JP2000125110A - Image editing device and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the picture of high quality without a gap between a boundary and a compilation area by executing a prescribed processing on an extension area wider than a prescribed range by prescribed quantity based on picture data and an area signal designating the prescribed range of picture data. SOLUTION: An arbitrary range to be compiled in a white/black original is previously marked by a red marker, for example. The respective picture signals of RGB which are read in the original are converted into HSL space and are binarized as the MARKER signals of three colors of R, G and B and the picture signal of Bk. The MARKER signals are inputted to an area generation circuit 216. The picture signals thinned at every four picture elements and at every four lines are written into a memory 303 for the respective colors. Plotting IC 305 retrieves the address where the R picture signal is written in the memory 303 and executes compilation for painting out an inner part surrounded by a boundary on the retrieved address corresponding to the position of the red marker.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image editing apparatus for performing image processing on a predetermined area of input image data and outputting the processed image data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an apparatus having an image editing function such as a digital color copying machine, an area memory is provided as a memory for area editing, and an area signal developed in the area memory in advance is synchronized with an image at the time of image generation. A process of outputting the data and switching the respective functions using the output signal is widely used. As a means for specifying an area, there are a method of directly specifying an area with a pen or a marker using a pen input with a digitizer or a color marker, and a method of specifying a closed loop area surrounded by an image of a document.

[0003]

However, in the prior art, when an area signal is generated in an area memory,
Normally, the read image is binarized and the result is used as an area signal. However, if the area signal obtained in this way is edited by an area specification method such as filling the inside of the closed loop of the boundary line, the boundary line is displayed on the printed image at the time of binarization. The value of black data of halftone data judged to be small (thin)
The part was left outside the area where the editing process was performed. That is, the boundary has a width, and the boundary is determined by comparing the density with a certain threshold value after the binarization processing. And a region having a density near the threshold value that constitutes a near portion. On the other hand, since processing such as filling is performed up to the area determined to be a boundary line regardless of the magnitude of the density, in the filling processing or the like, the area between the filled color and the high density data in the center part of the boundary line, The boundary data part with low density is emphasized as if it were not painted. This phenomenon is particularly remarkable in a filling process using a dark color.

Further, in a copying machine or the like that forms an image by dividing each color using CMYK toner, printing is performed in an editing area using CMY toner, and border color is printed using K toner. In such a case, the printing position on the recording paper changes for each color due to a shift in the timing of detecting the leading edge position of the paper serving as a reference of the printing start position for each color, and therefore, there is no editing area between the boundary line and the editing area. There is a problem that a blank portion occurs.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an image editing apparatus which provides a high-quality image with no gap between a boundary line and an editing area.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus using the image editing apparatus of the present invention.

That is, the gist of the present invention is that image data and
An image editing apparatus for performing a predetermined process based on an area signal designating a predetermined range of the image data, wherein the predetermined image processing is performed on an extended area wider than the predetermined range by a predetermined amount. Exists in the device.

Another aspect of the present invention is an image data forming means for generating image data from a document whose area is specified by a predetermined method, an extended area which recognizes an area from the image data and expands the area by a predetermined amount. Area expansion means for generating an expansion area signal indicating the position information of the image processing apparatus, image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on data in the expansion area based on the expansion area signal and outputting the data, and output signal of the image processing means And an image forming apparatus for synthesizing the image data with image data and outputting the synthesized image on a recording medium.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment (Configuration of Main Body) A digital full-color copying machine which is one of the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a digital full-color copying machine according to a first embodiment. The digital full-color copying machine has a digital color image reader
A digital color image printer unit 11 is provided below.
In the reader unit 10, the original 100 is placed on an original table 101 made of glass or the like, and copying is started from the operation unit 102. The reflected light image from the original 100 obtained by exposing and scanning the original with the exposure lamp 103 is reflected by the reflecting mirror 104 and then passes through the lens 121 to be condensed on a full-color sensor (line CCD in this embodiment) 105 To obtain a color separation image signal. The color-separated image signal is converted into a digital camera electric signal by the image processing unit 107 via the amplifier circuit 106, subjected to image processing including editing, and sent to the printer unit 11.

In the printer section 11, an image signal from the reader section 10 is converted into a laser light signal by a laser output section 108, reflected by a polygon mirror 109, and projected on the surface of a photosensitive drum 110. At the time of image formation, the photosensitive drum 110 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, is uniformly charged by the charger 111, and is irradiated with a light image for each separation color to form a latent image.

Next, a predetermined developing device 121 is operated to develop the latent image and form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 110. Further, the toner image is transferred from a recording material cassette 112 to a recording material supplied to a position facing the photosensitive drum 110 via a conveyance system and a transfer device 113. As the transfer drum 113 rotates, the toner image on the photosensitive drum is transferred onto the recording material. In this way, a desired number of color images are transferred to the recording material to form a full-color image.

In the case of forming a full-color image, when the transfer of the toner images of four colors is completed in this way, the recording material is separated from the transfer drum 113, and
5 is discharged. When performing double-sided printing, the pre-
The recording material is guided to the path 117, the recording material is reversed by the reversing roller 119, and the recording material is conveyed to the double-sided printing tray 120. The recording material conveyed to the double-sided printing tray is again transferred to the transfer drum 113 and the photosensitive drum 11 by the conveyance rollers.
1 and an image is formed on the back surface.

(Image Processing Block) FIGS. 2 and 3 show the configuration of the image processing unit 107 and its peripheral circuits. Full-color sensor (CCD) 105 is 201, 202, 2
It is composed of three lines of red, green, and blue CCDs 03, and separates one line of light information from a document into colors to output R, G, B electrical signals at a resolution of, for example, 400 dpi. In the present embodiment, a maximum of 2
To read 97 mm (A4 vertical), the CCD outputs a 4677 pixel image for each line of R, G, and B. Reference numeral 204 denotes a synchronization signal generation circuit, which includes a main scanning address counter, a sub scanning address counter, and the like.
The main scanning address counter is cleared for each line by a BD signal which is a synchronization signal of laser recording for each line on the photosensitive drum, and the VC signal from the pixel clock generator 205
The LK signal is counted, and a count output H- corresponding to each pixel of one line of image information read from the CCD 105 is output.
Generate ADR. The H-ADR counts up from 0 to 5000 and can sufficiently read the image signal for one line from the CCD 105. The synchronization signal signal generation circuit 204 outputs various timing signals such as a line synchronization signal LSYNC, a main scanning effective section signal VE and a sub-scanning effective section signal PE of an image signal.

Reference numeral 206 denotes a CCD drive signal generation unit.
Decoding the ADR to generate a CCD-DRIVE signal which is a CCD shift pulse, reset pulse or transfer clock; Thus, the R, G, and B color separated image signals for the same pixel are sequentially output from the CCD in synchronization with VCLK. Reference numeral 106 denotes an amplifier circuit for amplifying an output signal of the CCD, and reference numeral 207 denotes an A / D converter that converts each of red, green, and blue image signals into, for example, an 8-bit digital signal.

Reference numeral 208 denotes a shading correction circuit.
This is a circuit for correcting variations in signal output for each pixel in the CCD. In the shading correction circuit, R,
Each line of G and B signals has one line of memory,
An image of a white plate having a predetermined density is read by an optical system and used as a reference signal.

Reference numeral 209 denotes a sub-scanning connection circuit, which is a CCD
This is a circuit for absorbing the deviation of the image signal read by 8 lines in the sub-scanning direction by 8 lines. An input masking circuit 210 is a circuit for removing dust from the colors of the input signals R, G, and B.

Reference numerals 211, 231, and 239 denote buffers through which image signals pass when ZO-ED = 0, and ZO-ED
When = 1, the image signal is blocked. Normally, when the editing function is used, ZO-ED = 1.

Reference numeral 212 denotes a filter for smoothing an image signal, and performs a 5 × 5 matrix operation. A color conversion circuit 213 has a function of converting an RGB image signal into HSL color space coordinates, converting a previously specified color into another specified color, and returning the color to the RGB color space again. Also, the multi-level signal is converted into a binary value with a fixed threshold value, and output as a MARKER signal and an SC-BI signal for area processing described later.

An external device 215 includes a memory device for storing image signals up to A3 size, a computer for controlling the memory device, and the like. The image signal of the external device is a red, green, blue (RGB) signal or cyan, magenta, yellow, black (CMYK)
It is input and output in the form of signals and binary signals (IPU-BI).

Reference numeral 214 denotes an interface (I / F) circuit for adjusting the timing and speed of an image signal from an external device and an internal image signal.

An area generating circuit 216 generates an AREA signal indicating an area to be edited from position information designated by an editor or the like. A MARKER signal obtained by extracting an image of a marker pen or the like drawn on a document by the color conversion circuit 213 is also stored in the memory as position information for generating an area. Further, after the binary signal SC-BI signal is stored in the character memory in the area generating circuit,
It is output as a Z-BI signal as a value image signal. A method of generating an AREA signal, which is an edit area signal, from a MARKER signal in the area generation circuit will be described later in detail.

An input masking circuit 218 for a signal input from an external device is provided.
Similar to 10, a circuit for removing dust in colors when R, G, B signals are input from an external device.

Reference numeral 217 denotes a shadow / contour generating circuit, which is a CCD / CCD.
The contour is extracted from an SC-BI signal obtained by binarizing the image signal read by the above, an IPU-BI signal which is binary data from an external device, or a binary data Z-BI signal from an area generating circuit. Generate shadows.

Reference numeral 219 denotes a selector, and the control signal ZO-
When RGB = 0, output of the color conversion circuit 213 (R signal)
And outputs the output of the selector 230 (CMYK signal) when ZO-RGB = 1.

Reference numeral 220 denotes an image synthesizing circuit.
When an RGB signal is input from the external device 215, the control signal ZO-RGB of the selector 219 is set to 0, and an RGB signal output from the color conversion circuit 213 is input to input an RGB image signal read by the CCD 105 and an external device 215. The synthesized RGB image signals are synthesized. External device 2
When the CMYK signal is input from the CCD 15, the CCD 10
The color signals corresponding to the developer currently used are input one page at a time in accordance with the image signal from
By setting the 19 control signals ZO-RGB = 1, the CMYK signal output from the selector 230 is input and CMYK synthesis is performed. In the image synthesizing circuit 220, the CCD 105
It is also possible to combine an image signal from an external device with a binary image from an external device.

The area to be synthesized is specified by the AREA signal from the area generation circuit 216 or by the IPU-BI signal from the external device 215. In addition, the synthesis can be replaced synthesis in which an image signal from a CCD and an external image signal are independently synthesized for each area, and watermark synthesis in which two images are simultaneously superimposed and synthesized. In this watermark synthesis, it is also possible to specify a watermark rate of which of two images is to be watermarked and synthesized.

Reference numeral 221 denotes a selector.
20 is used as RGB synthesis (ZO-RGB =
0) is the color conversion circuit 213 when the output of the image synthesis circuit 220 is used as CMYK synthesis (ZO-RGB = 1).
Select the output of

Reference numeral 223 denotes a black character determination circuit which determines the characteristics of the input image signal and outputs a character thickness signal (thick character degree) FTMJ, edge signal EDGE, and color signal IRO.

A color space compression circuit 222 performs the following matrix operation.

[0031]

(Equation 1)

Here, X represents the minimum value of R, G, B. By setting in advance whether or not to perform color space compression in the color space compression circuit 222, it is possible to switch ON / OFF color space compression with the area signal AREA.

Reference numeral 226 denotes a light-density converter (LOG converter) which converts a red, green, and blue 8-bit light signal by logarithmic conversion into cyan (C), magenta (M),
The density signal is converted into a yellow (Y) 8-bit density signal. 2
Reference numeral 27 denotes an output masking processing unit which extracts black density signals from C, M, and Y density signals by known UCR processing (under color removal processing), and removes the color turbidity of the developer corresponding to each density signal. Perform a known masking operation to remove. M ′, C ′,
A selector 228 selects a color signal corresponding to the developer currently used from the density signals Y ′ and K ′. The ZO-TONER signal is used by the CPU for this color selection.
Is a 2-bit signal generated from ZO-TONE
When R is 0, the M ′ signal is output, when ZO-TONER is 1, the C ′ signal is output, and when ZO-TONER is 2 (“10
B '), the Y' signal is output, and when the ZO-TONER is 3 ("11B"), the K 'signal is output.

Reference numeral 229 denotes a sampling circuit which samples the input image signals R, G, B and the density signal ND generated from the R, G, B signals every four pixels, and serially samples the R, G, B signals. , ND signals. In addition,
The density signal ND is represented by, for example, (R + G + B) / 3.
230 is a selector, and the SMP-SL =
When 0 is set, the output of the output masking circuit 227 (M'C'Y'K 'signal) is selected, and SMP-SL = 1
Is set, the output of the sampling circuit 229 is selected.

Reference numeral 232 denotes a selector, which is an image synthesizing circuit 2
20 using CMYK as synthesis (ZO-RGB
= 1), when the output of the image synthesizing circuit 220 is used for RGB synthesis (ZO-RGB = 0), the output of the selector 230 is selected and sent to the subsequent stage.

Reference numeral 233 denotes a coloring circuit which performs processing such as adding a preset color to a black and white image, for example. In addition, coloring of the binary image signal IPU-BI from the external device and the character / character generated by the shadow / contour generation circuit 217 are performed.
Coloring the shadow / contour signal. Further, it is possible to create a gradation pattern in which the gradation gradually changes.

An F value correction circuit 234 performs gamma processing according to the development characteristics of the printer and can set the density for each mode.

Reference numeral 235 denotes a scaling circuit which has a memory for one line of an image signal and performs diagonal processing for enlarging and reducing the image signal in the main scanning direction and outputting the image obliquely. Also,
At the time of sampling, the sampling data is stored in a memory and used for creating a histogram.

Reference numeral 238 denotes a texture circuit.
05 to the color image signal read by the CCD 105 in advance.
And synthesizes and outputs a binarized pattern of the image signal read by the above or a binarized pattern input from an external device.

Reference numerals 236 and 237 denote a smoothing circuit and an edge emphasizing circuit, each of which comprises a 5 × 5 filter. An add-on circuit 242 outputs an image signal in a specific coded pattern.

Reference numeral 243 denotes a laser and a laser controller, which controls the light emission amount of the laser according to the VIDEO signal. This laser light is scanned in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 110 by the polygon mirror 109, and forms a one-line electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. Reference numeral 244 denotes a photodetector provided in the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 110.
The detection of the passage of the laser beam immediately before scanning 0 generates a one-line synchronization signal BD.

Reference numeral 225 denotes an area LUT (look-up table) circuit, which receives an ARE signal from the area generation circuit 216.
Each mode is set according to the A signal. Area LUT2
The LOG-CD signal output from the LOG converter 22 is
UCR-CD signal is used as an output masking circuit 22 as a control signal for switching the LOG table of No. 6 to through setting or the like.
As a control signal for performing trimming and masking in step 7,
The -CD signal is used as a control signal for changing the magnitude of the F value of the F value correction 234, for example.

Reference numeral 224 denotes a black character LUT, which performs various processes according to the output of the black character determination circuit 223. For example, UC
The R-SL signal changes the UCR amount (undercolor removal amount) of the output masking circuit 227 to increase the amount of black by increasing the amount of C, M, and Y in an area determined to be a darker character. Perform processing such as development with less. EDGE-SL
The signal is supplied to the smoothing circuit 236 and the edge enhancement circuit 2
At 37, a setting is made to switch to a filter such that the edge portion is emphasized as the area of the black character is enhanced. Furthermore, SNS-
The SL signal is output from the black character LUT 224 by the laser controller 243 for PWM (pulse width modulation) control.
The number of lines is switched between 00 lines and 200 lines. In other words, development is performed with 400 lines to increase the resolution in an area determined to be a black character, and development is performed with 200 lines in other image areas to increase the gradation.

Reference numeral 245 denotes a photo sensor, which is a transfer drum 1
10 has arrived at the predetermined position, and the page synchronization signal I
A TOP is generated, a sub-scanning address counter of the synchronization signal generation circuit 204 is initialized, and is input to the CPU 246. Reference numeral 246 denotes a CPU which controls image reading and image recording operations.

A ROM 247 stores programs used by the CPU 246 and predetermined set values. Reference numeral 248 denotes a RAM which temporarily stores data and stores newly set values and the like.

(Area Generation Circuit) Next, the configuration and operation of the area generation circuit 216 will be further described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is an internal block diagram of the area generation circuit 216. Hereinafter, FIGS. 5A and 5B show specific examples.
The operation of the area signal generation circuit 216 when the image data of 24 pixels × 24 pixels shown in FIG.

When the MARKER signal is input to the area generation circuit 216, the thinning processing section 301 performs a thinning process. In this embodiment, three color data of R, G, B and K data of black are input as MARKER signals, but R data (FIG. 5B) and K data (FIG. 5B) are input.
Only (a)) is shown. The MARKER signal of 400 DPI is converted into 100 DPI data in which OR (logical sum) of a total of 16 pixels of 4 pixels in the main scanning direction × 4 pixels in the sub-scanning direction as one data after isolated point removal is output. (FIGS. 5C and 5D).

The data output from the thinning processing unit 301 is stored in the memory 303 after the first data conversion unit 302 converts data to be stored in the memory.

When the converted MARKER signal is stored in the memory 303, the drawing IC 305 reads the data in the memory 303 and outputs the MARKE signals indicated by R, G, and B.
Processing such as filling the R signal up to the boundary indicated by the K data shown in FIG. 5C is performed (FIG. 6B).

When the painting process by the drawing IC 305 is completed, the area generating circuit 216 returns to the MARKER
Perform signal input. The second data conversion unit 306 reads data from the memory 303 and the first data conversion unit 30
2 is performed, and the memory data is output to the interpolation processing unit 307 in synchronization with the MARKER signal input to the area generation circuit 216. Note that the memory data is synchronized with the MARKER signal by outputting the same data as much as the data thinned out by the thinning processing unit 301. In this embodiment, the MARKER signal is 400 DP
I. Since the memory data is 100 DPI, the same memory data is output to 16 pixels of 4 pixels in the main scanning direction × 4 pixels in the sub-scanning direction.

Reference numeral 307 denotes an interpolation processing unit which refers to the memory data output from the data conversion unit 306 and the K data, which is the boundary line of the area, of the MARKER signal input to the area generation circuit 216 to obtain 100 DPI.
Interpolation processing is performed on the memory data
A PI area signal is generated. Hereinafter, the interpolation processing unit 307
The data obtained by performing the interpolation process on the memory data is referred to as an "area signal".

Reference numeral 308 denotes an area expansion processing unit which performs an area expansion process on the area signal input from the interpolation processing unit 307 to create a portion where the boundary line and the area signal overlap. Hereinafter, data representing an editing area obtained by extending the “area signal” by the extension processing unit 308 is referred to as an “AREA signal”.

(Interpolation Processing Unit) FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the interpolation processing unit 307. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 501 denotes a selector, which is a MARKER input to the area generation circuit 216.
Data that becomes the boundary line of the area signal is selected from the signals and output. In this embodiment, the black data of FIG. 5A is selected.

Reference numerals 502, 503, and 504 denote FIFOs, which hold one line of data input from D and output the data from Q. However, the FIFO 502 operates the flip-flop 519 to enable the read enable signal (RE) by one pixel faster than the write enable signal (WE), and outputs the Q output when the nth data from the D input is input. Outputs the (n + 1) th data among the data stored in the FIFO.

Reference numeral 502 denotes an AREA signal calculated by a calculation unit 518 described later, and reference numeral 503 denotes a data conversion unit 306.
, The boundary data is input to 504. Here, the MARKER signal is 40
Since 0 DPI and memory data are input at 100 DPI, the operation of writing (writing) data from the data conversion unit 306 to the FIF 0503 is performed one line at a time every four lines. However, since the data read (read) operation is performed every line, the same data is output for four lines.

It should be noted that the memory data input to the interpolation processing unit 307 is set at the same timing as when the MARKER data of the i-th pixel and the j-th line of the MARKER signal is input.
Memory data of the (i / 4> +1) th pixel <j / 4> + 1th line is input. Here, <> indicates an integer part of the quotient.

FIFs 0505 to 517 are flip-flops (hereinafter abbreviated as F / Fs), and memory data, a MARKER signal, and FIF0502 and 505 for transmitting data necessary for the arithmetic unit 518 to perform the arithmetic operation to the arithmetic unit 518.
The output delay amounts of 03 and 504 are adjusted to synchronize the respective signals.

Now, as the MARKER signal input, (i +
1) The data of the pixel and the j-th line is <(i + 1) / 4> + 1st pixel <(j + 1) / 4> as the memory data input
It is assumed that the data of the +1 line is input to the interpolation processing unit 307. Then, <(i + 1) / 4 from FIF0503
> +1 pixel <(j + 1) / 4> line data is
The data of the (i + 1) -th pixel and the (j-1) -th line is output from the FIF 0504.

As a result, the data of the i-th pixel and the j-th line is output from the F / F 516, and the data of the (i-1) -th pixel and the j-th line is output from the F / F 517 to the C input of the arithmetic unit 518. To S0 input, F / F515, F / F
From the 514 and the FIF 0504, the data of the (i + 1), i, and (i-1) th pixels of the (j-1) th line are output and input to S1, S2, and S3.

From the F / F 513, <i / 4> +1
The memory data of the pixel <j / 4> +1 line is input to the B input, and the memory data of the <i / 4> pixel <j / 4> line is input to the A input from the F / F 512. Here, four F / Fs are provided between FIF0503 and F / F512.
There are 508 to 511 because the memory data is 100DP
Because it is I data, it takes 4 to read data for one pixel.
This is because a clock is required.

When the above data is input, the arithmetic unit 5
Reference numeral 18 outputs the AREA signal of the i-th pixel and the j-th line from the Y output with reference to the data inputted from D0 to D3.
The AREA signal output from the arithmetic unit 518 is FIF05
02 and the input of the F / F 507, the AREA signal of the i-th pixel and the j-th line is output from the arithmetic unit 518, and at the same time, the data of the (i + 1) -th pixel and the (j-1) -th line are output from the FIF0502. Is output. Also, F /
From F505 and 506, i,
The AREA signal of the (i-1) th pixel is output, and the AREA signal of the (i-1) th pixel, the jth line is output from the F / F 507.

518 is an arithmetic operation unit, and uses the memory data input from A and B, the boundary data input from C and S0 to S3, and the memory data of 100 DPI using the AREA signal input from D0 to D3. Data interpolation is performed on the AREA signal of 400 DPI.

FIG. 8 shows data input to the arithmetic unit 518 and output values output as AREA signals. In FIG. 8, for example, when the memory data input from the input A is 1
In this case, the arithmetic unit 518 outputs 1 as an AREA signal. This corresponds to the twelfth pixel and the twelfth line in FIG.

When the memory data input from the input A is 0 and the boundary data input from the input C is 1 indicating that the input data is a boundary, the arithmetic unit 518 outputs 0. . The eighth pixel and the fourth line in FIG. 5A correspond to this.

Further, when the memory data input from the input A is 0 and the boundary data input from the input C is 0, the pattern of the boundary data of the peripheral pixels of the inputs S0 to S3 and the input The output of the arithmetic unit 518 is determined by referring to the values of D0 to D3 and the input B.

FIG. 5 shows an example in which inputs D0 to D8 are referred to.
The eighth pixel, the fifth line, the eighteenth pixel, the tenth line, and the like in (a), and the seventh pixel, the fifth line, the sixth pixel, the thirteenth line, and the like correspond to the input B.

When the above-described interpolation processing operation is performed on the original image of FIG. 5A, as shown in FIG. Can be an area.

In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which the marker is designated at one point on the document by a marker. However, when the designation is made by the digitizer, the area generating circuit 216 becomes a boundary line in FIG. Only the black data (boundary line) is stored in the memory as a MARKER signal, and then the position on the document specified by the digitizer is
The same effect can be obtained by writing data to the corresponding position in the memory 303 by the PU 304 and thereafter performing the operation after storing the data in the memory described above.

In this embodiment, black data is used as a boundary line. However, when a closed loop is formed by a marker and the inside of the loop is designated as an area, the marker color designated by the selector 501 in FIG. Is selected as a boundary line, so that AREA is applied to all the pixels inside the marker data serving as the boundary line.
A signal can be output.

(Area Expansion Unit) FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the area expansion processing unit 308. 701 and 702 are FIFO
Holds the input area signal for one line.
In the FIFO 701, the data of one line before the area signal input to the area expansion processing unit 308 is
In step 702, data two lines before is output.

Reference numerals 703 to 708 denote F / Fs and F / F7s.
It is provided to refer to eight pixels surrounding the output 05. Reference numerals 709 to 712 denote OR circuits, which output the logical sum of the input area signal, the outputs of the FIFOs 701 and 702, and the outputs of the F / Fs 703 to 708. 71
Reference numeral 3 denotes a selector, which is O when control signal ZO-EXSL = 0.
As for the output of the R circuit 712, the output of the F / F 705 is selected by the control signal ZO-EXSL = 1.

FIG. 6C shows output data of the area extension processing section when the area signal shown in FIG. 6A is input to the area extension processing section 308. In the example of FIG. 6C, the output signal of the OR circuit 720 is selected when ZO-EXSL = 0, the area signal is expanded, and the pixels indicated by oblique lines in FIG. 6C are expanded. It is output as an AREA signal indicating the editing area including the portion of "1". Also, when the control signal ZO-EXSL = 1, the F / F
When the output 505 is selected, the input area signal is output as it is as an AREA signal indicating the editing area without expanding the area signal.

(Sequence) Next, the control flow of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First,
A color marker or the like can be placed on any area of the black and white
For example, marking is performed using a red marker. When a document is set on the document table 101 and a copy start key provided on the operation unit 102 is pressed (801), the optical system pre-scans the document and reads an image signal (80).
2). Each of the read RGB image signals is converted into an HSL space by the color conversion circuit 213, and then a MARKER signal of three colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) is used according to a threshold value within a certain range. And Bk (black)
Are binarized (803). This MAR
The KER signal is input to the memory controller of the area generation circuit 216, and image signals thinned out every four pixels and every four lines are written to the area memory 303 for each color (804).

Then, as described above, the drawing IC 305 searches the area memory 303 for the address where the R image signal has been written, and the internal area surrounded by the boundary corresponding to the searched address of the red marker. Editing such as painting is performed. By performing such processing at other addresses, memory data that is the basis for generating the AREA signal is generated in the memory.

Next, the control signal ZO-EXSL of the area extension processing section 308 is set to 0 and the area extension processing section 30
In step 8, the area is extended (806).
Then, the optical system reads the original again (807), and the magenta printing operation is started by reading the image signal. In the printing operation, the memory data is read from the memory at 808 and output while being subjected to parallel-serial conversion. Also, by performing interpolation processing in the interpolation processing unit 307, the resolution is converted from 100 dpi equivalent to 400 dpi equivalent and an area signal is output.
8, the area is expanded, and an AREA signal is output. Then, image editing corresponding to the area of the AREA signal, for example, paint processing is performed. Then, the image signal is developed by the developing device, and the magenta data is printed on paper (809).

When the magenta printing operation is completed, the cyan printing operation is started, and the original reading scan (810), the memory data reading (811), and the cyan data printing (812) are performed as in the case of magenta. After the end of the cyan print operation, the yellow print operation is performed (813 to 815).

When the yellow print operation is completed (8)
15), control signal ZO-EX of area extension processing section 308
SL is set to 1 to prevent the area expansion processing unit from expanding the area (816). Then, an original reading scan is performed to perform a black printing operation (817), and memory data is read (818).
After performing the interpolation processing, the printing operation is performed without performing the extension (819).

When the printing operation of magenta, cyan, yellow, and black is completed, the toner of each color is fixed on the recording paper (820), and the copying is completed by outputting the recording paper (821).

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 11 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an area extension processing unit 308 according to the embodiment. The same components as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 11, reference numerals 901 to 908 denote AND circuits.
Is between the input AREA signal and the OR circuit 709.
ND circuits 904 and 906 are FIFO 701 and 7 respectively.
02 and the OR circuit 709. Further, other AND circuits are also provided between the output of the corresponding F / F and the OR circuit. One input of each of the AND circuits 901 to 908 is connected to eight different control signals, and by setting the corresponding control signal to 0, the AREA signal input and F
The configuration is such that transmission of the IFO output and the F / F output to the OR circuit can be prevented.

Here, for example, by setting the control signals 1 and 6 to 1 and setting the others to 0, the FIFO 701 and the F / F 7
When only the outputs of the AREAs 05 and 706 are sent to the OR circuits 709 to 712, the input AREA signal is in the image reading direction (=
It is possible to perform control in which area expansion is performed only in the main scanning direction and area expansion is not performed in the line direction (= sub-scanning direction).

Similarly, when the outputs of the F / Fs 704, 706, and 708 are sent to the OR circuits 709 to 712 by setting the control signals to 3 and 4 and setting the others to 0, the area expansion processing is performed only in the sub-scanning direction. It is also possible.

[0082]

Other Embodiments In each of the above embodiments, the configuration in which the area to be expanded is set to one peripheral pixel has been described. However, the configuration may be such that two or more pixels are expanded.

Further, in the embodiment, description has been made based on an example in which the image editing apparatus of the present invention is applied to a color copying machine.
It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to any device as long as it can add image editing as a function.

Further, in the embodiment, the copying machine in which the image input unit, the image editing unit, and the image output unit are integrated has been described as an example. However, the respective units are arranged at different positions and connected via a network or the like. It is also possible.

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or CPU) of the system or the apparatus.
And MPU) read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0090]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By performing editing processing on the expanded area, 2
There is an effect that it is possible to suppress the gap between the editing area and the boundary generated due to the shift of the paper edge position for each halftone image or color determined as the boundary by the binarization.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a digital color image copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an image processing unit 107.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the image processing unit 107.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an area generation circuit 216.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a process of an extension process.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a process of an extension process.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an interpolation processing unit 307.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing input / output correspondences of a calculation unit 510.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an area extension processing unit 308.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an area extension processing unit 308 according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Reader part 11 Printer part 100 Document 105 Full-color sensor 110 Photosensitive drum 113 Transfer drum 207 A / D converter 208 Shading correction circuit 211, 231, 239 Buffer

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on front page F term (reference) 5B057 AA11 BA26 CA01 CA08 CA12 CA16 CB01 CB08 CC03 CE02 CE16 DA07 DA08 DB06 DB09 DC17 5C057 AA07 DC04 EA01 EL01 FE03 FE06 GM01 5C076 AA02 AA31 BA03 CA04 CA07 CA11 CA12

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An image editing apparatus for performing a predetermined process based on image data and an area signal designating a predetermined range of the image data, the image editing apparatus comprising: An image editing apparatus characterized by performing the following processing. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data is input for each color component forming a color image, and a selection unit that selects an area to be subjected to the predetermined processing according to the color component, the predetermined area or the extended area. The image editing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the color component includes a black component, and the selection unit determines the predetermined region when image data of a black component is input, and sets the predetermined area when image data of another color component is input. 3. The image editing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an extension area is selected. 4. The image editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the extended area is an area obtained by extending an outer periphery of the predetermined range outward. 5. The image data is input in pixel units,
The image editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the extension area is extended on a pixel-by-pixel basis with respect to the predetermined area. 6. An extended area setting means for outputting an extended area signal indicating the extended area by referring to at least one peripheral pixel of a pixel existing at a boundary of the predetermined area. An image editing apparatus as described in the above. 7. The image editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the area is specified by specific color data. 8. An image forming apparatus, wherein an output signal of the image editing apparatus according to claim 1 is combined with the image data and formed on a recording material. 9. An image data forming means for generating image data from a document whose area is designated by a predetermined method, recognizing the area from the image data, and providing position information of an expanded area obtained by expanding the area by a predetermined amount. Area expansion means for generating an expansion area signal shown, image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on data in the expansion area based on the expansion area signal, and outputting the output signal, An image forming apparatus comprising: a synthesizing unit that synthesizes and outputs image data; and an image forming unit that forms an output of the synthesizing unit on a recording material and outputs the image. 10. An image data forming means for generating image data from a document whose area is designated by a predetermined method, and an area for recognizing the area from the image data and generating an area signal indicating position information of the area Generating means; area expanding means for generating, from the area signal, an expanded area signal indicating position information of an expanded area obtained by expanding the area by a predetermined amount; data in the expanded area based on the area signal or the expanded area signal Image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on the image data and outputting the image data; synthesizing means for synthesizing the output signal of the image processing means with the image data and outputting the image data; An image forming apparatus comprising: 11. The image data forming means generates a plurality of single-color component image data from one document, and the image processing means sets the area signal and the extension signal in accordance with a color of the single-color component image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein any one of the following is selected and used. 12. The plurality of single-color component image data includes black component image data, and the image processing means outputs the area signal for the black component image data and the area signal for the other color component image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the extension signal is selected and used. 13. An image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said area expanding means expands an outer periphery of an area indicated by said area signal outward by a predetermined amount. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined method is a method of surrounding an area designated by a predetermined color. 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the area generating means generates the area signal by detecting the predetermined color.