JP3450958B2 - Printing apparatus and printing method - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention receives a page description code transmitted from an external device such as a host computer, converts the received page description code into intermediate data, and converts the converted intermediate data into a bitmap. The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method for expanding and controlling output means based on the expanded bitmap to print contents described by a page description code.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a host computer such as a personal computer, an operator directly draws a screen by using a page description language (that is, a code or data for defining the screen is input), and a page description code corresponding to the screen is generated. Create drawing data by using the automatically created drawing application software. This page description language is devised so that it is easy for the operator to recognize and the number of input data is small, and an example thereof is illustrated in FIG. For example, page description code (input data) in the figure
201 shows an example of the page description code for drawing a circle having a center coordinate of (1000, 1875) and a radius of 500 in black. Hereinafter, the page description code refers to data defining a figure or character input according to the page description language.

In order to control a printing means, for example, a print head, a lateral movement mechanism of the print head and a paper feeding mechanism, or a laser, a laser scanning mechanism, a drum, etc., a mechanical unit for finally printing a screen corresponds to each pixel. You need a bitmap to do that. If this bit map has 1-bit data indicating the presence or absence of display or printing for each pixel, for example, for a 1-page screen composed of 2481 × 3508 pixels illustrated in FIG. 2481 x 350
It has a data length of 8 bits.

In the case of a low-function printing device, the page description code is expanded into a bit map on the host computer side and the expanded bit map is sent to the printing device side so that the required printing is performed. However, according to this method, the load on the host computer increases. Therefore, a high-performance printing device has been put to practical use, and the process of expanding the page description code into a bitmap is performed on the printing device side.

In developing the page description code into a bit map, a method of once converting it into intermediate data is widely used. For example, when the page description code is a code "drawing a circle", it is converted into data indicating a regular polygon having many vertices. If converted to intermediate data of this format, it can be expanded into a bitmap faster than the process of expanding directly into a bitmap from the definition of "drawing a circle". Various formats have been proposed for this intermediate data. As in the example described above, an example of converting a curved figure into a linear figure approximating (hereinafter referred to as apex format), pixel forming means (for example, a laser in the case of a laser printer). ) Of each scan line into data indicating the print start position and the print end position (hereinafter referred to as run length format), if the bitmap corresponding to the page description code is already stored, There is an example of converting to a storage address, or an example of finally expanding it to a bit map and then processing it as intermediate data like other intermediate data. In the case of the last example, the intermediate data that has already been converted into a bitmap is copied as it is to be expanded into a bitmap. Moreover, the same printing device may have intermediate data in a plurality of formats. For example, a specific page description code may be converted into a run length format, and another specific description code may be converted into a vertex format.

Furthermore, a method called band processing has become widespread in order to develop a page description code for one page into a bitmap. That is, one page is composed of a plurality of (first to nth) areas (each area is called a band), each area is developed into a bit map, and stored in a band memory (having a capacity for one band). To do. Then, printing is performed using the bitmap for the first area stored in the band memory, after that, the bitmap for the second area is stored in the band memory and printing based on that is performed, and so on. Each area is sequentially developed into a bitmap, stored in a band memory, and printed.

FIG. 9 shows a control system diagram of a printing apparatus which executes both conversion processing into intermediate data and band processing. The printing apparatus 300 is used by being connected to a host computer 150 via a signal line 152 and has a built-in computer system centered on the CPU 104. That is, the CPU 104, the interface 102, the ROM 10
6. The RAM 140 is connected by the bus 112 to form a computer system, and the printing unit 110 is controlled by this computer system. The interface 102 sends and receives data to and from the host computer 150.

In the ROM 106, a program for receiving the page description code 154 sent from the host computer 150 and storing it in the reception buffer 114, a program for converting the page description code 154 stored in the reception buffer 114 into intermediate data, A program for expanding the converted intermediate data into a bitmap, a program for controlling the printing unit 110 based on the expanded bitmap, and the like are stored. In addition to this, in case the page description code is a character code, a bitmap forming a character specified by the character code or outline data in which the character shape is described by the page description code is stored.
The bitmap or outline data for this character is stored in the font ROM 108.

The RAM 140 includes an intermediate data buffer 115 and a band memory 13 in addition to the reception buffer 114.
It has 0 and a work memory 128.

The work memory 128 temporarily stores various data in the process of converting the page description code into intermediate data, the process of expanding the intermediate data into a bitmap, and the process of controlling the printing means 110 by the bitmap. , Used as a temporary work area.

The intermediate data buffer 115 has a plurality of areas having a capacity corresponding to each band (area) (1
34 to 138), intermediate data is stored for each band.
The intermediate data is composed of a packet and shape intermediate data or a packet and character intermediate data. Each packet is provided for each page description code, and includes an identifier 142, a color 144, a position 146, and a pointer 148. Color 144 indicates the color of the graphic or character described by the page description code, which is obtained from the page description code. The position indicates the position in the page of the figure or character described by the page description code, which is determined from the page description code itself or the order in which the page description code is sent. The pointer 148 indicates the storage location of the intermediate data corresponding to the shape of the figure or the character by address. For example, when the circle is approximated to a polygon, the address where the vertex coordinates defining the shape of the polygon are stored. Indicates. If the description code is a character code, the font ROM 108 that stores a bitmap (or outline data) for the character corresponding to the character code.
Indicates the address within. The shape intermediate data other than a predetermined pattern such as characters, for example, intermediate data or run length data defining a polygon is stored in the RAM 1
Shape intermediate data group storage areas 118, 122,
Stored in 126, pointer 148 points to that address. The identifier 142 stores in what format the intermediate data is stored, for example, whether an address in the font ROM 108 is designated, polygon shape data in the shape intermediate data group is designated, or in the shape intermediate data group. This indicates the format of the intermediate data such as whether the address of the data indicating the run length data or the bit mat is designated.

In the case of the printing apparatus 300, the page description codes for one page are sequentially received by the reception buffer 114, and converted into intermediate data in a format suitable for the type of the received page description code, and converted for one page. When the process is completed, each band (region) is sequentially developed into a bitmap, stored in the band memory, and printed. That is, first, of the intermediate data stored in the intermediate data buffer 115, the first intermediate data (134) corresponding to the first band is expanded into a bitmap, stored in the band memory 130, and printed. Then, the bit map (first band) in the band memory 130 is erased, and the second intermediate data (136) corresponding to the second band of the intermediate data is expanded into the bit map. Memory 1
It is stored in 30 and printed, and so on.
For each band, expansion to bit memory, storage in band memory, and printing based on that are performed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, there is also a printing apparatus 301 having a page memory 135. This has a capacity capable of storing a standard size bitmap for one page. Those denoted by the same reference numerals are the same as those of the printing apparatus 300 in FIG. Then, all page description codes for one page are expanded into a bitmap, all of which are stored in the page memory, and printing is performed based on the bitmap.

Then, the band memory 130 described in the first section.
In the case of the printing apparatus 300 that uses, there is an advantage that the capacity of the memory (band memory) for storing the bitmap is small, but there are many procedures for exchanging the bitmap in the band memory 130, and high-speed printing cannot be performed. It has the disadvantages. Further, the printing device 301 using the page memory 135 described in the second has the advantage that high-speed printing can be performed, contrary to the above,
It has the disadvantage of increasing the memory capacity.

[0015]

By the way, a roll of paper may be set in the printing apparatus. The roll-shaped sheet has a width of a standard size sheet and a length significantly longer than the standard size and is wound into a roll shape. Normally, the standard size is cut and used, but print data that exceeds the standard size in the length direction is sent from the host computer, and long printing that exceeds the standard length is performed. May need to. However, in the conventional print control device of the type having only the page memory, it is not possible to store all the print data in the page memory, so that the printing of the portion exceeding the standard size is not performed. On the other hand, a print control apparatus of a type having only a band memory can handle the print data within the capacity of the intermediate data buffer, but has a drawback that high-speed printing cannot be performed.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a print control device capable of printing while dealing with print data exceeding a standard size while ensuring high-speed printing.

[0017]

In order to solve this problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a printing apparatus for printing based on input data sent from the outside, in which one page of standard size paper is printed. And a second storage means for storing the input data in a state in which the input data is converted to intermediate data, and the standard storage means.
Bitmap corresponding to the part area size of the size of the paper
Consists of at least one band buffer with a capacity of
A third storage means and a control means, and the control means
Te, wherein if the capacitance of the bit map corresponding to the input data is determined not to exceed the area of the paper of the standard size, expand the bit map corresponding to the input data in the first storage means storing Then, with the control means,
When it is determined that the capacity of the bitmap corresponding to the input data exceeds the area of the standard size paper, the input data is expanded into the corresponding bitmap and stored in the first storage unit, and the area is stored. for those exceeding, at the time of storing only the portion that exceeds the said converted into intermediate data a second memory means, said bus and said intermediate data
The specified block that is set based on the capacity of the buffer.
In the second storage means for each block according to the size of
When storing and printing, save the stored intermediate data.
To each band buffer in the third storage means
It is characterized in that it is expanded into a bitmap and output . In this invention, the following effects can be obtained. When the printing based on the input data sent from the outside fits within the area of one page of the standard size paper, the input data is expanded into a bitmap and stored in the first storage means,
It is printed based on that. On the other hand, when the printing based on the input data from the outside exceeds the standard size of one page of paper, one page of the standard size of the input data is expanded into the bitmap and stored in the first storage means. The portion of the input data that exceeds the area of the standard-size sheet of the input data is converted into intermediate data and stored in the second storage means, and printing is performed based on that. Therefore, it is possible to print more than one page of standard size paper, and in either case, the storage means is used first, so that high-speed printing can be secured.

Further , the following effects can be obtained. When printing based on externally input data exceeds a standard-size page of paper, intermediate data of a part of the input data that exceeds the area of the standard-size paper is second storage means for each predetermined block. The stored intermediate data is expanded into a bit map in a band buffer in the third storage means and output for each block, and printing is sequentially performed based on the bit map. That is, when the standard size of one page is exceeded, the band buffer is repeatedly used for that amount. Therefore, a memory having a capacity for storing all print data including the excess amount in a bit data state is provided. The capacity of the memory (total of the capacity of the first memory and the band buffer) is smaller than the case,
The effect that the device can be made compact and the cost can be reduced can be obtained.

The invention according to claim 2 is the same as claim 1
According to the invention, at least one of the third storage means is provided.
One band buffer is set in the first storage unit where printing based on the stored bitmap is completed. In this invention, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 1, at least one band buffer, is set in a first storage means for completion of printing based on the stored bitmap. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an effect that the capacity as a whole can be smaller than that when the band buffer is separately provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first storage means having a bit map capacity corresponding to one page of standard size paper, and a second storage means for storing input data in a state of being converted into intermediate data. Storage means and the standard size
Set the size of the bitmap that corresponds to the area size of a piece of paper.
A third note consisting of at least one band buffer to have
A printing method for performing printing based on the input data sent from the outside by a printing device having storage means , wherein the capacity of the bitmap corresponding to the input data exceeds the area of the standard size paper. If not, the first store by expanding the input data to the memory means corresponding bitmap, the bit corresponding to the input data
When the capacity of the map exceeds the area of the standard size paper, the input data is expanded into the corresponding bitmap and stored in the first storage means. when stored in the second storage means only converts the intermediate data, the intermediate
Data is set based on the capacity of the band buffer
For each block according to the size of the predetermined block
When the data is stored in the second storage means and is printed,
Inter-block data is sequentially stored in blocks for each block in the third storage means.
It is characterized in that it is expanded into a bitmap and output to a buffer . According to this invention, the same effect as the invention according to claim 1 can be obtained.

The invention according to claim 4 is the same as that of claim 3.
According to the invention, at least one of the third storage means is provided.
One band buffer is set in the first storage unit where printing based on the stored bitmap is completed. According to this invention, the same effect as the invention according to claim 2 can be obtained.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the printing apparatus 100. The same components as those of the conventional printing devices 300 and 301 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. The printing apparatus 100 has a band memory 130 and a page memory 135. It also has an intermediate data buffer 115.

The printer 100 is controlled as shown in the flow chart of FIG. First, the input data sent from the host computer 150 is received (step S2) and stored in the reception buffer 114. Next, it is determined whether the received input data includes graphic data to be drawn (step S3). If the graphic data is not included, it is regarded as a command other than graphic drawing and the corresponding processing is performed. (Step S5) Further, if the received input data is not the data end or the print command (step S13), the state returns to the input data receiving state (step S2).

Next, when the input data includes graphic data to be drawn, the input data stored in the reception buffer 114 is in the form of a bit map in the page memory 1.
It is determined whether or not the data can be stored in 35 (step S
4). That is, it is determined whether or not the printing by the print data is within the range of one page of the standard size paper. If the input data includes data indicating to what extent printing is possible, the determination is made based on that data. In the case of Yes, the input data is developed into a bitmap and stored in the page memory 135 (step S6). Then, it is determined whether or not the input data is the data end (step S13), and if it is not the data end, the process proceeds to step S2 to receive the next data.

On the other hand, if No in step S4,
That is, if it is determined that the received input data cannot be stored in the page memory 135 in the bitmap state, the process proceeds to step S10. For example, this is the case as shown in FIG. First, a portion of the input data that can be stored in the page memory 135 in a bitmap state is expanded into a bitmap and stored in the page memory (step S10). Next, a portion of the input data that cannot be stored in the page memory 135 in the bitmap state is converted into intermediate data and stored in the intermediate data buffer 115. That is, a portion of the standard size that extends beyond one page of paper is stored in the order of the first area 134, the second area 136, and the third area 138 of the intermediate data buffer 115 (step S12).

When printing a character "A" that exceeds the standard size as shown in FIG. 4, the upper part of the character "A" that fits on one page of standard size paper is in the page memory 135. Is stored in the intermediate data buffer 115. In the intermediate data buffer 115, the first protruding portion is stored in the first area 134, the second protruding portion is stored in the second area 136, and the third protruding portion is stored according to the capacity of the band memory 130. Are stored in the third area 138.

In step S13, it is determined whether or not the data end or the print command is detected. If No, the process proceeds to step S2 to receive the next data, and Y
If es, the process proceeds to step 14 to execute printing.

Next, the printing operation will be described. First, printing is performed based on the bitmap stored in the page memory 135 (step S14). When all the input data are contained in the standard size paper as shown in FIG. 3, all of “A” is printed, and when the input data exceeds the standard size paper as shown in FIG. , The upper part of “A” is printed.

Next, when there is intermediate data stored in the intermediate data buffer 115, the intermediate data stored in the intermediate data buffer 115 is stored in the order of each area.
It is developed into a bitmap, stored in the band memory 130, and printed based on it (step S16).
That is, first, the portion (first protruding portion) stored in the first area is developed into a bitmap, stored in the band memory 130, and printed, and then the bitmap in the band memory 130 is printed. Are erased, and the portion (second protruding portion) stored in the second area is developed into a bitmap, stored in the band memory 130, printed, and so on. As a result, printing is performed even for the portion that extends beyond one page of the standard size. In the case of FIG. 4, the lower part of "A" is printed. In this way, all printing is done.

Next, of the above-mentioned procedures, the procedure for dividing the input data will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. First, the figure represented by the input data handled in the description of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The figure represented by the input data is a polygon defined by vertices 10 (V0 to V5), and is referred to as an input figure 20 here. The input data is a set of coordinates of the vertex 10 representing the input figure 20,
Each vertex 10 is represented by a set of XY coordinates. The inside of the input figure 20 is an area to be filled when printing. Further, FIG. 5 shows a state in which the page memory termination line 30 overlaps the input figure 20.

Next, the procedure for dividing the input figure 20 will be described with reference to FIG. First, among the Y coordinates of the vertex coordinates 10, the minimum value Ymin and the maximum value Ymax are obtained (step S21). In the case of FIG. 5, the minimum value Ymin is the Y coordinate value of V0, and the maximum value Ymax is the Y coordinate value of V2.

Next, the minimum value Ymin is compared with the Y coordinate value of the page memory termination line 30 (step S22).
If the minimum value Ymin is larger, it is determined that the entire input figure 20 exists at a position beyond the range of the page memory 135. Therefore, after converting the entire input figure 20 into intermediate data 40 described later, The data is stored in the intermediate data buffer 115 (step S23), and the input figure dividing process ends.

When it is determined in step S22 that the minimum value Ymin is smaller or equal, the maximum value Ymax is further compared with the Y coordinate value of the page memory termination line 30 (step S24). If the maximum value Ymax is smaller than or equal to the maximum value Ymax, the entire input figure 20 is stored in the page memory 13.
Since it is determined that the input figure 20 is present in the position within the range of 5, the entire input figure 20 is expanded into the bitmap data 50 and then stored in the page memory 135 (step S2).
5) The input figure dividing process is terminated.

If it is determined in step S24 that the maximum value Ymax is larger, it can be determined that the input graphic 20 overlaps with the page memory termination line 30, so the input graphic 20 is divided. That is, from the vertices 10 (V0 to V5) of the input figure 20 (FIG. 5), a set of vertices defining a line segment that intersects the page memory termination line 30 is extracted (step S26), and the set of vertices and the page are extracted. The intersection 11 (I1, I2) with the memory termination line 30 is calculated (step S27). Next, as shown in FIG. 7, a region 21 having a Y coordinate smaller than that of the page memory termination line 30.
Is expanded into bitmap data 50 and page memory 13
5 (step S28). Furthermore, the vertex V2
A region 22 having a larger Y coordinate than the page memory termination line 30 defined by V3 and the intersections I1 and I2 is newly generated as a divided polygon (step S29). The generated divided polygon is converted into the intermediate data 40 and stored in the intermediate data buffer 115 (step S30).
After dividing the input figure 20 by the above procedure, this process is terminated (step S31).

Next, the intermediate data 40 will be described with reference to FIG. Although various expression formats can be considered as the intermediate data 40, in the present embodiment, the run length data format is adopted as the expression format of the intermediate data 40, and this will be described. What is the run length data format?
An area represented by the inside of a polygon is represented by a set of a start point 41 and an end point 42 of the intersection of a straight line (raster) parallel to the main scanning line and the boundary of the area (run length ) Format. In this case, Xs1 to Xe1, Xs2 to X
It is represented by the line segment of e2, Xs3 to Xe3, and the coordinates Xs of each end point
1, Xe1, Xs2, Xe2, Xs3, and Xe3 are stored in the intermediate data buffer as the intermediate data 40. By storing figures in the run length format, it is possible to develop them on the memory at high speed when printing.

By the way, generally, a standard size is usually used as a printing sheet, and printing of a long product (when it is longer than the standard size) is not so frequent. In this print control device, as described above, normally only the page memory 135 is used to ensure high-speed printing, and the band memory 130 is used only for the portion exceeding the standard size in the case of a long product. Advantages of page memory 135 (high-speed printing) and advantages of band memory 130 (reduced memory capacity) due to repeated use
It is possible to have both of these efficiently.

As another embodiment, the hand memory 130 shown in FIG. 1 is not provided, and at the time of printing, the bitmap stored in the page memory 135 is printed (FIG. 2: step S14) and then stored in the page memory 135. A print control device or a printing method may be considered in which a storage area corresponding to a band memory is secured, and this storage area is regarded as a band memory to print subsequent intermediate data (FIG. 2: step S16). According to this embodiment, the band memory provided in the apparatus is not necessary without reducing the effect of high-speed printing described above, and thus a more inexpensive print control apparatus can be realized.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a printing process in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, showing a case where the printing range fits within one page of standard size paper.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a printing process in the apparatus of FIG. 1, showing a case where the printing range does not fit within one page of standard size paper (printing on a long object).

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining division of input data,
It is a figure which shows the figure which input data represents.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of dividing input data.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing how the data of FIG. 5 is stored in a page printer and an intermediate data buffer.

8 is a diagram showing how the intermediate data is stored in the intermediate data buffer of FIG. 7. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a first conventional example.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a second conventional example.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the contents of a page description code.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a bitmap.

[Explanation of symbols]

114 Intermediate data buffer 130 band memory 135 page memory

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A printing apparatus for printing based on input data sent from the outside, the first storage means having a capacity of a bitmap corresponding to one page of standard size paper, and the input data. second storage means for storing in a state of being converted into intermediate data, the
Bits corresponding to some area sizes on standard size paper
At least one band buffer with map capacity
A Ranaru third storage means, and control means, by said control means, when the capacity of the bit map corresponding to the input data does not exceed the area of the paper of the standard size
When it is determined, the bit map corresponding to the input data is expanded and stored in the first storage unit, and the bit map corresponding to the input data is stored in the control unit.
Capacity-up is more than the area of the paper of the standard size and determine
In the case of disconnection, the input data is expanded into the corresponding bitmap and stored in the first storage means, and
For those exceeding the area, when only the portion exceeding the area is converted into intermediate data and stored in the second storage means ,
The intermediate data based on the capacity of the band buffer
For each block according to the size of the specified block to be set
This information is stored in the second storage means when printing is performed.
The stored intermediate data is sequentially stored for each block in the third memory.
Expands and outputs a bitmap to the band buffer in the stage
That, printing apparatus characterized by. At least one band buffer of claim 2 wherein said third storage means to claim 1, characterized in that it is set to the end of a print based on the stored bit mapped within the first storage means The printing device described . 3. A first storage means having a capacity of a bitmap corresponding to one page of standard size paper, and an input data.
Second storage means for storing a state of converting data into intermediate data, corresponding to a portion of the area size of the paper of the standard size
At least one band with bitmap capacity
A printing method for performing printing based on the input data sent from the outside by a printing device having a third storage unit including a buffer , wherein the capacity of a bitmap corresponding to the input data is the standard size. If the area of the sheet of paper is not exceeded, the input data is expanded into the corresponding bit map and stored in the first storage means, and the capacity of the bit map corresponding to the input data corresponds to that of the standard size paper. When exceeding the area, the input data is expanded into the corresponding bitmap and stored in the first storage means, and when exceeding the area,
When converting only the portion exceeding the intermediate data into the intermediate data and storing the intermediate data in the second storage means, the intermediate data is converted into the band data.
Buffer for a given block, which is set based on the buffer capacity.
Stored in the second storage means for each block according to size
Block the stored intermediate data when printing.
The band buffer in the third storage means
A printing method characterized in that it is developed into a map and output . At least one band buffer of claim 4 wherein said third memory means, to claim 3, characterized in that it is set to the end of a print based on the stored bit mapped within the first storage means Printing method described .