CN1794777A - Image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

An image processing device includes a document scanning unit, a color image processing unit, a monochrome image processing unit and a memory. A processing by the color image processing unit and a processing by the monochrome image processing unit are carried out simultaneously. The document scanning unit scans an original document. The color image processing unit converts scanned data obtained by the document scanning unit into color image data. The monochrome image processing unit converts the scanned data obtained by the document scanning unit into monochrome image data. The memory stores both the color image data and the monochrome image data.

Description

Image processing equipment

Invention field

The present invention relates to a kind of image processing equipment.Especially, the present invention relates to a kind of image processing equipment, wherein this equipment is created color image data and monochromatic image data by the single pass operation.The invention still further relates to the data structure that a kind of this image processing equipment is created.

Technical background

Recently, on a machine, have multiple function, such as facsimile function, printer function, the digital multi peripheral hardware (MFP) of copy function and scanner functions is widely current.

Grow up such as integrated service digital network (ISDN), ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) (ADSL) and the infrastructure device that Fiber to the home (FTTH).Can keep connecting continuously in very economical ground such as the network of the Internet.Therefore, can predict by using Email can send and the receive faxes network facsimile machine of data to have use widely.

This network facsimile machine comprises conventional group 3 (G3) or organizes 4 (G4) facsimile communication function.In addition, network facsimile machine comprises the function by the transmission of internet usage agreement and the data of receiving faxes.When sending by the internet usage agreement and receiving faxes data, for example network facsimile machine appends to facsimile data on the Email and sends and receive Email.For example, according to Simple Mail Transfer protocol (SMTP) or post office protocol (POP) exchange Email.

As mentioned above, network facsimile machine sends and receives data under various communication systems.Therefore, network facsimile machine is according to the type of communication system or the type of destination terminal deal with data by different way.For example, when carrying out G3 or G4 facsimile, even when original document is colored, have also that network facsimile machine is sent to the destination terminal with colored original document as monochromatic data in the certain situation.Simultaneously, in Email and send Email, if original document is colored, preferably network facsimile machine sends to the destination terminal with facsimile data as color data at additional facsimile data.

Some situation, wherein network facsimile machine sends facsimile data simultaneously to the terminal that only receives monochromatic data and the terminal that can receive color data.In both of these case, color data and monochromatic data all are necessary.

Can the store monochrome view data and the conventional Fax Server device storage monochromatic image data of color image data and color image data at least one.When the facsimile machine request when facsimile machine server apparatus takes out view data, if the facsimile machine server apparatus is not stored the view data of request, this facsimile machine server apparatus with the view data conversion of storage to produce the view data of being asked.For example, the facsimile machine server apparatus only the storage color view data and receive the monochromatic image data request in, just make and determine that the facsimile machine server apparatus do not store the view data of request.

In the image processing system of carrying out the processing of color image data and monochromatic image data, according to output form, color image data and monochromatic image data become necessary.Therefore, in this image processing system, color image data is associated with monochromatic image data corresponding to this color image data, and carries out holistic management.

According to this routine techniques, in order to support the output of coloured image output and monochrome image, with the file management color image data and the monochromatic image data of separation, and the correspondence image data connection that is relative to each other.When output monochrome image the time, in case lack monochromatic image data and only the chromatic colour view data time, be that monochromatic image data obtains monochromatic image data by the conversion chromatic view data.

Yet, when using above-mentioned Fax Server equipment to obtain monochromatic image data, just must carry out processing with from beginning only to obtain monochromatic image data, or to handle by the conversion chromatic view data be that monochromatic image data obtains monochromatic image data.

Be used for when beginning to obtain the processing of monochromatic image data in execution,, just can obtain the full-color image data from monochromatic image data if ask color image data subsequently.

Simultaneously, when colored multi-stage compression data obtain monochromatic two-value packed data, for example, with JPEG (joint photographic experts group) (JPEG) file decoding to obtain multistage color data (YCC).Subsequently, on the Y of multistage color data component, carry out binary conversion treatment, and carry out the two-value data encoding process according to transfer approach.For example, two-value data is converted into improved improvement Reed (MMR) form, this form is compression and the coding method that is used for G3 or G4 fax.

The storage color view data also produces in the monochromatic image data subsequently in memory, need be with the jpeg file decoding of color image data, and binaryzation also is converted to the MMR form.Therefore, need a kind of equipment to have multiple treatment circuit (integrated on a large scale (LSI)) and memory etc.As a result, the hardware configuration of network facsimile machine becomes very complicated.Complicated in order to prevent hardware configuration, the data of communicating by letter between treatment circuit and the memory have occupied bus.As a result, limited of the use of other image processing, and the efficient that hardware uses is lower to bus.

A kind of known digital MFP comprises facsimile function, printing function and copy function etc.Recently, from reducing the aspect in processing time, there are a kind of needs in (dual process) for two processing.Further, two processing are a kind of like this processing, wherein the print processing of the view data of scan image data facisimile transmission processing and storage is carried out simultaneously, and perhaps the facisimile transmission processing of Cun Chu view data and the print processing of scan image data are carried out simultaneously.

Fig. 8 illustrates the structure of the general digital MFP that is used in the normal image treatment system.In digital MFP, color image data is from first input unit, 202 inputs such as the scanner that is used for the scanning colour original document.Subsequently, first encoder 204 is carried out the compression processing of input color image data.Therefore, obtained the color image data of compression.The color image data of compression is stored among the memory device 210.Numeral MFP also comprises second input unit 206, and it is the input unit that is different from first input unit 202.208 pairs of color image datas from 206 inputs of second input unit of second encoder are carried out compression and are handled.Therefore, the compressed color image data have been obtained.The color image data of compression is stored in the memory device 210.

When the facisimile transmission of carrying out first pattern of handling based on the monochrome output of compressed color image data is handled, just need the compressed color image data of 212 pairs first monochromatic converting units 214 of output image processing unit to carry out decompression, monochromatic conversion process, binary conversion treatment and compression are handled.In the same way, in execution is when monochrome is exported the print processing of second pattern of handling, need the compressed color image data of 212 pairs second monochromatic converting units 216 of output image processing unit to carry out decompression, monochromatic conversion process and binary conversion treatment.

In handling each for print processing and facisimile transmission, when carrying out two processing of carrying out two monochromatic output processing simultaneously, need to carry out decompression, monochromatic conversion process, binary conversion treatment and compression are as required handled, to obtain compression monochromatic image data or monochromatic image data from the compressed color image data in dateout.Therefore, as shown in Figure 8, conventional digital MFP need comprise two monochromatic converting units 214 and 216.

Be not preferred on the price of this structure for load that imposes on data processing and digital MFP.In the scheme of the data processing in future and unclear the time, in the input color image data, produce monochromatic image data from the color image data of input, and storage color view data and corresponding to the monochromatic image data of color image data.Yet in this case, it is complicated that the processing that concerns between management color image data and the monochromatic image data becomes.

Summary of the invention

In order to overcome the problems referred to above, first advantage of the present invention is to provide a kind of image processing equipment, even under the situation that requires color image data or monochromatic image data, it can carries out image processing and can not make that hardware configuration is complicated or can not make the service efficiency of hardware reduce.

Second advantage of the present invention is to provide a kind of image processing equipment, it can utilize simple structure to carry out the processing of at least two kinds of view data of output simultaneously, and can not make the complex managementization of view data, and provide the data structure of the view data that a kind of this image processing equipment creates.

In order to realize the present invention's first advantage, according to a first aspect of the present invention, image processing equipment comprises document scanning unit, color image processing unit, monochrome image processing unit and memory.The document scanning unit scans original document.This color image processing unit is converted to color image data with the scan-data that document scanning unit obtains.Monochrome image processing unit is converted to monochromatic image data with the scan-data that document scanning unit obtains.Storage color view data and monochromatic image data in memory.The processing of color image processing unit and the processing of monochrome image processing unit are carried out simultaneously.

According to another aspect of the present invention, among image processing equipment, document scanning unit can be exported the data of red, green, blue (RGB) color space as scan-data.Monochrome image processing unit can be extracted the data of G component from the RGB color space, and uses the G component data to create monochromatic image data.Perhaps, document scanning unit can be exported the data of RGB color space as scan-data.The data that color image processing unit can be changed the RGB color space are the data of brightness or brightness (lightness) component, and the data of chromatism data or chromatic component.Monochrome image processing unit can use brightness or brightness component data to produce monochromatic image data.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in image processing equipment, color image processing unit can reduce by the color image data of color image processing unit acquisition or the resolution of monochromatic image data, and produces low resolution image data.When producing low resolution image data, the low resolution image data that is produced can be associated with corresponding color image data or monochromatic image data, and this low resolution image data can be stored in the memory.

According to another aspect of the present invention, this image processing equipment can also comprise delivery unit, and the transfer approach table transmits destination receiving element and transmitted image and fetches the unit.Color image data of storing in the delivery unit transmission memory or monochromatic image data are to remote equipment.The transfer approach table is by making its mode that is relative to each other, and storage transmits the remote equipment of destination and transmits the transfer approach of destination for this.Transmit the appointment that destination receiving element reception transmits the remote equipment of destination.Transmitted image is fetched the unit with reference to the transfer approach table, and determines the transfer approach of the transmission destination that transmission destination receiving element receives.Transmitted image is fetched the unit and is fetched color image data or monochromatic image data with the transfer approach compatibility of determining from memory, and the view data of fetching is sent to delivery unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, image processing equipment can comprise image formation unit, and its execution is stored in color image data in the memory and the monochromatic image data image of at least one and forms and handle.

According to the present invention on the other hand, image processing equipment can also comprise that output form receiving element and image data processing fetch the unit.The output form receiving element receives the color image data be stored in the memory or the output form of monochromatic image data is specified.Image data processing is fetched the output form that receives corresponding to the output form receiving element is fetched in the unit from memory color image data or monochromatic image data.

According to the above-mentioned aspect of the present invention, can create color image data and monochromatic image data simultaneously by a file scanning operation.Even when requiring color image data or monochromatic image data, can shorten the processing time of this requirement therefore.Satisfied hardware availability ratio can be obtained, and the load that is applied on the hardware can be minimized.

In order to obtain second advantage of the present invention, according to one aspect of the present invention, image processing equipment comprises first input unit, the color data compression unit, monochromatic converting unit, the monochromatic data compression unit, coupling unit, first memory cell, second memory cell, extraction unit, the first monochromatic output unit, second monochromatic output unit and the control unit.The first input unit input color multi-level images data.This color data compression unit is handled carrying out compression from the colored multi-level images data of first input unit input, and produces the color image data of compression.This monochrome converting unit will be from the colored multi-level images data transaction monochromatizing view data of first input unit input.The monochromatic image data that this monochromatic data compression unit produces monochromatic converting unit is carried out compression and is handled, and produces the compression monochromatic image data.Compressed color image data and compression monochromatic image data that this coupling unit coupling produces from same colored multi-level images data, and produce the coupling view data.The coupling view data that the first cell stores coupling unit produces.The monochromatic image data that the interim store monochrome converting unit of second memory cell produces.The coupling image data extraction compression monochromatic data that extraction unit is fetched from first memory cell.This first monochromatic output unit output compression monochromatic image data or monochromatic image data.The monochromatic image data or the monochromatic image data of the second monochromatic output unit output compression.This control unit is controlled, and handles and second processing to carry out first simultaneously.In first handles,, the monochromatic image data that extraction unit extracts is exported from the first monochromatic output unit for the coupling view data that is stored in first memory cell in advance.Among second processing, the monochromatic image data that the colored multi-level images data of importing from first input unit produce is from the second monochromatic output unit output.

According to another aspect of the present invention, graphics processing unit comprises multistage decompression unit, monochromatic converting unit, monochromatic data compression unit and coupling unit.This multistage decompression unit is to carrying out decompression from the compressed color image data of remote equipment input.Monochromatic converting unit is converted to monochromatic image data with the colored multi-level images data that multistage decompression unit obtains.The monochromatic image data that the monochromatic data compression unit produces monochromatic converting unit is carried out compression and is handled, and produces the monochromatic image data of compression.Compressed color image data and compression monochromatic image data that the coupling unit coupling produces from same colored multi-level images data, and produce the coupling view data.

According to the present invention on the other hand, monochromatic converting unit can comprise monochromatic conversion processing unit and binarization unit.The monochromatic data compression unit can be carried out the compression of monochromatic image data and handle, and this monochromatic image data is a two-value data, and produces the monochromatic image data of compression.Monochromatic conversion processing unit produces monochromatic multi-level images data from colored multi-level images data.The monochromatic multi-level images data that the binarization unit binaryzation produces also produce monochromatic image data.

According to another aspect of the present invention, coupling unit can among identical file, be coupled compressed color image data and compression monochromatic image data or monochromatic image data, and produce the coupling view data.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the coupling view data can comprise head region and view data zone.The compressed color image data can be stored in the view data zone.The monochromatic image data of compression can be stored in the head region.The monochromatic image data defined range can be arranged in the head region of coupling view data.In addition, monochromatic image data defined range storage tags, the memory location and the size of expression store compressed monochromatic image data.Extraction unit can extract the compression monochromatic image data according to being stored in the label of storing in the monochromatic image data defined range.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the coupling view data can have a kind of like this JPEG packed data format structure: it comprises that image begins (SOI) zone, monochromatic storage area, and colored storage area and image finish (EOI) zone.The start information that SOI area stores presentation video begins.Monochromatic storage area store compressed monochromatic image data.The color image data of colored storage area store compressed.The ending message that EOI area stores presentation video finishes.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a kind of data structure is arranged, it has the JPEG packed data format structure that produces from the multi-level images data that are input to image processing equipment.This data structure has the SOI zone, applying portion zone, compressing image data storage area and EOI zone.The start information that EOI area stores presentation video begins.In the applying portion zone, be inserted with applying portion.The view data of store compressed in the compressing image data storage area.The ending message that EOI area stores presentation video finishes.The compressed color image data that the storage of compressing image data storage area produces from colored multi-level images data.The compression monochromatic image data that the applying portion area stores produces from colored multi-level images data.

Among above-mentioned data structure, produce the compression monochromatic image data by compressing monochromatic binary image data.

Among above-mentioned data structure, the applying portion zone can comprise the monochromatic image data defined range.In addition, the label of the memory location of the compression monochromatic image data of storage representation storage and size in the monochromatic image data defined range.

According to the present invention, even when requiring monochromatic image data or color image data, can carries out image processing and needn't maybe needn't reduce the efficient that hardware uses by complicated hardware configuration.

According to the present invention, can carry out processing simultaneously by simple structure, export at least two kinds of view data, and management that needn't complicated view data.

The accompanying drawing summary

Fig. 1 is the block diagram that illustrates according to the control structure of the digital MFP of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is the block diagram that illustrates according to first example of the graphics processing unit of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is the block diagram that illustrates according to second example of the graphics processing unit of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is the block diagram that illustrates according to the image processing equipment of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 be illustrate according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention from remote equipment input compressed color image data the time selected cell block diagram;

Fig. 6 is the image data structure that illustrates according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is the figure that schematically shows from the data processing of the data of image processing equipment output;

Fig. 8 illustrates the conventional structure of general digital MFP.

Detailed Description Of The Invention

(first preferred embodiment) describes the digital MFP that comprises according to the image processing equipment of first preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to accompanying drawing.Fig. 1 is the block diagram that schematically shows according to the structure of the digital MFP 10 of first preferred embodiment of the invention.

Control unit 12 is connected to each parts of digital MFP 10 by bus 11.By being stored in the control program in the read-only memory (ROM) 30, for example according to the input operation of carrying out from operating unit 20, each parts of control unit 12 control figure MFP 10.Random access storage device (RAM) 32 interim storages for example relate to the various information of digital MFP 10 state of a controls.RAM 32 provides the working region of control unit 12.

Operating unit 20 comprises various operation keyss 22, is used for operand word MFP 10.The input operation of carrying out from each operation keys 22 is sent to control unit 12, and control unit 12 is according to input operation control figure MFP 10.

Operating unit 20 comprises guidance panel 24, and it is also as display unit.Guidance panel 24 comprises the display with touch screen function.This display shows the mode of operation of digital MFP 10.Display also shows the demonstration that receives transmission destination appointment.In some cases, display shows the demonstration that receives the view data appointment.When operating unit 20 was used as the output form receiving element, display showed the demonstration that receives the appointment of view data output form.For example, the output form of view data is that a kind of image forms processing, and view data is sent to RTU (remote terminal unit), and facsimile.Control unit 12 is fetched the panel view data from ROM 30, and shows the panel view data of fetching on guidance panel 24.The panel view data that is stored among the ROM 30 is a data presented on guidance panel 24.When showing the input operation that each operation keys 22 is carried out on guidance panel 24 when, this input operation is sent to control unit 12.Control unit 12 is according to input operation control figure MFP 10 subsequently.

Document scanning unit 14 comprises that automatic document transports equipment, and it makes the continuous sweep as required of a plurality of original documents.Document scanning unit 14 is the original document of scanned photograph, document, figure or the like optically.Document scanning unit 14 is measured reverberation and transmission light intensity, and carries out analog to digital (AD) conversion of measurement result.Subsequently, document scanning unit 14 output scanning data (multistage unpacked datas: RGB).The scan-data that document scanning unit 14 obtains is sent to graphics processing unit 16 through bus 11, and converts color image data and monochromatic image data to.Subsequently, color image data and monochromatic image data are deposited among the memory 34.

Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are the block diagrams that the structure of graphics processing unit 16 is shown.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, graphics processing unit 16 comprises color image processing unit 40 and monochrome image processing unit 50.Color image processing unit 40 will convert color image data (colored multi-stage compression data) to from the scan-data that document scanning unit 14 transmits via bus 11.Monochrome image processing unit 50 conversions are monochromatic image data (monochromatic two-value packed data) via bus 11 from the scan-data that document scanning unit 14 transmits.Control unit 12 is carried out control, makes the processing of color image processing unit 40 execution and the processing that monochrome image processing unit 50 is carried out carry out simultaneously.

Among Fig. 2, color image processing unit 40 comprises color space conversion unit 42 and jpeg coder 44.Color space conversion unit 42 is the YCrCb color space with the color space of scan-data from the RGB color space conversion.The YCrCb color space is the color space that comprises luminance component (Y component) and color difference components (CrCb component).Jpeg coder 44 color space conversion (the colored multistage unpacked data of YCrCb color space) afterwards coded data be jpeg format (colored multi-stage compression data).

Simultaneously, monochrome image processing unit 50 comprises binary conversion treatment unit 52 and MMR converting unit 54.The G component data of the 52 pairs of scan-datas in binary conversion treatment unit (RGB) is carried out the processing (for example binary conversion treatment) that reduces the tone degree, and produces two-value data (monochromatic two-value unpacked data).That is, binary conversion treatment unit 52 conversion scan-datas are two-value data.MMR converting unit 54 coding binaryzation data (monochromatic two-value unpacked data) are MMR form (monochromatic two-value packed data).In addition, the processing that is used to reduce the tone degree is not limited to binary conversion treatment and can is that (four-leveling) of level Four handles.

According to Fig. 2, color image processing unit 40 produces the color image data of jpeg format from the data (RGB) of scanning.Monochrome image processing unit 50 is fetched the G signal of scan-data as monochromatic multi-stage data, and produces the monochromatic image data of MMR form according to the G signal.The processing that produces color image datas by color image processing unit 40, and carry out simultaneously by the processing that monochrome image processing unit 50 produces monochromatic image datas.That is, be parallel to the encoding process that the color space conversion of carrying out color space conversion unit 42 is handled and/or jpeg coder 44 is carried out, carry out the binary conversion treatment of binary conversion treatment unit 52 execution and/or the encoding process that MMR converting unit 54 is carried out.The monochromatic image data that color image data that color image processing unit 40 produces and monochrome image processing unit 50 produce is sent to memory 34 through bus 11.

In the example shown in Fig. 2, produce monochromatic multistage unpacked data by the G signal of fetching scan-data.In the example shown in Fig. 3, fetch luminance signal after handling by the color space conversion of carrying out in color space conversion unit 42, and produce monochromatic multistage unpacked data.That is, in example shown in Figure 2, the 52 pairs of G signals from the scan-data of document scanning unit 14 in binary conversion treatment unit are carried out binary conversion treatment.In example shown in Figure 3,52 pairs of luminance signals from color space conversion unit 42 in binary conversion treatment unit (Y-signal) are carried out binary conversion treatment.Other structures of removing binary conversion treatment unit 52 among Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are the same.

In example shown in Figure 3, color image processing unit 40 produces the jpeg format color image data from scan-data (RGB).Monochrome image processing unit 50 is fetched Y-signal from color image processing unit 40, as the multistage unpacked data of monochrome.According to Y-signal, monochrome image processing unit 50 produces MMR form monochromatic image data.Color image processing unit 40 produces the processing of color image data and the processing of monochrome image processing unit 50 generation monochromatic image datas is carried out simultaneously.That is, be parallel to color space conversion processing and/or the encoding process of jpeg coder 44, the binary conversion treatment that execution binary conversion treatment unit 52 is carried out and/or the encoding process of carrying out color space conversion unit 42 of MMR converting unit 54 execution.The monochromatic image data that color image data that color image processing unit 40 produces and monochrome image processing unit 50 produce is sent to memory 34 through bus 11.

In addition, the color space of the dateout of exporting from the color space conversion unit 42 of color image processing unit 40 is not limited to the YCrCb color space, and can be the Lab color space.That is, can to change the data of RGB color space be the data of Lab color space in color space conversion unit 42.The Lab color space is such color space, and it comprises brightness component (L component) and chromatic component (ab component).When color space conversion was arrived the Lab color space, the L signal as the brightness component signal can be fetched in the binary conversion treatment unit 52 of monochrome image processing unit 50, and carried out binary conversion treatment.

Graphics processing unit 16 can be created low resolution image data respectively by reducing from color image processing unit 40 and the color image data of monochrome image processing unit 50 acquisitions or the resolution of monochromatic image data.When having produced low resolution image data, low resolution image data can be associated with corresponding color image data or corresponding monochromatic image data, and low resolution image data can be stored in the memory 34.

As mentioned above, by the corresponding color image data of association or corresponding monochromatic image data and the store low-resolution view data in the appointment that receives view data, can show low resolution image data.That is, when the view data of the output form receiving element that is described below from be stored in memory 34 received the output image data appointment, low resolution image data may be displayed on the display device of output form receiving element.Therefore, in specify image, improved user's operability.In the case, control unit 12 is fetched the unit as view data and is operated.By being used to specify the method for low-resolution image, when the output form receiving element received the image appointment, control unit 12 was fetched the unit as view data, fetched color image data or monochromatic image data corresponding to specify image from memory 34.

In first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the RTU (remote terminal unit) that connects by network can be used as the output form receiving element and operates.In the case, as mentioned above when specifying output image, according to needing RTU (remote terminal unit) to show the demonstration that is used to receive the appointment of view data output form.For example, when receiving the output form appointment, show the selector button of selecting output form.Output form comprises that image forms processing, to the transmission and the facsimile of RTU (remote terminal unit).The content that RTU (remote terminal unit) receives is specified through network and is sent to control unit 12.Control unit 12 is suitably fetched the handling procedure that is stored among the ROM 30, utilizes the handling procedure among the RAM 32, and carries out this handling procedure.Therefore, the processing of control unit 12 control combine digital MFP 10 appointments.In the case, control unit 12 is fetched the unit as image data processing and is operated.Output form according to appointment is determined, and color image data or monochromatic image data are selected and fetched to view data that control unit 12 is stored from memory 34 as the optimized image data.Subsequently, in user's designate and output form, select automatically color image data and monochromatic image data one or two and fetch by the operation of control unit 12.In addition, operating unit 20 can be used as the output form receiving element and operates.

When execution relates to the operation of original document scan process, can specify output form.The operation that for example relates to the original document scan process can be carried out from operating unit 20.In the case, scanning is original document the time, needn't create color image data and monochromatic image data and image data storage is advanced in the memory 34, have only a kind of view data that the output form of appointment determines can stored into memory 34 in.In addition, only can be created in the definite a kind of view data of output form of original document scan operation appointment.

Referring again to Fig. 1, when the user operated output form receiving element and specify image formation processing, the image that image formation unit 18 is carried out based on the predetermined image data formed processing.The optimized image data can be one of color image data or monochromatic image data, and can be specified arbitrarily by the user.Perhaps, one of color image data or monochromatic image data can be set to the default image data, and can carry out the operation that changes setting as required by the user.

Network control unit (NCU) 26 and data set (MODEM) 28 operate as delivery unit.NCU 26 executable operations are set up or disconnection public switch telephone network (PSTN).NCU 26 comprises the function that is used for transmitting according to the destination fax number dial impulse, and the function that is used to survey incoming call.NCU 26 connects MODEM 28 and PSTN as required.

MODEM 28 is as fax modem, and it can carry out normal facsimile.That is, MODEM 28 modulation transmit the data of data and demodulate reception.Specifically, it is the audio frequency signal that the MODEM28 modulation transmits data, and this audio frequency signal is sent to PSTN via NCU 26.MODEM 28 demodulation become digital signal from the destination through the audio frequency signal of PSTN and NCU 26 receptions.

In normal facsimile, have only the facsimile machine of very few number can receive color image data.Therefore, when facsimile was chosen as output form, monochromatic image data can be selected to the optimized image data.When the transmission destination was to receive the facsimile machine of color image data, color image data can be selected to the optimized image data.

When the internet usage agreement was sent to RTU (remote terminal unit) by the Internet with view data, network interface unit 38 (delivery unit) foundation was connected with network.In the case, because the terminal equipment of receiving terminal is supported color image data usually, color image data can be selected to the optimized image data of determining according to output form.

In the case, memory 34 comprises flash memories 35 and network memory 36.Flash memories 35 temporarily storing image datas.Network memory 36 is with image data storage predetermined amount of time (long time period).Color image data and monochromatic image data that graphics processing unit 16 produces can once be stored in the flash memories 35.Subsequently, according to needs, color image data and monochromatic image data can be sent in the network memory 36.Can from flash memories 35, delete color image data and the monochromatic image data that is sent in the network memory 36.

As mentioned above, when memory 34 comprised flash memories 35 and network memory 36, network memory 36 is high capacity hard disk preferably.Flash memories 35 and network memory 36 can be arranged on the same substrate, perhaps can be arranged on the substrate separately and by interface to be connected to each other.

Numeral MFP 10 comprises transfer approach tables of data 37 (transfer approach table), and it is stored as the remote equipment that transmits the destination and for each by the feasible mode that is relative to each other connection and transmits the transfer approach of destination.For example, transfer approach can be that facsimile or the view data of passing through Internet protocol one of transmit.As when transmitting destination receiving element operation, it is specified and transmits the destination, and user's input transfer destination at operating unit 20, and control unit 12 is fetched the unit as transmitted image and operated.Control unit 12 is with reference to transfer approach tables of data 37, and determines transfer approach according to the transmission destination that receives.Subsequently, control unit 12 is fetched the view data of the most suitable definite transfer approach.That is, control unit 12 (transmitted image is fetched the unit) is fetched one of color image data or monochromatic image data from memory 34, as the optimized image data of the transfer approach of determining.

For example, when the transmission destination of appointment was to be registered as the destination of carrying out facsimile, control unit 12 was fetched monochromatic image data and is used MODEM 28 to carry out facsimile and handle.When the transmission destination of appointment was the destination that is registered as by Internet protocol transmitted image data, control unit 12 was fetched color image data and is carried out transmission by network interface unit 38 by network and handle.

As mentioned above, according to first preferred embodiment of the present invention, color image data and monochromatic image data can be created simultaneously by a file scanning operation.Even when requiring color image data or monochromatic image data, can shorten the processing time of this requirement therefore.The efficient that hardware uses is gratifying, and the load that is applied on the hardware can minimize.

In addition, above preferred embodiment can be revised in a variety of forms and not break away from the spirit and scope of the present invention.For example, in above-mentioned first preferred embodiment, the MMR form is as monochromatic image data.Yet the present invention is not limited to this example.Other monochromatic coded datas also can be used as monochromatic image data.For example, improved Huffman (MH) compression method, associating bifurcation motion picture expert group version (JBIG) or improvement Reed (MR) method also can be used as the binary-coding method.

(second preferred embodiment) describes data structure and image processing equipment according to second preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to accompanying drawing.

Fig. 4 is the example of structure that illustrates according to the image processing equipment of second preferred embodiment of the invention.This image processing equipment comprises image input unit 310, color data compression unit 314, monochromatic conversion processing unit 315, binarization unit 316, two-value compression unit 320, coupling unit 326, first memory cell, 328, the second memory cell 329, extraction unit 330, first output unit, 336, the second output units 338 and control unit 342.Image input unit 310 is first input units, its input color multi-level images data.314 pairs of colored multi-level images data from 310 inputs of image input unit of color data compression unit are carried out compression and are handled, and produce the color image data of compression.Monochromatic conversion processing unit 315 and binarization unit 316 are monochromatic converting units, and its conversion is a monochromatic image data from the colored multi-level images data of image input unit 310 inputs.Two-value compression unit 320 is monochromatic data compression units, and its monochromatic image data that monochromatic converting unit is produced is carried out compression and handled, and produces the monochromatic image data of compression.Compressed color image data and compression monochromatic image data that coupling unit 326 couplings produce from same colored multi-level images data, and produce the coupling view data.The coupling view data that first memory cell, 328 storage coupling units 326 produce.The monochromatic image data that second memory cell, 329 interim store monochrome converting units produce.Extraction unit 330 extracts the compression monochromatic image data from the coupling view data that first memory cell 328 is fetched.First output unit 336 is first monochromatic output units, its output compression monochromatic image data or monochromatic image data.Second output unit, 338 second monochromatic output units, its output compression monochromatic image data or monochromatic image data.Control unit 342 is controlled, and handles and second processing the coupling view data of storing in advance in first memory cell 328 is carried out simultaneously first.Among first processing, the monochromatic image data that extraction unit 330 extracts is from 336 outputs of first output unit.Among second processing, the monochromatic image data that the colored multi-level images data of importing from image input unit 310 produce is from 338 outputs of second output unit.

Image input unit 310 produces image or load image, and the monochromatic data creating unit 352 that image is sent to color data creating unit 350 and describes subsequently as colored multi-level images data.For example, image input unit 310 is a kind of scanning devices, and it comprises the scanner that scans original document, the computer system of load image, or such as the capture apparatus of digital camera.

In addition, the invention is not restricted to the example of the colored multi-level images data of image input unit 310 outputs to color data creating unit 350, wherein this colored multi-level images data are unpacked datas.Image input unit 310 can be exported the compressed color image data to color data creating unit 350.In the case, multistage decompression unit can be arranged on the output of image input unit 310.Multistage decompression unit decompression compressed color image data are colored multi-level images data with conversion compressed color image data, and export colored multi-level images data to color data creating unit 350 and monochromatic data creating unit 352.The data processing and control unit can be arranged in the image input unit 310.In addition, according to the form of input data, the data of data processing and control unit classification input, judge whether to output to multistage decompression unit or output to color data creating unit 350 and monochromatic data creating unit 352 in each.In input compressed color image data, data processing and control unit output compressed color data are to multistage decompression unit.In input color multi-level images data, colored multi-level images data each in color data creating unit 350 and the monochromatic data creating unit 352 exported in the data processing and control unit.

Color data creating unit 350 comprises multi-level store 312 and color data compression unit 314.Multi-level store 312 storage color multi-level images data.For example color data compression unit 314 is carried out the compression processing, and the data that are stored in the multi-level store 312 with compression are the packed data form of handling under the JPEG method.

Colored multi-level images data once had been stored among the multi-level store 312, and for each piece that pending compression is handled, were sent in the color data compression unit 314.In color data compression unit 314, on colored multi-level images data, carry out discrete cosine transform, and colored multi-level images data are divided into the fundamental frequency scope.The information of quantification on partition coefficient, and use the statistical nature of quantization parameter to carry out the huffman coding processing.Therefore, colored multi-level images data transaction becomes the compressed color image data.The compressed color image data of Huo Deing are sent in the data storage memory 324 in the above described manner.

Monochromatic data creating unit 352 comprises monochromatic conversion processing unit 315, binarization unit 316, two-value memory 318, two-value compression unit 320 and selected cell 322.Monochromatic conversion processing unit 315 produces monochromatic multi-level images data from colored multi-level images data.Two value cells 316 are carried out binary conversion treatment, with the monochromatic multi-level images data of binaryzation generation, to produce monochromatic image data.These two-value memory 318 store monochrome view data, these data are the monochromatic binary image datas that obtain from binarization unit 316.The monochromatic image data that 320 pairs of two-value compression units are stored in the two-value memory 318 is carried out the compression processing.Compression monochromatic image data that selected cell 322 relatively obtains from two-value compression unit 320 and unpressed monochromatic image data still, and select data.

The gray scale that monochromatic conversion processing unit 315 is carried out colored multi-level images data according to brightness or brightness data is handled, for example, and the Y-signal of YCC signal.As a result, colored multi-level images data are converted into monochromatic multi-level images data.Subsequently, monochromatic multi-level images data are sent to binarization unit 316.Binarization unit 316 is carried out the binary conversion treatment of monochromatic multi-level images data, and with monochromatic multi-level images data transaction monochromatizing view data.Monochromatic image data once had been stored among the two-value memory 318.Each piece for pending compression is handled is sent to monochromatic image data in the two-value compression unit 320.By predetermined compression method, 320 compressions of two-value compression unit are stored in the monochromatic image data in the two-value memory 318, and convert monochromatic image data to the compression monochromatic image data.In addition, predetermined compression method is a kind of binary-coding method, such as MMR, and MH, JBIG or MR method.Selected cell 322 relatively is stored in the monochromatic image data and the compression monochromatic image data that obtains by two-value compression unit 320 in the two-value memory 318, and selects to be sent to the data of data storage memory 324.The data of selecting are sent to coupling unit 326, as monochromatic data.In the case, for example select the data of reduced size, perhaps select data according to the monochromatic output form of after this describing.For example, when carrying out monochromatic print processing, select monochromatic image data.When carrying out the facisimile transmission processing, select the compression monochromatic image data.In addition, selected cell 322 is optional.Selected cell 322 is not set, and the compression monochromatic image data that obtains by two-value compression unit 320 can always be sent in the data storage memory 324.

The compressed color image data that transmit from color data compression unit 314 are associated with the data that transmit from selected cell 322,, compress monochromatic image data or monochromatic image data that is, and these data once had been stored among the data storage memory 324.

Coupling unit 326 in same file, be coupled compressed color image data and compression monochromatic image data or monochromatic image data, and establishment coupling view data, wherein compressed color image data and compression monochromatic image data or monochromatic image data are stored among the data storage memory 324 by the mode of the connection that is relative to each other.

Needn't require view data (compression monochromatic image data) and the coupling of compressed color image data into the facisimile transmission input.Needn't require view data (monochromatic image data) and the coupling of compressed color image data into the print processing input.Therefore, for the view data of facisimile transmission input or for the view data of print processing input can directly be sent among second memory cell 329 of the memory device of describing subsequently 327, and needn't be coupled by coupling unit 326 and compressed color image data.In said circumstances, the processing that is used to create the processing of compressed color image data and is used to create the coupling view data can be omitted, and can reduce the load that is applied on the hardware.

Described such a case, wherein imported and handled the colored multi-level images data that obtain by scanning device such as scanner.Yet, the invention is not restricted to above-mentioned example.For example, the compressed color multi-level images data that another computer system or capture apparatus are created and compressed can be imported, and the monochromatic multi-level images data of compression can be created.

Fig. 5 illustrates selected cell 100, and it can be applied to the image processing equipment according to second preferred embodiment of the invention, and can be set to carry out a kind of option of aforesaid operations.

Selected cell 100 comprises multistage decompression unit 104, monochromatic conversion processing unit 106, binarization unit 108, two-value compression unit 114 and coupling unit 326.104 pairs of compressed color image data from the remote equipment input of multistage decompression unit are carried out decompression.Monochromatic conversion processing unit 106 and binarization unit 108 are as monochromatic converting unit, and its conversion is a monochromatic image data by the colored multi-level images data that multistage decompression unit 104 obtains.Two-value compression unit 114 is as the monochromatic data compression unit, and its monochromatic image data that monochromatic converting unit is produced is carried out compression and handled, and produces the monochromatic image data of compression.Compressed color image data and compression monochromatic image data that coupling unit 326 couplings produce from same colored multi-level images data, and produce the coupling view data.

Among Fig. 5, the compressed color image data of generations such as another computer system are sent to data processing and control unit 102.When the compressed color image data were input to data processing and control unit 102, data processing and control unit 102 transmitted compressed color image data to data memory 324, and also is sent to multistage decompression unit 104.

104 pairs of compressed color image data of multistage decompression unit are carried out decompression, and the color image data of conversion compression is colored multi-level images data, for example RGB data.Subsequently, multistage decompression unit 104 transmits colored multi-level images data to monochromatic conversion processing unit 106.Monochromatic conversion processing unit 106 is carried out gray scale processing or the like based on the brightness data or the brightness data of colored multi-level images data.As a result, colored multi-level images data transaction monochromatizing multi-level images data.Monochromatic multi-level images data are sent to binarization unit 108.108 pairs of monochromatic multi-level images data of binarization unit are carried out binary conversion treatment to obtain the monochromatic image data as two-value data.Monochromatic image data is stored in the two-value memory 112 of memory control unit 110 temporarily.Memory control unit 110 arrives two-value compression unit 114 with the predetermined monochromatic image data that regularly each block movement is stored in the two-value memory 112.Two-value compression unit 114 is with above-mentioned predetermined compression method compression monochromatic image data.As a result, monochromatic image data converts the compression monochromatic image data to.Two-value compression unit 114 will compress monochromatic image data and be sent to data storage memory 324.Two-value compression unit 114 is this monochromatic image data and this compression monochromatic image data relatively, and selects to be sent to the data of data storage memory 324.As mentioned above, even carrying out compressed color image data that compression handles in the remote equipment input, image processing equipment can obtain to compress monochromatic image data.

In the mode the same with example shown in Figure 4, in selected cell 100, compressed color image data and the compression monochromatic image data connection that can be relative to each other, and be loaded in the data storage memory 324 temporarily.Subsequently, coupling unit 326 can in same file, be coupled the compressed color image data and the compression monochromatic image data.Therefore, can obtain and export the coupling view data.

Below, the coupling view data is described.This coupling view data comprises head region and view data zone.The color image data of compression is stored in the view data zone.The monochromatic image data of compression is stored in the head region.As mentioned above, the monochromatic data of compression can be to handle the data that form by colored multi-level images data being carried out monochromatic conversion process, binary conversion treatment and compression.

Fig. 6 illustrates the data structure according to the coupling view data of second preferred embodiment of the invention.This data structure is the data structure that comprises JPEG packed data format structure.Specifically, data structure comprises SOI zone 72, use marker field 1 (APP1) zone 74, definition quantization table (DQT) zone 76, definition huffman table (DHT) zone 78, as required restart interval region, frame begins (SOF) zone 80, and head region comprises scanning beginning (SOS) zone 82, and the view data zone comprises compressing image data storage area 84, and EOI zone 86, these zones are with the trace back stream side (upstream side) of this sequence arrangement in data flow 70.

SOI zone 72 is such zones, the start information that image begins in its storage representation data flow 70.APP1 zone 74 is the zones that are used for embedding at jpeg file data.APP1 zone 74 is parts, wherein is inserted with to be used for the necessary information of JPEG high-order application.As hereinafter described, the JPEG high-order is used monochromatic image data or the monochromatic image data that necessary information is in particular compression.In addition, when the jpeg image data are by the device processes of not supporting this application, ignore APP1 zone 74.

DQT zone 76 is stored in by color data compression unit 314 and carries out the table of creating when colored multi-level images data-measuring is handled.The huffman coding that DHT zone 78 storage color data compression unit 314 are carried out is handled the table that uses.

SOF zone 80 is such zones, is used to be provided with the picture size (for example, in the horizontal direction with the pixel count of vertical direction) of colored multi-level images data, each colour signal (Y of every unit in the processing of quantification treatment, Cb, sample rate Cr), and the quantization table number etc.SOS zone 82 is such zones, is used for limiting distributing which huffman table for each component.

Compressing image data storage area 84 is such parts, wherein inserts and store the compressed color image data.EOI zone 86 is zones of the ending message that image finishes in the storage representation data flow 70.

APP1 zone 74 comprises the zone of store compressed monochromatic image data.APP1 zone 74 also comprises the monochromatic image data defined range, the attribute information of its store compressed monochromatic image data.That is the attribute information of APP1 zone 74 store compressed monochromatic image datas and compression monochromatic image data.For example, attribute information comprises data size and memory location.The memory location is the address in data flow 70.The label of monochromatic image data defined range storage representation data size and memory location (address).

As mentioned above, compression monochromatic image data and compressed color image data can all be inserted in the jpeg file.Routinely, compression monochromatic image data and compressed color image data separate management.Yet, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, can be from compression monochromatic image data and compressed color image data that same original document is created by a file management.In addition, by the monochromatic image data defined range is set in jpeg file, have only the compression monochromatic image data to fix from the jpeg file middle finger.

When from the just very clear print processing that will not carry out based on the compression monochromatic image data of beginning the time, promptly, when when only requiring the compressed color image data by the image processing of carrying out such as the RTU (remote terminal unit) of computer equipment, the compression monochromatic image data can not stored hereof.

Simultaneously, when only requiring the compression monochromatic image data, just not carrying out coupling and handling for facisimile transmission etc.

Referring again to Fig. 4, the coupling image data storage that coupling unit 326 is created is in first memory cell 328 of memory device 327, and this first memory cell is exactly this memory cell.Memory device 327 comprises first memory cell 328 and second memory cell 329.First memory cell, 328 storage coupling view data.Second memory cell, 329 store monochrome data.In output second memory cell 329, after the monochromatic data of storage, preferably monochromatic data is deleted from second memory cell 329.In addition, compression monochromatic image data or monochromatic image data be directly used in handle such as the output of facisimile transmission and print processing in, needn't store compressed monochromatic image data or monochromatic image data, compression monochromatic image data and monochromatic image data can be sent to first output unit 336 or second output unit 338.

When the output destination is first output unit 336 or second output unit 338, the coupling image data extraction compression monochromatic image data of extraction unit 330 from be stored in first memory cell 328.Concrete, extraction unit 330 extracts the compression monochromatic image data according to the label in the record in the monochromatic image data defined range that comprises in the APP1 zone 74 of coupling view data.In addition, when receiving the data that to extract, for example at the monochromatic data that receives such as compression monochromatic image data or monochromatic image data, rather than coupling is view data the time, and extraction unit 330 can directly transmit monochromatic data to first output unit 336 or second output unit 338.

In colored output unit 340 output coloured images, the coupling view data can directly be sent to output image processing unit 332.Perhaps, can compress monochromatic image data from the coupling image data extraction, and only have the compressed color image data can be sent to output image processing unit 332.

That is, as shown in Figure 7, when the equipment of output destination was to load the device A in APP1 zone, device A can not be fetched the compression monochromatic image data that comprises in the coupling view data 120 in the second preferred embodiment of the invention.Therefore, extraction unit 330 compresses monochromatic image data from the coupling image data extraction in advance, and only the compressed color image data is sent to output image processing unit 332.When the equipment of output destination was to load the equipment B in APP1 zone, the view data that will be coupled 120 was sent to output image processing unit 332.

In addition, device A is the output destination of coupling view data 120, can not load the APP1 zone.Therefore, when coupling view data 120 was sent to device A, device A was ignored the APP1 zone.That is, device A can not be discerned the data content in APP1 zone.Therefore, when device A receives coupling view data 120, device A will be coupled view data 120 as normal jpeg file processing, promptly as multistage color image data 122.As mentioned above, in the equipment of the output destination that can not load the APP1 zone, ignore with the APP1 zone and carry out processing.Therefore, in addition output to can not load APP1 zone equipment in, need not extract in advance and compress monochromatic image data by extraction unit 330.

Yet, it seems from reducing the aspect that transmits data size, when the transmission destination is to be similar to the equipment of the device A that cannot load the APP1 zone, just can be after extraction unit 330 extracts compression monochromatic image data or monochromatic image data, preferably make data be sent to output image processing unit 332, wherein this compression monochromatic image data or monochromatic image data are that to transmit the data processing of carrying out the destination necessary.

Output image processing unit 332 comprises output decompression unit 334.When the data of output destinations were decompressed data rather than packed data, the compression monochromatic image data that 334 pairs of extraction units of output decompression unit 330 extract was carried out decompression.

The extraction of control unit 342 control extraction units 330 is handled, and the decompression of output decompression unit 334, obtains the processing of view data with control.

Specifically, based on being stored in the coupling view data in first memory cell 328 or being stored in second memory cell 329 the compression monochromatic data of storage, when carrying out the print processing of handling as monochromatic output, output image processing unit 332 is controlled to be makes and to carry out decompression by 334 pairs of compression monochromatic image datas that obtain from extraction unit 330 of output decompression unit, and the monochromatic image data that obtains of output.In addition, monochromatic image data can be the data that are stored in second memory cell 329.In the case, the decompression of compression monochromatic image data just becomes not necessarily in the output decompression unit 334.

With facisimile transmission as monochrome output processing execution in, just control output image processing unit 332, make output from the compression monochromatic image data of extraction unit 330 or be stored in compression monochromatic image data in second memory cell 329.

In addition, under arbitrary situation, monochromatic data promptly compresses monochromatic image data or monochromatic image data and is stored among second memory cell 329.In the output processing of carrying out by output image processing unit 332 based on this monochromatic data, can from second memory cell 329, delete the monochromatic data of handling.Coupling view data to be exported and processing method are specified by the operation input unit, and input unit is such as keyboard, mouse and touch-screen (not shown).

Carry out first output unit 336 and second output unit 338 that monochromatic output is handled, and be used to carry out the colored output unit 340 that colored output handles and be connected to output image processing unit 332.

First output unit 336 is carried out the processing that relates to facisimile transmission based on the compression monochromatic image data of output image processing unit 332 outputs.Second output unit 338 is carried out print processing based on the monochromatic image data from 332 outputs of output image processing unit.

Colored output unit 340 is based on the compressed color image data from 332 outputs of output image processing unit, and execution relates to the processing that colored output is handled, such as the transmission to another computer system.

In the case, when being the equipment B (with reference to Fig. 7) that can load the APP1 zone in the transmission destination, colored output unit 340 transmits coupling view data 120, as the transmission data to equipment B.Equipment B is extracted the compression monochromatic image data that is stored in the APP1 zone, and carries out monochromatic print processing or the like.Equipment B can also be based on compressed color image data carries out image processing.For example, colored multi-level images data can be edited or export to equipment B.

In Fig. 4, RTU (remote terminal unit) 344 is set to second input unit, and it is different from the image input unit 310 of input color multi-level images data.RTU (remote terminal unit) 344 is connected to memory device 327 by network etc.

RTU (remote terminal unit) 344 is to download or to receive the equipment of colored multi-level images data.For example, RTU (remote terminal unit) 344 is digital cameras, colour facsimile transceiver or electric terminal equipment.The data that are input to memory device 327 can be any view data, as long as this data adapting is in sending by network and receiving for example above-mentioned compressed color image data.

In image processing equipment shown in Figure 4, the colored multi-level images data of image input unit 310 scannings, convert the compressed color image data to by color data creating unit 350, and convert monochromatic data (compression monochromatic image data or monochromatic image data) to by monochromatic data creating unit 352.Subsequently, in monochromatic data, will compress monochromatic image data and the coupling of compressed color image data, and obtain the coupling view data by coupling unit 326.The view data of coupling transmits and is stored in first memory cell 328 of memory device 327.The compression monochromatic image data or the monochromatic image data that do not have to be coupled with the compressed color image data transmit and are stored among second memory cell 329.

In the order of the processing that relates to storage coupling view data from the input of input unit (not shown), extraction unit 330 extracts the compression monochromatic image data as required.Subsequently, the compression monochromatic image data of extraction is sent to output image processing unit 332.

Control unit 342 executive control operations make and carry out dual operation in output image processing units 332.Among this dual operation, carry out first simultaneously and handle and second processing.In addition, first handle among, for the view data that is stored in advance among first memory cell 328, the compression monochromatic image data that is extracted by extraction unit 330 is from 336 outputs of first output unit.Among second processing, as required, 334 pairs of monochromatic datas that produce from the colored multi-level images data of image input unit 310 inputs of output decompression unit are carried out decompression, are monochromatic image data with the conversion monochromatic data, and from second output unit, 338 output monochromatic image datas.

In addition, in second preferred embodiment, carry out facisimile transmission based on the coupling view data of storage and handle, and carry out print processing based on the colored multi-level images data of image input unit 310 inputs.Yet the present invention is not limited to this example.For example, can carry out print processing, and can carry out facisimile transmission based on the colored multi-level images data of image input unit 310 inputs based on the coupling view data of storage.

By RTU (remote terminal unit) 344 being set as the image input unit, based on colored multi-level images data (or compressed color image data) from RTU (remote terminal unit) 344, from the colour of colored output unit 340 output handle, based on the colored multi-level images data of image input unit 310 inputs, handle and, handle and to carry out simultaneously from the monochrome output of first output unit 336 or second output unit 338 from the monochrome output of first output unit 336 or second output unit 338 based on the coupling view data of storing in the memory device 327.In addition, if for two monochromatic output processing execution dual operations, RTU (remote terminal unit) 344 is exactly optional structure.

Although do not illustrate in the drawings, the selected cell 100 shown in Fig. 5 can be arranged on the output of RTU (remote terminal unit) 344.The data that are sent to memory device 327 from RTU (remote terminal unit) 344 can be configured to comprise the coupling view data of above-mentioned compression monochromatic image data and compressed color image data.The coupling view data can be stored in first memory cell 328 of memory device 327.There are not the compression monochromatic image data or the monochromatic image data of coupling can be stored in the memory device 329.In the case, by the 3rd output unit is set, handle to carry out monochromatic output, can carry out simultaneously: the monochrome output that is stored in coupling view data in the memory device 327 is handled, the monochrome output of carrying out based on the coupling view data of the colored multi-level images data of image input unit 310 inputs is handled and handled for the monochrome output from the coupling view data of RTU (remote terminal unit) 344.For example, output is handled as monochrome, can carry out: be used to carry out first of facisimile transmission and handle, be used to carry out second of print processing and handle, and be used to carry out three processing of facisimile transmission to the destination that is different from first processing intent ground.

As mentioned above, in second preferred embodiment of the invention, 328 storages of first memory cell have the view data of specific data structure, that is, and and by the formed coupling view data of compression monochromatic image data that is coupled the compressed color image data and obtains based on the compressed color image data.Therefore, when carrying out monochromatic output processing, the compression monochromatic image data can only come out from the coupling image data extraction.As a result, the equipment of carrying out monochromatic conversion process or binary conversion treatment needn't be set, can carry out dual operation.

The object lesson of dual operation is described below.Dual operation be will describe and (1) and dual operation processing (2) handled.It is wherein to handle the processing that A and treatments B are carried out simultaneously that dual operation is handled (1).It is wherein to handle C and handle the processing that D carries out simultaneously that dual operation is handled (2).In addition, in handling A, after interim storage input picture, input picture transmits as monochrome image by fax.In treatments B, fetch the image of storage in advance, and the image of fetching is printed as monochromatic data.In handling C, after interim storage input picture, input picture is printed as monochromatic data.In handling D, fetch the image of storage in advance, and will fetch image as monochromatic data by facisimile transmission.

(handling A) produces monochromatic image data from the colored multi-level images data of image input unit 310 inputs.Carry out compression for monochromatic image data and handle, and produce the compression monochromatic image data.The compression monochromatic image data that produces is stored among second memory cell 329 temporarily.Below, export the compression monochromatic image data of fetching from second memory cell 329 from first output unit 336, that is, and by facisimile transmission.In addition, fetch the compression monochromatic image data from second memory cell 329 after, will compress monochromatic image data and from second memory cell 329, delete.That is, in normal facisimile transmission, after finishing facisimile transmission, delete the compression monochromatic image data of second memory cell 329, and second memory cell 329 becomes and can cover (overwriting).For colored multi-level images data, the generation and the storage of facisimile transmission and coupling view data can be carried out simultaneously.In the case, after producing the coupling view data and being stored in first memory cell 328, from coupling image data extraction compression monochromatic image data, and the compression monochromatic image data that extracts is from 336 outputs of first output unit.Even after facisimile transmission, the coupling view data that is stored among first memory cell 328 keeps not deleting.

(treatments B) is from being stored in the coupling image data extraction compression monochromatic image data among first memory cell 328 in advance.The compression monochromatic image data of 334 pairs of extractions of output decompression unit is carried out decompression, and produces monochromatic image data.Subsequently, from second output unit, 338 output monochromatic image datas, promptly print.

(handling C) produces monochromatic image data from the colored multi-level images data of image input unit 310 inputs.Carry out compression for monochromatic image data and handle, and produce the compression monochromatic image data.Subsequently, the compression monochromatic image data is stored among second memory cell 329 temporarily.Subsequently, 334 pairs of compression monochromatic image datas of fetching from second memory cell 329 of output decompression unit are carried out decompression, and produce monochromatic image data.From second output unit, 338 output monochromatic image datas, promptly print subsequently.

Among (handle D) is stored in first memory cell 328 in advance from the compression monochromatic image data of coupling image data extraction.From the compression monochromatic image data of first output unit, 336 output extractions, promptly by facisimile transmission.

Claims (24)

1. image processing equipment comprises:

Document scanning unit, it scans original document;

Color image processing unit, its conversion is a color image data by the scan-data that the document scanning element obtains;

Monochrome image processing unit, its conversion is a monochromatic image data by the scan-data that the document scanning element obtains; And

Memory, it stores this color image data and this monochromatic image data;

It is characterized in that the processing of this color image processing unit and the processing of this monochrome image processing unit are carried out simultaneously.

2. image processing equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that, the data of the document scanning element output red, green and blue (RGB) color space are as this scan-data; And

This monochrome image processing unit is extracted the data of G component from the RGB color space, and uses this G component data to produce monochromatic image data.

3. image processing equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that, the data of the document scanning element output red, green and blue (RGB) color space are as this scan-data;

This color image processing unit is converted to the data of luminance component or brightness component with the data of this RGB color space, and color difference components or chromatic component data, and

This monochrome image processing unit uses the data of luminance component or brightness component to produce monochromatic image data.

4. image processing equipment according to claim 1, it is characterized in that, this color image processing unit reduces the resolution of this color image data, and the generation low resolution image data, and the low resolution image data of this generation is associated with corresponding color image data, and stores in this memory.

5. image processing equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that also comprising:

Delivery unit, its transmission are stored in this color image data in the memory or this monochromatic image data to remote equipment;

The transfer approach table, it makes this remote equipment of destination be associated with transfer approach to this destination;

The destination receiving element, it receives the appointment of the remote equipment of this destination; And

Transmitted image is fetched the unit, it is with reference to this transfer approach table, and the transfer approach that is used for this destination that definite this destination receiving element is received, and fetch one of this color image data of being associated with the transfer approach that should determine or this monochromatic image data, and be sent to this delivery unit from this memory.

6. image processing equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that also comprising: image formation unit, it is handled with at least one carries out image formation in this monochromatic image data this color image data that is stored in this memory.

7. image processing equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that also comprising:

The output form receiving element, it receives the appointment to the output form that is stored in this color image data in this memory or this monochromatic image data; And

Image data processing is fetched the unit, and it fetches of the output form that received corresponding to this output form receiving element in this color image data or this monochromatic image data from this memory.

8. image processing equipment comprises:

First input unit, its input color multi-level images data;

The color data compression unit, it is handled carrying out compression from the colored multi-level images data of this first input unit input, and produces the compressed color image data;

Monochromatic converting unit, its conversion is a monochromatic image data from the colored multi-level images data of this first input unit input;

The monochromatic data compression unit, its monochromatic image data that this monochrome converting unit is produced is carried out compression and is handled, and produces the compression monochromatic image data;

Coupling unit, it is coupled from these compressed color image data of same colored multi-level images data generation and should compresses monochromatic image data, and produces the view data that is coupled;

First memory cell, it stores the coupling view data that this coupling unit produces;

Second memory cell, it stores the monochromatic data that this monochrome converting unit produces temporarily;

Extraction unit, its coupling image data extraction compression monochromatic image data from fetching by this first memory cell;

The first monochromatic output unit, it exports this compression monochromatic image data or this monochromatic image data;

The second monochromatic output unit, it exports this compression monochromatic image data or this monochromatic image data; And

Control unit, its control is carried out first simultaneously and is handled and second processing, wherein in this first processing, for the coupling view data that is stored in advance in first memory cell, export from this first monochromatic output unit by the monochromatic data that this extraction unit extracts, and among this second processing, export from this second monochromatic output unit from the monochromatic data that the colored multi-level images data by this first input unit input produce.

9. image processing equipment according to claim 8 is characterized in that this monochrome converting unit comprises:

Monochromatic conversion processing unit, it produces monochromatic multi-level images data from these colour multi-level images data; And

Binarization unit, the monochromatic multi-level images data of its this generation of binaryzation and produce monochromatic image data;

It is characterized in that this monochromatic data compression unit to this monochromatic image data execution compression processing, wherein this monochromatic image data is a two-value data, and produces the monochromatic image data of compression.

10. image processing equipment according to claim 8 is characterized in that this coupling unit the be coupled color image data of this compression and the monochromatic image data of this compression, produces this coupling view data and is placed in the file.

11. image processing equipment according to claim 8, it is characterized in that this coupling view data comprises head region and view data zone, this compressed color image storage is in this view data zone, and this compression monochromatic image data is stored in this head region.

12. image processing equipment according to claim 11, it is characterized in that the monochromatic image data defined range is arranged in the head region of this coupling view data, and storing label, this label is represented the memory location and the size of the compression monochromatic image data of this storage.

13. image processing equipment according to claim 12 is characterized in that this extraction unit according to the label that is stored in this monochromatic image data defined range, extracts this compression monochromatic image data.

14. image processing equipment according to claim 8 is characterized in that this coupling view data has JPEG (joint photographic experts group) (JPEG) packed data format structure, this structure comprises:

Image begins (SOI) zone, the start information that its storage representation image begins;

Monochromatic storage area, it stores this compression monochromatic image data;

Colored storage area, it stores this compressed color image data;

And image finishes (EOI) zone, the ending message that this image of its storage representation finishes.

15. an image processing equipment comprises:

Multistage decompression unit, it is to carrying out decompression from the compressed color image data of remote equipment input;

Monochromatic converting unit, it will be converted to monochromatic image data by the colored multi-level images data that this multistage decompression unit obtains;

The monochromatic data compression unit, its monochromatic image data that this monochrome converting unit is produced is carried out compression and is handled, and produces the monochromatic image data of compression; And

Coupling unit, these compressed color image data and this compression monochromatic image data that its coupling produces from same colored multi-level images data, and produce the coupling view data.

16. image processing equipment according to claim 15 is characterized in that this monochrome converting unit comprises:

Monochromatic conversion processing unit, it produces monochromatic multi-level images data from these colour multi-level images data; And

Binarization unit, the monochromatic multi-level images data of its this generation of binaryzation and produce monochromatic image data;

It is characterized in that this monochromatic data compression unit to this monochromatic image data execution compression processing, wherein this monochromatic image data is a two-value data, and produces the monochromatic image data of this compression.

17. image processing equipment according to claim 15 is characterized in that this coupling unit the be coupled color image data of this compression and the monochromatic image data of this compression, produces this coupling view data and is placed in the file.

18. image processing equipment according to claim 15, it is characterized in that this coupling view data comprises head region and view data zone, this compressed color image storage is in this view data zone, and this compression monochromatic image data is stored in this head region.

19. image processing equipment according to claim 18, it is characterized in that the monochromatic image data defined range is arranged in the head region of this coupling view data, and storing label, this label is represented the memory location and the size of the compression monochromatic image data stored.

20. image processing equipment according to claim 19 is characterized in that this extraction unit according to the label that is stored in this monochromatic image data defined range, extracts this compression monochromatic image data.

21. image processing equipment according to claim 15 is characterized in that this coupling view data has JPEG (joint photographic experts group) (JPEG) packed data format structure, this structure comprises:

Image begins (SOI) zone, the start information that its storage representation image begins;

Monochromatic storage area, it stores this compression monochromatic image data;

Colored storage area, it stores this compressed color image data; And

Image finishes (EOI) zone, the ending message that this image of its storage representation finishes.

22. a data structure, it has JPEG (joint photographic experts group) (JPEG) the packed data format structure that produces from the colored multi-level images data that are input to image processing equipment, and this data structure comprises:

Image begins (SOI) zone, the start information that its storage representation image begins;

The applying portion zone wherein is inserted with applying portion;

The compressing image data memory cell, its store compressed view data; And

Image finishes (EOI) zone, the ending message that this image of its storage representation finishes;

It is characterized in that the compressed color image data that storage produces from colored multi-level images data in this compressing image data storage area, and this compression monochromatic image data that storage produces from these colour multi-level images data in this applying portion zone.

23. data structure according to claim 22 is characterized in that this compression monochromatic image data is by forming monochromatic binary image data compression.

24. data structure according to claim 22 is characterized in that the monochromatic image data defined range is arranged in this applying portion zone, and stores the memory location and the big or small label of the compression monochromatic image data of this storage of expression.

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