displaying the processing result of the processing means, and at least one of the image input by the input means and the image stored in the storage means are formed on a recording medium. Control for selectively executing a forming unit, a first system for forming an image input by the input unit, and a second system for forming an image stored in the storage unit in the forming unit And means.

As one method for achieving the above-mentioned object, the image processing method of the present invention includes the following steps.

That is, at least an input step of inputting an image, a storage step of storing the image input by the input step in a storage means, and an image input by the input step and an image stored in the storage means. A processing step of performing image processing on one side, a display step of displaying a processing result in the processing step, and at least one of the image input in the input step and the image stored in the storage means are formed on a recording medium. And a second system for forming the image stored in the storage means, the first system for forming the image input in the input step is selectively used in the forming step. It is characterized by being used for.

Further, as one means for achieving the above object, the image processing system of the present invention has the following configuration.

That is, an input means for inputting an image, a storage means for storing the image input by the input means, and an image for at least one of the image input by the input means and the image stored in the storage means. Processing means for performing processing, display means capable of displaying the processing result of the processing means, and at least one of the image input by the input means and the image stored in the storage means are formed on a recording medium. Forming means for selectively forming a first system for forming an image input by the input means and a second system for forming an image stored in the storage means. It is characterized by being used.

With the above arrangement, when the image processing is performed on the preview image to form the image on the recording medium,
The processing speed up to the output can be increased and the waiting time can be shortened.

[0020]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an image processing apparatus having a full-color preview function. In FIG. 1, blocks 1101 to 1109 constitute a full-color copy processing unit, and 1110, 111
Reference numerals 1 and 1112 constitute a full-color preview processing unit.

In the figure, 1101 is a CC for reading a reflection original by an optical system (not shown) and outputting RGB signals.
A D sensor 1102 performs sample / hold and A / D conversion on the RGB signal to obtain a digital signal.
A D conversion unit 1103 is a shading correction unit that performs shading correction, and 1104 is an input masking unit that performs input masking processing on the RGB signals and converts them into the NTSC standard color space. Reference numeral 1105 denotes a LOG conversion unit that performs LOG conversion to obtain a CMY signal. Reference numeral 1106 denotes a masking / UCR unit that performs correction according to printer characteristics.
An image editing unit 1107 performs an image editing process such as trimming, and an edge enhancement unit 1108 performs an edge enhancement.
The masking / UCR unit outputs 1109 with a predetermined bit (8 bits) width for each color (Y, M, C, K) for each scanning of the CCD sensor 1101 by a printer unit such as a color LBP. Yes, the reflected original images for each color scanned by the CCD 101 three or four times are sequentially input,
Finally, a full color image is output.

In the figure, 1110 is an image memory for storing the RGB image signals output from the input masking section 1104, 1111 is a memory control section for controlling the image memory 1110, and the memory control section 1111 is an address counter. And a CPU, and the CPU controls the image memory 1110 by controlling the address of the image memory 1110. Also, 1112
Is a CRT for displaying image information stored in the image memory 1110 in full color.

In the preview system having the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the full-color original image read by the CCD sensor 1101 is displayed on the CRT 1112, and even if a desired editing process is set from an operation unit (not shown), the CRT is displayed.
Image displayed on 1112, ie, image memory 1110
It is not reflected on the image stored in. Therefore, the image information stored in the image memory 1110 is configured to be arbitrarily accessible by a CPU (not shown) in the memory control unit, and an editing process equivalent to the image editing unit 1107 is realized by software by the CPU, and the CRT 1112 By displaying, the final image output to the color LBP 1109 can be confirmed on the CRT 1112.

In the case of such a configuration, the main focus is only on displaying an image on the CRT 1112, and no consideration has been given to measures for erasing the displayed image. That is,
The same image continues to be displayed on the CRT 1112 until the power switch of the image processing apparatus is turned off or the next preview operation is started. In this case, even if it is desired to delete the image displayed on the CRT 1112 for some purpose after the copy is completed, there is a problem that the image cannot be easily deleted. Further, if the same image is continuously displayed on the CRT 1112, the CRT 1112 may be burned, and characteristics such as color reproducibility of the CRT 1112 may be deteriorated.

An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment> FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a digital color copying machine which constitutes an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is roughly divided into two configurations. Reference numeral 101 denotes a reader unit that reads a color original image and further performs digital editing processing and the like. Reference numeral 103 denotes a printer unit, which has a different image carrier for each color, and reproduces a color image according to a digital image signal of each color sent from the reader unit 101. The document feeder 102 set in the reader unit 101 is a known optional device that automatically conveys a document to a document reading area of the reader unit 101.

Although not shown in FIG. 2, a preview monitor such as a CRT, LCD or FLCD is connected through a predetermined interface such as a VGA interface or an NTSC interface. [Configuration of Printer Unit] In FIG. 2, reference numeral 301 denotes a polygon scanner which scans a laser beam output from a laser control unit (not shown) to form image forming units 302 to 30 described later.
The photosensitive drum 5 is exposed at a predetermined position. As shown in FIG. 3, the polygon scanner 301 scans laser beams emitted from the laser elements 501 to 504 driven independently by MCYK by the laser control unit on the photosensitive drum of the image forming unit corresponding to each color. Reference numerals 505 to 508 denote beam detection sensors (hereinafter referred to as “BD sensors”), which detect a scanned laser beam and output a signal BD for generating a main scanning synchronization signal. Thus, when two polygon mirrors are arranged on the same axis and rotated by one motor, for example, the main scanning directions of the M, C and Y, K laser beams are opposite to each other. Therefore, normally, the image data of one of the M and C images and the image data of the other Y and K images are mirror images in the main scanning direction.

Reference numeral 302 is an M image forming portion, 303 is a C image forming portion, 304 is a Y image forming portion, and 305 is a K image forming portion, which form images of corresponding colors. Since the configurations of the image forming units 302 to 305 are substantially the same, the details of the M image forming unit 302 will be described below, and the description of the other image forming units will be omitted.

In the M image forming section 302, 318 is a photosensitive drum on which a latent image is formed by the laser beam from the polygon scanner 301. A primary charger 315 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 318 to a predetermined potential to prepare for forming a latent image. A developing unit 313 develops the latent image on the photosensitive drum 318 to form a toner image. Note that the developing device 313 includes a sleeve 314 for applying a developing bias to perform development. 3
Reference numeral 19 denotes a transfer charger, which discharges from the back surface of the transfer belt 306 to transfer the toner image on the photosensitive drum 318 to recording paper on the transfer belt 306. After the transfer, the surface of the photosensitive drum 318 is cleaned by the cleaner 317, the charge is removed by the auxiliary charger 316, and the pre-exposure lamp 33
By erasing the residual charge at 0, good charge can be obtained again by the primary charger 315.

Next, a procedure for forming an image on a recording sheet will be described. Reference numeral 308 denotes a paper feeding unit, which is a cassette 309, 3
The recording paper stored in the printer 10 is supplied to the transfer belt 306. The recording paper supplied from the paper supply unit 308 is charged by the attraction charger 311. Reference numeral 312 denotes a transfer belt roller which drives the transfer belt 306 and charges the recording paper or the like in a pair with the attraction charger 311 to cause the transfer belt 306 to attract the recording paper or the like. Reference numeral 329 denotes a paper leading edge sensor which detects the leading edge of a recording paper or the like on the transfer belt 306. The detection signal of the paper leading edge sensor 329 is sent from the printer unit 103 to the reader unit 101, and is used as a sub-scanning synchronization signal when a video signal is sent from the reader unit 101 to the printer unit 103.

After that, the recording paper or the like is transferred onto the transfer belt 306.
And a toner image is formed on the surface of the image forming units 302 to 305 in the order of MCYK. K
The recording paper or the like that has passed through the image forming unit 305 is separated from the transfer belt 306 after the charge is removed by the charge remover 324 to facilitate separation from the transfer belt 306. 32
Reference numeral 5 denotes a peeling charger, which prevents image disturbance due to peeling discharge when recording paper or the like is separated from the transfer belt 306. The separated recording paper and the like are charged with pre-fixing chargers 326 and 3 in order to compensate for the toner adsorption force and prevent image disturbance.
After being charged at 27, the toner image is heat-fixed by the fixing device 307 and then discharged. A paper discharge sensor 340 detects that a recording paper or the like has been discharged. [Arrangement of Reader Unit] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the digital image processing unit in the reader unit 101.

In FIG. 4, 240 is a CPU, and CP
The ROM 241 and the RAM 242 are controlled via the U bus 243. Similarly, each of the image processing units also has a CPU bus 24.
The data set is made via 3. The ROM 241 stores various control programs including a program shown in a flowchart described later, and is read and executed by the CPU 240 on the RAM 242 to control each of the following components, and perform a copy operation and a preview operation. To achieve. The RAM 242 is used as a work area of the CPU 240. Reference numeral 500 denotes an operation unit.
LC indicating the operating state and operating conditions of the device by 40
It comprises a display unit such as D, a keyboard and a touch panel for inputting an operator's instruction.

The color document on the platen glass 104 reflects the light from the halogen lamp 105, and the reflected light is guided to the three-line sensor 100 and converted into an electric signal. The electrical signal (analog image signal) output from the CCD 201 that constitutes the 3-line sensor 100 is A / D.
Converter and sample hold (A / D & S / H) section 20
2, sample and hold, and A / D converted, for example, R
It is converted into a digital signal of 8 bits for each GB. And
The RGB signals are subjected to shading and black correction by a shading correction unit 203, and then input to the input masking unit 20.
The signal is converted to an NTSC signal in 4 and a predetermined color conversion process is performed in a color conversion unit 205. The details of the color conversion process in the color conversion unit 205 will be described later.

Reference numeral 206 denotes a synthesizing unit which synthesizes the image data input from the color converting unit 205 with the output data stored in the image memory 208, and inputs the synthesis result to the logarithmic converter (LOG) 207. . The CMY image data output from the LOG 207 is subjected to a scaling process in a scaling unit B 234 when scaling is set in the operation unit 500. Here, in the scaling unit B234, since the compression processing performed in the image memory unit 208 at the subsequent stage functions as a low-pass filter, enlargement processing is actually performed. Of course, if the magnification setting is not made, the image signal passes through the magnification section B234. Then, the output of the scaling unit B234 is input to the image memory unit 208.

The image memory unit 208 is roughly divided into a compression unit, an image memory, and an expansion unit, and four image forming units 302 are provided.
Four sets of CMY data indicating different positions of the same image corresponding to the image formation position shifts in steps 305 to 305 are output.
The compression and expansion processing in the image memory unit 208 is as follows.

Each 8-bit CMY signal input from the scaling unit B234 is converted into an L * a * b * signal in the compression unit and encoded in 4 × 4 pixel block units. As an encoding method at this time, irreversible encoding such as vector quantization or the so-called JPEG method is used.

The code data obtained by the compression section is stored in an image memory having a capacity of at least one original. The code data stored in the image memory is a signal 221 described later.
Is read out in a time-division manner for CMYK, and the CMY signal is 8 bits for each of
Masking / UCR section 212 as a 24-bit signal
Is supplied to.

The masking / UCR unit 212 inputs four sets of CMY data output from the image memory unit 208 and generates CMYK data suitable for printer characteristics.
Here, the reading from the image memory unit 208 and the masking / UCR unit 208 are performed by the four image forming units 302.
In order to generate CMYK data corresponding to misregistration of the image formation of to 305, four systems are provided corresponding to each color of CMYK.

CMY output from the image memory unit 208
The data is stored in the masking / UCR unit 212 at the UC
Black (K) data is generated by R and masking processing, converted into color data suitable for printer characteristics, full-color processing and paint processing are performed by the editing circuit 213, and the gamma correction unit 214 responds to the printer characteristics. Gamma correction is applied. The CMYK data after gamma correction is subjected to a scaling (actually reduction) processing in the scaling unit A211 and further edge-enhanced by the edge enhancing unit 215.
An image is formed by being sent to the color LBP 216 (printer unit 103 shown in FIG. 2) for recording.

Reference numeral 217 is a preview processing section,
It comprises a display image memory for storing the edited image data, and a memory control unit for controlling the display image memory. A monitor 219 displays data in the display image memory. The preview processing unit 217
Further details of the monitor 219 will be described later.

Further, 220 is an area generation unit A, which is a color L
Signals BD, DTOP, ITO generated inside BP216
Based on P, the following signals are generated for preview display, including the main scanning synchronization signal HSNC. When outputting to the printer, a sub-scan enable signal synchronized with each drum is generated based on ITPO. A signal 221 is a signal for controlling the image memory 208. The write enable signal is 2 bits (one bit for each of main scanning and sub-scanning). ) And a read enable signal of 5 bits (main scanning 1 bit, sub scanning 4 bits).

The signal 238 is generated in consideration of the delay of each compression / expansion unit in the image memory unit 208 in order to adjust the timing of the image signal and the area signal in synchronization with ITOP, and the color conversion unit 205 and the synthesis unit 2 bits of write enable signal (1 bit for each of main scanning and sub-scanning) and 5 bits of read enable signal (1 bit for main scanning, 4 bits for sub-scanning) for controlling each memory in the section 206, editing circuit 213, masking / UCR section 212 ) In total of 7 bits.

The signal 225 is an enable signal (1 bit for each of the main scanning and the sub scanning) of the image memory in the preview processing section 217.

Reference numeral 230 denotes an area generator B which generates an area signal for each editing process in the editing circuit 213. The area generation unit B230 includes a bitmap memory that stores each area signal and a bitmap memory control unit (for example, an AGDC (Advanced Display Controller)) that controls the bitmap memory, which will be described in detail later. Writing to the bitmap is done by CPU
240, while reading is performed in synchronization with DTOP and HSNC. That is, the processing is performed in synchronization with the optically scanned document image data. Outputs from the region generation unit B230 are output from the color conversion unit 205, respectively.
, An enable signal for image synthesis in the synthesis unit 206, and an enable signal for free color or paint processing in the image editing unit 213.

The area memory unit 231, the delay (DL1) 232, the delay (DL2) 233, the magnification changing unit C235, and the delay (DL3) 237 perform timing adjustment for synchronizing the image signal and the area signal. Circuit. These specific operations will be described below.

DL1: The area signal from the area generation unit B230 to the synthesizing unit 206 is delayed by the delay of the color conversion processing in the color converting unit 205 and output to the synthesizing unit 206. Note that the pixel delay is DF / F and the line delay is FIF
Made with O.

DL2: The area signal output from the area memory unit 231 is delayed by a masking / UCR processing delay in the masking / UCR unit 212, and the image editing unit 213 is used as enable signals 2241 and 2242.
Output to The pixel delay is DF / F and the line delay is FIFO.

DL3: a signal from the area generator B230 is converted into a color converter 205, a synthesizer 206, and a LOG converter 207.
The variable magnification unit C235
Output to The pixel delay is DF / F and the line delay is FIFO.

Scaling unit C235: Exactly the same control (same delay number) as that of the scaling unit B234, and specifically, enlargement processing is performed.

Area memory unit: a circuit for delay adjustment with the image memory unit 208. FIG. 5 shows a detailed configuration of the area memory unit 231. As shown in FIG. 5, the area memory unit 231 stores a sub-scanning read enable signal (238-M, C, C) corresponding to the image forming units 302 to 305 of each color.
Except for Y, K), it is composed of four memory units 8101, 8102, 8103, 8104 for each color having exactly the same configuration.

Each memory unit has a main scanning synchronization signal HSNC.
And the image clock VCK, and a signal 2 output from the area generation unit A220 as a common control signal.
38, a main scanning write enable signal WLE, a main scanning read enable signal RLE, and a sub-scanning write enable signal WVE are input. Further, the M memory unit 810
1 is a magenta sub-scanning read enable signal MRVE.
However, the C memory section 8102 receives the cyan sub-scanning read enable signal CRVE, the Y memory section 8103 receives the yellow sub-scanning read enable signal YRVE, the K memory section 8104 receives the black sub-scanning read enable signal KRVE, Each is entered. Then, the variable power section C2
Writing of a 2-bit area signal input from 35,
And reading is performed.

Further, FIG. 6 shows a detailed configuration of the M memory unit 8101. According to FIG. 6, the memory 8201 includes a write address counter 8202, a read address counter 8205, an AND gate 8203, and a NAND gate 82.
09, inverters 8207 and 8213, selector 820
8, buffers 8210 and 8211, CPU 2 shown in FIG.
It is composed of a register 8212 specified by 40. The write address counter 8202 includes a main scanning counter that is reset at the rising edge of the WLE signal and counts up when enabled, and a sub-scanning counter that is reset at the rising edge of WVE and counts up when enabled.
Reference numeral 205 is composed of a main scanning counter which is reset when RLE rises and counts up when enabled, and a sub-scanning counter which is reset when RVE rises and counted up when enabled.

In the M drum memory unit 8101 shown in FIG. 6, the register 82 is used when the memory 8201 is written.
12 becomes “0”, the address of the memory 8201 is selected by the write address counter 8202 and the buffer 821 is selected.
0 is enabled, the buffer 8211 is disabled, OEN is “1”, and WEN is “0” when the clock falls, and the data of the buffer 8210 is stored in the memory 82.
Written to 01.

On the other hand, when the memory 8201 is read, the register 8212 becomes "1", the address of the memory 8201 is selected by the read address counter 8205, the buffer 8210 is disabled, the buffer 8211 is enabled, and OEN is "0", WEN. Becomes "1",
Data in the memory 8201 is read via the buffer 8211.

In each 2-bit area signal read from the memory for each color as described above, the 0th bit is DL2.
, And the first bit is input to the DL2 and masking / UCR unit 212.

With the configuration described above, the area signals having different timings can be synchronized with the image signal, and can be treated as if they were one plane. Although not shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, image data can be input to the color conversion unit 205 or the image memory unit 208 from an external computer or the like via a predetermined interface, and a document is read. It can be handled in the same manner as the obtained image data. [Flow of Image Signal] In the present embodiment, there are a "normal copy mode" for performing a normal copy process and a "preview mode" for performing a monitor display. In the "preview mode", RGB editing is performed. Processing (color conversion unit 20
(Color conversion processing in No. 5) "RGB display mode" for displaying the result on the monitor 219, "CMYK display mode" for displaying the result of CMYK editing processing (painting and free color processing in the editing circuit 213) on the monitor 219, combining unit There is a “composite display mode” for displaying the composite result in 206 on the monitor 219. Hereinafter, the flow of the image signal in each of these modes will be described with reference to FIG. Normal Copy Mode In the normal copy mode, four sets of C corresponding to the positional deviation of the image forming units 302 to 305 from the image memory unit 208.
Using the MY data, CMYK data corresponding to the printer characteristics is generated, and editing processing is performed on each color component data.

CCD 201 → ... → Synthesis unit 206 → LOG
207 →… → Image memory unit 208 → Masking / UCR
Unit 212 →... → Color LBP 216 At this time, the sub-scanning enable signals (M to K) included in the signals 221 and 238 are controlled to be enabled in accordance with the positional shift of each of the image forming units 302 to 305. ● Preview mode (1) RGB display mode CCD 201 → ... → Synthesis unit 206 (A input → B output) →
LOG207 →… → Image memory unit 208 → Masking
In the RGB display mode, the data written to the memory in the image memory unit 208 changes every time editing is performed in the preview mode, so that the UCR unit 212 →... → the edge enhancement unit 215 → the preview processing unit 217 → the monitor 219 219)
, The process starts from reading of the document (CCD 201).

At this time, the sub-scan enable signals (M to K) included in the signals 221 and 238 rise at the same time and fall at the same time.

Further, as a result of the confirmation by the preview, when the image is output on the recording paper, the image signal is read from the image memory unit 208 without performing the optical scan. At this time, the sub-scanning enable signals (M to K) included in the signal 221 are controlled to be enabled according to the positional shifts of the image forming units 302 to 305 for each color. (2) CMYK display mode CCD 201 → ... → Synthesis unit 206 (A input → B output) →
LOG207 →… → Image memory unit 208 → Masking
UCR section 212 → ... → edge enhancement section 215 → preview processing section 217 → monitor 219 In the CMYK display mode, the data written to the memory in the image memory section 208 does not change due to editing in the preview mode. In writing (display on the monitor 219), optical scanning is not performed, and editing parameters are changed and read out from the image memory unit 208.

At this time, the sub-scanning enable signals (M to K) included in the signals 221 and 238 rise at the same time and fall at the same time.

Further, as a result of the confirmation by the preview, when the image is output on the recording paper, the image signal is read from the image memory unit 208 without performing the optical scan. At this time, the sub-scanning enable signals (M to K) included in the signal 221 are controlled to be enabled according to the positional shifts of the image forming units 302 to 305 for each color. (3) Combined display mode <First stage> Stores first image CCD 201->-> Combining unit 206-> LOG 207-> Image memory unit 208 <Second stage> Combines first image and second image; Is the masking / UCR unit 212
Set the processing parameters to output the input as is,
An inverse LOG table for converting CMY image data into RGB image data is set in the gamma correction unit 214.

(First image) image memory section 208 → ... → masking / UCR section 212 → ... → edge enhancement section 215 →
Combining unit 206 (second image) CCD 201 →... → Combining unit 206 <Third stage> Compositing image is stored and displayed on monitor Combining unit 206 → LOG 207 → Image memory unit 208 (storage) Image memory unit 208 → Masking / UCR Part 212 →…
→ Edge emphasizing unit 215 → Preview processing unit 217 → Monitor 219 As described above, when displaying the synthesized result on monitor 219, the synthesized image is temporarily stored in image memory unit 208. Then, image data is read from the image memory unit 208 to display the synthesis result on the monitor 219.

In the composite display mode, the image memory unit 20
8 is changed every time editing is performed in the preview mode.
, The process starts from reading of the document (CCD 201).

Here, as described above, in the normal copy mode, four sets of CMY data are independently read from the image memory unit 208 in correspondence with the deviation of the image forming position. But,
When the monitor display is performed in the preview mode, three sets of CMY data indicating the same position of the image are simultaneously read from the image memory unit 208 because the monitor 219 uses a plurality of color components indicating one pixel at the same time. Further, in the preview mode, the image memory 21 in the preview processing unit 217
In order to store RGB data indicating the synthesis result in 711 to 21713, four sets of CMY data are stored in the image memory unit 208.
Data must be read.

The read control of the image memory unit 208 is performed by the read enable signal 5 generated by the area generation unit A 220.
This is performed by changing the bits (1 bit in the main scan and 4 bits in the sub-scan) between the normal copy mode (5 bits in the signal 221) and the preview mode (5 bits in the signal 238).

Specifically, in the normal copy mode, CM
Five bits of a read enable signal including four sub-scanning bits used for control of reading out four sets of CMY data are generated in accordance with the image forming position shift in the image forming units 302 to 305 corresponding to each of the YK colors. On the other hand, in the preview mode, 5 bits of a read enable signal including 4 bits of sub-scanning used for control of reading out 4 sets of CMY data indicating the same image are generated.

As described above, in this embodiment, the image data is stored in the image memory unit 20 in the preview mode.
8 is stored. As a result, when the image displayed on the monitor 219 is checked and then printed out, the original image data is already stored in the image memory unit 208, and therefore the image data in the image memory unit 208 is set. The edited processing may be performed and then sent to the color LBP 216. That is, it is not necessary to capture an image by scanning the document in the reader unit 101 at the time of printing out after confirming the preview. Therefore, the CCD 201
Since the processing up to the scaling unit B234 can be skipped, the throughput can be improved.

In the normal copy mode, the CCD
The image input by 201 is temporarily stored in the image memory unit 208, but is printed out as it is as a series of processes. Therefore, the input process of the document image data by the CCD 201 is indispensable.

Further, the read control of the image memory unit 208 can be made suitable for each process with a simple configuration in which the read enable is changed between the preview mode and the normal copy mode.

Further, in order to absorb the positional deviation between each set of CMY data that occurs in the normal copy mode, it is not necessary to provide a memory such as a FIFO in the preview mode, and the circuit configuration can be reduced. [Processing Procedure] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure from the editing process to the printout.
CPU2 instructed by the operator to start processing
40 executes.

First, in step S1, it is determined whether or not the editing process is selected. If the editing process is selected, it is determined in step S2 which editing process is to be executed. If it is the color conversion setting process, the process proceeds to step S3. If it is a paint process, the process branches to step S4, if it is a free color process, it branches to step S5, and if it is a color-in-color process, it branches to step S6. If the editing process is not selected in step S1,
And, if the processing end is selected in step S2,
Proceed to step S7. Although details will be described later, in each processing of steps S3 to S6, the operator sets processing parameters. In particular, by using the preview function of this embodiment, the processing parameters are adjusted so that a desired image can be obtained. can do.

Subsequently, in step S7, the operation unit 50
Waiting for the 0 copy start key to be pressed, and when the key is pressed, printout is executed in step S8. Color Conversion Setting Process FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the color conversion setting process.

First, in step S501, an area to be color-converted (the entire surface of the image or a predetermined area) is selected. If the predetermined area has been selected, step S502
The area is designated by a digitizer (not shown) or the like.

Next, in step S503, the color before conversion is designated, in step S504 the color after conversion is designated, and C
The PU 240 sets processing parameters for executing the specified processing in the color conversion unit 205. At this point, the processing parameters necessary for color conversion are complete, so that the operator can instruct a preview by pressing a preview key or the like of the operation unit 500. That is, when a preview is instructed in step S505, step S505 is executed.
In step 506, the document image is read, and the preview image is displayed on the monitor 219 according to the flow of the image signal described in the “RGB display mode”. If the preview is not instructed, the process ends and the process returns to the process shown in FIG.

The operator observes the preview image,
If a desired color conversion result has been obtained, the operation unit 500
By pressing an OK key or the like, the end of the process is instructed. That is, when the end of the process is instructed in step S507, the process ends and the process returns to the process illustrated in FIG.
Further, when a desired result is not obtained or when color conversion of another area is set, the operator operates the operation unit 500 or the like, and the processing is performed in steps S501 to S501.
Return to any of 504. Painting Process FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the painting process.

First, in step S601, an area is designated using, for example, a digitizer (not shown).
2, the paint color is specified, and the CPU 240 edits the processing parameters for executing the specified processing in the editing circuit 21.
Set to 3. At this point, the processing parameters necessary for the paint processing are prepared, so that the operator can instruct a preview by pressing a preview key or the like of the operation unit 500. That is, when a preview is instructed in step S603, the document image is read in step S604, and the preview image is displayed on the monitor 219 according to the flow of the image signal described in the “CMYK display mode” described above. If the preview is not instructed, the process ends and the process returns to the process shown in FIG.

The operator observes the preview image,
If a desired paint processing result has been obtained, an end of the processing is instructed by pressing an OK key of the operation unit 500 or the like. That is, when the end of the process is instructed in step S605, the process ends and the process returns to the process illustrated in FIG. When a desired result is not obtained or when another area is processed, the operator operates the operation unit 500 or the like, and the processing is performed in steps S601 to S6.
02.

At the time of subsequent printout, the image signal stored in the image memory unit 208 is read out as described above and the printout is performed. Free Color Processing FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of free color processing.

First, in step S701, an area to be processed (the entire surface of the image or a predetermined area) is selected. And
If an area is selected, the area is designated by a digitizer (not shown) in step S702.

Next, in step S703, the free color is designated, and the CPO 240 sets the processing parameter for executing the designated processing in the editing circuit 213.
At this point, the processing parameters necessary for the free color processing are prepared, so that the operator can instruct a preview by pressing a preview key or the like of the operation unit 500. That is, when a preview is instructed in step S704, the original image is read in step S705, and the preview image is displayed on the monitor 219 according to the flow of the image signal described in the above-described “CMYK display mode”.
If the preview is not instructed, the process ends and the process returns to the process shown in FIG.

The operator observes the preview image,
If a desired free color processing result has been obtained, an end of the processing is instructed by pressing an OK key or the like of the operation unit 500. That is, when the end of the process is instructed in step S706, the process ends and the process returns to the process illustrated in FIG. In addition, when a desired result is not obtained, or when processing another area, the operator may:
By operating the operation unit 500 or the like, the process returns to any one of steps S701 to S703.

At the time of subsequent printout, the image signal stored in the image memory unit 208 is read out as described above and the printout is performed. [Color-in-color (memory synthesis) processing] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the memory synthesis processing.

First, in step S801, the image data obtained by reading the first original image is stored in the image memory unit 208, and in step S802, the second original image is combined using, for example, a digitizer (not shown). Area is specified. Next, in step S803, the combining unit 206
Using read-modify-write, the image data stored in the image memory unit 208 and the image data obtained by reading the second document image are combined based on the designated area information. It is stored in the image memory 208.

When a preview is instructed in step S804, the preview image is displayed on the monitor 219 in step S805 according to the flow of the image signal described in the above "Displaying the combined result on the monitor". If the preview is not instructed, the process ends and the process returns to the process shown in FIG.

The operator observes the preview image,
If a desired synthesis result has been obtained, an end of the processing is instructed by pressing an OK key or the like of the operation unit 500. That is, when the end of the process is instructed in step S806, the process is ended and the process returns to the process illustrated in FIG.
When a desired result is not obtained or when an image is combined with another area, the operator operates the operation unit 500 or the like, and the processing is performed in steps S801 to S8.
Return to any one of 03. [Preview Processing Unit 217] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the preview processing unit 217. In the preview processing unit 217, the monitor 21 displays the final image obtained by the read image data passing through all the processing circuits.
The process for displaying on the screen 9 is performed.

The final image data Y1, M1, C1, and K1 (8 bits each) output from the edge emphasizing unit 215 are first input to the 4 × 3 inverse masking correction circuit 2171 and the following equation is calculated. . This is an inverse operation of the operation in the masking / UCR processing unit 212 shown in FIG.

Y 2 = a 11 * Y 1 + a 12 * M 1 + a 13 * C 1 + a 14 * K 1 M 2 = a 21 * Y 1 + a 22 * M 1 + a 23 * C 1 + a 24 * K 1 C 2 = a 31 * Y 1 + a 32 * M 1 + a 33 * C 1 + a 34 * K 1 It is possible to set any value via the. In this way, the input information of the four colors of CMYK is changed into the information Y2, M2, C2 of the three colors of CMY, and then input to the antilogarithmic conversion unit 2172. Here, FIG.
The LOG 207 is configured by an LUT for performing the inverse calculation of the conversion process, and the CPU 240 can also set arbitrary correction data. By this calculation, Y
The density data Y2, M2, C2 of the MC is converted into the brightness data R1, G1, B1 of the RGB, and becomes a signal form that can be displayed on the monitor 219.

However, there are a plurality of types of display devices actually connected as the monitor 219, and the color reproduction range varies depending on each device. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the color reproduction range. Therefore, the 3 × 3 monitor color correction unit 2
At 173, the color reproduction range of the monitor 219 is adjusted. In the 3 × 3 monitor color correction unit 2173, the monitor 219
The following equation is calculated to correct the color characteristics of

R2 = b11 * R1 + b12 * G1 + b13 * B1 G2 = b21 * R1 + b22 * G1 + b23 * B1 B2 = b31 * R1 + b32 * G1 + b33 * B1 The coefficients b11 to b33 are also 4 × 3 inverse masking unit 21.
As in the case of 71, arbitrary values can be set from the CPU 240 via the CPU bus 243, respectively.

Next, the signals of R2, G2 and B2 are LU
It is input to a monitor gamma correction unit 2174 that corrects the gamma characteristic of each monitor using T, and after correction, R3, G, B3
Is output as Also in the monitor gamma correction unit 2174, arbitrary correction data can be set by the CPU 240.

Next, the display editing circuit 2175 causes the monitor 2
This is a circuit for controlling various editing processes for displaying on the monitor 19 and the monitor 219.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the detailed arrangement of the display editing circuit 2175. The display editing circuit 2175
It is broadly divided into a part for processing a read image and a part for generating and adding additional information such as a frame and characters to the image.

The R3, G3, and B3 data corrected by the monitor gamma correction unit 2174 are stored in the memory 2171, respectively.
1,21712,21713 and a CPU bus 24 so that writing can be performed from an arbitrary position in each memory.
3, a start address and an end address in the X and Y directions can be set via the write address control circuit 21717 in the display controller 21710. Note that each memory 21711 in the present embodiment is used.
The size of ２21713 is composed of three colors of 640 × 480 × 9 × (8 bits). That is, the monitor 219
Has a capacity equivalent to 3 × 3 times the number of pixels that can be displayed.

Also, the write address control unit 21717
It is possible to reduce the image size when writing to the memory in
240 can be set. Further, depending on whether the image size to be displayed is portrait or landscape,
The write address control unit 21717 can control the image to rotate arbitrarily. At this time, start /
Regarding the memory area that is the end address range, that is, the memory area where the image is not written, since the image processed immediately before remains or the display color is fixed, the area outside this writing area range is arbitrarily set. The display color can also be set by the CPU 240 so that the color can be displayed.

Then, each memory 21711 to 21713
The CPU bus 243 sets the start address and end address in the X and Y directions via the read address control circuit 21718 in the display controller 21710 in order to read out the image data written in the image data from an arbitrary position and display it on the monitor 219. can do. This is set by a touch panel key or the like of the operation unit 500 described later, and real-time display can be performed.

Since the image size of the monitor 219 of this embodiment is 640 × 480 dots, it is necessary to thin out the images in order to display all the images in the memory. This also allows the CPU 240 to set the thinning rate. Also, in the present embodiment, as described later, a 1 × mode for displaying the entire image stored in the memory,
2x mode to display, and 3 to display 1/9 of the whole
The double mode can be selected, and can be instructed from the operation unit 500.

The memory 21720 is a memory for adding additional information such as figures and characters indicated by the binary information for each color of CMYK to the image information, and its size is 640 × 480 × 9 ×. (4 bits). Therefore, different figures and characters for four planes of CMYK can be independently developed. In the present embodiment, the additional information is directly expanded on the memory 21720 by the CPU 240.
A dedicated controller, such as a play controller, which can develop such image information into a memory at high speed may be used.

Reference numeral 21719 denotes a read address control unit for performing read address control for the memory 21720. As with the read address control unit 21718, CP
The read start position and the thinning rate can be set by U240.

Next, the data read from the memory 21720 is input to the selector 21714 as a selection signal. In the selector 21714, when the selection signal is at the L level, the input RGB image data is output as it is. On the other hand, when the selection signal is at the H level, R, G, and B (8-bit) data corresponding to four planes stored in the register 21729 are output. Note that the R, G, and B data stored in the register 21729 can be set by the CPU 240, and therefore, any color can be added to the additional information drawn on each of the four surfaces.

The signal processed by the selector 21714 is converted into an analog signal for the monitor 219 by the D / A converter 21716, and the final image is displayed on the monitor 219. [Color Converter 205] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the color converter 205, which is divided into a detector and a converter.

The detection section includes three window comparators 710 to 712, two AND gates 713 and 715, and registers 704 to 709 for storing the threshold values of the window comparators. The threshold value of each window comparator is set by the CPU 240. When the input image data satisfies all of the following conditions, the respective window comparators and A
Since the output of the ND gate 713 is “1”, when the enable signal 222 of the color conversion unit 205 input to the AND gate 715 from the region generation unit B 230 is “1”, a certain characteristic color is detected. .

Reg1 ≦ Rin ≦ reg2 reg3 ≦ Gin ≦ reg4 reg5 ≦ Bin ≦ reg6 However, Rin, Gin, Bin: RGB signals reg1 to reg6 input to the color conversion unit 205: register 70
On the other hand, the conversion unit includes three selectors 719 to 721 and registers 716 to 718. When the output of the AND gate 715 is “1”, the CPU 240 sets the thresholds in the registers 716 to 718. Output the converted color, and set it to "0".
In this case, the image signal input to the color conversion unit 205 is output. [Editing Circuit 213 (Paint and Free Color Processing)] FIG. 15A is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the editing circuit 213. Since this circuit has the same configuration for each color component, the magenta signal Only the configuration of the free color paint circuit 812 for the above is shown, and the detailed configuration of the free color paint circuits 813 to 815 for other color components is omitted.

Free color paint circuit 812 includes a multiplier 805, a selector 809, and registers 806 and 807 whose values are set by CPU 240.

The operation during free color processing is as follows.
The ND signal generated by the masking / UCR unit 212 (=
M / 3 + C / 3 + Y / 3) and the value reg3 set in the register 806 (determined by the color set by the operator) are multiplied by the multiplier 805, and the multiplied output is provided by the selector 809 to enable signals 2241 and 2242.
Is selected and output. It should be noted that the 0th bit of the enable signals 2241 and 2242 is input to the selector 809 as an area signal.
The selection is made as shown in Table 5 (b). For example, when free color processing is to be performed only on a part of an image, the 0th bit of the signal 2241 may be set to “1” and the 0th bit of the signal 2242 may be set to “0” only at the place where processing is desired. Signal 2
Since the 0th bit of 242 is “0”, the masking / UCR unit 212 is controlled to output the ND signal only in the area where the free color processing is performed.

Also, at the time of paint processing, the selector 809
Selects the value reg1 set in the register 807 by the CPU 240. That is, control is performed so that the 0th bit of the signals 2241 and 2242 becomes “0” and “1”, respectively.

The cyan, yellow and black free color paint circuits 813, 814 and 815 are controlled by the first bit, the second bit and the third bit of the area signal 224, respectively.

Further, when displaying a preview, the signal 2
Control is performed so that all 24 bits are simultaneously enabled.

As described above, according to this embodiment,
A mode for previewing an image that has been subjected to color conversion processing (RGB-based processing) on a read document image, a mode for previewing an image that has been subjected to paint or free color processing (CMY-based processing), and a result of combining images. Since a preview mode is provided, an image substantially equivalent to an image printed out for all image processing can be preview-displayed. [Operation Unit 500] FIG. 16 is an external view of the operation unit 500. 50000 is a numeric key, 50001 is a copy start key, 50002 is a stop key, 50003 is a preheat key, 50004 is a liquid crystal display unit, 50005 is a reset key, Reference numeral 50006 is a user mode key.

FIG. 17 shows a standard screen of the display unit 50004.

In the standard screen shown in FIG. 17, 50101 indicates the device status, 50102 indicates the set number of copies, and
Reference numeral 0103 denotes a paper size, 50104 denotes a display for notifying the copy magnification, and 50105 denotes a touch key (preview mode key) for instructing the start of the preview mode in the present embodiment.

Prior to starting the preview process, the operator specifies the image magnification, the paper size, and the editing process from the operation unit 500, and presses the preview mode key 50105 to transition from the standard screen to the preview operation screen. .

FIG. 18 shows an example of the preview operation screen. 50201, an image reading key indicating a preview start; 50202, a display direction setting key; 50203, an area monitor; 50204, a display position setting key;
05 is a display magnification setting key, and 50206 is an area fine adjustment key.

The operator first sets the original on the original table or feeder 102 (not shown), and sets the display direction setting key 502.
02 sets the display direction (vertical or horizontal) of the document. The display direction is set such that the original abutment position on the original platen comes to the upper right of the monitor 219. When the display direction setting key 50202 is pressed, the display of the key is inverted to black, and the display editing circuit 217 in the preview processing unit 217 is displayed.
The image rotated by 90 degrees is written in the memories 21711 to 21713 of the document No. 5, and the image from the abutment position of the document table is rotated by 90 degrees and displayed on the monitor 219.

When the operator depresses the image reading key 50201, the document is sent from the feeder 102 to the document table when the document is set on the feeder 102, and on the document table when the prescan is set. A scan is performed to detect the size of the original placed on the document. Then, a scan operation for reading an image is started, and the capture of an image from the CCD 201 is started. The captured image signal is converted to a CMY signal and subjected to various types of editing processing that have been set, and then sent to the preview processing unit 217. Then, the CPU 240 calculates the most efficient image size that allows the entire image to be stored in the memories 21711 to 21713 based on the display direction, magnification, document size, and the like set by the operation unit 500. Memory 21711-image size
21713. The image signal is transferred to the monitor 219 by the display controller 21710, so that a preview image is displayed.

By the way, the image memories 21711 and 217
Each of the sizes of 12, 21713 is 1920 × 14, which is nine times the display size of 640 × 480 pixels of the monitor 219.
It has 40 pixels. Therefore, when the data is transferred from the image memories 21711 to 21713 to the monitor 219, the display size of the monitor 219 and the display magnification setting key 50205 are set by the display controller 21710.
From the display magnification set in the above, the image memories 21711-2
It is necessary to scale the data in 1713 before transferring it to the monitor 219.

FIG. 19 shows a specific example of setting the display magnification. FIG. 1 is stored in the image memories 21711 to 21713.
Consider a case where image data indicated by No. 50601 is written. At this time, the display magnification setting key 5020
When the display magnification is set to "whole", that is, 1 at 5, all the data areas of the image memories 21711 to 21713 are reduced to 1/9 by the display controller 21710 and displayed on the monitor 219 as indicated by 50602. You. When a display magnification of “2 ×” is set by the display magnification setting key 50205, the image memories 21711 to 2111 are set.
The data in the area of 4/9 of 713 is reduced to 1/4 by the display controller and displayed on the monitor 219 as indicated by 50603. That is, a part of the image (4/9 area) is displayed twice as large as in the “whole” display. Also, the display magnification setting key 50205 is used to select “3
When the display magnification of “double” is set, the 1
/ 9 area is transferred to the display memory at the same magnification, and 50604
Is displayed as shown. That is, a part of the image (1/9 area) is displayed three times as large as that in the “whole” display.

Further, with the display magnification setting key 50205, "2
When “double” and “triple” are set, since a part of the image memories 21711 to 21713 is displayed on the monitor 219, the readout position of the memory area is changed and the data is transferred to the monitor 219. , A portion not currently displayed on the monitor 219 can be displayed. Hereinafter, this method will be described.

If "2x" is set with the display magnification setting key 50205, the image memories 21711 to 21711
An image of an arbitrary quarter size of the image 713 is displayed on the monitor 219. At this time, the display position setting key 50204
Is pressed once, the image memory 217 is pressed.
The reading start position of 11 to 21713 is set to a position shifted by, for example, 4 dots in the downward direction, and image data of １ ／ size is transferred to the monitor 219 from the position. Therefore, an image at the bottom of the screen that has not been displayed on the monitor 219 can be newly displayed.

When the display area of the image is moved, the area monitor 50302 displays the current display so that the operator can recognize which area of the image memories 21711 to 21713 is currently displayed on the monitor 219. The area is shown. [Area Correction by Preview] In the present embodiment, if an area designation is set by a digitizer or the like (not shown) before the operator performs the preview display, the area-processed preview image can be displayed. . If the position or size of the area of the displayed image is different from the designated one or the processed color is slightly different, fine adjustment of the area is performed on the preview screen (monitor 219). It is possible to do.

Before the area adjustment is started, the operator depresses the area adjustment key 50206 to shift from the preview operation screen to the area adjustment screen shown in FIG.
Then, the area selection image shown in FIG. 21 is displayed on the monitor 219. In this case, as for the image displayed on the monitor 219, the outer frame of the entire area set by the area designation is displayed in an overlapping manner. The size and position of the outer frame are determined by the CPU 240 based on the copy magnification and the display magnification set by the display magnification setting key 50205, the display direction set by the display direction setting key 50202, and the like. It is generated by being calculated.

The outer frame information of the created area is stored in the memory 2172 in the display editing circuit 2175 shown in FIG.
The image data is expanded in the area image memory 1 (hereinafter, referred to as a plane memory 1) on the memory 21720 and further transferred to the area display memory 1 (hereinafter, referred to as the plane memory 1 ') on the memory 21720, and is displayed on the monitor 219. Is displayed. At this time, the area is displayed so as to overlap the currently displayed preview screen.

Further, the plane memory 1 is a monitor 219.
The transfer area and the transfer magnification of the plane memory 1 are calculated at the same time when the transfer area and the transfer magnification in the preview image are calculated based on the set display magnification and the display position. Is transferred to the plane memory 1 '. Therefore, every time the display magnification setting and the display position setting are changed, the area area is displayed again following the update of the preview image.

In this embodiment, the processing contents can be set up to a maximum of 30 area processing, and a maximum of 15 areas can be set for each one area processing. For example, FIG. 21 shows an example of a preview image in a case where a plurality of areas are specified.
01 (area 1), 50602 (area 2), 5060
3 (area 3) is subjected to paint processing, and two areas 50604 (area 1 ') and 5060 are processed as area processing 2.
5 (area 2 ') has been subjected to color conversion processing.

As described above, when a plurality of areas are set in one image, the operator needs to specify the area to be the area adjustment target. On the area adjustment screen shown in FIG.
1 or the area number setting key 50302 or the like.

First, the area processing number setting key 50301
Is selected, the area of area processing 1 is selected. At this time, the outer frame of the area area of the area processing 1 (50601, 50602, 50 in FIG. 21)
603) is calculated by the above-described procedure, and is stored in the memory 2 in the display editing circuit 2175 shown in FIG.
It is formed in the area image memory 2 on 1720 (hereinafter referred to as the plane memory 2). This is transferred to the area display memory 2 (hereinafter referred to as plane memory 2 ′) on the memory 21720 with the magnification scaled by the display magnification setting key 50205, and displayed on the monitor 219 in the plane memory 1 ′. Display using a different color from the display

As described above, by making the display colors set in the plane memory 1'and the plane memory 2'different, it is possible to easily recognize the selected area processing from the plurality of areas on the monitor 219. It will be possible.

Further, area processing number setting key 50301
When the area processing number 2 is designated by pressing the UP key of the area processing 1, the area of the area processing 1 written in the plane memory 2 is deleted, and the area (50604, 50605) of the area of the area processing number 2 is newly added. ) Is written and displayed on the monitor 219.

In this way, the operator sets the area process whose processing content is to be changed, presses the setting correction key 50303, and changes the processing content on the setting content change screen shown in FIG. The area processing contents can be changed by being fed back.

Next, the case of changing the area size will be described.

On the area adjustment screen shown in FIG. 20, first, the area processing including the area to be changed is selected by the area processing number setting key 50301 according to the procedure described above. Then, an area is selected with an area number setting key 50302. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the area 2 ′ (50605 in FIG. 21) of the area processing 2 is to be moved left by 1 cm.

First, the area processing number setting key 50301
To select area processing 2. Next, area number setting key 5
When 0302 is pressed, first, area 1 ′ (50604 in FIG. 21) of area processing 2 is selected. At this time, the outer frame of the area of the area 1 'is determined by the CPU 240 as the area image memory 3 on the memory 21720 in the display editing circuit 2175 shown in FIG.
Will be expanded to. This is transferred to the area display memory 3 (hereinafter referred to as plane memory 3 ′) on the memory 21720, and displayed on the monitor 219 in a color different from that of the plane memory 1 ′ and the plane memory 2 ′.

The priority of each display memory is plane memory 1 '<plane memory 2'<plane memory 3 '. Therefore, even if the operator does not remember the area number to be corrected, the designated area processing can be recognized from all the areas on the monitor 219, and further, the area can be recognized from among them.

Next, when the area 2 '(50605) is set by the area number setting key 50302, the area area of the area 1' (50604) on the plane memory 3'is erased and the area of the area 2'is changed. It is newly written in the plane memory 3 and displayed on the monitor 219.

As described above, the operator sets the area whose area size is to be changed, and then depresses the area correction key 50304 to transition the screen to the area size change screen shown in FIG.

In FIG. 23, 50501 is an area correction key, 50502 is an area correction setting key, and 50503 is an area clear key.

The case where the area 2'is desired to be moved to the left will be described below. In this case, first, “move” is designated by the area correction setting key 50502. Then, the left arrow key of the area correction key 50501 is pressed. At this time, the area 2 ′ held in the plane memory 3 is cleared, an area moved four pixels to the left is formed on the plane memory 3, transferred to the plane memory 3 ′, and displayed on the monitor 219. Accordingly, the designated area moves on the preview image on the monitor 219. In addition, since this movement amount is fed back to the CPU 240, when the image reading key 50201 is pressed again on the preview operation screen shown in FIG. 18, the image subjected to the area processing is displayed as a preview at the moved and adjusted area position. .

As described above, in the present embodiment, the area can be moved while comparing the preview image with the designated area. Similarly, when changing the area size, “enlargement” or “reduction” may be set with the area correction setting key 50502. Since the area size is changed stepwise according to the pressing of the OK key, the area size can be set arbitrarily.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the size and position of the area and the processing content can be adjusted while comparing with the preview image. Then, when a preview image of the desired image is displayed on the monitor 219 by the operator, the user presses a copy start key 50001 to execute printout.

In each of the operation screens of the operation unit 500 described above, pressing the "OK" key reflects the current correction and returns to the previous screen, and pressing the "Cancel" key deletes the current correction. Cancel, keep previous settings and return to previous screen.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when the preview image displayed on the monitor 219 is printed out, it is already stored in the image memory unit 208 without scanning the document in the reader unit 101. It becomes possible to form an image based on the image. Therefore, the processing time at the time of printing out is shortened, that is, the waiting time of the operator is shortened, and the preview processing excellent in operability can be performed.

Further, since the document is not scanned at the time of printing out, the life of the halogen lamp or the like for irradiating the document with light in the reader unit 101 can be extended, and an image processing apparatus excellent in cost is also provided. can do.

In the present embodiment, the description has been given by taking a four-drum type image processing device as an example, but an image processing of a structure in which a plurality of image forming portions are used to form a latent image on one photosensitive drum. It may be a device.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices such as a host computer, an interface and a printer, or to an apparatus composed of a single device such as a copying machine.

It goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to the case where it is carried out by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, the storage medium storing the program according to the present invention constitutes the present invention. Then, by reading the program from the storage medium to the system or device, the system or device operates in a predetermined manner.

[0145]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the preview image displayed on the monitor is formed on the recording medium, it is possible to output the image without scanning the original. Therefore, the processing time for executing the image formation on the recording medium is shortened, that is, the waiting time of the operator is shortened, and the preview processing with excellent operability can be performed without increasing the device configuration. Become.

Further, since it is not necessary to scan a document when forming an image on a recording medium, it is possible to extend the life of a halogen lamp or the like for irradiating the document with light in the reader section, and image processing excellent in cost. A device can be provided.

[0147]

[Brief description of drawings] [Explanation of symbols]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an image processing apparatus having a preview function.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a laser beam scanning method.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital image processing unit in a reader unit.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an area memory unit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a one-color memory unit in the area memory unit.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a copy process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a color conversion process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a paint process according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating free color processing according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a memory synthesis process according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a preview processing unit.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a display editing circuit.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a color conversion process.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an editing circuit.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an external appearance of an operation unit of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a standard screen of the operation unit.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a preview operation screen.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of monitor display by setting a display magnification.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an area selection screen.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a preview image for area correction.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an area processing content change screen.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an area size adjustment screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

 217 preview processing unit 219 monitor 2175 display editing circuit 21710 display controller 21711, 21712, 21713 image memory 21714 selector 21716 D / A converter 21720 memory 21729 register 240 CPU 241 ROM 242 RAM 245 timer 246 monitor timer 500 operation unit

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An input unit for inputting an image, a storage unit for storing the image input by the input unit, and an image for at least one of the image input by the input unit and the image stored in the storage unit. A processing unit that performs processing, a display unit that can display the processing result of the processing unit, and at least one of an image input by the input unit and an image stored in the storage unit are formed on a recording medium. Forming means for selectively forming a first system for forming an image input by the input means and a second system for forming an image stored in the storage means. An image processing device characterized by being used. 2. An instruction input unit for inputting an instruction is provided, wherein the forming unit forms a processing result of the processing unit on a recording medium in response to a forming instruction from the instruction input unit. The image processing device according to claim 1. 3. The image according to claim 2, wherein the forming means forms an image by the second system when a forming instruction is given by the instruction inputting means after the display by the display means. Processing equipment. 4. The first system according to claim 1, wherein the image input by the input means is temporarily stored in the storage means and then formed on a recording medium. The image processing device according to item 1. 5. An input unit for inputting an image, a storage unit for storing the image input by the input unit, and an image for at least one of the image input by the input unit and the image stored in the storage unit. A processing unit that performs processing, a display unit that can display the processing result of the processing unit, and at least one of an image input by the input unit and an image stored in the storage unit are formed on a recording medium. Control for selectively executing a forming unit, a first system for forming an image input by the input unit, and a second system for forming an image stored in the storage unit in the forming unit And an image processing apparatus. 6. An input step of inputting an image, a storage step of storing the image input by the input step in a storage means, and at least an image input by the input step and an image stored in the storage means. A processing step of performing image processing on one side, a display step of displaying a processing result in the processing step, and at least one of the image input in the input step and the image stored in the storage means is formed on a recording medium. And a second system for forming an image stored in the storage unit, the first system for forming the image input in the input step is selectively used in the forming step. An image processing method characterized by being used for. 7. An input unit for inputting an image, a storage unit for storing the image input by the input unit, and an image for at least one of the image input by the input unit and the image stored in the storage unit. A processing unit that performs processing, a display unit that can display the processing result of the processing unit, and at least one of an image input by the input unit and an image stored in the storage unit are formed on a recording medium. Forming means for selectively forming a first system for forming an image input by the input means and a second system for forming an image stored in the storage means. An image processing system characterized by being used.