JP4950007B2

Image processing apparatus and image forming apparatus with the same, and image processing method

Abstract

This record has no abstract on file.

Term

Projected expiry 17 November 2027.

8 claims: 5 independent, 3 dependent

1
PictureAn input means that receives input of input information of a processing target image that has color information for each element, and a low resolution that performs low resolution processing that lowers the input information input to the input means to a resolution lower than the output resolution. The conversion means, the high-resolution conversion means that performs the high-resolution processing for increasing the resolution of the low-resolution image information after the low-resolution conversion means has performed the low-resolution processing to the output resolution, and the high-resolution conversion means are high. In an image processing apparatus provided with an output means for outputting output image information after performing resolution processing, the image processing device is composed of a storage means and a specific image and a background image other than the specific image based on the above input information. A specific image area detecting means for detecting a predetermined specific image area from the processing target image, and at least for each low-resolution pixel which is a pixel after the low-resolution processing is performed on the specific image area. , Based on the above input informationAboveBackground pictureOf the statueThe first color information corresponding to the color is generated, and the generated first color information is stored in the above-mentioned storage means.1st color information storage areaThe first color information processing means for storing in, and the storage means for storing image data in the specific image area based on the input information.Temporary storage areaA drawing means that temporarily draws on the drawing means and the above drawing means drawn by the drawing means.Temporary storage areaBy analyzing the above image data, for each of the low resolution pixels, among the input resolution pixels which are the pixels before the low resolution processing is performed based on the input information, the specific image is obtained. Shape information indicating the arrangement of the constituent specific input resolution pixels in the low resolution pixel is generated, and the generated shape information is stored in the above-mentioned storage means.Specific image information storage areaWith respect to the shape information processing means stored in the above and the specific image area, for each of the low resolution pixels, the specific image is based on the input information.Of the statueGenerates the second color information corresponding to the color, and uses the generated second color informationA state in which the memory is stored in the second color information storage area of the storage means by the LUT (Look Up Table) method, and the LUT address information of the second color information corresponding to each low resolution pixel is associated with the shape information of the low resolution pixel. soThe above storage meansThe above specific image information storage areaThe high-resolution conversion means has an output resolution pixel that is a pixel after high-resolution processing for each of the low-resolution pixels in the specific image area. Placement、The above storage meansThe above specific image information storage areaDetermined based on the shape information stored inWith、UpSpecific imageColor is determined based on the second color information stored in the second color information storage area of the storage means specified by the LUT address information stored in the specific image information storage area of the storage means. And thenThe color of the above background image、The above storage means1st color information storage areaThe first color that is remembered inIn the newsAn image processing apparatus characterized in that the low-resolution image information is determined based on the above and the high-resolution processing is performed on the low-resolution image information. 画素ごとに色情報を有する処理対象画像の入力情報の入力を受ける入力手段と、該入力手段に入力された入力情報を出力解像度よりも低い解像度まで低解像度化する低解像度化処理を行う低解像度変換手段と、該低解像度変換手段が低解像度化処理を行った後の低解像度画像情報を出力解像度まで高解像度化する高解像度化処理を行う高解像度変換手段と、該高解像度変換手段が高解像度化処理を行った後の出力画像情報を出力する出力手段とを備えた画像処理装置において、記憶手段と、上記入力情報に基づいて、特定画像と該特定画像以外の背景画像とから構成される予め決められた特定画像領域を上記処理対象画像の中から検出する特定画像領域検出手段と、少なくとも上記特定画像領域について、上記低解像度化処理を行った後の画素である低解像度画素ごとに、上記入力情報に基づいて上記背景画像の色に対応する第1色情報を生成し、生成した第1色情報を上記記憶手段の第1色情報記憶領域に記憶する第1色情報処理手段と、上記入力情報に基づいて上記特定画像領域の画像データを上記記憶手段の一時記憶領域に一時的に描画する描画手段と、該描画手段が描画した上記一時記憶領域上の画像データを解析することにより、上記特定画像領域について、上記低解像度画素ごとに、上記入力情報に基づいて該低解像度化処理を行う前の画素である入力解像度画素のうち上記特定画像を構成する特定入力解像度画素の当該低解像度画素内の配置を示す形状情報を生成し、生成した形状情報を上記記憶手段の特定画像情報記憶領域に記憶する形状情報処理手段と、上記特定画像領域について、上記低解像度画素ごとに、上記入力情報に基づいて上記特定画像の色に対応する第2色情報を生成し、生成した第2色情報をLUT(Look Up Table)方式で上記記憶手段の第2色情報記憶領域に記憶するとともに、各低解像度画素に対応する第2色情報のLUTアドレス情報を当該低解像度画素の形状情報に関連付けた状態で上記記憶手段の上記特定画像情報記憶領域に記憶する第2色情報処理手段とを有しており、上記高解像度変換手段は、上記特定画像領域については、上記低解像度画素ごとに、高解像度化処理後の画素である出力解像度画素の配置を、上記記憶手段の上記特定画像情報記憶領域に記憶されている形状情報に基づいて決定するとともに、上記特定画像の色を、上記記憶手段の上記特定画像情報記憶領域に記憶されているLUTアドレス情報によって特定される上記記憶手段の上記第2色情報記憶領域に記憶されている第2色情報に基づいて決定し、かつ、上記背景画像の色を、上記記憶手段の第1色情報記憶領域に記憶されている第1色情報に基づいて決定して、上記低解像度画像情報に対して上記高解像度化処理を行うことを特徴とする画像処理装置。
2
Claim1The first color information generated by the first color information processing means is less than the minimum unit that can be collectively read from the storage means, and is generated by the shape information processing means. The total amount of information of the shape information and the LUT address information of the second color information generated by the second color information processing means is equal to or less than the remaining amount of information obtained by subtracting the information amount of the first color information from the minimum unit. An image processing device characterized by the fact that. 請求項1の画像処理装置において、上記第1色情報処理手段が生成する第1色情報は、上記記憶手段から一括して読み出し可能な最小単位よりも少ない情報量であり、上記形状情報処理手段が生成する形状情報と上記第2色情報処理手段が生成する第2色情報のLUTアドレス情報との合計情報量は、上記最小単位から上記第1色情報の情報量を差し引いた残りの情報量以下であることを特徴とする画像処理装置。
3
Claim1 or 2An image processing device according to the above, wherein the specific image is a character image. 請求項1又は2の画像処理装置において、上記特定画像は文字画像であることを特徴とする画像処理装置。
7
The image processing means that performs predetermined image processing on the image data based on the input information of the processing target image that has color information for each pixel and outputs the output image information, and the output image information output from the image processing means. In an image forming apparatus including an image forming means for forming an image based on the above, as the image processing means, claims 1 to 1 to6An image forming apparatus according to any one of the above items.。画素ごとに色情報を有する処理対象画像の入力情報に基づく画像データに対して所定の画像処理を行って出力画像情報を出力する画像処理手段と、該画像処理手段から出力された出力画像情報に基づいて画像を形成する画像形成手段とを備える画像形成装置において、上記画像処理手段として、請求項1乃至6のいずれか1項に記載の画像処理装置を用いることを特徴とする画像形成装置。
8
PictureAn input process that receives input of input information of a processing target image that has color information for each element, and a low resolution process that reduces the resolution of the input information input in the input process to a resolution lower than the output resolution. The conversion step, the high-resolution conversion step of performing the high-resolution conversion process of increasing the resolution of the low-resolution image information after the low-resolution processing in the low-resolution conversion step to the output resolution, and the high-resolution conversion step of the high-resolution conversion step. In an image processing method including an output step of outputting output image information after performing resolution processing, a predetermined image composed of a specific image and a background image other than the specific image is determined based on the above input information. In the specific image area detection step of detecting the specific image area from the processing target image, and at least for each of the low resolution pixels which are the pixels after the low resolution processing is performed on the specific image area, the input information is input. Based onAboveBackground pictureOf the statueGenerates first color information corresponding to a color, and stores the generated first color information.1st color information storage areaThe first color information processing process to be stored in the above and the storage means for storing the image data of the specific image area based on the input information.Temporary storage meansThe drawing process that is temporarily drawn in and the above that is drawn in the drawing process.Temporary storage areaBy analyzing the above image data, for each of the low resolution pixels, among the input resolution pixels which are the pixels before the low resolution processing is performed based on the input information, the specific image is obtained. Shape information indicating the arrangement of the constituent specific input resolution pixels in the low resolution pixel is generated, and the generated shape information is stored in the above-mentioned storage means.Specific image information storage areaWith respect to the shape information processing process stored in the above and the specific image area, for each of the low resolution pixels, the specific image is based on the input information.Of the statueGenerates the second color information corresponding to the color, and uses the generated second color informationA state in which the memory is stored in the second color information storage area of the storage means by the LUT (Look Up Table) method, and the LUT address information of the second color information corresponding to each low resolution pixel is associated with the shape information of the low resolution pixel. soThe above storage meansThe above specific image information storage areaIn the high-resolution conversion step, for each of the low-resolution pixels, the output resolution pixels, which are the pixels after the high-resolution processing, are provided. Placement、The above storage meansThe above specific image information storage areaDetermined based on the shape information stored inWith、UpSpecific imageColor is determined based on the second color information stored in the second color information storage area of the storage means specified by the LUT address information stored in the specific image information storage area of the storage means. ,And,The color of the above background image、The above storage means1st color information storage areaThe first color that is remembered inIn the newsAn image processing method characterized in that the low-resolution image information is determined based on the above and the high-resolution processing is performed on the low-resolution image information. 画素ごとに色情報を有する処理対象画像の入力情報の入力を受ける入力工程と、該入力工程で入力された入力情報を出力解像度よりも低い解像度まで低解像度化する低解像度化処理を行う低解像度変換工程と、該低解像度変換工程で低解像度化処理を行った後の低解像度画像情報を出力解像度まで高解像度化する高解像度化処理を行う高解像度変換工程と、該高解像度変換工程で高解像度化処理を行った後の出力画像情報を出力する出力工程とを有する画像処理方法において、上記入力情報に基づいて、特定画像と該特定画像以外の背景画像とから構成される予め決められた特定画像領域を上記処理対象画像の中から検出する特定画像領域検出工程と、少なくとも上記特定画像領域について、上記低解像度化処理を行った後の画素である低解像度画素ごとに、上記入力情報に基づいて上記背景画像の色に対応する第1色情報を生成し、生成した第1色情報を記憶手段の第1色情報記憶領域に記憶する第1色情報処理工程と、上記入力情報に基づいて上記特定画像領域の画像データを上記記憶手段の一時記憶手段に一時的に描画する描画工程と、該描画工程で描画した上記一時記憶領域上の画像データを解析することにより、上記特定画像領域について、上記低解像度画素ごとに、上記入力情報に基づいて該低解像度化処理を行う前の画素である入力解像度画素のうち上記特定画像を構成する特定入力解像度画素の当該低解像度画素内の配置を示す形状情報を生成し、生成した形状情報を上記記憶手段の特定画像情報記憶領域に記憶する形状情報処理工程と、上記特定画像領域について、上記低解像度画素ごとに、上記入力情報に基づいて上記特定画像の色に対応する第2色情報を生成し、生成した第2色情報をLUT(Look Up Table)方式で上記記憶手段の第2色情報記憶領域に記憶するとともに、各低解像度画素に対応する第2色情報のLUTアドレス情報を当該低解像度画素の形状情報に関連付けた状態で上記記憶手段の上記特定画像情報記憶領域に記憶する第2色情報処理工程とを有しており、上記高解像度変換工程では、上記特定画像領域については、上記低解像度画素ごとに、高解像度化処理後の画素である出力解像度画素の配置を、上記記憶手段の上記特定画像情報記憶領域に記憶されている形状情報に基づいて決定するとともに、上記特定画像の色を、上記記憶手段の上記特定画像情報記憶領域に記憶されているLUTアドレス情報によって特定される上記記憶手段の上記第2色情報記憶領域に記憶されている第2色情報に基づいて決定、かつ、上記背景画像の色を、上記記憶手段の第1色情報記憶領域に記憶されている第1色情報に基づいて決定して、上記低解像度画像情報に対して上記高解像度化処理を行うことを特徴とする画像処理方法。

Independent claims5

72 paragraphs, as filed

The present invention is an image processing device that performs image processing on input information of a processing target image having color information for each pixel and outputs output image information, and image formation that forms an image based on the output image information. It relates to an apparatus and an image processing method.

In an image forming apparatus such as a copier, a facsimile, or a printer, a PDL (page description language) sent from a personal computer or the like is processed by an image processing apparatus as described in Patent Document 1, for example. In the image processing apparatus, it is common to perform halftone processing (gradation processing, dithering processing) such as a dither method or an error diffusion method on the input information (color image information) described in PDL. This is due to the following reasons. That is, in the color image information described in PDL, the color information of each pixel is held by the gradation values of the three primary colors (RGB or C, M, Y), and the gradation is expressed in pixel units. On the other hand, in a color image formed by an image forming apparatus, it is difficult to individually and delicately control the amount of colorant (ink or toner) adhering to each pixel, so it is difficult to express gradation in pixel units. .. For this reason, it is common to convert color image information that expresses gradation in pixel units into one that expresses gradation in area units of a plurality of pixels by dithering, and then perform image formation. ing.

In addition, if halftone processing is performed on color image information having color information (RGB or C, M, Y gradation value information) for each pixel, there is an advantage that the amount of information can be significantly reduced. can get. To give a specific example, when each gradation of RGB (or C, M, Y) is expressed in 256 ways, a huge number of 16777216 (256 x 256 x 256) colors should be expressed for each pixel. Can be done. However, in this case, since the amount of information of 24 [bit] is required as the color information for each pixel, the amount of information of the image information to be image processed becomes very large. On the other hand, the image information after the halftone processing only needs to indicate the presence or absence of each pixel for each color (for example, C, M, Y) used for the image output, so that the amount of information can be significantly reduced. Can be done.

<patcit num="1"><text>Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-168086</text></patcit>

As described above, since the image information after the halftone processing has a small amount of information, by performing the image processing on this image information, the image information having a large amount of information before the halftone processing is performed. Compared with the case of performing image processing, the memory capacity required for the image processing can be significantly reduced, and the processing load can be reduced. However, depending on the content of the image processing, it is not appropriate to perform the image processing on the image information after the halftone processing is performed, and in some cases, the image processing may not be possible. To explain with a specific example, there is an image process in which a base image is drawn and then a predetermined area of the base image is masked with a watermark or the like to obtain a final image. Since the image information after the halftone processing expresses the gradation by the area ratio of each color in the pixel group consisting of a plurality of pixels, the color of each pixel for the base image is directly expressed from this image information. Cannot be identified. Therefore, for example, when image information in which a command or the like for performing such image processing is described in PDL is input, the image information before the halftone processing is performed (image information having color information for each pixel). ), It is necessary to perform the image processing. The image processing that needs to be performed or is appropriate to be performed on the image information before the halftone processing is performed is not limited to the masking processing described above. However, as described above, since the amount of information in the image information before the halftone processing is large, the memory capacity required for the image processing for the image information increases. Therefore, in recent years, in order to keep the memory capacity required for this image processing small, the resolution (for example, 1200 [dpi]) of the image information (input information) to be image processed is once changed to a low resolution (for example, 600 [dpi]). After image processing is applied to the image information (low resolution image information) that has been dropped and reduced in resolution, the image information is increased in resolution to the resolution of the output image (for example, 1200 [dpi]). There is. According to this method, the memory capacity required for image processing can be reduced by the amount of the reduced resolution. However, when the resolution is reduced to a low resolution in this way, the actual resolution remains low even if the image information after the image processing is increased to the output resolution. In general, for image images such as photographs, patterns, and patterns, the effect on the visual image quality is relatively small even at low resolution, but for character images such as hiragana, kanji, alphabets, and symbols, jaggies are conspicuous. The image quality of the image tends to be significantly reduced. As described in Patent Document 1, a jaggies correction technique for smoothing jaggies is known, but for small-sized characters and the like, the known jaggies correction technique can sufficiently improve the apparent image quality. Can't. The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and an object of the present invention is to perform image processing on image information in which the resolution of input image information (color image information) based on input information is reduced to a low resolution. While reducing the memory capacity required by doing this, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image quality of a specific image such as a character image, which would have a large effect on the apparent image quality by temporarily reducing the resolution to such a low resolution. It is an object of the present invention to provide a possible image processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus including the same, and an image processing method.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 isPictureAn input means that receives input of input information of a processing target image that has color information for each element, and a low resolution that performs low resolution processing that lowers the input information input to the input means to a resolution lower than the output resolution. The conversion means, the high-resolution conversion means that performs the high-resolution processing for increasing the resolution of the low-resolution image information after the low-resolution conversion means has performed the low-resolution processing to the output resolution, and the high-resolution conversion means are high. An image processing device including an output means for outputting output image information after performing resolution processing is composed of a storage means and a specific image and a background image other than the specific image based on the above input information. A specific image area detecting means for detecting a predetermined specific image area from the processing target image, and at least for each low-resolution pixel which is a pixel after the low-resolution processing is performed on the specific image area. , Based on the above input informationAboveBackground pictureOf the statueThe first color information corresponding to the color is generated, and the generated first color information is stored in the above-mentioned storage means.1st color information storage areaThe first color information processing means for storing in, and the storage means for storing image data in the specific image area based on the input information.Temporary storage areaA drawing means that temporarily draws on and the above that the drawing means draws.Temporary storage areaBy analyzing the above image data, for each of the low resolution pixels, among the input resolution pixels which are the pixels before the low resolution processing is performed based on the input information, the specific image is obtained. Shape information indicating the arrangement of the constituent specific input resolution pixels in the low resolution pixel is generated, and the generated shape information is stored in the above-mentioned storage means.Specific image information storage areaWith respect to the shape information processing means stored in the above and the specific image area, for each of the low resolution pixels, the specific image is based on the input information.Of the statueGenerates the second color information corresponding to the color, and uses the generated second color informationA state in which the memory is stored in the second color information storage area of the storage means by the LUT (Look Up Table) method, and the LUT address information of the second color information corresponding to each low resolution pixel is associated with the shape information of the low resolution pixel. soThe above storage meansThe above specific image information storage areaThe high-resolution conversion means has an output resolution pixel that is a pixel after high-resolution processing for each of the low-resolution pixels in the specific image area. Placement、The above storage meansThe above specific image information storage areaDetermined based on the shape information stored inWith、UpSpecific imageColor is determined based on the second color information stored in the second color information storage area of the storage means specified by the LUT address information stored in the specific image information storage area of the storage means. And thenThe color of the above background image、The above storage means1st color information storage areaThe first color that is remembered inIn the newsIt is characterized in that the low-resolution image information is determined based on the above and the high-resolution processing is performed on the low-resolution image information. Further, the invention of claim 2 is claimed.1The first color information generated by the first color information processing means is less than the minimum unit that can be collectively read from the storage means, and is generated by the shape information processing means. The total amount of information of the shape information and the LUT address information of the second color information generated by the second color information processing means is equal to or less than the remaining amount of information obtained by subtracting the information amount of the first color information from the minimum unit. It is characterized by that. Further, the invention of claim 3 is claimed.1 or 2In the image processing apparatus of the above, the specific image is a character image. Further, the invention of claim 4 isIn the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the first color information is read from the first color information storage area of the storage means for each of the low resolution pixels, and the low resolution pixels are obtained. It has a color conversion processing means for performing a color conversion process for converting the first color information into the color information used for image output, and the high resolution conversion means obtains the color information after the color conversion process by the color conversion processing means. Perform the above high resolution processing using as one color informationIt is characterized by that. Further, the invention of claim 5 isThe image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 includes a halftone processing means that performs halftone processing on image data converted by the high resolution conversion means.It is characterized by that. Further, the invention of claim 6 isIn the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the high-resolution conversion means includes LUT address information and shape information stored in the specific image information storage area of the storage means, and the storage means. The first color information stored in the first color information storage area of the above is read in line units, and the high resolution processing is performed.It is characterized by that. The invention of claim 7 is an image processing means that performs predetermined image processing on image data based on input information of a processing target image having color information for each pixel and outputs output image information, and the image processing. In an image forming apparatus including an image forming means for forming an image based on output image information output from the means, claims 1 to 1 to the above as the image processing means.6It is characterized in that the image processing apparatus according to any one of the above is used. Further, the invention of claim 8 isPictureAn input process that receives input of input information of a processing target image that has color information for each element, and a low resolution process that reduces the resolution of the input information input in the input process to a resolution lower than the output resolution. The conversion step, the high resolution conversion step of performing the high resolution processing for increasing the resolution of the low resolution image information after the low resolution processing in the low resolution conversion step to the output resolution, and the high resolution conversion step. In an image processing method including an output step of outputting output image information after performing resolution processing, a predetermined image composed of a specific image and a background image other than the specific image is determined based on the above input information. In the specific image area detection step of detecting the specific image area from the processing target image, and at least for each of the low resolution pixels which are the pixels after the low resolution processing is performed on the specific image area, the input information is input. Based onAboveBackground pictureOf the statueGenerates first color information corresponding to a color, and stores the generated first color information.1st color information storage areaThe image data of the specific image area is stored in the storage means based on the first color information processing process and the input information.Temporary storage meansThe drawing process that is temporarily drawn in and the above that is drawn in the drawing process.Temporary storage areaBy analyzing the above image data, for each of the low resolution pixels, among the input resolution pixels which are the pixels before the low resolution processing is performed based on the input information, the specific image is obtained. Shape information indicating the arrangement of the constituent specific input resolution pixels in the low resolution pixel is generated, and the generated shape information is stored in the above-mentioned storage means.Specific image information storage areaWith respect to the shape information processing process stored in the above and the specific image area, for each of the low resolution pixels, the specific image is based on the input information.Of the statueGenerates the second color information corresponding to the color, and uses the generated second color informationA state in which the memory is stored in the second color information storage area of the storage means by the LUT (Look Up Table) method, and the LUT address information of the second color information corresponding to each low resolution pixel is associated with the shape information of the low resolution pixel. soThe above storage meansThe above specific image information storage areaIn the high-resolution conversion step, for each of the low-resolution pixels, the output resolution pixels, which are the pixels after the high-resolution processing, are provided. Placement、The above storage meansThe above specific image information storage areaDetermined based on the shape information stored inWith、UpSpecific imageColor is determined based on the second color information stored in the second color information storage area of the storage means specified by the LUT address information stored in the specific image information storage area of the storage means. ,And,The color of the above background image、The above storage means1st color information storage areaThe first color that is remembered inIn the newsIt is characterized in that the low-resolution image information is determined based on the above and the high-resolution processing is performed on the low-resolution image information.BookAccording to the invention, for a specific image such as a character image in which the appearance image quality is greatly affected by temporarily reducing the resolution to a low resolution, shape information is provided for each low resolution pixel after the low resolution processing. Generate and remember. This shape information is information indicating the arrangement of the specific input resolution pixels constituting the specific image among the input resolution pixels before the low resolution processing is performed in the low resolution pixels. Therefore, from this shape information, the shape (outer shape) of the specific image at the resolution of the input information can be specified. AndBookAccording to the invention, when the low-resolution image information obtained by the low-resolution processing is subjected to the high-resolution processing, the shape (outer shape) of the specific image dropped to the low resolution after the high-resolution is formed. Make an informed decision. Therefore, the shape (outer shape) of the specific image in the output image information can be the shape before the resolution reduction processing, that is, the shape (outer shape) in the resolution of the input information.

According to the present invention, while reducing the memory capacity required by performing image processing on image information obtained by reducing the resolution of input image information based on input information to a low resolution, the resolution is once reduced to such a low resolution. It has an excellent effect that it is possible to suppress deterioration of the image quality of a specific image such as a character image, which has a great influence on the appearance image quality by dropping the image.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a full-color printer (hereinafter, simply referred to as a printer) which is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus will be described. First, the basic configuration of the printer according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a printer according to an embodiment. In FIG. 1, the endless belt-shaped photoconductor 1 as an image carrier is stretched endlessly in the clockwise direction in the figure by rotating rollers 2 and 3, and is endlessly moved by the rotational drive of one of the rotating rollers. To do.

Around the photoconductor 1, a charging device 4 which is a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photoconductor 1, a static elimination lamp L which is a static eliminating means for removing static electricity 1 and a static elimination lamp L which is attached to the surface of the photoconductor 1 will be described later. A cleaning device 16 or the like for cleaning the transfer residual toner is arranged.

On the downstream side of the uniform charging position by the charging device 4 in the belt moving direction, the photoconductor 1 is scanned by the optical writing device 5 which is a latent image writing means. Along with this scanning, the potential of the exposed portion of the photoconductor 1 is attenuated, so that the photoconductor 1 carries an electrostatic latent image.

The rotary developing device 6 is arranged on the left side in the drawing of the photoconductor 1 stretched in a vertically long posture that takes a space in the vertical direction rather than the horizontal direction. This rotary developer 6 uses a C developer that uses C (cyan) toner, an M developer that uses M (magenta) toner, and a Y (yellow) toner as a retainer that can rotate around the axis of rotation. The Y developer is held at a position that is out of phase by a rotation angle of about 120 [°]. Then, by rotating one of the developing units to the developing position facing the photoconductor 1, the development color of the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 1 can be switched between C, M, and Y. it can. By sequentially switching the developing devices that contribute to development, it is possible to form a C toner image, an M toner image, and a Y toner image on the photoconductor 1. Further, by rotating the retainer to a position where none of the developing machines is positioned at the developing position, it is possible to prevent the development by the rotary developing apparatus 6.

A Bk developing device 7 using Bk (black) toner is arranged in the upper part of the drawing of the rotary developing device 6, and the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 1 is developed in black to obtain a Bk toner image. be able to. The Bk developing apparatus 7 creates an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 1 by means of a spring or the like that urges it away from the photoconductor 1 and the abutting of the cam surface of the rotatable cam 45. It is possible to reciprocate between a position where development is possible and a position where development is not possible.

The optical writing device 5 reflects laser light emitted from a light source such as a semiconductor laser (not shown) based on image information on a mirror surface on the side surface of a regular polygonal columnar polygon mirror 5B which is rotationally driven by a polygon motor 5A. By doing so, it is deflected in the main scanning direction (the direction corresponding to the axial direction of the photoconductor). Then, the surface of the photoconductor 1 is light-scanned by reaching the surface of the photoconductor 1 via the fθ lens 5C, the reflection mirror 5D, and the like.

On the right side of the photoconductor 1 in the figure, the endless intermediate transfer belt 10 is stretched by the rotating rollers 11 and 12, and the endless movement is performed in the counterclockwise direction in the figure by the rotational drive of one of the rotating rollers. A transfer unit is arranged. In this transfer unit, the front surface of the intermediate transfer belt 10 is brought into contact with the front surface of the photoconductor 1 to form a primary transfer nip, and a transfer brush or the like is applied to the intermediate transfer belt region on the back side of the primary transfer nip. The primary transfer means are in contact with or in close proximity. By this primary transfer means, a primary transfer electric field is formed in the primary transfer nip to electrostatically move the toner of the toner image on the photoconductor 1 from the photoconductor 1 side to the intermediate transfer belt 10 side. The toner image on the photoconductor 1 is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 10 by the action of the primary transfer electric field and the nip pressure.

First, an electrostatic latent image for C is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 1 by optical scanning of the optical writing device 5, and this is developed by the C developer of the rotary developing device 6 to become a C toner image. .. At this time, the Bk developing apparatus 7 is evacuated to a position where development is not possible. The C toner image developed on the photoconductor 1 is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 10 by the primary transfer nip.

When the optical scanning for forming the electrostatic latent image for C is completed, the writing of the electrostatic latent image for M by the optical scanning of the optical writing device 5 is started next. Then, after the rear end of the electrostatic latent image for C on the photoconductor 1 passes the position facing the rotary developing apparatus 6, the tip of the electrostatic latent image for M on the photoconductor 1 is in the same facing position. The retainer of the rotary developing device 6 is rotated by about 120 [°] before entering. As a result, the M developer of the rotary developing apparatus 6 moves to the developing position, and the electrostatic latent image for M can be developed with the M toner. The M toner image developed on the photoconductor 1 is superposed on the C toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 10 at the primary transfer nip and is primary transferred.

When the optical scanning for forming the electrostatic latent image for M is completed, the writing of the electrostatic latent image for Y by the optical scanning of the optical writing device 5 is started next. Then, after the rear end of the electrostatic latent image for M on the photoconductor 1 passes the position facing the rotary developing apparatus 6, the tip of the electrostatic latent image for Y on the photoconductor 1 is at the same facing position. The retainer of the rotary developing device 6 is rotated by about 120 [°] before entering. As a result, the Y developer of the rotary developing apparatus 6 moves to the developing position, and the electrostatic latent image for Y can be developed with the Y toner. The C toner image developed on the photoconductor 1 is superposed on the C and M toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 10 at the primary transfer nip and is primary transferred.

It is possible to reproduce black by superimposing the three colors C, M, and Y, but in this printer, black, which is frequently output, should be reproduced with black toner regardless of superposition. It has become. Therefore, when the optical scanning for forming the electrostatic latent image for Y is completed, the writing of the electrostatic latent image for K by the optical scanning of the optical writing device 5 is started next. Then, after the rear end of the electrostatic latent image for Y on the photoconductor 1 passes the position facing the rotary developing apparatus 6, the tip of the electrostatic latent image for K on the photoconductor 1 is in the same facing position. The retainer of the rotary developing device 6 is rotated by about 60 [°] before entering. Almost at the same time, the rotation of the cam 45 moves the Bk developing device 7 to a position where it can be developed. As a result, the development process by the rotary developing apparatus 6 is stopped, and the development by the Bk developing apparatus 7 becomes possible. The Bk toner image developed on the photoconductor 1 is superposed on the C, M, and Y toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 10 at the primary transfer nip and is primary transferred.

The transfer unit described above has a secondary transfer means 14 such as a secondary transfer roller on the outside of the loop of the intermediate transfer belt 10. The secondary transfer means 14 is arranged so as to be in contact with or close to the hanging portion of the intermediate transfer belt 10 with respect to the rotating roller 11 to form a secondary transfer position. As a result, a secondary transfer electric field is formed at the secondary transfer position to electrostatically move the four-color superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 10 from the intermediate transfer belt 10 side to the secondary transfer means 14 side.

At the bottom of the printer, a paper feed cassette 17 that stores a plurality of sheets of recording paper in the form of a stack of paper is arranged, and the top recording paper is supplied by rotating the paper feed roller 18. Send out to Paper Road 31. The sent out recording paper is conveyed while being sandwiched between the transfer nips of the transfer roller pairs 19 arranged in the paper feed path 31, and reaches the resist roller pair 20 arranged near the end of the paper feed path 31. .. When the tip of the recording paper is sandwiched between the resist rollers vs. 20 and the resist nip, the rotational drive of both rollers is temporarily stopped. Then, the rotational drive of both rollers is restarted at the timing when the recording paper can be superimposed on the four-color superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 10, and the recording paper is sent out toward the secondary transfer position.

The four-color superposed toner image is collectively secondary-transferred to the recording paper that is brought into close contact with the four-color superposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 10 at the secondary transfer position by the action of the above-mentioned secondary transfer electric field.

On the intermediate transfer belt 10 after the secondary transfer treatment, the transfer residual toner that has not been secondary-transferred to the recording paper is attached. The transfer residual toner is removed by the cleaning device 16 in which the cleaning blade 16A is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 10 on the downstream side in the belt moving direction from the secondary transfer position.

In the superposition primary transfer step, the intermediate transfer belt is run at least four times to form a four-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 10. At this time, if the cleaning blade 16A is kept in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 10, the toner image of each color primary transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 10 is removed from the belt surface by the cleaning blade 16A, so four colors are used. The superimposed toner image cannot be obtained. Therefore, this printer has a contact / detachment mechanism (not shown) for moving the cleaning device 16 between a cleaning position where the cleaning blade 16A is brought into contact with the belt and a retreat position where the cleaning blade 16A is separated from the belt. Then, in the primary transfer process of superposition, the cleaning device 16 is retracted to the retracting position. When the secondary transfer means 14 is used to form the secondary transfer nip in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 10, the transfer of the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 10 to the secondary transfer means 14 is avoided. For the purpose, a contact / detachment mechanism for separating the secondary transfer means 14 from the belt is also required during the primary transfer step.

The recording paper on which the full-color image was formed by the batch secondary transfer of the four-color superimposed toner image at the secondary transfer position is sent to the fixing device 50 to fix the full-color image, and then the paper ejection roller vs. 51 It is discharged to the outside of the machine via the paper ejection nip. Then, it is stacked on the stack portion 52 formed on the outside of the housing.

The transfer residual toner scraped from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 10 by the cleaning device 16 is dropped into the collection container 15 arranged below the cleaning device 16 in the direction of gravity.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical component 100 of this printer together with a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer) PC which is an external device. In FIG. 2, the central control device 101 that controls the entire printer is a communication controller 102, a memory arbiter 103, a CPU interface 104, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 105, a memory controller 106, and a DMA (Direct Memory Access) as input means. It has a controller 107, a bus controller 108, a memory controller 109, and the like.

The communication controller 102 can communicate with a personal computer PC via a network cable, a printer cable, a USB cable, a wireless LAN, or the like. The data received thereby is temporarily stored in the main memory 110, which will be described later, via the memory arbiter 103 and the memory controller 109.

The memory arbiter 103 mediates between the color information storage means, the minute pixel shape information storage means, the main memory 110 as the storage means, and various controllers. The CPU 105 is connected to the memory arbiter 103 via the CPU interface 104, analyzes the PDL (page description language) sent from the personal computer PC, and generates parameters necessary for image processing. Further, the DMA controller 107 performs direct memory access between the memory controller 109 and the engine controller 134 connected to the central controller 101 via the bus 120 or the like. Further, the bus controller 108 mediates the bus with various devices connected to the bus 120.

A bus 120, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 111, a main memory 110, and the like are connected to the central control device 101. Various programs stored in the ROM 111 and font information such as characters are provided to the CPU 105 and the bus 120 via the memory arbiter 103 as needed. In addition to the central control device 101, the bus 120 is connected to the bus interface 131 of the main control device 130, the bus interface 171 of the panel control device 170, and the like.

The panel controller 170 controls the operation panel 173 including various numeric keys and a liquid crystal display. The panel controller 172 is connected to the central control device 101 via the bus interface 171 and the bus 120. Further, in the main control device 130, the coding device 132, the decoding device 133, and the image processing device 140 are connected to the bus interface 131, and these devices are connected to the central control device 101 via the bus interface 131 and the bus 120. It is connected to the. An engine controller 134 is connected to the decoding device 133, and a printer engine 180 is connected to the engine controller 134. The image processing device 140 performs a process of writing to the main memory 110 while processing the color image information (input information) described in the PDL based on the image processing parameters generated by the CPU 105. The coding device 132 performs a process of encoding the image data after the image processing by the image processing device 140 written in the main memory. The decoding device 133 decodes the data encoded by the coding device 132 and sends the data to the engine controller 134.

In the following description, the resolution of the color image information (input information) described in PDL is 1200 [dpi].

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram when a Japanese character image A having a resolution of 1200 [dpi] is drawn on a pixel matrix of 1200 × 1200. In Fig. 3, the image quality seems rough because the characters are shown in a considerably enlarged size, but the actual size is very smooth, and even small-sized characters are sufficiently smooth and have high image quality.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram when a Japanese character image A having a resolution of 600 [dpi] is drawn on a 600 × 600 pixel matrix. As shown in the figure, when the resolution is reduced to 600 [dpi], the jaggies of the characters become very noticeable. Especially for small-sized characters, high image quality cannot be obtained and even identification becomes difficult.

Next, the image processing in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram represented along the flow of the entire image processing. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the entire image processing. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining various data areas in the main memory 110. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an input image (processed image) of 1200 [dpi] based on PDL data for only one band.

The PDL storage unit 201 temporarily stores the PDL data received by the communication controller 102 in the PDL storage memory area in the main memory 110 via the memory arbiter 103 and the memory controller 109. In the present embodiment, the input PDL data has RGB data (color information) of 24 [bit] (R = 8 [bit], G = 8 [bit], B = 8 [bit]) for each pixel. This is data related to an input image (processed image) having a resolution of 1200 [dpi]. The PDL analysis unit 202 performs a process in which the CPU 105 analyzes the PDL data temporarily stored in the PDL storage memory area in the main memory 110. In the image processing parameter generation unit 203, the CPU 105 performs a process of generating various image processing parameters necessary for the image processing device 140 to perform image processing based on the analysis result of the PDL analysis unit 202. Specifically, image processing parameters such as grid point data, gamma data, threshold data, and DMA parameters are generated. The image processing parameter storage unit 204 performs a process of storing various image processing parameters generated by the image processing parameter generation unit 203 in each storage area in the image processing parameter storage area of the main memory 110 (S1). After that, the image processing unit 208 reads various image processing parameters from each storage area in the image processing parameter storage area (S2).

In the band drawing processing unit 205 and the RGB band storage unit 206, based on the analysis result of the PDL analysis unit 202, the input image (process target image) having RGB data (color information) based on the PDL data is input for only one band. Performs the process of drawing to the main memory 110 (S3, S4). Specifically, first, the band drawing processing unit 205 functions as a color information drawing means, a low resolution conversion means, and a first color information processing means, and has a resolution (600] lower than the output resolution (1200 [dpi]). In [dpi]), 24 [bit] RGB data (first color information) is drawn for each 600 [dpi] low resolution pixel (1200 [dpi] 2 x 2 minute pixels), and the RGB band storage unit. The 206 performs a resolution reduction process of storing in the RGB band image memory storage area of the main memory 110. The image of the image drawn on the RGB band image memory storage area of the main memory 110 at this time is as shown in FIG. 9A. As shown in the figure, the character image is not stored in the RGB band image memory storage area. If an image of this character image is illustrated, it will be as shown in FIG. 9 (b).

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a memory format of the RGB band image memory storage area of the main memory 110. As shown in the figure, in the RGB band image memory storage area, 24 [bit] (R = 8 [bit], G = 8 [bit], B = 8) for each pixel in the order of pixel number (00 to 0n). [bit]) RGB data is continuously stored.

The band drawing processing unit 205 and the minute pixel band storage unit 207 perform processing for drawing the attribute data of the character image area (specific image area) to the main memory 110 for one band (S3, S4). Specifically, first, the band drawing processing unit 205 functions as a specific image area detection means, and from the analysis result of the PDL analysis unit 202, the character image area (specific image area) in the input image based on the PDL data is obtained. Detect and recognize. Here, the character image area is a predetermined area composed of a character image (specific image) and a background image other than the character image, and is specified according to the description contents of the PDL data. However, the RGB data (first color information) of the background image has already been drawn in the RGB band image memory storage area of the main memory 110 in the above-mentioned low resolution processing.

The band drawing processing unit 205 performs the following processing on the character image area recognized in this way. First, the band drawing processing unit 205 functions as a drawing means, and in a temporary storage area (not shown) of the main memory 110, RGB of each minute pixel (input resolution pixel) is maintained at the input resolution of 1200 [dpi]. Draw (expand) the data. After that, the band drawing processing unit 205 functions as a high-definition image drawing means and a shape information processing means, analyzes the data drawn in the temporary storage area of the main memory 110, and has a low resolution pixel (2) of 600 [dpi]. Arrangement pattern data (shape information) indicating the arrangement of the character configuration micropixels (specific input resolution pixels) constituting the character image among the micropixels in the low resolution pixels (2 × 2 micropixels) for each × 2 micropixels). ) Is generated. Then, the minute pixel band storage unit 207 performs a process of storing the array pattern data generated by the band drawing processing unit 205 in the minute pixel band image memory storage area of the main memory 110.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contents of the array pattern data. In the present embodiment, as described above, since the input image of 1200 [dpi] is converted into the low resolution image of 600 [dpi], one low resolution pixel in the low resolution image is a minute 2 × 2 in the input image. It is composed of pixels (input resolution pixels). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, there are a total of 16 arrangement patterns of the character-constituting micropixels in one low-resolution pixel (2 × 2 micropixels). The part shown in gray in the figure is a character composition minute pixel. Since the amount of information required to identify 16 different arrangement patterns is only 4 [bit], the sequence pattern data is 4 [bit] data in this embodiment. This 4 [bit] array pattern data is stored in the minute pixel band image memory storage area of the main memory 110.

Since drawing is performed at a resolution of 1200 [dpi], which is an input resolution, a larger memory area is required than when drawing at a resolution of 600 [dpi]. However, since only the character image area in the input image is drawn at the input resolution of 1200 [dpi], the required memory area is smaller than when drawing the entire input image. Moreover, since the data drawn at a resolution of 1200 [dpi] is required only when the array pattern data is generated, it may be deleted after the array pattern data is generated. Therefore, since it is not necessary to prepare a dedicated memory area for drawing at a resolution of 1200 [dpi], which is an input resolution, it is often unnecessary to substantially increase the memory area of the main memory 110.

Subsequently, the band drawing processing unit 205 functions as a second color information processing means, and in the character image area, for each 600 [dpi] low resolution pixel (2 × 2 minute pixels), the character image is based on the PDL data. Performs processing to generate RGB data (second color information) corresponding to the color of. Then, the minute pixel band storage unit 207 temporarily stores the RGB data generated by the band drawing processing unit 205 in the minute pixel RGB band image memory storage area of the main memory 110.

As described above, for one band, RGB data (24 [bit]) in the non-character image area, array pattern data (4 [bit]) in the character image area, and character composition micropixels in the character image area. After storing the RGB data (24 [bit]) in each storage area of the main memory 110, the minute pixel band storage unit 207 next generates a LUT (Look Up Table) for the color of the character constituent minute pixels. (S5). Specifically, first, the minute pixel band storage unit 207 uses the LUT method to store RGB data indicating the color of each character-structured minute pixel temporarily stored in the minute pixel RGB band image memory storage area of the main memory 110. It is stored in the small pixel RGB band image memory storage area. Here, when one band contains minute pixels having character configurations of different colors, a number of RGB data corresponding to the number of colors is described in the LUT. In general, it is sufficient that the number of colors of the character image is at most 16 colors, so in this embodiment, the LUT address is set to 4 [bit] data.

After generating the LUT in this way, the micropixel band storage unit 207 sets the LUT address corresponding to the color of the character composition micropixel of each low resolution pixel (2 × 2 micropixel) to the micropixel band image of the main memory 110. A process of associating and storing the array pattern data corresponding to the low resolution pixel in the memory storage area is performed. Specifically, the memory is stored according to the memory format in the minute pixel band image memory storage area of the main memory 110. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, in the minute pixel band image memory storage area, an array pattern of 8 [bit] attribute data (4 [bit]) for each pixel in the order of pixel numbers (00 to 0N). Data and 4 [bit] LUT address) are stored continuously.

In the image processing unit 208, first, the image processing device 140 receives the image processing parameters in the image processing parameter storage area of the main memory 110, reads RGB data from the RGB band image memory storage area of the main memory 110, and reads the RGB data from the main memory 110. Read the attribute data (array pattern data and LUT address) for the character image area from the minute pixel band image memory storage area of. Then, the image processing device 140 performs gradation processing (dithering processing, etc.) for one band (S6, S7). By this gradation processing, a 600 [dpi] low-resolution image having 24 [bit] RGB data for each pixel is converted into C, M, Y, and K image data. Since a known method can be widely used for the gradation processing performed here, the description thereof will be omitted. The band image storage unit 209 after gradation processing stores the image data of C, M, Y, and K after gradation processing in each area in the band memory storage area after gradation processing of the main memory 110. Do. The images of the C, M, Y, and K images stored in the band memory storage area after the gradation processing of the main memory 110 at this time are as shown in FIG.

In the coding processing unit 210, the coding device 132 reads each image data of C, M, Y, and K stored in each area in the band memory storage area after the gradation processing of the main memory 110 for one band. It encodes and sends the encoded data to the main memory 110 (S8, S9). The page code storage unit 211 stores the coded data in the page code storage area of the main memory 110 in page units.

After performing the above processing for at least one page, the decoding processing unit 212 reads the coded data stored in the page code storage area of the main memory 110 for one page, decodes the coded data, and decodes the coded data. Transfer to engine controller 134. The engine controller 134 controls the printer engine 180 based on the decoded image data (output image information) and performs image formation processing.

If the flow of the above-mentioned series of processing is illustrated focusing on reading and writing to the main memory 110, it will be as shown in FIG.

Next, image processing for a character image region, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described in detail. The image processing here is mainly performed by the central control device 101, and processes the RGB data of 24 [bit] as it is. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the main flow of image processing for the character image area. 16 (a) to 16 (e) are explanatory views showing an image for explaining image processing in the character image region. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the position (DISX, DISY) of the character image region on the image after the low resolution processing is performed. First, a character image is temporarily drawn in a temporary storage area (not shown) of the main memory 110 while maintaining the input resolution of 1200 [dpi] (S11). If the image of the image (the entire character image area) drawn at this time is illustrated, it will be as shown in FIG. 16 (a). After that, the position of the character image area (the position of the upper left corner of the character image area) on the image in a state where the resolution is reduced to 600 [dpi] by the low resolution processing described later is set to the low resolution pixel coordinate data (DIX = DISX). , DIY = DISY), and set the minute pixel coordinate data (IX = 0, IY = 0) of the treatment target pixel (1200 [dpi]) in the character image area (S13, S14). Next, 2 × 2 minute pixels (1200 [dpi]) are read based on the set minute pixel coordinate data (IX, IY) (S15). Here, among the 2 × 2 micropixels, the micropixel located in the upper left is the 0th micropixel, the micropixel located in the upper right is the first micropixel, and the micropixel located in the lower left is the second micropixel. The micropixel is defined as the micropixel, and the micropixel located at the lower right is referred to as the third micropixel.

Of the read 2 × 2 micropixels, it is determined whether or not the 0th micropixel is the character-structured micropixel that constitutes the character image (S16). In this determination, if it is determined that the character composition is not a minute pixel, the 0th minute pixel data is set to 0 (S17), and if it is determined to be a character composition minute pixel, the 0th minute pixel data is set to 1 (S18). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the first micropixel among the read 2 × 2 micropixels is a character-structured micropixel that constitutes a character image (S19). In this determination, if it is determined that the character composition is not a minute pixel, the first minute pixel data is set to 0 (S20), and if it is determined to be a character composition minute pixel, the first minute pixel data is set to 1 (S21). Similarly, among the read 2 × 2 micropixels, it is determined whether or not the second micropixel is the character-structured micropixel that constitutes the character image (S22). In this determination, if it is determined that the character composition is not a minute pixel, the second minute pixel data is set to 0 (S23), and if it is determined to be a character composition minute pixel, the second minute pixel data is set to 1 (S24). Similarly, among the read 2 × 2 micropixels, it is determined whether or not the third micropixel is the character-structured micropixel that constitutes the character image (S25). In this determination, if it is determined that the character composition is not a minute pixel, the third minute pixel data is set to 0 (S26), and if it is determined to be a character composition minute pixel, the third minute pixel data is set to 1 (S27). After determining each micropixel data of 2 × 2 micropixels as described above, these four micropixel data are used as 4 [bit] array pattern data in the micropixel band image memory storage area of the main memory 110. Remember in.

After generating and storing the array pattern data as described above, the resolution of the 2 × 2 minute pixels (1200 [dpi]) is reduced to 600 [dpi] to make one low resolution pixel, which is a low resolution pixel. Write at the position indicated by the coordinate data (DIX, DIY) (S28). If the image of the image (the entire character image area) written at this time is illustrated, it will be as shown in FIG. 16 (b). Subsequently, the RGB data of the background image in the 2 × 2 minute pixels (1200 [dpi]) at the same position is also reduced to 600 [dpi] to form one low resolution pixel, which is used as the above low resolution pixel coordinate data. Write to the (DIX, DIY) position (S29). If the image of the image (the entire character image area) written at this time is illustrated, it will be as shown in FIG. 16 (c).

After finishing the writing for the first 2 × 2 minute pixels in the character image area in this way, first, for the X coordinate, set the X component of the minute pixel coordinate data to IX = IX + 2, and set the low resolution pixel coordinate data. Set the X component of to DIX = DIX + 1 (S30). At this time, it is determined whether or not the X component IX of the set minute pixel coordinate data is equal to or less than the width (character width) of the character image area (S31). Then, when it is determined that the character width is less than or equal to the character width, the process returns to S15 and the 2 × 2 minute pixels (1200 [dpi]) are set based on the newly set minute pixel coordinate data (IX = 2, IY = 0). Read and repeat the above process. On the other hand, if it is judged that it is not less than the character width, the Y component of the minute pixel coordinate data is set to IY = IY + 2 and the Y component of the low resolution pixel coordinate data is set to DIY = DIY + 1 for the Y coordinate (S32). ). Then, it is determined whether or not the Y component IY of the minute pixel coordinate data set in S32 is equal to or less than the height (character height) of the character image area (S33), and it is determined to be equal to or less than the character height. During that time, the process returns to S14, resets the X component of the minute pixel coordinate data and the X component of the low resolution pixel coordinate data to the initial values IX = 0 and DIX = DISX, respectively, and then performs the above processing. repeat. On the other hand, if it is determined in S33 above that the character height is not less than or equal to the character height, the process ends.

Next, image processing for 600 [dpi] low-resolution image data generated as described above will be described. The image processing here is mainly color conversion processing, resolution conversion processing (high resolution processing), and halftone processing, and is performed by the image processing apparatus 140.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of the image processing device 140. The image processing device 140 reads various image processing parameters stored in the main memory 110 from the central control device 101 by the image processing parameter reading device 142 via the bus arbiter interface 141 before performing image processing described later. Then, among the image processing parameters, the DMA parameter is transferred to the DMA parameter storage device 144, the grid point data is transferred to the grid point data storage device 145, the gamma data is transferred to the gamma table storage device 146, and the half is transferred. The tone parameters are transferred to the halftone parameter storage device 148, and the threshold data are transferred to the threshold matrix storage device 149.

Further, the LUT data stored in the main memory 110 is also read by the image processing parameter reading device 142 via the bus arbiter interface 141 and transferred to the LUT storage device 147. However, since the color information described in the LUT stored in the main memory 110 is 24 [bit] RGB data, the conversion necessary for processing this with C, M, Y, and K is performed, and C. , M, Y, and K are stored in the LUT storage device 147 as LUTs.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of image processing performed by the image processing device 140. The image processor 140 first sets the bandline counter to zero (S41). Then, the RGB data (600 [dpi]) of the set band line counter line is read by the RGB band image reading device 150 via the bus arbiter interface 141, and via the RGB data buffer device 152 and the RGB data cutting device 153. And transfer it to the color conversion processing device 157 (S42). At this time, the attribute value based on the PDL data is also read and transferred to the attribute line storage device (not shown). Further, the image processing device 140 reads the line attribute data (array pattern data and LUT address) of the band line counter by the minute pixel data reading device 154 via the bus arbiter interface 141, and via the minute pixel data buffer device 152. And transfer to the micropixel line storage device 159 (S43).

Next, the image processing device 140 sets the line memory read address to zero (S45). Then, the color conversion processing device 157 of the image processing device 140 reads the RGB data (24 [bit]) for each low-resolution pixel from the RGB data cutting device 153, and the attribute data (array pattern data and LUT address) is minute. Read from pixel line storage device 159. After that, the color conversion processing device 157 reads the attribute value from the attribute line storage device (not shown), selects and uses the color conversion table according to the attribute, and uses the RGB data (24 [bit]) of each low resolution pixel. Is color-converted to CMYK, and C version image data (multi-valued) is first generated. The generated C version image data is transferred to the multi-valued CMYK line storage device 158 (S46).

After the multi-valued CMYK line storage device 158 stores one line of C version image data (S47), the resolution conversion device 160 as a high resolution conversion means sets the resolution of the C version image data from 600 [dpi]. High resolution processing is performed to convert to 1200 [dpi], which is the output resolution, and the processed C version image data is transferred to the halftone processing device 161 as a halftone processing means (S48). At this time, regarding the character image area, the minute pixel data (array pattern data and LUT address) which is the attribute data stored in the minute pixel line storage device 159 and the C LUT stored in the LUT storage device 147. Is used to perform high resolution processing. The details of the high resolution processing for the character image area will be described later.

Next, the halftone processing device 161 reads an attribute value from an attribute line storage device (not shown), selects and uses a threshold table according to the attribute, and uses the C version image data after high resolution processing. Halftone processing (gradation processing) is performed, and after image processing, the data is transferred to the image buffer device 162 (S49). The C version image data after halftone processing transferred to the image buffer device 162 after image processing is centered via the bus arbiter interface 141 and the bus interface 131 by the image writing device 164 after image processing, and via the bus 120. After gradation processing of the main memory 110, the control device 101 writes the data to the C version band memory storage area of the band memory storage area.

After that, it is determined whether or not the processing for one band is completed (S50), and while the processing for one band is not completed, after adding 1 to the line memory read address (S51), the above S48 to S50 Repeat the process of. On the other hand, when it is determined that the processing for one band is completed, the processing of the above S45 to S51 is sequentially performed for the M version image data, the Y version image data, and the K version image data (S52 to S54). ). Then, when the processing for one band for each of the image data of C, M, Y, and K is completed, whether or not the value of the band line counter is smaller than the image height (RGB band height) for one page is determined. Judge (S55). In this determination, when it is determined that the value of the band line counter is smaller than the RGB band height, 1 is added to the value of the band line counter (S56), and the above-described processes S42 to S55 are performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the band line counter is not smaller than the RGB band height, the process ends.

Next, the specific contents of the high-resolution processing for the character image area will be described in detail. FIG. 20 is a block diagram of the resolution conversion device 160. The register 160A temporarily holds the C, M, Y, and K image data read from the multi-valued CMYK line storage device 158, and transfers the image data to the MUX160I. The register 160B temporarily holds the LUT address data among the minute pixel data (array pattern data and LUT address) which is the attribute data read from the minute pixel line storage device 159, and uses this to temporarily hold the LUT address data 147. Transfer to. The plate selection device 160C reads each color information (second color information) of C, M, Y, and K corresponding to the above LUT address from the LUT of the LUT storage device 147, and each color information of C, M, Y, and K read out. Select the color information of the plate to be processed and transfer it to MUX160I. The register 160D temporarily sets the 0th minute pixel data in the array pattern data (DOT information) of the minute pixel data (array pattern data and LUT address) which is the attribute data read from the minute pixel line storage device. Hold and transfer this to the MUX160H. The register 160E temporarily sets the first minute pixel data in the array pattern data (DOT information) of the minute pixel data (array pattern data and LUT address) which is the attribute data read from the minute pixel line storage device. Hold and transfer this to the MUX160H. The register 160F temporarily sets the second minute pixel data in the array pattern data (DOT information) of the minute pixel data (array pattern data and LUT address) which is the attribute data read from the minute pixel line storage device. Hold and transfer this to the MUX160H. The register 160G temporarily sets the third minute pixel data in the array pattern data (DOT information) of the minute pixel data (array pattern data and LUT address) which is the attribute data read from the minute pixel line storage device. Hold and transfer this to the MUX160H. The MUX160H sends the flag value (shape information) of the 0th to 3rd minute pixels sent from each register 160D to 160G to the MUX160I. The MUX160I halves the image data from the register 160A if the flag value from the MUX160H is 0 in the order of the 0th to 3rd minute pixels (1200 [dpi]) for each version of C, M, Y, and K. Transfer to the tone processing device 161 and if the flag value from the MUX160H is 1, the color information from the plate selection device is transferred to the halftone processing device 161.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of high resolution processing performed by the resolution conversion device 160. The resolution conversion device 160 first sets the resolution conversion flag to 0 (S71) and sets the line memory read address to zero (S72). Then, the C version image data indicated by the set line memory read address is read from the multi-valued CMYK line storage device 158 (S73). In addition, the minute pixel data, which is the attribute data indicated by the set line memory read address, is read from the minute pixel line storage device 159 (S74). Then, the color information indicated by the LUT address of the read minute pixel data is read from the C version LUT stored in the LUT storage device 147 (S75). After that, if the resolution conversion flag is 0, it is determined whether or not the array pattern data (DOT information) of the 0th minute pixel is 1, and if the resolution conversion flag is 1, the second minute is determined. It is determined whether or not the pixel array pattern data (DOT information) is 1 (S76). Then, when it is determined that the DOT information is 1 in this determination, the color information from the plate selection apparatus, that is, the color information based on the LUT address is transferred to the halftone processing apparatus 161 (S77). On the other hand, if it is determined that the DOT information is not 1 in this determination, the C version image data from the multi-valued CMYK line storage device 158 is transferred to the halftone processing device 161 (S78). Then, when the resolution conversion flag is 0, it is determined whether or not the array pattern data (DOT information) of the first minute pixel is 1, and when the resolution conversion flag is 1, the third is determined. It is determined whether or not the array pattern data (DOT information) of the minute pixels is 1 (S79). Then, when it is determined that the DOT information is 1 in this determination, the color information from the plate selection apparatus, that is, the color information based on the LUT address is transferred to the halftone processing apparatus 161 (S80). On the other hand, if it is determined that the DOT information is not 1 in this determination, the C version image data from the multi-valued CMYK line storage device 158 is transferred to the halftone processing device 161 (S81).

After that, it is determined whether or not the processing for one line is completed (S82), and the processing of S73 to S81 is repeated while the processing for one line is not completed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the processing for one line is completed, the image data of the M version indicated by the set line memory read address is read from the multi-value CMYK line storage device 158 (S85). In addition, the minute pixel data, which is the attribute data indicated by the set line memory read address, is read from the minute pixel line storage device 159 (S86). Then, the color information indicated by the LUT address of the read minute pixel data is read from the M version of the LUT stored in the LUT storage device 147 (S87). After that, if the resolution conversion flag is 0, it is determined whether or not the array pattern data (DOT information) of the 0th minute pixel is 1, and if the resolution conversion flag is 1, the second minute is determined. It is determined whether or not the pixel array pattern data (DOT information) is 1 (S88). Then, if it is determined that the DOT information is 1 in this determination, the color information from the plate selection apparatus, that is, the color information based on the LUT address is transferred to the halftone processing apparatus 161 (S89). On the other hand, if it is determined that the DOT information is not 1 in this determination, the M version image data from the multi-valued CMYK line storage device 158 is transferred to the halftone processing device 161 (S90). Then, when the resolution conversion flag is 0, it is determined whether or not the array pattern data (DOT information) of the first minute pixel is 1, and when the resolution conversion flag is 1, the third is determined. It is determined whether or not the array pattern data (DOT information) of the minute pixels is 1 (S91). Then, if it is determined that the DOT information is 1 in this determination, the color information from the plate selection apparatus, that is, the color information based on the LUT address is transferred to the halftone processing apparatus 161 (S92). On the other hand, if it is determined that the DOT information is not 1 in this determination, the M version image data from the multi-valued CMYK line storage device 158 is transferred to the halftone processing device 161 (S93).

After that, it is determined whether or not the processing for one line is completed (S94), and the processing of S85 to S93 is repeated while the processing for one line is not completed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the processing for one line is completed, the same processing described above is performed for the Y version and the K version (S96). Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the resolution conversion flag is 1 (S97), and if the value of the resolution conversion flag is not 1, the resolution conversion flag is set to 1 (S98), and the above-mentioned S72 to S97 Perform the processing up to. On the other hand, when it is determined in S97 above that the value of the resolution conversion flag is 1, the process ends.

By performing the high resolution processing as described above, the low resolution image once converted from the input resolution of 1200 [dpi] to the low resolution of 600 [dpi] is increased in resolution to the output image of 1200 [dpi]. At this time, the pixels (1200 [dpi]) in the output image corresponding to the character composition minute pixels (1200 [dpi]) in the input image are reproduced in the same color as the character color in the input image by the color information based on the LUT. To. If this is illustrated, it will be as shown in FIG. 16 (d). Then, since the color information when the background pixels are dropped into a low-resolution image is reproduced, the finally printed image is as shown in FIG. 16 (e). Therefore, even when the image is once converted to a low resolution of 600 [dpi], the image quality of the character image can be maintained equivalent to the image quality of the input image, and the deterioration of the image quality can be suppressed.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the memory format in the minute pixel band image memory storage area of the main memory 110 that stores the attribute data (array pattern data and LUT address) is the pixel number (00 to In the order of 0N), 8 [bit] attribute data (4 [bit] array pattern data and 4 [bit] LUT address) are continuously stored for each pixel. Since various devices such as the CPU of this embodiment operate at 32 [bit], all the necessary data (24 [bit] RGB data, 4 [bit] array pattern data, 4 [ LUT address of bit]) can be stored in one word. Therefore, in one read operation, all the necessary data (24 [bit] RGB data, 4 [bit] array pattern data, 4 [bit] LUT address) for one low-resolution pixel can be stored in the main memory 110. It can be read from, and efficient processing becomes possible. However, since the LUT address is 4 [bit], there is a drawback that only 16 colors can be supported as the color of the character image. If it is desired to support the number of colors exceeding 16 colors, the memory format as shown in FIG. 22 may be adopted. In this case, since the LUT address is expanded to 8 [bit], it is possible to correspond to 256 colors of the character image.

Further, in the present embodiment, the color of the character image is managed by the LUT method, but as in the memory format shown in FIG. 23, the RGB data of 24 [bit] is managed as it is instead of the LUT address. May be good. Further, in the present embodiment, the color of the character image is managed by the LUT method and the color of the background image is managed by the image data itself, but conversely, the color of the background image is managed by the LUT method and the character image is managed. The color may be managed by the image data itself.

As described above, the printer according to the present embodiment performs predetermined image processing on the image data based on the PDL data which is the input information of the processing target image (input image) having the color information (RGB data) for each pixel and outputs the image. It is an image forming apparatus including an electrical component 100 which is an image processing apparatus as an image processing means for outputting image information, and an image forming means for forming an image based on the output image information output from the image processing means. The electrical unit 100 is provided by a band drawing processing unit 205 as a color information drawing means for analyzing input information and drawing an image of pixel-based color information (RGB data) corresponding to the image to be printed, and a band drawing processing unit 205. The RGB band image memory storage area of the main memory 110 as a color information storage means for storing the color information (RGB data) of the generated image and the input information are analyzed to obtain low resolution (600 [dpi]) minute pixels. Band drawing processing unit 205 as a high-definition image drawing means that generates array pattern data (DOT information) that is shape information of minute pixels with color information (RGB data) and high resolution (1200 [dpi]), and band drawing processing. The minute pixel band image memory storage area of the main memory 110 as the minute pixel shape information storage means for storing the array pattern data (DOT information) generated by the unit 205, and the minute pixel color information generated by the band drawing processing unit 205. The minute pixel RGB band image memory storage area of the main memory 110 as the minute pixel color information storage means for storing (RGB data), and the color information and the minute pixel band image stored in the RGB band image memory storage area of the main memory 110. High resolution that converts the array pattern data (DOT information) stored in the memory storage area and the minute pixel color information (RGB data) stored in the minute pixel RGB band image memory storage area to high resolution (1200 [dpi]). It is an image processing device having a resolution conversion device 160 as a conversion means. Further, the electrical component 100 has a communication controller 102 as an input means for receiving input of PDL data which is input information of a processing target image having color information (RGB data) for each pixel, and PDL data input to the communication controller 102. The band drawing processing unit 205 and the band drawing processing unit 205 as low resolution conversion means for performing low resolution processing to lower the resolution to a resolution (600 [dpi]) lower than the output resolution (1200 [dpi]) are low. The resolution conversion device 160 and the resolution conversion device 160 as high-resolution conversion means for performing high-resolution processing for increasing the resolution of low-resolution image information after the resolution processing to the output resolution (1200 [dpi]) are high. Based on the engine controller 134 as an output means for outputting the output image information after the resolution processing, the main memory 110 as a storage means, and the PDL data, the character image which is a specific image and the background other than the character image. A band drawing processing unit 205 as a specific image area detection means for detecting a character image area as a predetermined specific image area composed of an image from an input image, and at least a character image area are subjected to low resolution processing. First color information (RGB data) corresponding to the color of the background image is generated for each low-resolution pixel that is the pixel after this is performed, and the generated first color information is used as the RGB band of the main memory 110. Band drawing processing unit 205 as the first color information processing means stored in the image memory storage area, and drawing that temporarily draws the image data of the character image area in the temporary storage area on the main memory 110 based on the PDL data. By analyzing the image data in the temporary storage area on the main memory 110 drawn by the band drawing processing unit 205 as a means and the band drawing processing unit 205, the character image area can be converted into PDL data for each low resolution pixel. A shape indicating the arrangement of the character configuration minute pixels (specific input resolution pixels) constituting the character image among the input resolution pixels (1200 [dpi]) which are the pixels before the low resolution processing is performed based on the low resolution pixels. Arrangement data as informationA band drawing processing unit 205 as a shape information processing means that generates turn data (DOT information) and stores the generated array pattern data (DOT information) in a minute pixel band image memory storage area of the main memory 110, and a character image area. For each low-resolution pixel, second color information (RGB data) corresponding to the color of the character image is generated based on the PDL data, and the generated second color information is stored in the minute pixel RGB band image memory of the main memory 110. It has a band drawing processing unit 205 as a second color information processing means to be stored in the area, and the resolution conversion device 160 has a character image area for each low-resolution pixel and a pixel after high-resolution processing. The arrangement of the output resolution pixels (1200 [dpi]) is determined based on the array pattern data (DOT information) stored in the minute pixel band image memory storage area of the main memory 110, and the character image and background image are determined. Color is determined based on the first color information and the second color information stored in the RGB band image memory storage area and the minute pixel RGB band image memory storage area of the main memory 110, respectively, for low resolution image information. To increase the resolution.It is determined based on the first color information and the second color information stored in the RGB band image memory storage area and the minute pixel RGB band image memory storage area of the in-memory 110, respectively, and has a high resolution for low resolution image information. Perform the conversion process.It is determined based on the first color information and the second color information stored in the RGB band image memory storage area and the minute pixel RGB band image memory storage area of the in-memory 110, respectively, and has a high resolution for low resolution image information. Perform the conversion process. By providing such a configuration, image processing is performed on the low resolution image information obtained by reducing the resolution (1200 [dpi]) of the input image information based on the input PDL data to a low resolution (600 [dpi]). As a result, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image quality of the character image, which has a great influence on the apparent image quality by temporarily reducing the resolution to a low resolution in this way, while suppressing the required memory capacity to be small.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the main memory 110 stores color information (RGB data) of a character image as second color information, which is color information of minute pixels, by a LUT (Look Up Table) method. Specifically, the band drawing processing unit 205 stores the color information (RGB data) of the character image generated for each low-resolution pixel in the character image area for each color by the LUT method in the minute pixel RGB band image memory of the main memory 110. A small pixel band image memory storage area of the main memory 110 in a state where the LUT address of the color information of the character image corresponding to each low resolution pixel is associated with the array pattern data (DOT information) of the low resolution pixel while being stored in the area. Remember in. As a result, the total amount of data required for one low-resolution pixel can be kept small, so that all the necessary data for one low-resolution pixel can be read from the main memory 110 in one read operation. Therefore, the processing efficiency can be improved. If the number of colors is insufficient, the small pixel RGB band image memory storage area of the main memory 110 has a LUT (Look Up). You may change the format of Table) to an increased address. As a result, it is possible to perform efficient processing for those whose number of colors is within the range manageable by the LUT method, and it is possible to deal with those having many colors even if the processing efficiency is slightly reduced. .. Further, in the present embodiment, the color information of the character image is managed by the LUT method, but the color information of the character image is the same as the color information of the background image 24 [bit] as in the memory format shown in FIG. It may be a format for RGB data. Further, in the present embodiment, the band drawing processing unit 205 generates a high resolution image of 1200 [dpi] in the temporary storage area, and then performs color information (RGB data) of minute pixels having a low resolution (600 [dpi]). ) And high resolution (1200 [dpi]) array pattern data (DOT information), so these data can be obtained with relatively simple processing. Further, in the present embodiment, the main memory 110 stores array pattern data (DOT information) in units of low-resolution minute pixel color information stored in the minute pixel RGB band image memory storage area of the main memory 110. .. This facilitates the management of array pattern data (DOT information) and minute pixel color information for each pixel. Further, in the present embodiment, as a halftone processing means for performing halftone processing (gradation processing) on C, M, Y, and K image data (1200 [dpi]) converted by the resolution conversion device 160. A halftone processing device 161 is provided. As a result, delicate gradation expression becomes possible, and high image quality can be achieved. Further, in the present embodiment, the resolution conversion device 160 includes color information stored in the RGB band image memory storage area of the main memory 110 and array pattern data (DOT information) stored in the minute pixel band image memory storage area. , The minute pixel RGB band image The minute pixel color information (RGB data) stored in the image memory storage area is read in line units to perform resolution conversion. As a result, the efficiency of processing can be improved. Further, in the present embodiment, the first color information (color information of the background image) generated by the band drawing processing unit 205 is one word (32 [bit]) which is the smallest unit that can be collectively read from the main memory 110. The amount of information is 24 [bit], which is less than that, and the 4 [bit] array pattern data (DOT information) generated by the band drawing processing unit 205 and the second color information (character image) generated by the band drawing processing unit 205. The total amount of information with the 4 [bit] LUT address of (color information) is less than or equal to the remaining information amount (8 [bit]) obtained by subtracting the information amount (24 [bit]) of the first color information from one word. Is. Therefore, the efficiency of processing can be improved.

<figref num="1">It is a schematic block diagram which shows the printer which concerns on embodiment.</figref><figref num="2">It is a block diagram which shows the electrical part of the printer together with the personal computer.</figref><figref num="3">It is explanatory drawing when the Japanese character image "a" of the resolution of 1200 [dpi] was drawn on the pixel matrix of 1200 × 1200.</figref><figref num="4">It is explanatory drawing when the Japanese character image "a" of the resolution of 600 [dpi] is drawn on the pixel matrix of 600 × 600.</figref><figref num="5">It is a functional block diagram expressed along the flow of the whole image processing.</figref><figref num="6">It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the whole image processing.</figref><figref num="7">It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating various data areas in a main memory.</figref><figref num="8">It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the input image (the image to be processed) of 1200 [dpi] based on PDL data for only one band.</figref><figref num="9">(a) is an explanatory diagram showing an image of an image drawn on the RGB band image memory storage area of the main memory. (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an image of a character image of a portion corresponding to the image of (a).</figref><figref num="10">It is explanatory drawing which shows the memory format of the RGB band image memory storage area of a main memory.</figref><figref num="11">It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of array pattern data.</figref><figref num="12">It is explanatory drawing which shows the memory format in the minute pixel band image memory storage area of a main memory.</figref><figref num="13">It is explanatory drawing which shows the image of each image of C, M, Y, K stored in the band memory storage area after the gradation processing of a main memory.</figref><figref num="14">It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the flow of the whole image processing mainly on reading and writing to the main memory.</figref><figref num="15">It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the main image processing about a character image area.</figref><figref num="16">(a) to (e) are explanatory diagrams showing an image image for explaining image processing in a character image area.</figref><figref num="17">It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the position of the character image area on the image image after performing the low-resolution processing.</figref><figref num="18">It is a block diagram of an image processing apparatus.</figref><figref num="19">It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the image processing performed by the image processing apparatus.</figref><figref num="20">It is a block diagram of a resolution conversion device.</figref><figref num="21">It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the high resolution processing performed by the same resolution conversion apparatus.</figref><figref num="22">It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the memory format in the micropixel band image memory storage area of a main memory.</figref><figref num="23">It is explanatory drawing which shows still another example of the memory format in the micropixel band image memory storage area of a main memory.</figref>

Code description

1 Photoreceptor 4 Charging device 5 Optical writing device 6 Rotary developing device 7 Bk processor 10 Intermediate transfer belt 14 Secondary transfer means 16 Cleaning equipment 50 Fixing device 100 Electrical parts 101 Central controller 102 Communication controller 110 main memory 120 bus 130 Main controller 132 Coding device 133 Decryptor 134 engine controller 140 Image processing equipment 157 Color conversion processing device 160 resolution converter 161 Halftone processing device 170 Panel controller 180 printer engine 201 PDL storage 202 PDL Analysis Department 203 Image processing parameter generator 204 Image processing parameter storage 205 Band drawing processing unit 206 band storage 207 Micropixel band storage 208 Image processing unit 209 Band image storage after gradation processing 210 Coding processing unit 211 Page code storage 212 Decryption processing unit

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Document	Office	Kind	Date
2007298730	Japan	A	2007-11-17
JP20070298730	–	–	–

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Image processing apparatus and image forming apparatus with the same, and image processing method

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