JP2000172725A - Plotting controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve plotting performance by arranging an independent cache in each of plural plotting modules. SOLUTION: This controller is provided with plural character storing means 61a and 62a which store character plotting data undergoing cache management, plural plotting parts 10a and 11a which performs plotting of the character plotting data of each of the means 61a and 62a, a cache managing means 21a which manages each of the means 61a and 62a and a plotting controlling part 5a which controls each of the parts 10a and 11a, and the means 21a performs cache management with each part 10a and 11a as a unit while being respectively independent.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a drawing control device using outline characters.

2. Description of the Related Art In the future, printers and the like are required to have higher speed and higher resolution, and a drawing controller, which is a controller thereof, is required to further improve performance. As a means for improving the performance, there is a method of improving the average performance by having a plurality of drawing modules and operating them in a multiplexed manner. Outline characters have a smaller character resource size than raster characters and can be used for processing of italics, etc., and are an important technique that will be used in the future. Therefore,
You need to address this performance issue by using a cache.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, data on a character storage table is represented by B
The drawing module for transferring to the MM (bitmap memory) and the character management unit for performing cache management are performed by one.

For this reason, the improvement of the drawing performance depends on the improvement of the frequency of the drawing module and the control MPU (microprocessor unit) of the drawing control device, and it is impossible to further improve the performance.

[0005]

Since the above-mentioned conventional apparatus has one drawing module and one character management unit, the performance improvement depends on the frequency improvement of the drawing module and the control MPU.

An object of the present invention is to solve such a conventional problem and improve the drawing performance by arranging an independent cache for each of a plurality of drawing modules.

[0007]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numerals 10a and 11a denote drawing units, 16 and 1,
7 is a bitmap memory (BMM), 5a is a drawing control unit, 21a is a cache management unit, 23a is a secondary cache, 61a and 62a are character storage units, and 64 and 65 are work areas.

The present invention has the following configuration to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems.

(1): A plurality of character storage means 61a, 62a for storing character drawing data to be cache-managed
A plurality of drawing units 10a and 11a for drawing character drawing data in the character storage units 61a and 62a; a cache management unit 21a for managing the character storage units 61a and 62a; And a drawing control unit 5a for controlling the units 10a and 11a. The cache management unit 21a performs independent cache management for each of the drawing units 10a and 11a.

(2) In the drawing control device of (1), the cache management unit 21a searches for a cache of a unit of another drawing unit when there is a mishit in a cache of a unit of one drawing unit.

(3) In the drawing control device according to (1) or (2), each of the drawing units 10a and 11a includes a plurality of cache management units, and the cache management unit 21a includes the cache management unit. After the predetermined number of characters have been added, the drawing units 10a and 11a start drawing.

(4) In the drawing control apparatus according to (1) or (2), an independent common secondary cache 23a is provided in addition to the cache management unit existing in each of the drawing units 10a and 11a.

(5) In the drawing control device of (4), when the secondary cache 23a is searched and a mishit occurs, the cache existing in the unit of each of the drawing units 10a and 11a is searched.

(6) In the drawing control device of the above (1), there are provided work areas 64 and 65 for storing character drawing data in units of the drawing units 10a and 11a. When registering characters, the characters are arranged in the work areas 64 and 65, and the characters are stored using the drawing units 10a and 11a.
1a and 62a.

(Operation) The operation based on the above configuration will be described.

A plurality of character storage means 61a and 62a store character drawing data to be cache-managed, and a plurality of drawing units 10a and 11a store the respective character storage means 61a and 6a.
2a, the cache management unit 21a manages the character storage units 61a, 62a, the drawing control unit 5a controls the drawing units 10a, 11a, and the cache management unit 21a Then, independent cache management is performed for each of the drawing units 10a and 11a. For this reason, the management state of each cache becomes operable without affecting the character transfer of the other drawing units, so that the drawing efficiency can be improved.

In the cache management means 21a,
When there is a mishit in the cache of one drawing unit, the cache of another drawing unit is searched. For this reason, the characters on the cache of other drawing units are used effectively (copy)
Character creation time can be reduced.

Further, each of the drawing units 10a and 11a has a plurality of cache management units. When the cache management unit 21a adds characters of the number expected in the cache management unit, the drawing unit 10a, 1
1a is started. For this reason, since the drawing unit is started before the character processing for one page is completed, it is possible to quickly release the free area (cache management unit) due to the completion of the drawing unit. Also, character processing can be performed in parallel during the operation of the drawing unit until the next cache management unit becomes full, which is advantageous in performance.

In addition to the cache management unit existing in each of the drawing units 10a and 11a, an independent common secondary cache 23a is provided. For this reason, by copying the characters from the secondary cache, it is possible to prevent the characters used commonly for each page from being re-created and to reduce the character processing time.

Furthermore, when the secondary cache 23a is searched and a mishit occurs, the cache existing in the unit of each of the drawing units 10a and 11a is searched. For this reason, characters on the cache of other drawing units can also be used effectively,
Character creation time can be reduced.

Further, work areas 64 and 65 for storing character drawing data in units of the drawing units 10a and 11a are provided. When the cache management means 21a registers characters in a cache, the work areas 64 and 65 are used. Then, the characters are transferred to the character storage means 61a, 62a using the drawing units 10a, 11a. Therefore, while the work area is present, characters can be registered without waiting for the end of the drawing unit, and the character processing and the drawing unit can operate in parallel.

[0022]

FIG. 2 to FIG. 19 are diagrams showing an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1) Description of Drawing Control Device: Description of Each Part FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the drawing control device. In FIG. 2, a controller 2 serving as a drawing control device receives commands / data from a host (host computer) 1 and controls the mechanism 3.

The controller 2 includes a command control unit 4,
Drawing control unit 5, printing order control unit 6, RIO (raster image operator) 1 DMA controller 7, RIO 2DM
A controller 8, RIO3DMA controller 9, R
IO110, RIO211, RIO312, RIM (raster image memory) 13, RIM14, RIM15,
BMM (bitmap memory) 16, BMM17, BM
M18 and a mechanical control unit 19 are provided.

The drawing control unit 5 includes a character processing unit 20, an RI
O control unit 30, RIO1 parameter storage area 41, RIO
2 parameter storage area 42, RIO3 parameter storage area 4
3, RIO1 hash table 51, RIO2 hash table 52, RIO3 hash table 53, RIO
1 cache management table 54, RIO2 cache management table 55, RIO3 cache management table 5
6, a secondary cache hash table 57 and a secondary cache cache management table 58 are provided.

The RIM 13 has a character storage table 61 and a work area 64, the RIM 14 has a character storage table 62 and a work area 65, and the RIM 15 has a character storage table 63 and a work area 66.

The character processing unit 20 includes a cache management unit 1
A next 21, a character creation unit 22, and a cache management unit secondary 23 are provided. The RIO control unit 30 includes a RIO parameter creation unit 31.

The command control unit 4 is in charge of an interface between the hosts 1 and receives commands and data from the host 1 and analyzes received data.
The drawing control unit 5 controls the drawing on the BMM. The print order control unit 6 manages the BMM management and the BMM transfer order to the mechanism 3 (different for each mechanism).

[0029] The RIO1DMA controller 7
This is an LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) that transfers the RIO parameters in the one parameter storage area 41 to the RIO1. RI
The O2DMA controller 8 transfers the RIO parameters in the RIO2 parameter storage area 42 to the
SI. The RIO3DMA controller 9 uses the RIO
This is an LSI that transfers the RIO parameters in the three-parameter storage area 43 to the RIO3.

The RIO 110 is an LSI (drawing unit) for transferring data on the RIM 13 to the BMM 16, the transfer is performed in a rectangular area, rotation, repeat, logic operation is possible, and vector drawing is also supported. RIO211
Is the LS that transfers the data on the RIM 14 to the BMM 17
I (drawing unit), transfer is performed in a rectangular area, rotation,
It can perform repeat and logical operations, and also supports vector drawing. The RIO 312 is an LSI (drawing unit) that transfers data on the RIM 15 to the BMM 18, the transfer is performed in a rectangular area, rotation, repeat, logic operation is possible, and vector drawing is also supported.

The RIM 13 is a memory for arranging a character pattern, a face-painting pattern, a vector pattern, and the like to be transferred to the BMM 16, and is also used as a work for deforming a character, and stores character data of a character cache. A character storage table 61 is provided. RIM
Reference numeral 14 denotes a memory for arranging a character pattern, a face painting pattern, a vector pattern, and the like to be transferred to the BMM 17;
It is also used as a work when transforming characters,
A character storage table 62 in which character data of the character cache is stored is arranged. RIM15 is BMM18
Is a memory for arranging a character pattern, a face-painting pattern, a vector pattern, and the like to be transferred to the memory. The memory is also used as a work for deforming a character. A character storage table 63 for storing character data of a character cache is arranged. ing.

BMM16, BMM17 and BMM18 are
Each memory is for storing one page of data transferred to the mechanism 3. The mechanism control unit 19 is in charge of an interface between the mechanism 3 and the controller 2.

The character processing section 20 processes request data for drawing characters. The RIO control unit 30 uses R
It controls IOs 1-3 and their DMA controllers. The RIO1 parameter storage area 41 is
This stores the parameters of RIO1. The RIO2 parameter storage area 42 stores the RIO2 parameters. The RIO3 parameter storage area 43 stores the RIO
3 is stored.

The RIO1 hash table 51 stores the RIO
It stores the head pointer of the character management table column of the one cache management table 54. The RIO2 hash table 52 includes a RIO2 cache management table 55
The first pointer of the character management table column is stored. The RIO3 hash table 53 stores the head pointer of the character management table column of the RIO3 cache management table 56.

The RIO1 cache management table 54 is
It stores character management information of the character storage table 61. The RIO2 cache management table 55 stores character management information of the character storage table 62. The RIO3 cache management table 56 stores the management information of the characters in the character storage table 63.
The secondary cache hash table 57 stores the head pointer of the character management table column of the secondary cache cache management table 58. The secondary cache cache management table 58 stores character management information of a character storage table (not shown, but provided in the drawing control unit 5).

The character storage tables 61 to 63 store characters to be cache-managed. Work area 64
Nos. To 66 are used as works when characters are deformed.

The cache management unit primary 21 performs cache control of a primary cache of outline characters. The character creator 22 rasterizes outline characters. The cache management section secondary 23 performs cache control of the secondary cache of outline characters. The RIO parameter creation unit 31 performs RIO1-3
Is created and stored in the RIO parameter storage areas (41-43), and manages the RIO parameter storage areas (41-43).

RIO1 hash table 51, RIO1
The cache management table 54 and the character storage table 61 constitute one character management unit (primary cache), and
The O2 hash table 52, the RIO2 cache management table 55, and the character storage table 62 constitute one character management unit (primary cache), and the RIO3 hash table 53, the RIO3 cache management table 56, and the character storage table 63 form one character management unit. Construct a unit (primary cache). Secondary cache hash table 5
7. One character management unit (secondary cache) is composed of the secondary cache cache management table 58 and a character storage table (not shown). Although not shown, the controller 2 includes an MPU (microprocessor unit) for controlling the whole.

Description of Data Flow The data flow will be described with reference to the symbols (1) to (12) in FIG.

(1) The command control unit 4 receives a command / data from the host 1.

(2) The command control unit 4 edits the data in page units and sends the edited data to the print order control unit 6.

(3) The print order control unit 6 requests the drawing control unit 5 to draw host data on the BMM.

(4) Request a character search to the cache management unit (primary) 21 of the character processing unit 20.

(A) If there is no character in the cache, the cache management unit 21 acquires a character storage area and requests the character creation unit 22 to create a character.

(B) The cache management unit 21 receives the completion of character creation from the character creation unit 22 and registers it in the cache.

(5) The RIO control unit 30 acquires characters from the cache management unit 21 and requests the RIO parameter creation unit 31 to create RIO parameters.

(6) The RIO parameter creation unit 31
The parameter is stored in the corresponding RIO parameter storage area (41-4
Set to 3).

(7) The RIO control unit 30 controls the R
When the IO parameters are prepared (for example, one page processing is completed), the DMA controller (7 to 9) requests the DMA start of the RIO parameters.

(8) RIO1-3 (10-12)
The characters and the like on M13 to M15 are transferred to BMMs 16 to 18.

(9) The drawing control unit 5 notifies the printing order control unit 6 of the end of drawing on the BMMs 16 to 18 in response to the end of the operations of the RIOs 1 to 3. (10) The printing order control unit 6 The print request of 18 is sent to the mechanical control unit 19.

(11) The mechanical control unit 19 includes the BMMs 16 to 18
A DMA transfer request to the mechanism 3 is made.

(12) DMA transfer of BMM 16-18 data to mechanism 3 is started.

(2): Description of outline character Outline character is an internal character whose outline is represented by one stroke created and processed for each character size based on character base data which represents the outline of the character by vector data. It is a character that can be completed by painting. Generally, since the range of the size of a character created by one character data is wide, the amount of character data is small, but it takes time to create a character.

(3) Description of Outline Character Cache The character cache saves and reuses a character once created while it is put in a predetermined number of characters / area size, thereby shortening the character creation time and improving the performance. System.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a character cache management unit. In FIG. 3, one character cache management unit includes a hash table 71, a character management table (cache management table) 72, and a character storage table 73. The character cache management unit is managed by a cache management unit (not shown).

The hash table 71 stores the head pointer of the character management table column of the character management table 72. The character management table 72 stores character management information of the character storage table 73. The character storage table 73 stores characters to be cache-managed.

(Explanation of cache management) Reference numerals in FIG.
The cache management operation will be described based on FIG.

The character address is processed to obtain the head pointer of the character management table row from the hash table 71, and the head character management table 72 is obtained (part is extracted). At this time, confirm that the address is within the valid address.

It is checked whether the reverse pointer of the character management table 72 points to the character management table column pointer used above on the hash table 71.

Since the character management table sequence obtained in the above is valid (if the character management table sequence has already been deleted, the above condition is not satisfied), a search is made to see if there is one having the same character size and character processing information.

If a hit occurs, the character in the character storage table 73 indicated by the character address is used.

If no hit is found, a search is performed in the cache management unit of another block by the same procedure. Note that "
“+” Indicates that the condition is different (the same applies hereinafter).

To register a character on the cache,
Character storage table 7 for character management units for adding characters
3. An area corresponding to the character size to be registered is made empty (valid address is moved) and one character management table 72 is acquired (valid address is moved) and added to the end of the character management table column.

(4): Description of character cache management when a plurality of RIOs are prepared In order to improve processing performance, a plurality of RIOs are prepared to implement character cache management. In the case of a method of improving performance by operating multiple RIOs, by preparing and operating an independent character cache for each RIO, the management status of each cache affects the character transfer status of other RIOs. Since operation is possible, the efficiency is increased and the logic is simplified.

The referenced cache area cannot be deleted until the RIO operation is completed. Therefore, in order to operate the drawing control and the RIO in parallel, it is necessary to prepare a free cache area in which the next character can be registered.

(Operation Procedure) (1) The command control unit 4 receives a character drawing request for the nth page from the host 1 (referred to as RIO1).

(2) The cache management unit (primary) 21 of the character processing unit 20 searches the RIO1 cache management table 54 for a character, and when a hit is found, the RIO parameter creation unit 31 creates an RIO parameter (character). Transfer).

(3) The cache management unit 21 checks that the character is RI
If there is no entry in the O1 cache management table 54 (if there is no hit), the character creating unit 22 is activated to create the character and register the RIO1 cache of the created character.

(4) The above (2) to (3) are repeated, and the processing for one page is completed (RIO parameters are created in the RIO1 parameter storage area 41).

(5) The RIO control unit 30 activates the RIO 1 (the DMA controller 7 sends the RIO parameter DM
A start request).

(6) The command control unit 4 sends n
A character drawing request for the + 1st page is received (referred to as RIO2).

(7) Cache management unit 2 of character processing unit 20
1 searches for a character from the RIO2 cache management table 55, and when a hit is found, the RIO parameter creation unit 31
To create RIO parameters (for character transfer).

(8) The cache management unit 21 determines that the character
When the character is not found in the O2 cache management table 55 (when there is no hit), the character creator 22 is activated to perform character creation and register the RIO2 cache of the created character.

(9) The above (7) to (8) are repeated, and the processing for one page is completed (RIO parameters are created in the RIO2 parameter storage area 42).

(10) The RIO control unit 30 activates the RIO 2 (the RIO parameter DM
A start request).

(11) The command control unit 4 sends n
A character drawing request for the +2 page is received (referred to as RIO3).

(12) Termination of RIO1 operation and printing (BMM
DMA transfer of 16 data to mechanism 3).

Hereinafter, the same processing is continued.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the character cache management process. Hereinafter, description will be given according to the processing S1 to the processing S8 in FIG.

S1: The drawing control unit 5 waits for a command from the host 1.

S2: The drawing control unit 5 receives a character drawing command from the host 1 and analyzes a character drawing request (RI
O selection specified).

S3: The drawing control unit 5 performs a search process in the cache for the character of the designated RIO.

S4: The drawing control unit 5 determines whether or not a character exists in the cache in the search in S3.

S5: If there is a character in the cache in the search in S3, the RIO parameters are created and stored.

S6: If no character exists in the cache in the search in S3, a character creation process is performed, and a process of registering the designated RIO character in the cache is performed. ), And performs processing for creating and storing RIO parameters.

S7: The drawing control unit 5 activates the designated RIO by a page completion command.

S8: The RIO end interrupt handler (in the drawing control unit 5) is
After confirming the normal end of the IO, the RIO number is notified to the print controller (print order controller 6).

(5): Description of Using Characters on Other RIO Caches When an independent character cache is prepared and operated for each RIO, characters on other RIO caches are effectively used (copy). By doing so, the character creation time can be reduced.

(Operation Procedure) (1) The command control unit 4 receives a character drawing request for the nth page from the host 1 (referred to as RIO1).

(2) The cache management unit (primary) 21 of the character processing unit 20 searches the RIO1 cache management table 54 for a character, and when a hit is found, the RIO parameter creation unit 31 creates an RIO parameter (character) Transfer).

(3) The cache management unit 21 determines that the characters are RI
If it does not exist in the O1 cache management table 54 (if there is no hit), the character cache management unit of another RIO (RIO2, 3) is searched, and when a hit occurs, the character is copied and registered in the character cache of RIO1, RIO
RIO parameter creation is performed by the parameter creation unit 31 (RI
O1).

(4) The cache management unit 21 has a separate RIO
If there is no character in the character cache management unit of (RIO2, 3), the character creation unit 22 is started to create a character, and R
Create IO1 cache registration and RIO parameters.

(5) The above (2) to (4) are repeated to complete the processing for one page (create the RIO parameters in the RIO1 parameter storage area 41).

(6) The RIO control unit 30 activates RIO1 (the RIO parameter DM is transmitted to the DMA controller 7).
A start request).

(7) The command control unit 4 sends n
A character drawing request for the + 1st page is received (referred to as RIO2).

(8) Cache management unit 2 of character processing unit 20
1 searches for a character from the RIO2 cache management table 55, and when a character is hit,
To create RIO parameters (for character transfer).

(9) The cache management unit 21 determines that the character is RI
If it does not exist in the O2 cache management table 55 (if there is no hit), the character cache management unit of another RIO (RIO1, 3) is searched, and when hit, the character is copied and registered in the character cache of RIO2, RIO
RIO parameter creation is performed by the parameter creation unit 31 (RI
O2).

(10) The cache management unit 21 executes a separate RIO
If there is no character in the character cache management unit of (RIO1, 3), the character creation unit 22 is activated to create a character, and R
Create IO2 cache registration and RIO parameters.

(11) The above (8) to (10) are repeated, and the processing for one page is completed (RIO parameters are created in the RIO2 parameter storage area 42).

(12) The RIO control unit 30 activates the RIO 1 (the DMA controller 7 sends the RIO parameter DM
A start request).

(13) The command control unit 4 sends n
A character drawing request for the +2 page is received (referred to as RIO3).

(14) End of RIO1 operation, go to printing (BMM
DMA transfer of 16 data to mechanism 3).

Hereinafter, the same processing is continued.

(Explanation by Flow Chart) FIG. 5 is a flow chart (1) of a process using characters on another RIO cache, and FIG.
Is a flowchart (2) of a process using characters on another RIO cache. Hereinafter, description will be made in accordance with the processing S11 to the processing S21 of FIGS.

S11: The drawing control unit 5 waits for a command from the host 1.

S12: The drawing control unit 5 receives a character drawing command from the host 1 and analyzes a character drawing request (R
(IO selection is specified).

S13: The drawing control unit 5 performs a search process in the cache for the character of the designated RIO.

S14: The drawing control unit 5 determines whether or not a character exists in the cache in the search in S13.

S15: If there is a character in the cache in the search in S13, the RIO parameters are created and stored.

S16: If there is no character in the cache in the search in S13, the search target RIO cache is updated and the search is repeated until all the other existing RIO caches are searched (the cache of the character of the specified RIO is read). Search processing).

S17: The drawing control unit 5 determines whether or not a character exists in the cache in the search in S16.

S18: If there is a character in the cache in the determination in S17, the drawing control unit 5 creates and stores RIO parameters.

S19: If no character is found in the cache, the drawing control unit 5 performs a character creation process, registers the character of the designated RIO in the cache (if there is no free space in the cache, waits until it becomes free). ), And performs processing for creating and storing RIO parameters.

S20: The drawing control unit 5 activates the designated RIO by the page completion command.

S21: The RIO end interrupt handler is
The normal completion of the hardware (DMA controller, RIO, etc.) is confirmed, and the completed RIO number is notified to the print control unit (print order control unit 6).

(6): Character cache management unit is 1RI
Explanation when creating a plurality of characters for O. One character cache management unit existing in RIO unit is 1RI.
A plurality of Os are created (the created character cache management unit is referred to as a lowercase management unit). When one lowercase management unit becomes full, the RIO is started before one page is completed ( It should be noted that until the RIO ends, the RI
The cache that can be referenced cannot be released at the time of O startup). The drawing control unit 5 continues the character processing and adds a new character to the next lower case unit.

By continuing this operation, the parallel operation of character processing and RIO is maintained (continued while there is a space in the lowercase management unit).

As described above, since the RIO is started before the character processing for one page is completed, the free area (lower case management unit) can be quickly released upon completion of the RIO. Also, RI until the next lower case management unit becomes full.
Since character processing can be performed in parallel during O operation,
This is advantageous in performance (particularly advantageous in the case of data where the RIO operation ends early).

(Explanation of Lower Case Management Unit) FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a lower case management unit. In FIG. 7, four lowercase management units are created in one hash table and cache management table. As a result, the character storage table also corresponds to the four storage areas.

For example, the RIO is activated (or reserved for activation) when the lower case management unit becomes full. Due to this start (or start reservation), the lower-case management unit that becomes the next free space cannot be used for creating the RIO parameter. That is, the lowercase management unit that can be referred to as a cache is reduced by one (for example, the lowercase management unit cannot be used).

(Operation Procedure) (1) The command control unit 4 receives a character drawing request for the nth page from the host 1 (referred to as RIO1).

(2) The cache management unit (primary) 21 of the character processing unit 20 searches the RIO1 cache management table 54 for a character, and when a hit is found, the RIO parameter creation unit 31 creates an RIO parameter (character) Transfer).

(3) If there is no character and there is no space in other lower case management units (the lower case management unit becomes full), the RIO control unit 30 transfers the already stored RIO parameters to the RIO 1 Activate RIO1. However, if the RIO1 is already operating, a start-up reservation is made. At this time,
The lowercase management unit that can be referred to as a cache is reduced by one by RIO activation (or activation reservation).

(4) When there is no character in the RIO1 cache management table 54, the cache management unit 21 activates the character creation unit 22 to create a character, and registers the cache in the vacant lowercase management unit and the RIO parameter creation unit. Then, the RIO parameters are created in step 31.

(4) If there is no vacant lower case management unit, wait until RIO1 ends.

(5) While there is a free lower case management unit,
(2) to (4) + are repeated for one page.

(6) The command control unit 4 sends n
A character drawing request for the + 1st page is received (referred to as RIO2).

(7) Cache management unit 2 of character processing unit 20
1 searches for a character from the RIO2 cache management table 55, and when a character is hit,
To create RIO parameters (for character transfer).

(8) End of RIO1 operation, go to printing (BMM
DMA transfer of 16 data to mechanism 3).

Hereinafter, the same processing is continued.

(Explanation by Flow Chart) FIG. 8 is a flowchart (1) of a process using a lower case management unit, and FIG. 9 is a flow chart (2) of a process using a lower case management unit. Hereinafter, FIG.
A description will be given according to the processing S31 to the processing S45 in FIG.

S31: The drawing control unit 5 waits for a command from the host 1.

S32: The drawing control unit 5 receives a character drawing command from the host 1 and analyzes a character drawing request (R
(IO selection is specified).

S33: The drawing control unit 5 performs a search process in the cache of the character of the designated RIO.

S34: The drawing control section 5 determines whether or not a character exists in the cache in the search in S33.

S35: If there is a character in the cache in the search in S33, the RIO parameters are created and stored.

S36: If there is no character in the cache in the search in S33, the RIO cache to be searched is updated and the process is repeated until all other existing RIO caches are searched (in the cache of characters of the specified RIO). Search processing).

S37: The drawing control unit 5 determines whether or not a character exists in the cache in the search in S36.

S38: If a character exists in the cache in the judgment of S37, the drawing control unit 5 performs the processing of creating and storing the RIO parameter.

S39: If no character is found in the cache, the drawing control unit 5 determines whether or not there is a free space in the lowercase management unit.

S40: If there is a space in the lowercase management unit in the judgment in S39, the drawing control unit 5 performs a character creation process, performs a registration process of the designated RIO character in the cache, and creates the RIO parameter. Perform storage processing.

S41: The drawing controller 5 activates the designated RIO if there is no free space in the small letter management unit in the judgment of S39 (transfers the accumulated RIO parameters up to now. If the RIO is in operation, Request operation).

S42: The drawing control unit 5 determines whether there is a free lower case management unit, and if there is no free lower case management unit, waits for the end of RIO startup. .

S43: The drawing control unit 5 sets the lowercase management unit in use (nextly, reserves the lowercase management unit scheduled to store the character), performs character creation processing, and registers the designated RIO character in the cache. Then, the RIO parameters are created and stored.

S44: The drawing control unit 5 activates the designated RIO in response to the page completion command.

S45: The RIO end interrupt handler is
After confirming the normal termination of the hardware, the RIO number that has been terminated is notified to the print control unit (print order control unit 6).

(Explanation of Character Cache Operation) Right of FIG.
(a) to (e) are explanations of character cache operation.
Explanation will be given according to (a) to (e).

(A) The first (from the top) lower case management unit is used, and the RIO parameter is created using the three lower case management units in use.

(B) Since the first is full, the RIO is started.

(C) The second lower-case management unit is used, and the RIO parameter is created using the three (first, second, and fourth) lower-case management units in use. The third lower-case management unit is not used as a virtual space.

(D) When the RIO is completed, the third lower case management unit is made empty.

(E) If the second lower-case management unit becomes full before the end of the RIO in (c), wait until the RIO ends.

(7): Description when using a work area on the RIM Work areas 64 to 66 are provided on the RIM, and when the character storage exceeds the lower case management unit of the character storage table on each RIM, Activate RIO and store new required characters in the work area. The stored characters disappear after the RIO operation because they are work areas. If it cannot enter the work area, it waits for the end of the RIO.

While the RIO is in operation, the cache (hash table, cache management table, character storage table) cannot be cleared, but the drawing process can be continued without stopping by storing the characters in the work area.
Controller, RIO).

(Operation Procedure) (1) The command control section 4 receives a character drawing request for the nth page from the host 1 (referred to as RIO1).

(2) The cache management unit (primary) 21 of the character processing unit 20 searches the RIO1 cache management table 54 for a character, and when a hit is found, the RIO parameter creation unit 31 creates an RIO parameter (character) Transfer).

(3) If there is no character and there is no free space in other lower case management units (the lower case management unit becomes full), the RIO control unit 30 transfers the already stored RIO parameters to the RIO 1 Start RIO1 and RIM13
The created character is stored in the work area 64.

(3) If there is no + character, there is no free space in the other lower case management units (the lower case management unit is full), and there is no free work area 64, the RIO 1 is waited for completion.

(4) While the work area 64 is free,
(2) to (3) + are repeated for one page.

(5) The cache management section 21 clears the work area 64 at the end of the operation of the RIO1.

(6) The command control unit 4 sends n
A character drawing request for the + 1st page is received (referred to as RIO2).

Hereinafter, the same processing is continued.

(Explanation by Flow Chart) FIG. 10 is a flowchart (1) of a process when a work area is used, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart (2) of a process when a work area is used. Hereinafter, description will be given according to the processing S51 to the processing S66 of FIGS.

S51: The drawing control unit 5 waits for a command from the host 1.

S52: The drawing control unit 5 receives a character drawing command from the host 1 and analyzes a character drawing request (R
(IO selection is specified).

S53: The drawing control unit 5 performs a search process in the cache for the character of the designated RIO.

S54: The drawing control section 5 determines whether or not a character exists in the cache in the search in S53.

S55: If there is a character in the cache in the search in S53, the RIO parameters are created and stored.

S56: If there is no character in the cache in the search in S53, the RIO cache to be searched is updated and the process is repeated until all other existing RIO caches are searched (in the cache for the character of the specified RIO). Search processing).

S57: The drawing control section 5 determines whether or not a character exists in the cache in the search in S56.

S58: If there is a character in the cache in the judgment of S57, the drawing control unit 5 performs the processing of creating and storing the RIO parameter.

S59: If no character is found in the cache, the drawing control unit 5 determines whether there is a free space in the lowercase management unit.

S60: If it is determined in S59 that there is a space in the lowercase management unit, the drawing control unit 5 performs a character creation process, performs a registration process of the designated RIO character in the cache, and creates the RIO parameter. Perform storage processing.

S61: If there is no room in the lowercase management unit in the judgment of S59, the drawing control unit 5 starts the designated RIO if the RIO is not yet started (transfers the RIO parameters accumulated up to now). If the RIO is running, an operation request is made).

S62: The drawing control section 5 determines whether there is a free area in the work area.

S63: If there is no free space in the work area in the judgment of S62, the drawing control unit 5 waits until the end of the RIO operation, and after the RIO ends, the next lower-case management unit to be vacant becomes free. Then, the lower case management unit is in use, a character creation process is performed, a process of registering the designated RIO character in the cache is performed, and a process of creating and storing the RIO parameter is performed.

S64: If it is determined in S62 that there is a free area in the work area, the drawing control section 5 secures an area in the work area, performs character creation processing, stores the character in the work area, and stores the RIO. Create and store parameters.

S65: The drawing control unit 5 activates the designated RIO by a page completion command.

S66: The RIO end interrupt handler is
After confirming the normal end of the hardware, the print control unit (print order control unit 6) is notified of the finished RIO number, and the used work area is released.

(Explanation of Character Cache Operation) Right in FIG.
(a) to (e) are explanations of the operation of the character cache using the work area, which will be described below in accordance with (a) to (e).

(A) The first (from the top) lower case management unit is used, and the RIO parameter is created using the four lower case management units in use (first to fourth).

(B) Since the first is full, the RIO is started.

(C) Store the character subjected to the character creation processing in the work area. The RIO parameter is created using the three (first, third, and fourth) lowercase management units and the work area in use. Note that the second lower case management unit is not used as a virtual space.

(D) When the RIO is completed, the second lower case management unit is vacated.

(E) If the work area becomes full before the end of the RIO in (c), wait until the RIO ends.

(8) Description of Provision of Secondary Cache A secondary cache common to each RIO is provided in the drawing control unit 5, and the primary cache for each RIO is a system in which characters are copied from the secondary cache. . This has the effect of preventing the re-creation of characters used commonly for each page and reducing the character processing time.

(Operation Procedure) (1) The command control unit 4 receives a character drawing request for the nth page from the host 1 (referred to as RIO1).

(2) The cache management unit (primary) 21 of the character processing unit 20 searches for a character from the RIO1 cache management table 54 (primary cache). Create (for character transfer).

(3) If there is no character, the secondary cache (2
The next cache cache management table 58) is searched. When a hit is found in this search, the character is registered (copied) in the primary cache.

(3) If there is no + character, the secondary cache is searched. If no hit is found, a character is created, the character is registered in the secondary cache, and the same character is registered in the primary cache (copy). I do. The copy from the secondary cache (from the drawing control unit 5 by the MPU) is performed between hardware (1
This can be performed at a higher speed than copying between the next caches.

(4) The above (2) to (3) + are repeated for one page.

(5) The RIO control unit 30 activates the RIO1 (the RIO parameter DMO is transmitted to the DMA controller 7).
A start request).

(6) The command control unit 4 sends n
A character drawing request for the + 1st page is received (referred to as RIO2).

Hereinafter, the same processing is continued.

(Explanation by Flowchart) FIG. 12 is a flowchart (1) of a process when a secondary cache is provided, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart (2) of a process when a secondary cache is provided.
Hereinafter, description will be given according to the processing S71 to the processing S88 in FIGS.

S71: The drawing control unit 5 waits for a command from the host 1.

S72: The drawing control unit 5 receives a character drawing command from the host 1 and analyzes a character drawing request (R
(IO selection is specified).

S73: The drawing control unit 5 performs a search process in the cache of the character of the designated RIO.

S74: The drawing control unit 5 determines whether or not a character exists in the cache in the search in S73.

S75: If there is a character in the cache in the search in S73, the RIO parameters are created and stored.

S76: If no character exists in the cache in the search in S73, the character 2 of the designated RIO
Perform search processing in the next cache.

S77: The drawing control section 5 determines whether or not a character exists in the secondary cache in the search in S76.

S78: If no character is found in the secondary cache in the determination in S77, the drawing control unit 5 determines whether there is a free space in the secondary cache. Then, a process of registering the character of the designated RIO in the secondary cache is performed.

S79: If the character is not found in the secondary cache in the judgment of S77, the drawing control unit 5 determines that there is no free space in the secondary cache and the RIO is not activated after the secondary cache is full. Activate the specified RIO (transfer the accumulated RIO parameters up to now.
If the IO is operating, an operation request is made).

S80: The drawing control unit 5 waits until the start of the RIO, makes the lower-case management unit of the secondary cache which is supposed to be free next empty, sets the lower-case management unit of the secondary cache in use, and sets Perform the creation process and specify the RIO
Is registered in the secondary cache.

S81: The drawing control section 5 determines whether or not there is a free space in the lower case management unit (primary cache).

S82: If there is a space in the lowercase management unit in the judgment of S81, the drawing control unit 5 performs a process of registering the designated RIO character in the cache (primary cache), and creates and stores the RIO parameters. Perform processing.

S83: If there is no free space in the lowercase management unit in the judgment of S81, if the RIO activation has not been started after the lowercase management unit is full, the drawing controller 5 activates the designated RIO (remaining until now). The RIO parameter is transferred, and if the RIO is operating, an operation request is made).

S84: The drawing control section 5 determines whether there is a free area in the work area.

S85: If there is no free space in the work area in the judgment of S84, the drawing control unit 5 waits until the operation of the RIO is completed, and after the RIO is completed, the next lower-case management unit scheduled to be free becomes free. Then, the lower-case management unit is in use, the process of registering the character of the designated RIO in the work area, and the process of creating and storing the RIO parameter are performed.

S86: If it is determined in S84 that there is a free area in the work area, the drawing control unit 5 secures an area in the work area, stores characters in the work area, and creates and stores the RIO parameters. I do.

S87: The drawing control section 5 activates the designated RIO by a page completion command.

S88: The RIO end interrupt handler is
After confirming the normal end of the hardware, the print control unit (print order control unit 6) is notified of the finished RIO number, and the used work area is released.

(9): Description of Searching Secondary Cache and Each Primary Cache When a secondary cache common to each RIO is prepared in the drawing control unit 5 and the secondary cache is searched and no hit is found When the primary cache of each RIO is searched and hit, it is registered in the secondary cache, and the RIO originally required
Is registered in the primary cache. In this way, copying is performed as much as possible to reduce the number of character creations, thereby shortening the character processing time.

(Operation Procedure) (1) The command control section 4 receives a character drawing request for the nth page from the host 1 (referred to as RIO1).

(2) The cache management unit (primary) 21 of the character processing unit 20 searches for a character from the RIO1 cache management table 54 (primary cache). Create (for character transfer).

(3) If there is no character, the secondary cache (2
The next cache cache management table 58) is searched. When a hit is found in this search, the character is registered (copied) in the primary cache.

(3) If there is no + character, the secondary cache is searched. If no hit is found, each RIO (RIO2, RIO2,
3) Search the primary cache. If a hit is found in this search, the character is registered in the secondary cache and registered in the primary cache of RIO1 which is originally required.

(3) If there are no ++ characters, the secondary cache is searched. If no hit is found, each RIO (RIO
The primary cache of (2) and (3) is searched. If no hit is found in this search, a character is created, the character is registered in the secondary cache, and the same character is registered in the primary cache of RIO1.

(4) The above (2) to (3) ++ are repeated for one page.

(5) The RIO control unit 30 activates the RIO 1 (the RIO parameter DM
A start request).

(6) The command control unit 4 sends n
A character drawing request for the + 1st page is received (referred to as RIO2).

Hereinafter, the same processing is continued.

(Explanation based on flowchart) FIG. 14 is a flowchart (1) of a process for searching the secondary cache and each primary cache, and FIG. 15 is a flowchart (2) of a process for searching the secondary cache and each primary cache. FIG. 16 is a flowchart (3) of a process for searching the secondary cache and each primary cache.
It is. Hereinafter, processing S91 to processing S1 in FIGS.
This will be described according to 11.

S91: The drawing control unit 5 waits for a command from the host 1.

S92: The drawing control unit 5 receives a character drawing command from the host 1 and analyzes a character drawing request (R
(IO selection is specified).

S93: The drawing control unit 5 performs a search process in the cache (primary cache) of the character of the designated RIO.

S94: The drawing control section 5 determines whether or not a character exists in the cache in the search in S93.

S95: If there is a character in the cache in the search in S93, RIO parameters are created and stored.

S96: If no character exists in the cache in the search in S93, the character 2 of the designated RIO
Perform search processing in the next cache.

S97: The drawing control section 5 determines whether or not a character has been found in the secondary cache in the search in S96.

S98: If no character is found in the secondary cache in the judgment in S97, the drawing control unit 5 updates the RIO cache to be searched and deletes all other existing RIO caches (primary cache). Repeat until searching (search process in RIO character cache).

S99: If there is a character in the search in S98, the drawing control section 5 proceeds to the next process.

S100: The drawing control unit 5 determines whether there is a free space in the secondary cache.

S101: The drawing control unit 5 executes the processing in S100
If it is determined that there is a free space in the secondary cache (if no character is found, a character creation process is performed), a process of registering the character in the secondary cache is performed.

S102: The drawing control section 5 executes the processing in S100
If there is no free space in the secondary cache, if the RIO is not activated after the secondary cache is full, the designated RIO is activated (the RIO parameters accumulated up to now are transferred. Request).

S103: The drawing control unit 5 waits until the end of the RIO activation, makes the lower-case management unit of the secondary cache that is supposed to be free next empty, sets the lower-case management unit in use, and sets the lower-case management unit in use (no character is found). At this time, a character creation process is performed), and a process of registering the character in the secondary cache is performed.

S104: The drawing control section 5 determines whether or not there is a free space in the small letter management unit.

[0239] S105: The drawing control unit 5 executes the processing in S104.
If there is a space in the lowercase management unit according to the judgment, the specified RI
The process of registering the O character in the cache (primary cache) is performed, and the process of creating and storing the RIO parameters is performed.

S106: The drawing control unit 5 executes the processing in S104.
If there is no free space in the lower case management unit, if the RIO activation is not started after the lower case management unit is full, the specified RIO is started (the RIO parameters accumulated up to now are transferred. If the RIO is running Request operation).

S107: The drawing control section 5 determines whether there is a free area in the work area.

S108: If there is no free area in the work area, the drawing control unit 5 waits until the activation of the RIO is completed.
After the completion of O, the lower-case management unit that is supposed to be vacant next becomes vacant, the lower-case management unit is set in use, the process of registering the character of the designated RIO in the cache, and the process of creating and storing the RIO parameter are performed. .

S109: If there is a free area in the work area, the drawing control unit 5 secures an area in the work area, stores characters in the work area, and performs RIO parameter creation and storage processing.

S110: The drawing control section 5 activates the designated RIO by a page completion command.

S111: The RIO end interrupt handler confirms the normal end of the hardware, notifies the print control unit (print order control unit 6) of the finished RIO number, and releases the used work area.

(10): Description of the case where the same RIO is used for the process of storing characters in the cache and the process of arranging them in the BMM. Cache)
Cannot be released. For this reason, when adding a character to the cache, there is no problem if there is an empty area in the cache.

In this embodiment, the same RIO is used for the process of storing characters in the cache and the process of arranging them in the BMM, and the use of a work area for temporarily storing characters makes it possible to store the characters To avoid overwriting newly registered characters before transferring them to the BMM,
RIO ends while there is a work area (cache release)
By registering the character without waiting, the drawing process and the BMM transfer process of the character by RIO can be operated in parallel.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram in the case where the same RIO is used for the process of storing characters in the cache and the process of arranging them in the BMM. In FIG. 17, lower case management unit
Management table having a character, a character storage table corresponding to the cache management table, a work area, and a BM
M and RIO parameter storage areas are provided.

For example, when newly registering a character, the lower-case management unit cannot be used while the lower-case management unit is being transferred to the BMM by RIO, but if there is no free space in the cache, the lower-case management unit is stored in the work area (for example, α). When creating the RIO parameter, the RIO parameter creation unit 31 acquires a character storage area in the cache, creates an RIO parameter (for example, RIO parameter a) for transferring the character stored in the work area to the cache, and creates an RIO parameter. Store in the storage area (RIO parameter buffer).
Next, the RIO parameter creation unit 31 creates an RIO parameter (for example, RIO parameter b) for transferring a character from the cache to the BMM, and stores it in the RIO parameter storage area.

Thus, when the RIO transfers the character α to the BMM, the character α stored in the work area is transferred to the cache management table and the character storage table by the RIO parameter a, and then the character storage table is transferred by the RIO parameter b. Is transferred to the BMM.

(Operation Procedure) (1) The command control unit 4 receives a character drawing request for the nth page from the host 1 (referred to as RIO1).

(2) The cache management unit (primary) 21 of the character processing unit 20 searches for a character from the RIO1 cache management table 54, and when a hit is found, the RIO parameter creation unit 31 creates the RIO parameter ( They are transferred to the RIO in the order in which they are stored, and the RIO is activated.)

(3) If there is no character (there is no space in the cache), a character is created and stored in the work area 64. Then, the RIO parameter creation unit 31 acquires a character storage area in the cache, creates an RIO parameter for transferring the character stored in the work area to the cache, and stores the RIO parameter in the RIO parameter storage area. Next, the RIO parameter creation unit 31
Creates an RIO parameter to be transferred from the cache to the BMM and stores it in the RIO parameter storage area.

(3) If there is no + character and the work area 64 cannot be obtained, the RIO1 is started and the work area 64 is released after the operation of the RIO1 is completed.

(4) The above (2) to (3) + are repeated for one page.

(5) The RIO control unit 30 activates RIO1 (the DMA controller 7 sends the RIO parameter DM
A start request).

(6) The command control unit 4 sends n
A character drawing request for the + 1st page is received (referred to as RIO2).

Hereinafter, the same processing is continued.

(Explanation by Flowchart) FIG. 18 shows the same R for processing for storing characters in the cache and processing for arranging them in the BMM.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart (2) of a process using the same RIO for the process of storing characters in the cache and the process of arranging the characters in the BMM. Hereinafter, description will be given according to the processing S121 to the processing S138 of FIGS.

S121: The drawing control unit 5 waits for a command from the host 1.

S122: The drawing control unit 5 receives a character drawing command from the host 1, and analyzes a character drawing request (RIO selection is specified).

S123: The drawing control unit 5 performs a search process in the cache for the character of the designated RIO.

S124: The drawing control unit 5 executes the processing in S123.
Is determined whether or not the character exists in the cache.

S125: If there is a character in the cache in the search in S123, the RIO parameters are created and stored.

S126: If there is no character in the cache in the search in S123, the search target RIO cache is updated and the process is repeated until all other existing RIO caches are searched (search in the RIO character cache). processing).

[0266] S127: The drawing control section 5 executes the processing in S126.
It is determined whether or not the character exists in the cache in the search.

S128: The drawing control section 5 executes the processing in S127.
If there is a character in the cache, it is determined whether or not there is a free space in the work area.

S129: The drawing control unit 5 vacates the lower-case management unit which is to be vacated next, makes the lower-case management unit in use, secures a character area on the work area, and stores it in the work area. .

S130: The drawing control unit 5 creates and stores RIO parameters for transfer from the work area to the character cache.

S131: The drawing control section 5 performs the creation (for transfer from the cache to the BMM) of the RIO parameters and the storage processing.

S132: If no character is found, the drawing control unit 5 determines whether there is a free space in the work area. If no free space is found, the drawing control unit 5 waits until the start of the RIO.

S133: The drawing control unit 5 makes the lower-case management unit to be vacant next available, makes the lower-case management unit in use, and secures a character area on the work area.

S134: The drawing control section 5 performs a character creation process and stores the character in the work area.

S135: The drawing control unit 5 creates and stores RIO parameters for transfer from the work area to the character cache.

S136: The drawing control section 5 performs RIO parameter creation (for transfer from the cache to the BMM) and storage processing.

S137: The drawing control unit 5 activates the designated RIO according to the page completion command.

S138: The RIO end interrupt handler confirms the normal end of the hardware, notifies the print control unit of the end RIO number, and releases the used work area.

As described above, the outline character cache in the case where the performance is improved by multiplexing drawing modules can be efficiently managed without impairing the multiplexing performance.

[0279]

As described above, the present invention has the following effects.

(1): storing character drawing data cache-managed by a plurality of character storage means, and drawing the character drawing data of each character storage means by a plurality of drawing units;
The cache management means manages each of the character storage means,
The drawing control unit controls each drawing unit, and the cache management unit performs independent cache management for each drawing unit, so that the management status of each cache affects the character transfer of other drawing units. Since the operation can be performed without providing the image, the drawing efficiency can be improved.

(2): When the cache management unit searches for a cache in another drawing unit when there is a mishit in the unit cache of one drawing unit, the characters in the cache of another drawing unit are made effective. It can be used (copied) and the character creation time can be reduced.

(3): Each drawing unit has a plurality of cache management units (lower case management units), and when the cache management unit adds characters of the expected number to the cache management unit, the drawing unit , The drawing unit is started before the character processing for one page ends, and the free area can be quickly released by terminating the drawing unit. Further, character processing can be performed in parallel during the operation of the drawing unit until the next cache management unit (lower case management unit) becomes full, which is advantageous in performance.

(4) In addition to the cache management unit existing in each drawing unit, an independent common secondary cache is provided, and characters are copied from the secondary cache to be used commonly for each page. Can be prevented and character processing time can be reduced.

(5): When the secondary cache is searched and a mishit occurs, the cache existing in the unit of each drawing unit is searched, so that characters on the caches of other drawing units can be effectively used. Character creation time can be reduced.

(6): A work area for storing character drawing data is provided for each drawing unit.
When registering a character in the cache, the character is arranged in the work area, and the character is transferred to the character storage unit using the drawing unit. Therefore, it is possible to register the character without waiting for the end of the drawing unit while the work area is present. Thus, the character processing and the drawing unit can be operated in parallel.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a drawing control device according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a character cache management unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a character cache management process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart (1) of a process using characters on another RIO cache according to the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart (2) of a process using a character on another RIO cache according to the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a lower case management unit in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart (1) of a process using a lower case management unit according to the embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart (2) of a process using a lowercase management unit according to the embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart (1) of a process when a work area is used in the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart (2) of a process when a work area is used in the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart (1) of a process when a secondary cache is provided in the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart (2) of a process when a secondary cache is provided in the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart (1) of a process of searching the secondary cache and each primary cache in the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart (2) of a process of searching the secondary cache and each primary cache in the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart (3) of a process of searching the secondary cache and each primary cache according to the embodiment;

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram in the case where the same RIO is used for the process of storing characters in the cache and the process of placing characters in the BMM according to the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart (1) of a process of using the same RIO for a process of storing a character in a cache and a process of placing a character in a BMM according to the embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart (2) of a process of using the same RIO for a process of storing a character in a cache and a process of placing a character in a BMM according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10a, 11a Drawing unit 16, 17 Bitmap memory (BMM) 5a Drawing control unit 21a Cache management unit 23a Secondary cache 61a, 62a Character storage unit 64, 65 Work area

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 2C087 BA11 BC02 BC05 BD13 5B005 JJ11 KK12 LL12 LL15 MM01 SS12 UU31 5B021 AA01 AA02 CC05 DD13 JJ10 5C082 AA01 AA32 BA02 BB15 BB29 BB32 BB34 H49 DA87 BB02 9

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of character storage means for storing character drawing data to be cache-managed; a plurality of drawing units for drawing character drawing data in each of said character storage means; Drawing control means for controlling each of the drawing units, wherein the cache management unit performs independent cache management for each of the drawing units. apparatus. 2. The drawing control device according to claim 1, wherein said cache management means searches for a cache of a unit of another drawing unit when a cache hit of a unit of one drawing unit is missed. 3. A drawing unit comprising a plurality of cache management units, wherein the cache management unit starts drawing by the drawing unit when a predetermined number of characters have been added to the cache management unit. 3. The drawing control device according to claim 1, wherein the drawing control is performed. 4. The drawing control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an independent common secondary cache in addition to the cache management unit existing in each drawing unit. 5. The drawing control apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the secondary cache is searched to search for a cache existing in each drawing unit when a mishit occurs. 6. A work area for storing character drawing data for each drawing unit, wherein the cache management means arranges the character in the work area when registering the character in a cache, and stores the character in the drawing area. 2. The drawing control device according to claim 1, wherein the character is transferred to the character storage means by using a character string.