Imaging chip, imaging method and imaging device

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of image forming, in particular to an imaging chip, an imaging method and an imaging device. In the imaging chip, the imaging method and the imaging device provided in the embodiments of the present application, two processors process image data and control imaging operation respectively, so that the image data processing task and the control task of the imaging operation can be performed simultaneously, and the work efficiency is improved; the two processors execute corresponding programs based on different operating systems respectively, so that the two processors can perform the preliminary resource configuration work of the image data processing task and the control task of the imaging operation simultaneously before executing corresponding tasks, the running time is saved, and since the two processors execute programs based on different operating systems, the programs to be executed by the two processors can be compiled simultaneously, and the interfaces used by the two processors will not conflict, and the like, so that the work efficiency is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of image forming technology, and more specifically to an imaging chip, an imaging method, and an imaging device. Background Technology

[0002] Imaging devices, such as printers and scanners, are common modern office equipment. Printers are computer output devices used to print computer-processed results onto relevant media; scanners are computer input devices used to convert graphic or image information into digital signals. Some imaging devices can also function as both printers and scanners, such as MFPs (Multi-Functional Peripherals), which are integrated office devices that combine printing, copying, scanning, and faxing functions.

[0003] In existing imaging devices, taking printers as an example, a single CPU typically needs to control both the print engine and process print data. Because a single CPU can only execute one task at a time, the tasks of controlling the print engine and processing print data usually have to be done sequentially, obviously impacting work efficiency. The same applies to scanners and MFPs.

[0004] Some imaging devices, still using a printer as an example, employ two CPUs: one primarily controls the print engine, while the other processes the print data. This implementation, with two independent CPUs capable of performing their respective tasks simultaneously, allows for concurrent control of the print engine and processing of print data, resulting in improved efficiency compared to the previous approach. However, even with simultaneous control of the print engine and processing of print data, resource allocation and other preparatory work before the corresponding CPUs execute these tasks still must be completed sequentially, thus requiring further improvement in overall efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To further improve the working efficiency of imaging devices, embodiments of the present invention provide an imaging chip, an imaging method, and an imaging device.

[0006] The imaging chip provided in this embodiment of the invention is applied in an imaging device. The imaging chip includes a first processor, a second processor, and a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory stores a first operating system, a second operating system 3b, a first program, and a second program. The first processor is used to execute the first program to realize image data processing, and the second processor is used to execute the second program to complete the imaging operation. The first program is a program that runs on the first operating system, and the second program is a program that runs on the second operating system.

[0007] The imaging method provided in this invention is applied to an imaging chip. The imaging chip includes a first processor and a second processor. The method includes: the first processor executing a first program to perform image data processing, and the second processor executing a second program to complete an imaging operation; wherein the first program is a program running on a first operating system, and the second program is a program running on a second operating system.

[0008] The imaging device provided in this embodiment of the invention includes an imaging chip provided in this embodiment of the invention, used to perform imaging operations.

[0009] Therefore, in the imaging chip, imaging method, and imaging device provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the two processors respectively process image data and control imaging operations, enabling the image data processing task and the imaging operation control task to be performed simultaneously, thereby improving work efficiency. The two processors execute corresponding programs based on different operating systems, which allows the preliminary resource configuration work for the image data processing task and the imaging operation control task to be performed simultaneously before the two processors execute their respective tasks, saving running time. At the same time, since the two processors execute programs based on different operating systems, the programs to be executed by the two processors can be compiled simultaneously, and the use of interfaces will not cause conflicts, etc., greatly improving work efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0010] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of an imaging chip provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the composition of an imaging chip provided in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the process for implementing the printing operation in an imaging method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the scanning operation in an imaging method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of an imaging device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0017] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in embodiments of this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in a common dictionary should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as being interpreted in an idealized or highly formalized sense, unless expressly defined in this embodiment of the invention.

[0018] It should be noted that the types of "imaging" mentioned in this invention include printed imaging and scanning imaging. Printing refers to printing graphic or image data onto a relevant medium, while scanning refers to converting graphic or image information on a relevant medium into digital signals.

[0019] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of an imaging chip provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] The imaging chip 100 is used in an imaging device and includes a first processor 1, a second processor 2, and a non-volatile memory 3. The non-volatile memory 3 stores a first operating system 3a, a second operating system 3b, a first program 3c, and a second program 3d. The first processor 1 is used to execute the first program 3c to realize image data processing, and the second processor 2 is used to execute the second program 3d to complete the imaging operation. The first program 3c is a program that runs on the first operating system 3a, and the second program 3d is a program that runs on the second operating system 3b.

[0021] Therefore, the two processors in the imaging chip 100 provided in this embodiment of the invention process image data and control imaging operations respectively, enabling the image data processing task and the imaging operation control task to be performed simultaneously, thus improving work efficiency. The two processors execute corresponding programs based on different operating systems, which allows the preliminary resource configuration work for the image data processing task and the imaging operation control task to be performed simultaneously before the two processors execute their respective tasks, saving running time. At the same time, since the two processors execute programs based on different operating systems, the programs to be executed by the two processors can be compiled simultaneously, and the use of interfaces will not cause conflicts, etc., which greatly improves work efficiency.

[0022] The imaging device can be a printing device with printing function but no scanning function, such as a printer; it can also be a scanning device with scanning function but no printing function, such as a scanner; or it can be an electronic device with both printing and scanning functions, such as an MFP.

[0023] Imaging operations include printing operations and / or scanning operations. When the imaging device used by the imaging chip 100 is a printing device, the imaging operation includes printing operations; when the imaging device used by the imaging chip 100 is a scanning device, the imaging operation includes scanning operations; when the imaging device used by the imaging chip 100 is an electronic device that has both printing and scanning functions, the imaging operation includes both printing and scanning operations.

[0024] The image data includes printed image data and / or scanned image data. When the imaging device used by the imaging chip 100 is a printing device, the image data processed by the first processor 1 includes printed image data; when the imaging device used by the imaging chip 100 is a scanning device, the image data processed by the first processor 1 includes scanned image data; when the imaging device used by the imaging chip 100 is an electronic device that has both printing and scanning functions, the image data processed by the first processor 1 includes both printed image data and scanned image data.

[0025] The first program 3c is a program executed by the first processor 1 that enables image data processing. In some embodiments, the first program 3c includes a printing data processing program and / or a scanning data processing program. When the imaging device to which the imaging chip 100 is applied is a printing device, the first program 3c includes a printing data processing program; when the imaging device to which the imaging chip 100 is applied is a scanning device, the first program 3c includes a scanning data processing program; when the imaging device to which the imaging chip 100 is applied is an electronic device that combines printing and scanning functions, the first program 3c includes both a printing data processing program and a scanning data processing program.

[0026] The second program 3d is a program executed by the second processor 2 that enables image data processing. In some embodiments, the second program 3d includes a printing operation program and / or a scanning operation program. When the imaging device to which the imaging chip 100 is applied is a printing device, the second program 3d includes a printing operation program; when the imaging device to which the imaging chip 100 is applied is a scanning device, the second program 3d includes a scanning operation program; when the imaging device to which the imaging chip 100 is applied is an electronic device that combines printing and scanning functions, the second program 3d includes both a printing operation program and a scanning operation program.

[0027] It should be noted that the first program 3c and the second program 3d run on different operating systems. The first program 3c runs on the first operating system 3a, and the second program 3d runs on the second operating system 3b. Therefore, the programs executed by the first processor 1 and the second processor 2 run on different operating systems, allowing the preliminary resource configuration work for the first program 3c and the second program 3d to be performed simultaneously before the two processors execute their respective programs, saving running time. This also allows the programs to be executed by the two processors to be compiled simultaneously, avoiding interface conflicts, and improving work efficiency.

[0028] Accordingly, this embodiment of the invention also provides an imaging method applied to an imaging chip 100, which is used in an imaging device. The imaging method includes: a first processor 1 executing a first program 3c to perform image data processing, and a second processor 2 executing a second program 3d to complete the imaging operation; wherein the first program 3c is a program running on a first operating system 3a, and the second program 3d is a program running on a second operating system 3b. It should be noted that the steps of the first processor 1 executing the first program 3c and the second processor 2 executing the second program 3d do not have a strict order; at certain times, the first processor 1 executes the first program 3c while the second processor 2 executes the second program 3d simultaneously. This can save imaging time.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the imaging chip 100 also includes a volatile memory 4.

[0030] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the printing operation program includes a first printing operation program and a second printing operation program. The first printing operation program is used to preheat the printing device in the imaging device, and the second printing operation program is used to control the printing device to complete the printing operation.

[0031] The process of the imaging chip 100 completing the printing operation includes: the first processor 1 executes the printing data processing program in the first program 3c to realize the printing image data processing and stores the processed printing image data in the volatile memory 4; the second processor 2 executes the first printing operation program in the second program 3d to preheat the printing device; after the first processor 1 stores the processed printing image data in the volatile memory 4, it executes the second printing operation program in the second program 3d to complete the printing operation.

[0032] Accordingly, in the imaging method provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the steps for implementing the printing operation are as follows: Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the process for implementing the printing operation in an imaging method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] 301. The first processor 1 executes the print data processing program in the first program 3c to realize print image data processing and store the processed print image data in the volatile memory 4;

[0034] 302. The second processor 2 executes the first printing operation program in the second program 3d to preheat and pre-operate the printing device;

[0035] 303. After the first processor 1 stores the processed print image data in the volatile memory 4, the second processor 2 executes the second printing operation program in the second program 3d to complete the printing operation.

[0036] It should be noted that since the first program 3c and the second program 3d run on different operating systems, the preliminary resource configuration work for executing the first program 3c and the second program 3d can be performed simultaneously. The corresponding instructions are promptly distributed to the corresponding first processor 1 or second processor 2 for execution. This results in a very small time difference between the start of steps 301 and 302, almost to the point of simultaneous execution. Therefore, there is no necessary order for the execution of steps 301 and 302; step 302 can be executed before step 301, or steps 301 and 302 can be considered to be executed simultaneously.

[0037] Because the performance of the first processor 1 and the second processor 2 are different and the programs they execute are different, even if steps 301 and 302 start simultaneously, they may not finish simultaneously. If step 301 finishes first, then after the second processor 2 finishes executing the first printing operation program in step 302, that is, after completing the preheating and pre-operation of the printing device, it will immediately execute the second printing operation program to complete the printing operation, i.e., step 303. If step 302 finishes first, then the second processor 2 needs to wait for step 301 to finish, that is, wait for the first processor 1 to store the processed printed image data in the volatile memory 4, and then start executing the second printing operation program.

[0038] In some embodiments, in step 301, the first processor 1 processes all the printable image data at once, and then the second processor 2 starts executing the second printing operation program to complete the printing operation (i.e., step 303). In other embodiments, in step 301, the processing of the printable image data involves grouping all the printable image data to be printed and processing the printable image data periodically according to the group. After the first processor 1 executes the print data processing program to complete the first cycle of printable image data processing, the second processor 2 starts executing the second printing operation program to print the printable image data processed by the first processor 1. At the same time, the first processor 1 continues to execute the print data processing program to perform the next cycle of printable image data processing. This is equivalent to executing steps 301 and 303 in a loop. After the first processor 1 executes the print data processing program in step 301 to complete the print image data of the first cycle, step 303 begins to be executed. From then on, steps 301 and 303 are basically performed simultaneously. That is, the task of the first processor 1 executing the print data processing program in step 301 to complete the print image data of the current cycle and the task of the second processor 2 executing the second print operation program in step 303 to complete the print operation of the print image data of the previous cycle are performed simultaneously. This process is repeated until all the print image data to be printed is completed, which can save printing time and improve printing efficiency.

[0039] Step 301, which involves processing the print image data, may involve parsing the print image data to be printed in the memory to obtain print image data that can be used for printing.

[0040] Similarly, in some embodiments, the scanning operation program includes a first scanning operation program and a second scanning operation program. The first scanning operation program is used to preheat the scanning device in the imaging device, and the second scanning operation program is used to control the scanning device to complete the scanning operation.

[0041] The process of the imaging chip 100 completing the scanning operation includes: the second processor 2 executing the first scanning operation program in the second program 3d to preheat the scanning device; the second processor 2 executing the second scanning operation program in the second program 3d to complete the scanning and output the scanned image data; and the first processor 1 executing the scanning data processing program in the first program 3c to process the scanned image data.

[0042] Accordingly, in the imaging method provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the steps for implementing the scanning operation are as follows: Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the scanning operation in an imaging method provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] 401. The second processor 2 executes the first scanning operation program in the second program 3d to preheat and pre-operate the scanning device;

[0044] 402. The second processor 2 executes the second scanning operation program in the second program 3d to complete the scanning and output the scanned image data;

[0045] 403. The first processor 1 executes the scan data processing program in the first program 3c to process the scanned image data.

[0046] Since the preheating and pre-operation of the scanning device in step 401 does not generate scanning image data, therefore... Figure 4 In the scanning method shown, steps 401 and 403 cannot be executed simultaneously. However, after the second processor 2 executes the second scanning program and completes the scanning and outputs the scanned image data, the first processor 1 begins to execute the scanned data processing program to process the scanned image data.

[0047] Because the scanning device does not obtain all scanned image data at once when scanning the document, but rather performs periodic scans to obtain scanned image data, in step 402, after the second processor 2 executes the second scanning operation program to control the scanning device to complete one cycle of scanning and output the corresponding scanned image data, the first processor 1 executes the scan data processing program to process the scanned image data output by the current scanning device (i.e., step 403). At the same time, the second processor 2 is still executing the second scanning operation program to control the scanning device to perform the next cycle of scanning. This allows the scanned image data processing task of the first processor 1 and the scanning control task of the second processor 2 to be performed simultaneously, effectively saving scanning and imaging time. Furthermore, since the programs executed by the first processor 1 and the second processor 2 run on different operating systems, some interface conflicts can be avoided, and the second scanning operation program and the scan data processing program can be compiled at least partially simultaneously.

[0048] Therefore, steps 402 and 403 are executed repeatedly until all scanning cycles are completed, ultimately yielding the complete processed scan image data.

[0049] Step 403, which involves processing the scanned image data, may involve processing the raw scanned image data obtained by the scanning device to obtain image data in a conventional format, as well as compressing, selecting images, and applying dithering matrices to the conventional format image data.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the first operating system 3a, the second operating system 3b, the first program 3c, and the second program 3d are all stored in the same non-volatile memory 3. This embodiment of the invention also provides another imaging chip, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of an imaging chip provided in another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of an imaging chip provided in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] In the imaging chip 100, the non-volatile memory 3 includes a first non-volatile memory 31 and a second non-volatile memory 32. The first non-volatile memory 31 stores a first operating system 3a and a first program 3c, while the second non-volatile memory 32 stores a second operating system 3b and a second program 3d. Furthermore, the first processor 1 specifically calls and executes instructions from the first non-volatile memory 31, and the second processor 2 specifically calls and executes instructions from the second non-volatile memory 32. This effectively avoids program conflicts or vulnerabilities between the first program 3c system and the second program 3d system, and also saves the trouble of functionally partitioning the non-volatile memory 3 in software. The first non-volatile memory 31 and the second non-volatile memory 32 each perform their respective functions, enabling more efficient imaging operations.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first operating system 3a is configured as a Linux system, and the second operating system 3b is configured as an RTOS (Real-time operating system).

[0053] In practice, the applicant has found that Linux systems have a computational advantage in data processing, making them the primary operating system 3a, which can effectively improve the efficiency of data parsing and image data processing. Meanwhile, RTOS systems offer more timely task responses and have a strong advantage in controlling hardware in a timely manner; using them as the secondary operating system 3b allows for handling more time-sensitive tasks (such as controlling printing or scanning devices), thereby improving imaging speed.

[0054] The present invention also provides an imaging device, such as Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The imaging device 200 includes an imaging device 300 and an imaging chip 100 provided in this embodiment of the present invention, used to perform imaging operations. When the imaging device 200 is a printing device, the imaging device 300 includes a printing device, and the imaging device 200 includes a printing device and the imaging chip 100 provided in this embodiment of the present invention; when the imaging device 200 is an electronic device that has both printing and scanning functions, the imaging device 300 includes a printing device and a scanning device, and the imaging device 200 includes a printing device, a scanning device, and the imaging chip 100 provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the described order of actions, as some steps may be performed in other orders or simultaneously according to this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to this application.

[0056] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An imaging chip, used in an imaging device, characterized in that, The imaging chip includes a first processor, a second processor, and a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes a first non-volatile memory and a second non-volatile memory. The first non-volatile memory stores a first operating system and a first program, and the second non-volatile memory stores a second operating system and a second program. The first operating system is configured as a Linux system, and the second operating system is configured as an RTOS system. The first processor is used to specifically call and execute the first program in the first non-volatile memory to realize image data processing, and the second processor is used to specifically call and execute the second program in the second non-volatile memory to complete the imaging operation. Wherein, the first program is a program that runs on the first operating system, and the second program is a program that runs on the second operating system; The first processor is configured to execute the first program to perform image data processing, including: the first processor is configured to execute the first program to perform printed image data processing and / or scanned image data processing; the second processor is configured to execute the second program to perform imaging operations, including: the second processor is configured to execute the second program to perform printing operations and / or scanning operations.

2. An imaging method applied in an imaging chip, characterized in that, The imaging chip includes a first processor, a second processor, and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes a first non-volatile memory and a second non-volatile memory. The first non-volatile memory stores a first operating system and a first program, and the second non-volatile memory stores a second operating system and a second program. The first operating system is configured as a Linux system, and the second operating system is configured as an RTOS system. The method includes: The first processor specifically calls and executes a first program in the first non-volatile memory to perform image data processing, and the second processor specifically calls and executes a second program in the second non-volatile memory to complete the imaging operation; Wherein, the first program is a program that runs on the first operating system, and the second program is a program that runs on the second operating system; The first processor is configured to execute the first program to perform image data processing, including: the first processor is configured to execute the first program to perform printed image data processing and / or scanned image data processing; the second processor is configured to execute the second program to perform imaging operations, including: the second processor is configured to execute the second program to perform printing operations and / or scanning operations.

3. The imaging method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first processor executes the first program to realize print image data processing, including: the first processor executes the print data processing program in the first program to realize print image data processing and stores the processed print image data in volatile memory; The second processor executes the second program to complete the printing operation, including: the second processor executes the first printing operation program in the second program to preheat and pre-operate the printing device; after the first processor stores the processed printed image data in the volatile memory, it executes the second printing operation program in the second program to complete the printing operation.

4. The imaging method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second processor executes the second program to complete the scanning operation, including: the second processor executing a first scanning operation program in the second program to preheat and pre-operate the scanning device; and the second processor executing a second scanning operation program in the second program to complete the scanning and output the scanned image data; The first processor executes the first program to implement scanned image data processing, including: the first processor executes a scanned data processing program in the first program to process the scanned image data.

5. An imaging device, characterized in that, The imaging device includes the imaging chip according to claim 1, for implementing imaging operations.

6. The imaging device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The imaging device also includes a printing device and / or a scanning device.

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