Image processing system, image forming system, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides an image processing system, an image forming system, and a program that shorten the processing time required to create processed image data from received input image data, compared to the case where processed image data is created based on all the data sequences contained in the input image data. [Solution] In the image processing system 20, the CPU 91 of the control unit performs the following: receiving input image data IM and creating band data BDE to be used for the image formed on the recording medium. When the DMAC 102, which is the processor, receives a print instruction with a cut-off range CA from the input image data IM, it creates band data BDE based on the band data BDA, which excludes band data BDA1 and band data BDA2, which consist only of the cut-off range CA, from among the multiple band data BDAs included in the input image data IM.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image processing system, an image forming system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in Patent Document 1, compression means for compressing original image data for each block of a predetermined size, and generating compressed original image data in which each compressed block, which is the compression result of each block, is arranged in an array corresponding to the block array in the original image data; storage means for storing the compressed original image data; reception means for receiving an input of partial specification information specifying a positional range of a partial image to be cut out from the original image data; and by recognizing each compressed block in the compressed original image data according to the array, specifying a range of a group of compressed blocks in the compressed original image data corresponding to the positional range of the partial image specified by the partial specification information, and cutting out the group of compressed blocks belonging to the specified range from the compressed original image data as compressed data of the partial image; and decompression output means for decompressing and outputting the compressed data of the partial image cut out by the cutting out means, are disclosed in an image processing apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to shorten the processing time required to create processed image data from received input image data as compared with the case of creating processed image data based on all data sequences included in the input image data.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The first embodiment of the image processing system includes a processor, which performs the functions of receiving input image data and creating processed image data to be used for an image formed on a recording medium, and in creating the processed image data, when a print instruction with a cropping range is received from the input image data, the processed image data is created based on data sequences other than the data sequence that consists only of the data sequence included in the input image data.

[0006] In the second embodiment of the image processing system, in the image processing system described in the first embodiment, the processor creates the processed image data without reading the data sequence consisting only of the cut-off range from the storage unit when it is set that the data sequence consisting only of the cut-off range is to be used to create the processed image data before the other data sequences among the plurality of data sequences.

[0007] In the third embodiment of the image processing system, in the image processing system described in the first or second embodiment, the processor sets an area of ​​the image to be formed on the recording medium for the other data sequence when creating the processed image data.

[0008] The image processing system of the fourth embodiment is the image processing system described in the third embodiment, wherein the processor sets the position and size of the image formed on the recording medium as the region based on user input.

[0009] The fifth embodiment of the image processing system is an image processing system according to any one embodiment of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the processor performs a decoding process on the other data sequence included in the encoded input image data in order to create the processed image data.

[0010] The sixth embodiment of the image processing system is an image processing system according to any one embodiment of the first to fifth embodiments, wherein the processor comprises a first processor and a second processor, the first processor receives the input image data and outputs the other data sequence to the second processor, and the second processor creates the processed image data based on the other data sequence output by the first processor.

[0011] The image processing system of the seventh embodiment is the image processing system of the sixth embodiment, wherein the first processor reads from the storage unit the next data sequence to be output while the second processor is performing the process of creating the processed image data based on the other data sequence that has been output earlier.

[0012] The eighth embodiment of the image forming system comprises an image processing system and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on processed image data created by the image processing system, in the image forming system described in any one of the first to seventh embodiments.

[0013] The ninth embodiment of the program causes the processor to perform the following actions: receive input image data and create processed image data to be used in the image formed on the recording medium; and in creating the processed image data, if the program receives a print instruction with a cropping range from the input image data, it causes the processor to create processed image data based on the data sequences other than the data sequence that consists only of the cropping range from among the multiple data sequences included in the input image data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the image processing system of the first embodiment, when a print instruction with a cropping range is received from the input image data, the processing time required to create processed image data from the received input image data can be shortened compared to the case where processed image data is created based on all the data sequences included in the input image data.

[0015] According to the image processing system of the second embodiment, compared to the case in which all data sequences included in the input image data are read from the storage unit, the timing of reading other data sequences used to create the processed image data from the storage unit is accelerated.

[0016] According to the image processing system of the third embodiment, compared to the case where the area of ​​the image formed on the recording medium is determined based solely on the input image data, the user can set the area of ​​the image formed on the recording medium to their desired location.

[0017] According to the image processing system of the fourth embodiment, the degree of freedom of the user's desired settings is improved compared to a system where only one of either the position or the size of an image formed on a recording medium as a region can be set.

[0018] According to the image processing system of the fifth embodiment, the processing time required for decoding when creating processed image data can be shortened compared to when decoding is performed on all data sequences contained in the input image.

[0019] According to the image processing system of the sixth embodiment, a first processor suitable for receiving input image data and determining other data sequences can be used separately from a second processor suitable for creating processed image data.

[0020] According to the image processing system of the seventh embodiment, compared to the case where the second processor waits from the storage unit to read the next data sequence to be output until it has finished creating processed image data based on the other data sequence that has been output earlier, the processing time required from the receipt of input image data to the creation of processed image data can be shortened.

[0021] According to the image forming system of the eighth embodiment, the processing time required from the receipt of input image data to the formation of an image on the recording medium can be shortened compared to the case in which the image processing system processes all data sequences included in the input image data.

[0022] According to the program according to the ninth aspect, when the processor receives a print instruction with a cut-off range in the input image data, the processing time required to create the processed image data from the received input image data can be shortened compared to the case where the processed image data is created based on all the data strings included in the input image data.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of a document sheet read by the image forming apparatus in the embodiment and an image recorded on the document sheet. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of the input image data created when the image forming apparatus in the embodiment reads a document sheet. [Figure 5] It is a diagram for explaining how the image forming apparatus reads image data and processes the image data, and is a diagram showing the flow of processing of the image data after the image on the document sheet is read. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing how a user sets a print range using the clipping print function and an image formed on a recording medium by using the clipping print function in the image forming apparatus in the embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a cut-off range that is not a processing target in a plurality of band data of the embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the procedure for the DMAC to process band data in the embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing how a user sets a print range using the clipping print function in the image forming apparatus in a modification. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a cut-off range that is not a processing target in a plurality of band data of a modification. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows the procedure by which the DMAC processes band data in a modified example. [Figure 12] This figure shows how a user sets the print area using the clipping print function in an image forming apparatus of another modified form. [Figure 13] This figure shows the truncated range that is not processed in multiple band data from other modification methods. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] (Image forming apparatus 10) First, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described. In the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Figure 1, the width direction is the X direction, the height direction is the Z direction, and the depth direction is the Y direction, and these are indicated by the arrows X, Y, and Z, respectively.

[0025] In the following description, "user" refers to a person who copies an image formed on manuscript paper MP using the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment onto a recording medium CP. In this description, "user" is not limited to a specific person.

[0026] (Outline configuration of the image forming apparatus 10) Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 10, which is an example of an image forming system of this disclosure, includes an image reading unit 12, an image forming unit 14, a paper supply unit 16, and an operation panel 18, etc. Also, as shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 90 inside the housing.

[0027] The image reading unit 12 includes a document tray 22 on which the document paper MP is placed, a document ejection unit 24 on which the document paper MP from which the image has been read is ejected, and the like. The image reading unit 12 also includes a transport mechanism for transporting the document paper MP placed on the document tray 22. Furthermore, the image reading unit 12 includes an image reading sensor for optically reading images such as the document paper MP, and a scanning mechanism for scanning the document paper MP.

[0028] The upper surface of the document tray 22 is provided with a pair of guides 26A and 26B that guide the document paper MP when it is transported on the document tray 22. At least one of the pair of guides 26A and 26B is configured to move in the Y direction, which is the width direction of the document paper MP placed on the document tray 22. The pair of guides 26A and 26B move according to the width of the document paper MP placed on the document tray 22.

[0029] The image forming unit 14 includes an image forming mechanism for forming an image on paper supplied from the paper supply unit 16, and a discharge mechanism for discharging the paper with the image formed on it to the paper discharge unit 32. The image forming mechanism includes, for example, an image forming unit and a fixing device for forming an image using an electrophotographic method. The image forming unit includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, and a cleaning device. With the above configuration, the image forming unit 14 forms an image on paper supplied from the paper supply unit 16 and discharges the paper with the image formed on it to the paper discharge unit 32.

[0030] The paper supply unit 16 includes a paper storage section for storing paper, a supply mechanism for supplying paper from the paper storage section to the image forming unit 14, and the like. The supply mechanism consists of an extraction roller for removing paper from the paper storage section, a transport roller, and the like. Depending on the type and size of paper, it may have multiple paper storage sections. The paper supply unit 16 supplies paper to the image forming unit 14 with the above configuration.

[0031] The control panel 18 includes a touch panel 34 for displaying various screens such as settings screens, and various buttons 36 such as a start button and a numeric keypad. With this configuration, the control panel 18 functions as a UI (user interface) that accepts user operations and displays various information to the user.

[0032] (Hardware configuration and image processing system) Next, the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. As shown in Figure 2, in the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, each component is connected to the control unit 90. More specifically, the control unit 90 is connected to the image reading unit 12, the image forming unit 14, the touch panel 34, and the document transport unit 40. The control unit 90 is further connected to the DMAC (Direct Memory Access Controller) 102, the decoding unit 104, the image editing unit 106, and the data conversion unit 108. The control unit 90, DMAC 102, decoding unit 104, image editing unit 106, and data conversion unit 108 constitute the image processing system 20.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 90 includes a CPU 91, RAM 92, ROM 93, and an input / output interface (I / O) 95. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 94.

[0034] The CPU 91 is a central processing unit that executes various programs, including program 96, and controls other components. The CPU 91 is also an example of a "processor" in this embodiment. The RAM 92 temporarily stores program 96 or data as a working area for the processor, including the CPU 91. The RAM 92 is a component commonly referred to as "memory" and is an example of a "storage unit" in this embodiment. The ROM 93 stores various data, including program 96, which is an example of a "program" according to this disclosure.

[0035] The CPU 91 of the control unit 90 controls each component shown in Figure 2 based on the program 96. The specific operation of each component shown in Figure 2 will be explained, including how it reads the image on the manuscript paper MP, with reference to Figure 3.

[0036] The image reading unit 12 is controlled by the control unit 90 to read the image formed on the document paper MP. More specifically, an image reading sensor (not shown) in the image reading unit 12 reads the image on the document paper MP in the main scanning direction PD. The document paper MP from which the image has been read is transported downstream in the transport direction TD and discharged to the document discharge unit 24.

[0037] The images recorded on the manuscript paper MP shown in Figure 3 are stored in the RAM 92 as band data BDA1, BDA2, BDA3, ... extending in the main scanning direction PD, as shown in Figure 4. The band data BDA1, BDA2, BDA3, ... are sequentially read by the image reading unit 12 as the manuscript paper MP is transported, as shown in Figure 4, and stored in the RAM 92 as multiple band data BDAs. The last part of the code for band data BDA1, BDA2, BDA3, ... corresponds to the image data at the position of the manuscript paper MP in the main scanning direction PD. Hereafter, when simply referred to as "band data BDA," it refers to each or any one of these band data BDAs without specifying them.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the combined data of all the band data BDAs constitutes the input image data IM in this embodiment. In other words, each band data BDA is an example of a "data sequence" in this embodiment.

[0039] Each band data BDA has a length in the sub-scanning direction SD. In other words, band data BDA is data in which multiple lines extending in the main scanning direction PD are aligned in the sub-scanning direction SD. The number of lines in band data BDA is set as appropriate. Similarly, the number of band data BDAs created when one manuscript paper MP is scanned (10 in the example in Figure 4) is determined by the number of lines contained in the band data BDA.

[0040] DMAC102 is another example of a “processor” as described herein. DMAC102 can access RAM92 via control bus 94 and I / O95. DMAC102 also transmits encoded band data BDB to decoding unit 104, as shown in Figure 5.

[0041] The decoding unit 104 is a component that decodes the band data BDB encoded by the DMAC 102 when it receives the BDB. More specifically, it converts the encoded band data BDB (i.e., data represented as a bit sequence) into band data BDC, in which multiple pixels are arranged in the main scanning direction PD. The decoding unit 104 then transmits the converted band data BDC to the image editing unit 106, as shown in Figure 5.

[0042] The image editing unit 106 is a component that, upon receiving the decoded band data BDC from the decoding unit 104, edits the image based on user operations entered into the operation panel 18. While the specific operations based on user operations will be described later, the image editing unit 106 performs editing that includes extracting regions included in the band data BDC. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the image editing unit 106 transmits the edited band data BDD to the data conversion unit 108.

[0043] The data conversion unit 108 is a component that converts the band data BDD received from the image editing unit 106 so that the image forming unit 14 can perform image forming operations. In other words, the data conversion unit 108 is a so-called driver, and as shown in Figure 5, it converts the data format of the band data BDE received from the image editing unit 106 and transmits it to the image forming unit 14.

[0044] In the following explanation, when "band data BD" is simply referred to, it will mean one of the following without specifying which one is being referred to: band data BDA, band data BDB, band data BDC, band data BDD, or band data BDE.

[0045] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the DMAC 102, decoding unit 104, image editing unit 106, and data conversion unit 108 may be configured with any hardware. In this embodiment, these configurations are configured so that the above operations are performed by independent processors. That is, the DMAC 102, decoding unit 104, image editing unit 106, data conversion unit 108, and CPU 91 are all examples of "processors" in this embodiment. In other words, the DMAC 102 is an example of a "first processor" in this embodiment. The decoding unit 104, image editing unit 106, or data conversion unit 108 is also an example of a "second processor" in this embodiment. The CPU 91 may execute the above operations by running program 96.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the DMAC 102, decoding unit 104, image editing unit 106, and data conversion unit 108 operate independently at the same time. For example, while the DMAC 102 is reading the band data BDA from RAM 92, the image editing unit 106 edits the band data BDC. Similarly, the other components can also be executed independently. In other words, while the DMAC 102 is creating the band data BDE, it reads the next band data BDA to be output.

[0047] The DMAC102 is configured to read the band data BDA used to create the band data BDE from the RAM92 in the order in which they were created. For example, if all band data BDA are used to create the band data BDE, the DMAC102 first reads band data BDA1 from the RAM92. Then, after sending band data BDB to the decoding unit 104 based on the read band data BDA1, it reads band data BDA2 from the RAM92. In other words, the DMAC102 is configured to read the band data BDA in the order of their positions in the main scanning direction PD.

[0048] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment has a function called clipping printing. The clipping printing function will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0049] (Clipping print function) The upper part of Figure 6 shows an image recorded on the manuscript paper MP. The image reading unit 12 reads the image formed on the manuscript paper MP as shown in Figure 4 and stores it in the RAM 92 as band data BDA, allowing the user to view the image on the touch panel 34. Here, the user may wish to print only a specific range (hereinafter referred to as the specific area SA) of the image read from the manuscript paper MP, as shown in the upper part of Figure 6. The upper part of Figure 6 shows the specific area SA that the user has requested and specified by inputting on the touch panel 34.

[0050] When using the clipping printing function, as shown in the lower part of Figure 6, the image forming apparatus 10 forms only that area on the recording medium CP. Also, as shown in the lower part of Figure 6, the specific area SA is a different size from the original paper MP and is positioned differently from the original paper MP.

[0051] The clipping printing function is performed by the CPU 91 executing various programs recorded in the ROM 93, thereby controlling the DMAC 102, decoding unit 104, image editing unit 106, and data conversion unit 108. More specifically, the image editing unit 106, controlled by the CPU 91, edits the band data BDC, thereby changing the arrangement and shape of a specific region SA included in the band data BDA. The edited band data BDD is then formed on the recording medium CP through the operation of the aforementioned components.

[0052] Here, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 6, the portion other than the specific region SA is the range that the image editing unit 106 cuts off when editing the band data BDC. In other words, the portion of the band data BDA other than the specific region SA is an example of the "cut-off range" in this embodiment.

[0053] Now, let's consider the multiple band data BDAs stored in RAM92 as image data.

[0054] As shown in the upper part of Figure 6, if a specific region SA is not located at the leading edge (left side in Figure 6) in the image transport direction TD (direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction PD), band data BDA will be generated that is not included at all in the area printed by the clipping printing function. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the images in band data BDA1 and band data BDA2 are not included in the recording medium CP, as shown in Figure 7. In other words, as shown in Figure 7, the images in band data BDA that precede band data BDA3, which includes the front boundary AT, are not included in the recording medium CP.

[0055] In the following explanation, the order of the band data BDA that includes the front boundary AT (band data BDA3 in Figure 7) will be denoted as "A". In Figure 7, A is 3.

[0056] In such cases, even if the DMAC 102 reads band data BDA1 and band data BDA2 from RAM 92 and transmits the data to the decoding unit 104, the image editing unit 106 transmits the image to the data conversion unit 108 without including it in the band data BDD. In other words, if a specific region SA is not at the beginning in the image transport direction TD, inefficiencies are likely to occur in the operation of each component. That is, in Figure 6, band data BDA1 and band data BDA2 are examples of "data sequences consisting only of the truncated range" in this embodiment. Also, in Figure 6, band data BDA3 and subsequent band data BDA are examples of "other data sequences" in this embodiment.

[0057] In this embodiment, the DMAC 102, decoding unit 104, image editing unit 106, data conversion unit 108, and image forming unit 14 start processing without waiting for the processing of the preceding component to be completed, in order to speed up the overall processing. In other words, the decoding unit 104, image editing unit 106, data conversion unit 108, and image forming unit 14 process multiple band data BDs sequentially without waiting for the reception of all band data BDs, and transmit them to the next component.

[0058] As shown in Figure 6, if the data at the beginning of the sub-scanning direction SD is included in the cut-off range CA, the transmission of band data BDE to the image forming unit 14 may be delayed. Specifically, when the image editing unit 106 performs processing such as selecting and discarding the received band data BDC and editing the images contained in the band data BDC (changing position, arrangement, size, etc.), the processing time may be longer than expected. If the processing of the image editing unit 106 is delayed, the data conversion unit 108 or the image forming unit 14 will be in a state where it has started executing the processing but has not received the band data BD to be processed. If the image forming unit 14 starts executing the processing before receiving the band data BD to be processed, an image of the specific region SA will not be formed on the recording medium CP.

[0059] In this embodiment, the DMAC102 of the image forming apparatus 10 reads the band data BDA in the procedure shown in Figure 8 when performing the clipping printing function. Note that K shown in Figure 8 is an integer variable.

[0060] (Band data BDA reading operation) First, in step S102, DMAC102 obtains the truncation range CA and the total number of band data BDAs in the band data BDA. More specifically, in step S102, DMAC102 obtains the order A of the band data BDAs that include the front boundary AT, which is the boundary between the truncation range CA and the specific range, from RAM92. Also in step S102, DMAC102 obtains the total number of band data BDAs associated as band data BDAs from RAM92. Then DMAC102 proceeds to step S104.

[0061] Next, in step S104, DMAC102 sets an arbitrary integer K to 1. Then DMAC102 proceeds to step S106.

[0062] Next, in step S106, DMAC102 determines whether K is greater than A. If DMAC102 determines in step S106 that K is greater than A, it proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, if DMAC102 determines in step S106 that K is less than or equal to A, it proceeds to step S112.

[0063] Next, in step S108, the DMAC102 reads the K-th band data BDA from RAM92. In step S108, for example, if K is the 4th band data, the DMAC102 reads the 4th band data BDA, which is band data BDA4, from RAM92. Then the DMAC102 proceeds to step S110.

[0064] Next, in step S110, the DMAC102 outputs the K-th band data BDA to the decoding unit 104. More specifically, the DMAC102 outputs the band data BDA read in step S108 to the decoding unit 104. Then, the DMAC102 proceeds to step S112.

[0065] Next, in step S112, DMAC102 determines whether K exceeds the total number of band data BDAs. If DMAC102 determines in step S112 that K exceeds A, it terminates the band data BDA reading operation. On the other hand, if DMAC102 determines in step S112 that K is less than or equal to the total number of band data BDAs, it proceeds to step S114.

[0066] Next, in step S114, DMAC102 increments the value of an arbitrary integer K by 1. Then, DMAC102 proceeds to step S106.

[0067] In this way, the DMAC 102 acquires the band data BDA from the RAM 92 by repeatedly executing steps S106 to S112. The acquired band data BDA is then output to the decoding unit 104 as band data BDB.

[0068] The handling of the band data BDB output to the decoding unit 104 is as described above. More specifically, the image editing unit 106 creates band data BDD from band data BDC, which is created based on band data BDA that includes a partially cut-off area CA, such as band data BDA3, excluding the cut-off area CA. For band data BDA4 and later, since they do not include the cut-off area CA, the image editing unit 106 creates band data BDD based on the entire area of ​​the band data BDA.

[0069] Furthermore, the band data BDE is an example of "processed image data" in this embodiment. That is, the operation in which the DMAC 102, decoding unit 104, image editing unit 106, and data conversion unit 108 perform processing on the band data BD is an example of "creating processed image data" in this embodiment.

[0070] Next, the operation and effects of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment will be shown.

[0071] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) In this embodiment, the CPU 91 receives input image data IM and receives the truncation range CA from the input image data IM. The DMAC 102, decoding unit 104, image editing unit 106, and data conversion unit 108 create band data BDE used for the image formed on the recording medium CP. Here, the DMAC 102 creates the band data BDE based on the other band data BDAs included in the input image data IM, excluding the band data BDA that consists only of the truncation range CA. Therefore, according to the image processing system 20 in this embodiment, when a print instruction with a truncation range CA in the input image data IM is received, the processing time required to create the processed image data from the received input image data IM can be shortened compared to when the band data BDE is created based on all the band data BDAs included in the input image data IM. In other words, the processing time required to create the band data BDE from the band data BDAs can be reduced.

[0072] Furthermore, if the DMAC 102 is configured to use a band data BDA consisting only of the cut-off range CA for creating the band data BDE before other band data BDAs that do not consist only of the cut-off range CA, it will not read the band data BDA consisting only of the cut-off range CA from the RAM 92. Therefore, according to the image processing system 20 in this embodiment, the timing of reading the band data BDA used for creating the band data BDE (band data BDA excluding the cut-off range CA) is earlier compared to when the DMAC 102 reads all band data BDAs included in the input image data IM from the RAM 92.

[0073] Furthermore, the CPU 91 sets the image region to be formed on the recording medium CP for band data BDA other than band data BDA consisting only of the cut-off range CA. Therefore, according to the image processing system 20 in this embodiment, the image region to be formed on the recording medium CP can be set to the region desired by the user, compared to the case where the image region to be formed on the recording medium CP is determined based only on the input image data IM.

[0074] Furthermore, the image processing system 20 according to this embodiment offers greater flexibility in setting desired parameters compared to a system where only one of the position or size of an image formed on the recording medium CP as a region can be set.

[0075] Furthermore, when DMAC102 creates band data BDE, it performs decoding on band data BDA other than band data BDA consisting only of the truncated range CA included in the encoded input image data IM. Therefore, according to the image processing system 20 in this embodiment, the processing time required for decoding when creating band data BDE can be reduced compared to when decoding is performed on all band data BDA included in the input image data IM.

[0076] Furthermore, the image processing system 20 according to this embodiment includes a DMAC 102, a decoding unit 104, an image editing unit 106, and a data conversion unit 108. The DMAC 102 receives input image data IM and outputs the other band data BDA, excluding the band data BDA consisting only of the cut-off range CA, to the decoding unit 104. The decoding unit 104, the image editing unit 106, and the data conversion unit 108 then create band data BDE based on the other band data BDA output by the DMAC 102, excluding the band data BDA consisting only of the cut-off range CA. Therefore, according to the image processing system 20 according to this embodiment, the DMAC 102, which is suitable for receiving input image data IM and determining the band data BDA excluding the cut-off range CA, and the decoding unit 104, the image editing unit 106, and the data conversion unit 108, which are suitable for creating band data BDE, can be used interchangeably.

[0077] Furthermore, while the decoding unit 104, image editing unit 106, and data conversion unit 108 are creating band data BDE based on the previously outputted band data BDA excluding the cut-off range CA, the DMAC 102 reads the next band data BDA excluding the cut-off range CA from the RAM 92. In addition, according to the image processing system 20 in this embodiment, the processing time required from the receipt of input image data IM to the creation of band data BDE can be shortened compared to waiting for the decoding unit 104, image editing unit 106, and data conversion unit 108 to finish creating the band data BDE based on the previously outputted band data BDA excluding the cut-off range CA before reading the next band data BDA excluding the cut-off range CA from the RAM 92.

[0078] Furthermore, while the decoding unit 104, image editing unit 106, and data conversion unit 108 are creating band data BDE based on the previously outputted band data BDA excluding the cut-off range CA, the DMAC 102 reads the next band data BDA excluding the cut-off range CA from the RAM 92. As a result, in the image processing system 20 according to this embodiment, the timing at which the DMAC 102 outputs the band data BDA used to create the band data BDE is accelerated. Therefore, in the image processing system 20 according to this embodiment, another problem can be solved: the possibility that the band data BDA used to create the band data BDE by the DMAC 102 is not ready at the time the decoding unit 104, image editing unit 106, and data conversion unit 108 create the band data BDE is reduced.

[0079] Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the image forming apparatus 10, the processing time required from the receipt of the input image data IM to the formation of an image on the recording medium CP can be shortened compared to the case where the image processing system 20 processes all band data BDA included in the input image data IM.

[0080] Furthermore, the program 96 in this embodiment causes the CPU 91 to receive the input image data IM and to receive the truncation range CA from the input image data IM. The program 96 also causes the processor to create band data BDE to be used for the image formed on the recording medium CP. Here, the DMAC 102 creates the band data BDE based on the other band data BDAs included in the input image data IM, excluding the band data BDA that consists only of the truncation range CA. Therefore, according to the program 96 in this embodiment, when the DMAC 102 receives a print instruction with a truncation range CA in the input image data IM, the processing time required to create the processed image data from the received input image data IM can be shortened compared to when all band data BDAs included in the input image data IM are subject to processing.

[0081] Next, a modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11. Note that the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 in the modified example is the same as in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0082] <Variations> In this modified example, the user utilizes the clipping print function, but the specific region SA differs from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the specific region SA in this modified example is the middle portion of the manuscript paper MP in the sub-scanning direction SD. In other words, in this modified example, the specific region SA has a front boundary AT and a rear boundary PT. To put it another way, the trimming range CA in this modified example includes both the leading and trailing regions in the image transport direction TD.

[0083] In this modified version as well, when considering multiple band data BDAs, some band data BDAs are not included at all in the area printed by the clipping printing function. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the images in band data BDA1 and band data BDA2 are not included in the recording medium CP. Furthermore, in this modified version, data from band data BDA8 onwards are also not included in the area printed. In other words, as shown in Figure 10, the images in band data BDAs that are sequentially ahead of band data BDA3, which includes the front boundary AT, and the images in band data BDAs that are sequentially ahead of band data BDA7, which includes the rear boundary PT, are not included in the recording medium CP.

[0084] In the following explanation, the order in the image data of the band data BDA including the front boundary AT (band data BDA3 in Figure 10) will be referred to as "A," and the order in the image data of the band data BDA including the rear boundary PT (band data BDA7 in Figure 10) will be referred to as "B." In Figure 10, A is 3 and B is 7. That is, in Figure 10, band data BDA1, band data BDA2, and band data BDA8 and later are other examples of the "data sequence consisting only of the truncated range" in this embodiment. Also, in Figure 10, band data BDA from band data BDA4 to band data BDA7 are other examples of the "other data sequences" in this embodiment.

[0085] In this modified example, the DMAC102 of the image forming apparatus 10 reads image data in the procedure shown in Figure 11 when performing the clipping printing function.

[0086] (Band data BDA reading operation) As shown in Figure 11, steps S202 and S204 are the same as steps S102 and S104 in the embodiment. That is, in step S202, the DMAC102 obtains from RAM92 the order A of band data BDA including the front boundary AT, which is the boundary between the cut-off range CA and the specific range, and the order B of band data BDA including the rear boundary PT.

[0087] In step S206, DMAC102 reads the K-th band data BDA from RAM92. If, for example, K is the 4th band data in step S206, DMAC102 reads the 4th band data BDA, which is band data BD4, from RAM92. Then DMAC102 proceeds to step S208.

[0088] Next, in step S208, DMAC102 determines whether K is greater than A and less than B. If DMAC102 determines in step S208 that K is greater than A and less than B, it proceeds to step S212. On the other hand, if DMAC102 determines in step S208 that K is less than or equal to A, or that K is greater than or equal to B, it proceeds to step S210.

[0089] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, steps S210 to S214 of DMAC102 are the same as steps S110 to S114 in the embodiment.

[0090] In other words, in this modification, the timing of the procedure for reading the band data BDA and the procedure for determining whether or not the band data BDA is included in the cutoff range CA differ from that of the embodiment. More specifically, in this modification, the timing of the procedure for reading the band data BDA (step S206) is earlier than the timing of the procedure for determining whether or not the band data BDA is included in the cutoff range CA (step S208).

[0091] Next, we will explain the operation and effects of the image forming apparatus 10 in this modified example operating according to the procedure described above.

[0092] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) In this modified example, the DMAC 102 creates the band data BDE based on the other band data BDAs included in the input image data IM, excluding the band data BDA that consists only of the truncation range CA. Therefore, according to the image processing system 20 in this modified example, when a print instruction with a truncation range CA in the input image data IM is received, the processing time required to create the processed image data from the received input image data IM can be shortened compared to when all band data BDAs included in the input image data IM are subject to processing. In other words, in this modified example as well, the processing time required to create the processed image data from the input image data IM can be reduced.

[0093] Furthermore, with the image forming apparatus 10 in this modified example, the same functions and effects as in the embodiment can be obtained for other functions and effects as in the embodiment.

[0094] <Other variations> In the above description, the specific region SA was set to be after the beginning of the sub-scanning direction SD in the image data. In other words, in the above description, the order A of the band data BDA including the front boundary AT was set to 2 or more. The conditions for obtaining the above effect with the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment are not limited to this. For example, even if A is 1, that is, the front boundary AT is the first data of the band data BDA, the above effect can be obtained if B is less than the total number of band data BDA, that is, if the rear boundary PT is not the last data of the band data BDA.

[0095] Furthermore, the conditions under which the molding apparatus of this embodiment can obtain the above-mentioned effects are not limited to just one specific region SA. For example, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, even if multiple specific ranges are set in the sub-scanning direction SD, and band data BDA consisting only of the cut-off range CA occurs between them, the above-mentioned effects can still be obtained. In other words, in this embodiment, there are no particular limitations on the arrangement of the cut-off range CA in the image data. In Figure 13, the band data BDA from band data BDA4 to band data BDA6 is another example of a "data sequence consisting only of the cut-off range" in this embodiment. Also, in Figure 13, the band data BDA from band data BDA1 to band data BDA3, and from band data BDA7 to band data BDA9 are another example of "other data sequences" in this embodiment.

[0096] Furthermore, in the above description, "creating processed image data" was described as an example of the operation in which the DMAC 102, decoding unit 104, image editing unit 106, and data conversion unit 108 perform processing on the band data BD. However, "creating processed image data" in this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, if the band data BDA is not encoded, in other words, if there is no need to decode the band data BDA, the configuration may not include the decoding unit 104. Also, for example, if there is no need to edit the band data BDC, the configuration may not include the image editing unit 106.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a broad type of processor, including general-purpose processors (e.g., the aforementioned CPU, DMAC, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0098] Furthermore, the operation of the processor in the above embodiment may not be performed by a single processor, but may be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor operations is not limited to the order described in the above embodiment, but may be changed as appropriate.

[0099] In addition, the processing that the CPU reads and executes in each of the above embodiments may be executed by various processors other than the CPU. Examples of such processors include PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices) such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing, and dedicated electrical circuits that are processors with circuit configurations specifically designed to execute specific processing, such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). Furthermore, the processing may be executed by one of these various processors, or by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, multiple FPGAs, and a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). More specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is an electrical circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0100] Furthermore, although the above embodiments describe a configuration in which the processing program is pre-stored (installed) in ROM, the invention is not limited to this. The program may be provided in a form stored on a non-transitory storage medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Alternatively, the program may be provided in a form that is downloaded from an external device via a network.

[0101] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, it is clear that any person with ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs could conceive of various modifications or applications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these too are naturally understood to fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0102] Further preferred embodiments of this disclosure are shown below.

[0103] (((1))) Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor receives input image data, Creating processed image data to be used for images formed on a recording medium, Execute, In creating the processed image data, when a print instruction is received that includes a cropping range in the input image data, the processed image data is created based on the data columns other than the data column that consists only of the cropping range among the multiple data columns included in the input image data. Image processing system.

[0104] (((2))) The processor, when it is set that the data sequence consisting only of the truncated range is to be used to create the processed image data before the other data sequences among the plurality of data sequences, creates the processed image data without reading the data sequence consisting only of the truncated range from the storage unit. (((1)))'s image processing system.

[0105] (((3))) The processor, in creating the processed image data, sets an area for the image to be formed on the recording medium for the other data sequence. An image processing system of (((1))) or (((2))).

[0106] (((4))) The processor sets the position and size of the image formed on the recording medium as the region, based on the user's input. (((3))) Image processing system.

[0107] (((5))) The processor, in creating the processed image data, performs a decoding process on the other data sequences included in the encoded input image data. An image processing system, one of the following: (((1))) through (((4))).

[0108] (((6))) The aforementioned processor comprises a first processor and a second processor. The first processor receives the input image data and outputs the other data sequence to the second processor. The second processor performs the task of creating the processed image data based on the other data sequence output by the first processor. An image processing system, one of the following: (((1))) to (((5))).

[0109] (((7))) While the first processor is performing the process of creating the processed image data based on the other data sequence that has been output earlier, the first processor reads the next data sequence to be output from the storage unit. (((6))) Image processing system.

[0110] (((8))) One image processing system from (((1))) to (((7))), An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on the processed image data created by the image processing system, An image forming system comprising:

[0111] (((9))) Accepting input image data, Creating processed image data to be used for images formed on a recording medium, Make it run, In creating the processed image data, when a print instruction is received that includes a cropping range in the input image data, the processed image data is created based on the data columns other than the data column that consists only of the cropping range among the multiple data columns included in the input image data. A program that causes the processor to execute.

[0112] According to the image processing system described in (((1))), when a print instruction with a cropping range is received from the input image data, the processing time required to create processed image data from the received input image data can be shortened compared to the case where processed image data is created based on all the data sequences included in the input image data. According to the image processing system described in (((2))), compared to the case where all data sequences included in the input image data are read from the storage unit, the timing of reading other data sequences used to create the processed image data from the storage unit is accelerated. According to the image processing system described in (((3))), compared to the case where the area of ​​the image formed on the recording medium is determined based solely on the input image data, the user can set the area of ​​the image formed on the recording medium to their desired location. According to the image processing system described in (((4))), the degree of freedom of the user in setting the desired parameters is improved compared to a system where only one of the position or size of an image formed on a recording medium as a region can be set. According to the image processing system described in (((5))), the processing time required for decoding when creating processed image data can be reduced compared to when decoding is performed on all data sequences contained in the input image. According to the image processing system described in (((6))), a first processor suitable for receiving input image data and determining other data sequences can be used, and a second processor suitable for creating processed image data can be used separately. According to the image processing system described in (((7))), the processing time required from receiving input image data to creating processed image data can be shortened compared to the case where the second processor waits from the storage unit to read the next data sequence to be output until it has finished creating processed image data based on the other data sequences that have been output previously. According to the image forming system described in (((8))), the processing time required from receiving the input image data to forming an image on the recording medium can be shortened compared to the case where the image processing system processes all data sequences included in the input image data. According to the program described in (((9))), when the processor receives a print instruction with a truncated range in the input image data, the processing time required to create processed image data from the received input image data can be shortened compared to the case where the processor creates processed image data based on all the data sequences included in the input image data. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 10. Image forming apparatus (an example of an image forming system) 12 Image reading unit 14 Image forming unit 16. Paper supply unit 18. Control Panel 20. Image processing systems. 22 Manuscript stand 24 Original output section 32 Paper output section 34 Touch Panel 36 various buttons 40. Manuscript transport section 90 Control Unit 91 CPU (Example of a processor) 92 RAM (an example of a memory unit) 93 ROM 94 Bus 95 I / O 96 Programs 102 DMAC (an example of a processor, and an example of a first processor) 104 Decoding Unit (An example of a processor, and an example of a second processor) 106 Image editing department (an example of a processor, and an example of a second processor) 108 Data conversion unit (an example of a processor, and an example of a second processor) AT anterior border BD Band Data BDA band data (an example of input image data) BDB Band Data BDC Band Data BDD Band Data BDE band data (an example of processed image data) BDF Band Data CA Cut-off Range CP recording media IM input image data MP Manuscript Paper PD Main Scanning Direction PT posterior border SA specific area SD sub-scanning direction TD Conveying Direction

Claims

1. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor receives input image data, Creating processed image data to be used for images formed on a recording medium, Execute, In creating the processed image data, when a print instruction is received that includes a cropping range in the input image data, the processed image data is created based on the data columns other than the data column that consists only of the cropping range among the multiple data columns included in the input image data. Image processing system.

2. The processor, when it is set that the data sequence consisting only of the truncated range is to be used to create the processed image data before the other data sequences among the plurality of data sequences, creates the processed image data without reading the data sequence consisting only of the truncated range from the storage unit. The image processing system according to claim 1.

3. The processor, in creating the processed image data, sets an area for the image to be formed on the recording medium for the other data sequence. The image processing system according to claim 1.

4. The processor sets the position and size of the image formed on the recording medium as the region, based on the user's input. The image processing system according to claim 3.

5. The processor, in creating the processed image data, performs a decoding process on the other data sequences included in the encoded input image data. The image processing system according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned processor comprises a first processor and a second processor. The first processor receives the input image data and outputs the other data sequence to the second processor. The second processor performs the task of creating the processed image data based on the other data sequence output by the first processor. The image processing system according to claim 1.

7. While the first processor is performing the process of creating the processed image data based on the other data sequence that has been output earlier, the first processor reads the next data sequence to be output from the storage unit. The image processing system according to claim 6.

8. An image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on the processed image data created by the image processing system, An image forming system comprising:

9. Accepting input image data, Creating processed image data to be used for images formed on a recording medium, Make it run, In creating the processed image data, when a print instruction is received that includes a cropping range in the input image data, the processed image data is created based on the data columns other than the data column that consists only of the cropping range among the multiple data columns included in the input image data. A program that causes the processor to execute.

Images