Image processing device, image forming device, and image processing method

Abstract

To provide an image processing apparatus that improves the efficiency of clipping processing.SOLUTION: An image processing unit 11 is an image processing apparatus for a raster image processor (RIP) mounted in an image forming apparatus 1. An instruction acquisition unit 110 acquires instructions for image processing. A determination unit 120, when clipping is set according to the instructions acquired by the instruction acquisition unit 110, determines whether the clipping is in an inclusive mode or an exclusive mode, and when in the exclusive mode, calculates pixels that are protected in a frame on which the image processing is performed and sets the number of pixels necessary for clip processing. A clip processing unit 130, in the inclusive mode, when a shape unit on which clipping is performed is a rectangle, performs clipping by evaluating a clipping area that includes the shape unit and the frame on which the image processing is performed and setting a different frame, and when the shape unit is a trapezoid or a scan line, performs clipping by evaluating the positional relationship between the frame and a line being processed and setting a different line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and an image processing method that perform clipping processing in a Raster Image Processor (RIP). [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There are image forming apparatuses such as multifunctional peripherals (MFPs) that are capable of printing documents and images. In the image forming apparatus, image processing is performed by a Raster Image Processor (RIP) that forms an image from page data written in a page description language such as PostScript (registered trademark). This RIP process may involve clipping, which is a process in which a clipping region is defined and an image is clipped in accordance with this region.

[0003] According to Patent Document 1, in clipping processing by a typical image processing device, a line scan is performed for each vertical direction of the clipping area to generate a pattern based on the values ​​of the start and end points where the horizontal line intersects. This pattern information is stored, and mask bits are drawn on the image data. The drawn mask bits are read, and a photographic image is drawn on memory according to the values ​​of the mask bits. This enables high-speed clipping of any clip area.

[0004] On the other hand, in a typical clipping process, inclusive mode and exclusive mode are set. The difference between them is how the area outside the clipping area (outside the clipping area) is handled and how the mask bit values ​​are handled. In inclusive mode, the image of pixels whose mask bit is 1 is output to memory. Conversely, if the mask bit is 0, that part is protected and the image is not written to memory. Everything outside the clip area is protected. In exclusive mode, the image of pixels whose mask bit is 0 is output to memory. Conversely, pixels whose mask bit is 1 are protected. In addition, everything outside the clip area is overwritten in memory. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-169584 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 is inefficient because it performs the same clipping process in both the inclusive mode and the exclusive mode.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that solves the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The image processing device of the present invention is an image processing device for a raster image processor (RIP) mounted on an image forming device, and is characterized in that it comprises an instruction acquisition unit that acquires an image processing instruction, a judgment unit that, when clipping is set by the instruction acquired by the instruction acquisition unit, determines whether the clipping is in inclusive mode or exclusive mode, and, if the clipping is set by the exclusive mode, calculates the protected pixels of the frame on which image processing is performed and sets the number of pixels required for clipping, and a clip processing unit that, in the inclusive mode, when the shape unit on which the clipping is performed is a rectangle, evaluates a clip area including the shape unit and the frame on which image processing is performed and sets a different frame, and when the shape unit is a trapezoid or a scan line, evaluates the positional relationship between the frame and the line being processed, sets a different line, and performs clipping in the exclusive mode, does not set a different line, and evaluates the clip area and each line based on the setting of the number of pixels calculated by the judgment unit, and performs clipping. The image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus including an image processing device for a raster image processor (RIP), and the image processing device is characterized in that it comprises: an instruction acquisition unit that acquires an instruction for image processing; a judgment unit that, when clipping is set by the instruction acquired by the instruction acquisition unit, determines whether the clipping is in inclusive mode or exclusive mode, and, in the exclusive mode, calculates the protected pixels of the frame on which image processing is performed and sets the number of pixels required for clipping; and a clip processing unit that, in the inclusive mode, when the shape unit on which the clipping is performed is a rectangle, evaluates a clip area including the shape unit and the frame on which image processing is performed and sets a different frame, and when the shape unit is a trapezoid or a scan line, evaluates the positional relationship between the frame and the line being processed, sets a different line, and performs clipping in the exclusive mode, does not set a different line, and evaluates the clip area and each line based on the setting of the number of pixels calculated by the judgment unit, and performs clipping. The image processing method of the present invention is an image processing method executed by an image processing device for a raster image processor (RIP) mounted on an image forming device, which obtains an image processing command, and when clipping is set by the obtained command, determines whether the clipping is in inclusive mode or exclusive mode, and in the exclusive mode, calculates the protected pixels of the frame on which image processing is performed and sets the number of pixels required for clipping, and in the inclusive mode, when the shape unit on which clipping is performed is a rectangle, evaluates the clip area including the shape unit and the frame on which image processing is performed and sets a separate frame, and when the shape unit is a trapezoid or a scan line, evaluates the positional relationship between the frame and the line being processed, sets a separate line, and performs clipping, and in the exclusive mode, does not set a separate line, and evaluates the clip area and each line by setting the calculated number of pixels, and performs clipping. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, in the inclusive mode, when the shape unit to be clipped is a rectangle, the clip area and the frame to be subjected to image processing are evaluated and a separate frame is set, and when the shape unit is a trapezoid or a scan line, the positional relationship between the frame and the line being processed is evaluated and a separate line is set, and in the exclusive mode, the pixels to be protected in the frame are communicated to a judgment unit, which sets the number of pixels required for image processing, thereby providing an image processing device capable of performing optimal processing in both the inclusive mode and the exclusive mode. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of an image processing unit shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a shape unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]11 is a flowchart of a clipping process according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of the inclusive mode process shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of the inclusive mode process shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of the exclusive mode process shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] <Embodiment Mode> [System configuration of image forming apparatus 1] First, the system configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image processing unit 11, a document reading unit 12, a document feeding unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, a network transmitting / receiving unit 15, an operation panel unit 16, an image forming unit 17 (image forming means), a FAX transmitting / receiving unit 18, and a storage unit 19. Each unit is connected to the control unit 10, and the operation of each unit is controlled by the control unit 10.

[0013] The control unit 10 is an information processing unit such as a general purpose processor (GPP), a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a graphics processing unit (GPU). The control unit 10 reads out a control program stored in the ROM or HDD of the storage unit 19, and executes the control program by expanding it in the RAM. The control unit 10 also controls the entire device in response to predetermined instruction information input from an external terminal (not shown) or the operation panel unit 16.

[0014] In this embodiment, the control unit 10 is capable of executing (accelerating) RIP processing at high speed by the ASIC of the image processing unit 11 described below. The control unit 10 interprets the page file, creates data called an order list, which is a collection of RIP processing commands (orders) to be executed by the image processing unit 11, and stores the data in the storage unit 19. Then, the control unit 10 designates the image processing unit 11 with an address on the storage unit 19 where the order list is located, and instructs the image processing unit 11 to execute the order list.

[0015] The image processing unit 11 is a control and calculation means dedicated to image processing, which performs predetermined image processing on image data. The image processing unit 11 can also perform predetermined image processing such as enlargement / reduction, density adjustment, gradation adjustment, image improvement, etc. Furthermore, the image processing unit 11 stores the image read by the document reading unit 12 as print data in the storage unit 19. At this time, the image processing unit 11 can also convert the print data into an electronic document such as PDF or an image data file such as TIFF. Furthermore, the image processing unit 11 may be capable of executing at least a part of OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing.

[0016] In this embodiment, the image processing unit 11 includes an ASIC of an accelerator for a RIP. In the RIP of this embodiment, the image processing unit 11 is capable of performing image processing for each pixel. When the control unit 10 instructs the image processing unit 11 to execute an order list, the image processing unit 11 reads the order list, performs image processing according to the instructions of the orders included in the order list, and creates band data, which is the rendered image data. At this time, in this embodiment, the image processing unit 11 performs the above-mentioned clipping process.

[0017] The document reading unit 12 reads a document that has been set on the document reading unit 12. The document reading unit 12 is disposed on an upper portion of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. The document reading unit 12 includes a scanner, a platen glass, and a document reading slit. When reading a document placed on the platen glass, the document reading unit 12 moves the scanner to a position facing the platen glass, scans and reads the document placed on the platen glass to obtain image data, and outputs the obtained image data to the control unit 10.

[0018] When reading a document fed from document feed unit 13, document reading unit 12 moves the scanner to a position facing the document reading slit. Then, document reading unit 12 reads the document through the document reading slit in synchronization with the document transport operation by document feed unit 13, and obtains image data. Document reading unit 12 outputs the obtained image data to control unit 10.

[0019] The document feed section 13 transports the document to be read by the document reading section 12. The document feed section 13 is disposed above the document reading section 12. The document feed section 13 includes a document placement section and a document transport mechanism. The document feed section 13 feeds the documents placed on the document placement section one by one in order by the document transport mechanism to the document reading section 12.

[0020] The paper feed unit 14 feeds recording paper one sheet at a time toward the image forming unit 17. The paper feed unit 14 is provided in the main body.

[0021] The network transceiver unit 15 is a network connection unit including a LAN board, a wireless transceiver, and the like for connecting to an external network such as a LAN, a wireless LAN, a WAN, or a mobile phone network. The network transmission / reception unit 15 transmits and receives data over a data communication line, and transmits and receives voice signals over a voice telephone line.

[0022] The operation panel unit 16 includes an input unit such as buttons and a touch panel, and a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL display. The operation panel unit 16 is disposed on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1. The buttons on the input section of the operation panel section 16 are a numeric keypad, start, cancel, switching of operation modes, buttons for issuing instructions related to job execution, etc. The operation modes may include types of modes such as copy, fax transmission, scanner, and network scanner. Furthermore, the jobs include printing, sending, saving, and recording of a selected document. The input section of the operation panel section 16 acquires user instructions for various jobs of the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, it is also possible to input and change information for each user based on user instructions acquired from the operation panel section 16.

[0023] In response to an output instruction from a user, the image forming unit 17 forms an image on a recording sheet from data stored in the storage unit 19, read by the document reading unit 12, or obtained from an external terminal. The image forming unit 17 includes a photoconductor drum, an exposure unit, a development unit, a transfer unit, a fixing unit, etc. The image forming unit 17 records a toner image on a recording paper by executing an image formation process including charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing.

[0024] The FAX transmission / reception unit 18 transmits and receives facsimiles. The FAX transmission / reception unit 18 can receive facsimiles from other FAX devices (not shown) via a voice line, store the received facsimiles in the storage unit 19, and cause the image forming unit 17 to form images. The FAX transmission / reception unit 18 can also convert data of an original document read by the original reading unit 12 or a network FAX transmitted from an external terminal into image data, and transmit the data by facsimile to other FAX devices via a voice line.

[0025] The storage unit 19 is a non-transitory recording medium such as a semiconductor memory such as a Read Only Memory (ROM) or a Random Access Memory (RAM) or a Hard Disk Drive (HDD). The RAM of the storage unit 19 may retain its stored contents by using a function such as self-refresh even in a power saving state. The ROM and HDD of the storage unit 19 store control programs and data for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, data used by the image processing unit 11, etc. In addition, the storage unit 19 also stores other data such as user account settings. The storage unit 19 may also include an area for a save folder for each user.

[0026] The storage unit 19 of this embodiment stores job and order list data as data used by the image processing unit 11. The storage unit 19 also stores band data (pixel data) which is image data drawn when the order list is executed in the RIP process.

[0027] A job is print data that includes page data written in a page description language.

[0028] The order list is data that compiles image processing commands called orders that are generated by interpreting page data in a job in the control unit. These orders are data related to the RIP process of this embodiment, and include image processing commands and data for the image processing unit 11. The order list includes multiple orders, and the orders are processed sequentially.

[0029] Additionally, in this embodiment, an example will be described in which the RAM of the storage unit 19, the control unit 10, and the image processing unit 11 are connected via a dedicated bus with a data bus width of 128 bits.

[0030] In the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 10 and the image processing unit 11 may be integrally formed as a CPU with a built-in GPU, a chip-on-module package, a system on a chip (SOC), or the like. Furthermore, the control unit 10 and the image processing unit 11 may have built-in RAM, ROM, flash memory, or the like.

[0031] [Control configuration of image processing unit 11] Next, the control configuration of the image processing unit 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. The image processing unit 11 includes an MCU 100 , a clip processing unit 130 , a line processing unit 140 , a data pipeline 150 , a pixel processing unit 160 , and a write DMA 220 .

[0032] The MCU 100 is an image processing control unit that controls each circuit of the image processing unit 11 . In the RIP process of this embodiment, the MCU 100 reads the order list from the storage unit 19 and performs processing accordingly. Specifically, the MCU 100 interprets and executes the orders included in the order list read by the data pipeline 150, and causes other circuits to perform various processes corresponding to the orders. This processing includes control of the data processing of the data pipeline 150.

[0033] In this embodiment, the MCU 100 is configured as a general-purpose processor such as a general microcontroller unit (GMCU) capable of executing pre-processing of clipping processing. The MCU 100 stores control programs including microcodes for processing each order in a non-volatile storage unit such as an internal EEPROM or flash memory. Furthermore, the storage unit in the MCU 100 also includes a storage area for temporary data such as a RAM.

[0034] The clip processing unit 130 is a circuit for performing clipping processing of an image, in which another image is clipped (deleted, combined) using a set clipping region.

[0035] In this embodiment, the clip processing unit 130 is configured as a dedicated circuit that reads transfer frame (hereinafter simply referred to as "frame") data, which is data (image data) indicating the location where drawing for clipping is to be performed, and performs processes such as evaluation for clipping. Specifically, the clip processing unit 130 executes clipping processing using the read DMA 210, the data pipeline 150, and the write DMA 220 in accordance with the address and the amount of data to be processed calculated by the line processing unit 140. The detailed configuration of the clip processing unit 130 in this embodiment will be described later.

[0036] The line processing unit 140 is a circuit that calculates the coordinates of the line processing. The line processing unit 140 calculates the address in the storage unit 19 of the shape unit (component) specified by the order at the origin coordinates set by the MCU 100. The details of this shape unit will be described later. Specifically, in clipping, which will be described later, the line processing unit 140 calculates the address of the storage unit 19 and the amount of data to be processed based on the coordinate information (X, Y) from the MCU 100 and the number of pixels of the line. This amount of data to be processed includes the number of pixels (amount of data to be read) required for clipping.

[0037] The data pipeline 150 is a circuit that reads data from the storage unit 19 and performs processes such as actual drawing processes. The data pipeline 150 includes a read DMA 210 as a component of the reading section.

[0038] The read DMA 210 is a direct memory access (DMA) that reads the order list from the storage unit 19 . The read DMA 210 performs DMA reads with the storage unit 19 in response to a common dedicated bus.

[0039] The pixel processing unit 160 is a circuit that performs pixel processing. As pixel processing, the pixel processing unit 160 can perform filtering processing such as Boolean processing and blending on multiple pixels at once.

[0040] The write DMA 220 is a DMA that writes pixel data processed by the pixel processing unit 160 as band data to the storage unit 19. In this embodiment, this band data is created for each color, for example, cyan (Cyan, C), magenta (Magenta, M), yellow (Yellow, Y), and black (black, K).

[0041] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the data width of the data pipeline 150 is 64 bits (dword) or 128 bits (qword).

[0042] (Functional configuration of the MCU 100 and the clip processing unit 130) Next, the functional details for performing clipping processing by the MCU 100 and the clip processing unit 130 will be described.

[0043] First, the shape unit in the RIP process of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, in orders related to image processing, shapes such as rectangles, trapezoids, scan lines, etc. are specified as shape units. These shape units are used to specify clip areas. Furthermore, drawing on band data in the storage unit 19 in other orders is also performed in the shapes specified by these shape units. These shapes are processed line by line in order based on addresses calculated by the line processing unit 140.

[0044] Of the above-mentioned shape units, the rectangle (rectangle) shown in FIG. 3(a) is a basic shape, and a fixed width and height are specified. For the trapezoid shown in Fig. 3(b), the width of the first line, the slope of the drawing start position (left end) of this first line, and the slope of the drawing end position (right end) are set. These slopes are specified, for example, by floating point. In other words, the line width of each line to be drawn varies depending on the slope settings. The scanline shown in Fig. 3(c) draws any shape such as a character by drawing the scanline list set in the table in the order one by one. That is, a line of a length calculated from the size specified in the table is drawn for each line. The length and height of the area where the scanline is drawn can also be set.

[0045] Fig. 3(d) shows the relationship between the clip area P defined by a rectangle and the frame F on which image processing is performed. Frame F indicates one of the frames included in each band data. A hexagon H in the clip area P indicates the shape in which clipping is actually performed. That is, in this embodiment, the clip data is set as data including values ​​that determine which pixels are protected or not protected. In the example of Fig. 3(d), this clip data is set in the shape of a hexagon H in the clip area P.

[0046] Fig. 3(e) shows an example of clipping determination for line L indicating one line in frame F in Fig. 3(d). In this embodiment, the MCU 100 instructs the line processing unit 140 to calculate an address for each line and execute clipping in the clip processing unit 130. At this time, the MCU 100 determines three areas: outside the clip area, inside the clip area, and outside the clip area, and causes the clip processing unit 130 to process them in that order.

[0047] 2 again, to explain in detail, the MCU 100 includes an instruction fetching unit 110 and a determination unit 120. The clip processing unit 130 includes an internal data storage unit 200 .

[0048] The command acquisition unit 110 acquires commands (orders) for image processing. Specifically, the command acquisition unit 110 acquires and interprets an order list generated by the control unit 10 and arranged on the storage unit 19. Then, the command acquisition unit 110 acquires an order for clipping processing included in this order list.

[0049] When clipping is set by an order acquired by the command acquisition unit 110, the determination unit 120 determines whether the clipping is in inclusive mode or exclusive mode. When the clipping is in exclusive mode, the determination unit 120 calculates the pixels to be protected in the frame on which image processing is performed, and sets the number of pixels required for clipping in the internal data storage unit 200. Specifically, the determination unit 120 determines whether to transmit the frame read address and the amount of processed data as a clip area to the clip processing unit 130. At this time, the determination unit 120 manages the order in which the frame data is sent out so as to change between commands for pixels not to be protected and commands for reading the frame data and transmitting it to the clip processing unit 130. This management is performed by adjusting the order of data in the data buffer stored in the internal data holding unit 200.

[0050] The internal data storage unit 200 is a buffer capable of queuing commands from the determination unit 120. Specifically, the internal data storage unit 200 stores, as a command, the order in which the address and amount of processed data calculated by the line processing unit 140 are to be transmitted to the clip processing unit 130 as data of the clip area for each shape unit. Furthermore, the internal data storage unit 200 also includes a command for setting the outside of the clip area, including the address and amount of processed data of pixels to be protected in the frame, for exclusive mode. In addition, the internal data storage unit 200 also includes reusable calculation result data in units of lines.

[0051] Here, in the inclusive mode, the clip processing unit 130 of this embodiment evaluates the clip area and the frame for image processing when the clip area to be clipped is rectangular, and sets another frame, and evaluates the positional relationship between the frame and the line being processed when the clip area is trapezoidal or a scan line, and sets another line. On the other hand, in the exclusive mode, the clip processing unit 130 does not set another line, but performs evaluation of each line with the clip area based on the data calculated by the determination unit 120 and stored in the internal data storage unit 200, and performs clipping. Specifically, the clip processing unit 130 sets the number of pixels required for image processing based on the data of the pixels to be protected of the frame included in the command to set the outside of the clip area, stored in the internal data storage unit 200. In addition, the clip processing unit 130 can calculate the result data of the calculation on a line-by-line basis in advance, and store the result data in association with the instruction in the internal data storage unit 200. In this embodiment, the clip processing unit 130 can store the evaluation data of the clipping region and outside the clipping region in the internal data storage unit 200. The clip processing unit 130 reads out and uses this calculation result data when performing calculation on a line-by-line basis.

[0052] [Clipping process by image forming apparatus 1] Next, clipping processing by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. When the RIP process of this embodiment is performed, the control unit 10 interprets the page data of the job stored in the storage unit 19, generates an order list, and arranges it on the storage unit 19. Then, the control unit 10 instructs the image processing unit 11 to perform drawing, thereby performing the clipping process of this embodiment.

[0053] In the RIP process of this embodiment, when the control unit 10 is presented with an address in memory space where an order list stored in the storage unit 19 is located, the image processing unit 11 reads this order list from the storage unit 19 and performs image processing corresponding to that order list. This order list includes multiple orders as described above, and these orders are processed sequentially by the image processing unit 11.

[0054] The clipping process of this embodiment is mainly executed by each circuit of the image processing unit 11 in cooperation with each unit, using hardware resources. The clipping process of this embodiment will be described in detail below for each step with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0055] (Step S101) First, the command acquisition unit 110 performs an order acquisition process. The command acquisition unit 110 acquires the order list from the storage unit 19, and sequentially interprets the orders contained therein. That is, in this embodiment, the MCU 100 executes pre-processing of clipping.

[0056] (Step S102) Next, the determination unit 120 determines whether the order is a clipping order, which is a clipping process. If clipping is set by the interpreted order, the determination unit 120 determines Yes. In other cases, the determination unit 120 determines No. If the answer is Yes, the decision unit 120 advances the process to step S103. If the result is No, the determination unit 120 ends the clipping process of this embodiment.

[0057] (Step S103) If clipping is set, the decision unit 120 performs frame sequence management processing. The determination unit 120 interprets the order and has the line processing unit 140 calculate the frame read address and read amount (amount of processed data) for each shape unit. That is, the line processing unit 140 calculates the addresses in the memory unit 19 corresponding to the coordinates of these shape units as the locations to write out as frames. The determination unit 120 determines the order in which the calculated addresses and read amounts are to be communicated to the clip processing unit 130 as clip areas, and queues commands in the internal data holding unit 200 in accordance with this order.

[0058] Specifically, in the above-mentioned inclusive mode or exclusive mode, the determination unit 120 manages the order in which frame data is sent out by the order for pixels not to be protected and the order in which frame data is read and transmitted to the clip processing unit 130. For example, the determination unit 120 manages the order by performing in advance calculations that can be performed in advance among the calculation results by the line processing unit 140 used for calculations on a line-by-line basis.

[0059] More specifically, as described above, in the exclusive mode, the image processing results outside the clip area are written out onto the frame of the storage unit 19 and reflected. For this reason, first, the determination unit 120 creates an instruction for setting the clip processing unit 130 so as not to protect pixels on the frame outside the clip area, and stores the instruction in the internal data storage unit 200. The determination unit 120 instructs the clip processing unit 130 based on the instruction stored in the internal data storage unit 200. That is, the determination unit 120 can set the address and number of pixels (amount of processed data) of the unprotected portions. Furthermore, the determination unit 120 also sets as a clip area, from which address and how many pixels of data to read, and stores this in the internal data storage unit 200, and issues instructions to the clip processing unit 130 based on this data.

[0060] With this configuration, the judgment unit 120 is able to manage the order in which data is sent out based on the instructions stored in the internal data storage unit 200, including instructions for pixels that are not to be protected and instructions for reading data and transmitting it to the clip processing unit 130.

[0061] (Step S104) Next, the determination unit 120 determines whether the clipping setting is the inclusive mode. If the clipping setting is the inclusive mode, the determination unit 120 determines Yes. Otherwise, that is, if the clipping setting is the exclusive mode, the determination unit 120 determines No. If the answer is Yes, the decision unit 120 advances the process to step S105. If the result is No, the determination unit 120 advances the process to step S106.

[0062] (Step S105) If it is in the inclusive mode, the clip processing unit 130 performs inclusive mode processing. In the inclusive mode, when the clip area for clipping is rectangular, the clip processing unit 130 evaluates the frame (original frame) to be read for image processing and the clip area, and sets a different frame.

[0063] The process when the geometric unit is a rectangle in the inclusive mode will be described with reference to FIG. In inclusive mode, the area outside the clip area is protected, so there is no need to read band data from other areas. By reducing the reading of data that does not affect the output, the load on the bus related to reading between the memory unit 19 and the image processing unit 11 can be reduced, allowing for efficient processing. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the clip processor 130 evaluates the original frame and the clip region, and creates and writes out a new frame in a clipped state.

[0064] The process when the shape unit is a scan line or a trapezoid in the inclusive mode will be described with reference to FIG. In the inclusive mode, when the shape unit is a trapezoid or a scan line, the clip processor 130 evaluates the positional relationship between the frame and the line being processed, and sets another line. Specifically, since the position and length of a trapezoid or scan line differ for each line, the clip processing unit 130 does not set a new frame as in the case of a rectangle, but evaluates the location S of the shape unit to be clipped with each line. At this time, as shown in Figures 6A to 6F, the clipping processor 130 determines whether the portion S of the shape unit to be clipped for each line is within the clipping region, i.e., whether there is overlap. If there is no overlap, the clipping processor 130 can skip that line. Alternatively, if there is partial overlap, the clipping processor 130 evaluates the overlapping portion S, and skips reading only the pixels of the non-overlapping portion S. In this way, the clip processing unit 130 omits reading of unnecessary pixels, and therefore the load on the bus relating to reading between the storage unit 19 and the image processing unit 11 can be reduced.

[0065] (Step S106) If it is the exclusive mode, the clip processing unit 130 performs the exclusive mode process. In the exclusive mode, the clip processing unit 130 notifies the decision unit 120 of the pixels to be protected in the frame, and causes the decision unit 120 to set the number of pixels required for image processing.

[0066] The process when the shape unit is a rectangle in the exclusive mode will be described with reference to FIG. In exclusive mode, the image processing results are reflected in memory even if they are outside the clip area. In Figure 7, the areas in the frame where these pixels are reflected are shown with hatching (stripes). That is, in the exclusive mode, it is not necessary to set and output new frames and lines as in the inclusive mode described above. Therefore, in the exclusive mode, the clip processing unit 130 performs processing on a line-by-line basis even in the case of rectangular processing. That is, the clip processing unit 130 evaluates and processes the clip area for the portion to be clipped on a line-by-line basis even in the case of rectangular processing. At this time, the clip processing unit 130 performs this evaluation based on the address and read amount of the clip area stored in the internal data storage unit 200. Specifically, the clip processing unit 130 performs processing by evaluating three areas, outside the clip area, inside the clip area, and outside the clip area, for each line L, as shown in FIG. 3E described above. That is, the clip processing unit 130 reads a command indicating the outside of the clip area stored in the internal data storage unit 200, and performs clipping by evaluating the clip area and each line according to the setting of the address and the number of pixels. At this time, the clip processing unit 130 fills the area outside the clip area with "0".

[0067] On the other hand, in exclusive mode, when the shape unit is a scan line or trapezoid, the clipping area and outside the clipping area are evaluated for the clipped portion on a line-by-line basis. In the case of a scan line or trapezoid, the line width is not fixed, so processing is performed for each line.

[0068] In these inclusive and exclusive modes, the clip processing unit 130 can store the calculation result data for each line in the internal data storage unit 200 and reuse the data as appropriate. This completes the clipping process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] With the above configuration, the following effects can be obtained. In a typical technique, the same clipping process is performed in both inclusive and exclusive modes, resulting in poor efficiency.

[0070] In contrast, the image processing unit 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an image processing device for a raster image processor (RIP) mounted on an image forming device, and is characterized by comprising: a command acquisition unit 110 that acquires an order, which is an image processing command; a judgment unit 120 that, when clipping is set by a command acquired by the command acquisition unit 110, judges whether the clipping is in inclusive mode or exclusive mode, and, in the exclusive mode, calculates the pixels to be protected of the frame on which image processing is performed and sets the number of pixels required for clipping; and a clip processing unit 130 that, in the inclusive mode, when the shape unit on which clipping is performed is a rectangle, evaluates the clip area including the shape unit and the frame on which image processing is performed and sets a separate frame, and when the shape unit is a trapezoid or a scan line, evaluates the positional relationship between the frame and the line being processed, sets a separate line, and performs clipping in the exclusive mode, without setting a separate line, and evaluates the clip area and each line based on the setting of the number of pixels calculated by the judgment unit 120, and performs clipping.

[0071] With this configuration, it is possible to provide the image processor 11 capable of performing optimal processing in both the inclusive mode and the exclusive mode. Specifically, in the inclusive mode, when the shape unit is a rectangle, a separate frame is set, and in the case of a scan line or a trapezoid, the positional relationship between the clip area and the pixel being processed is evaluated for each line, thereby omitting the reading of unnecessary pixels. In this way, by not reading unnecessary pixels, it is possible to speed up processing. Also, since unnecessary transactions are not generated on the system bus, system performance can be improved.

[0072] Furthermore, in the exclusive mode, since the processing results are written out and reflected on the storage unit 19 outside the clip area, it is possible to set the relevant pixels not to be protected. In addition, by successively evaluating the clip area based on the address and amount of processed data stored in the internal data storage unit 200, optimal processing can be performed in the exclusive mode.

[0073] The image processing unit 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the judgment unit 120 decides whether to transmit the frame read address and read amount to the clip processing unit 130 as a clip area, and manages the order in which frame data is sent out using commands for pixels that are not to be protected and commands to read frame data and transmit it to the clip processing unit 130. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the computation load on a line-by-line basis and achieve high-speed processing. Furthermore, while the clip processor 130 is processing one line, the determination unit 120 can also process other lines first. When there is no free space in the buffer of the internal data storage unit 200, the determination unit 120 may enter a waiting state.

[0074] The image processing unit 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the judgment unit 120 is composed of the MCU 100, which is a general-purpose processor capable of performing pre-processing, and the clip processing unit 130 is a dedicated circuit that performs processing including reading frame data, and the dedicated circuit is equipped with an internal data holding unit 200 that includes a buffer in which instructions from the judgment unit 120 can be queued. With this configuration, pre-processing is performed by the MCU 100, and the actual clipping process is performed by a dedicated circuit, which is equipped with an internal data storage unit 200 including a buffer that can queue commands from the MCU 100. This makes it possible to absorb delays caused by image reading and clipping, and optimize processing.

[0075] The image processing unit 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the clip processing unit 130 stores the calculation result data on a line-by-line basis that can be calculated in advance in the internal data storage unit 200, and reads it out and uses it when performing calculations on a line-by-line basis. With this configuration, it is possible to store calculation results that can be calculated in advance and are used in line-by-line calculations in the internal data storage unit 200. This reduces the calculation load in line units and enables high-speed processing.

[0076] Moreover, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it is an image forming apparatus including an image processing unit 11 for a raster image processor (RIP). With this configuration, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can speed up the RIP process.

[0077] Other Embodiments Note that a part or any combination of the above-described functional configurations may be configured using programmable logic other than ASIC, FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like.

[0078] The present invention can also be applied to information processing devices other than image forming devices. For example, the present invention can be used in network scanners, servers to which a scanner is separately connected via USB or the like, PCs (Personal Computers), mobile terminals, etc. Furthermore, the present invention can be used in ASICs for color electronic paper, projectors, etc.

[0079] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the configurations and operations of the above-described embodiments are merely examples and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1. Image forming device 10 Control section 11 Image processing section 12 Document reading section 13 Document feed section 14 Paper feed section 15 Network Transmitter / Receiver 16 Operation panel section 17 Image forming section 18 Fax transmission / reception section 19 Memory section 100 MCU 110 Instruction acquisition part 120 Judgment Department 130 Clip Processing Unit 140 Line processing section 150 Data Pipeline 160 Pixel Processing Unit 200 Internal data storage unit 210 Read DMA 220 Light DMA F Frame H hexagon L Line P Clip Region S point

Claims

1. An image processing device for a raster image processor (RIP) mounted in an image forming apparatus, comprising: A command acquisition unit that acquires a command for image processing; a determination unit which, when clipping is set by the command acquired by the command acquisition unit, determines whether the clipping is in an inclusive mode or an exclusive mode, and, when the clipping is in the exclusive mode, calculates pixels to be protected in a frame to be subjected to image processing, and sets the number of pixels necessary for clipping; In the inclusive mode, when the shape unit to be clipped is a rectangle, a clip region including the shape unit and a frame to be subjected to image processing are evaluated to set a different frame, and when the shape unit is a trapezoid or a scan line, a positional relationship between the frame and the line being processed is evaluated to set a different line and clipping is performed; In the exclusive mode, a separate line is not set, and a clip processing unit is provided that performs clipping by evaluating the clip area and each line according to the setting of the number of pixels calculated by the judgment unit.

13. An image processing device comprising:

2. The determination unit is It is determined whether to transmit the read address and read amount of the frame to the clip processing unit as the clip area, and the order in which the data of the frame is sent out is managed by a command for pixels not to be protected and a command for reading the data of the frame and transmitting it to the clip processing unit.

2. The image processing device according to claim 1,

3. the determination unit is configured with a general-purpose processor capable of executing preprocessing, The clip processing unit is a dedicated circuit that executes processing including reading data of the frame, The dedicated circuit includes an internal data holding unit including a buffer capable of queuing the instruction of the determination unit.

3. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second inputs are input to the image processing device.

4. The clip processing unit includes: The calculation result data in units of lines that can be calculated is stored in advance in the internal data storage unit, and is read out and used when performing calculations in units of lines.

4. The image processing device according to claim 3.

5. An image forming apparatus including an image processing device for a raster image processor (RIP), The image processing device includes: A command acquisition unit that acquires a command for image processing; a determination unit which, when clipping is set by the command acquired by the command acquisition unit, determines whether the clipping is in an inclusive mode or an exclusive mode, and, when the clipping is in the exclusive mode, calculates pixels to be protected in a frame to be subjected to image processing, and sets the number of pixels necessary for clipping; In the inclusive mode, when the shape unit to be clipped is a rectangle, a clip region including the shape unit and a frame to be subjected to image processing are evaluated to set a different frame, and when the shape unit is a trapezoid or a scan line, a positional relationship between the frame and the line being processed is evaluated to set a different line and clipping is performed; In the exclusive mode, a separate line is not set, and a clip processing unit is provided that performs clipping by evaluating the clip area and each line according to the setting of the number of pixels calculated by the judgment unit.

1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

6. An image processing method executed by an image processing device for a raster image processor (RIP) mounted in an image forming apparatus, comprising: Obtaining image processing instructions, When clipping is set by the acquired command, it is determined whether the clipping is in an inclusive mode or an exclusive mode, and when the clipping is in the exclusive mode, the number of pixels required for clipping is set by calculating the number of pixels to be protected in the frame to be subjected to image processing; In the inclusive mode, when the shape unit to be clipped is a rectangle, a clip region including the shape unit and a frame to be subjected to image processing are evaluated to set a different frame, and when the shape unit is a trapezoid or a scan line, a positional relationship between the frame and the line being processed is evaluated to set a different line and clipping is performed; In exclusive mode, a separate line is not set, and clipping is performed by evaluating the clip area and each line according to the calculated pixel count setting.

13. An image processing method comprising:

Images