Patent Application
20050219594
This patent application is based on and claims priority to Japanese patent application No. JPAP2004-080635 filed on Mar. 19, 2004, in the Japanese Patent Office, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for image processing, capable of generating scanned data in a standard format.
Existing image forming apparatuses, such as digital copiers, store image data in memory. For example, a digital copier reads an original image into image data using a scanning function, and stores the scanned image data in its memory. To print out the image data, the digital copier reads out the scanned image data from the memory, and forms a toner image based on the scanned image data. With the image data being stored, the digital copier can reprint the original image, or it can rearrange the pages of the original image.
However, the digital copier stores the scanned image data in a device specific format to save memory space or to increase the image processing speed. This creates another problem when the digital copier is used in a network system.
For example, the digital copier sends the scanned image data to a personal computer via a network. In order to display or edit the scanned image data, the personal computer needs to convert the scanned image data from the device specific format to a format readable by the personal computer using a specific client software.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include an image processing apparatus, image processing method and computer program and product, each capable of generating scanned data in a standard format.
In one exemplary embodiment, the image processing apparatus includes a reader, a printer image generator, a storage device, and a data format converter. The reader reads an original image into original image data. The original image includes any kind of data, such as graphic data, character data, binary data, or mulitvalue data, for example. The printer image generator generates printer image data corresponding to the original image data in a device specific data format. The storage device stores the printer image data in the device specific data format. The data format converter converts the printer image data from the device specific data format to a standard data format. Once the printer image data is converted, the data format converter may send the converted image data to a network.
A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
In describing the preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for clarity. However, the disclosure of this patent specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner. Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views.
The image processing apparatus 1 includes a reader 2, a printer image generator 3, a storage device 4, and a data format converter 5. The image processing apparatus 1, which is connected to a client 6 via a network 7, operates according to an instruction received from the client 6.
In an exemplary operation, the reader 2 reads an original image into original image data. The printer image generator 3 generates printer image data corresponding to the original image data in a device specific compression format. The storage device 4 stores the printer image data in the device specific compression format for future use.
If the client 6 instructs the image processing apparatus 1 to print the original image, the image processing apparatus 1 outputs the printer image data using a printer, which may be provided in the apparatus 1 or coupled to the apparatus 1. If the client 6 instructs the image processing apparatus 1 to send the original image data to the client 6, the data format converter 5 converts the printer image data from the device specific compression format to a standard compression format, and sends the converted printer image data to the client 6 via the network 7.
In this exemplary embodiment, the device specific compression format includes any kind of compression format previously defined by the image processing apparatus 1. The standard compression format includes any kind of compression format widely used.
In another exemplary operation, the reader 2 reads an original image into original image data. The printer image generator 3 generates printer image data corresponding to the original image data in a device specific file format. The storage device 4 stores the printer image data in the device specific file format for future use.
If the client 6 instructs the image processing apparatus 1 to print the original image, the image processing apparatus 1 outputs the printer image data using a printer, which may be provided in the image processing apparatus 1 or coupled to the image processing apparatus 1. If the client 6 instructs the image processing apparatus 1 to send the original image data to the client 6, the data format converter 5 converts the printer image data from the device specific file format to a standard file format, and sends the converted printer image data to the client 6 via the network 7.
In this exemplary embodiment, the device specific file format includes any kind of file format previously defined by the apparatus 1. The standard file format includes any kind of file format widely used in various devices.
In another exemplary operation, the reader 2 reads an original image into original image data in a first device specific color space. The printer image generator 3 generates printer image data corresponding to the original image data in a second specific device color space. The storage device 4 stores the printer image data in the second device specific color space for future use.
If the client 6 instructs the image processing apparatus 1 to print the original image, the image processing apparatus 1 outputs the printer image data using a printer, which may be provided in the image processing apparatus 1 or coupled to the image processing apparatus 1. If the client 6 instructs the image processing apparatus 1 to send the scanned original image data to the client 6, the data format converter 5 converts the printer image data from the device specific color space to a standard color space and sends the converted printer image data to the client 6 via the network 7.
In this exemplary embodiment, the first device specific color space includes any kind of color space previously defined by the reader 2, such as a color space based on a RGB model. The second device specific color space includes any kind of color space previously defined by the printer image generator 3, such as a color space based on CMYK model. The standard color space includes any kind of color space widely used.
The image processing apparatus 1 of
As shown in
The main controller 116 includes any kind of processor capable of controlling the operation of the multifunctional apparatus 100.
The engine section includes a fax controller 111, a reader 101, a scanner image processor 102, a data compressor 103, an engine controller 110, a data expander 106, a printer image processor 107, a writing unit 108, and an image forming unit 109.
The fax controller 111 controls transmission and reception of data with other apparatus through a public line. The reader 101 reads an original image into image data. The scanner image processor 102 applies scanner image processing to the image data received from the reader 101 (e.g., scanner gamma correction, filtering, or resolution conversion). The data compressor 103 compresses the processed image data to a device specific compression format. In this exemplary embodiment, the compressed image data is sent to the printer controller section via the bus interface 115, to be stored in a HDD 105 (hard disk drive).
The data expander 106 expands the compressed image data received from the printer controller section via the bus interface 115. The printer image processor 107 applies printer image processing to the expanded image data (e.g., printer gamma correction or halftone conversion). The writing unit 108 forms a latent image according to the image data received from the printer image processor 107. The image forming unit 109 forms a toner image according to the latent image.
The engine controller 110 includes any kind of processor, such as a CPU (central processing unit), capable of controlling the engine section.
The printer controller section includes an NIC (network interface controller) 113, a printer controller 104, the HDD 105, a memory 112, and a data format converter 114.
The NIC 113 controls data communication between the multifunctional apparatus 100 and other apparatuses, such as the client 117, for example, via the network.
The memory 112 may be implemented with any kind of memory which functions as a work area for the printer controller 104. The HDD 105 may be implemented with any kind of storage device or storage medium capable of storing various data, including image data received from the engine section, job history data, or an image processing program of the present invention, for example.
If the image processing program is previously stored in the HDD 105, the printer controller 104 loads the image processing program into the memory 112 to operate based on the image processing program. Alternatively, the image processing program may be downloaded via the network.
The data format converter 114 reads out the image data from the HDD 105 and applies format conversion to the image data before sending the image data to the client 117 via the network.
The printer controller 104 may be implemented with any kind of processor, such as a CPU, capable of controlling the printer controller section.
The multifunctional apparatus 100 performs at least one of the operations of faxing, copying, printing, or scanning according to a request received from the client 117.
The faxing operation includes receiving fax data from a sender apparatus, and storing the fax data in the HDD 105 for future use. The fax controller 111 expands the received image data, which has been compressed in a sender format specific to the sender apparatus, and sends the expanded image data to the printer controller 104 via the bus interface 115. The printer controller 104 stores the expanded image data in the memory 112, and further in the HDD 105 for future use. Before storing the image data, the printer controller 104 compresses the image data in a device specific compression format specific to the multifunctional apparatus 100. Other exemplary embodiments of the faxing operation are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0263884 ('884 Patent Publication) filed on May 5, 2004, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
The copying operation includes reading an original image into image data and printing the image data as a printed image. In the reading operation, the reader 101 reads an original image into image data. The scanner image processor 102 applies scanner image processing to the image data. The data compressor 103 compresses the processed image data to a device specific compression format that is specific to the multifunctional apparatus 100. The compressed image data is sent to the printer controller 104 via the bus interface 115. The printer controller 104 stores the compressed image data in the memory 112 and further in the HDD 105.
In the printing operation, the printer controller 104 reads out the compressed image data from the HDD 105 into the memory 112, and sends the data to the data expander 106 via the bus interface 115. The data expander 106 expands the compressed image data. The printer image processor 107 applies printer image processing to the expanded image data. The processed image data is printed out as a printed image using the writing unit 108 and the image forming unit 109. Other exemplary embodiments of the copying operation are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0114172 ('172 Patent Publication) filed on Sep. 24, 2003, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
The printing operation includes printing image data, received from the client 117, as a printed image. The printer controller 104 receives image data from the client 117 and stores the data in the memory 112. At this time, the printer controller 104 preferably compresses the received image data into a device specific compression format and stores the compressed image data in the HDD 105. The image data is then printed out as a printed image using the writing unit 108 and the image forming unit 109, as described above in the copying operation.
The scanning operation includes reading an original image into image data and sending the image data to the client 117. The reading operation is similar to the reading operation described above in the copying operation. In the sending operation, the printer controller 104 reads out the image data, which has been compressed in a device specific compression format, from the HDD 105 into the memory 112. The image data is sent to the data format converter 114 via the bus interface 115. The data format converter 114 expands the compressed image data and compresses the expanded image data into a standard compression format. The compressed image data is then sent to the client 117 via the NIC 113 and the network.
Referring to
The data format converter 114 includes an expander 401 and a compressor 402. The expander 401 expands image data, which has been compressed by the data compressor 103 or the printer controller 104, and sends the expanded image data to the compressor 402. The compressor 402 compresses the expanded image data in a standard compression format.
For example, binary or multivalue image data has been compressed to a device specific compression format. The expander 401 expands the compressed image data, and sends the expanded image data to the compressor 402. The compressor 402 compresses the expanded image data in a standard compression format. For example, binary image data is compressed to MH, MR, or MMR and multivalue data is compressed to JPEG or JPEG 2000.
Referring now to
The image processor 403 applies image processing to the expanded image data received from the expander 401. Referring to
In an exemplary operation, the reader 101 reads an original image into image data at 600 dpi. The image data is stored in the HDD 105 after being processed and compressed. The compressed image data is sent to the data format converter 114 for format conversion. The expander 401 expands the compressed image data and sends the expanded image data to the image processor 403. The resolution converter 501 converts the resolution of the image data from 600 dpi to 300 dpi. The filter 502 applies filtering to the image data using a modulation transfer function, for example. The gamma processor 503 applies gamma conversion to change the density characteristics of the image data. The halftone processor 504 applies halftone processing to the image data.
The processed 300 dpi image data is then output to the compressor 402 to be converted to a standard compression format, and sent the client 117 via the NIC 113 and the network.
In addition to the above-described function, the multifunctional apparatus 100 of
In an exemplary operation, image data has been generated in a device specific file format. The data format converter 114 converts the image data from the device specific file format, such as JFIF (JPEG file interchange format), to a standard file format, such as TIFF.
Referring now to
The multifunctional apparatus 200 is substantially similar in structure to the multifunctional apparatus 100 illustrated in
In addition to the compression or file format conversion functions described above referring to
In an exemplary operation, the reader 101 reads an original color image into image data in a device specific RGB color space. The scanner image processor 102 applies scanner image processing to the image data and converts the image data from the RGB color space to a device specific CMYK color space. The data compressor 103 preferably compresses the processed image data in a device specific compression format that is specific to the apparatus 200. The compressed image data is sent to the printer controller 204 via the bus interface 115. The printer controller 204 stores the compressed image data in the memory 212. In this exemplary embodiment, the memory 212 stores each of the color components C, M, Y and K separately from one another. The printer controller 204 stores the image data in the HDD 105.
In the sending operation, the printer controller 204 reads out the compressed image data from the HDD 105 into the memory 212, and sends it to the data format converter 214 via the bus interface 115. The data format converter 214 converts the image data from the CMYK color space to a standard color space based on the RGB model, such as sRGB or LAB. The converted image data is then sent to the client 117 via the NIC 113 and the network.
The data format converter 214 of
In an exemplary operation, the reader 101 reads an original color image into image data at 600 dpi. The image data is stored in the HDD 105 after being processed and compressed. The compressed image data is sent to the data format converter 214 for conversion. The expander 401 expands the compressed image data, and sends the expanded image data to the image processor 403. The resolution converter 501 converts the resolution of the image data from 600 dpi to 300 dpi, for example. The color space converter 505 converts the image data from the CMYK color space to a standard color space. The filter 502 applies filtering to the image data by using a modulation transfer function, for example. The gamma processor 503 applies gamma conversion to change the density characteristics of the image data. The halftone processor 504 applies halftone processing to the image data. The processed 300 dpi image data is then output to the compressor 402 to be compressed into a standard compression format, and sent to the client 117 via the NIC 113 and the network.
In this exemplary embodiment, any kind of color conversion method may be applied, such as the table interpolation method disclosed in the '172 Patent Publication.
Further, the color space converter 505 may be able to convert color spaces other than the RGB or the CMYK color spaces.
For example, as illustrated in
In an exemplary operation, the reader 101 reads an original color image into image data at 600 dpi. The image data is stored in the HDD 105 after being processed and compressed. The compressed image data is sent to the data format converter 214 for conversion. The expander 401 expands the compressed image data and sends the expanded image data to the image processor 403. The resolution converter 501 converts the resolution of the image data from 600 dpi to 300 dpi, for example. The color-gray converter 506 converts the image data from the CMYK color space to a grayscale space via a RGB color space. The noise remover 507 suppresses noise in the image data. The filter 502 applies filtering to the image data by using a modulation transfer function, for example. The gamma processor 503 applies gamma conversion to change the density characteristics of the image data. The halftone processor 504 applies halftone processing to the image data. The processed 300 dpi image data is then output to the compressor 402 to be compressed into a standard compression format. After compression is complete, the data is sent to the client 117 via the NIC 113 and the network.
In this exemplary embodiment, any kind of noise suppression methods may be applied. For example, the isolated point removing method disclosed in the '884 Patent Publication may be applied.
Numerous additional modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure of this patent specification may be practiced other than those specifically described herein.
Further, in this exemplary embodiment, the multifunctional apparatus 200 reads an original color image, however, the apparatus 200 may be able to read a monochrome image and generate image data in a grayscale color space, for example.
For example, in addition to the above-described exemplary image processing operations, the image processor 403 of
Further, an image processing operation performed by the data format converter in any one of the above-described exemplary embodiments may be performed by the data compressor 103 and the data expander 106, or by the printer controller 104 or 204.
Furthermore, elements and/or features of different illustrative embodiments may be combined with each other and/or substituted for each other within the scope of this disclosure and appended claims. For example, the image processing apparatus of the present invention may perform all of the functions including the compression form at conversion, the file format conversion, and the color space conversion, or it may perform at least one of the functions.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004-080635 | Mar 2004 | JP | national |
