JP2004342133A - Printing control unit and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obviate the need of an enormous analysis process for identifying whether received data are print data or a printing control command. <P>SOLUTION: This printing control device is provided with: a reception means for receiving first data including attribute data of print data with an attribute part showing the attribute of the print data attached; a storage means for storing data based on the print data included in second data when the second data including the print data with an attribute part showing the print data to be outputted attached by the reception means; a processing means for processing the print data included in the second data based on the attribute data of the print data included in the first data; and an annunciation means for annunciating an error status to a host computer when an incorrect value is included in the attribute date of the print data included in the first data before print output based on the data stored in the storage means is executed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a print control device and a control method thereof.

  A print control device connected to a host via a network and connected to a plurality of printers and transferring print data transmitted from the host to the printer specified by the host is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Have been.

A print system that uses an output function of a resource sharing system such as a LAN has been known, and a technique of transmitting an output command from a terminal to a print server via a LAN in a TCP header or an IP header and transmitting the same is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H10-163873. It is known as.
JP-A-63-163627 JP-A-3-065721

  Recently, networking has been progressing, and large-scale networking has been progressing around LANs throughout intelligent buildings and the like. Further, a nationwide network such as a WAN (Wide Area Network), which is directly connected to a LAN via a public line, and an advanced information network such as an ISDN are being developed. It is desired that a print control device capable of performing communication with the mobile terminal performs more efficient processing related to image processing. However, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, in the conventional print data or print control command, the print control device that has received the data performs a great deal of analysis processing to identify what the received data is. It is necessary to perform a large amount of analysis processing to specify whether the received data is print data or a print control command, for example. desired.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a receiving unit for receiving first data including data of the attribute of the print data, to which an attribute unit indicating the attribute of the print data is attached, and the receiving unit should output the first data. Storage means for storing data based on the print data included in the second data when the second data including the print data, to which an attribute portion indicating the print data is attached, is provided; Processing means for performing processing of the print data included in the second data provided with an attribute portion indicating the attribute data, based on the data of the attribute of the print data included in the first data, based on the data stored in the storage means If an incorrect value is included in the attribute data of the print data included in the first data before the printout is performed, an error status is transmitted to the host computer. And a notification unit configured to knowledge, and to realize a communicable print control apparatus via a communication line with the host computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly respond to an incorrect value in data indicated as data of the attribute of the print data in the attribute section.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described using preferred embodiments.

  In FIG. 1, 101 is a host computer, 102 is a scanner / printer server, 103a to 103b are various scanners, 104a to 104d are various printers, and 105 is Ethernet (registered trademark).

  Reference numeral 106 denotes a client process, 107 denotes a server process, 108 denotes DATA (image data signal), 109 denotes VSYNC (vertical synchronization signal), 110 denotes HSYNC (horizontal synchronization signal), 111 denotes CLOCK (clock signal), and 112 denotes S. COM (scanner serial command signal). COM (printer serial command signal).

  Also, DATA (image data signal) 108, VSYNC (vertical synchronization signal) 109, HSYNC (horizontal synchronization signal) 110, and CLOCK (clock signal) 111 are collectively referred to as Video I / F.

  A plurality of different interfaces are connected to a plurality of different interfaces, such as SCSI when connecting to the scanner printers 103b and 104b, Centronics I / F when connecting to the printer 104c, and RS232C when connecting to the printer 104d. 1 shows the configuration of the connection. In general, devices connected to SCSI include both scanners and printers, and a printer is often connected to the Centronics I / F and RS232C. Scanners and printers connected to such an I / F have various built-in functions.

  Since the Video I / F is an interface for mainly exchanging raw image data, many connected scanners and printers do not have a page description language expansion function or a compression / decompression function.

  Hereinafter, the scanner will be generally referred to as 103 and the printer as 104, and the interface will be described using Video I / F as an example.

  The host computer 101 executes a client process 106 for controlling the scanners 103a to 103b or the printers 104a to 104d.

  The scanner printer server 102 executes a server process 107 for controlling the scanner 103 (hereinafter collectively referred to as 103a to 103b) and the printer 104 (hereinafter collectively referred to as 104a to 104d) based on the control of the client process 106. Keep it.

  The client process 106 communicates with the server process 107 via the Ethernet (registered trademark) 105, reads an image from the scanner 103, and prints an image on the printer 104. Further, independent copying between the scanner 103 and the printer 104 is also possible.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the scanner printer server 102.

  201 is a CPU, 202 is an Ethernet (registered trademark) controller, 203 is RAM, 204 is ROM, 205 and 206 are dual port rams, 207 is a serial interface, 208 is a timing control circuit, 209 is a main bus, 210 is a data bus, and 211 Denotes a disk interface, 212 denotes a hard disk, 213 denotes an encoding / decoding circuit, and 214 denotes an interprinter for developing a page description language.

  When the scanner printer server 102 is activated, the CPU 201 activates a program in the ROM 204 and executes the server process 107 using the RAM 203 as a temporary storage location. At this time, the host computer 101 can communicate with the client process 106 of the host computer 101 by connecting to the Ethernet 105 by the Ethernet controller 202.

  The serial interface 207 performs serial communication of commands between the scanner printer server 102, the scanner 103, and the printer 104.

  The dual port rams 205 and 206 can be accessed from both the main bus 209 and the data bus 210. The dual port rams 205 and 206 are controlled by a timing control circuit 208, and transfer data between the scanner 103 and the printer 104 in a dual buffer system. The transfer at this time is performed in a synchronous manner, and synchronization is achieved by a VSYNC (vertical synchronization signal) 109, an HSYNC (horizontal synchronization signal) 110, and a CLOCK (clock signal) 111 signal.

  The serial interface 207 transmits a command to the scanner 103 to the S.D. COM (scanner serial command signal) 112 communicates by serial transmission. Similarly, the command with the printer 104 is transmitted to the P.E. COM (printer serial command signal) 113 communicates by serial transmission.

  As this data, a pre-scan command, a scan command, and the like are sent from the scanner printer server 102 to the scanner 103. The scanner 103 sends a copy command and status information such as an operation error. Similarly, a print command is sent from the scanner printer server 102 to the printer 104. The printer 104 sends status information such as out of paper and abnormal paper jam operation.

  The disk interface 211 interfaces with the hard disk 212.

  The encoding / decoding circuit 213 encodes the data read from the scanner 103. Also, it decodes the encoded image data sent from the Ethernet (registered trademark) 105. As this encoding method, there is an ADCT method or the like.

  The ADCT coding method is a color still image coding method for which a joint organization of CCITTSGVIII and ISO / TC97 / SC2 / WG8, JPEG (jointPhotographicsExpertGroup), is working on standardization work for the formal recommendation in 1991 (Nikkei). Electronics 1990.3.19).

  The interpreter 214 is means for translating a PDL (Page Description Language), developing an image on the dual port RAM 205 or 206 using a bitmap or a bytemap, and printing the image on the printer 104. The PDL includes PostScript, CaPSL (Canonprinting System Language), and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the scanner 103.

  Reference numeral 301 denotes a scanner serial interface, 302 denotes a scanner CPU, 303 denotes a scanner driving circuit, 304 denotes a scanner timing control circuit, 305 denotes an image reading unit, and 306 denotes an operation panel.

  The operation for scanning an image in FIG. 3 will be described.

  The scanner serial interface 301 receives a scan command from the scanner printer server 102 and transmits it to the scanner CPU 302.

  Next, the scanner CPU 302 sets an image size, an image scan start position, and the like according to the scan command.

  The scanner CPU 302 controls the scanner driving circuit 303, and reads an image from the image reading unit 305 line by line as shown in FIG.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the scanner timing control circuit 304 outputs the HSYNC (horizontal synchronization signal) 110, the VSYNC (vertical synchronization signal) 109, the CLOCK (clock signal) 111, and the image data synchronized therewith to DATA (image data). (Signal 108).

  The scanner printer server 102 reads image data in synchronization with an HSYNC (horizontal synchronization signal) 110, a VSYNC (vertical synchronization signal) 109, and a CLOCK (clock signal) 111.

  FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the printer 104.

  Reference numeral 401 denotes a printer serial interface, 402 denotes a printer CPU, 403 denotes a printer driving circuit, 404 denotes a printer timing control circuit, and 405 denotes a printing unit.

  The operation for printing an image will be described with reference to FIG.

  The host computer 101 prepares data to be printed. The data is in the form of raw image data, compressed image data, page description language, and the like. Then, a printer to be printed is designated, and the printer is transferred to the scanner printer server 102 via the network 105. If the transferred data is in the form of a page description language and the designated printer does not have the function of expanding the page description language bitmap, the client process 107 of the server 102 The print command is sent to the printer 104 from the interface to which the printer is expanded and the designated printer is connected. If the connected printer has a page description language developing function, the server 102 sends the data to the printer 104 in the form of a page description language.

  The server 102 performs processing automatically performed in the server based on the relationship between the transmitted data and the designated built-in function of the printer.

  When using the function built into the printer, the server 102 has only a data transfer function. Hereinafter, a case where the printer connected to the server 102 has no built-in function will be described.

  The printer serial interface 401 receives a print command from the scanner printer server 102 and transmits it to the printer CPU 402.

  Next, the printer CPU 402 sets the image size, the print start position of the image, and the like based on the information sent together with the print data or, in the case of the page description language format, the designation.

  The printer CPU 402 controls the printer driving circuit 403, and reads an image line by line as shown in FIG.

  At this time, the scanner printer server 102 outputs HSYNC (horizontal synchronization signal) 110, VSYNC (vertical synchronization signal) 109, CLOCK (clock signal) 111 and image data to the printer 104 in synchronization with the HSYNC (horizontal synchronization signal) 110, as shown in FIG. I do.

  The printer timing control circuit 404 receives image data in synchronization with the HSYNC (horizontal synchronization signal) 110, VSYNC (vertical synchronization signal) 109, and CLOCK (clock signal) 111 from the scanner printer server 102, and prints the data with the printing unit 405. .

  FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an image reading unit 305 that has no compression function and outputs raw image data.

  FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the image reading unit 305.

  Reference numeral 501 denotes a level converter, 502 denotes a scanner gamma converter, 503 denotes a scanner color converter, 504 denotes a resolution converter, and 505 denotes a scan engine.

  In FIG. 5, an image reading unit 305 includes a level conversion unit 501, a scanner gamma conversion unit 502, a scanner color conversion unit 503, a resolution conversion unit 504, a scan conversion unit 505, and a scan engine 505. (Not shown), and the scanner CPU 302 can perform parameter conversion.

  The scan engine 505 reads an RGB color image, performs shading correction, and outputs image data.

  The resolution conversion unit 504 converts the image reading resolution. This resolution can be selected from 400 dpi (dotperinch), 200 dpi, 100 dpi, and the like. This resolution is specified by the scanner CPU 302.

  The scanner color conversion unit 503 performs color conversion of an image. Here, if the image data to be obtained is the RGB data of the standard color space data, the image data is corrected and output according to the data. In addition, conversion of RGB color data into data of a color space such as YCrCb is also performed here. When it is desired to obtain black and white data, black and white conversion is performed using Y, which is the brightness data of the YCrCb, or G (Green) data, which is intermediate wavelength data of RGB color data. This scanner color conversion is designated by the scanner CPU 302.

  The level conversion unit 501 converts the number of effective bits of one pixel. For example, the dynamic range is converted so that the lower bits of the 8-bit YCrCb of each color after gamma conversion are truncated, and Y is 6 bits and Cr and Cb are each 4 bits. This level is specified by the scanner CPU 302 according to an instruction from the host computer 101.

  FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of the print unit 405.

  Reference numeral 601 denotes a printer color conversion unit, 602 denotes a printer gamma conversion unit, 603 denotes a masking conversion unit, 604 denotes a black generation and under color removal unit, 605 denotes a binarization unit, and 606 denotes a print engine.

  The printer color conversion unit 601 performs color conversion of an image into RGB. Here, for example, when an image is sent in a color space such as YCrCB, conversion to RGB is performed.

  The printer gamma conversion unit 602 performs gamma conversion of an input image. R '= f (R) G' = f (G) B '= f (B) This conversion is performed by an LUT (lookup table). The setting of this LUT is performed by the printer CPU 402.

  The masking conversion unit 603 performs masking conversion of the input image.

  Where the masking transformation is

, Or

Is obtained by the quadratic transformation of.

  This conversion is performed by an LUT (look-up table) or a gate array. The setting of the parameters of the LUT or the gate array is performed by the printer CPU 402.

  In the black generation / under color removal unit 604, C = 255-R "M = 255-G" Y = 255-B "Bk = a (min (C, M, Y)) C '= C-BkM' = M As shown by -BkY '= Y-Bk, black generation and undercolor removal are performed.

  This conversion is performed by an LUT (look-up tape) or a gate array. The setting of the parameters of the LUT or the gate array is performed by the printer CPU 402.

  When the print engine 606 is a binary printer, the binarization unit 605 binarizes the image. As the binarization method, three types, ie, a simple binarization method, a dither method, and an error diffusion method are switched and used. When the print engine 606 is a multi-value printer, the binarizing unit 605 is not required. This conversion is performed in the gate array. The printer CPU 402 sets the binarization method, the threshold for binarization, and the like.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of scanning and printing of an image. Reference numeral 701 denotes an image to be scanned or printed.

  VSYNC represents a vertical synchronization signal, and HSYNC represents a horizontal synchronization signal. An image 701 to be scanned or printed is output line by line in synchronization with the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the timing. VSYNC represents a vertical synchronization signal, HSYNC represents a horizontal synchronization, and CLOCK represents a reference clock. Image data is output for each pixel in synchronization with CLOCK.

  In FIG. 8, the color data is RGB, but the scanner color conversion unit 503 can convert the color data into any three primary colors.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the dual port ram operation at the time of pre-scan and print. As shown in FIG. 9, the image is read line by line at the time of scan and print to the scanner 103 from the dual port ram or written to the printer 104 from the dual port ram. You.

  The numbers in FIG. 9 indicate the access order of the dual port ram at this time.

  10 and 11 illustrate the dual port ram operation at the time of prescan.

  When reading an image from the scanner 103, the scanner printer server 102 alternately writes image data to the dual port ram for each line as shown in FIGS. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the first line is read from the scanner 103 and written to the dual port ram 205.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the second line is read from the scanner 103 and written to the dual port ram 206. If the host computer 101 wants to obtain raw image data, it reads the data of the dual port RAM 205 as it is and transfers it to the server processor 107 via the Ethernet (registered trademark) 105. If it is desired to obtain the compressed image data, the data of the dual port RAM 205 is read out by using the encoding circuit 213 in the server device of FIG. Through the server process 107.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the third line is read from the scanner 103 and written to the dual port ram 205. At the same time, the data of the second line of the dual port ram 206 is read out, and is similarly transferred to the server process 107 via the Ethernet (registered trademark) 105 in the form of raw image data or compressed image data.

  Similarly, the image is read line by line using the dual buffer.

  By the way, the scan engine 505 reads out images in the order of RGB points. If the user instructs to read an image in another line-sequential or frame-sequential format, it is necessary to perform scan conversion. This is performed when reading images from the dual port rams 205 and 206.

  Hereinafter, scan conversion at the time of scanning will be described.

  First, it is assumed that the scanner color conversion unit 503 converts dot-sequential RGB into a color space such as YCrCb and writes the dot-sequential RGB to the dual port rams 205 and 206 alternately. In order to convert the dot-sequential YCrCb image into line-sequential data and transfer the image data, the image data is read while being shifted by three pixels. That is, only the first color Y is first read out from the dot-sequential YCrCb image and transferred. Next, only the second color Cr is read and transferred. Finally, only the third color Cb is read and transferred. Thus, scan conversion from dot-sequential YCrCb to line-sequential YCrCb image is performed.

  Next, a case will be described in which a dot-sequential YCrCb image is converted into a frame-sequential YCrCb and transferred.

  As in the case of line-sequential, the scanner color converter 503 converts the dot-sequential RGB into a color space such as YCrCb and writes the color to the dual port rams 205 and 206 alternately in a dot-sequential manner.

  Since conversion from dot sequential to frame sequential cannot be performed by one scan, the scan engine 505 performs three scans.

  Then, at the time of the first scan, only Y of the first color is read and transferred. At the time of the second scan, only Cr is read, and at the time of the third scan, only Cb is read and transferred. This makes it possible to convert a dot-sequential YCrCb image into a plane-sequential YCrCb.

  In the case of a dot-sequential YCrCb image, the image can be encoded by the ADCT method. In this case, similarly, the image read from the scanner 103 is alternately written to the dual port RAM, and when reading, the image is encoded by the encoding and decoding circuit 213, and the encoded image data is written to the RAM 203. The encoded image data is transferred to the server process 107 via the Ethernet (registered trademark) 105.

  As a result, images can be compressed and transferred, and the amount of communication can be reduced.

  FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are explanatory diagrams of the dual port ram operation at the time of printing.

  When printing an image on the printer 104, the scanner printer server 102 alternately outputs data from the dual port ram to the printer 104 line by line as shown in FIGS.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the first line is read from the Ethernet (registered trademark) 105 and written to the dual port RAM 205.

  Next, the second line is read from the Ethernet (registered trademark) 105 as shown in FIG. At the same time, the data of the dual port ram 205 is read out and transferred to the printer 104.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the third line is read from the Ethernet (registered trademark) 105 and written to the dual port RAM 205. At the same time, the data is read out to the dual port ram 206 and transferred to the printer 104.

  Similarly, the image is transferred line by line using the dual buffer.

  By the way, the printer engine 606 prints an image in the order of RGB points. Therefore, when the user instructs to print an image in another line-sequential or frame-sequential format, it is necessary to perform scan conversion. This is performed when reading images from the dual port rams 205 and 206.

  Hereinafter, scan conversion during printing will be described.

  First, when the dot sequential YCrCb image data is sent from the server process 107, it is not necessary to perform the scan conversion. The dot-sequential YCrCb image data is sent to the printer 104, converted into dot-sequential PGB by the printer color converter 601, and printed.

  Next, when line-sequential YCrCb image data is sent, the image data is read for each image when the image data is read. That is, the first color Y of the first pixel is read, the second color Cr of the first pixel is read, and the third color Cb of the first pixel is read. Next, the first color Y of the second pixel is read, the second corner Cr of the second color is read, and then the third color Cb of the second pixel is read. By reading in the same manner as above, it is possible to convert a line-sequential YCrCb image from a point-sequential YCrCb image.

  The dot-sequential YCrCb image data is sent to the printer 104, where it is converted to dot-sequential RGB by the printer color converter 601 and printed.

  Next, scan conversion when a frame sequential YCrCb image is transferred will be described.

  The image data is temporarily stored in the hard disk 212 because it is not possible to convert from a frame-sequential YCrCb image to a dot-sequential YCrCb at one time.

  Then, the film stored in the hard disk 212 is sought, YCrCb dot-sequentially read, and written into the dual port rams 205 and 206 to perform scan conversion. The dot-sequential YCrCb image data is sent to the printer 104, converted into dot-sequential PGB by the printer color converter 601, and printed.

  When a dot-sequential YCrCb image encoded by the ADCT method is sent, the encoding and decoding circuit 213 decodes the dot-sequential YCrCb image. This dot-sequential YCrCb image is alternately written to the dual port rams 205 and 206 line by line and transferred to the printer 104.

  As a result, images can be compressed and transferred, and the amount of communication can be reduced.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram at the time of the prescan and scan operations. Hereinafter, data exchange between the host computer 101, the scanner printer server 102, and the scanner 103 at the time of the prescan and scan will be described.

  When an image is read from the scanner 103, the image size, image position, resolution, format (dot-sequential, line-sequential, plane-sequential) edge enhancement, color space (RGB, YCrCb), color (which color to send) , For example, only G), level (color gradation number), encoding method (ADCT, not encoding, etc.), bit rate (bit rate at encoding), thinning rate at pre-scan, which file to read, Need to be specified.

  Then, the client process 106 instructs the user to specify these parameters. The user performs these designations and executes the pre-scan.

  Then, the client process 106 communicates with the server process 107 according to the sequence of FIG.

  14, first, the client process 106 sends a PRESCAN packet including an image XSIZE, YSIZE, XSTART, YSTART, XSTEP, YSTEP, etc., to the server process 107.

  Upon receiving the PRESCAN packet, the server process 107 sets the encoding method, the encoding bit rate, and the thinning rate in order to perform image encoding and thinning during prescan. Other information is sent from the serial interface 207 to the scanner 103 as a prescan command.

  The scanner 103 sets parameters in the image reading unit 305 according to the information of the prescan command. If these parameters are set correctly, OK is sent back to server process 107.

  Upon receiving the OK from the scanner 103, the server process 107 sends an OK packet back to the client process 106. If it is not set correctly, the status information is sent back to the server process 107.

  Upon receiving the pre-scan command, the scanner 103 reads an image line by line from the Video I / F.

  At the time of pre-scan, the timing control circuit 208 of the scanner printer server 102 sets HSYNC (horizontal synchronization signal) 110, VSYNC (vertical synchronization signal) 109, CLOCK (clock signal) 111, and DATA (image data signal) 108 to high impedance, Data is read from a DATA (image data signal) 108 in synchronization with an HSYNC (horizontal synchronization signal) 110, a VSYNC (vertical synchronization signal) 109, and a CLOCK (clock signal) 111 generated by the scanner 103, and dual port rams 205 and 206 are read. Write to.

  The server process 107 reads the image data read line by line from the Video I / F from the dual port rams 205 and 206 and writes the image data to the hard disk 212.

  At this time, the image is thinned out according to the thinning rate of XSTEP and YSTEP specified by the PRESCAN packet, and this data is divided or combined into an appropriate size to form a plurality of data tags including a DATA tag, the number of bytes of the packet, and the image data. And sends it to the client process 106 of the host computer 101.

  The client process 106 of the host computer 101 extracts the thinned image data from the image packet received from the server process 107 and displays it on the CRT.

  When all the images have been transmitted normally, the scanner 103 transmits OK from the scanner serial interface 301 to the server process 107. When receiving the OK from the scanner 103, the server process 107 sends an OK packet to the client process 106.

  When the server process 107 sends an OK packet to the client process 106, the server process 107 waits for the next command packet from the client process 106.

  The client process 106 receives all the decimated images, displays them on the CRT, and asks the user which area of the image to actually scan. The user specifies which area is actually scanned with a pointing device such as a mouse. Then, it instructs the client process 106 to start scanning.

  Then, the client process 106 sends a SCAN packet including XSIZE, YSIZE, XSTART, YSTART, and the like of the image to the server process 107.

  Upon receiving the SCAN packet, the server process 107 sends OK to the client process 106 when this information is correctly set.

  The server process 107 reads out the image data that has already been read into the hard disk 212 at the time of the pre-scan according to the parameters specified by the SCAN packet. This image data is divided or combined into an appropriate size to form a plurality of DATA packets consisting of a DATA tag, double and number of packets, and image data, and is sent to the client process 106 of the host computer 101.

  The client process 106 of the host computer 101 fetches the image data received from the server process 107 and writes the image data to the disk one after another.

  When the server process 107 successfully sends all the images, it sends an OK packet to the client process 106.

  When sending the OK packet to the client process 106, the server process 107 waits for the next command packet from the client.

  Upon receiving the OK packet from the server process 107, the client process 106 waits for an instruction from the next user.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram at the time of a printing operation. Hereinafter, data exchange between the client process 106 of the host computer 101, the scanner printer server 102, and the printer 104 at the time of printing will be described with reference to the drawing.

  When a user creates a document or picture on the host computer 101 using desktop publishing software (hereinafter, DTP software) or the like, creates data in a page description language format, which is an output data format, and prints the document or If you want to print image data in raw image data format or compressed image format, specify whether the image data to be printed is page description language format or image data format. If the image data format is image data format, specify the image size and print The position of the image to be printed, the file name on the host computer 101 holding the image to be printed, and the like are specified.

  The server process 107 determines the data format and determines whether to use the function in the designated printer or the function in the scanner printer server 102.

  Normally, default values are set for parameters such as gamma conversion and masking conversion at the time of printing, but these can also be changed.

  In this case, in FIG. 15, first, the client process 106 sends a GAMMA packet to the server process 107 to set a gamma tail at the time of image printing. There is no need to send if a gamma table has already been set.

  Upon receiving the GAMMA packet, the server process 107 sends the gamma setting command to the printer 104 if the second byte of the GAMMA packet indicates a printer, and to the printer 104 if the second byte indicates a scanner.

  The printer 104 sets the LUT of the printer gamma conversion unit 602 according to the parameters of the gamma setting command. If the setting is successful, OK is returned to the server process 107.

  Upon receiving the scanner OK, the server process 107 sends an OK packet back to the client process 106.

  Next, the client process 106 sends a MASKING packet to the server process 107 to set a masking table at the time of image printing. If your masking table is already certified, you do not need to send it.

  Upon receiving the MASKING packet, the server process 107 sends a masking authorization command to the printer 104.

  The printer 104 sets the parameters of the masking conversion unit 603 according to the parameters of the masking authorization command. If it can be set normally, OK is sent back to the server process 107.

  When receiving the OK from the printer 104, the server process 107 sends an OK packet back to the client process 106.

  As described above, when the parameters for gamma conversion and masking conversion are set, the client process specifies whether the data to be printed is a page description language format, a raw image format, or a compressed image format, a printer specification, and an XSIZE of the image. , YSIZE, XSTART, YSTART, PAGE, etc. to the server process 107.

  Upon receiving the PRINT packet, the server process 107 starts connection with the designated printer. If the printer does not have a page description language interpretation function and receives data in a page description language format, processing is performed inside the scanner printer server 102. The same applies to compressed data.

  Here, as described above, the description will proceed with the case of the printer using the Video I / F when the printer has no function.

  Upon receiving the PRINT packet, the server process 107 sends a print command from the serial interface 207 to the printer 104.

  When the information of the print command is correctly set, the printer 104 returns OK to the server process 107.

  When receiving the OK from the printer, the server process 107 sends an OK packet back to the client process 106.

  Upon receiving the OK packet, the client process 106 reads out image data (including a page description language format, a raw image data format, and a compressed image data format) from the specified file. The client process 106 divides or combines the read image data into an appropriate size, forms a plurality of DATA packets including a DATA tag, the number of bytes of the packet, and the image data, and sends the data packets to the server process 107.

  The server process 107 extracts image data from the image packet received from the client process 106 of the host computer 101. If the image data is in a page description language format, a page description language interpreter is activated and bitmap expansion is performed. In the case of the compressed image data format, a decompression process using a decompression circuit is started to perform bitmap expansion. The data and raw image data that have been bitmap-developed, respectively, are sequentially sent from the VIDEO I / F to the printer 104 and printed.

  At the time of printing, the timing control circuit 208 of the scanner printer server 102 outputs an HSYNC (horizontal synchronization signal) 110, a VSYNC (vertical synchronization signal) 109, a CLOCK (clock signal) 111, and image data synchronized therewith to a DATA (image data signal). ) 108, and the printer 104 reads data to be printed from the DATA (image data signal) 108 signal in synchronization with this, and prints it.

  When all the images have been printed normally, the printer 104 sends OK from the print serial interface 401 to the server process 107. When receiving the OK from the printer 104, the server process 107 sends an OK packet to the client process 106.

  When sending the OK packet to the client process 106, the server process 107 waits for the next command packet from the client. When receiving the OK packet from the server process 107, the client process 106 waits for an instruction from the next user.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram when an error occurs during printing. Hereinafter, data exchange between the host computer 101, the scanner printer server 102, and the printer 104 during printing will be described with reference to the figure.

  As in the case of printing, the client process 106 sets a gamma table and a masking table at the time of image printing.

  Next, the client process 106 specifies whether the data to be printed is a page description language format, a raw image format, or a compressed image format, a printer specification, and a PRINT packet including XSIZE, YSIZE, XSTART, YSTART, and PAGE of the image. To the server process 107.

  Upon receiving the PRINT packet, the server process 107 starts connection with the designated printer. If the printer does not have a page description language interpretation function and receives data in a page description language format, processing is performed inside the scanner printer server 102. The same applies to compressed data.

  Here, as described above, the description will proceed with the case of the printer using the Video I / F when the printer has no function.

  Upon receiving the PRINT packet, the server process 107 sends a print command from the serial interface 207 to the printer 104.

  The printer 104 returns status information indicating the error status to the server process 107 when the value of the parameter of the print command is incorrect, or when an error such as inability to set or an error such as out of paper occurs.

  When receiving the status information from the scanner, the server process 107 converts the status information into a status packet and sends it back to the client process 106.

  Upon receiving the STATUS packet, the client process 106 outputs an appropriate message to the user according to the status, to notify that an error has occurred.

  If an error such as a paper jam occurs during printing, the printer CPU 402 immediately stops the printing operation and transmits error status information to the server process 107 from the printer serial interface 401.

  Upon receiving the status information from the printer 104, the server process 107 sends the status information as a STATUS packet to the client process 106, and waits for the next command.

  Upon receiving the STATUS packet, the client process 106 outputs an appropriate message to the user according to the status, to notify that an error has occurred.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of an operation when printing the same image on a plurality of sheets. Hereinafter, data exchange between the host computer 101, the scanner printer server 102, and the printer 104 during printing will be described with reference to the drawing.

  When the user prints the image to be printed in the page description language format on the host computer 101, the file name stored in the host computer 101, the size of the raw image data format, the compressed image data format, etc. , A file name on the host computer 101 holding an image to be printed, and the like. At this time, it is assumed that parameters such as gamma conversion and masking conversion at the time of printing have already been set.

  In FIG. 17, first, the client process 106 specifies whether the data to be printed is a raw image format or a compressed image format in the page description language format, specifies a printer, and prints XSIZE, YSIZE, XSTART, and YSTART of the image. A PRINT packet composed of a PAGE or the like indicating this is sent to the server process 107.

  Upon receiving the PRINT packet, the server process 107 starts connection with the designated printer. If the printer does not have a page description language interpreting function and receives page description language format data, the scanner printer server 102 performs expansion processing for the page description language. The same applies to compressed data.

  Here, as described above, the description will proceed with the case of the printer using the Video I / F when the printer has no function.

  Upon receiving the PRINT packet, the server process 107 sends a print command from the serial interface 207 to the printer 104.

  If the information of the print command is correctly set, the printer 104 returns OK to the server process 107.

  Upon receiving the OK from the scanner, the server process 107 sends an OK packet back to the client process 106.

  Upon receiving the OK packet, the client process 106 reads an image from the specified file. The client process 106 divides or combines the read image data into an appropriate size, forms a plurality of DATA packets including a DATA tag, the number of bytes of the packet, and the image data, and sends them to the server process 107.

  The server process 107 extracts image data from the image packet received from the client process 106 of the host computer 101. If the image data is in a page description language format, the page description language interprinter is activated and bitmap development is performed. In the case of the compressed image data format, a decompression process using a decompression circuit is started to perform bitmap expansion. The data and the raw image data, which have been bit-mapped, respectively, are sequentially sent from the video I / F to the printer 104 and printed. At the same time, the image data is stored in the hard disk 212.

  When the printer 104 prints the first image normally, it sends OK to the server process 107 from the printer serial interface 401.

  When receiving the OK from the printer 104, the server process 107 reads the already written image from the hard disk 212 from the second image, and sequentially prints the image from the Video I / F to the printer 104.

  After printing the number of PAGEs specified by the PRINT packet, the server process 107 sends an OK packet to the client process 106 to notify that the printing has been normally performed. At this time, the stored image is deleted.

  When sending the OK packet to the client process 106, the server process 107 waits for the next command packet from the client.

  When the client process 106 sends all the images and receives an OK packet from the server process 107, it waits for an instruction from the next user.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In FIG. 21, first, the client process 106 sends a SCAN packet including XSIZE, YSEZE, XSTART, YSTART, XSTEP, YSTEP, and the like of the image to the server process 107. In the server process 107, each parameter of the image processing of the server is set according to an instruction in the SCAN packet, and an instruction relating to the size of the image is transmitted from the serial interface 207 to the scanner 103.

  The scan 103 sets parameters in the image reading unit 305 according to the information of the scan command. If these parameters are set correctly, OK is sent back to server process 107.

  Upon receiving the OK from the scanner, the server process 107 sends an OK packet back to the client process 106. If it is not set correctly, it is sent back to the status information server process 107.

  Upon receiving the scan command, the scanner 103 reads an image line by line from the Video I / F.

  At the time of scanning, the timing control circuit 208 of the scanner printer server 102 sets the HSYNC (horizontal synchronization signal) 110, the VSYNC (vertical synchronization signal) 109, the CLOCK (clock signal) 111, and the DATA (image data signal) 108 to high impedance. Data is read from a DATA (image data signal) 108 in synchronization with an HSYNC (horizontal synchronization signal) 110, a VSYNC (vertical synchronization signal) 109, and a CLOCK (clock signal) 111 generated by the Write.

  The server process 107 reads the image data read line by line from the Video I / F from the dual port rams 205 and 206 and writes the image data to the hard disk 212.

  At this time, if there is a transfer instruction of the thinned data from the computer, the image is thinned according to the thinning rate of XSTEP and YSTEP specified by the SCAN packet at the same time as the writing to the dual port rams 205 and 206, and this data is appropriately compressed. A plurality of DATA packets composed of a DATA tag, the number of bytes of a packet, and image data are formed by dividing or combining them into a size, and sent to the client process 106 of the host computer 101.

  The client process 106 of the host computer 101 extracts the thinned image data from the image packet received from the server process 107 and displays it on the CRT.

  When all the images have been transmitted normally, the scanner 103 transmits OK from the scanner serial interface 301 to the server process 107.

  When receiving the OK from the scanner 103, the server process 107 sends an OK packet to the client process 106.

  When the server process 107 sends an OK packet to the client process 106, it waits for the next command packet from the client process 106. The client process 106 receives all the decimated images, displays them on the CRT, and asks the user which area of the image to actually scan. The user specifies which area is actually needed with a pointing device such as a mouse.

  Then, the designated area is instructed to the client process 106. Then, the client process 106 sends a CUT packet including XSIZE, YSIZE, XSTART, and YSTART of the image to the server process 107.

  When receiving the CPU packet, the server process 107 returns OK to the client process 106 when this information is set correctly.

  Next, the client process 106 sends the page description language created by another application program to the server process 107.

  The server process 107 develops a page description language using the interpreter 214 and creates bitmaps of characters and graphics. Then, the image data read from the scanner and stored in the image storage means at the location designated by the page description language is read from the designated area of the CUT packet, and is combined in the bitmap. Then, the server process 107 transfers the composite image data to the printer to perform printing. If there is an instruction for image processing in the page description language, the image data is read from the image storage means and the processing is performed at the same time.

  When the server process 107 successfully sends all the images to the printer, it sends an OK packet to the client process 106. If there is a continuous printing instruction from the client process 106, the server process causes the bitmap-decompressed image data to be transferred to the printer.

  When sending the OK packet to the client process 106, the server process 107 waits for the next command packet from the client.

  Upon receiving the OK packet from the server process 107, the client process 106 waits for an instruction from the next user.

  FIG. 18 shows the structure of a packet.

  (A) is a PRESCAN packet, (b) is a SCAN packet, and (c) is a PRINT packet.

  The first byte of each packet is a tag indicating what the packet is. For example, PRESCAN is 1, which indicates that prescan is performed. SCAN is 2, indicating to scan.

  SCANNERNAME and PRINTERNAME specify the names of devices that input and output images.

  DATATYPE specifies whether the image data is in a page description language format, a compressed image format, or a raw image data format.

  XSIZE indicates the size of an image consisting of 2 bytes in the X direction, and YSIZE indicates the size of an image consisting of 2 bytes in the Y direction.

  XSTART indicates the X-direction scanning and printing start position of an image consisting of 2 bytes, and YSTART indicates the Y-direction scanning and printing start position of an image consisting of 2 bytes.

  XZOOM indicates the scanning and printing resolution of an image consisting of 1 byte in the X direction, and ZOOM indicates the scanning and printing resolution of an image consisting of 1 byte in the Y direction.

  FORMAT indicates a method of scanning an image, and designates 1 for dot sequential, 2 for line sequential, and 3 for plane sequential.

  EDGE indicates the degree of edge enhancement and smoothing. 16-1 designates edge enhancement, and -1-16 designates smoothing.

  COLORTYPE indicates the color space of the image, and is designated as 1 for RGB and 2 for YCrCb. In the case of RGB, the first color is called R, the second color is called G, and the third color is called B. In the case of YCrCb, the first color is Y, the second color is Cr, and the third color is Call it Cb.

  COLOR indicates which of the colors of the image to send. For example, the second bit is set to 1 for the first color, the first bit is set to the second color, and the 0th bit is set to 1 for the third color. For example, if COLOR and TYPE are RGB and all RGB colors are sent, the value is 7; if two colors R and B are sent, the value is 5 (first color = 4, third color = 1). .

  Similarly, when COLORTYPE is YCrCb and only Y is transmitted, the value is 4.

  LEVEL is composed of 2 bytes, the first 4 bits indicate the number of gradations of the first color, the next 4 bits indicate the number of gradations of the second color, and the next 4 bits indicate the number of gradations of the third color. Show. The last 4 bits are undefined. The number of these gradations is designated by two indices, such as 256 gradations for 8 and 64 gradations for 6.

  CODE indicates an encoding method, and is designated as 0 when not encoding, and as 1 when encoding by ADCT.

  BIRATE indicates the coding rate of coding, 6 indicates that coding is performed at a compression rate of 1/6, and 12 indicates that coding is performed at a compression rate of 1/12.

  XSTEP and YSTEP specify how thin an image is to be sent during prescan. For example, when an image is sent every five pixels in the vertical and horizontal directions, XSTEP = 5 and YSTEP = 5. If no thinning is performed, XSTEP = 0 and YSTEP = 0.

  UCR indicates α at the time of black generation.

  BI-LEVEL indicates a binarization method, and 0 indicates that the print engine 606 is a multi-valued printer and does not perform binarization. Reference numeral 1 denotes a fattening pattern of the dither method, 2 denotes a Bayer pattern of the dither method, 3 denotes a simple binarization method, and 4 denotes an error diffusion method.

  THRESHOLD indicates a binarization threshold (0 to 255) of the simple binarization method.

  PAGE indicates the number of pages at the time of printing.

  FIG. 18D shows an OK packet. The OK packet is only a 1-byte OK tag.

  FIG. 18E shows a GAMMA packet, and the S / P of the second byte indicates which gamma table of the scanner 103 or the printer 104 is set. After that, the gamma table is composed of 768 bytes for 256 * 3 colors.

  FIG. 18F shows a MASKING packet, which includes a masking tag and a masking parameter consisting of a 2-byte fixed point.

  FIG. 18G shows a STATUS packet, which includes a status tag, the number of statuses, and a status.

  FIG. 18H shows a DATA packet, which is composed of a data tag, the number of subsequent image data, and image data.

  FIG. 18 (i) shows an ESC packet in which the first byte starts with ESC, and is interpreted by the interpreter 214 into a bitmap or bytemap image. This is equivalent to the ESC sequence of a normal printer.

  The configuration of a command from the scan printer server 102 to the scanner 103 and the printer 104 will be described below.

  Communication of commands such as a prescan command, a scan command, status information, a gamma setting command, and a masking setting command is also performed in the same format as in FIG.

  FIG. 19 shows a configuration of a command between the scanner printer server and the scanner printer. (A) is a pre-scan command, (b) is a scan command, and (c) is a print command.

  The first byte of each packet is a tag indicating what the packet is. For example, PRESCAN is 1, which indicates that prescan is performed. SCAN is 2, indicating to scan.

  XSIZE indicates the size of an image consisting of 2 bytes in the X direction, and YSIZE indicates the size of an image consisting of 2 bytes in the Y direction.

  XSTART indicates the X-direction scanning and printing start position of an image consisting of 2 bytes, and YSTART indicates the Y-direction scanning and printing start position of an image consisting of 2 bytes.

  XZOOM indicates the scan and print resolution of an image consisting of one byte in the X direction, and ZOOM indicates the scan and print resolution of an image consisting of one byte in the Y direction.

  FORMAT indicates a method of scanning an image, and designates 1 for dot sequential, 2 for line sequential, and 3 for plane sequential.

  EDGE indicates the degree of edge enhancement and smoothing. 16-1 designates edge enhancement, and -1-16 designates smoothing.

  COLORTYPE indicates the color space of the image, and is designated as 1 for RGB and 2 for YCrCb. In the case of RGB, the first color is called R, the second color is called G, and the third color is called B. In the case of YCrCb, the first color is called Y, the second color is called Cr, and the third color is called Cb.

  COLOR indicates which of the colors of the image to send. For example, the second bit is set to 1 for the first color, the first bit is set to the second color, and the 0th bit is set to 1 for the third color. For example, when COLORTYPE is RGB and all RGB colors are sent, the value is 7. When two colors R and B are transmitted, the value is 5 (first color = 4, third color = 1). Similarly, when COLORTYPE is YCrCb and only Y is transmitted, the value is 4.

  LEVEL is composed of 2 bytes, the first 4 bits indicate the number of gradations of the first color, the next 4 bits indicate the number of gradations of the second color, and the next 4 bits indicate the number of gradations of the third color. Show. The last 4 bits are undefined.

  The number of gradations is designated by an index of 2, such as 256 gradations for 8 and 64 gradations for 6. CODE indicates an encoding method, and is designated as 0 when not encoding, and as 1 when encoding by ADCT.

  UCR indicates α at the time of black generation.

  BI-LEVEL indicates a binarization method, and 0 indicates that the print engine 606 is a multi-valued printer and does not perform binarization. Reference numeral 1 denotes a fattening pattern of the dither method, 2 denotes a Bayer pattern of the dither method, 3 denotes a simple binarization method, and 4 denotes an error diffusion method.

  THRESHOLD indicates a binarization threshold (0 to 255) of the simple binarization method.

  PAGE indicates the number of pages at the time of printing.

  FIG. 19D shows one type of status information indicating OK. OK is only a 1-byte OK tag.

  FIG. 19E shows a gamma setting command. The S / P of the second byte indicates which gamma table of the scanner 103 or the printer 104 is set. After that, the gamma table is composed of 768 bytes for 256 * 3 colors.

  FIG. 19F shows a masking setting command, which is composed of a masking tag and a masking parameter consisting of a 2-byte fixed point.

  FIG. 19G shows status information, which is composed of a status tag, the number of statuses, and a status.

  (H) of FIG. 19 is a copy instruction, which is only a 1-byte copy tag.

  Next, a copy operation using the scanner 103 and the printer 104 will be described.

  In the case of copying, when the user presses a copy button on the scanner 103 operation panel 306, the scanner control circuit sends a copy command from the scanner serial interface 301 to the scanner printer server 102.

  Upon receiving the copy command, the scanner printer server 102 sends a scan command to the scanner 103 and a print command to the printer 104. At this time, parameters such as masking suitable for copying are set.

  Further, upon receiving the copy command, the scanner printer server 102 makes the HSYNC (horizontal synchronization signal) 110, the VSYNC (vertical synchronization signal) 109, the COLOR (clock signal) 111, and the DATA (image data signal) 108 signal high impedance.

  When the scanner 103 receives the scan command, the scanner control circuit of the scan 103 sets the print start position of the operation panel 306, and the scanner control circuit of the scanner 103 sets the print start position and print image size of the operation panel 306. An image is read based on this, and an HSYNC (horizontal synchronization signal) 110, a VSYNC (vertical synchronization signal) 109, a CLOCK (clock signal) 111, and image data synchronized therewith are output.

  The printer timing control circuit 404 receives image data in synchronization with the HSYNC (horizontal synchronization signal) 110, VSYNC (vertical synchronization signal) 109, and CLOCK (clock signal) 111 from the scanner 103, and performs copying by printing. .

  At the time of copying, the timing control circuit 208 of the scanner printer server 102 controls signal lines of HSYNC (horizontal synchronization signal) 110, VSYNC (vertical synchronization signal) 109, CLOCK (clock signal) 111, and DATA (image data signal) 108. Set to high impedance.

  If a copy is being performed, the image cannot be remotely scanned and printed. Therefore, upon receiving the scan packet and the print packet from the client process 106, the server process 107 indicates that copying is in progress. A packet is sent to the client process 106 to inform the user that scanning or printing is not possible.

  Further, when image scanning and printing are performed remotely, copying cannot be performed. Therefore, while the scanner and the printer are operating, the scanner CPU 302 displays on the operation panel 306 the fact that the scanner and the printer are operating, and does not accept a copy.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the case where the bus-type Ethernet (registered trademark) 105 is used as the network has been described, but any network can be easily applied.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the case where serial communication is used to communicate commands, parameters, errors, and other data between the scanner printer server 102 and the scanner 103 or the printer 104 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to serial communication. Any two-way communication interface can be used.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, serial communication for communicating data such as commands, parameters, and errors between the scanner printer server 102 and the scanner 103 and the printer 104 is used, and a video interface is used for communicating image data. Without being limited to these communication interfaces, it is also possible to communicate information and image data such as commands, parameters, and errors on the same communication path using an interface capable of bidirectional communication such as SCSI and GPIB. .

  Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the image is in the dot-sequential YCrCb format, the image is coded by the ADCT coding method and the image is sent. However, the present invention is not limited to the ADCT coding method, and an arbitrary coding method Can be used. As a result, it is possible to encode even a dot-sequential image other than the YCrCb format, and compress and transmit the image.

  Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the dual port ram for one line is used. However, the present invention is not limited to the dual port ram, and a memory for a plurality of lines or one screen can be provided to further increase the speed.

  Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the image is thinned out at the time of the pre-scan and is sent without thinning out the image at the time of the main scan. (2) Decimate and send. (3) Encode and send. It is also possible to send by combining (4) reducing the number of tones of the image and (5) sending by reducing the resolution of the image.

  Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, an image is read at the time of pre-scanning, and the image data is stored in the hard disk 212 and, at the same time, thinned and transferred. Then, at the time of the main scan, the image was read from the image on the hard disk 212 and transferred. However, at the time of pre-scanning, the image is not stored in the hard disk, and only (1) a single color component is directly transmitted. (2) Decimate and send. (3) Encode and send. (4) Send by reducing the number of tones of the image. (5) Send by combining with lowering the resolution of the image.

  Then, at the time of the main scan, it is possible to scan and transfer the image again.

  Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, when an image is read, scan-converted in a frame-sequential manner and transferred, the scan engine 505 scans three times. However, it is also possible to read the image only once, store the image data on the hard disk 212, and read the image three times from the image on the hard disk 212. As a result, only one mechanical scan is required, and the speed can be increased.

  Further, it is also possible to perform scan conversion of the first color at the same time as storing the data on the hard disk 212, and to read the remaining two times from the hard disk.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the binarization unit 605 binarizes the image for the binary print engine. However, the present invention is not limited to the binary print engine. In the case of the N-value print engine, it can be easily handled by providing an N-value conversion unit.

  In addition, the scanner / printer server is provided with a storage unit for storing the scanned image, and the image is temporarily stored in the storage unit at the time of the pre-scan, and the stored image is read out at the time of the main scan. Can be completed only once, and high-speed image reading can be performed.

  In the case of printing a plurality of sheets, the image is stored in the storage means when the first sheet is printed, and the image is transferred once by reading and printing from the storage means from the second sheet. It was possible to print at high speed.

  At the time of pre-scanning, a color image is sent (1) only a single color component. (2) Decimate and send. (3) Encode and send. By sending in combination with (4) reducing the number of gradations of the image and (5) sending with decreasing the resolution of the image, it is possible to compress the image and send it, and also obtain a great advantage that the communication amount can be reduced. .

  Further, by providing a bidirectional communication path, it is possible to prevent copying when the scanner printer is used from the network and to disable the scanner printer from being used from the network during copying. .

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram embodying the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a scanner printer server. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a scanner. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a printer. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an image reading unit 305. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a print unit 405. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of image scanning and printing. It is a detailed explanatory view of a timing. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a dual port ram operation at the time of scanning and printing. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a dual port ram operation at the time of scanning. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a dual port ram operation at the time of scanning. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a dual port ram operation at the time of printing. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a dual port ram operation at the time of printing. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram at the time of a prescan and a scan operation. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram at the time of printing. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram when an error occurs during a printing operation. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an operation when printing the same image on a plurality of sheets. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a packet. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of instructions between a scanner printer server and a scanner printer. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of communication between a scanner, a printer, and a scanner printer server. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of scanning and expanding PDL data.

Explanation of reference numerals

101 Host Computer 102 Scanner Printer Server 103 Scanner 104 Printer 105 Ethernet (registered trademark)
106 client process 107 server process

Claims (6)

A print control device capable of communicating with a host computer via a communication line,
Receiving means for receiving first data including data of the attribute of the print data, to which an attribute portion indicating the attribute of the print data is attached;
A storage unit for storing data based on print data included in the second data when the reception unit receives second data including print data, to which an attribute unit indicating print data to be output is attached; When,
Processing means for performing processing of print data included in the second data to which an attribute portion indicating the print data to be output is attached, based on data of the attribute of the print data included in the first data;
If the attribute data of the print data included in the first data contains an invalid value before the printout based on the data stored in the storage unit is performed, an error status is notified to the host computer. And a notifying unit.   If the attribute of the print data output process includes information indicating that the same image is to be printed a plurality of times, the processing unit prints the same image a plurality of times using the data stored in the storage unit. The print control device according to claim 1, wherein the control is performed.   3. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication line is a network, and the first data and the second data are a first packet and a second packet. A print control method in a print control device capable of communicating with a host computer via a communication line,
A first receiving step of receiving first data including data of the attribute of the print data, to which an attribute unit indicating the attribute of the print data is attached;
A second receiving step of receiving second data including print data, to which an attribute portion indicating print data to be output is attached;
A storage control step of causing the storage unit to store data based on print data included in the second data received in the second receiving step,
A processing step of performing processing of print data included in the second data to which an attribute portion indicating the print data to be output is attached, based on data of an attribute of the print data included in the first data;
If the attribute data of the print data included in the first data contains an invalid value before the printout based on the data stored in the storage unit is performed, an error status is notified to the host computer. A print control method.   If the attribute of the print data output process includes information indicating that the same image is to be printed a plurality of times, the processing unit prints the same image a plurality of times using the data stored in the storage unit. The printing control method according to claim 4, wherein the printing is controlled.   The print control method according to claim 4, wherein the communication line is a network, and the first data and the second data are a first packet and a second packet.

Images