JP3710283B2 - Image recording device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus capable of performing a scaling process on an image to be recorded.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, the received image data is bitmap-converted (decompressed) and stored in a page memory, and the image data is read out in synchronization with the pixel clock, read out as serial image data, and plotted on a recording medium to record an image. This image recording apparatus has a function of changing the recording image to a specified magnification, and adjusts the image received by facsimile or the image to be read / copied (copied) to the size of the recording paper. Some can be recorded at an arbitrary magnification.
[0003]
As this type of image recording apparatus, the present applicant has proposed an apparatus described in JP-A-8-123957.
This image recording device is a device that bitmaps received image data or image data read by a scanner or the like, accumulates it in a page memory, and plots it as serial image data in synchronism with a pixel clock. A first counter that programmableally divides, a second counter that counts the frequency-divided clock from the first counter, and an output of the second counter is decoded and the second counter makes one round in advance. Provide a clock divider circuit with a decoder that outputs the set number of enable signals, and use the clock output from the clock divider circuit to scale and record the image at any magnification Is possible.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the image recording apparatus proposed by the present applicant, since the pixel writing start position also changes in order to change the pixel clock at the time of scaling, the writing start position must be corrected for each scaling process. There was an inconvenience that it was necessary. Therefore, there has been a problem of eliminating this inconvenience.
[0005]
Therefore, according to the present invention, by controlling the timing of adjusting the pixel clock, it is not necessary to correct the writing position of the image for each scaling process, and the image subjected to the scaling process can be easily recorded at a stable position. An object of the present invention is to provide a simple image recording apparatus.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a data control unit for converting received image data into a bitmap image and outputting it as serial image data synchronized with a pixel clock, and a scaling clock according to a specified magnification. And a clock control unit that outputs a pixel clock used by the data control unit , wherein the image recording area uses a scaling clock according to a specified magnification, and the image recording area In the other areas, the image data is written by changing to use a pixel clock at the same magnification .
[0007]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the scaling clock corresponding to the designated magnification is used only in the image (image data) recording area, and the normal area is used in other areas, that is, the area up to the image writing start position. A pixel clock at the same magnification is used. Therefore, an image subjected to the scaling process is written and recorded from a certain position.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the invention , a scaling clock is generated only in the recording area of the image, while a pixel clock at the same magnification is generated outside the recording area of the image. A timing control unit that outputs a control signal to be output to the clock control unit; the clock control unit configured to divide a high-frequency clock in a programmable manner; and a divided clock from the first counter; A specified counter, and a decoder that decodes the output of the second counter and outputs a predetermined number of enable signals while the second counter makes one round. In response to this, the setting of the first counter is changed to create a scaled clock, and the clock control unit records image data based on a control signal from the timing control unit. Except in the region of one of the setting at the time of magnification the first counter, in the region for recording the image data is characterized in that the setting corresponding to the designated magnification a first counter.
[0008]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the first counter is set at the same magnification until the image writing start position, and is set according to the designated magnification in the image recording area. Therefore, by simply switching the setting of the first counter, a scaling clock corresponding to the specified magnification is used in the image recording area, and a pixel clock at the same magnification is used in the area up to the image writing start position.
[0009]
The invention according to claim 3 has a printer controller unit connected to an external device in addition to the configuration of the invention according to claim 1 or 2, and the timing controller receives the printer controller unit from the external device. A timing signal for outputting image data is transmitted.
In the third aspect of the invention, for example, the image data of an external device such as a data processing device is not limited to the received image data by the data communication function (facsimile communication function or the like) provided in the apparatus main body or the read image data by the scanner function. Data can also be received via the printer controller unit and subjected to scaling processing as in the case of image data by the apparatus body (similar to the above-described invention). Therefore, even an image created by an external device can be written and recorded from a certain position by scaling processing.
[0010]
The invention according to claim 4 includes setting means for setting the recording start position of the image data in addition to the configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and setting of the recording start position in the setting means. It is characterized in that the value can be rewritten.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the setting value of the recording start position preset in the setting means can be rewritten from an external device or the like. Therefore, image recording can be started from an arbitrary position.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, prior to describing the features of the present invention, the image recording apparatus to which the first embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention is applied is mounted using FIG. 1 to FIG. A multifunction device capable of recording an image at an arbitrary magnification by plotting received image data and image data accumulated in this manner as serial image data in synchronization with a pixel clock will be described.
[0012]
Referring to FIG. 1, a multifunction machine 10 operates and stores a CPU 11 that controls each part of the apparatus according to a control program, a ROM 12 that stores the control program, and various information such as driving conditions and management data of each part of the apparatus. Various types of keys such as numeric keys and function keys for setting operations and commands by the operator together with a RAM 13 for storing necessary data and an LCD or LED display for displaying various information such as driving conditions, device status or input information. The operation display unit 14 provided with operation keys is connected to a communication line, and when a call is made / received, predetermined line control is performed to connect or disconnect the line, and image data and various procedure signals are modulated / demodulated. , Communication control for sending and receiving image data by controlling exchange of facsimile control signals with the destination facsimile machine Unit 15 compresses and encodes image data to be transmitted, and encodes and decodes unit 16 that decompresses and decodes received image data, and stores and stores read / received image data in units of pages. A page memory 17, a scanner 18 that photoelectrically converts the reflected light of the light irradiated on the original image, and reads image data; a recording medium based on the image data read / received on the recording paper fed by the paper feeding unit 19a The MFP 10 has a facsimile function and a copy function, and stores the received image data and the read image data stored in the page memory 17 by bitmap conversion. An image can be recorded by plotting the plotter 19 on a recording sheet as serial image data in synchronization with a predetermined pixel clock.
[0013]
For example, the plotter 19 records an image on a recording sheet by a known electrophotographic recording method, and a detailed description is omitted, but based on image data on a photosensitive member charged while being rotated. An LD (laser diode) drive unit 20 shown in FIG. 2 is driven to perform optical writing to form an electrostatic latent image, and then toner is attached to develop the toner, and the toner image is fed onto the recording paper that has been fed. The image is transferred, fixed, and discharged outside the apparatus. In the present embodiment, the plotter 19 adopting the electrophotographic recording method is described, but it goes without saying that a so-called thermal head or ink jet recording method may be used.
[0014]
The image data recording timing of the plotter 19 is controlled by the clock frequency dividing circuit 21, the plot data control unit 22 and the plotter timing control unit 23 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the clock frequency dividing circuit 21 is constructed by an oscillator 24, a register A25, a register B26, a counter A27, a counter B28, and a decoder 29. The counter A27 divides the reference high-frequency clock from the oscillator 24 by M or M-1 by the stored value M (M = integer) in the register A25. For example, the output of the decoder 29 described later is “0”. In some cases, the divided clock PCLK of M frequency division is output to the counter B28, and in the case of "1", the divided clock PCLK of M-1 frequency division is output to the counter B28. The counter B28 outputs the divided clock PCLK from the counter A27. In contrast to the N-ary counter that counts, the decoder 29 responds to the stored value K (K = integer) stored in the register B26 while the counter B28 counts the counter output CNT N times. Is output.
[0015]
With this configuration, the clock frequency dividing circuit 21 creates a pixel clock PCLK (frequency-divided clock PCLK) that is a transfer clock for image data (plot data) in accordance with the recording speed of the plotter 19, and the pixel clock PCLK. Is synchronized with a plotter line sync, which is a one-line synchronization signal for writing image data, and is output to the plot data control unit 22 and the plotter timing control unit 23. Among them, the plot data control unit 22 creates one line of image data section (image area) from the plotter line sync and the pixel clock PCLK, and stores the image data stored in the page memory 17 in synchronization with the pixel clock PCLK. After performing image processing such as read smoothing processing, it is output to the LD drive unit 20 as serial image data, and the LD drive unit 20 is caused to perform optical writing (plotting) in the image data section by light emission of the LD.
[0016]
At this time, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 3, when the frequency of the oscillator 24 is set to 30 MHz, the clock frequency dividing circuit 21 is 15 MHz, 10 MHz,. For example, if the value of the counter A27 is set to M = 6 and the value of the counter B28 is set to N = 4 by setting M = 6 in the register A25, the output of the decoder 29 is " When it is “0”, it becomes a hexadecimal counter, when it is “1”, it becomes a quinary counter, and the counter B28 becomes a quaternary counter.
[0017]
Here, when K = 0 is set in the register B26, the output DEC of the decoder 29 becomes "0" regardless of the output CNT of the counter B28, and the counter A27 continues the hex counter operation. The frequency of PCLK is 30 MHz / 6 = 5 MHz.
Assuming that K = 1 is set in the register B26, "1" is output once as DEC of the decoder 29 when CNT = 3 in one cycle of the counter B28 (4 counts of PCLK), and the counter A27 Performs a quinary counter operation when its decoder output DEC is "1". For this reason, the output of the pixel clock PCLK is a clock with an interval of 1/6 period of the oscillator 24 being 3 times and 1/5 period being 1 time. On average, (6 × 3 + 5 × 1) /4=5.75 As a result of frequency division, the average frequency is 30 MHz / 5.75 = 5.22 MHz.
[0018]
Similarly, if K = 2 is set in the register B, “1” is output twice during one cycle of the counter B28 (4 counts of PCLK) as the DEC of the decoder 29, so that the output of the pixel clock PCLK is output. Is a clock in which the 1/6 cycle is 2 times and the 1/5 cycle is 2 times, and on average it becomes a 5.5 divided clock.
Thus, according to the clock frequency dividing circuit 21, the clock of the oscillator 24 can be divided by (M · N−K) / N according to the values of M, N, and K. Note that the value of K is an integer equal to or less than N.
[0019]
Accordingly, the plotter 19 receives a command for scaling the image at a specified magnification from the operation display unit 14 or the like, and performs scaling in the main scanning direction (the scaling process in the sub-scanning direction is known). Needless to say, it is performed by a method such as a recording paper feeding speed or thinning processing.) For example, assuming that the frequency of the oscillator 24 is 30 MHz and the pixel clock PCLK at the same magnification output is 5 MHz, the clock frequency dividing circuit. By setting M = 6, N = 4, and K = 0, a 5 MHz pixel clock PCLK obtained by dividing the reference clock by 6 is generated (created) as shown in the timing chart of FIG. The serial image data (plot data) for recording the same-size image synchronized with the clock is output to the plot data control unit 22. Further, when M = 6, N = 4, and K = 2 are set in the clock frequency dividing circuit 21, 5 MHz is obtained with an average pixel clock PCLK of 5.45 MHz divided by (6 × 4-2) /4=5.5. /5.45 MHz = 0 Plot data that has been subjected to scaling processing that is reduced to 0.92 times is output. Further, when M = 7, N = 4, and K = 2 are set in the clock frequency dividing circuit 21, a scaling process for enlarging to 5 MHz / 4.62 MHz = 1.08 times with an average pixel clock PCLK of 4.62 MHz. The applied plot data is output.
[0020]
However, the plotter 19 determines the writing start position of the image data based on the set value in the RAM (setting means) 13, and counts the pixel clock PCLK in the plotter timing control unit 23 to thereby store the image data in the RAM 13. Writing of image data is started when the count value corresponding to the set value is reached. For this reason, in the clock frequency dividing circuit 21, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 4, when the pixel clock PCLK is changed, the interval from the plotter line sync to the start position of the image data is set to the interval A at the same magnification. On the other hand, when the pixel clock PCLK is changed, it is shortened at the time of reduction and is changed to the interval B, and is increased at the time of enlargement to the interval C. For this reason, in order to start writing image data from the same position as when the image is scaled, the counter value must be corrected according to the magnification.
[0021]
Next, a first embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams showing an example in which the first embodiment is applied to the image recording apparatus of the multifunction machine 10 described above, and this embodiment corresponds to the inventions described in claims 1 and 2. In the present embodiment, the same components as those of the image recording apparatus described above with reference to FIGS.
[0022]
In FIG. 5, the plotter 19 controls the recording timing of image data by a clock divider circuit (clock controller) 31, plot data controller 22 and plotter timing controller 33. In addition to the oscillator 24, the register A25, the register B26, the counter A (first counter) 27, the counter B (second counter) 28, and the decoder 29, a register C35 is added. The value of M used by A27 can be changed.
[0023]
Similarly to the register A25, the register C35 can store the value M used by the counter A27 for determining the frequency division ratio, and the register A25 determines the frequency division ratio at the time of scaling described above. Whereas the value of M1 is set, the value of M2 for determining the division ratio at the time of equal magnification is set in the register C35 when the equal magnification is designated.
The plotter timing control unit 33 creates an enable signal (DATAEN) while outputting the image data, and reads the M value from the register A25 or the register C35 at the timing of starting and ending the writing of the image data. An M load signal (MLOAD) is generated and output to the counter A27, and DATAEN of them is ANDed with the DEC of the decoder 29 and output to the counter A27.
[0024]
Therefore, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 6, when the plotter line sync is input, the clock frequency dividing circuit 31 loads the value M2 of the register C35 into the counter A27 (already loaded by MLOAD at the end of the previous writing). A27 operates at M = M2, and while DATAEN is “0”, even if DEC “1” is output from the decoder 29, the counter A27 operates as an M binary counter, thereby creating a pixel clock PCLK at the same magnification. -Output is possible. At this time, the plotter timing control unit 33 counts the pixel clock PCLK, so that the interval D from the plotter line sync to the start position of the image data is the same as the interval A at the same magnification. Writing of image data can be started at the writing start position.
[0025]
When the image data start position is reached, the value M1 of the register A25 is loaded into the counter A27 by MLOAD at the start of writing, and the counter A27 is operated at M = M1. DEC “1” is also enabled, and the counter A27 can operate at 1 / M1 or 1 / (M1-1), and can output the pixel clock PCLK corresponding to the designated magnification.
[0026]
Further, when the image data section is completed, the value M2 of the register C35 is loaded again into the counter A27 by MLOAD at the end of writing, and the pixel clock PCLK at the same magnification can be generated and output by operating at M = M2.
As a result, a pixel clock whose frequency is changed only when image data is output in one line can be generated, and an image that has been subjected to scaling processing from the same position as that at the same magnification is written and recorded by the plot data control unit 22 and the LD drive unit 20. Is done.
[0027]
As described above, in the present embodiment, a scaling clock corresponding to the specified magnification is used in the image recording area, while a pixel clock at the same magnification is used in the area up to the writing start position of the image and the area after the writing ends. Thus, the image data can be written. Therefore, with a simple configuration that adjusts the pixel clock, an image subjected to the scaling process can be stably and easily recorded at the same position as that at the same magnification.
[0028]
Next, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are views showing a second embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention, and this embodiment corresponds to the invention described in claims 3 and 4. Since this embodiment is an example applied to the image recording apparatus of the multifunction machine 10 as in the first embodiment described above, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations using FIG. 5 and FIG. A feature portion will be described below.
[0029]
7 and 8, the multifunction machine 10 includes an external CPU in addition to the CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, operation display unit 14, communication control unit 15, encoding / decoding unit 16, page memory 17, scanner 18, and plotter 19. As a device, a PC (data processing device) 100 is connected and a PCI / F 41 for exchanging data is provided. The PCI / F 41 uses the MFP 10 as a printer device from the PC 100 in addition to the facsimile function and the copy function. It also functions as a printer controller that realizes the above.
[0030]
The PCI / F 41 converts the character data sent following the print request from the PC 100 into a bitmap and stores it in an internal page memory (not shown). The plotter timing control unit 33 receives the data from the PC 100. Creates plot timing signals such as printer line sync, which is a synchronization signal for the start of one line in response to a print request, LGATE which indicates the effective width of one line, FGATE which indicates the effective period of page writing, and WCLK which is the image data transfer clock. And output to PCI / F41.
[0031]
The plotter timing control unit 33 sets the magnification specified by the PC 100 or the operation display unit 14 at the time of a print request in addition to the pixel clock PCLK generated at the same magnification as the clock frequency dividing circuit 31 as the image data transfer clock (WCLK). The corresponding pixel clock PCLK is generated in the image data section and is output to the PCI / F 41. The PCI / F 41 accumulates in the page memory in accordance with the plot timing signal sent from the plotter timing control unit 33. Print image data (WDATA) is output to the plot data control unit 22, and the plot data control unit 22 outputs the image data as plot data to the LD drive unit 20 to emit light and write (plot) the LD.
[0032]
Further, the multifunction machine 10 can receive an instruction from the PC 100 via the PCI / F 41, and the CPU 11 can rewrite the setting value for determining the image data writing start position in the RAM 13 in accordance with the input from the PC 100. Needless to say, it is preferable that the resist adjustment in the sub-scanning direction can be performed. The set value in the RAM 13 may be configured to be rewritable also from the operation display unit 14.
[0033]
As described above, in this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the above-described embodiment, the scaling process can be performed on a printer image such as a document created by the PC 100, and at the same position as that at the same magnification, You can start writing.
Further, by rewriting the setting value in the RAM 13 from the PC 100, it is possible to arbitrarily set registration adjustment in the main scanning direction of the printer image created by the PC 100, and to record the print image at an arbitrary position.
[0034]
In this embodiment, the PCI / F 41 is configured as a printer controller unit. However, the PCI / F 41 is configured as an interface unit for exchanging data so that the CPU 11, the page memory 17, and the like function as a printer controller unit. It goes without saying.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the image recording area uses a scaling clock according to the specified magnification, while the area up to the image writing start position uses a pixel clock at the same magnification to convert received image data. Can write. Therefore, it is possible to easily record the image subjected to the scaling process at a stable position. Also, by making the set value of the image recording start position rewritable, the image can be recorded at an arbitrary position.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a multifunction peripheral to which a first embodiment of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention is applied, and a block diagram illustrating a schematic overall configuration thereof.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part.
FIG. 3 is a timing chart illustrating a pixel clock during the scaling process.
FIG. 4 is a timing chart illustrating image recording during the scaling process.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a multifunction machine to which the first embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention is applied, and is a block diagram showing a main part configuration thereof.
FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining image recording during the scaling process.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a multifunction machine to which the first embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention is applied, and is a block diagram showing a schematic overall configuration thereof.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 MFP
11 CPU
13 RAM (setting means)
14 Operation display
15 Communication control unit
17 page memory
18 Scanner
19 Plotter (image recording device)
22 Plot data control unit
24 oscillator
25 Register A
26 Register B
27 Counter A (first counter)
28 Counter B (second counter)
29 Decoder
31 Clock divider (clock controller)
33 Plotter timing controller
35 Register C
41 PCI / F (Printer Controller)

Claims (4)

A data control unit that converts the received image data into a bitmap and outputs it as serial image data synchronized with the pixel clock;
A clock control unit that creates a scaling clock according to a specified magnification and outputs it as a pixel clock used by the data control unit, and an image recording apparatus comprising:
The image data is written by changing to use a scaling clock corresponding to a specified magnification in an image recording area and using a pixel clock at the same magnification in an area other than the image recording area. Image recording device. A timing control unit that outputs a control signal for outputting a pixel clock at the same magnification in a region other than the image recording region while generating a scaling clock only in the image recording region;
The clock control unit decodes an output of a first counter that programmably divides a high-frequency clock, a second counter that counts a divided clock from the first counter, and an output of the second counter. A decoder that outputs a predetermined number of enable signals during one round of the second counter, and changes the setting of the first counter according to the specified magnification and creates a scaling clock ,
Based on a control signal from the timing control unit, the clock control unit sets the first counter to the same magnification setting in a region other than the region where image data is recorded, while the first counter is used in the region where image data is recorded. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting is set in accordance with a designated magnification. A printer controller connected to an external device;
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the timing control unit sends a timing signal that causes the printer controller unit to output image data received from an external device. Setting means for setting the recording start position of image data,
4. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting value of the recording start position in the setting means is configured to be rewritable.

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