JP3126421B2 - Image processing system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing system and a document editing processing system using a digital color copying machine, for example.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image processing system and a document editing processing system using a digital color copying machine, the system configuration mainly comprises three devices. A host computer on which the application runs,
An image processing apparatus (document editing processing apparatus) that operates according to a processing command of a host computer, and a digital color copying machine that outputs an image signal from the image processing apparatus as an actual image (document).

In general, the maximum paper size handled by a digital color copying machine is, for example, A3 size, but paper of a smaller size can be used. For example, in a digital color copying machine using a transfer drum, the maximum paper size is determined by the physical size of the transfer drum. Output is performed. The present applicant has previously devised a method of outputting two A4 size images for one rotation of the transfer drum for the purpose of increasing efficiency and speed. That is, since the A3 size is twice as large as the A4 size, such a method is made possible by adsorbing two A4 size sheets onto the transfer drum.

[0006] Based on FIG. 6, image data of two A4 size sheets is sent from an image processing (document editing process) device to a digital color copying machine, and two A4 size images are rotated by one rotation of a transfer drum of the digital color copying machine. A processing procedure for outputting sheets will be briefly described.

First, the image processing apparatus has a page memory capable of handling an A3 size image. Since the A4 size page memory capacity is １ ／ of the A3 size page memory capacity, the A3 size page memory P is divided into P1 and P2 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The image processing apparatus first develops a raster image on an A4 size portion of P1, expands the raster image on an A4 size portion of P2, and then, after the portions of P1 and P2 are completely filled in, rasterizes the image data. Transferring to digital color copier. If the output is not a plurality of sheets, one sheet is attracted to the transfer drum and one sheet is printed.

[0006]

In the above conventional example,
Regardless of the output A4 size raster image, since the raster image processor in the image processing device is developed in each of the P1 and P2 portions of the page memory shown in the final diagram, the development time is long and the system throughput is high. Was reduced.

For example, if a raster image having a relatively short developing time enters the portion P1 and a raster image having a relatively long developing time enters the portion P2, the output time of the image of the portion P1 becomes the output time of the image of the P2. And the merit of producing two A4 size images at the same time is diminished.

In the case where the same raster image as the raster image developed in the portion P1 is developed in the portion P2,
It took a long time because the raster image processor was performing exactly the same operation.

[0009]

According to the present invention, rasters to be developed in areas P1 and P2 are developed in a page memory by a raster image processor in an image processing (document editing) apparatus. It is determined whether or not the images are the same, and if they are the same, the raster image processor develops the area P2.
Without using the raster image of the area P1
Digital color copying of two identical raster images
By transferring the raster image to a printer, the raster image development time is reduced, and the throughput of an image processing (document editing process) system is improved.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a drawing which best illustrates the features of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 51 denotes a host computer for controlling the entire image processing system, and reference numeral 52 denotes a connection between the image processing device 53 and the host computer 51 and a control signal. General-purpose interface for transmission, 54 is the image processing device 5
An interpreter (PDLU) 55 that receives a control signal (in this example, a page description language: hereinafter abbreviated as PDL) provided from the host computer 51 via the general-purpose interface 52 and interprets the control signal , Provided inside the image processing device 53, and outputs the output from the PDLU 54 specifically to the page memory 5.
Raster image processor (RIP) to expand to 6, 5
7 is a DM between two areas on the page memory 56.
DMAs 58 for performing the A transfer are dedicated interfaces for transferring image signals and control signals to the digital color copying machine 59.

A case where a document or graphic created on application software of the host computer 51 is output from the digital color copying machine 59 via the image processing device 53 will be specifically described. At this time, it is assumed that the digital color copying machine 59 has a function of simultaneously outputting two A4-size sheets in accordance with an image signal or a control signal sent from the image processing apparatus 53 via the dedicated interface 58.

The signal output from the host computer 51 to the image processing device 53 is already
It has been converted to PDL (Page Description Language) by the above application software. Upon receiving these PDLs, the PDLU 54 in the image processing device 53
Is transmitted to the RIP 55, and a specific raster image development method is transmitted to the page memory 56. The characteristic operation of the present invention at this time will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The PDLU 55 determines whether or not to output a plurality of A4 size images in the PDL received from the host computer 51 (step 1), and whether to output the same image when outputting a plurality of images (step 2).
Is determined. These pieces of information are also transmitted to the RIP 55 together with the interpreted data. When a plurality of identical images are output, the RIP 55 first stores the first A4 image in the area P1 of the page memory 56 in accordance with these signals.
(Step 3). Next, the DMA 57 is controlled to directly transfer the image data developed on the area P1 of the page memory 56 to the area P2 of the page memory 56 (step 4). Next, the RIP 55 converts the raster image (two A4 size sheets) on the page memory 56 through the dedicated interface 58 into the digital color copier 5.
9 (step 5), the raster image development time is reduced by the operation of outputting two images,
The throughput of the image processing system can be improved. When only one image is output, the operation is the same as that of the prior art (steps A and B).

2. In the above-described embodiment, data transfer is performed by using a CPU (not shown) instead of the DMA 57 in the image processing apparatus 53 in FIG. 1 per rotation of the transfer drum in the digital color copying machine in FIG. Will be described with reference to a flowchart of the processing of the raster image processor. When information of a plurality of sheets is transmitted to the RIP 55 by the PDLU 54, first, when the same raster image is developed, the raster image is developed in the area P1 of the page memory 56, and then the area P1 of the page memory is developed. Is transferred to the page memory area P2 by software.

When a different raster image is developed, the raster image is developed in the area P1 of the page memory 56, and then another raster image is developed in the area P2 of the page memory 56. After the above processing is completed, the data in the page memory is transferred to the digital color copying machine 59. In the case of one sheet output, it is completely the same as in the first embodiment.

As described above, when compared with the first embodiment, DM
Since the hardware of the A-transfer section is reduced, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Further, in the case of a plurality of sheets, the A4 size image is always output from the digital color copying machine 59 at the same time. There is an advantage that the number of revolutions can be reduced and the deterioration of the product can be prevented.

In the first and second embodiments, when the number of output sheets of A4 size is an odd number, it is assumed that the last one sheet is controlled so as to output one sheet instead of two sheets at the same time. .

3. In the first and second embodiments, when the raster images to be developed in the areas P1 and P2 are the same, the area P
Although the raster image expanded to 1 is transferred to the area P2, when a plurality of the same raster images are output, the same image data may be expanded only to the area P1 and the same image data may be output a plurality of times. In this case, the digital color copying machine 9 simultaneously picks up two sheets (except for the odd-numbered last page) on the transfer drum (not shown) and outputs two sheets at the same time.

4. FIG. 4 shows a full-color electrophotographic copying machine used in this embodiment. The present invention is not limited to a copying machine, but is applicable to any printer capable of simultaneously printing two sheets. The photosensitive drum 1 having a photosensitive layer for electrophotography on its surface is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow x. A primary charger 2 is disposed on the left side of the photosensitive drum 1, a surface voltmeter 3 for measuring the potential of the surface of the photosensitive drum is disposed diagonally below and to the left of the photosensitive drum 1, and a toner and a carrier are disposed directly below the photosensitive drum 1. Developing units 101 using a two-component developer obtained by mixing
A developing device 100 on which M, 101C, 101Y, and 101Bk are stacked and movable in the left-right direction is arranged. A front static eliminator 6 for reducing the adhesion of toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 to the drum to facilitate cleaning is disposed, and a cleaning device 7 is disposed diagonally above and to the left of the photosensitive drum 1. ing.

An optical system 10 is disposed in an upper part of the copying machine.
The exposure unit 9 positioned between the photoconductor 1 and the surface voltmeter 3 projects the image onto the photosensitive drum 1. The optical system 10 includes a first scanning mirror 11, second and third scanning mirrors 12 and 13, which move in the same direction at half speed with respect to the first scanning mirror 11, an imaging lens 14, and B, G, and R. CCD15 integrated with filter, laser scanner unit 16,
And fixed mirrors 17 and 18.

In the optical system 10, the original illumination light source 2
0 is configured to move with the first scanning mirror 11. Therefore, the first to third scanning mirrors 11, 12, 1
After passing through the lens 14, the reflected light image of the original scanned by the scanner 3 is scanned by the CCD 15 having a BGR 4 color separation filter.
The original information signal is subjected to information processing such as A / D conversion, and then sent as a video signal to a microprocessor unit (hereinafter, MPU) for controlling the entire copying machine. The MPU oscillates a laser beam from a laser unit via a laser driver based on this signal, and the laser beam is turned on / off by the photosensitive drum 1.
The copying sequence is started while F.

Further, a fixing device 20 and a paper feeding device 30 are disposed on the right side of the copying machine, and transfer paper transport systems 25 and 35 are provided between the transfer drum 5 and the fixing device 20 and the paper feeding device 30, respectively. Are respectively arranged.

In the above configuration, the photosensitive drum 1 has a CC
Charging, exposing, developing, for each color separated by D15
Each of the transfer and cleaning processes includes a primary charger 2 and an optical system 1
0, the developing device 100, the transfer device 5, and the cleaning device 7.

The developing device 100 includes developing units 101M (magenta developing unit), 101C (cyan developing unit), and 101Y which are detachably held on a moving table 120.
(Yellow developing unit) and 101Bk (black developing unit), and the color-separated latent images of each color are visualized by the corresponding developing units.

The transfer device 5 typically comprises a transfer drum 5b provided with a gripper 5a for gripping a transfer material, that is, a transfer paper S, on the peripheral surface. The transfer device 5 grips the leading end of the transfer paper S fed from the transfer paper cassette 31 or 32 of the paper feed device 30 via the transfer paper transport system 35 with the gripper 5a, and attracts the suction paper disposed inside the transfer drum 5b. The transfer paper S is attracted to the transfer drum 5b by the operation of the charger 4, and is rotated and transferred so as to transfer a visual image of each color on the photosensitive drum 1. A transfer charger 5c is arranged inside the transfer drum 5 in the transfer area.

The transfer paper S on which the visible image of each color, that is, the toner image is sequentially transferred is released from the gripper 5a and is separated from the transfer drum 5b by the separation charger 8 and the separation claw 8 '. Next, the transfer paper S is sent to the fixing device 20 by the transfer paper transport system 25. The toner image on the transfer sheet S is fixed on the transfer sheet by the fixing device 20, and then the transfer sheet is discharged onto the toner 23.

This copying machine can output a maximum of A3 size, but when outputting A4 size, the transfer drum 5
By adsorbing two sheets on b, two sheets can be output simultaneously. At this time, one sheet is gripped by the gripper 5a, and the other sheet is attracted to the transfer drum 5a by the charger 4. Then, a single-color image is transferred onto two sheets of paper every rotation of the transfer drum 5b.

Next, a case where an image described in PDL output from a host computer or the like by using such a copying machine will be described. In this embodiment, the image processing apparatus for processing the PDL may be connected between the host computer and the copying machine as shown in FIG. 1, or may be built in the copying machine (or printer).

First, as shown in FIG. 5A, the image processing apparatus of this embodiment stores PDL codes for a plurality of pages in an input buffer (converted into an intermediate language if necessary). At this time, when the number of print commands is counted and all the PDL codes are stored, the number N is set in a register (not shown).

Next, as will be described later, an image for one page of the PDL code is developed and printed (if the number is set, only the number of copies).

Such an operation is sequentially repeated for PDL codes for N pages.

FIG. 5B shows the development of one page of the PDL code.
6 is a flowchart of a printing operation. If the interpretation data in the input buffer is a number setting command, the set number M is set to I
And interpret the following data. If the interpretation data is not a print command or a number-of-sheets setting command, processing corresponding to the data (processing for developing the area P1 or P2) is performed to interpret the next data.

If the interpretation data is a print command, it is determined how many I are. If I ≧ 2, the above-described simultaneous printing of two sheets is performed, and I = I−2. Is done. If I = 1, print one sheet and end the process,
If I = 0, the process ends immediately. After this, P on the next page
The DL code development process is performed, but in actuality, by starting the development process of the next page when the print command is read,
The printing process and the developing process for the next page are performed in parallel. At this time, if the raster image being printed is stored in the area P1 (P2), the development of the next page is performed on the area P2 (P1).

As described above, in the present embodiment, when outputting the same image continuously, a raster image is output from the same memory area a plurality of times, two sheets are simultaneously output, and different images are output continuously. When printing, one by one,
Since the printing process and the rasterizing process are performed in parallel, the throughput can be improved in any case.

In the embodiment described above, a copying machine (or a printer) capable of simultaneously outputting two sheets by adsorbing two sheets on the transfer drum has been described. However, two sheets are continuously fed. The present invention is applicable to a printer having a page memory for two pages. That is, when the same image is continuous, two or more sheets are conveyed into the machine for printing, and when different images are continuous, the sheets are conveyed one by one (one sheet being conveyed into the machine). Paper)
Print processing is performed using the page memory as a double buffer.

[0035]

As described above, according to the present invention, the processing speed and efficiency of the image processing system can be improved by reducing the raster image development time in the image processing apparatus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation according to a second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a copying machine used in a third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a usage mode of a page memory P.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a conventional processing operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

51 General-purpose host computer for controlling the entire system 52 General-purpose interface for connecting the image processing device and the host computer 51 53 Image processing device 54 PDL interpreter inside the image processing device 53 55 Raster image processor 56 inside the image processing device 53 Page memory inside image processing device 53 57 DMA control unit inside image processing device 53 58 Dedicated interface for connecting digital color copying machine and image processing device 53 59 Digital color copying machine that directly outputs images

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] A print data supplied from a higher-level device is laid out.
Image processing device for developing into a star image, and said image processing
Images generated from raster images supplied from the device
An image processing system having an image forming apparatus formed on a surface of a storage medium
In the stem, the image forming apparatus performs two printings in one printing sequence.
A print mode for forming an image on a recording medium, wherein the image processing apparatus is configured to
Determined that the two raster images to be copied are the same
In some cases, after developing only one of them into a raster image,
Two identical rasters based on the opened raster image
Control means for supplying an image to the image forming apparatus
An image processing system characterized in that: 2. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein
Thus, the control means, after developing one raster image,
The other raster image is the raster
Two sets generated by copying the image into memory
Supplies the same raster image to the image forming apparatus.
An image processing system, characterized in that: