JP2001138595A - Printing system and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system whereby forms overlay printing by an arbitrary printing condition can be executed at a high speed by a simple operation. SOLUTION: This printing system is constituted of the combination of a host computer and a printer. The host computer holds plural pieces of overlay data and transmits to the printer a request of forms overlay printing that includes information for designating a printing condition form data and pages of text data. The printer forms a band image of the overlay data on a RAM (step S202) and conducts the transaction for the printing request by using the formed band image corresponding to each page (steps S203-S209).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a printing system capable of performing form overlay printing, and a printing apparatus for constructing such a printing system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Some printing apparatuses have a function of printing the same information (marks and characters) on each page in a superimposed manner. Printing by this function is called form overlay printing or the like.

For form overlay printing, data (hereinafter, referred to as overlay data) defining information to be printed in common for each page is required.
Among printing apparatuses that can perform conventional form overlay printing, there are apparatuses that operate in response to a print request including overlay data and apparatuses that operate in response to a print request including information designating overlay data. .

In the latter printing apparatus, a process for registering overlay data used for form overlay printing is performed before performing form overlay printing. In this process, first, the operation mode of the printing apparatus is changed to a mode in which form registration can be performed by operating the panel of the printing apparatus. This type of printing apparatus is generally configured so that several pieces of overlay data can be registered. Therefore, at the time of this operation, usually, an operation of specifying a number to be assigned to the registered overlay data (an operation of specifying what number of overlay data is registered as the overlay data) is also performed.

[0005] Next, by the operation of the host computer, overlay data in the same format as a general print request is transmitted to the printing apparatus. Then, the overlay data is stored in the printing device. Thereafter, by operating the panel again, the operation mode of the printing apparatus is returned to the normal mode in which a print request is accepted (registered overlay data can be used).

A printing apparatus capable of registering such overlay data includes an apparatus in which the overlay data is registered as it is, and a printer in which the overlay data is converted into band data format data (intermediate data or band image). Devices to be registered are known.

[0007]

The above-described printing apparatus in which overlay data is registered in the form as it is sent from the host computer, and receives a print request including overlay data (the overlay data cannot be registered) In a printing apparatus, for each page to be printed, a process of converting overlay data into intermediate data and further converting the data into a band image is executed, and form overlay printing is performed.

On the other hand, in a printing apparatus in which overlay data is converted into band data format and registered, the registered band image is used as it is.
Alternatively, form overlay printing can be performed only by performing a process of generating a band image from registered intermediate data. Therefore, a printing apparatus in which overlay data is converted into band data format and registered can execute form overlay printing at a higher speed.

However, form overlay printing that can be performed by using this type of printing apparatus by using certain registered overlay data is used when registering the overlay data (when converting the data into band data format). Printing conditions (resolution, page orientation, etc.)
And printing conditions are the same. That is, the conventional printing apparatus in which the overlay data is converted into band data format data and registered is used even if the form data related to the form to be used for form overlay printing is registered in the printing apparatus. If the printing conditions used when registering the data are different from the printing conditions of the form overlay printing that you want to perform, the form overlay printing cannot be performed as it is, and it is necessary to newly register the form data. I was

An object of the present invention is to provide a printing system capable of performing form overlay printing under arbitrary printing conditions with a simple operation and at a high speed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus which can constitute the above printing system.

[0012]

In order to solve the above-described problems, a printing system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an overlay data storage unit that stores one or more overlay data, and a printing system that specifies printing conditions. An overlay print request including the condition designation information, one overlay data stored in the overlay data storage means, and one or more body data, each of which is data defining print content for one page, is sent to the printing apparatus. A host computer having a print request transmitting unit for transmitting, a printing unit for performing printing in accordance with the supplied image data on a sheet, and a first storage unit for storing conversion data which is data obtained by converting overlay data A second storage unit for temporarily storing image data to be supplied to the printing unit;
Receiving means for receiving a print request from the host computer; and, when the print request received by the receiving means is an overlay print request, converting the overlay data included in the overlay print request into the print data included in the overlay print request. A conversion unit that generates conversion data by performing conversion in accordance with a printing condition specified by the condition specification information and stores the conversion data in the first storage unit; and a conversion unit that generates the conversion data and stores the conversion data in the first storage unit. A print image data generating unit that generates image data by superimposing the text data and the overlay data on each of the text data included in the overlay print request and stores the image data in the second storage unit; The image data generated by the data generation means and stored in the second storage means is stored in a printer. Composed of the printing apparatus and a supply means for supplying.

That is, in the printing system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the host computer manages overlay data for form overlay printing.
Then, the generating means of the printing device includes the overlay data,
When an overlay print request including print condition designation information is received, conversion data of the overlay data according to the print condition designated by the print condition designation information is generated. The conversion data generated by this generation means is
The conversion into image data such as intermediate data and image data can be performed at high speed. Then, the printing image data generating means in the printing apparatus uses the converted data for each text data, and forms overlay printing of each page designated by the overlay printing request is performed by the printing means. Generate image data.

As described above, in the printing system according to the first aspect of the present invention, based on a form overlay print request including overlay data, print condition designation information, and the like, the printing of the overlay data designated by the print condition designation information is performed. Conversion data (intermediate data or image data) according to the conditions is generated, and the conversion data is used in common for each page, and form overlay printing is performed. Therefore, according to the present printing system, form overlay printing can be performed at a higher speed than in a system using a conventional printing apparatus in which overlay data is converted into intermediate data or the like for each page. Further, prior to the form overlay printing, it is not necessary to register (create) the overlay data in the band data format used for the form overlay printing in the printing apparatus. Form overlay printing under arbitrary printing conditions can be performed with a simple operation and at high speed. Furthermore, since the configuration in which the overlay data is managed on the host computer side is adopted, the printing system uses a hard disk or the like originally provided in the host computer and mounts a large-capacity hard disk on the printing apparatus. It is a system that can be realized without any problem, in other words, a system that can be built at low cost.

In a printing system according to a second aspect of the present invention, printing condition specifying information for specifying printing conditions, overlay data specifying information for specifying overlay data to be used, and print contents for one page are specified. The host computer includes a print request transmitting unit that transmits an overlay print request including one or more text data as data to the printing apparatus. Further, the printing system stores printing means for performing printing in accordance with the supplied image data on paper, overlay data holding means for holding at least one overlay data, and conversion data which is data obtained by converting the overlay data. A first storage unit, a second storage unit for temporarily storing image data to be supplied to the printing unit, a receiving unit for receiving a print request from the host computer, and a printing process performed by the receiving unit. If the request is an overlay print request, the overlay data held in the overlay data holding means specified by the overlay data specification information included in the overlay print request is replaced with the print condition specification information included in the overlay print request. Conversion data by converting according to specified printing conditions Using the generating means for generating and storing it in the first storage means, and using the converted data generated by the generating means and stored in the first storage means, for each text data included in the overlay print request, Printing image data generating means for generating image data by superimposing data and overlay data and storing the image data in the second storage means; and generating image data generated by the printing image data generating means and stored in the second storage means. And a supply unit for supplying the printing unit.

That is, in the printing system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the printing apparatus is provided with overlay data holding means for holding overlay data for form overlay printing. Then, when receiving the overlay print request including the overlay data designation information designating the overlay data to be used, the generation unit of the printing apparatus is designated by the overlay data designation information held in the overlay data holding unit. Based on the overlay data, conversion data is generated according to the printing conditions of the overlay data. The conversion data generated by this generation means can be converted into image data such as intermediate data or image data at high speed. Then, the printing image data generating means in the printing apparatus uses the converted data for each text data, and forms overlay printing of each page designated by the overlay printing request is performed by the printing means. Generate image data.

As described above, in the printing system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the overlay data held in the printing apparatus is converted into image data when executing form overlay printing. Therefore, according to the printing system,
Form overlay printing can be performed faster than in a conventional printing apparatus in which overlay data is converted into intermediate data or the like for each page. Further, prior to the form overlay printing, there is no need to perform an operation of registering (creating) the overlay data in the band data format to be used for the form overlay printing in the printing apparatus. Form overlay printing under arbitrary printing conditions can be performed with a simple operation and at high speed.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus for performing printing on paper in accordance with supplied image data, and a first means for storing conversion data which is data obtained by converting overlay data. Storage means, a second storage means for temporarily storing image data to be supplied to the printing means, a receiving means for receiving a print request from a host computer, and a printing condition received by the receiving means. Is included in the overlay print request when the overlay print request includes the print condition specifying information specifying the print data, the overlay data, and one or more body data, each of which is data specifying print content for one page. The overlay data to be converted according to the print conditions specified by the print condition specification information included in the overlay print request. Therefore, the generated conversion data 1
Using the generating means to be stored in the storage means, and the conversion data generated by the generating means and stored in the first storage means,
For each text data included in the overlay print request, the text data and the overlay data are superimposed to generate image data, and the print image data generating means for storing the image data in the second storage means; Supply means for supplying the stored image data to the printing means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus for performing printing on paper in accordance with supplied image data, overlay data holding means for holding at least one overlay data, and overlay data. A first storage unit for storing converted data which is data obtained by converting data, a second storage unit for temporarily storing image data to be supplied to the printing unit, and receiving a print request from the host computer The receiving means and the print request received by the receiving means are print condition designation information for designating print conditions, overlay data, and data defining print contents for one page, respectively.
By converting the overlay data included in the overlay print request according to the print condition specified by the print condition specification information included in the overlay print request when the overlay print request includes more than one body data. Generating means for generating conversion data and storing the converted data in the first storage means; and using the conversion data generated by the generation means and stored in the first storage means, for each body data included in the overlay print request. Means for generating image data by superimposing the text data and the overlay data and storing the image data in the second storage means; and supplying the image data stored in the second storage means to the printing means. Means.

That is, in the printing apparatuses according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the overlay data is converted into conversion data (intermediate data or image data) when form overlay printing is executed, and the converted data is commonly used. Form overlay printing. Therefore, according to these printing apparatuses, form overlay printing can be performed at a higher speed than in a conventional printing apparatus in which overlay data is converted into intermediate data or the like for each page. Further, prior to the form overlay printing, there is no need to perform an operation of registering (creating) the overlay data in the band data format used for the form overlay printing in the printing apparatus. A system capable of performing form overlay printing under arbitrary printing conditions with a simple operation and at high speed can be constructed.

In realizing the printing apparatus according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the conversion data is set as image data, and the first storage means and the second storage means are
Each of them is an area of a memory, and functions as generating means only when the converted data to be generated in response to the overlay print request received by the receiving means has a size that can be stored in the first storage means. A second print image data generation function that operates when the image data to be generated in response to the overlay print request received by the reception unit is not of a size that can be stored in the first storage unit. Means for generating image data by sequentially overlaying overlay data included in the overlay print request and respective body data to generate image data and storing the image data in the second storage means can be added. .

By adopting such a configuration, a printing apparatus capable of processing a general overlay print request at a high speed with a relatively small memory capacity and processing a special overlay print request at a speed equivalent to the conventional speed. Is obtained.

When the printing apparatus according to the first or second aspect is realized, an auxiliary storage device that can be used to store converted data of overlay data is added, and the first storage means and When the second storage unit is set as one area of the memory, and the generation unit generates the image data in response to the overlay print request received by the reception unit with a size that can be stored in the first storage unit. Means for storing the image data in the first storage means, and if not, using means for storing the image data in the auxiliary storage device. Each of the books included in the overlay print request using the image data stored in the first storage means or the auxiliary storage device. For the data, it is possible to use a means for storing its body data and the second storage means to generate image data sheets were printed over the overlay data is to be output by the printing means.

Even if such a configuration is employed, a general overlay print request can be processed at a high speed with a relatively small memory capacity, and a special overlay print request can be processed at a speed equivalent to the conventional speed. A device will be obtained.

Further, the overlay print request includes print order designation information for designating the print order of the overlay data and the body data, and the printing image data generating means includes the print order designation information included in the overlay print request. It is also possible to provide a means for generating image data which is to be output by the printing means on a sheet on which the overlay data and the text data are printed in a corresponding printing order.

By employing such a configuration, a printing apparatus capable of performing form overlay printing in which the printing order of overlay data and text data is designated can be obtained.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, the printing system 10 according to the first embodiment includes a printing device 11 and a host computer 12 connected to the printing device 11.

The host computer 12 is connected to the printing device 11
Computer on which a printer driver is installed. HD provided in the host computer 12
A plurality of types of overlay data used for form overlay printing are stored in the auxiliary storage device 12a such as D.

The printing apparatus 11 includes a printing mechanism 18, a control panel 19, and a control unit 20. Printing mechanism 18
Includes a print engine and a transport mechanism. The print engine is a mechanism for actually performing printing on a sheet according to the supplied band image. The transport mechanism includes a paper feeder, a mechanism for supplying paper set in the paper feeder to the print engine,
The printing device 1 prints paper printed by the print engine.
1 and the like. The printing device 11
The print engine included in the (printing mechanism 18) is capable of performing monochrome printing at two resolutions on paper up to a predetermined size.

The control panel 19 is an interface between the user and the printing device 11 (control unit 20). The control panel 19 includes several buttons for specifying operating conditions of the printing apparatus 11 and the printing apparatus 1.
It is composed of several LEDs and a liquid crystal panel for displaying the state 1 and the like.

The control unit 20 includes the host interface unit 2
1, CPU 22, RAM 24, memory control unit 25, RO
M26 and an interface circuit unit 27. The control panel 19 is connected to the interface circuit unit 27. The print engine in the printing mechanism 18 is connected to the memory control unit 25, and the electric circuit in the transport mechanism is connected to the interface circuit unit 27.

The host interface unit 21 is a circuit for receiving print data (print request) transmitted by the host computer 12. The host interface unit 21 can be connected to the host computer 12 by a Centronics cable or a LAN cable. The ROM 26 is a memory that stores various program codes and the like. The CPU 22 is a control circuit that controls each unit in the printing device 11 in an integrated manner by controlling each unit in the control unit 20 according to the program code stored in the ROM 26.

The RAM 24 has a host interface unit 2
1 is a memory for storing print data received by the CPU 1 and band images (image data supplied to the print engine for printing) generated by the CPU 22 based on the print data. The RAM 24 has a capacity to store a band image of two pages of the maximum size that may be generated at the time of printing, together with the received print data and the like.

The memory control unit 25 performs a process of transferring data from the host interface unit 21 to the RAM 24 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 22 and a process of transferring data from the RAM 24 to the printing mechanism 18.
This is a circuit that performs processing for transferring data to the print engine in the printer. The interface circuit unit 27 includes several interface circuits for exchanging information with the control panel 19 and the transport mechanism in the printing mechanism 18. CP
The U22 recognizes the state of each button (whether or not pressed) in the control panel 19 through the interface circuit unit 27,
ED, controls the liquid crystal panel. Further, the CPU 22 detects the state of each unit in the printing mechanism 18 excluding the print engine via the interface circuit unit 27 and performs control according to the detection result.

Hereinafter, the operation of the printing system 10 during form overlay printing will be specifically described.

The host computer 12, in which the printer driver for the printing apparatus 11 is installed, executes print data transmission processing of the procedure shown in FIG. 2 when the user instructs execution of form overlay printing.

First, the host computer 12 sends information indicating that the print data is to be subjected to form overlay printing, and overlay data before the body data.
Print order specification information to specify which one to print later,
JOB information including information for specifying printing conditions (paper type, page orientation, resolution, etc.) is transmitted to the printing apparatus 11 (step S101). In addition,
In this step, JOB information that does not include information (some commands) that explicitly specifies print conditions may be transmitted. When such JOB information is received,
The printing device 11 performs printing under the printing conditions set therein. That is, the printing apparatus 11 is configured to recognize that the information that explicitly specifies the printing conditions is not included in the JOB information as the information that specifies the use of the internally set printing conditions. I have.

Next, the host computer 12 transmits overlay data to be used for form overlay printing (overlay data instructed to be used by the user) to the printing apparatus 11 (step S10).
2).

Thereafter, the host computer 12 executes a process of sequentially transmitting the text data for one page and the page break command to each page to be printed (steps S103 to S105). Then, when the transmission of the text data and the page break command regarding the last page (steps S103 and S104) is completed (step S105; NO), the host computer 12 sends a Job end command for notifying the end of the print data to the printing apparatus. 11 (step S106). Then, the print data transmission process ends.

On the other hand, when the control unit 20 in the printing apparatus 11 receives the print data transmitted by the above processing, that is, the print data requesting the form overlay printing, it operates according to the procedure shown in FIG. .

First, the control unit 20 recognizes printing conditions (paper type, page orientation, resolution) and printing order (the order of printing of overlay data and text data) based on the received JOB information (step S20).
1). Thereafter, the control unit 20 creates a band image for one page of the overlay data on the RAM 24 by processing the received overlay data according to the recognized printing condition (step S202).

Thereafter, the control unit 20 executes a process according to the recognized printing order (the printing order indicated by the printing order designation information in the JOB information).

More specifically, when it is instructed to print the overlay data after printing the text data (step S203; after), the control unit 20 processes the text data according to the printing conditions. The RAM 24
A band image of the text data is created above (step S204). Then, the band image of the overlay data created in step S202 is overlaid on the created band image (step S205). Next, the control unit 20 supplies the band image obtained by synthesizing the two band images to the print engine (step S208).

On the other hand, if it is instructed to print the overlay data before printing the text data (step S203; before), the control unit 20 stores in the RAM 24 the band of the overlay data created in step S202. Make a copy of the image (step S
206). Thereafter, the control unit 20 performs a process of creating a band image according to the printing condition of the text data and superimposing the band image on a copy of the band image of the overlay data prepared on the RAM 24 (step S207). Then, in step S208, the band image obtained by combining the two band images is supplied to the print engine.

The control unit 20 determines in steps S203 to S20
Step 8 is executed for each body data included in the print data. Then, when the processing of all the text data is completed (step S209; YES), the unnecessary information (such as the band image of the overlay data) on the RAM 24 is deleted (step S210), and the illustrated processing ends. I do.

As described above, in the printing system 10 according to the first embodiment, the printing apparatus 11 responds to the form overlay print request including the overlay data and the information for designating the printing conditions given from the host computer 12. Then, a band image of the overlay data according to the designated printing condition is generated, and the band image is commonly used for each page to perform form overlay printing. Therefore, according to the present printing system 10, form overlay printing can be performed at a higher speed than a conventional printing apparatus in which overlay data is converted into intermediate data or the like for each page. Further, prior to the form overlay printing, there is no need to perform an operation of registering (creating) in the printing apparatus the overlay data in the band data format used for the form overlay printing. Thus, form overlay printing under arbitrary printing conditions can be performed at a high speed with a simple operation. further,
Since the configuration in which the overlay data is managed in the host computer 12 is adopted, the printing system 10 can be realized without mounting a large-capacity hard disk in the printing apparatus 11, in other words, a system that can be constructed at low cost. Has also become.

<Second Embodiment> A printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention comprises a host computer and a printing device, like the printing system 10 according to the first embodiment. The basic configurations of the host computer and the printing apparatus that constitute the printing system according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.
It is the same as the host computer 12 and the printing device 11 in the printing system 10 according to the embodiment. Therefore, the configuration and operation of the printing system according to the second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the printing system 10 according to the first embodiment.

First, with reference to FIG. 1, a description will be given of a configuration difference between the printing system according to the second embodiment and the printing system according to the first embodiment.

The printing apparatus 11 constituting the printing system according to the first embodiment includes a print engine capable of performing monochrome printing, a maximum size of two pages which may be generated at the time of printing together with received print data and the like. And a RAM 24 having a capacity capable of storing a band image for one minute.

On the other hand, the printing apparatus constituting the printing system according to the second embodiment has a print engine capable of performing color printing. In addition, the printing apparatus does not necessarily include the RAM 24 having a storage capacity capable of storing two pages of the maximum size band image that may be generated at the time of printing together with the received print data and the like. . More specifically, the printing device is a RAM 24
Can be increased (the RAM can be replaced or expanded). In addition, RA of a printing device that is not added
The M24 can store a band image for one page of the maximum size that may be generated at the time of printing together with the received print data and the like, but cannot store a band image for two pages. Has become.

Next, the operation of the printing system according to the second embodiment will be described. The host computer included in the printing system executes print data transmission processing (see FIG. 2) having the same contents as the host computer 12 included in the printing system 10 when the user instructs execution of form overlay printing.

On the other hand, the printing apparatus (the control unit 20 therein) according to the second embodiment operates on the print data transmitted by the print data transmission processing in the procedure as shown in FIG. It is configured.

First, the control unit 20 recognizes printing conditions and printing order based on the received JOB information (step S3).
01). After that, the control unit 20 executes the on-board RAM
It is determined whether or not there is a predetermined relationship between the storage capacity of No. 24 and the recognized printing conditions (step S302). More specifically, the control unit 20 determines that the relationship between the storage capacity of the RAM 24 and the printing conditions is such that the band image for two pages to be generated at the time of printing under the printing conditions is stored in the RAM 24.
It is determined whether or not the above can be stored.

If there is a predetermined relationship between the storage capacity of the RAM 24 and the printing conditions (step S302; YES),
The control unit 20 performs steps S202 to S202 in FIG.
A process consisting of steps S312 to S320 having the same contents as 210 is executed. That is, in this case, the control unit 20
Creates a band image of overlay data on the RAM 24, and controls each unit so that form overlay printing for each page is performed using the band image.

On the other hand, when the printing conditions and the storage capacity of the RAM 24 are not in a relationship capable of storing the band image for two pages on the RAM 24 (step S302; N).
O), the control unit 20 performs form overlay printing in a procedure for creating a band image of overlay data for each page (step S330). Then, the illustrated process ends. That is, when the RAM 24 does not have a sufficient storage capacity, the control unit 20 performs form overlay printing by processing the print data according to a conventionally performed procedure.

As described above, the printing apparatus constituting the printing system according to the second embodiment sends a form overlay print request to the printing apparatus 11 according to the first embodiment.
Is a function that performs processing in the same procedure as that of the RAM 24 during processing.
(Hereinafter, referred to as a high-speed printing function) used for a form overlay print request that does not cause a shortage of capacity. Further, the printing device has a RAM
There is also a function for processing a form overlay print request that cannot use the high-speed printing function due to a shortage of the capacity of the H.24 in accordance with a conventionally performed procedure and performing printing (hereinafter, referred to as a normal printing function). are doing.

That is, the printing apparatus used in the present printing system, in response to a form overlay print request processed by the high-speed printing function, converts the overlay data into intermediate data or the like for each page. It operates faster than the printing device, and operates at the same speed as the conventional printing device for the remaining form overlay print requests. However, form overlay printing is printing that is often performed in monochrome, and it can be said that the printing apparatus rarely receives a form overlay printing request that must be processed by the normal printing function. Therefore, in this printing system, most form overlay printing requests are processed at high speed.

As described above, the printing apparatus used in the printing system according to the present embodiment can process all form overlay print requests that may be issued from the host computer, and can process most form overlay print requests. A printing apparatus capable of processing at a higher speed than before is realized by using a relatively small-capacity RAM 24. If the RAM 24 is expanded to have a predetermined capacity (a value determined from resolution, paper size, etc.),
The printing apparatus according to the present embodiment actually functions as an apparatus that operates at a higher speed than the conventional printing apparatus for all form overlay printing requests.

Further, in the printing system, the overlay data is managed in the host computer. Therefore, this printing system is also a system that can be realized without mounting a large-capacity hard disk or RAM in the printing apparatus, in other words, a system that can be constructed at low cost.

<Third Embodiment> A printing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention uses a host computer which operates in the same manner as that used in the printing systems according to the first and second embodiments. ing. The printing device used in the printing system according to the third embodiment is obtained by adding an HDD to the printing device used in the printing system according to the second embodiment.

That is, the RAM 24 in the printing apparatus according to the third embodiment has a storage capacity capable of storing two pages of the maximum size band image that may be generated at the time of printing together with the received print data and the like. There may not be. In addition, the printing apparatus includes an HDD that can be used for storing information, like the RAM 24.

The printing apparatus (the control unit 20 therein) according to the third embodiment is configured to operate according to the procedure shown in FIG. 5 when receiving print data requesting form overlay printing. .

First, the control unit 20 recognizes printing conditions (paper type, page orientation, resolution, etc.) and printing order based on the received JOB information (step S40).
1). After that, the control unit 20 executes the RAM 2
It is determined whether there is a predetermined relationship between the storage capacity of No. 4 and the recognized printing condition (step S402). More specifically, the control unit 20 has a relationship between the printing conditions and the storage capacity of the RAM 24 that can prepare two pages of band images to be generated when printing under the printing conditions on the RAM 24. It is determined whether or not there is.

If there is no predetermined relationship between the storage capacity of the RAM 24 and the printing conditions (step S402; NO),
The control unit 20 creates a band image in the HDD according to the printing condition of the overlay data (step S41).
1). On the other hand, if there is a predetermined relationship between the storage capacity of the RAM 24 and the printing conditions (step S402; YES),
The control unit 20 creates a band image according to the printing condition of the overlay data on the RAM (step S41).
2).

Step S411 or step S41
In step 2, after creating the band image of the overlay data, the control unit 20 determines whether or not it is instructed to print the overlay data after printing the text data (step S413).

If it is instructed to print the overlay data after printing the text data (step S413; later), the control unit 20 processes the text data in accordance with the printing conditions, and stores the data in the RAM 24. A band image of the body data is created (step S414).
Then, the band image of the overlay data created in the HDD or the RAM is superimposed on the created band image (step S415). Next, the control unit 20 supplies the band image obtained by combining the two band images to the print engine (step S418).

On the other hand, if the print data is to be printed with the overlay data before the text data is printed (step S 413; before), the control unit 20 sends the overlay data created in the HDD or on the RAM 24. A copy of the data band image is generated on the RAM 24 (step S416). After that, the control unit 20 creates a band image according to the printing condition of the text data, and overlays the band image on the copy of the band image of the overlay data prepared on the RAM 24 (step S417). Then, in step S418, the band image obtained by combining the two band images is supplied to the print engine.

The control unit 20 determines in steps S413 to S41
8 is executed for each body data. And
When processing of all text data is completed (step S4
19; YES), the band image of the overlay data in the HDD or the RAM 24 is deleted (step S4).
20) Then, the process ends.

According to the printing system of the third embodiment, as in the printing system of the second embodiment, almost all form overlay printing can be executed at a higher speed than in the past.

<Modifications> The printing systems according to the first to third embodiments can perform various modifications. For example, the printing system according to each embodiment is a system in which the printing order on each page is specified by one piece of printing order specification information, but the system may be configured so that the printing order can be specified on each page. good. Further, the system may be configured so that the printing order cannot be specified (so that the overlay data is always printed before or after).

The printing system according to the second and third embodiments is a system in which the printing apparatus determines how to process the print data. However, the host computer determines how the print data is processed. It is also possible to configure the system such that it is determined whether to perform the processing according to a simple procedure, and print data including information indicating that the processing is performed according to the result of the determination is transmitted to the printing apparatus.

The printing apparatus used in the printing system according to each embodiment is an apparatus that creates and stores a band image of overlay data. However, the printing apparatus creates and stores intermediate data of overlay data. The printing device can also be configured.

Further, the printing systems according to the second and third embodiments, which are systems capable of performing color printing, may be modified to a system capable of performing only monochrome printing, or a system capable of performing only monochrome printing. Obviously, the printing system according to the first embodiment may be configured to perform color printing.

Further, the printing system according to each embodiment
A system in which overlay data is managed on the host computer side and the printing apparatus receives a form overlay print request including the overlay data is used. However, the overlay data is managed on the printing apparatus side and includes information specifying the overlay data. The printing system may be configured so that the print request is issued from the host computer. However, when the printing system is configured in this manner, a storage device (for example, a hard disk) capable of storing some overlay data that may be used must be provided in the printing device, and thus the overlay that may be used may be used. When the number of data is large, it is desirable to configure the system so that the host computer manages the overlay data as in the above-described embodiments.

Further, the printing apparatus constituting the printing system according to each embodiment deletes the band image of the overlay data generated on the RAM or the HDD at the end of the form overlay printing. The printing apparatus may be configured so that the band image is deleted at a different timing. For example, the printing apparatus may be configured so that the band image of the overlay data generated on the RAM or in the HDD is not deleted unless a capacity shortage occurs. In the case where such a configuration is employed, when execution of form overlay printing that can use the held band image without being deleted is instructed, the form overlay printing is performed using the held band image. Printing can be allowed to take place.

[0078]

According to the printing system of the present invention, form overlay printing under arbitrary printing conditions can be performed by a simple operation.
In addition, it can be performed at high speed. Further, by using the printing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to construct a system capable of performing form overlay printing under arbitrary printing conditions with a simple operation and at high speed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of a host computer used in the printing system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of a printing apparatus used in the printing system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of a printing apparatus used in a printing system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of a printing apparatus used in a printing system according to a third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 11 printing device 12 host computer 18 printing mechanism 19 control panel 20 control unit 21 host interface unit 22 CPU 24 RAM 25 memory control unit 26 ROM 27 interface circuit unit

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A printing system including a printing apparatus and a host computer, the host computer comprising: overlay data storage means for storing at least one overlay data; printing condition specification information for specifying printing conditions; A print for transmitting an overlay print request including one overlay data stored in the overlay data storage unit and one or more text data, each of which is data defining print content for one page, to the printing apparatus. Request printing means, the printing apparatus comprising: printing means for performing printing on paper in accordance with the supplied image data; first storage means for storing conversion data which is data obtained by converting overlay data; A second storage unit for temporarily storing image data to be supplied to the printing unit; Receiving means for receiving a print request from a host computer; and when the print request received by the receiving means is the overlay print request, overlay data included in the overlay print request is included in the overlay print request. Conversion data is generated by performing conversion in accordance with the printing condition specified by the printing condition
Generating means for storing in the storage means, and using the converted data generated by the generating means and stored in the first storage means, for each of the text data included in the overlay print request, Print image data generation means for generating image data by overlaying the overlay data and storing the image data in the second storage means; and image data generated by the print image data generation means and stored in the second storage means. And a supply means for supplying the printing means to the printing means. 2. A printing system including a printing apparatus and a host computer, wherein the host computer includes: printing condition specifying information for specifying printing conditions; overlay data specifying information for specifying overlay data to be used; A print request transmitting unit that transmits an overlay print request including one or more body data, which is data defining print content for one page, to the printing device, wherein the printing device transmits A printing unit for performing a corresponding print on paper; an overlay data holding unit for holding at least one overlay data; a first storage unit for storing conversion data that is data obtained by converting the overlay data; Second storage means for temporarily storing image data to be supplied to Receiving means for receiving a print request from the host computer; and when the print request received by the receiving means is the overlay print request, the receiving means specified by overlay data designation information included in the overlay print request. Generating conversion data by converting the overlay data held in the overlay data holding means in accordance with the printing conditions specified by the printing condition specification information included in the overlay printing request, and storing the converted data in the first storage means Means, and using the converted data generated by the generation means and stored in the first storage means, for each text data included in the overlay print request, superimposing the text data and the overlay data. A print image to be generated in the second storage means. And a supply unit that supplies the image data generated by the print image data generation unit and stored in the second storage unit to the print unit. 3. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the conversion data is image data. 4. A printing unit for performing printing in accordance with the supplied image data on a sheet, a first storage unit for storing conversion data that is data obtained by converting overlay data, and a printing unit that is supplied to the printing unit. Second storage means for temporarily storing image data to be received, reception means for receiving a print request from a host computer, print condition specification information for specifying print conditions, When the overlay print request includes at least one overlay data and one or more body data which is data defining print content of one page, the overlay data included in the overlay print request is printed by the overlay printing. Generates conversion data by converting according to the printing conditions specified by the printing condition specification information included in the request Generating means for storing in the first storage means, and using the converted data generated by the generating means and stored in the first storage means, for each body data included in the overlay print request, Printing image data generating means for generating image data by superimposing text data and the overlay data and storing the image data in the second storage means; and supplying the image data stored in the second storage means to the printing means. A printing apparatus comprising: a supply unit. 5. A printing means for performing printing in accordance with the supplied image data on a sheet, an overlay data holding means for holding at least one overlay data, and storing conversion data which is data obtained by converting the overlay data. Storage means for temporarily storing image data to be supplied to the printing means, reception means for receiving a print request from a host computer, and reception means for receiving the print request from the host computer. When the print request is an overlay print request including print condition specification information for specifying printing conditions, overlay data, and one or more body data, each of which is data specifying print content for one page, The overlay data included in the overlay print request is replaced with the print data included in the overlay print request. Generating means for generating converted data by performing conversion in accordance with the printing conditions specified by the item specification information and storing the converted data in the first storage means; and converting data generated by the generating means and stored in the first storage means Generating image data by superimposing the text data and the overlay data on each text data included in the overlay print request using the data, and generating image data for printing and storing the image data in the second storage unit; Means for supplying image data stored in the second storage means to the printing means. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the conversion data is image data. 7. The first storage unit and the second storage unit are each an area of a memory, and the generation unit is generated for an overlay print request received by the reception unit. Function only when the converted data is of a size that can be stored in the first storage means, and the converted data to be generated in response to the overlay print request received by the receiving means is stored in the first storage means. A second print image data generating unit that functions when the image data is not of a size that can be stored in the unit, and generates image data by sequentially superimposing the overlay data included in the overlay print request and respective body data. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a second print image data generating unit that stores the image data in the second storage unit. Printing apparatus. 8. An auxiliary storage device that can be used to store converted data of overlay data, wherein the first storage unit and the second storage unit each include:
An area of a memory, wherein the generating unit converts the converted data generated in response to the overlay print request received by the receiving unit into the first
If it is of a size that can be stored in the storage means,
The conversion data is stored in the first storage unit, and if not, the conversion data is stored in the auxiliary storage device. The printing image data generation unit is generated by the generation unit, and Using the conversion data stored in the first storage means or the auxiliary storage device, for each text data included in the overlay print request, the paper on which the text data and the overlay data are printed in superposition is 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein image data to be output by a printing unit is generated and stored in the second storage unit. 9. The overlay print request includes print order designation information for designating a print order of the overlay data and the text data. 9. The image data according to claim 4, wherein a sheet on which the overlay data and the body data are superimposed and printed in a corresponding printing order generates image data to be output by the printing unit. Printing equipment.