JP2001260501A - Method and apparatus for imaging - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and an apparatus for imaging in which test print can be carried out at high speed. SOLUTION: When the state or the set conditions of a printer are varied, an image for test print is formed based on the state or the set conditions of an apparatus and printed at the test print.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming method and apparatus for developing input image data into bit patterns and forming corresponding images.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a printing apparatus such as a laser beam printer, data for printing inputted from a host computer is developed into a bit pattern for one page, and then printing is executed using the bit pattern.

[0003]

However, in the above conventional example, the print data is transferred to the printer after the host computer issues a print instruction, the command is analyzed, and the data is developed into a bit pattern. There is a problem that the total processing time becomes longer. Also, in the test print, since the test print print is instructed, the test print data is created, the command is analyzed, and the test pattern is developed into a bit pattern. there were.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional example, and has as its object to provide an image forming method and apparatus capable of generating an image corresponding to image data at high speed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming method and apparatus capable of forming an image corresponding to internal status information for forming an image at a high speed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming method and apparatus capable of forming an image of test data for image formation at high speed.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, an image input method and apparatus according to the present invention have the following arrangement.

A method for forming an image of internal status information for forming an image, wherein pixel image data for generating pixel image data corresponding to the internal status information at the time of initial setting and when the internal status information is changed The method includes a generating step and an image forming step of forming an image corresponding to the pixel image data when a predetermined command is input.

Preferably, the internal status information is a capacity of storage means for storing image data.

Preferably, the internal status information is status information of a recording material for printing image data.

Alternatively, there is provided a method of forming an image of test data for forming an image, wherein a pixel image data generating step for generating pixel image data corresponding to the test data when the test data is initialized and changed. And an image forming step of forming an image corresponding to the pixel image data when a predetermined command is input.

Alternatively, there is provided an apparatus for forming an image of internal status information for forming an image, wherein a pixel for generating pixel image data corresponding to the internal status information when the internal status information is initialized and changed. Image data generating means and image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the pixel image data when a predetermined command is input.

Preferably, the internal status information is a capacity of storage means for storing image data.

Preferably, the internal status information is status information of a recording material for printing image data.

Alternatively, there is provided an apparatus for forming an image of test data for image formation, wherein pixel image data generating means for generating pixel image data corresponding to the test data when the test data is initialized and changed. And an image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the pixel image data when a predetermined command is input.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, a detailed description of the present embodiment will be described. 1 showing the outline of the procedure of the printing operation of FIG.
4 and a flowchart of FIG. 15 showing a test print process for printing the status and the setting status of the printer.

First, in step S101, print data is received and stored in a reception buffer. In step S102, a command is analyzed for the data in the reception buffer, and a page buffer for one page is created. Next, in step S103, a development process is executed to generate bit pattern data for one page and store it in the frame memory.

In step S104, an output process is executed, and printing on a storage medium such as recording paper is executed in accordance with the developed bitmap data. Step S
At 105, it is determined whether the output processing has been completed for all of the input image information, and if completed, this processing ends. If not completed, step S101
The process returns to and repeats the above-described processing.

The input data is developed into a bit pattern and printed according to the procedure described above. Next, FIG.
With reference to FIG. 5, a test print process for printing the status and setting status of the printer will be described. When this test print is performed, data of the printer status and setting status is developed into a bit pattern and then printed, like the print data input from the host computer.

First, when test print printing is instructed, test print data is created in step S111 using data indicating the status of the printing apparatus and the setting status. In step S112, a command is analyzed for the created test print data, and a page buffer for one page is created.

Next, in step S113, a development process is executed to generate bit pattern data for one page and store it in the frame memory. Then, step S1
An output process is executed at 14, and printing on a storage medium such as recording paper is executed in accordance with the developed bitmap data. In the image forming process described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, the print data is transferred to the printer after a print instruction is issued from the host computer, the command is analyzed, and the print data is developed into a bit pattern. , The total processing time increases.

Also, in the test print, since the test print data is instructed, the test print data is created, the command is analyzed, and the data is developed into a bit pattern, so that the total processing time of the test print becomes long. . The image forming method and the apparatus configuration shown below are:
Solve these problems.

(First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment according to the present invention will be described.
An image forming method and an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Before describing the configuration of the image forming method and the apparatus of the present embodiment, in applying the present embodiment,
Preferred configurations of a laser beam printer and an ink jet printer will be described with reference to FIGS. The printer to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer and an ink jet printer, and it goes without saying that a printer of another printing method may be used.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the configuration of a first output device to which the present embodiment is applicable, for example, a laser beam printer (LBP). In FIG. 1, 1500 is LBP
It is a main body, and inputs and stores print information (character codes, etc.), form information, macro instructions, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer (not shown), and corresponding character patterns according to the information. And a form pattern or the like, and form an image on a recording medium such as recording paper. Reference numeral 1501 denotes an operation panel on which switches for operation and an LED display are arranged;
Reference numeral 0 denotes a printer control unit that controls the entire LBP body 1500 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from the host computer. This printer control unit 1000
Mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1502. The laser driver 1502 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1503, and switches on / off a laser beam 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 according to an input video signal. The laser beam 1504 is the rotating polygon mirror 1
At 505, the photosensitive drum 1506 is swung right and left to scan and expose the electrostatic drum 1506. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1507 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1506, and then transferred to a recording sheet. A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is a paper cassette 150 mounted on the LBP 1500.
8 and feed roller 1509 and transport roller 1
By 510 and the transport roller 1511, it is taken into the device and supplied to the electrostatic drum 1506. Also, LB
The P body 1500 has at least one or more card slots (not shown), and is configured so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language system can be connected in addition to the built-in font.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing a configuration of a second output device to which an embodiment of the present invention can be applied, for example, an external view showing a configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus (IJRA). In FIG. 2, a spiral groove 500 of a lead screw 5005 that rotates through driving force transmission gears 5011 and 5009 in conjunction with forward / reverse rotation of a driving motor 5013.
The carriage HC engaged with the carriage 4 has a pin (not shown) and is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b. An ink jet cartridge IJC is mounted on the carriage HC. A paper pressing plate 5002 presses the paper against the platen 5000 in the carriage movement direction. Reference numerals 5007 and 5008 denote photocouplers, which function as home position detection units for confirming the presence of the carriage lever 5006 in this area and switching the rotation direction of the motor 5013 and the like. Reference numeral 5016 denotes a member for instructing a cap member 5022 for capping the entire surface of the recording head. Reference numeral 5015 denotes suction means for suctioning the inside of the cap to perform suction recovery of the recording head via the opening 5023 in the cap. Reference numeral 5017 denotes a cleaning blade which can be moved in the front-rear direction by a member 5019. 5
Reference numeral 018 denotes a main body indicating plate indicating the above 5017 and 5019. Reference numeral 5012 denotes a lever for starting suction for suction recovery, which is engaged with the carriage. It moves with the movement of the cam 5020, and the driving force from the drive motor is controlled by a known transmission means such as clutch switching.

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured so that desired processing can be performed at the corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5005 when the carriage comes to the home position side area. It is sufficient that the desired operation is performed at the timing described above. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the second output device illustrated in FIG.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 1700 denotes an interface for inputting a recording signal, 1701 denotes an MPU, 1702 denotes a ROM for storing a control program executed by the MPU 1701 and host print information, and 1703 denotes a DRAM. The recording data supplied to the head is stored. Reference numeral 1704 denotes a gate array which controls supply of output data to the print head 1708.
Interface 1700, MPU 1701, DRAM
It also controls the transfer of data between 1703. Reference numeral 1710 denotes a carrier motor for transporting the recording head 1708, 1709 a transport motor for transporting the recording paper,
05 is a head driver for driving the recording head, 17
A motor driver 07 drives the carrier motor 1710.

In the above-described recording apparatus, when input information is input from a host computer 3000 to be described later via the interface 1700, the input information is converted into output information for printing between the gate array 1704 and the MPU 1701. Is done. Then, the motor drivers 1706 and 1707 are driven, and the recording head is driven according to the output information sent to the head driver 1705 to execute printing.

The MPU 1701 is connected to a host computer 3000 (to be described later) via an interface 1700.
Communication with the host computer 300. The memory information and resource data relating to the DRAM 1703 and the print information when the ROM 1702 is dried are stored in the host computer 300.
0 can be notified. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, a laser beam printer (FIG. 1) will be described as an example. Note that, as long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention is applicable to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, and a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. It goes without saying that the invention can be applied.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer, which is a host computer which stores figures, images, characters, and the like based on a document processing program and the like stored in a program ROM of a ROM 3.
A CPU 1 for executing document processing in which tables (including spreadsheets and the like) are mixed is provided. Also, this RO
The control program of the CPU 1 is stored in the program ROM of M3, the font data and the like used in the document processing are stored in the font ROM of the ROM 3,
The data ROM of the OM3 stores various data (for example, a fixed pattern, a test print form, etc.) used when performing the above document processing and the like. 2 is RAM, C
It functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the PU1. 5
Is a keyboard controller (KBC), and the keyboard 9
And a key input from a pointing device (not shown). 6 is a CRT controller (CRTC), CR
The display of the T display (CRT) 10 is controlled. Reference numeral 7 denotes a memory controller (MC), which is a hard disk (H) that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, and the like.
D), and controls access to an external memory 11 such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD). Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer controller (PRTC), which controls the printer 15 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 21.
00 to execute communication control processing with the printer 1500. The CPU 1 executes, for example, a process of rasterizing the outline font in the display information RAM set on the RAM 2 (raster rice),
YSIWYG is possible. Further, the CPU 1
Various registered windows are opened based on a command specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the RT 10,
Perform various data processing.

In the printer 1500, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU, which controls various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program or the like stored in a program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program or the like stored in the external memory 14. Control access to
An image signal as output information is output to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via a printing unit interface 16. The program ROM of the ROM 13
Stores a control program of the CPU 12 and the like. RO
The control program of the CPU 12 and the like are stored in the program ROM of the M13. The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data and the like used when generating the output information. In the case of a printer having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk in the data ROM of the ROM 13,
It stores information and the like used on the host computer. The CPU 12 can communicate with the host computer via the input unit 18 and can notify the host computer 3000 of information in the printer and the like. Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an additional port (not shown). The RAM 19
Are the output information development area, environment data storage area, NVRA
Used for M etc. Hard disk (HD) mentioned above,
Access to the external memory 14 such as an IC card is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option, and stores font data,
It stores an emulation program, form data, and the like. Reference numeral 18 denotes the above-described operation panel on which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged.

The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one. At least one external memory is provided. In addition to the built-in fonts, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages are connected. It may be configured to be able to do so. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store the printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1501.

Next, the procedure of developing test print data into a bit pattern when the printer is idle will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S11, it is checked whether or not the development of the test print has been completed. If it has been completed, the process proceeds to step S14, and if not, the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the test print data based on the current printer status and setting status is analyzed by a command and developed into a bit pattern. In step S13, the test print data developed into the bit pattern is stored in the RAM (19 in FIG. 4). In step S14, it is checked whether or not there has been a change in the status or setting of the printer. If there has been a change, the process returns to step S12, and as described above, the command analysis is performed on the test printer data based on the status and setting of the new printer. Re-expand to a bit pattern. If there is no change, the process ends.

Next, the processing procedure for test print printing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When a test printer print instruction switch on the operation unit 1501 in FIG. 16 described below is pressed, the processing from step S21 is executed. In step S21, the RAM (19 in FIG. 4)
The test print data developed into the bit pattern stored in the test print data is extracted.

In step S22, the test print data developed into the bit pattern is output in accordance with the timing of the printer engine (17 in FIG. 4), and test print printing is performed. Next, FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an output result of the test print. 41 is layout, font,
Each setting item such as an interface is shown, and 42 is the total R
Controller for AM capacity, built-in font type, etc. (Fig. 4
Represents the state of the printer control unit 1000).
Reference numeral 3 denotes the state of the engine (printing unit 17 in FIG. 4) such as the remaining amount of toner and the type of paper cassette.

Next, the state from the development of the test print to the printing will be described in detail with reference to FIG. ROM13
4 stores a test print form (see FIG. 7), and a RAM 19 stores a controller (1 in FIG. 4).
000) status items, engine (printing unit 17) status items, and the like. Reference numeral 32 denotes a printer status monitoring unit that constantly monitors the status of the controller and the engine.
To change the controller status item and engine status item of.

Test print idling control section 31
Checks whether the printer is in an idle state, and when the printer is in an idle state, outputs the test print form stored in the ROM 13 and the controller status item and the engine status item stored in the RAM 19 to the analysis processing unit 63. To instruct. The analysis processing unit 63 analyzes the command after synthesizing the input test print data (the test print form, the controller status item and the engine status item), and outputs the command to the development processing unit 64. The development processing unit 64 develops the input test print data into a bit pattern and stores the data in the RAM 19.

When a test print print instruction switch on the operation unit 1501 is pressed, test print data developed into a bit pattern stored in the RAM 19 is output to the output processing unit 63. The output processing unit 63 outputs the input test print data to the printing unit 17 in accordance with the timing of the engine, and the printing unit 17 prints the test print.

Test print idling control section 31
When the controller status item or the engine status item in the RAM 19 changes, the test print data in the RAM 19 is erased, the analysis process is started again using the changed controller status item and the engine status item, and the expansion process is performed. RA new test print data
It is stored in M19.

If the development of the test print data on the RAM 19 is not completed at the time when the test print printing instruction is issued, the process waits until the development of the test print data is completed. Processing up to print processing is performed. In the first embodiment described above, the test print is always developed into a bit pattern during the idle state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the RAM capacity is small, the test print is developed. It is also possible to prevent the test print from being performed or to allow the user to select whether or not the test print is developed on the host computer.

(Second Embodiment) The procedure of processing for transferring image data from the host, synthesizing the image data with other image data, and printing the image data when the printer is idle will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S51, it is detected whether an application (eg, document processing software, chart creation software, etc.) on the host computer (3000 in FIG. 4) has pasted image data composed of bit patterns, and If it is attached, the process proceeds to step S52. If it is not pasted, the process returns to the beginning of step 51 again, and loops until it is pasted.

In step S52, the pasted image data and the identification number (ID) of the image data are transferred to the printer (1500 in FIG. 4). In a step S53, it is determined whether or not the printer is in an idle state.
If it is in the idle state, the process proceeds to the receiving process. If it is not idle, it waits until it becomes idle.

In step S54, a process of receiving the image data and the image data ID is performed. Then, in step S55, the analyzing process is performed. Step S5
In step 6, the image data and the image data ID are stored in RA
M (19 in FIG. 4).

In step S57, the image data is synthesized with the image data developed into a bit pattern to be pasted. In step S58, the combined image data is output according to the timing of the printer engine (17 in FIG. 4), and printing is performed. Next, the manner of combining image data and image data other than an image (image data to which image data is pasted) will be described with reference to FIG.

When an image data print instruction command is issued from an application on the host computer 3000,
Image data other than the image and a printer (1 in FIG. 4)
500) of the image data stored in the RAM 19 and the coordinate values (x, y) are stored in the host computer 300.
0 is input to the reception processing unit 61 of the printer. Among the input data, image data other than the image is sent to the analysis processing unit 63 to analyze the command. Further, image data other than the image subjected to the analysis processing is sent to the expansion processing section 64 and expanded into a bit pattern. On the other hand, the image data ID subjected to the reception processing in the reception processing unit 61 is sent to the ID discrimination processing unit 62, and the image data that matches the ID added to the image data in the RAM 19 is extracted. The upper left coordinate value (x, y) of the image data subjected to the reception processing by the reception processing unit 61 is
5, and determines the position where the image data input from the RAM 19 is combined (pasted) with image data other than the image developed into the bit pattern. In the synthesis processing unit 65, the upper left coordinate value (x, y) of the image data
Thus, the image data other than the image developed into the bit pattern is combined with the image data.

In the second embodiment described above, the composition of the image data other than the image and the image is described on the assumption that the image data is overwritten on the image data other than the image. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, for example, it is also possible to transfer the overlap information from the host computer and thereby switch the overlap.

(Third Embodiment) A procedure for transferring object (component) data from the host when the printer is idle, synthesizing it with other image data, and printing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S71, objects (parts, for example, polygons, arcs, ruled lines, etc.) are used in applications (for example, word processing software, chart creation software, etc.) on the host computer (3000 in FIG. 4). It is detected whether or not it is used, and if it is used, the process proceeds to step S72. If not used, the process returns to the beginning of step S71 and loops.

In step S72, the object data and the identification number (ID) of the object data are transferred to the printer (1500 in FIG. 4). In step S73, it is determined whether the printer is in an idle state. If the printer is in an idle state, the process proceeds to a receiving process. If it is not idle, it waits until it becomes idle.

In step S74, a process of receiving the object data and the ID of the object data is performed. Then, in step S75, the analyzing process is performed. In step S76, the object data is expanded into a bitmap.

In step S77, the object data and the ID of the object data are stored in the RAM (19 in FIG. 4).
To be stored. In step S78, the object data and the image data other than the object developed into the bit pattern are synthesized. In step S79, the combined image data is output according to the timing of the printer engine (17 in FIG. 4), and printing is performed.

Next, the manner in which object data and image data other than the object are combined will be described with reference to FIG. When an image data print instruction command is issued from an application on the host computer 3000, the image data other than the object, the ID of the image data already stored in the RAM 19 of the printer (1500 in FIG. 4), and the coordinate values (x, y) is the host computer 30
00 is input to the reception processing unit 61 of the printer. Of the input data, image data other than the object is sent to the analysis processing unit 63 to analyze the command.

Further, the image data other than the analyzed object is sent to the expansion processing section 64 and expanded into a bit pattern. On the other hand, the object data ID subjected to the reception processing by the reception processing unit 61 is sent to the ID discrimination processing unit 62, and the object data that matches the ID added to the object data on the RAM 19 is extracted.
The upper left coordinate value (x, y) of the object data subjected to the reception processing in the reception processing unit 61 is sent to the combination processing unit 65, and the object data input from the RAM 19 is converted into a bit pattern. Determine the position to be combined (pasted) with the data. The combining processing unit 65 combines the image data other than the object developed into the bit pattern with the object data based on the coordinate value (x, y) of the reference point of the object data.

In the third embodiment described above, all the objects are transferred to the printer in the idle state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only the frequently used objects may be transferred. Is also possible.

(Fourth Embodiment) Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 12, when the printer is in an idle state and the line is free, the compressed image data is transferred from the host and decompressed on the printer. The following describes the procedure of processing for combining and printing with other image data.

In step S90, an application (eg, document processing software, chart creation software, etc.) on the host computer (3000 in FIG. 4) detects whether or not image data composed of bit patterns has been pasted. If pasted, step S91
Proceed to. Otherwise, step S90 is looped.

In step S91, the image data is compressed by a compression program (for example, built in the application) on the host computer. In step S92, it is determined whether the printer is in an idle state. If the printer is in an idle state, the process proceeds to step S93. If it is not idle, it waits until it becomes idle.

In step S93, the compressed image data and the identification number (ID) of the image data are transferred to the printer (1500 in FIG. 4). In step S94,
A program for monitoring the availability of a network line on the host computer determines whether the line of the network to which the printer is connected is free. If the line is free, the process proceeds to step S95. If the line is not free, wait until it is free.

In step S95, a process of receiving the image data and the image data ID is performed. Then, in step S96, the analyzing process is performed. Step S9
7, the image data and the image data ID are stored in the RA
M (19 in FIG. 4).

In step S98, the compressed image data stored in the RAM is expanded. Step S
At 99, the image data is synthesized with the image data developed into a bit pattern to be pasted. In step S100, the combined image data is output according to the timing of the printer engine (17 in FIG. 4), and printing is performed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 13, a description will be given of how to combine the compressed image data with image data other than the image (image data to which the image data is pasted).
When an image data print instruction command is issued from an application on the host computer 3000, the image data other than the image and the R data of the printer (1500 in FIG. 4) are already output.
The ID and coordinate values (x, y) of the image data stored in the AM 19 are input from the host computer 3000 to the reception processing unit 61 of the printer. Among the input data, image data other than the image is sent to the analysis processing unit 63 to analyze the command. Further, image data other than the image subjected to the analysis processing is sent to the expansion processing unit 64 and expanded into a bit pattern. On the other hand, the image data ID subjected to the reception processing in the reception processing unit 61 is sent to the ID discrimination processing unit 62, and the image data that matches the ID added to the image data in the RAM 19 is extracted. The upper left coordinate value (x, y) of the image data received and processed by the reception processing unit 61 is sent to the synthesis processing unit 65, and the image data input from the decompression processing unit 66 is expanded into a bit pattern. The position to be combined (pasted) with other image data is determined. The expansion processing section 66 expands the compressed image data input from the RAM, and the synthesis processing section 65 uses the upper left coordinate value (x, y) of the image data to convert the image data other than the image expanded into the bit pattern. And image data.

In the first to fourth embodiments described above, for example, when both the test print of the first embodiment and the image of the second embodiment are in the idle state, the RA is used.
M can be freely combined, such as a configuration in which the object is stored in M, or a configuration in which the object in the embodiment is subjected to the compression / expansion processing in the fourth embodiment. It should be noted that the present invention is applicable to a system including a plurality of devices.
The present invention may be applied to an apparatus including one device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, the test print data is developed into bit patterns when the printer is in the idle state. Prints can be printed.

Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment, since the image data is transferred to the printer when the printer is in the idle state, the image data including the image can be printed at a high speed.

Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment, since the object data is transferred to the printer when the printer is in the idle state, the image data can be printed at a high speed.

According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment, since the image data is compressed and transferred to the printer when the printer is in the idle state and stored in the RAM, the transfer time is reduced, and the capacity of the RAM to be used is reduced. Can be saved. Furthermore, since the image data is transferred only when the network line is free, it is possible to prevent other task processes using the line from becoming dense.

In this embodiment, an example of a laser beam printer has been described, but it is needless to say that an ink jet printer or a serial printer may be used.

[0070]

As described above, according to the present invention, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems,
An image corresponding to image data can be generated at high speed. Further, an image corresponding to the format information for image formation can be formed at high speed.

Further, an image corresponding to the internal status information for forming an image can be formed at a high speed.
In addition, an image of test data for image formation can be formed at high speed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a second output device to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a second output device illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for developing and storing a test print according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a test print output processing procedure according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test print according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of image data according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an output device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for processing object data according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an output device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of image data according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an output device according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of image data according to a conventional example.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a conventional test print printing process.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the output device according to the first embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 4 System bus 12 CPU 13 ROM 19 RAM 61 Reception processing unit 62 ID discrimination processing unit 63 Analysis processing unit 64 Expansion processing unit 65 Synthesis processing unit 66 Decompression processing unit 3000 Host computer 1500 Printer

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A method for forming an image of internal status information for performing image formation, comprising: a pixel generating pixel image data corresponding to the internal status information when the internal status information is initialized and changed. An image forming method comprising: an image data generating step; and an image forming step of forming an image corresponding to the pixel image data when a predetermined command is input. 2. The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein the internal status information is a capacity of a storage unit that stores image data. 3. The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein the internal status information is status information of a recording material for printing image data. 4. A method for forming an image of test data for image formation, comprising: generating pixel image data corresponding to the test data when initializing and changing the test data. And an image forming step of forming an image corresponding to the pixel image data when a predetermined command is input. 5. An apparatus for forming an image of internal status information for performing image formation, the pixel generating pixel image data corresponding to the internal status information when initializing and changing the internal status information An image forming apparatus comprising: image data generating means; and image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the pixel image data when a predetermined command is input. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the internal status information is a capacity of a storage unit for storing image data. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the internal status information is status information of a recording material for printing image data. 8. An apparatus for forming an image of test data for image formation, comprising: pixel image data generating means for generating pixel image data corresponding to the test data when the test data is initialized and changed. And an image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the pixel image data when a predetermined command is input.