JP5776224B2 - Image processing apparatus, fluid ejection apparatus, image processing method and program thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing device, a fluid ejection device, an image processing method, and a program thereof.

  Conventionally, as an image processing apparatus, when transferring white line data to a recording unit, a first transfer process that is transferred when all the continuous white line expansion processes are completed, and all of the continuous white lines are transferred. It has been proposed to speed up the apparent printing process by switching the second transfer process that sequentially transfers to the recording unit for each plurality of lines without waiting for the expansion process depending on the difference in the image compression method. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-16440

  However, in the apparatus of Patent Document 1, when white lines are continuous, line skip is not transferred to the recording unit for each line, and expansion processing is performed until a line including effective pixels is found or the end of the image is found. Continuing, when the number of continuous white lines is confirmed, the number of white lines is specified in a batch and the line skip is transferred to speed up the apparent printing process. There was a need to increase the speed.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and has as its main object to provide an image processing device, a fluid ejection device, an image processing method, and a program thereof that can further increase the speed of data conversion processing. To do.

  The present invention adopts the following means in order to achieve the main object described above.

The image processing apparatus of the present invention
Storage means for storing data;
Invalid information-set image data in which predetermined invalid information is associated with pixels at the boundary between continuous colored pixels and continuous white pixels included in the image data and the first pixel of the pixel row that is all white pixels Data generation means for generating;
While acquiring the pixel for each pixel row from the invalid information set image data, and converting the acquired pixel value into a pixel value of fluid ejection data used by a fluid ejection device that ejects fluid onto a medium, Data acquisition and conversion means for omitting the conversion of pixel values of continuous white pixels adjacent to pixels associated with the invalid information when the invalid information is associated with the acquired pixels;
Storage processing means for storing the pixel value of the fluid ejection data after conversion in the storage means;
It is equipped with.

  In this image processing apparatus, invalidity in which predetermined invalid information is associated with a pixel at a boundary between a continuous colored pixel and a continuous white pixel in a pixel row included in image data and a frontmost pixel in a pixel row that is all white pixels. Information set image data is generated. Next, a pixel is acquired for each pixel row from the invalid information set image data, and the acquired pixel value is converted into the pixel value of the fluid ejection data, while invalid information is associated with the acquired pixel, The conversion of the pixel value of the continuous white pixel adjacent to the pixel associated with the invalid information is omitted. Then, the pixel value of the converted fluid ejection data is stored in the storage means. Thus, data conversion processing is omitted for pixel rows including colored pixels in addition to white pixel rows. Therefore, the speed of the data conversion process can be further increased. Here, the “predetermined invalid information” may be a predetermined flag value, for example. Further, the “colored pixel” may be a chromatic pixel, an achromatic pixel, or a pixel excluding white, colorless, or transparent color. The “white pixel” may include a white pixel, a colorless pixel, and a transparent pixel. Further, the “pixel at the boundary between the colored pixel and the white pixel” is not particularly limited as long as the switching position between the colored pixel and the white pixel can be determined, and may be, for example, a colored pixel adjacent to the white pixel, It is good also as a white pixel adjacent to a colored pixel. That is, the “pixel at the boundary between the colored pixel and the white pixel” may be at least one of the colored pixel positioned at the boundary and the white pixel positioned at the boundary.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the data acquisition conversion unit includes a pixel value acquisition unit that acquires the pixel for each pixel row from the invalid information-set image data, and the pixel output from the pixel value acquisition unit. Conversion means for converting values into pixel values of the fluid ejection data, wherein the data acquisition conversion means outputs the acquired pixel values to the conversion means while the pixel value acquisition means outputs the acquisition When the invalid information is associated with the invalid pixel, the pixel value acquisition unit omits the output of the pixel value of the continuous white pixel adjacent to the pixel associated with the invalid information to the conversion unit. Thus, the conversion of the pixel value of the white pixel may be omitted. By doing so, the conversion process can be omitted by omitting the output of the pixel value, so that the data conversion process can be speeded up while further simplifying the process.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the data generation means includes an invalid information set image in which predetermined invalid information is associated with a pixel at a boundary between the last colored pixel and a white pixel of a pixel row included in the image data. When the invalid information is associated with the acquired pixel, the data acquisition / conversion unit omits conversion of the pixel value of the pixel row after the pixel associated with the invalid information. It is good also as what to do. By doing so, the data conversion process can be omitted for the white pixel after the last colored pixel in the pixel row, and the data conversion process can be further speeded up.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the storage processing unit acquires the number of pixels from which the data acquisition conversion unit has omitted conversion, and uses the acquired number of blank pixels as pixels of the pixel row to the storage unit. It may be memorized. By so doing, it is possible to add white pixels that have not been converted to the fluid ejection data relatively easily, and it is easier to speed up the data conversion process. Here, the “blank pixel” may include a transparent pixel and a white pixel in addition to a colorless pixel.

  In the image processing device according to the aspect of the invention, the data generation unit may include invalid information-set image data in which the invalid information is associated with a pixel at a boundary between a white pixel in a pixel row and a previous colored pixel included in the image data. The data acquisition conversion unit generates and omits conversion of the pixel value of the pixel row until the pixel associated with the invalid information is acquired from the first pixel of the pixel row of the invalid information-set image data. It may be a thing. In this way, data conversion processing can be omitted for white pixels from the first pixel to pixels associated with invalid information, and the data conversion processing can be further speeded up.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the data generation unit may be a pixel at a boundary between the colored pixel and the white pixel that exists between the foremost colored pixel and the last colored pixel of the pixel row included in the image data. And invalid information-set image data in which the invalid information is associated with the pixel at the boundary between the white pixel and the color pixel, and the data acquisition conversion unit is configured to generate the first color pixel and the last color pixel. After obtaining the pixel associated with the invalid information existing in between, the conversion of the pixel value of the pixel row may be omitted until the next pixel associated with the invalid information is obtained. . In this way, the data conversion process can be omitted for the white pixel existing between the foremost color pixel and the last color pixel in the pixel row, and the data conversion process can be further speeded up.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the data acquisition conversion unit includes the pixels in the pixel row, wherein the invalid information is associated with the foremost colored pixel or the pixel existing between the foremost colored pixel and the last colored pixel. Counting the number of pixels from which value conversion has been omitted, the storage processing means acquires the counted number of pixels, and stores the blank pixels of the counted number of pixels as pixels in the pixel row in the storage means It is good. By so doing, it is possible to add white pixels that have not been converted to the fluid ejection data relatively easily, and it is easier to speed up the data conversion process.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the data generation means converts the first format image data to the second format image data, and associates the invalid information with the border pixels to set the invalid information set image. Data may be generated. In this way, invalid information can be associated with a pixel in accordance with the format conversion of the image data, so that invalid information can be associated with a pixel relatively easily. Here, the “first-format image data” may be, for example, read image data read by an image reading device or compressed image data such as JPEG image data. The image data in the second format may be display image data such as RGB image data or PDF image data. The “invalid information set image data” may be, for example, xRGB image data.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the storage processing unit stores the last pixel value of the pixel row in the storage unit, outputs predetermined invalid end information to the data acquisition conversion unit, and acquires the data acquisition The conversion unit may acquire the pixels of the next pixel row from the invalid information-set image data after acquiring the invalid end information from the storage processing unit. In this way, it is possible to easily synchronize the acquisition of the pixel value and the output of the pixel value after the conversion process, and it is easier to increase the speed of the data conversion process.

  A fluid ejection device according to the present invention includes the image processing device according to any one of the above and a ejection unit that ejects a fluid onto a medium based on the fluid ejection data from the image processing device. It is. When image data conversion or fluid discharge data conversion is performed by the fluid discharge device, data conversion processing may be performed without distinguishing between colored pixels and white pixels, and this data conversion is speeded up. be able to.

The image processing method of the present invention includes:
An image processing method executed by an image processing apparatus provided with storage means for storing data,
(A) Invalid information set in which predetermined invalid information is associated with a pixel at the boundary between a continuous colored pixel and a continuous white pixel in the pixel row included in the image data and the first pixel in the pixel row that is all white pixels Generating image data; and
(B) Acquiring the pixels for each pixel row from the invalid information-set image data, and converting the acquired pixel values into pixel values of fluid ejection data used by a fluid ejection device that ejects fluid onto a medium. On the other hand, when the invalid information is associated with the acquired pixel, omitting the conversion of the pixel values of consecutive white pixels adjacent to the pixel associated with the invalid information;
(C) storing the pixel value of the fluid ejection data after conversion in the storage means;
Is included.

  In this image processing method, as in the above-described image processing apparatus, data conversion processing is omitted for pixel rows including colored pixels in addition to white pixel rows, so that the speed of the data conversion processing can be further increased. . In this image processing method, various aspects of the above-described image processing apparatus may be adopted, and steps for realizing each function of the above-described image processing apparatus may be added.

  The program of the present invention is for causing one or more computers to realize each step of the above-described image processing method. This program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (for example, hard disk, ROM, FD, CD, DVD, etc.) or from a computer via a transmission medium (communication network such as the Internet or LAN). It may be distributed to another computer, or may be exchanged in any other form. If this program is executed by a single computer or if each step is shared and executed by a plurality of computers, each step of the above-described image processing method is executed, so that the same effect as the control method can be obtained. It is done.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a printer system. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an image conversion unit 56; FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an image processing unit 60. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image generation flag setting processing routine. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of xRGB data 70. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a pixel row 76 of xRGB data 70. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a print data generation processing routine. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of a data conversion process. Explanatory drawing of an example of the pixel row 76 of xRGB data 70B. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of another print data generation processing routine. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of another data conversion process. Explanatory drawing of an example of the pixel row 76 of xRGB data 70C. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of another print data generation processing routine. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of another data conversion process.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a printer system 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the image conversion unit 56. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the image processing unit 60. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer system 10 of the present embodiment ejects ink as a fluid onto a personal computer (PC) 11 that is connected to a printer 20 so as to be capable of data communication and outputs image data, and a recording paper S as a medium. And a printer 20 that performs printing processing of image data to be printed.

  The PC 11 is a personal computer configured as an information processing apparatus used by a user. The PC 11 is a network interface (not shown) for inputting / outputting data to / from an external device such as a printer 20 and a controller 15 that controls the entire apparatus, an HDD 15 that is a large-capacity memory that stores various application programs and various data files. I / F). The controller includes a CPU 12 that executes various controls, a flash ROM 13 that stores various control programs, a RAM 14 that temporarily stores data, and the like. The PC 11 also includes an input device 17 such as a keyboard and mouse for a user to input various commands, a display 18 for displaying various information, and the like. The PC 11 has a function of executing an operation corresponding to the input operation when the user inputs the cursor or the like displayed on the display 18 via the input device 17.

  The printer 20 includes a printer unit 30 that executes printing processing, a scanner unit 33 that executes document reading processing, a memory card controller 36 that exchanges data with the memory card MC, and a main controller 50 that controls the entire apparatus. And. The printer unit 30 includes a printer ASIC 31 and a printing mechanism 32. The printer ASIC 31 is an IC chip having a function of driving and controlling the printing mechanism 32. The printing mechanism 32 includes a carriage 41 that reciprocates left and right (main scanning direction) along a carriage shaft 48 by a belt 37, a print head 44 that applies pressure to ink and ejects ink droplets from nozzles 42, and ink of each color. A cartridge 45 that accommodates and supplies the accommodated ink to the print head 44 and a paper feed roller 39 that is driven by a drive motor 38 to convey the recording paper S are provided. The print head 44 is provided in the lower part of the carriage 41, and each color is supplied from the nozzle 42 provided on the lower surface of the print head 44 by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric element to deform the piezoelectric element and pressurize the ink. The ink is discharged. The mechanism for applying pressure to the ink may be based on the generation of bubbles due to the heat of the heater. The cartridge 45 is mounted on the main body side and individually accommodates ink of each color such as cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), and is connected to a print head via a tube (not shown). Ink is supplied to 44.

  The scanner unit 33 includes a scanner ASIC 34 and a reading mechanism 35. The scanner ASIC 34 is an IC chip having a function of driving and controlling the reading mechanism 35. Although not shown, the reading mechanism 35 is a so-called flatbed type, and includes a glass surface on which a document is read, a line image sensor that optically reads the document through the glass surface, and a moving unit that scans the line image sensor. And. This line image sensor is a well-known color image sensor that separates reflected light after emitting light toward a document into red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colors to obtain scan data.

  The main controller 50 is configured as a microprocessor centered on the CPU 52, and includes a flash ROM 53 that can store various processing programs and can rewrite data, and a main memory that temporarily stores data and stores data. RAM 54, an I / F 55 for inputting / outputting data to / from an external device such as the PC 11, and an image conversion unit for converting input data such as JPEG data, scan data, and RGB data into xRGB data including additional information 56 and an image processing unit 60 having a function of converting image data into print data. The main controller 50 receives image data from the memory card MC or the like via the PC 11 or the memory card controller 36 and transmits a command to the printer ASIC 31 to execute the printing process.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image conversion unit 56 includes a conversion processing unit 57 that performs conversion processing of input image data, a flag addition unit 58 that associates flags of RGB data with flags as supplementary information, and the like. It is configured as a circuit equipped. As shown in FIG. 2, the conversion processing unit 57 expands compressed image data such as JPEG data and converts it into displayable xRGB data 70 having an intent data area, or scan data such as YUV data as xRGB data. It is configured as a circuit having a function of converting to 70. As will be described in detail later, the flag addition unit 58 has a function of associating a Null flag related to processing omission with the intent data area of each pixel provided in the xRGB data 70.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the image processing unit 60 includes a line acquisition unit 61, an edge detection unit 62, a color space conversion unit 63, a density correction unit 64, an averaging unit 65, a halftone unit 66, and a storage processing unit. 67, a circuit including a print data output unit 68 and the like. The line acquisition unit 61 includes, for example, a circuit having a function of acquiring a pixel value of a pixel included in a pixel line of xRGB data 70 (image data) stored in the RAM 54 and outputting the pixel value to a subsequent edge detection unit 62. Has been. Further, the line acquisition unit 61 omits the output of the pixel value to the edge detection unit 62 or counts the number of pixels from which the output is omitted (the number of pixels) based on the Null flag associated with the pixel. It has a function. The edge detection unit 62 is configured by a circuit having a function of detecting an edge region using the acquired pixel value of the pixel line. As shown in FIG. 3, the color space conversion unit 63 includes a circuit having a function of converting image data in the RGB color space into print data in the CMYK color space using a look-up table (LUT) 71. The LUT 71 is configured as correspondence information that empirically associates RGB pixel values with CMYK pixel values. The density correction unit 64 has a function of correcting pixel values so as to obtain an optimum pixel value for each line (nozzle row) of a print output destination using a table (not shown).

  The averaging unit 65 is configured as a circuit having a function of averaging a plurality of pixel values. The halftone unit 66 has a function of performing halftone processing on pixel values of color data (C, M, Y) and performing halftone processing on pixel values of black data (K). The halftone unit 66 is configured to execute dither processing as halftone processing. In the dither process, a process of binarizing dots on / off is executed by comparing the threshold value given by a preset dither matrix (halftone table) and the gradation value of each pixel. Here, threshold values relating to four types of dot formation, that is, no dot formation, small dot formation, medium dot formation, and large dot formation are defined as the ejection amount threshold value table 72. By this halftone process, it is possible to convert image data from print data to print data representing the presence or absence of dots, that is, forming no dots, small dots, medium dots, and large dots. The specific contents of the halftone processing are described in detail in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-82090, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-76306, and the like, and detailed description thereof is omitted here. Further, although the dither processing is executed as the halftone processing, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and for example, an error diffusion method or other halftone processing may be executed.

  The storage processing unit 67 has a function of storing halftoned and binarized data (print data 74) in a buffer area provided in the RAM 54 in accordance with each color type (C, M, Y, K). have. The storage processing unit 67 has a function of acquiring the number of pixels whose output is omitted by the line acquisition unit 61 and storing the number of acquired blank pixels in the RAM 54 as the print data 74. Here, the “blank pixel” is a colorless pixel, but may be a white pixel, a transparent pixel, or the like. The print data output unit 68 takes out data for one pass to be printed by the print head 44 from the print data 74 buffered in the RAM 54 while performing rotation processing, thinning processing, and the like, and outputs it to the printer ASIC 31 of the printer unit 30. It has a function to do.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the color space conversion unit 63, the density correction unit 64, the averaging unit 65, and the halftone unit 66 include pass units 83 to 86, respectively. This pass unit is configured to sequentially transmit data in synchronization with the transmission of data to the main unit to which the pass unit is connected. The pass units 83 to 86 have a function of transmitting the pixel value (see the solid line arrow in FIG. 3) acquired by the line acquisition unit 61 and the value of the Null flag (see the dotted line arrow in FIG. 3). In this way, various data transferred through the pass unit can be easily taken into the corresponding main unit, and processing in the main unit can be omitted, so that the expandability of the circuit can be further improved. . Further, even when the volume of data to be handled increases and the bus width between the main units is insufficient, more data can be handled by using the path unit.

  Next, the operation of the printer 20 of this embodiment configured as described above, in particular, the image data (JPEG data) input from the PC 11 or the memory card MC and the scan data (YUV data) from the scanner unit 33 are converted into the printer 20. A process for directly printing will be described. In the printer 20, print data is generated by a print driver installed in the PC 11, and in addition to a driver print mode in which the print data is received from the PC 11 and print processing is performed, image data such as JPEG data is directly received by the printer 20. A direct printing mode for printing is provided. First, generation processing of xRGB data 70 in the image conversion unit 56 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image generation flag setting processing routine executed by the CPU 52 of the printer 20. This routine is executed by the CPU 52 using the image conversion unit 56 after selecting image data for printing on an image selection screen (not shown).

  When this routine is started, the CPU 52 stores the input data 80 in the RAM 54 (step S100). After the image data for printing is selected by the user, the CPU 52 uses the image data obtained via the scanner unit 33, the memory card controller 36 and the I / F 55 as input data 80, as shown in FIG. Store in the buffer area. Next, the CPU 52 performs a process of converting the input data 80 by the conversion processing unit 57 and generating the xRGB data 70 (step S110). Here, when the input data 80 is JPEG data, the CODEC of the conversion processing unit 57 performs conversion from the JPEG data to xRGB data. When the input data 80 is scan data (YUV data), the YUV data Is converted to xRGB data (see FIG. 2). When the input data 80 is RGB data, conversion from RGB data to xRGB data is executed. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of xRGB data 70 as image data. As shown in FIG. 5, the xRGB data 70 is provided with a 1-byte intent data area in addition to 3-byte data of R, G, and B, which is one pixel in the RGB color space. Various information, for example, information related to the image data, a Null flag related to processing omission, and the like are stored in the area.

  Subsequently, the CPU 52 performs layout processing such as image rotation and 2-up arrangement on the RGB data, and sets a Null flag flag value for each pixel line (pixel row) (step S120). End the routine. The Null flag is information regarding omission of data conversion correction processing in the image processing unit 60 to be described later. When the value “0” is switched to the value “1”, execution and omission of image processing in the image processing unit 60 are described. It is set to switch. The data conversion correction processing of the image processing unit 60 to be omitted includes, for example, edge region detection processing by the edge detection unit 62, color space conversion processing by the color space conversion unit 63, and pixel value correction processing by the density correction unit 64. Averaging processing by the averaging unit 65, halftone processing by the halftone unit 66, and the like are included. The flag adding unit 58 sets the Null flag value “1” to the pixel at the boundary between the continuous colored pixel of the pixel line and the continuous white pixel included in the xRGB data 70 and the first pixel of the pixel line which is all white pixels. It was supposed to be associated. Here, the “colored pixel” includes not only chromatic pixels but also achromatic pixels other than white and transparent colors. The “white pixel” includes a white pixel, a colorless pixel, and a transparent pixel. Since all the pixel values included in the image data are grasped during the xRGB data generation process and layout process, it is easy to set a Null flag flag value for each pixel. For convenience of explanation, a pixel in which the Null flag is associated with the value “1” will be referred to as “a pixel with a flag”, “a pixel in which a Null flag is associated”, and the like. The Null flag setting method and print data generation will be described for each case.

[First Embodiment]
Here, a flagged pixel in which the Null flag “1” is associated with the colored pixel at the boundary between the last colored pixel and the white pixel of the pixel line included in the xRGB data 70 is set, and a pixel after this flagged pixel is set. A case where the data conversion correction process in the image processing unit 60 for the pixel value is omitted will be described. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the pixel row 76 of the xRGB data 70, FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the print data generation processing routine, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the data conversion processing. is there. Here, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 6, in step S120 of the image generation flag setting processing routine, the last pixel of the colored pixels of the pixel line 76 and the first pixel of the white pixel line are set to the flagged pixel 77 xRGB Data 70 was generated. In the print data, the white pixel in the xRGB data 70 is a colorless pixel, and hence the white pixel data is also referred to as Null data here.

  Next, a process for generating print data used for the print process of the printer 20 from the xRGB data 70 will be described. As described above, when the xRGB data 70 is generated, the image processing unit 60 executes the print data generation processing routine shown in FIG. This print data generation processing is executed by the line acquisition unit 61, the edge detection unit 62, the color space conversion unit 63, the density correction unit 64, the averaging unit 65, the halftone unit 66, the storage processing unit 67, and the print data output unit 68. Is done. When the print data generation process shown in FIG. 6 is executed, the line acquisition unit 61 sequentially acquires pixel values from the xRGB data 70 for each pixel line (step S200), and whether the Null flag is associated with the acquired pixels. It is determined whether or not (step S210). The line acquisition unit 61 acquires a pixel value from the xRGB data 70 and also acquires a Null flag value associated with this pixel. For example, the pixel value is acquired from the leftmost pixel of the xRGB data 70 in order from the rightmost pixel. Whether or not the Null flag is associated is determined based on whether or not the Null flag is a value “1”. When the Null flag is not associated, the line acquisition unit 61 outputs the acquired pixel value to the subsequent edge detection unit 62 (see FIG. 3).

  Subsequently, the data conversion correction process of steps S220 to S270 is executed (step S400). In this data conversion correction process, first, the edge detection unit 62 executes a process of detecting an edge included in the xRGB data 70 (step S220). Next, the color space conversion unit 63 uses the LUT 71 to convert this pixel value from the RGB color space to the CMYK color space (step S230). Next, the density correction unit 64 performs ink amount correction on the converted pixel value (step S240). Since the inner diameter of the nozzle array and the degree of deformation of the piezoelectric element may differ due to manufacturing errors, a correction table for correcting this error is stored in advance, and the density correction unit 64 uses this correction table. To correct the ink ejection amount. Here, the density correction unit 64 performs correction processing using the ink discharge amount in the CMYK color space as the pixel value in the CMYK color space. Next, averaging of the pixel values subjected to density correction by the averaging unit 65 is performed (step S250), and then the halftone unit 66 performs halftone processing on each pixel (step S260). The halftone unit 66 sets the ink discharge amount using the discharge amount threshold table 72 and executes dither processing using the halftone table 73. Then, the storage processing unit 67 stores the binarized data subjected to the halftone process in the RAM 54 as the print data 74 (step S270).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the pixel at the end of the pixel line has been reached, that is, whether or not the line end has been reached (step S280). That is, the pixels of the pixel line are acquired until it is determined in step S210 that the Null flag is present, and the data conversion correction process in step S400 is repeatedly executed.

  On the other hand, when the Null flag is associated with the acquired pixel in Step S210, the data conversion correction process of Step S400 is executed for the pixel associated with the Null flag, and the data conversion correction process is performed up to the line end. Null processing is omitted (step S300). In the Null process, the line acquisition unit 61 interrupts the acquisition and output of the pixel value, and the storage processing unit 67 performs a process of storing the blank pixel in the RAM 54. The storage processing unit 67 outputs a Null-end signal (invalid end information) to the line acquisition unit 61 when the RAM 54 stores the number of blank pixels up to the line end. Receiving this, the line acquisition unit 61 executes acquisition of the pixel value of the next pixel line of the xRGB data 70.

  After step S300 or when the line end is detected in step S280, the line acquisition unit 61 determines whether or not there is a next pixel line in the xRGB data 70 (step S290). The processing after S200 is executed. On the other hand, when there is no next pixel line, this routine is ended as it is. Thereafter, the print data output unit 68 outputs the print data 74 to the print head 44 side, and the printing mechanism 32 performs a printing process in which ink is ejected onto the recording paper S. In this way, the white pixel after the pixel associated with the Null flag is switched so as to omit the data conversion correction process.

  Here, the contents of the print data generation processing routine will be described using a specific example. Here, as shown in the first row of FIG. 8, the case where the pixels included in the pixel line are 50 pix, 11 to 21 pix and 31 to 40 pix are colored pixels, and 40 pix is the flagged pixel 77 will be described. . FIG. 8 shows only the line acquisition unit 61, the color space conversion unit 63, the halftone unit 66, and the storage processing unit 67 in the image processing unit 60. First, the line acquisition unit 61 sequentially acquires from 1 pix of the xRGB data 70 regardless of the color of the pixels until the flagged pixel 77 is acquired, and outputs it to the subsequent color space conversion unit 63 (two stages in FIG. 8). Eye). At this time, each unit executes each image processing on the acquired pixel value, and the storage processing unit 67 stores the pixel value in the RAM 54 as a part of the print data 74. Subsequently, when the line acquisition unit 61 acquires the flagged pixel 77, the line end processing is executed, the acquisition and output of the pixel are stopped, and a Null-end signal is waited (third stage in FIG. 8). Each unit that has received the flagged pixel 77 also performs line end processing and enters a data waiting state (fourth stage in FIG. 8). When the storage processing unit 67 acquires the flagged pixel 77, Null processing is executed (fifth stage in FIG. 8), and blank pixels (Null data) of the number of remaining pixels are stored in the RAM 54 (sixth stage in FIG. 8). Eye). When the Null processing is completed, the storage processing unit 67 outputs a Null-end signal to the line acquisition unit 61, and the line acquisition unit 61 that has received the Null process outputs the next top pixel when there is a next pixel line. get. For pixel lines that are all white pixels, null processing is executed from the beginning of the pixel line, and data conversion correction processing is omitted. In this way, the data conversion correction process is also omitted for pixel lines including colored pixels. As shown in the lower part of FIG. 6, the data conversion correction process for the white pixel after the flagged pixel 77 can be omitted.

  Here, the correspondence between the components of the present embodiment and the components of the present invention will be clarified. The RAM 54 of this embodiment corresponds to a storage unit of the present invention, the image conversion unit 56 corresponds to a data generation unit, and among the image processing unit 60, a line acquisition unit 61, an edge detection unit 62, a color space conversion unit 63, The density correction unit 64, the averaging unit 65, and the halftone unit 66 correspond to data acquisition / conversion means, and the storage processing unit 67 corresponds to storage processing means. The line acquisition unit 61 corresponds to a pixel value acquisition unit, and the edge detection unit 62, the color space conversion unit 63, the density correction unit 64, the averaging unit 65, and the halftone unit 66 correspond to a conversion unit. The input data 80 corresponds to the image data and the first format image data, the xRGB data 70 corresponds to the invalid information-set image data and the second format image data, and the print data 74 corresponds to the fluid ejection data. The Null flag corresponds to invalid information, and the Null-end signal corresponds to invalid end information. Further, the ink corresponds to a fluid, the recording paper S corresponds to a medium, the printer 20 corresponds to a fluid discharge device, and the printer unit 30 corresponds to a discharge unit. In the present embodiment, an example of the image processing method of the present invention is also clarified by describing the operation of the printer 20.

  According to the printer 20 of the first embodiment described in detail above, the image conversion unit 56 generates the xRGB data 70 in which the Null flag is associated with the last colored pixel of the pixel line included in the image data. Next, when the line acquisition unit 61 acquires a pixel for each pixel line from the xRGB data 70 and outputs the acquired pixel value to the edge detection unit 62, when the Null flag is associated with the acquired pixel. The output of the white pixels after the flagged pixel 77 is stopped. Then, the pixel value included in the output xRGB data 70 is converted into the pixel value of the print data 74, and the converted pixel value is stored in the RAM 54. Thus, the data conversion correction process is omitted for pixel lines including colored pixels in addition to all white pixel lines. Therefore, the data conversion correction process can be omitted for the white pixel after the last colored pixel of the pixel line, and the data conversion correction process can be further speeded up. In addition, since the storage processing unit 67 acquires the number of pixels for which the line acquisition unit 61 has omitted the output, and stores the blank pixels having the number of pixels in the RAM 54 as pixels of the pixel line, Data can be easily added to the print data 74, and the data conversion correction process can be speeded up more easily.

  Further, according to the printer 20 of the first embodiment, the image conversion unit 56 can associate the Null flag with a pixel in accordance with the format conversion of the input data 80 to the xRGB data 70, so that the pixel can be relatively easily obtained. A Null flag can be associated. In particular, the conversion process to the xRGB data 70 is performed while grasping whether each pixel is a colored pixel or a white pixel, so that the Null flag can be set more efficiently. Furthermore, since the line acquisition unit 61 stands by until the Null-end signal is received, the pixel value acquisition and the output of the pixel value after the data conversion correction process can be easily synchronized, and the data conversion correction process can be performed at high speed. It is easier to plan. Furthermore, when the printer 20 converts the input data 80 to the xRGB data 70 or the xRGB data 70 to the print data 74, a data conversion correction process is performed without distinguishing between colored pixels and white pixels. However, it is possible to increase the speed by omitting the white pixel data conversion correction process as much as possible. Since the Null flag is associated only with the last colored pixel of the pixel line, the data conversion correction process can be further speeded up by an even easier process.

[Second Embodiment]
Here, in addition to the first embodiment, a flagged pixel in which a Null flag “1” is associated with a pixel between the white pixel of the pixel line included in the xRGB data 70 and the previous colored pixel is set. A case will be described in which the data conversion correction processing in the image processing unit 60 for the pixel values before the attached pixels is also omitted. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the pixel row 76 of the xRGB data 70B, FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of another print data generation processing routine, and FIG. 11 illustrates an example of another data conversion correction process. It is explanatory drawing which shows. Here, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 9, in step S120 of the image generation flag setting processing routine, the foremost colored pixel, the last colored pixel of the pixel line 76, and the first pixel of the white pixel line are changed to the flagged pixel 77. The set xRGB data 70B is generated. In addition, about the structure similar to the structure mentioned above, the same figure number is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Next, a process for generating print data used for the print process of the printer 20 from the xRGB data 70B will be described. As described above, when the xRGB data 70B is generated, the image processing unit 60 executes the print data generation processing routine shown in FIG. In this print data generation process, the same step number is assigned to the same process as described above, and the description thereof is omitted. When the print data generation process shown in FIG. 10 is executed, the line acquisition unit 61 sequentially acquires pixel values for each pixel line from the xRGB data 70B in the same manner as in steps S200 and S210 described above (step S310). It is determined whether or not a Null flag is associated with the pixel (step S320). When the Null flag is not associated, the line acquisition unit 61 regards the acquired pixel as a white pixel, omits output of the pixel value, and counts the number of omitted pixels (round-out number). (Step S330), the processing after Step S310 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, when the Null flag is associated with the acquired pixel in step S320, the current processing position is updated based on the read-out number and the null processing is executed (step S340). Data conversion correction processing is executed. That is, until the flagged pixel 77 is acquired, the null process is executed from the top of the pixel line to omit the data conversion correction process, and when the flagged pixel 77 is acquired, the data conversion correction process is started.

  When the data conversion correction process is executed in step S400, it is determined in step S280 whether or not the line end is reached. If not, the pixel value is acquired in step S200. In step S210, the Null flag is set for the acquired pixel. It is determined whether they are associated with each other. When the Null flag is not associated with the acquired pixel, it is considered that the pixel is not the last colored pixel, and the processes after step S400 are repeatedly executed. That is, a data conversion correction process is performed on the acquired pixels. On the other hand, when the Null flag is associated with the pixel acquired in step S210, it is assumed that it is the last colored pixel, and in step S300, a null process that omits the data conversion correction process is executed until the line end. After step S300 or when the line end is detected in step S280, the line acquisition unit 61 determines in step S290 whether or not there is a next pixel line in the xRGB data 70. The processes after S310 are executed. On the other hand, when there is no next pixel line, this routine is ended as it is. As described above, in the pixel line including the colored pixel, the data conversion correction process is omitted for the white pixel before the previous colored pixel, and the data conversion correction process is performed for the white pixel after the last colored pixel. Is omitted (see the lower part of FIG. 9).

  Here, the content of the print data generation processing routine of the second embodiment will be described using a specific example. Here, as shown in the first row of FIG. 11, the pixel included in the pixel line is 50 pix, 11 to 21 pix and 31 to 40 pix are colored pixels, and 11 pix and 40 pix are the flagged pixels 77. explain. First, the line acquisition unit 61 sequentially discards the xRGB data 70 from 1 pix until it acquires the flagged pixel 77, counts the number of discards, and stops outputting pixel values to the color space conversion unit 63 at the subsequent stage. (Second stage in FIG. 11). At this time, each unit is in a data waiting state. Next, when the line acquisition unit 61 acquires the flagged pixel 77 (11 pix), the pixel value is output together with the read-out number (third stage in FIG. 11). Receiving this, each unit resets the processing position (pix) based on the number of readings, and executes each image processing on the acquired pixel value (fourth stage in FIG. 11). Next, upon receiving the flagged pixel 77, the storage processing unit 67 resets the processing position based on the number of rounded-off numbers, executes the Null process, and stores the blank number of blanked-out pixels (Null data) in the RAM 54. (5th stage of FIG. 11). Subsequently, the line acquisition unit 61 acquires a pixel value from the xRGB data 70B until the next flagged pixel 77 is acquired, and outputs the acquired pixel value to a subsequent unit. Receiving this, each unit executes each image processing on the acquired pixel value (the sixth row in FIG. 11). Then, when the line acquisition unit 61 acquires the flagged pixel 77 again, the line end process is executed, the pixel acquisition and output are stopped, and a Null-end signal is waited (the seventh stage in FIG. 11). Thereafter, the same processing as in the first embodiment described above is executed. In this way, the data conversion correction process is also omitted for pixel lines including colored pixels.

  According to the printer 20 of the second embodiment described in detail above, the image conversion unit 56 generates the xRGB data 70B in which the Null flag is associated with the foremost colored pixel of the pixel line included in the image data, and the image processing unit The output of the pixel value of the pixel line is omitted until 60 acquires the flagged pixel 77 from the first pixel of the pixel line of the xRGB data 70B. For this reason, the data conversion correction process is omitted for the white pixels from the first pixel to the flagged pixel 77, and the data conversion correction process can be further speeded up. Further, the data conversion correction process is omitted for the white pixel after the last colored pixel of the pixel line, and the data conversion correction process can be further speeded up. Furthermore, the line acquisition unit 61 counts the number of pixels for which output has been omitted, and the storage processing unit 67 acquires this read-out number, and stores this read-out number of blank pixels in the RAM 54 as pixels of the pixel line. White pixels whose output has been omitted can be added to the print data 74 relatively easily, and the data conversion correction process can be performed more quickly. Further, since the image conversion unit 56 can associate the Null flag with the pixel in accordance with the format conversion of the input data 80 to the xRGB data 70, the Null flag can be associated with the pixel relatively easily. In particular, the conversion process to the xRGB data 70 is performed while grasping whether each pixel is a colored pixel or a white pixel, so that the Null flag can be set more efficiently. Furthermore, since the line acquisition unit 61 stands by until the Null-end signal is received, the pixel value acquisition and the output of the pixel value after the data conversion correction process can be easily synchronized, and the data conversion correction process can be performed at high speed. It is easier to plan. Furthermore, when the printer 20 converts the input data 80 to the xRGB data 70 or the xRGB data 70 to the print data 74, a data conversion correction process is performed without distinguishing between colored pixels and white pixels. However, it is possible to increase the speed by omitting the white pixel data conversion correction process as much as possible. Since the null flag is associated with the foremost colored pixel and the last colored pixel of the pixel line, the data conversion correction process can be speeded up by a relatively easy process.

[Third Embodiment]
Here, in addition to the first and second embodiments, when data conversion correction processing is omitted even for continuous white pixels existing between the last colored pixel and the last colored pixel included in the pixel line Will be described. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the pixel row 76 of the xRGB data 70C, FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of another print data generation processing routine, and FIG. 14 illustrates an example of another data conversion correction process. It is explanatory drawing which shows. Here, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 12, in step S <b> 120 of the image generation flag setting processing routine, the color pixel and the white pixel are also included between the foremost color pixel and the last color pixel included in the pixel line 76. It is assumed that xRGB data 70C in which the pixel at the border is set as the flagged pixel 77 is generated. In addition, the white pixel next to the last colored pixel is set as the flagged pixel 77, and the flagged pixel 77 is set to be two consecutive so that it can be determined to be the last pixel. In addition, about the structure similar to the structure mentioned above, the same figure number is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Next, a process for generating print data used for the print process of the printer 20 from the xRGB data 70C will be described. As described above, when the xRGB data 70C is generated, the image processing unit 60 executes the print data generation processing routine shown in FIG. In this print data generation process, the same step number is assigned to the same process as described above, and the description thereof is omitted. When the print data generation process shown in FIG. 13 is executed, the process of the above-described step S310 is executed, and whether or not the last Null flag is associated is acquired as two consecutive flagged pixels 77. The determination is based on whether or not (step S350). When the acquired Null flag is not associated with the acquired pixel, the processing of steps S320 and S330 described above is executed, and the line acquisition unit 61 omits the output of the pixel value until the flagged pixel 77 is acquired. Thus, the data conversion correction process is omitted. On the other hand, when the line acquisition unit 61 acquires the flagged pixel 77 in step S320, a null process is executed in step S340, and a data conversion correction process is executed on the acquired pixel in step S400. In step S340, when the first pixel is the flagged pixel 77, the null process is omitted.

  Next, in step S280, it is determined whether or not it is the line end. If it is not the line end, a pixel value is acquired in step S200, and it is determined whether or not a normal Null flag is associated with the pixel in step S210. However, when the Null flag is not associated with the pixel, the processing after step S400 is executed. In other words, the data conversion correction process is executed on the acquired pixel, assuming that it is not a continuous white pixel between the first colored pixel and the last colored pixel. On the other hand, when the Null flag is associated in step S210, the data conversion correction process of step S400 is executed for the flagged pixel 77, and the processes after step S310 are executed. That is, until the next flagged pixel 77 is obtained, the pixel value is obtained in step S310, the presence / absence of the last Null flag is determined in step S350, and if the last Null flag is not associated, in step S330. The line acquisition unit 61 counts pixel values that are discarded and discarded. On the other hand, when the flagged pixel 77 is acquired again in step S320, a null process is executed in step S340, and the data conversion correction process is resumed for the acquired pixel.

  If the last Null flag is associated with the acquired pixel in Step S350, Null processing is executed up to the line end in Step S300, and it is determined whether or not there is a next pixel line in Step S290. When there is a next pixel line, the processing from step S310 is executed. On the other hand, when there is no next pixel line, this routine is ended as it is. As described above, in the pixel line including the colored pixel, the data conversion correction process is omitted for the white pixel before the previous colored pixel, and the data conversion correction process is omitted for the white pixel after the last colored pixel. Furthermore, the data conversion correction process is also omitted for the white pixel between the foremost colored pixel and the last colored pixel (see the lower part of FIG. 12).

  Here, the content of the print data generation processing routine of the third embodiment will be described using a specific example. Here, as shown in the first row of FIG. 14, the pixels included in the pixel line are 50 pix, 11 to 21 pix and 31 to 40 pix are colored pixels, and 11 pix, 20 pix, 31 pix, and 40 pix are flagged pixels 77. A case where the continuous 41 pix is a white pixel and a flagged pixel 77 (last Null flag pixel) will be described. First, the line acquisition unit 61 sequentially discards the xRGB data 70 from 1 pix until it acquires the flagged pixel 77, counts the number of discards, and stops outputting pixel values to the color space conversion unit 63 at the subsequent stage. (Second stage in FIG. 14). At this time, each unit is in a data waiting state. Next, when the line acquisition unit 61 acquires the flagged pixel 77 (11 pix), the pixel value is output together with the round-off number, and when the storage processing unit 67 receives the flagged pixel 77, the processing position is based on the round-off number. Then, the null processing is executed to store the blank pixels (Null data) in the number of readings in the RAM 54 (third stage in FIG. 14). When the line acquisition unit 61 acquires the next flagged pixel 77, if it is not the last colored pixel, it reads out the pixel values in the order of acquisition and counts the number of readouts until it acquires the next flagged pixel 77. Then, the output of the pixel value to the subsequent color space conversion unit 63 is stopped (fourth stage in FIG. 14). When the line acquisition unit 61 further acquires the next flagged pixel 77, if it is not the last colored pixel, the data conversion correction process is executed until the next flagged pixel 77 is further acquired (FIG. 14). 5th stage). Thus, every time the flagged pixel 77 is acquired, the line acquisition unit 61 switches the output of the acquired pixel value, and switches between execution and omission of the data conversion correction process. Further, when the line acquisition unit 61 acquires two consecutive flagged pixels 77 (41 pix), the output of this pixel is stopped, Null processing is executed, and processing of this pixel line is terminated. And about the omission of the conversion process after the last colored pixel and the conversion process of the foremost white pixel, the same process as the first and second embodiments described above is repeated and executed. In this way, the data conversion correction process is omitted for the area where the white pixel continues for the pixel line including the colored pixel.

  According to the printer 20 of the third embodiment described in detail above, the image conversion unit 56 includes a color pixel that exists between the foremost color pixel and the last color pixel of the pixel line included in the input data 80. The xRGB data 70C in which the Null flag is associated with the pixel at the boundary between the white pixel and the pixel at the boundary between the white pixel and the colored pixel is generated, and the image processing unit 60 determines whether the first colored pixel and the last colored pixel are After obtaining a pixel associated with the Null flag that exists in between, output of the pixel value of the pixel line is omitted until a pixel associated with the next Null flag is obtained. For this reason, the data conversion correction process can be omitted for the white pixel between the first color pixel and the last color pixel, and the data conversion correction process can be further speeded up. Further, the data conversion correction process can be omitted for the white pixels before and after the last colored pixel in the pixel line, and the speed of the data conversion correction process can be further increased. Furthermore, the line acquisition unit 61 counts the number of pixels for which output has been omitted, and the storage processing unit 67 acquires this read-out number, and stores this read-out number of blank pixels in the RAM 54 as pixels of the pixel line. White pixels whose output has been omitted can be added to the print data 74 relatively easily, and the data conversion correction process can be performed more quickly. Further, since the image conversion unit 56 can associate the Null flag with the pixel in accordance with the format conversion of the input data 80 to the xRGB data 70, the Null flag can be associated with the pixel relatively easily. In particular, the conversion process to the xRGB data 70 is performed while grasping whether each pixel is a colored pixel or a white pixel, so that the Null flag can be set more efficiently. Furthermore, since the line acquisition unit 61 stands by until the Null-end signal is received, the pixel value acquisition and the output of the pixel value after the data conversion correction process can be easily synchronized, and the data conversion correction process can be performed at high speed. It is easier to plan. Furthermore, when the printer 20 converts the input data 80 to the xRGB data 70 or the xRGB data 70 to the print data 74, a data conversion correction process is performed without distinguishing between colored pixels and white pixels. Although it is normal to perform this, here, the data conversion correction processing of the white pixels can be omitted more reliably and the speed can be increased. In addition, almost all data conversion correction processing of white pixels included in the pixel line can be reliably omitted, and the data conversion correction processing can be further speeded up by easy processing.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modes as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the printer 20 that omits the white pixel data conversion correction process in the first to third embodiments has been described. However, the white pixel that is included in the pixel line and that is earlier than the previous colored pixel, Data conversion correction processing is performed on any one or more white pixels with respect to a white pixel after the last colored pixel and a white pixel existing between the last colored pixel and the last colored pixel in the pixel line. If omitted, the combination is not particularly limited. For example, in addition to the all white pixel line, the data conversion correction processing may be omitted for the white pixel preceding the previous colored pixel, or the foremost colored pixel and the last colored pixel of the pixel line may be omitted. Data conversion correction processing may be omitted for white pixels existing between them. Alternatively, in addition to the all-white pixel line, the data conversion correction processing is omitted for the white pixel before the previous colored pixel and the white pixel existing between the previous colored pixel and the last colored pixel. May be. Even in this case, the speed of the data conversion correction process can be further increased.

  In the embodiment described above, the line acquisition unit 61 determines the flagged pixel 77 and stops outputting the pixel value, whereby the data conversion correction process by the color space conversion unit 63, the density correction unit 64, the halftone unit 66, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the flagged pixel 77 is determined by any unit of the image processing unit 60, and the data conversion correction processing in the image processing unit 60 is omitted. Also good. Even in this case, the speed of the data conversion correction process can be further increased.

  In the above-described embodiment, the storage processing unit 67 stores blank pixels. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this as long as pixel values corresponding to white pixels are added to the print data 74.

  In the above-described embodiment, the line acquisition unit 61 counts when the pixel value is discarded, and the storage processing unit 67 acquires the counted read-out number and performs Null processing. It is not limited to. Also, the line acquisition unit 61 waits for the Null-end signal and resumes the acquisition of the pixel of the next pixel line. However, if the input and output in the image processing unit 60 are synchronized, The present invention is not limited to this, and pixels may be acquired continuously.

  In the above-described embodiment, the Null flag is set when generating the xRGB data 70 from the input data 80. However, the Null flag is not particularly limited as long as the Null flag is set. The input data 80 is scan data (YUV data), JPEG data from the memory card MC, RGB data from the PC 11, etc., but one or more of these may be omitted, and other image data may be stored. May be added. When the conversion processing unit 57 converts the first format image data and the second format image data, the first format image data is scan data or JPEG data, and the second format image data is RGB. Display image data such as image data or PDF image data may be used. Furthermore, although the print data is generated from the xRGB data, the present invention is not limited to this.

  In the above-described embodiment, the data conversion correction processing is executed by the edge detection unit 62, the color space conversion unit 63, the density correction unit 64, the averaging unit 65, and the halftone unit 66. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Any one or more of these may be omitted, or one or more processes other than these may be added. Even in this case, the speed of the data conversion correction process can be further increased. Although the data conversion correction process is used, the data conversion process may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the Null flag is stored in the intent data area of the xRGB data 70. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the Null flag may be stored separately from the image data. In the above-described embodiment, the Null flag is associated with the foremost colored pixel and the last colored pixel in the pixel line. However, the white pixel before the foremost colored pixel and the next colored pixel after the last colored pixel are used. A Null flag may be associated with the white pixel. In the above-described embodiment, the Null flag is used. However, the flag is not particularly limited as long as the information can recognize the boundary between the colored pixel and the white pixel. The Null flag is set to switch between execution and omission of the image processing in the image processing unit 60 when the value is switched from the value “0” to the value “1”. For example, the pixel value may be output with the flag value “0”, and the pixel value output may be omitted with the flag value “1”.

  In the third embodiment described above, the last colored pixel can be determined by setting the flagged pixels 77 to be two consecutive. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and a new flag, for example, the last colored pixel is used. A flag or the like may be set. Also, a flag associated with the foremost colored pixel in the pixel line, a flag associated with the last colored pixel in the pixel line, a flag associated with the pixel between the foremost colored pixel and the last colored pixel, etc. It may be a flag.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image processing unit 60 has been described as being configured by a circuit. However, the image processing unit 60 is not particularly limited as long as the above-described processing can be realized, and may be realized by software. It may be an image processing method or a program.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printer 20 including the scanner unit 33 and the memory card controller 36 has been described. However, the present invention is not particularly limited, and the scanner unit 33 and the memory card controller 36 may be omitted or may be a FAX apparatus. . The printer unit 30 is not limited to the ink jet method, and may be an electrophotographic method, a thermal transfer method, a dot impact method, or the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, the fluid is the colorant (ink), but is not particularly limited as long as it can be used when an image is formed on the medium S. A functional material that can be formed on a medium, for example, a fluid such as a gel or powder such as toner may be used. Further, the ink may be dissolved in a solvent, or may be a liquid (dispersed liquid) in which functional material particles are dispersed. The ink may contain a liquid other than the solvent and the dispersion medium. The ink includes transparent ink.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Printer system, 11 Personal computer (PC), 12 CPU, 13 Flash ROM, 14 RAM, 15 HDD, 17 Input device, 18 Display, 20 Printer, 30 Printer part, 31 Printer ASIC, 32 Printing mechanism, 33 Scanner part, 34 Scanner ASIC, 35 Reading mechanism, 36 Memory card controller, 37 Belt, 38 Drive motor, 39 Paper feed roller, 41 Carriage, 42 Nozzle, 44 Print head, 45 Cartridge, 48 Carriage shaft, 50 Main controller, 52 CPU, 53 Flash ROM, 54 RAM, 55 Network interface (I / F), 56 Image conversion unit, 57 Conversion processing unit, 58 Flag addition unit, 60 Image processing unit, 1 line acquisition unit, 62 edge detection unit, 63 color space conversion unit, 64 density correction unit, 65 averaging unit, 66 halftone unit, 67 storage processing unit, 68 print data output unit, 70, 70B, 70C xRGB data, 71 Look-up table (LUT), 72 Discharge amount threshold value table, 73 Halftone table, 74 Print data, 76 pixel lines, 77 Flagged pixels, 80 input data, 83-86 pass unit, MC memory card, S recording paper.

Claims (12)

Storage means for storing data;
Invalid information setting in which predetermined invalid information is recorded in the x channel of the pixel at the boundary between the continuous colored pixel and the continuous white pixel of the pixel row included in the xRGB image data and the foremost pixel of the pixel row which is all white pixels Data acquisition means for acquiring completed image data;
While acquiring the pixel for each pixel row from the invalid information set image data, and converting the acquired pixel value into a pixel value of fluid ejection data used by a fluid ejection device that ejects fluid onto a medium, Data acquisition conversion means for omitting the conversion of the pixel values of the continuous white pixels adjacent to the pixel associated with the invalid information when the invalid information is recorded in the x channel of the acquired pixel;
Storage processing means for storing the pixel value of the fluid ejection data after conversion in the storage means;
An image processing apparatus. The data acquisition conversion unit includes a pixel value acquisition unit that acquires the pixel for each pixel row from the invalid information-set image data, and the pixel value output from the pixel value acquisition unit as a pixel of the fluid ejection data. Conversion means for converting to a value,
The data acquisition conversion unit outputs the acquired pixel value to the conversion unit, while the pixel value acquisition unit outputs the invalid pixel information when the invalid pixel information is associated with the acquired pixel. 2. The conversion of the pixel value of the white pixel is omitted by the pixel value acquisition unit omitting the output of the pixel value of a continuous white pixel adjacent to a certain pixel to the conversion unit. Image processing device. It said data acquisition means acquires the disable information set image data recording the predetermined invalid information to boundary pixels of the last colored pixels and the white pixels of the pixel rows included in the image data,
The data acquisition / conversion unit omits conversion of a pixel value of the pixel row after a pixel associated with the invalid information when the invalid information is associated with the acquired pixel. Or the image processing apparatus of 2.   The storage processing means acquires the number of pixels from which the data acquisition / conversion means omits conversion, and causes the storage means to store blank pixels of the acquired number of pixels as pixels in the pixel row. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the above. It said data acquisition means acquires the disable information set image data recorded the invalid information in the boundary pixels of a white pixel and foremost colored pixels of the pixel rows included in the image data,
The data acquisition conversion unit omits conversion of pixel values of the pixel row until a pixel associated with the invalid information is acquired from the first pixel of the pixel row of the invalid information-set image data. The image processing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 4. The data acquisition means includes a pixel at a boundary between a color pixel and a white pixel, and a pixel between a white pixel and a color pixel that are present between the last color pixel and the last color pixel of a pixel row included in the image data. Obtain invalid information set image data in which the invalid information is recorded in the boundary pixels,
The data acquisition and conversion means acquires the pixel associated with the invalid information that exists between the foremost colored pixel and the last colored pixel, and then associates the next invalid information with it. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conversion of the pixel value of the pixel row is omitted until the acquired pixel is acquired. The data acquisition conversion means counts the number of pixels in which the conversion of the pixel value of the pixel row is omitted,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the storage processing unit acquires the counted number of pixels, and stores the blank pixels of the counted number of pixels in the storage unit as pixels of the pixel row. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Image processing comprising: data generation means for converting the image data in the first format into the xRGB image data in the second format and recording the invalid information in the border pixels to generate the invalid information-set image data apparatus. The storage processing means stores the last pixel value of the pixel row in the storage means, and outputs predetermined invalid end information to the data acquisition conversion means,
9. The data acquisition / conversion unit according to claim 1, wherein the data acquisition conversion unit acquires pixels of the next pixel row from the invalid information-set image data after acquiring the invalid end information from the storage processing unit. The image processing apparatus described. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A fluid ejection device comprising: a fluid ejection unit that ejects fluid onto a medium based on the fluid ejection data from the image processing device. An image processing method executed by an image processing apparatus including a storage unit that stores data, wherein: (a) a pixel at a boundary between a continuous colored pixel and a continuous white pixel in a pixel row included in xRGB image data; Acquiring invalid information set image data in which predetermined invalid information is recorded in the x channel of the foremost pixel of a pixel row that is all white pixels;
(B) Acquiring the pixels for each pixel row from the invalid information-set image data, and converting the acquired pixel values into pixel values of fluid ejection data used by a fluid ejection device that ejects fluid onto a medium. On the other hand, when the invalid information is associated with the acquired pixel, omitting the conversion of the pixel values of consecutive white pixels adjacent to the pixel associated with the invalid information;
(C) storing the pixel value of the fluid ejection data after conversion in the storage means;
An image processing method including: The program which makes one or more computers perform each step of the image processing method described in Claim 11.

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