JP2016055596A - Printer and control method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer efficiently executing processing synthesizing a plurality of data and performing printing, and further to provide a control method of the printer.SOLUTION: A printer 5 comprises: a printer control section 27 executing processing developing printing object data as an image in each of a first layer L1 and a second layer L2 and processing overwriting the first layer L1 on the second layer L2 and synthesizing the first layer L1 and the second layer L2; a printing section 10 executing printing on the basis of the image synthesized by the printer control section 27; and a cache region 23 storing the image developed in the second layer L2. The printer control section 27 develops the image stored by the cache region 23 in the second layer L2 when determining development results of developing the printing object data in the second layer L2 to be the same contents as those of the image stored by the cache region 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing apparatus control method.

  Conventionally, in a process of generating a composite image by combining a plurality of image data, a method is known in which image data is expanded into layers, and the expanded images are superimposed and combined (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes an apparatus that suppresses the memory capacity by overwriting a layer image developed in a memory area with another image.

JP 2009-5131 A

A printing apparatus that performs printing based on data such as characters and images generally performs printing based on data provided from a host apparatus. When such a printing apparatus synthesizes data, there has been no proposal for a method for ensuring printing quality and performing processing efficiently.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and provides a printing apparatus that performs a process of combining and printing a plurality of data efficiently while maintaining quality and a method for controlling the printing apparatus. With the goal.

In order to achieve the above object, the printing apparatus according to the present invention combines a process of developing print target data as an image on each of the first and second layers and overwriting the first layer on the second layer. An image processing unit that executes processing, a printing unit that executes printing based on an image synthesized by the image processing unit, and an image storage unit that stores an image developed on the second layer. When the processing unit determines that the expansion result of expanding the print target data to the second layer has the same contents as the image stored in the image storage unit, the processing unit stores the image stored in the image storage unit in the second layer It is characterized by expanding to.
According to the present invention, in the process of generating print data by synthesizing print target data, it is possible to prevent a decrease in print quality and use an already developed image when developing the print target data. It is possible to reduce the processing efficiency.

In the printing apparatus, the image processing unit may perform a process of setting the first layer or the second layer as an active layer and develop the print target data in the active layer.
According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly determine a layer on which print target data is developed, and to improve processing efficiency.

The printing apparatus may further include a receiving unit that receives the print target data, and the image processing unit expands the print target data received by the receiving unit on the active layer.
According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently perform processing for receiving, combining, and printing print target data.

The printing apparatus may further include a data storage unit that stores the print target data, and the image processing unit may acquire the print data from the data storage unit, and the active layer of the first and second layers. It may be configured to expand to a layer that is not set as a layer.
According to the present invention, in addition to the print target data to be received, the print target data stored in advance can be expanded and printed. In addition, the layer on which the stored print target data is developed can be quickly determined according to the setting of the active layer.

In the printing apparatus, the printing unit continuously executes printing in a plurality of printing areas, and the image processing unit is binary printing target data that the receiving unit receives for each printing area, And the structure which expand | deploys the said multi-value print object data common to the said several printing area | region may be sufficient.
According to the present invention, when printing is continuously performed on a plurality of print areas, different print target data for each print area and print target data common to the plurality of print areas can be efficiently developed. In addition, since the data to be printed that is different for each print area is binary, the processing load can be reduced.

In the printing apparatus, the second layer may be configured to develop a multi-valued image.
According to the present invention, the processing load can be effectively reduced by improving the efficiency of the process of developing a multi-valued image.

In the printing apparatus, the printing unit may include a line head that ejects ink.
According to the present invention, an ink jet printing apparatus including a line head can efficiently synthesize and print data to be printed.

In order to achieve the above object, the printing apparatus control method of the present invention develops print target data as an image on each of the first and second layers, and overwrites the first layer on the second layer. The image to be developed is executed based on the synthesized image, the image developed on the second layer is stored in the image storage unit, and the data to be printed is developed on the second layer. When it is determined that the content is the same as the image stored in the image storage unit, the image stored in the image storage unit is developed on the second layer.
According to the present invention, when developing the print target data, the already developed image can be used, so that the processing load can be reduced and the processing efficiency can be improved.

1 is a functional block diagram of a printing system according to an embodiment. The top view which shows the example of printing to label paper. Explanatory drawing of the process with respect to a layer. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of a host computer. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a printer.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a printing system 8 according to the embodiment.
The printing system 8 is configured by connecting a printer 5 (printing apparatus) and a host computer 1 (host apparatus) that controls the printer 5.
The printing system 8 is a system in which the host computer 1 transmits (outputs) data based on an operator's operation, and the printer 5 receives data from the host computer 1 and executes printing.

The host computer 1 includes a host control unit 45 that controls each unit of the host computer 1. The host control unit 45 includes an application execution unit 45a and a printer driver execution unit 45b.
The application execution unit 45a executes an application program such as a document creation program, an image editing program, or a POS application. The application execution unit 45a generates and outputs information for printing a document or image created by the application program when printing execution is instructed by an operator's operation. This information includes image data, character (text) data, and the like.
The printer driver execution unit 45 b executes a device driver program that controls the printer 5. The printer driver execution unit 45 b generates a command for controlling the printer 5 and transmits the command and data related to the command to the printer 5. For example, the printer driver execution unit 45b transmits data output from the application execution unit 45a and a print command for instructing the printer 5 to perform printing. For example, when printing an image based on data stored in the printer 5, the printer driver execution unit 45b generates a command for designating data to be printed.

  In addition, the printer driver execution unit 45b generates a control command for performing control other than printing and transmits it to the printer 5, and the printer 5 transmits the control command transmitted by the printer driver execution unit 45b. It has a function to analyze the response command.

  The device driver program executed by the printer driver execution unit 45b may be a program optimized for the printer 5, or may be a general-purpose device driver program. Further, a device driver program for a printer of a different model from the printer 5 may be used. In this case, it is sufficient that the printer 5 can process commands, data, and the like corresponding to printers of models other than the printer 5.

A host display unit 46, a host input unit 47, a host storage unit 48, and an interface (I / F) 49 are connected to the host control unit 45. The host display unit 46 is connected to a display device (not shown) such as a liquid crystal display. The host display unit 46 displays the result of the processing executed by the host control unit 45 and the contents of the operation detected by the host input unit 47 on the display device according to the control of the host control unit 45.
The host input unit 47 is connected to an input device (not shown) including a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse. When the operator operates the input device, the host input unit 47 detects this operation and outputs operation data indicating the operation content to the host control unit 45.

The host storage unit 48 stores programs and data in a nonvolatile manner. The host storage unit 48 is, for example, a storage area of a semiconductor storage device, a magnetic storage medium, or an optical storage medium. The host storage unit 48 stores a control program executed by the host control unit 45, application programs, and data related to these programs.
The host storage unit 48 stores variable image data 48a (print target data) and composite image data 48b. The variable image data 48a is data of an image (including characters and bar codes) printed by the printer 5. The printer driver execution unit 45b generates variable image data 48a based on information output from the application execution unit 45a, stores the variable image data 48a in the host storage unit 48, and transmits the variable image data 48a to the printer 5. The variable image data 48a is data generated by the application execution unit 45a or data acquired by the host control unit 45 from an external device (not shown). The composite image data 48 b is data that is combined by a function of the printer 5 described later and transmitted from the printer 5 to the host computer 1.
The interface 49 is connected to the printer 5 and executes communication with the printer 5 under the control of the host control unit 45. The interface 49 may be a wired communication interface that communicates through a cable, or may be a wireless communication interface that performs wireless communication of a wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The interface 49 appropriately includes hardware necessary for communication, such as a physically connected connector, an antenna, and an interface circuit.

  The printer 5 is a device that performs printing on a print medium. In the present embodiment, as an example, the printer 5 is an ink jet printer. The printer 5 includes a printing unit 10 as a component that performs printing on a printing medium. The printer 5 includes a printer control unit 27 that controls each unit of the printer 5, and the printing unit 10 executes printing under the control of the printer control unit 27.

The printing unit 10 includes a line inkjet head 12, a transport motor 36, and a black mark sensor 42.
The line inkjet head 12 has nozzles arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the print medium, and ejects ink toward the print surface of the print medium. The nozzles of the line inkjet head 12 are arranged over the entire printing range, and printing can be performed over the entire printing range without scanning the line inkjet head 12. For example, the line inkjet head 12 includes a nozzle row for each of four colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) so that full-color printing can be performed. Also good. Further, the line inkjet head 12 may include a nozzle row corresponding to five or more colors of ink, or may be configured to include a nozzle row corresponding to two or one color of ink.

The printing medium used in the printer 5 is a cut sheet or a continuous sheet cut into a predetermined size. These sheets are made of paper or synthetic resin, and may be subjected to surface processing. The continuous sheet is, for example, roll paper or fanfold paper.
In the present embodiment, a label sheet 14 in which a fixed-size label having an adhesive on the back surface is arranged on a release sheet (mounting sheet) is used as a printing medium. The configuration of the label paper 14 and the manner in which the printer 5 prints will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The black mark sensor 42 is an optical sensor that is provided in a conveyance path for conveying the label paper 14 and detects the black mark BM (FIG. 2) of the label paper 14. The black mark sensor 42 detects the black mark BM during conveyance of the label paper 14 and outputs the detection value to the printer control unit 27.

  The transport motor 36 transports the label paper 14 by rotating a transport roller (not shown) under the control of the printer control unit 27. The transport motor 36 is configured by, for example, a stepping motor, and the printer control unit 27 can control the rotation amount and the rotation direction of the transport motor 36. When the transport motor 36 rotates in the forward direction, the label paper 14 moves in the forward direction (transport direction YJ1 in FIG. 2). When the transport motor 36 is rotated in the reverse direction, the label paper 14 moves in the direction opposite to the transport direction YJ1.

The printer control unit 27 includes a CPU or the like as a calculation execution unit (not shown). A ROM (not shown) is connected to the printer control unit 27, and the ROM stores a control program executable by the CPU, data related to the control program, and the like in a nonvolatile manner. The printer control unit 27 executes a control program stored in the ROM, and functions as a print control unit 27a and an image processing unit 27b.
The memory 20 is connected to the printer control unit 27. The memory 20 is a temporary storage area generally called a RAM (Random Access Memory), and is composed of, for example, a semiconductor storage device. The memory 20 temporarily stores a program executed by the CPU and data related to the program. The storage area of the memory 20 includes a first layer area 21, a second layer area 22, and a cache area 23 (image storage unit) which will be described later.
The printer control unit 27 may incorporate a RAM different from the memory 20, and the printer control unit 27 may include a ROM, a RAM, and other circuits.

The printer control unit 27 is connected to a printer display unit 39, a printer input unit 40, an interface (I / F) 41 (reception unit), and a printer storage unit 50 (data storage unit).
The printer display unit 39 includes an LED indicator and a liquid crystal display panel for displaying the operation state of the printer 5 and performs display under the control of the printer control unit 27. The printer input unit 40 includes various switches, and outputs a signal corresponding to the operation of these switches to the printer control unit 27.

  The interface 41 is connected to the interface 49 of the host computer 1 and executes communication with the host computer 1 under the control of the printer control unit 27. The interface 41 may be a wired communication interface that communicates via a cable, or may be a wireless communication interface that performs wireless communication of a wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The interface 41 appropriately includes hardware necessary for communication, such as a physically connected connector, an antenna, and an interface circuit.

  The printer control unit 27 includes a print control unit 27a and an image processing unit 27b as functional blocks. The print control unit 27a and the image processing unit 27b are functions when the CPU executes firmware.

The image processing unit 27b can arbitrarily select a layer for developing the variable image data 48a and the fixed image data 50b from the first layer L1 and the second layer L2. For example, the variable image data 48a may be set to be developed on the first layer L1, and the fixed image data 50b may be set to be developed on the second layer L2.
In the present embodiment, one of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 is set as the active layer. The image processing unit 27b develops the variable image data 48a received by the interface 41 on the active layer.

Further, when the fixed image data 50b stored in the printer storage unit 50 is designated by the command received by the interface 41, the image processing unit 27b reads the fixed image data 50b from the printer storage unit 50.
The image processing unit 27b expands the read fixed image data 50b to either the first layer L1 or the second layer L2.
The image processing unit 27b generates a composite image on the second layer L2 by overwriting the image developed on the first layer L1 on the second layer L2. The composite image data generated by the image processing unit 27b is print data used by the print control unit 27a for printing.
The cache area 23 is a temporary storage area for storing images developed by the image processing unit 27b in the first layer L1 and the second layer L2. When the image processing unit 27b expands the image to the first layer L1 and the second layer L2, the expanded image can be stored in the cache area 23. All images developed by the image processing unit 27b can be stored in the cache area 23, and images developed in any one of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 are stored in the cache area 23. You may set to do. In the present embodiment, the image developed in the second layer L2 is stored in the cache area 23.

  The print control unit 27a analyzes a command received by the interface 41 from the host computer 1, and executes printing when this command is a command for instructing printing. In this process, the print control unit 27a calls the image processing unit 27b. The image processing unit 27b generates print data that is image data for printing based on the variable image data 48a received by the interface 41 and / or the fixed image data 50b (print target data) stored by the printer storage unit 50. To do. The image processing unit 27b expands the variable image data 48a received by the interface 41 to the first layer L1 of the first layer region 21 included in the memory 20. Further, when the fixed image data 50b stored in the printer storage unit 50 is designated by the command received by the interface 41, the image processing unit 27b reads the fixed image data 50b from the printer storage unit 50. The image processing unit 27b expands the read fixed image data 50b to the second layer L2 of the second layer region 22. The image processing unit 27b generates a composite image on the second layer L2 by overwriting the image developed on the first layer L1 on the second layer L2. The composite image data generated by the image processing unit 27b is print data used by the print control unit 27a for printing.

  The print control unit 27a executes printing based on the composite image data formed on the second layer L2 by the image processing unit 27b. Here, the print control unit 27a controls the transport motor 36 to transport the label paper 14, and drives the line inkjet head 12 to discharge ink. Here, the composite image of the second layer L2 is a raster image in which print color data is set for each pixel for pixels of a predetermined number of dots that cover the printable area of the printer 5, as will be described later. The print control unit 27a prints the color of the composite image of the second layer L2, that is, the color information for each pixel of the print data, according to the LUT (not shown) stored in the printer storage unit 50. Convert to each ink amount. The print control unit 27a determines the position and size of dots formed by the line inkjet head 12 by ejecting ink droplets for each ink color based on the converted ink amount, and executes printing.

The printer storage unit 50 includes a semiconductor storage element such as an EEPROM or a flash memory, or a storage medium such as a hard disk, and can store various data such as a large-capacity image in a rewritable manner. The printer storage unit 50 may be fixedly provided in the printer 5, but may be configured to be detachable from the printer 5. For example, the printer storage unit 50 may be a hard disk drive, a card type memory device, a USB type stick type memory device, or the like.
The printer storage unit 50 stores a template 50a, fixed image data 50b, and setting data 50c. The template 50a includes data for determining the arrangement of images and characters in the process in which the image processing unit 27b develops the variable image data 48a or the fixed image data 50b on the first layer L1. The fixed image data 50b is image data of a fixed image G3 described later.
The setting data 50 c includes data indicating various setting contents regarding the operation of the printer 5, and includes data of contents set for processing executed by the printer control unit 27. For example, the setting data 50c includes data that designates a template 50a that is selected and read by the image processing unit 27b when the printer storage unit 50 stores a plurality of templates 50a.
In the present embodiment, the setting data 50c includes data indicating the setting content of the active layer. In the simplest example, data indicating whether the layer set as the active layer is the first layer L1 or the second layer L2 is included. For example, the setting data 50c includes a value “0” indicating the first layer L1 or a value “1” indicating the second layer L2 as the setting value of the active layer. There may be a value indicating that there is no active layer. Further, data indicating whether the layer set as the active layer is a binary layer or a multi-value layer described later may be included.

The active layer is a layer that is preferentially used by the image processing unit 27b among a plurality of layers (first layer L1 and second layer L2) that can be used for processing by the image processing unit 27b. When the variable image data 48a is received by the interface 41 or when the fixed image data 50b is read from the printer storage unit 50, the image processing unit 27b develops an image on the active layer. When the host computer 1 transmits a command for switching the active layer to the printer 5, the printer control unit 27 switches the setting of the active layer according to the received command.
For example, the printer driver execution unit 45b generates and transmits a layer setting command for setting an active layer and a parameter. In this parameter, a value “0” indicating the first layer L1 and a value “1” indicating the second layer L2 are defined as set values of the active layer. A value indicating that no active layer is set may be defined.

For this reason, the printing system 8 operates in the following order, for example.
1. In accordance with the command, the image processing unit 27b sets the active layer to the first layer L1.
2. The interface 41 receives the variable image data 48a, and the image processing unit 27b develops the image on the first layer L1.
3. In accordance with the command, the image processing unit 27b sets (switches) the active layer to the second layer L2.
4). In accordance with a command specifying the fixed image data 50b, the image processing unit 27b reads the fixed image data 50b and develops it on the second layer L2.
The host computer 1 can transmit a command for switching the active layer together with a print command and a command or data for specifying the fixed image data 50b. The printer control unit 27 executes commands in the order received by the interface 41. For this reason, when the host computer 1 controls the order of the print command, the command for instructing switching of the active layer, and the command for specifying the fixed image data 50b, the printer 5 may execute the above operations 1 to 4. it can.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of printing on the label paper 14. FIG. 2A shows an example of printing on the label paper 14, and FIG. 2B shows an example of using a label paper Q1 that has been preprinted as described below as a comparative example.
The example shown in FIG. 2 shows an example in which the printing system 8 issues (prints) a label attached to an industrial product package or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (A), the label paper 14 includes a strip-shaped release paper having a predetermined width, and a plurality of label portions S (print regions) arranged at predetermined intervals on the printing surface 15 of the release paper. And have. The label portion S is a piece of paper having an adhesive on the back surface, and the label portion S can be peeled off from the release paper after printing. In the label paper 14, the size of the label portion S and the interval between the label portion S and the label portion S are constant. The line inkjet head 12 discharges ink onto the surface of the label portion S.

  The printer 5 transports the label paper 14 in the transport direction (forward transport direction) indicated by YJ1 in the drawing and prints it. The label paper 14 is long in the transport direction YJ1, and the label portion S is arranged along the transport direction YJ1. A black mark BM is formed on the back surface of the label paper 14. The black mark BM is a rectangular mark colored with black or dark color. In the example of FIG. 2A, there is one black mark BM corresponding to one label portion S. The black mark BM is at the side edge of the label paper 14 and corresponds to the reading position of the black mark sensor 42. The print control unit 27a identifies the leading end of the label unit S based on the position where the black mark sensor 42 detects the black mark BM.

  An image that the printer 5 prints on the label portion S is referred to as a print image G1. The print image G1 includes a variable image G2 and a fixed image G3. The variable image G2 is a different image for each label portion S. In the example of FIG. 2A, the variable image G2 includes characters and a barcode. On the other hand, the fixed image G3 is an image printed in common with the plurality of label portions S, and includes a red frame and logo characters in the example of FIG.

  In the printing system 8, the host computer 1 transmits variable image data 48 a that is data of the variable image G <b> 2 to the printer 5. The variable image data 48a is transmitted by the host computer 1 for each label portion S. Further, the variable image G2 does not have to be different in all the label portions S. For example, the variable image G2 that is common to the plurality of label portions S is used, and the printer 5 changes the same to the plurality of label portions S. The image G2 may be printed. In this case, the host computer 1 transmits the variable image data 48a a plurality of times. Further, one variable image data 48a transmitted from the host computer 1 may be copied by the printer 5 and printed a plurality of times. For example, the host computer 1 may instruct the printer 5 with a command so that one variable image data 48a is repeatedly printed on the plurality of label portions S.

The fixed image G3 is an image conventionally used by a method called preprint. Conventionally, a business that issues labels has purchased label paper Q1 that has been preprinted as shown in FIG. Different images (variable images G2) for each label portion S are not printed on the label paper Q1, but only a fixed image G3 common to the plurality of label portions S is printed. In this conventional method, when the label paper Q1 is set in the printer 5 and the printer 5 prints the variable image G2, both the variable image G2 and the fixed image G3 are printed on the label portion S.
The printing system 8 can issue the label portion S without using the preprinted label paper Q1 by printing both the fixed image G3 and the variable image G2 with the printer 5.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams of the processing for the layers. FIG. 3A schematically illustrates the configuration of the first layer L1, and FIG. 3B schematically illustrates the configuration of the second layer L2. FIG. 3C schematically shows a process in which the print control unit 27a combines images.
The first layer L1 shown in FIG. 3A is provided in the first layer region 21 of the memory 20. The second layer L2 in FIG. 3B is provided in the second layer region 22.

  The first layer area 21 is an area provided by dividing a part of the physical storage area of the memory 20 in order to store the first layer L1. The first layer L1 is a virtual area that holds an image on which the print target data is expanded. The actual data of the image that the printer control unit 27 expands on the first layer L1 is stored in the first layer area 21. The same applies to the second layer L2, and the second layer area 22 is an area obtained by dividing a part of the physical storage area of the memory 20 in order to store the second layer L2. The second layer L2 is a virtual area that holds an image for developing the print target data. The actual data of the image developed by the printer control unit 27 on the second layer L2 is stored in the second layer area 22.

  The first layer L1 and the second layer L2 have a capacity that matches the print resolution of the line inkjet head 12 and the size of the printable area of the printer 5. The first layer L1 and the second layer L2 can store color information for each pixel for a plurality of pixels (dots). The first layer region 21 and the second layer region 22 store color information data (color data) corresponding to the number of pixels. Accordingly, the first layer region 21 and the second layer region 22 store raster image data corresponding to the number of dots formed by the line inkjet head 12.

The image processing unit 27b selects one of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2, and performs a process of developing each of the variable image data 48a and the fixed image data 50b.
The image processing unit 27b can develop the variable image data 48a and the fixed image data 50b for both the first layer L1 and the second layer L2. The image processing unit 27b can select a layer for developing data for each process of developing data, but can also set in advance.
Hereinafter, an example in which the image processing unit 27b develops the variable image data 48a on the first layer L1 and the fixed image data 50b on the second layer L2 will be described.

  The image processing unit 27b generates raster image data based on the variable image data 48a transmitted from the host computer 1, and writes it to the first layer L1. The variable image data 48a can include text data, barcode data, and image data. The image processing unit 27b converts the text data into an image based on font data (not shown) stored in the printer storage unit 50, and writes it into the first layer L1. In addition, the image processing unit 27b converts the barcode data into an image based on the barcode font data stored in the printer storage unit 50, and writes the image into the first layer L1. In addition, the image processing unit 27b converts vector image data or raster image data into raster image data and writes the raster image data in the first layer L1. A series of processes in which the image processing unit 27b writes text data, barcode data, or image data as raster image data in the first layer L1 in this way is called “development”. The image processing unit 27b develops one data on the first layer L1 to form a variable image G2, or arranges a plurality of images based on a plurality of data on the first layer L1 to form the variable image G2. You can also.

The first layer L1 has a capacity capable of storing data of the number of pixels that cover the printable range of the printer 5, for example. In the present embodiment, since the entire surface of the label portion S is in the printable range, the image processing portion 27b can place and develop characters and images anywhere on the surface of the label portion S. The position where the image processing unit 27b arranges characters and images and the size of the characters are determined by the template 50a.
In the example of FIG. 3A, a dispositionable area A where the image processing unit 27b can dispose characters and images is disposed at the center of the first layer L1. Further, in the placeable area A, an area A1 for placing characters, an area A2 for placing barcodes, and an area A3 for placing characters corresponding to barcodes are provided. The template 50a includes data designating the size and position of the placeable area A, the sizes and positions of the areas A1, A2, and A3, the fonts and character sizes of the areas A1 and A3, and the barcode font of the area A2. The data included in the template 50 a may be transmitted from the host computer 1 to the printer 5.
The image processing unit 27b develops the data received by the interface 41 in the first layer L1 according to the template 50a, so that the raster image data of the variable image G2 is formed in the first layer L1.

  The second layer L2 has a capacity capable of storing data of the number of pixels that cover the printable range of the printer 5, for example. The image processing unit 27b writes raster image data in the second layer L2 based on the fixed image data 50b. The position and size at which the image processing unit 27b arranges the image in the second layer L2 may be determined by data included in the fixed image data 50b or may be determined by data included in the template 50a. Further, the template 50a may include information specifying the fixed image data 50b.

The first layer L1 and the second layer L2 are not limited to those that cover the entire printable range of the printer 5. The first layer L1 only needs to have at least a capacity that allows the image processing unit 27b to arrange the characters and images of the variable image G2. The second layer L2 has at least a capacity that can arrange an image having a size larger than the first layer L1. If there is. For this reason, the storage capacity of the first layer L1 and the storage capacity of the second layer L2 may be different. In the present embodiment, the storage capacity of the second layer region 22 is at least as large as the first layer region 21.
For this reason, the storage capacity of the first layer area 21 storing the first layer L1 is smaller than the storage capacity of the second layer area 22 storing the second layer L2. Thereby, the use efficiency of the memory 20 can be increased by reducing the storage capacity of the layer for developing the print target data with a small storage capacity.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the image processing unit 27b overwrites the fixed image G3 of the second layer L2 with the variable image G2 developed on the first layer L1, and synthesizes the print image G1. With this process, in the second layer L2, the print image G1 is written over the fixed image G3. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a storage area for storing the print image G1 separately from the first layer L1 and the second layer L2, so that the storage capacity of the memory 20 can be used efficiently.
Further, for example, when image processing is performed on the variable image G2, there is an advantage that a problem that the image processing performed on the variable image G2 affects the fixed image G3 can be prevented. Specifically, when the image processing unit 27b expands vector image data or text data to generate the variable image G2, the image processing unit 27b performs image processing such as color change or enlargement / reduction on the variable image G2. These processes cannot be performed on the data before expansion. For this reason, the image processing unit 27b performs image processing on the developed variable image G2. In the present embodiment, since the variable image G2 is developed on the first layer L1, the image processing unit 27b performs image processing on the first layer L1. At this time, since the fixed image G3 is developed on the second layer L2, it is not affected by the image processing of the first layer L1. Then, if the variable image G2 of the first layer L1 subjected to the image processing is synthesized with the fixed image G3 of the second layer L2, the target print image G1 can be obtained.
As a method of synthesizing the variable image G2 and the fixed image G3, there is a method in which the fixed image G3 is developed in the storage area of the memory 20 and overwritten while developing the variable image G2. In this method, when the development of the variable image G2 is completed, the composition of the variable image G2 and the fixed image G3 is also completed. For this reason, when image processing is performed on the developed variable image G2, the fixed image G3 is affected by the image processing, and there is a possibility that an image change unintended by the operator may occur. In this embodiment, the variable image G2 and the fixed image G3 are developed in different layers, and then the layer image is overwritten, thereby eliminating the concern of reducing the print quality, maintaining the print quality, and combining a plurality of data. Can be printed. Also, a large storage area is required by using a plurality of layers, but by using the first layer L1 as a binary layer, the required storage area can be suppressed and the memory 20 can be used efficiently.

In the first layer L1 and the second layer L2, a color image may be developed, a gray scale image may be developed, or a monochrome binary image may be developed. In other words, the first layer region 21 and the second layer region 22 may store full-color raster image data, grayscale image data, or monochrome binary image data. Good. In the present embodiment, the first layer L1 is an area for storing monochrome binary image data. The second layer L2 is an area for storing color raster image data. Therefore, the first layer area 21 stores monochrome binary raster image data, and the second layer area 22 stores color (for example, 24-bit full color) raster image data.
Here, the monochrome binary raster image data stored in the first layer region 21 includes a value indicating white (for example, “0”) and a value indicating black (for example, “1”) for each pixel.

  The process of overwriting the image of the first layer L1 on the image of the second layer L2 is a process of replacing the color of the corresponding pixel in the second layer L2 with the color of a certain pixel in the first layer L1. In the second layer L2, the color of the overwritten pixel becomes the color of the pixel in the first layer L1. When the number of pixels in the first layer L1 and the number of pixels in the second layer L2 are the same, the colors of the pixels at the same positions in the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 are replaced. In addition, when the number of pixels of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 is different, the correspondence between the pixels of the first layer L1 and the pixels of the second layer L2 is set in advance, and the color of the pixels associated by this setting is Replaced.

  In the present embodiment, since the first layer L1 develops a monochrome binary image, the second layer L2 is overwritten with white or black. Here, the image processing unit 27b processes the color of the white pixel of the first layer L1 as colorless. For pixels that are white in the first layer L1, the second layer L2 is not overwritten, and the color data before synthesis is maintained. In other words, in the second layer L2, the color of the pixel corresponding to the black pixel of the first layer L1 is replaced with black, and the color of the other pixels remains the developed image. The printing unit 10 does not use the ink that forms the white dots, and the white part is configured to use the background color of the print medium (particularly, the label part S), so the above processing method is particularly reasonable. Even when the first layer L1 develops a color image, the pixel data of white (for example, (R, G, B) = (255, 255, 255)) or its approximate color in the first layer L1 is What is necessary is just to set it as the structure which does not overwrite the 2nd layer L2.

The image processing unit 27b generates monochrome binary raster image data based on the data related to the variable image G2 received by the interface 41 and writes it to the first layer L1, so that the variable image G2 becomes a monochrome binary image. . Since the capacity of the first layer L1 can be suppressed, there is an advantage that the storage capacity of the first layer region 21 can be smaller.
In this configuration, the first layer L1 corresponds to a binary layer for developing a binary image, and the second layer L2 corresponds to a multi-value layer for developing a color (multi-value) image.

When the variable image data 48a received by the interface 41 is color image data and the first layer L1 is a binary image layer, the image processing unit 27b generates a binary image based on the variable image data 48a. To write to the first layer L1. In this case, the image processing unit 27b converts the color information included in the variable image data 48a into black and white binary information. The same applies to the case where the variable image data 48a is grayscale data.
When the variable image data 48a is black and white binary data, the image processing unit 27b generates a binary image based on the variable image data 48a and writes it to the first layer L1. The black-and-white binary data is, for example, character or barcode data that does not include designation of the print color, or the print color is black or gray, or black-and-white binary or grayscale image data. The color data is, for example, character or barcode data for which a print color other than black or gray is designated, or color image data.

Further, the image processing unit 27b stores the image data expanded in the second layer L2 in the cache area 23 when the fixed image data 50b is expanded in the second layer L2. Specifically, the raster image data stored in the second layer area 22 is copied to the cache area 23. Thereafter, the image processing unit 27b performs processing for the image developed on the second layer L2, for example, processing for overwriting the image of the first layer L1.
In this case, the image of the second layer L2 before being overwritten is stored in the cache area 23, and the image processing unit 27b can read the data from the cache area 23 and develop it on the second layer L2 or the first layer L1. In this embodiment, since the data of the second layer L2 is stored in the cache area 23, the image processing unit 27b expands the data of the cache area 23 to the second layer L2.

  As described above, the image processing unit 27b performs temporary storage processing for storing the data expanded in the layer in the cache area 23 and re-expansion processing for expanding the data stored in the cache area 23 into the layer. Layers to be temporarily stored and redeployed can be set in advance, and this setting is performed by the host computer 1 using a command, as in the case of setting an active layer to be described later. When the host computer 1 transmits a command for specifying a layer to be processed in the temporary storage process, the printer 5 is set to store the data of the layer specified by this command in the cache area 23. The same applies to the redeployment process. When the host computer 1 transmits a command for specifying a layer to be processed in the re-development process, the printer 5 is set to expand the data in the cache area 23 to the layer specified by this command. Data relating to this setting is included in the setting data 50 c and stored in the printer storage unit 50. The image processing unit 27b can select data to be stored in the cache area 23 by the temporary storage process according to the setting data 50c, and can select a layer for expanding the data in the cache area 23 by the re-development process.

Since the data stored in the cache area 23 is already developed data, the processing load for developing the data from the cache area 23 to the second layer L2 is very small. This is because, for example, processing for converting character data or vector image data into raster image data is not necessary. For example, when printing on the label part S using one fixed image data 50b many times, the image processing unit 27b performs a process of developing the fixed image data 50b as raster image data on the second layer L2 once. For example, thereafter, the data in the cache area 23 may be used, and the processing load can be greatly reduced.
Since the memory 20 has, for example, a volatile storage area, the data in the cache area 23 is held while the printer 5 is powered on. The image processing unit 27b can read and use data from the cache area 23 many times until the data in the cache area 23 is overwritten or erased.

  4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the operation of the printing system 8 when setting and printing the active layer. FIG. 4 shows the operation of the host computer 1, and FIG. 5 shows the operation of the printer 5.

As shown in FIG. 4, the application execution unit 45a of the host computer 1 generates information related to the variable image G2 according to the operation of the operator, and outputs it to the printer driver execution unit 45b (step SA1). The information output by the application execution unit 45a includes the character code of the character string and the barcode code in the variable image G2, or these image data. Moreover, the information which designates the template 50a may be included.
Further, the printer driver execution unit 45b displays a screen for setting the active layer, and generates a control command (layer setting command) for setting the active layer when the operator selects the active layer (step SA2).

  The printer driver execution unit 45b stores the variable image data 48a in the host storage unit 48 based on the information output from the application execution unit 45a, and generates a print command for instructing printing (step SA2). Thereafter, the printer driver execution unit 45b transmits the print command, the layer setting command, and the variable image data 48a to the printer 5 through the interface 49 (step SA4).

  The printer driver execution unit 45b determines whether or not transmission of the variable image data 48a has been completed for all the label units S to be printed (step SA5), and if there is a label unit S that has not yet transmitted data. (Step SA5; No), the process returns to Step SA1. When the data has been transmitted for all the label portions S (step SA5; Yes), this process is terminated.

The operations in steps SA1 to SA5 are examples in which the application execution unit 45a generates the variable image data 48a of the label unit S one by one and transmits the command and data to the printer 5 for each label unit S. In addition, the application execution unit 45 a can generate data to be printed on a plurality of label units S and store variable image data 48 a corresponding to the plurality of label units S in the host storage unit 48.
The printer driver execution unit 45 b may sequentially transmit the print command corresponding to one label unit S and the variable image data 48 a to the printer 5. That is, the operations in steps SA2 to SA4 are repeatedly executed by the same number as the number of label portions S. In this case, the print command transmitted by the printer driver execution unit 45b includes data specifying the fixed image data 50b, and the variable image data 48a is data corresponding to each label unit S. In this operation, the operation of selecting an active layer in step SA2 may be performed only once, and the operations of steps SA1 and SA3 to SA5 may be repeated for the second and subsequent label portions S. In step SA4, the layer setting command may be transmitted every time, or the layer setting command may be transmitted only once.
Further, the printer driver execution unit 45b may collectively transmit data corresponding to a plurality of label portions S to the printer 5 together with a print command. That is, the printer driver execution unit 45 b can perform a single transmission operation, and the printer 5 can print a plurality of label units S. In this case, the print command transmitted by the printer driver execution unit 45b includes data specifying the fixed image data 50b common to the plurality of label units S. The variable image data 48a includes a variable image G2 of a plurality of label portions S.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the printer 5 waits for reception of a command transmitted from the host computer 1 (step SB1). When the command is received by the interface 41 (step SB1; Yes), the printer control unit 27 determines whether or not the received command includes a layer setting command (step SB2). When the layer setting command is included (step SB2; Yes), the printer control unit 27 acquires the layer setting content by the layer setting command (step SB3), and generates the setting data 50c based on the acquired active layer setting content. Alternatively, the setting data 50c is updated (step SB4), and the process proceeds to step SB5.

By this process, either the first layer L1 or the second layer L2 is set as the active layer.
There are two types of operations of the image processing unit 27b regarding the active layer.
In the first operation, as described above, the image processing unit 27b develops the variable image data 48a and the fixed image data 50b on the active layer. That is, the image processing unit 27b develops the data to be printed on the active layer regardless of the type of data to be printed each time processing for developing the data to be printed is performed. For example, when the first layer L1 is an active layer, the image processing unit 27b develops the first layer L1 every time the variable image data 48a is received and every time the fixed image data 50b is read. When data is developed on the second layer L2, processing for setting the second layer L2 as an active layer is performed.

In this case, in the printing system 8, the host computer 1 transmits the variable image data 48a to the printer 5 and transmits a command specifying the fixed image data 50b, and the printer 5 transmits the variable image data 48a and the fixed image data 50b. Based on the above, the image is synthesized and printed. The image processing unit 27b develops an image on the active layer. For this reason, when transmitting the variable image data 48a, the host computer 1 adds a command for setting the active layer to the first layer L1 before the variable image data 48a and transmits it. Further, when transmitting a command designating the fixed image data 50b, the host computer 1 adds a command for setting the active layer to the second layer L2 before the command and transmits the command. Accordingly, the image processing unit 27b sets the active layer to the first layer L1 according to the command, develops the image based on the variable image data 48a, sets the active layer to the second layer L2, and sets the image based on the fixed image data 50b. Expand. Then, the second layer L2 is overwritten with the first layer L1, and the combined image is printed by the printing unit 10.
In the second operation, the image processing unit 27b develops the print target data received by the interface 41 in the active layer. The layer for developing the print target data read from the printer storage unit 50 may be a layer other than the active layer, or may be set separately. In the case of setting, data indicating the setting contents can be included in the setting data 50c.

  If the received command does not include a layer setting command (step SB2; No), the printer control unit 27 proceeds to step SB5.

In step SB5, the printer control unit 27 determines whether the command received by the interface 41 includes a print command for instructing printing (step SB5). When the received command includes a print command for instructing printing (step SB5; Yes), the printer control unit 27 acquires and analyzes the print command and variable image data 48a received by the interface 41 (step SB6).
Here, the printer control unit 27 determines whether or not to update the fixed image data (step SB7). As described above, the printer control unit 27 stores the image data to be developed on the second layer L2 in the cache area 23. In step SB3, the printer control unit 27 determines whether or not the fixed image data 50b specified by the print command is the fixed image data 50b previously developed and stored in the cache area 23. If the data stored in the cache area 23 can be used, it is determined that the fixed image data 50b is not updated (step SB7; No). If data different from the data stored in the cache area 23 is required, it is determined that the fixed image data 50b is updated (step SB7; Yes).

In step SB7, the image processing unit 27b makes a determination with reference to data specifying the fixed image data 50b included in the command received by the interface 41. The host computer 1 transmits data specifying the file name of the fixed image data 50b to the printer 5 together with the print command. The image processing unit 27 b acquires the file name of the fixed image data 50 b from the data loaded on the print command received by the interface 41, and this file name matches the fixed image data 50 b when stored in the cache area 23. The determination is made based on whether or not to do so. If the file names match, it is determined not to update the fixed image data. If the file names do not match, it is determined to update the fixed image data.
The determination at this step SB7 is a determination as to whether or not the expansion result of expanding the fixed image data 50b designated by the command to the second layer L2 has the same contents as the expanded image data stored in the cache area 23. It corresponds to.
Further, the image processing unit 27b may make a determination based on the contents of the file in step SB7. That is, the image processing unit 27b compares the content of the fixed image data 50b designated by the data received by the interface 41 with the content of the fixed image data 50b when the data of the second layer L2 is stored in the cache area 23. To do. If the contents match, it can be determined that the fixed image data is not updated.

When updating the fixed image data 50b, the printer control unit 27 acquires the fixed image data 50b from the printer storage unit 50 (step SB8). The printer control unit 27 expands the fixed image data 50b to a layer that is not set as an active layer (here, the second layer L2) (step SB9). The printer control unit 27 stores the developed image data in the cache area 23 (step SB10).
Thereafter, the printer control unit 27 develops the variable image data 48a received by the interface 41 in the active layer (here, the first layer L1) (step SB12).

  When the fixed image data 50b is not updated (step SB7; No), that is, when it is determined that the expansion result of the designated fixed image data 50b has the same contents as the data stored in the cache area 23, the image processing unit 27b obtains data from the cache area 23, expands it to a layer that is not the active layer (step SB11), and proceeds to step SB12.

The printer control unit 27 overwrites the image developed on the active layer with the layer that is not the active layer, combines the print images (step SB13), and prints the combined print image on the label unit S (step SB14).
Thereafter, the printer control unit 27 returns to step SB1 and waits for reception of a command (step SB1). When the print command is received (step SB1; Yes), the process proceeds to step SB2 as described above.
If no print command is received (step SB1; No), the printer control unit 27 determines whether or not to end printing (step SB15). For example, it is determined that the printing is finished when the time during which the print command is not received continues for a predetermined time or more, or when printing of all the label portions S is completed for the received print command and variable image data 48a. If it is determined that printing is not finished (step SB15; No), the printer control unit 27 returns to step SB1. When it is determined that the printing is finished (step SB15; Yes), this process is finished.

When the host computer 1 sequentially transmits a print command corresponding to one label portion S and variable image data 48a, the printer 5 prints the label portion S one by one by the operation of FIG. When the variable image data 48a transmitted from the host computer 1 includes the variable images G2 of the plurality of label portions S, the printer 5 repeatedly executes the operations of steps SB6 to SB14 by the same number as the number of label portions S. That's fine.
In step SB9 and step SB12, the printer control unit 27 refers to the setting data 50c and determines whether the active layer is the first layer L1 or the second layer L2. Therefore, even if the command received in step SB1 does not include a layer setting command, the printer control unit 27 performs processing according to the setting of the previously received layer setting command. Therefore, the layer setting command may be transmitted by the host computer 1 when changing the setting, and for example, step SA2 in FIG. 4 can be omitted.

  4 and 5 show an example in which the host computer 1 transmits the layer setting command together with the print command and the variable image data 48a. However, the host computer 1 sends the layer setting command without the print command. You may send it. That is, the host computer 1 generates a layer setting command in step SA2 and transmits the layer setting command through the interface 49. In this case, the printer 5 executes the operations of steps SB2 to SB4, and generates or updates the setting data 50c according to the layer setting command. As described above, since the active layer can be set using a command, the active layer can be set together with a print instruction, or the active layer can be set at a timing different from printing. Therefore, the operator's work related to the setting of the active layer and the operation of the host computer 1 can be made efficient.

  As described above, the printer 5 according to the present embodiment performs the process of expanding the print target data in each of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2, and the second layer L2 by overwriting the first layer L1. A printer control unit 27 that executes processing, a printing unit 10 that executes printing based on an image synthesized by the printer control unit 27, a cache area 23 that stores data of an image developed on the second layer L2, and The printer control unit 27 determines that the expansion result of expanding the print target data on the second layer L2 has the same content as the image stored in the cache area 23, the second data is stored in the cache area 23. Expand to layer L2. As a result, when the print target data is expanded, the already expanded image can be used, so that the processing load on the printer control unit 27 can be reduced and the processing efficiency can be improved.

In addition, the printer control unit 27 performs the process of setting the first layer L1 or the second layer L2 as an active layer, and develops the print target data into the active layer. Efficiency can be improved.
Further, since the printer control unit 27 develops the print target data received by the interface 41 in the active layer, the process of receiving and combining the print target data can be performed efficiently.

  In addition, the printer 5 includes a printer storage unit 50 that stores fixed image data 50b. The printer control unit 27 acquires print data from the printer storage unit 50 and activates the first layer L1 and the second layer L2. Expand to layer f that is not set to layer. Thereby, the printer 5 can develop and print the variable image data 48a received by the interface 41 and the fixed image data 50b stored in advance. In addition, the layer in which the fixed image data 50b is developed can be quickly determined according to the setting of the active layer.

In the printer 5, the printing unit 10 continuously performs printing on a plurality of label units S, and the printer control unit 27 is variable data that is binary print target data that the interface 41 receives for each label unit S. The image data 48a and the fixed image data 50b which is multi-value print target data common to the plurality of label portions S may be developed. As described above, when printing is continuously performed on a plurality of label portions S, it is possible to efficiently develop different print target data for each label portion S and print target data common to the plurality of label portions S. . In addition, since the print target data that differs for each label portion S is binary, the processing load can be reduced.
Further, the printing unit 10 may include a line inkjet head 12 that ejects ink. An ink jet printer 5 having a line head can efficiently synthesize and print data to be printed.

The above-described embodiment is merely an aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the print image G1 printed on the label portion S is configured by the variable image G2 and the fixed image G3, and the image processing unit 27b combines the variable image G2 and the fixed image G3 to generate a composite image. The example in which the printing unit 10 prints has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and only the variable image G2 can be printed on the label portion S. For example, the raster image developed on the second layer L2 may be blank. In addition, either or both of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 may store data related to pixel transparency.
Each functional block shown in FIG. 1 can be arbitrarily realized by cooperation of hardware and software, and does not suggest a specific hardware configuration. Further, each function of the host computer 1 and the printer 5 may be provided in another device externally connected to these devices. Further, the host computer 1 and the printer 5 may execute various operations by executing a program stored in an externally connected storage medium. In addition, the printer 5 is not limited to an ink jet printer, and the present invention is also applied to various printing apparatuses such as a dot impact type, a laser type, a thermal type, and a multi-function machine incorporating this type of printing unit. Is possible.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Host computer, 5 ... Printer (printing apparatus), 8 ... Printing system, 10 ... Printing part, 12 ... Line inkjet head, 14 ... Label paper (printing medium), 20 ... Memory, 21 ... First layer area (memory) Area), 22 ... second layer area (storage area), 23 ... cache area (image storage section), 27 ... printer control section (image processing section), 27a ... print control section, 27b ... image processing section, 41 ... interface (Receiving unit) 45 ... Host control unit 45a ... Application execution unit 45b ... Printer driver execution unit 48 ... Host storage unit 48a ... Variable image data (print target data) 48b ... Synthetic image data 49 ... Interface 50: Printer storage unit (data storage unit), 50a: Template, 50b: Fixed image data (Print data), 50c ... setting data, S ... label portion (printing region), G1 ... print image, G2 ... variable image, G3 ... fixed image, L1 ... first layer, L2 ... second layer.

Claims (8)

An image processing unit that executes processing for developing data to be printed on each of the first and second layers as an image, and processing for overwriting the first layer on the second layer to synthesize an image;
A printing unit that executes printing based on an image synthesized by the image processing unit;
An image storage unit for storing the image developed in the second layer,
When the image processing unit determines that the expansion result of expanding the print target data on the second layer has the same content as the image stored in the image storage unit, the image stored in the image storage unit is A printing device that is developed in two layers.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit performs a process of setting the first layer or the second layer as an active layer, and develops the print target data in the active layer. A receiving unit for receiving the print target data;
The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image processing unit develops the print target data received by the receiving unit on the active layer. A data storage unit for storing the print target data;
The image processing unit acquires the print target data from the data storage unit, and expands the data to a layer that is not set as the active layer among the first and second layers. The printing apparatus as described. The printing unit continuously performs printing in a plurality of print areas,
The image processing unit develops the binary print target data received by the receiving unit for each print region and the multi-value print target data common to the plurality of print regions. The printing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4.   The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second layer can develop a multi-valued image.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit includes a line head that ejects ink. The print target data is developed as an image on each of the first and second layers,
Overwrite the first layer on the second layer to compose the image,
Print based on the combined image,
Storing the image developed in the second layer in an image storage unit;
When developing the print target data on the second layer, if it is determined that the image to be developed has the same content as the image stored in the image storage unit, the image stored in the image storage unit is stored in the second layer. Unfolding,
A control method for a printing apparatus.

Images