JP2000155661A - Printing controller, data processing method for the printing controller, data processor, data processing method for the data processor and storage medium stored with computer readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the development processing time needed for form overlay image generation when overlay printing is designated and to speedily perform an overlay print processing utilizing optimum form data corresponding to a printing condition. SOLUTION: The registration state of form data to be used is decided before receiving overlay printing data, when designated form data is registered, a drawing object is generated from the form data, when the designated form data is not registered, a drawing object is generated from form data received from a host computer and is stored, and the drawing object is subjected to drawing development control together with the drawing object of print data to be received after that by a CPU 12 on a page buffer secured in an RAM 19.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print control device and a print control device for controlling an overlay output of normal page data and form data based on an overlay print request received from a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium. The present invention relates to a data processing method, a data processing device, a data processing method of a data processing device, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Normally, when printing is performed by superimposing form overlay data on normal page data in a printing system, a printing apparatus receives the normal page data and form overlay data from a host computer and performs analysis for image output. Processing is in progress. Further, the printing system processes the processing of normal page data and the processing of form overlay data as one job.

Further, the printing apparatus stores form overlay data in the printing apparatus in advance,
A process for outputting an image superimposed on the normal page data received from the host is performed.

[0004]

However, the above conventional example has the following problems.

That is, in the conventional overlay printing, the analysis of the normal page data and the overlay data and the drawing process are performed in the same job, so that it takes time to generate the drawing object, and the throughput is reduced. There was a problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to determine the registration state of form data to be used before processing overlay print data and specify the form data. If the registered form data is registered, a drawing object is created from the form data.If the specified form data is not registered, a drawing object is created from the form data received from the data processing device. By storing and holding the drawing object of the print data to be drawn and developed on the page buffer, the drawing processing time required for generating the form overlay image when overlay printing is designated is reduced, and the drawing object is received from the data processing device. Efficient use of page-based drawing objects and form data drawing objects A print control device, a data processing method of the print control device, a data processing device, and a data processing of the data processing device capable of performing an overlay drawing process and performing an overlay print process at a high speed using optimal form data according to a printing condition It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a storage medium storing a computer readable program.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a predetermined communication medium (network, interface) is provided.
A print control device capable of communicating with a data processing device via a data processing device, and form data storage means (RA shown in FIG. 2) capable of storing form data received from the data processing device.
M19 or secured in the external memory 14), and checks whether form data corresponding to a form designation command input before receiving print data from the data processing apparatus is held in the form data storage means. The determination means (the CPU 12 shown in FIG.
3, the determination process is performed based on the control program stored in the external memory 14). If the determination unit determines that the corresponding form data is not stored, the form data received from the data processing device is determined. Generating means for generating a form drawing object (intermediate code) by analyzing the
Is generated based on the control program stored in the ROM 13 and the external memory 14), and when the corresponding form data is determined to be stored, the form data is read out from the form data storage means. Form image generating means for analyzing each form data to generate a form image (the CPU 12 shown in FIG.
13, a generating process based on a control program stored in the external memory 14) and an encoding unit (CPU 13 shown in FIG. 1
Encoding processing (compression processing) based on the control program stored in the control program 4) and form image holding means (RAM 19 shown in FIG. When the normal page data accompanied by the overlay printing instruction is received from the data processing device, the encoded form image corresponding to the designated form data is stored in the form image based on the determination result of the determination unit. Means for reading and decoding the decoded form image and the drawing object in the page data on a page buffer, or the form drawing object generated by the object generating means and the drawing in the page data Objects are stored in the page buffer (in the RAM 19 shown in FIG. 2). CPU12 shown in the drawing control means (Fig. 2 to be drawn on to) the ROM 13, and has a drawing processing) and based on a control program stored in the external memory 14.

A second invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the form image generating means generates a form image from an object generated by the object generating means when generating form images by analyzing form data. is there.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the form image generating means generates a form image in a form in which one page is divided into bands, and stores the form image holding means (the band image is stored in the RAM 19 shown in FIG. 2). Is secured as a memory), and holds the form image divided into bands for one page.

[0010] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the form image holding means is capable of holding one or more form images, and manages each form image based on identification information.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the form data is constituted by commands and data for controlling a printing apparatus.

In a sixth aspect according to the present invention, the form data storage means is capable of storing form data of one page or more, and manages each form data by identification information.

A seventh invention according to the present invention is directed to a data processing device (FIG. 2) capable of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium.
And a form data management means (CPU 1 shown in FIG. 2 for storing a plurality of form data stored in the printing apparatus in the ROM 3 and the external memory 11). A program (a printer control program (a print control module functioning as a printer driver) is executed and managed on the RAM 2), and when the overlay printing is instructed, the form data management means is output before print data of a normal page is output. And a form designation means (specifying by executing a printer control program (print control module functioning as a printer driver)) for outputting a designation command for designating form data managed by the printer to the printing apparatus.

In an eighth aspect according to the present invention, the form data management means manages form data stored in the printing apparatus based on identification information (ID).

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a determining means for determining whether specified form data is form data managed by the preceding form data record managing means (the CPU 1 shown in FIG. 11 (a printer control program (a print control module functioning as a printer driver) that executes a printer control program and performs determination processing on the RAM 2), and form data managed by the form data management means by the determination means. If it is determined that the form data is not the same, the creation means (CPU 1 shown in FIG. 2) for analyzing the overlay page and creating form data to be registered in the printing apparatus.
Executes the control program (printer control program (print control module functioning as a printer driver)) stored in the ROM 3 and the external memory 11 to execute the RAM 2
And transfer means (CP) for transferring the form data and the form designation command created by the creation means prior to the transfer of the overlay page data.
U1 executes a control program (printer control program (print control module functioning as a printer driver)) stored in ROM 3 and external memory 11 to execute RA.
Transfer processing on M2).

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a form data storage means (RAM 19, external device) capable of storing form data received from a data processing device (host computer 3000) via a predetermined communication medium (network, interface). (Secured on the memory 14), wherein the form data corresponding to the form designation command input before receiving the print data from the data processing apparatus is stored in the form data storage means. A determination step (step (4) in FIG. 4) for checking whether or not the corresponding form data is stored. If it is determined in the determination step that the corresponding form data is not stored, the form data is received from the data processing apparatus. An object generator that analyzes form data and generates form drawing objects (Step (7) in FIG. 4) and when it is determined that the corresponding form data is stored in the determination step, each form data read from the form data storage means is analyzed to form a form image. A form image generating step (steps (6) and (7) in FIG. 4) to be generated; and an encoding step (step (8) in FIG. 4) for encoding each form image generated by the form image generating step. A form image holding step (step (8) in FIG. 4) for holding each encoded form image encoded in the encoding step in a memory resource (for example, the RAM 19 or the external memory 14), and an overlay from the data processing apparatus. At the time of receiving the normal page data accompanied by the print instruction, based on the determination result of the determination step, the encoding file for the designated form data is A form image read from the memory resource and decoded, and the decoded form image and a drawing object in the page data are drawn on a page buffer, or a form drawing object generated by the object generation step A drawing step of drawing a drawing object in the page data on a page buffer (step (1) in FIG. 4);
0) and (11)).

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the form image generating step (step (7) in FIG. 4), when the form data is analyzed to generate a form image, the form image generating step is performed by the object generating step. A form image is generated from the created object.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the form image generating step, a form image is generated in a form in which one page is divided into bands, and the memory resource is a form image which is divided into bands. One page is stored together.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the memory resource can hold one or more pages of form images, and manages each form image based on identification information.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the form data is constituted by commands and data for controlling a printing apparatus.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the form data storage means can store form data of one page or more, and manages each form data by identification information.

A sixteenth invention according to the present invention relates to a data processing method of a data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device (printer 1000) via a predetermined communication medium (network, interface). A form data management step (not shown) for managing a plurality of form data having different printing conditions stored in the printer, and when overlay printing is instructed, before outputting print data of a normal page,
A form designation step (step (4) in FIG. 3) for outputting a designation command for designating the form data managed by the form data management step to the printing apparatus.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the form data management step, form data stored in the printing device is managed based on identification information.

An eighteenth invention according to the present invention provides a determination step (step (4) in FIG. 7) for determining whether specified form data is form data managed by the form data management step. When it is determined that the form data is not the form data managed by the form data management step, the overlay page is analyzed to create form data to be registered in the printing apparatus (step (5 in FIG. 7). )) And a transfer step (step (7) in FIG. 7) of transferring the form data and the form designation command created in the creation step prior to the transfer of the overlay page data.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, a form data storage means (RAM 19, external device) capable of storing form data received from a data processing device (host computer 3000) via a predetermined communication medium (network, interface). A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a printing apparatus having the form (secured on the memory 14), the form corresponding to a form designation command input before receiving print data from the data processing apparatus. A judgment step (step (4) in FIG. 4) for checking whether data is held in the form data storage means (step (4) in FIG. 4); and a case where it is judged that the corresponding form data is not stored in the judgment step Analyzes the form data received from the data processing device and When it is determined that the corresponding form data is stored in the object generation step of generating the drawing object (step (7) in FIG. 4) and the determination step, each form read from the form data storage unit is determined. A form image generation step (steps (6) and (7) in FIG. 4) for analyzing data to generate a form image, and an encoding step (FIG. 4) for encoding each form image generated in the form image generation step. Step (8)), and a form image holding step (step (8) in FIG. 4) for holding each encoded form image encoded in the encoding step in a memory resource (for example, the RAM 19 or the external memory 14). When receiving normal page data accompanied by an overlay print instruction from the data processing device, based on the determination result of the determination step. Reading out the encoded form image for the designated form data from the memory resource and decoding the same, and causing the decoded form image and the drawing object in the page data to be drawn on a page buffer; A drawing process (step (1) in FIG. 4) for drawing the form drawing object generated by the above and the drawing object in the page data on the page buffer.
0) and (11)) stored in a storage medium.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the form image generating step (step (7) in FIG. 4), when the form data is analyzed to generate a form image, the form image generating step is performed by the object generating step. A computer-readable program for generating a form image from the created object is stored in a storage medium.

In a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the form image generating step, a form image is generated in a form in which one page is divided into bands, and the memory resource is a form image divided into bands. A computer readable program for holding one page together is stored in a storage medium.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the memory resource can hold a form image of one page or more, and stores a computer-readable program for managing each form image based on identification information. It is stored on a medium.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the form data, a computer-readable program including instructions and data for controlling a printing apparatus is stored in a storage medium.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the form data storage means can store one page or more of form data, and stores a computer-readable program for managing each form data by identification information. It is stored on a medium.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable program for controlling a data processing device (host computer 3000) capable of communicating with a printing device (printer 1000) via a predetermined communication medium is stored. A form data management step (not shown) for managing a plurality of form data stored in the printing apparatus and having different printing conditions; and a method for outputting print data of a normal page when overlay printing is instructed. A computer-readable program having a form designation step (step (4) in FIG. 3) of outputting a designation command for designating form data managed by the management means to the printing apparatus. It was done.

In a twenty-sixth aspect according to the present invention, in the form data management step, a computer readable program for managing form data stored in the printing device based on identification information is stored in a storage medium. Things.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, a judging step (step (4) in FIG. 7) for judging whether specified form data is form data managed by the managing means, Is determined to be not the form data managed by the form data management step, an overlay page is analyzed to create form data to be registered in the printing apparatus (step (5) in FIG. 7). And a transfer step (step (6) in FIG. 7) of transferring the form data and the form designation command created in the creation step prior to the transfer of the overlay page data. It is stored on a medium.

[0034]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing the configuration of this embodiment, a configuration of a laser beam printer suitable for applying this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition,
The printer to which this embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer, and it goes without saying that a printer of another printing method may be used.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied, for example, a case of a laser beam printer (LBP).

In the figure, reference numeral 1500 denotes an LBP main body, which inputs and stores print information (character codes, etc.), form information, micro-instructions, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer, and stores these information. , A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as recording paper. Reference numeral 1501 denotes an operation panel on which switches for scanning, an LED display, and the like are arranged. Reference numeral 1000 denotes a printer control unit, which controls the entire LBP body 1500 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from a host computer. The printer control unit 1000 mainly converts character information into a video signal having a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1502.

The laser driver 1502 is the semiconductor laser 1
A circuit for driving the laser beam 503 switches on / off a laser beam 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 according to an input video signal. Laser light 15
Numeral 04 is swung right and left by a rotary polygon mirror 1505 to scan and expose an electrostatic drum 1506. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1507 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1506,
Transferred to recording paper.

A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1508 mounted on the LBP main body 1500, and is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1509 and transport rollers 1510 and 1511. And supplied to the electrostatic drum 1506.
The LBP body 1500 is provided with at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language system can be connected in addition to the built-in fonts.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system to which a print control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. Here, a laser beam printer (FIG. 1) will be described as an example. Further, if the function of the present invention is executed, even if it is a single device or a system including a plurality of devices,
It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN.

In the figure, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer which executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets) and the like are mixed based on a document processing program stored in a program ROM of the ROM 3. CP
The CPU 1 controls the devices connected to the system bus 4 as a whole.

The program ROM of the ROM 3
Has a CP as shown in the flowchart shown in FIG.
The control program of U1 is stored, the font ROM of the ROM 3 stores font data and the like used in the above document processing, and the data ROM of the ROM 3 stores various data (not shown) used in the above document processing and the like. For example, programs of various page description languages, font rasterizing data, etc.) are stored.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM that can be extended by an option RAM or the like, and functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 1. 5 is a keyboard controller (KBC),
It controls key input from a keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown).

6 is a CRT controller (CRTC),
The display of the CRT display (CRT) 10 is controlled.
Reference numeral 7 denotes a disk controller (DKC) for controlling access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, and editing files, and a floppy disk (FD).

8 is a printer controller (PRTC)
A predetermined bidirectional interface (interface)
21 and is connected to the printer 1500 to execute communication control processing with the printer 1500. Note that the CPU 1
Executes a rasterization process of an outline font in a display information RAM area set on the RAM 2, for example, to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 10.

The CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.

In the printer 1500, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU (CPU),
M or the external memory 1
4 to control overall access to various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program and the like stored in the printer 4 and output to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via a printing unit interface 16. An image signal as information is output.

The program ROM of the ROM 13
CPU 1 as shown in the flowchart of FIG.
2 stores an executable control program and the like. further,
The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data (including outline font data) used when generating the output information, and the like.
In the case of a printer having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk, the OM stores information used on the host computer 3000.

The CPU 12 is capable of communicating with the host computer 3000 via the input unit 18.
The information and the like in the printer 1500 are transferred to the host computer 30.
00 is configured to be notified.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM, which functions mainly as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an additional port (not shown).

The RAM 19 has an output information development area,
Used for environmental data storage area, NVRAM, and the like. The access to the external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) and an IC card is controlled by a disk controller (DKC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option, and includes font data (including font data downloaded from the host computer 3000), an emulation program (including an emulation program downloaded from the host computer 3000), and form data (including the host computer 3000). Etc.) are stored.

Reference numeral 1512 denotes the operation panel described above.
Switches and LED indicators for operation are arranged.

The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one. At least one external memory is provided. In addition to the built-in fonts, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages are stored. It may be configured to be connectable. Further, an NVRM (not shown) may be provided, and printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1512 may be stored for each user and each group.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the first data processing procedure in the data processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The data is stored in the external memory 11 in the host computer 3000 and is loaded into the RAM 2 by the printer driver. Corresponds to the processing procedure. In addition, (1)-
(7) shows each step. Also, here, the description is given on the assumption that the printer driver manages the registration ID of the form data registered in the printer 1500 in the host computer 3000.

First, in step (1), a command is received from an application program or the like, and a recommand is analyzed. In the following step (2), it is determined whether the analyzed command is a print execution command, and if not, the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2) that the command is a print execution command, it is determined in step (3) whether overlay printing is set, and it is determined that overlay printing has not been instructed. If so, the process proceeds to step (7), where normal printing processing is performed.
Return to step (1).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that overlay printing has been instructed, then in step (4),
A form designation command is transmitted to the printer 1500. In the present embodiment, the form designation command is designated using the registration ID of the form data.

Next, in step (5), normal page analysis processing is performed, and a command for performing printing processing in the printer 1500 is created. In step (6), the analyzed normal page printing command is output to the printer. Transmit it to 1500 and return to step (1).

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present embodiment, and corresponds to the data processing procedure of the printer 1500. Note that (1) to (11) indicate each step. Further, a program based on each procedure is stored in the ROM 13. Furthermore, it is assumed that form data for an overlay page is stored in the RAM 19 and is managed by a registration ID.

The RAM 19 is provided with a form raster holding means capable of storing and managing form raster data. Needless to say, the form raster holding means can be realized even if it is provided in the external memory 14 or the like in addition to the RAM 19.

First, in step (1), the print data transmitted from the host computer 3000 is input to the input unit 1
8 is stored. Subsequently, in step (2), it is determined whether print data exists in the input unit 18 by making a determination. If it is determined that print data does not exist, the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2) that print data exists, the print data is analyzed, and it is determined whether the data analyzed in step (3) is a form designation command. If it is determined that the command is a designated command, in a subsequent step (4), a search is made for a form raster registered in the RAM 19 and the external memory 14, and in a step (5), it is determined whether or not a form raster is found. If it is determined, the process returns to step (1). If it is determined that it is not found, in step (6), the form data is read and the data is analyzed.

In step (7), a form raster is generated, the read form data is analyzed, and a drawing object (intermediate code) is once generated, and then a one-page image (form raster) is formed. To generate a form raster.

Next, in step (8), step (7)
In (2), the generated form raster is encoded (compressed) and stored in the RAM 19, and the process returns to step (1). Here, by encoding and storing, there is an effect of suppressing the registration size. Further, at this time, the image is divided for each predetermined size (for example, a band size) and is coded and registered.

On the other hand, if the analyzed data is not a form designation command in step (3), step (9)
It is determined whether or not the analyzed data is an overlay print command. If it is determined that the data is not an overlay print command, the process proceeds to step (11). If it is determined that the data is an overlay print command, the process proceeds to step (10). ) In RAM
The coded form raster registered in 19 is read out and decoded to generate a print image (overlay page).

In the following step (11), a drawing object is generated while analyzing data for a normal page.
Generate image data for printing, and return to step (1).

If the form image (overlay page) generated in step (10) already exists, image data is generated by superimposing it on the image.

The above steps (1) to (8)
Alternatively, the printer 1500 performs an overlay printing process by repeating the processes from step (9) to step (11) until there is no more data received from the host computer 3000.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the data structure of the form raster holding unit secured on the RAM 19 shown in FIG. 2. In the present embodiment, the RAM 19 functions as a form raster holding unit, and is roughly classified into a form raster. The raster holding unit includes a form raster management unit 501 and a form raster data storage unit 504.

The form raster management unit 501 includes, as information for managing the entire registered form raster, a registered name of the form raster (form name), a resolution, a paper size, a paper direction as a paper feeding direction, the number of planes, and a band. It holds the number, registered size, etc. Also,
An address table for the number of bands is held, and the head address in the RAM 19 of the form raster data storage unit 504 for each band is managed. The address table can be held in a variable length depending on the number of bands of the form raster.

Reference numeral 502 denotes band management information,
D, band ID, X coordinate, Y coordinate, band width, band height, data size, and compression type. 5
03 is band data.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining an overlay printing state in the print control apparatus according to the present embodiment.
(A) corresponds to the registration state of the form data in the RAM 19, and (B) corresponds to the overlay printing state of the registered form data and the normal page.

In FIG. 6A, the printer 1500
Receives the above-mentioned form designation command from the host computer 3000, generates a form raster 602 from the form data 601 according to the above-described procedure, and holds the generated form raster 602 in the RAM 19 (see FIG. 4). Steps (6) to (8)).

Next, in FIG. 6B, the drawing object 60 for the normal page is converted from the normal page data 603.
4 is generated and the form raster 6 is stored in the drawing memory 605.
02 and stored (step (9) to FIG. 4)
(Equivalent to (11)).

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, a case has been described where a form raster is generated using form data already registered in the printer 1500. However, a form designation command is transmitted from the host computer 3000. By transmitting the form data at the same time, the overlay printing can be performed efficiently even when the form data is not registered in the printer 1500. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the data processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The data is stored in the external memory 11 in the host computer 3000 and is loaded into the RAM 2 by the printer driver. Corresponds to the processing procedure. In addition, (1)-
(10) shows each step.

First, in step (1), a command is received from an application program or the like, and the command is analyzed. In step (2), it is determined whether the analyzed command is a print execution command. Ends the processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2) that the command is a print execution command, then in step (3),
It is determined whether overlay printing is set. If it is determined that overlay printing has not been instructed, normal printing processing is performed in step (10), and after the printing processing is completed, the process returns to step (1).

On the other hand, if it is determined that overlay printing has been instructed, it is determined in step (4) whether or not the form data has been registered in the printer 1500. If it is determined that the form data has been registered, step S4 is performed. Proceed to (9), transmit the form designation command using the registration ID, and return to step (7).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (4) that the form data has not been registered, step (5)
To analyze the overlay page, and
Command to execute print processing at 500 (form data)
Then, in step (6), the created form data is transmitted to the printer 1500, and in step (7), a command for performing normal page analysis processing and performing printing processing with the printer 1500 is generated. (8)
Then, the analyzed command for printing a normal page is transmitted to the printer 1.
500, and after completion of the transmission, return to step (1).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present embodiment, and corresponds to the data processing procedure of the printer 1500. Note that (1) to (14) indicate each step, and a program corresponding to each procedure is stored in the ROM 13. It is also assumed that a form raster holding unit capable of storing and managing form raster data is secured in the RAM 19 shown in FIG. Further, it goes without saying that the form raster holding unit can be realized even if it is provided in the external memory 14 or the like in addition to the RAM 19.

First, in step (1), the print data transmitted from the host computer 3000 is input to the input unit 1
8 and determines in step (2) whether or not print data exists in the input unit 18. If it is determined that print data does not exist, the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2) that print data exists, the print data is analyzed and
It is determined whether the data analyzed in step (3) is a form designation command. If it is determined that the data is a form designation command, in step (4), the form data registered in the RAM 19 and the external memory 14 is deleted. Perform a search.

Next, in step (5), it is determined whether or not the form data has been found. If it is determined that the form data has not been found, the form data is registered in step (6). Proceed to.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5) that form data has been found, then in step (7), R
The form raster registered in the AM 19 and the external memory 14 is searched, and it is determined in step (8) whether or not the form raster is found. If it is determined that the form raster is found, the process returns to step (1), and it is determined that the form raster is not found. If so, in step (9), the registered form data is read and the data is analyzed.

In the following step (10), a form raster is generated. Here, the read form data is analyzed and the drawing object (intermediate code)
Is generated, and then an image (form raster) for one page is generated to generate a form raster.

Next, in step (10), the form raster generated is encoded in step (11),
9 and return to step (1). At this time, in the present embodiment, there is an effect of suppressing the registration size by encoding and storing. Also, at this time, the image is divided for each predetermined size and is coded and registered.

On the other hand, if the analyzed data is not a form designation command in step (3), the flow advances to step (12) to determine whether or not the analyzed data is an overlay print command. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step (14) and subsequent steps. If it is determined that the command is an overlay print command, the process proceeds to step (1).
In 3), the coded form raster registered in the RAM 19 is read out and decoded to generate an image for printing (overlay page).

In the following step (14), a drawing object is generated while analyzing data for a normal page, an image for printing is generated, and the process returns to step (1). In step (13), if the generated form image (overlay page) already exists, the image is generated by superimposing the image on the form.

The above steps (1) to (1)
1) or step (12) to step (14)
Is repeated until there is no more data received from the host computer 3000.
00 performs an overlay printing process.

The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by a printing system including a data processing device and a print control device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by a printing system including a data processing device and a print control device according to the present invention.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, such as version information and a creator, is also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, such as a program, is stored. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. Also, a program for installing various programs on a computer, and a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed, may be stored in some cases.

The functions shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8 in this embodiment may be executed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program code of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of a storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, and C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

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

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0100]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, a print control device capable of communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, the form data storage means being capable of storing form data received from the data processing device, and the data processing device A determination unit that determines whether form data corresponding to a form designation command input before receiving print data from the storage unit is stored in the form data storage unit; and the determination unit stores the corresponding form data. If it is determined that the form data is not present, it is determined that the corresponding form data is stored by the object generating means for analyzing the form data received from the data processing device to generate a form drawing object, and the determining means. Each form data read from the form data storage means. Form image generating means for analyzing the form image to generate a form image, encoding means for encoding each form image generated by the form image generating means, and each encoded form image encoded by the encoding means And a form image holding unit that holds an encoded form image for the designated form data based on the determination result of the determination unit when receiving normal page data accompanied by an overlay print instruction from the data processing device. Means for reading and decoding the decoded form image and the drawing object in the page data on a page buffer, or the form drawing object generated by the object generation means and the drawing in the page data Objects are drawn on the page buffer Because it has a that drawing control unit, before receiving the overlay print data,
Judge the registration status of the form data to be used, and if the specified form data is registered, create a drawing object from that form data.If the specified form data is not registered, By creating and holding a drawing object from form data received from the processing device, the rendering processing time required for generating a form overlay image when overlay printing is designated is reduced, and drawing in page units received from the data processing device is performed. The object and the drawing object of the form data are efficiently subjected to the overlay drawing processing, and the overlay printing processing using the optimum form data according to the printing conditions can be efficiently performed.

According to the second aspect, when the form image generating means generates the form image by analyzing the form data, the form image is generated from the object generated by the object generating means. Complex form data can be generated and processed in a short amount of time in terms of usage.

According to the third aspect, the form image generating means generates a form image in a form in which one page is divided into bands, and the form image holding means generates the form image divided into bands. Since one page is held together, the form image can be held in an optimal data format when performing band expansion processing on a drawing object used with a small memory usage.

According to the fourth aspect, the form image holding means can hold one or more pages of form images and manages each form image based on the identification information. , And print processing using different form data for each page is also possible.

According to the fifth aspect, since the form data is constituted by commands and data for controlling the printing apparatus, the form data can be managed in the same manner as the form data format managed by the data processing apparatus.

According to the sixth aspect, the form data storage means can store one or more pages of form data, and manages each form data by identification information.
By managing a plurality of form data having different printing conditions, it is possible to flexibly cope with a change in the printing condition of the form data.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, and managing a plurality of form data stored in the printing apparatus and having different printing conditions. Form data management means, and form designation means for outputting, to the printing device, a designation command for designating form data managed by the form data management means before outputting print data of a normal page when overlay printing is instructed An environment in which form data having different printing conditions registered in the printing apparatus are specified, drawing processing for the form data in the printing apparatus is performed first, and form overlay printing processing with subsequent print data can be performed in a short time. Can be set.

According to the eighth aspect, since the form data management means manages the form data stored in the printing apparatus based on the identification information, the form data registered in the printing apparatus is uniquely identified. , The form overlay printing process using the intended form data can be performed.

According to the ninth aspect, the judging means for judging whether the designated form data is the form data managed by the form data managing means, and the form data managed by the judging means by the form data managing means. Creating means for analyzing the overlay page to create form data to be registered in the printing apparatus when it is determined that the form data is not the form data to be registered in the printing apparatus; Since there is a transfer means for transferring data in advance before transferring data, even if form data is not registered in the printing device, it is created before transferring the print data, transferred to the printing device, and newly registered. Before the transfer of the print data using the newly registered form data, Registered as Omudeta,
It is possible to reduce the data processing load on the printing apparatus when starting form overlay printing using unregistered form data.

According to the tenth and nineteenth aspects, there is provided a data processing method for a print control apparatus including form data storage means capable of storing form data received from a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, Alternatively, a storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a printing apparatus including form data storage means capable of storing form data received from the data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the data processing apparatus A determination step of checking whether form data corresponding to a form designation command input before receiving print data from the form data is stored in the form data storage means; and determining the corresponding form data by the determination step. If it is determined that there is no form, the form received from the data processing device When it is determined that the corresponding form data is stored in the object generation step of generating a form drawing object by analyzing the data and the determination step, each form data read from the form data storage unit is read. A form image generating step of analyzing and generating a form image, an encoding step of encoding each form image generated by the form image generating step, and an encoded form image encoded by the encoding step. A form image storing step of storing the form data in a memory resource, and, upon receiving normal page data accompanied by an overlay print instruction from the data processing apparatus, the encoded form image corresponding to the designated form data based on the determination result of the determining step. Read out from the resource and decode, the decoded form image A drawing step of drawing a drawing object in the page data on a page buffer, or drawing a form drawing object generated in the object generation step and a drawing object in the page data on a page buffer. Therefore, before receiving the overlay print data, the registration state of the form data to be used is determined, and if the specified form data is registered, a drawing object is created from the form data and the specified drawing data is created. If form data is not registered, a drawing object is created and held from the form data received from the data processing device, thereby reducing the processing time required for generating a form overlay image when overlay printing is designated. Received from the data processing device This makes it possible to efficiently perform overlay drawing processing with drawing objects in units of pages to be transmitted, and efficiently perform overlay printing processing using optimal form data according to printing conditions.

According to the eleventh and twentieth aspects, the form image generation step generates a form image from the object generated in the object generation step when the form data is analyzed to generate the form image. In addition, complicated form data can be generated and processed in a short time with a small memory usage.

According to the twelfth and twenty-first inventions, the form image generating step generates a form image in a form in which one page is divided into bands, and the memory resource is a form image divided into bands. Are held together for one page, so that a form image can be held in an optimal data format when performing band expansion processing on a drawing object used with a small memory usage.

According to the thirteenth and twenty-second aspects, the memory resource can hold one or more pages of form images, and manages each form image based on identification information. By managing a plurality of data, printing processing using different form data for each page can be performed.

According to the fourteenth and twenty-third aspects, since the form data is constituted by commands and data for controlling the printing apparatus, the form data is managed in the same manner as the form data format managed by the data processing apparatus. Can be.

According to the fifteenth and twenty-fourth aspects, the form data storage means is capable of storing one or more pages of form data, and manages each form data by identification information. It is possible to manage a plurality of pages of form data having different print conditions, manage a plurality of form data having different print conditions, and flexibly respond to changes in the print conditions of form data.

According to the sixteenth and twenty-fifth aspects, there is provided a data processing method of a data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, or a method of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a possible data processing apparatus, a form data management step of managing a plurality of form data stored in the printing apparatus under different printing conditions, and overlay printing. Is designated, before outputting the print data of the normal page, a form designation step of outputting to the printing apparatus a designation command for designating the form data managed by the form data management step, Drawing processing for form data in a printing device by specifying form data with different registered printing conditions Thereby leading to, it is possible to set the environment that can be done quickly form overlay print process with the subsequent print data.

According to the seventeenth and twenty-sixth aspects, the form data management step manages the form data stored in the printing apparatus based on the identification information. Form overlay printing processing using intended form data can be performed by uniquely specifying data.

According to the eighteenth and twenty-seventh aspects, a judging step of judging whether the designated form data is form data managed by the form data managing step, and the judging step is managed by the managing step. A creating step of analyzing the overlay page to create form data to be registered in the printing apparatus when it is determined that the form data is not the form data that has been created, and overlaying the form data and the form designation instruction created by the creating step. Since there is a transfer step of transferring the page data in advance before the transfer of the page data, even if the form data is not registered on the printing apparatus side, it is created before the transfer of the print data, transferred to the printing apparatus and newly registered. Before transferring the print data using the newly registered form data, a form having different printing conditions Registered as over data, it is possible to reduce the printing device side of the data processing load at the time of form overlay print start to use unregistered form data.

Accordingly, the rendering processing time required for generating the form overlay image when the overlay printing is designated is reduced, and the overlay drawing processing of the page-based drawing object and the form data drawing object received from the data processing device is efficiently performed. In addition, there is an effect that the overlay printing process using the optimal form data according to the printing conditions can be performed at a high speed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which a print control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first example of the data processing device according to the embodiment;
It is a flowchart which shows an example of a data processing procedure.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a form raster holding unit secured on a RAM shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overlay printing state in the print control device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a second example of the data processing device according to the embodiment.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system including a data processing device and a print control device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 11 External memory 12 CPU 14 External memory 13 ROM 19 RAM

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AQ06 HH08 HJ06 HS01 2C087 AA12 AB01 AB05 AC08 BA03 BA05 BA09 BA11 BC01 BD02 BD08 BD13 BD14 BD53 CA02 5B021 BB01 CC05 DD07 DD17 LA01 LA03 9A001 BB03 CC08 DD06 EE04 H03 JJ35 KK16 KK31 KK42

Claims (27)

[Claims] 1. A print control device capable of communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: a form data storage unit capable of storing form data received from the data processing device; Determining means for checking whether form data corresponding to a form designation command input before receiving print data is stored in the form data storage means; and determining the corresponding form data by the determining means. If it is determined that there is no form data, the object generation means for analyzing the form data received from the data processing apparatus to generate a form drawing object, and the determination means determine that the corresponding form data is stored In this case, each form data read from the form data storage means Form image generating means for analyzing the form image to generate a form image, encoding means for encoding each form image generated by the form image generating means, and each encoded form image encoded by the encoding means And a form image holding unit that holds an encoded form image for the designated form data based on the determination result of the determination unit when receiving normal page data accompanied by an overlay print instruction from the data processing device. Means for reading and decoding the decoded form image and the drawing object in the page data on a page buffer, or the form drawing object generated by the object generating means and the drawing in the page data Objects are drawn on the page buffer And a drawing control unit for causing the print control unit to perform the printing. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said form image generating means generates a form image from an object generated by said object generating means when generating form image by analyzing form data. Print control device. 3. The form image generating means generates a form image in a form obtained by dividing one page into a band, and the form image holding means holds the form image divided into a band by one page. 2. The printing control device according to claim 1, wherein 4. The printing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the form image holding unit is capable of holding one or more form images, and manages each form image based on identification information. 5. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the form data is composed of commands and data for controlling a printing apparatus. 6. The form data storage means is capable of storing form data of one page or more, and manages each form data by identification information.
The printing control device according to the above. 7. A data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the data processing device manages a plurality of form data stored in the printing device under different printing conditions; When overlay printing is instructed, before outputting print data of a normal page, form designation means for outputting a designation command for designating form data managed by the form data management means to the printing apparatus. Characteristic data processing device. 8. The data processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said form data management means manages form data stored in said printing apparatus based on identification information. 9. A determination means for determining whether the designated form data is form data managed by the previous form data record management means, and the form data is not managed by the form data management means by the determination means. When it is determined that the form data to be registered in the printing apparatus by analyzing the overlay page, the form data and the form designation command created by the creating means are transmitted before the overlay page data is transferred. 8. The data processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: a transfer unit that transfers data in advance. 10. A data processing method for a print control device comprising a form data storage unit capable of storing form data received from a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, the method comprising: receiving print data from the data processing device; A determination step of checking whether form data corresponding to the form designation command input to the form data is held in the form data storage means, and determining that the corresponding form data is not stored by the determination step In the case, an object generating step of analyzing the form data received from the data processing device to generate a form drawing object, and when it is determined that the corresponding form data is stored in the determining step, the Each form data read from the form data storage means is analyzed and A form image generating step of generating a form image; an encoding step of encoding each form image generated by the form image generating step; and an encoded form image encoded by the encoding step as a memory resource. A form image holding step of holding, and upon receiving normal page data accompanied by an overlay print instruction from the data processing device, reading an encoded form image for the designated form data from the memory resource based on the determination result of the determination step. The decoded form image and the drawing object in the page data are drawn on a page buffer, or the form drawing object generated in the object generation step and the drawing object in the page data are Drawing to draw on the page buffer Data processing method for a printing control apparatus, comprising: the degree, the. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the form image generating step generates a form image from the object generated in the object generating step when generating the form image by analyzing the form data.
The data processing method of the print control device according to the above. 12. The form image generating step generates a form image in a form in which one page is divided into bands.
11. The data processing method according to claim 10, wherein the memory resource holds a form image divided into bands for one page. 13. The data processing according to claim 10, wherein the memory resource can hold a form image of one page or more, and manages each form image based on identification information. Method. 14. The data processing method for a print control device according to claim 10, wherein the form data is composed of commands and data for controlling a printing device. 15. The data processing according to claim 10, wherein said form data storage means is capable of storing one or more pages of form data, and manages each form data with identification information. Method. 16. A data processing method for a data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, the form data managing a plurality of form data stored in the printing device under different printing conditions. A management step, when overlay printing is instructed, before outputting print data of a normal page, a form designation step of outputting a designation command to designate the form data managed by the form data management step to the printing device; A data processing method for a data processing device, comprising: 17. The data processing method according to claim 16, wherein the form data management step manages form data stored in the printing device based on identification information. 18. A determining step of determining whether specified form data is form data managed by the managing step, and determining that the determining step is not form data managed by the form data managing step. If
A creation step of analyzing an overlay page to create form data to be registered in the printing device; and a transfer step of transferring the form data and the form designation command created in the creation step prior to the transfer of the overlay page data 17. The data processing method for a data processing device according to claim 16, comprising: 19. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a printing apparatus having form data storage means capable of storing form data received from a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, A determination step of checking whether form data corresponding to a form designation command input before receiving print data from the data processing apparatus is stored in form data storage means, and determining the form data; If it is determined that is not stored, an object generation step of analyzing the form data received from the data processing device to generate a form drawing object, and the corresponding form data are stored in the determination step Is determined, the form data storage A form image generating step of analyzing each form data read from the stage to generate a form image; an encoding step of encoding each form image generated by the form image generating step; and an encoding step of encoding by the encoding step. A form image holding step of holding each encoded form image in a memory resource, and receiving normal page data accompanied by an overlay print instruction from the data processing device, based on the determination result of the determination step, based on the designated form data. Read out the encoded form image from the memory resource and decode it, and draw the decoded form image and the drawing object in the page data on a page buffer, or form drawing generated by the object generating step. Objects and drawing objects in the page data Storage medium from which a computer stores readable program characterized by comprising: a rendering step of rendering the object on the page buffer, the. 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the form image generating step generates a form image from the object generated in the object generating step when generating the form image by analyzing the form data.
A storage medium storing the computer-readable program according to the above. 21. The form image generating step generates a form image in a form in which one page is divided into bands.
20. The storage medium according to claim 19, wherein the memory resource holds a form image divided into bands for one page. 22. The computer readable program according to claim 19, wherein said memory resource is capable of holding a form image of one page or more, and manages each form image based on identification information. Storage medium storing. 23. The storage medium according to claim 19, wherein said form data is composed of instructions and data for controlling a printing apparatus. 24. The computer readable program according to claim 19, wherein said form data storage means is capable of storing form data of one page or more, and manages each form data by identification information. Storage medium storing. 25. A storage medium storing a computer readable program for controlling a data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein a printing condition of printing conditions stored in the printing device is stored. A form data management step of managing a plurality of different form data; and, when overlay printing is instructed, before outputting print data of a normal page, a designation command for designating the form data managed by the management means is output to the printing apparatus A storage medium storing a computer-readable program. 26. The storage device according to claim 25, wherein said form data management step manages form data stored in said printing device based on identification information. Medium. 27. A judging step of judging whether specified form data is form data managed by the form data managing means, and if the judging step is not form data managed by the form data managing step. If it is determined,
A creation step of analyzing an overlay page to create form data to be registered in the printing device; and a transfer step of transferring the form data and the form designation command created in the creation step prior to the transfer of the overlay page data 26. The storage medium storing a computer-readable program according to claim 25, comprising: