JP2000071478A - Creation of print data suitable for print device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To create an appropriate print data depending on the number of available bits of print data by arranging the N-bit raster data of each pixel in the same order as the generating order of N drive signal pulses. SOLUTION: After a printer 22 is initialized, a raster size processing section 120 executes rasterization of multilevel image data for one band region and stores the rasterized multilevel image data in a band memory 130. A color conversion/N-bit processing section 122 reads out the multilevel image raster data from the band memory 130 and performs color conversion and N-bit processing. As a result of processing, an N-bit print raster data is generated per one pixel and the generated raster data is arranged in the same order as the generating order of N drive signal pulses.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for generating print data, and more particularly to a print method suitable for a print device when a print device capable of printing using print data of a plurality of bits per pixel is used. The present invention relates to a technique for generating data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as an output device of a computer,
A color printer that discharges several colors of ink from a head is widely used. As such a color printer, a binary printer in which the depth of print data per pixel per color is 1 bit is widely used, but a multi-level printer capable of recording one pixel with a plurality of ink droplets. Has also been proposed. In a multilevel printer, a relatively small amount of ink droplets form a relatively small dot in a one-pixel region, and a relatively large amount of ink droplets form a relatively large dot in a one-pixel region. For this reason, the print data used in the multi-value printer has a depth of a plurality of bits per pixel.

[0003]

A binary printer and a multi-level printer have different numbers of bits of print data per pixel, so that print data of the same data format cannot be used. For this reason, conventionally, different printers (that is, printing devices) are used by using different data processing units (for example, printer drivers) corresponding to respective printer models.
Had to create print data suitable for

Further, a multi-value printer is supplied with print data of a plurality of bits in a section of one pixel, but the arrangement of a plurality of bits in a section of one pixel may be different depending on the print mode. Conventionally, a process of exchanging the bit arrangement has been performed inside the printer, so that extra time is required for this exchanging process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and has been made in accordance with the number of available bits of print data used in a printing device.
An object of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of generating appropriate print data.

[0006]

In order to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, a first method of the present invention provides a method for generating N pixels (N is an integer of 2 or more) in one pixel section. A) supplying print data to a printing device capable of forming a plurality of dots of different sizes in one pixel region in response to the drive signal pulses, wherein at least one of the N drive signal pulses is The print data has a different waveform from the other drive signal pulses, and the print data includes N-bit raster data per pixel for indicating whether or not the N drive signal pulses are generated. The data is arranged in the same order as the generation order of the N drive signal pulses.

In this case, since the order of generation of the drive signal pulses in the printing device is the same as the order of arrangement of each bit of the printing raster data, the N supplied to the printing device is
Printing can be performed using bit raster data in that order. Therefore, printing can be executed in the printing device without changing the arrangement of a plurality of bits in one pixel section of the print data.

[0008] A second method of the present invention is a method of generating print data to be supplied to a printing device, comprising: (a) preparing image data representing an image to be printed;
(B) receiving from the printing device model information at least identifying the number of available bits Nmax (Nmax is an integer of 1 or more) per pixel of print data to be supplied to the printing device; N-bit print data (N is 1 to Nma) in a data format suitable for the model of the printing device from the image data according to the model information.
x (an integer of x).

In this method, model information is received from the printing device, and N-bit print data in a data format suitable for the model of the printing device is created according to the model information, so that the print data used by the printing device can be used. Appropriate print data can be generated according to the number of bits Nmax.

In the above method, the step (c) includes a step of selecting a format of print command information for instructing the printing device to perform printing from a plurality of predetermined formats according to the model information. , The number of usable bits Nmax
In the case where is equal to or more than 2, the print command information including the information on the actual number of bits N of the print data may be created in the selected format and added to the print data.

[0011] In this case, the print command information including information on the number of bits actually used can be supplied to the printing device, so that print data having a smaller number of bits than the usable number of bits Nmax is printed. To perform printing.

The first apparatus according to the present invention is capable of forming a plurality of dots of different sizes in one pixel area in accordance with N (N is an integer of 2 or more) drive signal pulses generated in one pixel section. An apparatus for supplying print data to a device, the apparatus comprising at least one of the N drive signal pulses.
One has a different waveform from the other drive signal pulses,
A memory for storing image data representing an image to be printed by the printing device; and N per pixel for indicating whether or not the N drive signal pulses are generated from the image data.
A print raster data generating unit that generates print data including bit raster data. The N-bit raster data of each pixel is arranged in the same order as the generation order of the N drive signal pulses.

A first recording medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium recording a computer program for causing a computer to create print data supplied to a printing device, wherein the printing device has one pixel. A plurality of dots of different sizes can be formed in one pixel area in accordance with N (N is an integer of 2 or more) drive signal pulses generated in the section, and at least one of the N drive signal pulses is formed. One has a different waveform from the other drive signal pulses, and the computer program generates print raster data for generating print data including N-bit raster data per pixel for indicating whether or not the N drive signal pulses are generated. A computer program for causing the computer to realize the function of the creation unit is recorded, and the N-bit of each pixel is recorded. DOO raster data are arranged in the same order as the order of occurrence of said N drive signal pulses.

With such a first apparatus and a first recording medium, substantially the same effects as in the first method can be obtained.

A second apparatus according to the present invention is an apparatus for generating print data to be supplied to a printing device, comprising: a memory for storing image data representing an image to be printed by the printing device; The number of available bits per pixel of print data to be supplied, Nmax (Nmax
Is an integer of 1 or more).
A model information acquisition unit received from the printing device; and print data for creating N-bit print data (N is an integer of 1 to Nmax) in a data format suitable for the model of the printing device from the image data according to the model information. A print data generation device comprising: a creation unit.

A second recording medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium in which a computer program for causing a computer to create print data to be supplied to a printing device is to be supplied to the printing device. A model information acquisition unit that receives at least the model information capable of identifying at least the number of usable bits Nmax (Nmax is an integer of 1 or more) per pixel of the print data from the printing device, and image data representing an image to be printed. According to the model information, N-bit print data in a data format suitable for the model of the printing device (where N is 1 to Nma
and a print data creation unit for creating the integer x) and a computer-readable recording medium that records a computer program for causing the computer to realize the functions of the print data creation unit.

With such a second apparatus and a second recording medium, substantially the same effects as in the first method can be obtained.

[0018]

Other Embodiments of the Invention The present invention includes the following other embodiments. A first aspect is an aspect as a program supply device that supplies, via a communication path, a computer program that causes a computer to realize the functions of each step or each part of the above-described invention. In such an embodiment, the above-described method and apparatus can be realized by placing the program on a server or the like on a network, downloading the necessary program to a computer via a communication path, and executing the program.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Configuration of Apparatus Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing apparatus as one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the scanner 12 and the color printer 22 are connected to the computer 90, and a predetermined program is loaded and executed on the computer 90, so that the computer 90 functions as a printing apparatus as a whole. The computer 90 includes the following units interconnected by a bus 80, centering on a CPU 81 that executes various arithmetic processes for controlling operations related to image processing according to a program. ROM 82 is stored in C
A program and data necessary for executing various arithmetic processes by the PU 81 are stored in advance, and a RAM 83 is a memory in which various programs and data necessary for executing various arithmetic processes by the CPU 81 are temporarily read and written. It is. The input interface 84 controls input of signals from the scanner 12 and the keyboard 14, and the output interface 85 controls output of data to the printer 22. CR
The TC 86 controls signal output to the CRT 21 capable of color display, and the disk controller (DDC) 87 controls data transfer between the hard disk 16, the flexible drive 15, and a CD-ROM drive (not shown). The hard disk 16 stores various programs loaded and executed in the RAM 83 and various programs provided in the form of device drivers.

In addition, a serial input / output interface (SIO) 88 is connected to the bus 80. This SIO 88 is connected to the modem 18 and the modem 1
8 is connected to a public telephone line PNT. The computer 90 is connected to an external network via the SIO 88 and the modem 18, and by connecting to a specific server SV, it is also possible to download a program required for image processing to the hard disk 16. In addition, it is also possible to load a necessary program from a flexible disk FD or a CD-ROM, and cause the computer 90 to execute the program.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a software configuration of the printing apparatus. In the computer 90, an application program 95 operates under a predetermined operating system. The operating system includes a video driver 91 and a printer driver 9.
6 are incorporated. An application program 95 for retouching an image reads an image from the scanner 12 and displays the image on the CRT display 21 via the video driver 91 while performing predetermined processing on the image. Data OR supplied from scanner 12
G is original color image data ORG that is read from a color original and includes three color components of red (R), green (G), and blue (B).

When the application program 95 issues a print command, the printer driver 96 of the computer 90 receives the image information from the application program 95 and converts it into a signal (called "print data") that can be processed by the printer 22. ing.

Next, a schematic configuration of the printer 22 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the printer 22 includes a mechanism for transporting a sheet P by a paper feed motor 23 and a carriage 31 by a carriage motor 24 for moving the platen 2.
6, a mechanism for reciprocating in the axial direction, a mechanism for driving the print head 28 mounted on the carriage 31 to eject ink and form dots, and a mechanism for driving these paper feed motors 23,
The control circuit 40 controls the exchange of signals with the carriage motor 24, the print head 28, and the operation panel 32.

The carriage motor 24 functions as a main scanning drive unit, and the paper feed motor 23 functions as a sub scanning drive unit. Further, the control circuit 40 functions as a head driving unit that drives the print head 28, and also functions as a control unit that controls the main scanning driving unit, the sub-scanning driving unit, and the head driving unit.

A mechanism for reciprocating the carriage 31 in the axial direction of the platen 26 includes a sliding shaft 34 erected in parallel with the axis of the platen 26 and slidably holding the carriage 31.
A pulley 38 for extending an endless drive belt 36 between the carriage motor 24 and a position detection sensor 39 for detecting the origin position of the carriage 31 are provided.

The carriage 31 has a cartridge 71 for black ink (Bk) and five colors of cyan (C1), light cyan (C2), magenta (M1), light magenta (M2), and yellow (Y). And a color ink cartridge 72 containing this ink. For two colors, cyan and magenta, two types of inks are provided. A total of six ink discharge heads 61 to 66 are formed on the print head 28 below the carriage 31, and at the bottom of the carriage 31, an introduction pipe 67 (for introducing ink from the ink tank to each color head). (See FIG. 4). When the cartridge 71 for black (Bk) ink and the cartridge 72 for color ink are mounted on the carriage 31 from above, the introduction pipe 67 is inserted into the connection hole provided in each cartridge, and the ejection head 61 from each ink cartridge.
To 66 can be supplied.

The control circuit 40 has a PROM (programmable ROM) 42. The PROM 42 stores model information (model data) for determining the model of the printer 22.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration inside the print head 28. As shown in FIG. When the ink cartridges 71 and 72 are mounted on the carriage 31, the ink in the ink cartridge is sucked out through the introduction pipe 67 by utilizing the capillary phenomenon as shown in FIG. The print head 28 is guided to each color head 61 to 66 of the print head 28. When the ink cartridge is first installed, the operation of sucking ink into the heads 61 to 66 of the respective colors is performed by a dedicated pump. In this embodiment, a pump for suction and a cap for covering the print head 28 at the time of suction are provided. The illustration and description of such a configuration are omitted.

As will be described later, the heads 61 to 66 of each color are provided with 48 nozzles Nz for each color (see FIG. 6), and each nozzle is one of the electrostrictive elements. A piezo element PE having excellent responsiveness is arranged.
FIG. 5 shows the structure of the piezo element PE and the nozzle Nz in detail. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 5, the piezo element PE has an ink passage 68 for guiding ink to the nozzle Nz.
It is installed in a position in contact with. As is well known, the piezo element PE is an element that distorts the crystal structure due to the application of a voltage and converts electro-mechanical energy very quickly. In this embodiment, by applying a voltage having a predetermined time width between the electrodes provided at both ends of the piezo element PE, the piezo element PE expands by the voltage application time as shown in the lower part of FIG. One side wall 68 is deformed. As a result,
The volume of the ink passage 68 contracts in accordance with the expansion of the piezo element PE, and the ink corresponding to the contraction is discharged as particles Ip at a high speed from the tip of the nozzle Nz. Printing is performed by the ink particles Ip penetrating into the paper P mounted on the platen 26.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of the ink jet nozzles Nz in the ink discharge heads 61 to 66. The arrangement of these nozzles is composed of six sets of nozzle arrays that eject ink for each color, and 48 nozzles Nz are arranged in a staggered manner at a constant nozzle pitch k. The positions of the nozzle arrays in the sub-scanning direction coincide with each other. The 48 nozzles Nz included in each nozzle array need not be arranged in a staggered manner, but may be arranged on a straight line. However, the arrangement in a staggered pattern as shown in FIG. 6 has an advantage that the nozzle pitch k can be easily set small in manufacturing.

The printer 22 is provided with a nozzle Nz having a constant diameter as shown in FIG.
Three types of dots having different diameters can be formed using z. This principle will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the driving waveform of the nozzle Nz when ink is ejected and the ink Ip ejected. The drive waveform indicated by a broken line in FIG. 7 is a waveform when a normal dot is ejected. In the section d2, once a negative voltage is applied to the piezo element PE, the piezo element PE is deformed in a direction in which the cross-sectional area of the ink passage 68 is increased, contrary to the case described above with reference to FIG. As shown in the state A of FIG. 7, the ink interface Me called the meniscus is
The state is dented inside z. On the other hand, when a negative voltage is suddenly applied as shown in the section d1 using the drive waveform shown by the solid line in FIG. 7, the meniscus is greatly depressed inward compared to the state A as shown in the state a. next,
When the voltage applied to the piezo element PE is made positive (section d)
3) Ink is ejected based on the principle described above with reference to FIG. At this time, the state B and the state C are changed from the state in which the meniscus is not much depressed inward (state A).
Large ink droplets are ejected as shown in (a), and small ink droplets are ejected as shown in the state (b) and the state (c) from the state where the meniscus is largely dented inward (state a).

As described above, the dot diameter can be changed according to the change rate when the drive voltage is made negative (section d1, d2). It is easy to imagine that the dot diameter can be changed according to the magnitude of the peak voltage of the driving waveform. In the present embodiment, two types of driving waveforms, one for forming small dots and the other for forming medium dots, are prepared based on such a relationship between the driving waveform and the dot diameter. . FIG. 8 shows a driving waveform used in this embodiment. The drive waveform W1 is a waveform (small dot pulse) for forming a small dot, and the drive waveform W2 is a waveform (medium dot pulse) for forming a medium dot. When the small dot pulse W1 and the medium dot pulse W2 are generated continuously as shown in FIG. 8 within the main scanning period for one pixel, the small dot ink droplet and the medium dot ink droplet Landed in the area, large dots can be formed.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing drive signals for forming three types of dots in the forward pass and the return pass of bidirectional printing. 9 (a-1) to 9 (a-3) show signal waveforms on the outward path, and FIGS. 9 (b-1) to 9 (b-3) show signal waveforms on the return path.

At the time of forward printing, as shown in FIG. 9A, the original drive signal ODRVf is applied to each pixel section T1,
At T2 and T3, a small dot pulse W1 and a medium dot pulse W2 are signals generated in this order. The “pixel section” has the same meaning as the main scanning period for one pixel. The 2-bit print data PRD shown in FIG. 9A-2 is a 2-bit serial signal per pixel, and each bit corresponds to the small dot pulse W1 and the medium dot pulse W2, respectively. FIG. 9A-3 shows the original drive signal OD.
This is a drive signal DRV obtained by masking RV with the print data PRD. That is, the print data PR
When the bit value of D is 1 level, the original drive signal ODRV
Are used as they are as pulses of the drive signal DRV. On the other hand, when the bit value of the print data PRD is at the 0 level, the pulse of the original drive signal ODRV is masked (cut off), and no pulse is generated in the drive signal DRV.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9C, when the two bit values of the print data PRD in each pixel section are "1, 0", only the small dot pulse W1 is output as the drive signal DRV. When the bit value is "0, 1", only the medium dot pulse W2 is output, and when the bit value is "1, 1", both the small dot pulse W1 and the medium dot pulse W2 are output.

On the other hand, in the original drive signal ODRV in the return path, as shown in FIG. 9B-1, the medium dot pulse W2 and the small dot pulse W
1 occur in this order. Accordingly, FIG. 9 (b-2)
As shown in FIG. 7, each bit of the print data PRD corresponds to the medium dot pulse W2 and the small dot pulse W1, respectively.
0 is supplied to the printer 22. As a result, FIG.
As shown in -3), the drive signal DR in each pixel section
The V pulse is generated at a timing opposite to that of the outward path.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing dots recorded in accordance with the drive signals DRV shown in FIGS. 9 (a-3) and 9 (b-3). On the outward path, as shown in FIG. 9A-3, the small dot pulse W1 is generated in the first half of one pixel section, so that the small dot is formed on the left side in one pixel area. Since the medium dot pulse W2 occurs in the latter half of one pixel section, the medium dot is formed on the right side in one pixel area. A large dot is formed by partially overlapping small dots and medium dot ink droplets. On the other hand, on the return path, the small dot pulse W1 is generated in the latter half of one pixel section, contrary to the forward path. However, the traveling direction of the print head is opposite to the forward path. Formed on the left side. Further, since the medium dot pulse W2 is generated in the first half of one pixel section, the medium dot is also formed on the right side in one pixel area as in the outward path. In addition,
In the example of FIG. 10, for convenience of illustration, “no dot” pixels are interposed between small dot pixels and medium dot pixels, and between medium dot pixels and large dot pixels, respectively. I have.

As described above, in this embodiment, the drive signal OD
Since the order of generation of the two R pulses W1 and W2 is reversed between the forward pass and the return pass, the main scanning of the ink droplets within one pixel region is performed for any of the three types of dots, small dot, medium dot, and large dot. The landing positions in the directions are substantially matched (that is, substantially matched) in the forward path and the return path. As a result, there is an advantage that a zigzag straight line extending in the sub-scanning direction can be prevented even when bidirectional printing is performed. Further, in the present embodiment, in particular, the print data PRD in which the bit generation order is switched between the forward path and the return path is supplied to the printer 22, so that it is not necessary to change the bit arrangement in the printer 22, and high-speed printing is performed. It is possible to do.

When two-bit print data PRD is used, three types of dots, small dots, medium dots, and large dots, can be formed in one pixel area.
When print data having a depth per pixel of each ink of N bits is used, one pixel can be reproduced with 2 ^N types of gradations. Normally, one of the 2 ^N gradations is used as “no dot”, so that in N-bit print data, dots having different gradations of (2 ^N −1) or less are used as one pixel. Area can be formed.

In the printer 22 having the above-described hardware configuration, the carriage 31 is reciprocated by the carriage motor 24 (hereinafter, referred to as main scanning) while the paper P is transported by the paper feed motor 23 (hereinafter, referred to as sub-scanning). ), And at the same time, the respective color heads 61 to 6 of the print head 28.
By driving the piezo elements PE of No. 6, each color ink is ejected, dots are formed, and a multicolor image is formed on the paper P.

In this embodiment, as described above, the printer 22 having the head for ejecting ink using the piezo element PE is used. However, as the ejection drive element, various devices other than the piezo element are used. It is possible to use. For example, the present invention can be applied to a printer having an ejection drive element of a type in which a heater arranged in an ink passage is energized and ink is ejected by bubbles generated in the ink passage.

B. Configuration and Processing Procedure of Printer Driver 96: FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing functions of the printer driver 96. The printer driver 96 includes a user interface processing unit (UI processing unit) 102, a model information storage unit 104, an initialization processing unit 106, a flow control unit 10
8, a memory unit 110, and a command storage unit 112. The flow control unit 108 includes a rasterization processing unit 120, a color conversion / N-bit conversion processing unit 122, and a data transfer unit 124. Also, the memory unit 110
Is the band memory 130 and the print raster data memory 13
And 2.

The UI processing unit 102 receives information (paper size, resolution (dpi), etc.) specified by the user on the screen of the computer, and executes the initialization processing unit 1.
06. The model information storage unit 104 stores the printer 2
2 has a function as a model information acquisition unit that acquires model data TID from the PROM 42 (FIG. 3) in the printer 2 and acquires model information unique to the printer 22 based on the model data TID.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the printer driver 96. In step S1, the initialization processing unit 106 determines whether the flow control unit 108 and the printer 22
Is performed. Prior to this initialization process, the UI
The processing unit 102 receives print setting information (paper size, resolution (dpi), etc.) specified by the user from the computer 90, and also stores the model information storage unit 104.
Indicates that the printer driver 96 is selected and the driver 9
When the printer 6 determines the printer model, it reads the model data TID from the PROM 42 (FIG. 3) in the printer 22. The UI processing unit 102 and the model information storage unit 104 store these various types of information as necessary in the initialization processing unit 106.
To supply.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of the initialization processing in step S1. Step S
In step 11, a band memory 130 (FIG. 11) for storing image data for one band area of the image to be printed is secured in the main memory. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the printing paper P, the print target area PP, and the band area B. The size of the print paper P and the range of the print target area PP are set in print setting information specified by the user. The band area B is the print area P
P is a plurality of areas divided in the vertical direction (that is, divided by a plurality of horizontal division lines). Width H of band area B
The (number of horizontal pixels) is the same as the horizontal width of the print target area PP. Also, the height V of the band area (the number of lines)
Is a value substantially equal to 1 / M (M is the number of divisions) of the height of the entire print target area PP. As described above, the print target area PP is divided into the band areas B by the print data PRD.
This is for speeding up the creation of the file and reducing the required memory amount.

The capacity of the band memory 130 (FIG. 11) corresponding to the band area B shown in FIG. 14 is H × V × 3 × 8.
[Bit]. Here, the third number “3” means that the image data includes RGB three-color components. In this case, the image data supplied from the application program 95 includes the RGB three-color components. Is assumed. The fourth number “8” means the depth (number of bits) of one pixel of data for one color.

In step S12 of FIG. 13, first, the initialization processing unit 106 converts the number CNmax of ink colors usable in the printer 22 and the number Nmax of usable bits per pixel of print data into model information. Obtained from the storage unit 104. These values CNmax and Nmax are based on the model data TI
It is determined by the model information storage unit 104 based on D and stored in the model information storage unit 104. Then, the number CN of the ink colors actually used (an integer of 1 to CNmax)
And the number N of bits actually used (an integer from 1 to Nmax)
Is determined by the print setting information supplied from the UI processing unit 102 to the initialization processing unit 106. For example, when printing is performed using print data having the number of bits Nmax that can be accepted by the printer 22, this value Nmax is directly used as the number N of bits actually used. on the other hand,
In some cases, printing is performed using print data having a bit number N (for example, Nmax = 2, N = 1) smaller than the bit number Nmax that can be accepted by the printer 22. In this case, the initialization processing unit 106 sets the value of the actually used bit number N according to the print setting information. The model data T
If the ID indicates that the printer 22 is a binary printer, the value of the number of bits used N is set to one.

In step S13, a print raster data memory 132 (FIG. 11) corresponding to one band area is secured in the main memory. Print raster data memory 132
Is H × V × CN × N [bits]. Here, H is the number of horizontal pixels in the band area, V is the number of lines in the band area, CN is the number of inks, and N is the number of bits of print data per pixel.

In step S14, initialization processing of the printer 22 is performed. In the initialization process of the printer 22, the print data storage unit (print buffer) (not shown) in the printer 22 is cleared, and various setting values (margin position, sub-scan feed amount, etc.) used in the printer 22 are initialized. For example, a process of setting a value is performed.

When the initialization process in step S1 is completed in this way, in step S2 in FIG. 12, the rasterization processing unit 120 performs a rasterization process on the multi-tone image data for one band area. Here, the “rasterizing process” is a process of developing image data supplied from the application program 95 into RGB data for each raster line for one band area. Rasterized RGB data (referred to as “RGB raster data”)
It is stored in the band memory 130.

In step S3, the color conversion / N-bit conversion processing section reads the RGB raster data from the band memory 130 and performs the color conversion processing and the N-bit conversion processing. Here, the “color conversion process” is a process of converting RGB raster data into ink data of each color used for printing. For example, when printing is performed using all six colors of ink available in the printer 22, the color conversion process
The 8-bit RGB raster data of RGB is converted into 8-bit raster data of 6 ink colors. The N-bit conversion process is a process of converting 8-bit raster data into N-bit print data according to the bit number N of print data used for actual printing. This N-bit conversion processing can be realized by applying error diffusion to 2 ^N value conversion processing using (2 ^N −1) threshold values, for example. As a result of this color conversion and N-bit conversion processing, print raster data of N bits per pixel is generated. The print raster data does not include a header or a print command, which will be described later, and is composed of only gradation data indicating the gradation of each pixel.

When performing bidirectional printing, FIG.
As described in (a-2) and (b-2), the bit arrangement of the print raster data is adjusted such that the arrangement order of two bits per pixel is reversed between the forward path and the backward path. When bidirectional printing is not performed, it is not necessary to change the arrangement order of a plurality of bits per pixel between the forward pass and the return pass. In other words, 2-bit data per pixel in the print raster data is arranged in an order corresponding to the order in which the drive signal pulses are generated in the printer 22.

In step S4, the created N-bit print raster data is stored in the print raster data memory 132. In step S5, the data transfer unit 124 acquires a print command (to be described later) from the command storage unit 112 according to the model data TID, and adds N to the print command.
The bit print raster data is added and transferred to the printer.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a comparison between examples of data formats of 1-bit print data for a binary printer and N-bit print data for a multi-value printer. Below,
"1-bit print data for a binary printer" is simply called "print data for a binary printer", and "N-bit print data for a multi-level printer" is simply called "print data for a multi-level printer". The term “N-bit print data” (N is 1 or more) is used in a broad sense including 1-bit print data for a binary printer and N-bit print data for a multi-level printer.

As shown in FIG. 15A, print data for a binary printer includes a header, a print command, and 1-bit print raster data. Information such as print resolution (dpi) is stored in the header. The print command is print command information for instructing the printer 22 to perform printing, and stores information such as the type of ink color to be used and the number of print raster data. On the other hand, FIG.
As shown in (1), the multi-value printer print data includes a header, a print command, and N-bit print raster data. The print command of the multi-value printer print data includes information on the number of bits N per pixel.

As described above, the print data for the binary printer and the print data for the multi-value printer have different data formats. Therefore, the data transfer unit 124 creates print data in an appropriate format according to the model of the printer 22 according to the model data TID acquired from the printer 22 via the model information storage unit 104, and supplies this to the printer 22. are doing.
Specifically, the data transfer unit 124 selects the format of the print command (print command information) from the two formats shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B according to the model data TID of the printer 22. The print command of the selected format is added to the print raster data. In this way, even with the same printer driver 96, it is possible to create print data in an appropriate data format according to the model of the printer 22.

When the program of the printer driver 96 is created for each printer model, the same flow control unit 108 shown in FIG. 11 can be commonly used by a binary printer and a multi-value printer. . Therefore, if the flow control unit 108 is configured to be able to create print data in an appropriate data format according to the model data TID of the printer 22 as in this embodiment, Printer driver programs can be easily created. When creating a printer driver program for each printer model, the model data T
Since the ID is uniquely determined, there is no need to perform bidirectional communication between the printer 22 and the computer 90.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a modified example of the printer driver 96. This printer driver 96a
Is obtained by adding a rearrangement processing unit 123 and a rearrangement memory 134 to the configuration of the printer driver 96 shown in FIG. 11, and the other configuration is the same. The rearrangement processing unit 123 selects only raster data supplied to each nozzle Nz of the print head 28 (FIG. 6) during one main scan from raster data in one band area B (FIG. 14). And perform the sorting process. In the print head 28 shown in FIG. 6, since the pitch of the nozzles Nz in the sub-scanning direction is set to a distance of a plurality of pixels, only one intermittent raster line is recorded in one main scan. Therefore, the rearrangement processing section 123 selects and rearranges the raster data to be supplied to each nozzle during one main scan, and stores the result in the rearrangement memory 134.

As a recording mode (dot recording method), a so-called "overlap recording mode" in which pixels on each raster line are intermittently recorded may be used. When printing is performed in the “overlap recording mode”, the rearrangement processing unit 123 performs rearrangement processing on pixels to be recorded, in addition to rearrangement processing on raster lines as described above. Rearrangement processing unit 12
3 and the rearrangement memory 134 may be provided in the printer 22.

In the above embodiment, one of a print data format for a binary printer and a print data format for a multi-value printer is selected according to the model data TID acquired from the printer 22, and the selected format is used. Since the print data is created by the printer 22, print data appropriate for the model of the printer 22 can be created and supplied to the printer 22. Therefore, even if the printer 22 is exchanged, print data appropriate for the printer 22 can be created using the same printer driver 96. Also, when using different types of printers connected via a network, it is possible to create and supply appropriate print data using the same printer driver 96.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, but can be implemented in various modes without departing from the scope of the invention.
For example, the following modifications are possible.

(1) In the above-described embodiment, the case where two different drive signal pulses W1 and W2 are generated in one pixel section has been described. However, in general, the present invention provides two or more drive signal pulses W1 and W2 in one pixel section. It is applicable when a plurality of drive signal pulses are generated. The technique of matching the arrangement order of the bits of the print raster data with the generation order of the drive signal pulses is particularly effective when at least one waveform of a plurality of drive signal pulses in one pixel section is different from the waveforms of other drive signal pulses. large.

(2) In the above embodiment, the case where bidirectional printing is mainly performed has been described. However, the present invention is similarly applicable to the case where bidirectional printing is not performed.

(3) In the above embodiment, one of the print data format for the binary printer and the print data format for the multi-value printer is selected according to the type of the printer. A print data format may be prepared in advance and selected from the print data format.

(4) The model information that can be obtained from the printer (printing device) only needs to be able to identify at least the number of usable bits per pixel of print data to be supplied to the printing device. For example, the bit number itself may be obtained from the printer as model information.

(5) The present invention is applicable not only to the case of using an ink discharge type printer but also to the case of using various printing devices such as a laser printer. In this specification, the term “printing device” is used as a broad term that includes the meaning of the entire printer and the device (print engine) for controlling the printer.

(6) In the above embodiment, part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware. You may do so. For example, some functions of the printer driver 96 shown in FIG. 11 can be realized by hardware.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of software.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a dot recording head of the printer according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a dot formation principle in the printer of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of nozzle arrangement in the printer of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a nozzle arrangement in the printer of the embodiment and an explanatory diagram showing a relationship with a formed dot.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the principle of forming dots having different diameters.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing drive signals for forming three types of dots.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing dots recorded according to the drive signal DRV shown in FIG. 9C.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating functions of a printer driver 96.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a printer driver 96.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed procedure of an initialization process.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship among printing paper P, a printing target area PP, and a band area B.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a comparison between the data formats of 1-bit print data for a binary printer and N-bit print data for a multi-value printer.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a modification of the printer driver 96.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Scanner 14 ... Keyboard 15 ... Flexible drive 16 ... Hard disk 18 ... Modem 21 ... CRT display 22 ... Color printer 23 ... Paper feed motor 24 ... Carriage motor 26 ... Platen 28 ... Print head 31 ... Carriage 32 ... Operation panel 34 ... Slide Driving shaft 36 Drive belt 38 Pulley 39 Position detection sensor 40 Control circuit 42 PROM 61 to 66 Ink ejection head 67 Introduction pipe 68 Ink passage 71, 72 Ink cartridge 80 Bus 81 CPU 82 ROM 83 RAM 84 Input interface 85 Output interface 86 CRTC 88 SIO 90 Computer 91 Video driver 95 Application program 96 Printer driver 102 UI processing 104 ... model information storage unit 106 ... initialization processing unit 108 ... flow control unit 110 ... memory unit 112 ... command storage unit 120 ... rasterization processing unit 122 ... color conversion / N-bit conversion processing unit 123 ... rearrangement processing unit 124 ... data Transfer unit 130 ... Band memory 132 ... Print raster data memory 134 ... Sorting memory

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page F term (reference) 2C056 EA04 EC03 EC08 EC41 ED01 FA04 FA10 2C057 AF39 AG15 AG44 AM03 AM15 AM18 AM21 AM22 AN01 AR16 BA04 BA14 CA01 2C087 AA16 AC07 BA02

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. Print data is supplied to a printing device capable of forming a plurality of dots of different sizes in one pixel area in accordance with N (N is an integer of 2 or more) drive signal pulses generated in one pixel section. Wherein at least one of the N drive signal pulses has a different waveform from the other drive signal pulses, and the print data indicates whether or not the N drive signal pulses are generated. A print data supply method, wherein each pixel includes N-bit raster data, and the N-bit raster data of each pixel is arranged in the same order as the generation order of the N drive signal pulses. 2. A method for generating print data to be supplied to a printing device, comprising: (a) preparing image data representing an image to be printed by the printing device; and (b)
Receiving, from the printing device, model information that can identify at least the number of usable bits Nmax (Nmax is an integer of 1 or more) per pixel of print data to be supplied to the printing device; From the data,
Generating N-bit print data (N is an integer of 1 to Nmax) in a data format suitable for the model of the printing device according to the model information. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, in the step (c), a format of print command information for commanding the printing device to perform printing includes a plurality of types of print command information according to the model information. Selecting from among the formats, if the available bit number Nmax is 2 or more, creating print command information including information on the actual bit number N of the print data in the selected format; And appending the print data to the print data. 4. Print data is supplied to a printing device capable of forming a plurality of dots of different sizes in one pixel area in accordance with N (N is an integer of 2 or more) drive signal pulses generated in one pixel section. A device for storing image data representing an image to be printed by the printing device, wherein at least one of the N drive signal pulses has a different waveform from other drive signal pulses. And a print raster data generating unit that generates print data including raster data of N bits per pixel for indicating whether or not the N drive signal pulses are generated from the image data. A print data supply device, wherein the N-bit raster data is arranged in the same order as the generation order of the N drive signal pulses. 5. An apparatus for generating print data to be supplied to a printing device, comprising: a memory for storing image data representing an image to be printed by the printing device; and one of print data to be supplied to the printing device. A model information acquisition unit that receives, from the printing device, model information capable of identifying at least the number of usable bits Nmax (Nmax is an integer of 1 or more) per pixel; and the printing device according to the model information from the image data. And a print data creation unit for creating N-bit print data (N is an integer of 1 to Nmax) in a data format suitable for the model of the printer. 6. A computer-readable recording medium storing a computer program for causing a computer to create print data supplied to a printing device, wherein the printing device includes N (N) pixels generated in one pixel section. Can be formed in one pixel region in accordance with the drive signal pulse of at least two), and at least one of the N drive signal pulses is different from another drive signal pulse. The waveforms are different, and the computer program includes one for indicating whether or not the N drive signal pulses are generated.
A computer program for causing the computer to realize a function of a print raster data generating unit for generating print data including raster data of N bits per pixel is recorded. A computer-readable recording medium arranged in the same order as the generation order of the drive signal pulses. 7. A computer-readable recording medium on which a computer program for causing a computer to create print data to be supplied to a printing device is used, wherein use of print data to be supplied to the printing device per pixel is performed. A model information acquisition unit that receives at least model information capable of identifying at least the number of possible bits Nmax (Nmax is an integer of 1 or more) from the printing device; and image data representing an image to be printed, according to the model information. A print data creation unit for creating N-bit print data (N is an integer from 1 to Nmax) in a data format suitable for the device model; and a computer-readable computer storing a computer program for realizing the functions of the computer. recoding media.