JP3495398B2 - Color digital MFP - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of digital devices that handle color images, and more particularly to a color digital multi-function peripheral having a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the reduction of the installation space of office automation equipment in offices, the miniaturization of various devices, and the development of digital image technology, digital equipment has become multifunctional, and a copy function, a facsimile function, and a printer function have been developed. A color digital multi-function peripheral having such features has been developed and is becoming popular.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional color digital multi-function peripheral, in communication between systems that handle images such as a facsimile function, if a communication line is secured and communication is not actually started, the other parties will not be able to communicate with each other. I cannot know what kind of ability the system has. Even if the recipient's system is known, the sender can only confirm any original. Therefore, the image communication is in a situation where the sending side is left untouched. For example, the receiving side image output device is not limited to recording with ink or recording with toner. There is a problem that image data that has undergone various corrections is not exchanged.

Further, for example, when the receiving destination color digital multi-function peripheral has a single system configuration, an abnormality occurs in the image reading device, which is a part of the system, and when the device is replaced, there is a problem if the device has exactly the same characteristics as before. Although there is no change, in the case of a device whose specifications are changed, the characteristics of the device may differ, but without considering these, the image data is corrected and the facsimile function is used for communication. However, there is a problem that the image data cannot be exchanged.

In particular, when a color digital multi-function peripheral is constructed by combining individual devices, it is easy to change each device, unlike the case of a single system, and the characteristics and capabilities of each device are changed every time the device is replaced. Because you need to know
It was even more difficult to ensure optimal correction.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is an object of the present invention to enable transmission of image data that has been optimally corrected according to the capability of the receiver.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a color digital multi-function peripheral having a facsimile function, in which the connection status of each device constituting the color digital multi-function peripheral system and the image of each device . Each regarding processing
Storage means for storing system parameters including seed correction information, and various correction information relating to the connection status of each device constituting the color digital multi-function peripheral system and image processing of each device.
A color digital multi-function peripheral comprising registration means for registering information as system parameters in the storage means, and control means for transmitting and receiving the system parameters stored in the storage means prior to facsimile communication. It is provided.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a color digital multi-function peripheral having a facsimile function, which is composed of a connection status of each device constituting the color digital multi-function peripheral system and a parameter unique to each device. A storage means for storing parameters, a registration means for registering the connection status of each device constituting the color digital multi-function peripheral system and parameters unique to each device in the storage means as system parameters, and a system from the transmitting side Rejection setting means for setting that the transmission of the system parameter is rejected in response to the parameter request, and when there is a system parameter request from the transmitting side, the memory is stored based on the setting contents of the rejection setting means. Sends the system parameter transmission or transmission refusal code stored in the means. It is to provide a color digital MFP and a control unit.

The control means temporarily suspends the communication function when the registration is performed through the registration means.

Further, the system parameters include at least information indicating the features of the device such as a device name and a device number, and parameters relating to correction such as a color correction parameter of the device.

Further, the control means, after exchanging the system parameters, temporarily cuts off the communication, and after completing the image correction, transmits the corrected image again to the communication partner.

In addition to the image correction, the communication means is
It is intended to provide the receiving side with a numerical value derived by the correction.

[0013]

The color digital multi-function peripheral according to the present invention is a system including various correction information relating to the connection status of each device constituting the color digital multi-function peripheral system and image processing of each device.
By registering the parameters and transmitting / receiving the system parameters prior to the facsimile communication, the capability of the receiver is grasped and the optimum correction according to the capability of the receiver is performed.

The color digital multi-function peripheral of the present invention is
When there is a system parameter request from the sender,
Based on the setting contents of the refusal setting means, by transmitting the system parameter or notifying the transmission refusal code, the security of the receiving side is protected.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the color digital multi-function peripheral of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a system block diagram of the color digital multi-function peripheral of this embodiment. A color digital multi-function peripheral means a system equipped with a conventional digital color copying machine, such as a color facsimile or a mass storage device, with a communication function. Here, the outline of the system of FIG. 1 will be described. An image reading device 101 for taking in an image as digital data, such as a scanner, is provided on a system bus 100 for transferring control signals and image data.
And an image output device 102 for outputting an image on a recording paper such as a paper or an OHP sheet, an image display device 103 for displaying and confirming an image such as a monitor, a storage device 104 such as a hard disk or a magneto-optical disk, and a device Operation / input device 105 for inputting and displaying processing instructions / settings to
A control device 106 for controlling each device, an image processing device 107 for processing / editing digital image data, a code /
An external I / F 1 for connecting an external device such as a computer with a communication device 108 that is responsible for connection with a communication network such as decryption.
09 are connected.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. Here, let us consider a case where communication is performed with another system, for example, when the color digital multi-function peripheral of this embodiment in FIG. 1 is set as system A (transmission side). As for the configuration of the system B on the receiving side, various situations occur such as when the configuration / device is exactly the same as the transmitting side, the configuration is the same but the device is different, the configurations / devices are different, and as a result It is not possible to know the other party's situation between specific systems unless the two are connected.

System A and image display device 1 at initial configuration
03 was a display with a general resolution, but there will also be a need to add a display RAM and connect a high-resolution display in order to improve the display capability. When such devices are added, removed, or changed, the connection status of each device that constitutes the system (hereinafter,
It is necessary to newly register connection management information) and device information (hereinafter, device parameter) (hereinafter, information including connection management information and device parameter will be referred to as system parameters). This setting is done manually at the time of initial setting or when the device is changed.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of a system parameter registration process. The system parameter registration is performed by the operation / input device 1 under the control of the control device 106.
It is assumed that the information is registered via 05, and the registered information is stored in a memory (not shown) in the image processing apparatus 107.
The storage location is the storage device 104, the control device 106,
There is no particular problem as long as it is within the system such as the image processing device 107.

When the system parameter registration is selected via the operation / input device 105, the control device 106
Executes the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether the image reading device 101 is connected (S20).
1) If the image reading device 101 is connected,
Device parameters of the image reading device 101 are input via the operation / input device 105 (S202). Next, it is determined whether or not the image output device 102 is connected (S20
3), when the image output device 102 is connected,
Device parameters of the image output device 102 are input via the operation / input device 105 (S204). Similarly, it is determined whether or not the image display device 103 is connected (S2
05), if the image display device 103 is connected, the image display device 103 is operated via the operation / input device 105.
Device parameters are input (S206). continue,
Based on the results of steps S201 to S206 above,
The connection management information is registered (S207), the device parameters are registered (S208), and the process ends.

In the present embodiment, the registered information will be described as being collectively managed and stored in the memory in the image processing apparatus 107. Then, as shown in FIG.
When the parameter request is output, the control device 106 on the receiving side sends the system parameters stored in the image processing device 107.

In this embodiment, the registered information is collectively managed and stored in the memory of the image processing apparatus 107. However, for example, among the registered information (system parameters), At least the connection management information is managed collectively, but other information is distributed and stored in each device. Then, when transmitting the system parameters, as shown in FIG. 4, the control device 106 issues another information output request between the respective devices based on the connection management information stored in the image processing device 107. , System parameters are sent together. As shown in Fig. 4, once assembled and sent,
There is also a method of sending the entire device.

Further, it is possible to switch the permission / rejection permission setting for sending / not sending the device parameter to the system parameter request in advance via the operation / input device 105. As a result of this switching, as shown in FIG. 5, when there is a system parameter request, the permission setting is referred to, and in the case of the rejection setting, instead of the output (transmission) of the system parameter, the rejection code is set. Generate and send. Therefore, it is possible to protect the confidentiality of the receiving side, such as the configuration and characteristics of each device owned by the user, the manufacturer itself is confidential, or the device cannot be made public because it is being tested.

Next, the setting process of the timing for registering and confirming the system parameters will be described. There is no problem if the combination of devices does not change from the initial setting. However, if you accidentally change the connection with a device that happened to occur and you forget to register the device, the previous system will correct it, so you can obtain a suitable image. I can't. Therefore, in order to always grasp the current system status and perform the optimum processing for that system, the timing for registering and confirming the system parameters is set, and for example, every fixed time, during communication, and connection change. Sometimes it will automatically check.

FIG. 6 shows a registration timing setting process, in which registration is selected via the operation / input device 105 (1: after a fixed time, interval time setting, 2: during transmission / reception communication, 3: during connection change). I do. For example, when the fixed time interval is selected, the interval time is input and the interval time is set in the timer in the system.

When the registration timing is determined by the setting of FIG. 6, registration confirmation is executed according to the flowchart of FIG. First, the connection management information of the system parameters is fetched (S701), and the connection status of each device is determined based on the connection management information.

It is determined whether the image reading device 101 is connected (S702). If the image reading device 101 is connected, it is determined whether the device name and the device number match (S703), and the two match. If not, a registration request is made (S704). In this registration request, the fact is notified by an alarm or a display prompting registration. Next, the device parameters of the image reading device 101 are input via the operation / input device 105 (S705). Hereinafter, similarly, S706 to S7
In S09, the processing for the image output device 102 is performed, and S71
The process for the image display device 103 is performed in 0 to S713.

Subsequently, the above steps S702 to S71 are performed.
Based on the result of No. 3, the device parameter is re-registered (S714), and the process ends.

In this embodiment, the transmission / reception function is temporarily stopped when the registration confirmation process of FIG. 7 is being executed. FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the transmission / reception stop processing,
It is determined whether or not to confirm the registration (S801). If the registration is confirmed, the transmission / reception function is temporarily stopped (S802),
The registration confirmation process of FIG. 7 is executed (S803), and when the registration is completed (S804), the transmission / reception function is restarted (S80).
5). By not accepting communication while registering the parameters for obtaining the optimum image, it is possible to reliably execute system changes.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a concrete example of system parameters. The system parameters are composed of at least information (= connection management information) that describes the features of the device itself, such as device name, device number, and capability, and various correction information (= device parameters) related to image processing of the device.
The device parameters consist of correction parameters and virtual device parameters, and the correction parameters are color correction parameters, conversion parameters, LUT table data, and the like.
Further, the virtual device parameter means a parameter that gives a system capable of simulating a color as if it were output by itself with respect to a certain input.

By setting the system parameters as described above, the device name and number can be reliably and
Whether or not the device is connected can be automatically determined, and by registering parameters unique to the device such as color correction parameters, a virtual system can be constructed with these parameters.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, an optimum image data correction method by receiving system parameters will be described, taking the case of recording sheet-to-recording sheet on both the sending and receiving sides as an example. The sending side receives the system parameters of the receiving side, the sending side constructs a virtual output system of the receiving side, performs color correction for the original document, and sends again. The only one between the two
An optimal image for the receiving side is formed on the transmitting side where the original can be known.

Sending side: An arbitrary document is the image reading device 10
The data Ri Gi Bi read in 1 is read correction CC
After s, it becomes R0 G0 B0 and is displayed on the image display device 103. This R0 G0 B0 data is converted into X0 Y0 Z0 by a 3 × 3 matrix aij calculation, and further converted into L0 a0 b0 by a conversion function f. The matrix aij may adopt standardized numerical values. Conversion formula f is XYZ vs. CIELAB
It is an expression that is publicly defined in terms of color as a transformation. Since the standard signal for communication is assumed to be XYZ, the cut end of each block is also XYZ.

Sending side: System parameters from the receiving side are used to perform the processing related to. This part enables simulation of virtual devices.
The device parameter sent by the receiving side is the data within the rectangular frame. The contents of the simulation on the receiving side executed on the transmitting side are shown below. Originally, the image signal X0 Y0 Z0 to be communicated is corrected by the correction CCp for the image output device 102 to obtain the monochromatic reflectance c0 m.
Convert to 0 y0 (here, the image output device 102 is assumed to be a three-color system, and four colors are also possible). The data is set to c1 m1 y1 by γ correction in order to guarantee the gray of the output, and the parameter V. D. By
The L1 a1 b1 that would be output at the receiver is determined. The result is set to X1 Y1 Z1 contrary to the known formula g, converted to R1 G1 B1 by the inverse matrix bij of aij, and R0
The image is displayed on the image display device 103 together with the G0 B0 image.

The correction parameter on the transmitting side to be finally obtained is the color difference ΔE between L0 a0 b0 and L1 a1 b1 of
= Sqrt ((L0-L1) * (L0-L1) + (a0
-A1) * (a0-a1) + (b0-b1) * (b0-
b1)) is minimized so that R0 G0 B0, R1 G1
Correct between B1 and calculate CCt. When the color correction parameter CCt can be calculated, the process proceeds to the image transmission process.

Sending side: A process including the calculated color correction parameter CCt corresponding to the receiving side is added to, and X0 Y0 Z
Form 0. Receiving side: Outputs the received X0 Y0 Z0 data in a configuration for actually outputting. The last LUT is table data for converting the monochromatic reflectance into the output value of the image output device 102.

Between the two devices capable of realizing the correction method shown in FIG.
An example of switching between image communication based on parameters (hereinafter referred to as correction mode) will be described. FIG. 11 is described by taking the collective management of FIG. 3 as an example. Further, the flow up to image communication, which is omitted in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, is also added. It should be noted that the priority of the rejection code is naturally high in the correction mode and the rejection code on the receiving side.

As shown in the figure, the transmitting side outputs a system parameter request to the receiving side when the correction mode is set, and when the correction mode is not set,
The image transmission process is executed without outputting the system parameter request. Since the correction mode can be switched, it is effective in a situation where, for example, the nuance of the image itself needs to be known rather than the faithful image, or the image is an image that is urgently required.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a case where pre-communication for passing parameters is performed before image communication. As shown in the figure, before image communication, pre-communication for passing parameters is performed, and the communication destination at this time is stored.
After that, the line is once disconnected, and after the sending side completes the correction to the receiving side, the stored destination is prepared for retransmission and the corrected image is transmitted. To execute the correction calculation after receiving the system parameters depends on the processing unit capacity that is in charge of the correction calculation. Therefore, some may have high-speed processing capability that does not burden the sending and receiving sides, and vice versa. In such a case, occupying the line between the two during the correction time will not only make the most of the assets, but also the costs will not be ridiculous. So, disconnect the line,
Waste during this period can be eliminated.

FIG. 13 shows an example in which a color correction report such as the average color difference which is the color correction result is transmitted together with the corrected image, and the color correction report such as the average color difference which is the color correction result is transmitted together with the corrected image. Is also transmitted and used as the color correction reliability information regarding the corrected image at the receiver. This data is added when the above-mentioned correction mode is set. On the receiving side,
By capturing the fidelity of the output image numerically,
It can be used as a measure of image reliability.

[0041]

As described above, in the color digital multi-function peripheral of the present invention, in the color digital multi-function peripheral having the facsimile function, the connection status of each device constituting the color digital multi-function peripheral system and the image processing of each device . Regarding
Storage means for storing system parameters including various types of correction information, and various corrections relating to the connection status of each device constituting the color digital multi-function peripheral system and image processing of each device
Registration means for registering information in the storage means as system parameters, and prior to facsimile communication,
Since it is provided with the control means for transmitting and receiving the system parameters stored in the storage means, it is possible to transmit the image data which is optimally corrected according to the capability of the receiver.

The color digital multi-function peripheral of the present invention is
In a color digital multi-function peripheral with a facsimile function, a system consisting of the connection status of each device that constitutes the color digital multi-function peripheral system and parameters unique to each device.
Storage means for storing parameters, registration means for registering the connection status of each device constituting the color digital multi-function peripheral system and parameters unique to each device in the storage means as system parameters, and a system from the transmission side.
In response to a parameter request, a refusal setting means for refusing the transmission of the system parameter, and when there is a system parameter request from the transmitting side, the storage means is based on the setting contents of the refusal setting means. Since it is provided with the control means for transmitting the system parameters stored in or storing the transmission refusal code, it is possible to transmit the image data that is optimally corrected according to the capability of the receiver.
In addition, if the configuration and characteristics of each device owned by the user, the manufacturer itself is confidential, or if it cannot be made public because it is being tested, it is possible to protect the confidentiality of the receiving side.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system block diagram of a color digital multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a system parameter registration process.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing transmission / reception of system parameters during collective management according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of transmission / reception of system parameters.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a process when refusing transmission of a system parameter.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a registration timing setting process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of registration confirmation processing.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of transmission / reception stop processing.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of system parameters.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an optimum image data correction method by receiving system parameters, taking a case of recording paper-to-recording paper on both the sending and receiving sides as an example.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of switching between normal image communication and image communication based on system parameters on the transmission side.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a case where pre-communication for delivery of parameters is performed before image communication.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of transmitting a color correction report such as an average color difference as a color correction result together with the corrected image.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 system bus 101 image reading device 102 image output device 103 image display device 104 storage device 105 Operation / input device 106 control device 107 image processing apparatus 108 communication device 109 External I / F

Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI H04N 1/60 H04N 1/46

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. In a color digital multi-function peripheral having a facsimile function, the connection status of each device constituting the color digital multi-function peripheral system and the image processing of each device
Storage means for storing system parameters including seed correction information, and various correction information relating to the connection status of each device constituting the color digital multi-function peripheral system and image processing of each device.
Registration means for registering information as system parameters in the storage means, and control means for transmitting and receiving the system parameters stored in the storage means prior to facsimile communication. Color digital multifunction device. 2. A color digital multi-function peripheral having a facsimile function, and a storage means for storing a connection condition of each device constituting the color digital multi-function peripheral system and system parameters including parameters unique to each device, and a color digital multi-function peripheral. Means for registering the connection status of each device and the parameters peculiar to each device in the storage means as a system parameter in the storage system, and transmitting the system parameter in response to the system parameter request from the transmitting side. And a rejection setting means for setting a refusal of the system parameter, and when a system parameter request is made from the transmitting side, based on the setting content of the rejection setting means, transmission of the system parameter stored in the storage means or Color having control means for notifying a transmission refusal code Digital multifunction device. 3. The color digital multi-function peripheral according to claim 1, wherein the control means suspends the communication function when the registration is performed through the registration means. 4. The system parameter includes at least information indicating a device feature such as a device name and a device number,
3. The color digital multi-function peripheral according to claim 1, further comprising a correction parameter such as a color correction parameter of the apparatus. 5. The control means temporarily disconnects communication after exchanging system parameters, and after completion of image correction,
3. The color digital multi-function peripheral according to claim 1, wherein the corrected image is transmitted again to the communication partner. 6. The color digital multi-function peripheral according to claim 5, wherein the communication unit provides the receiving side with a numerical value derived by the correction, in addition to the image correction.