JP2002240361A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To print full-color data by using a printer for printing by two colors to perform two-color printing. SOLUTION: This printer 1 comprises a controller 2, a host machine 3, an operation panel 4, a host I/F 5, a program ROM 6, a font ROM 7, a panel I/F 8, a CPU 9, a RAM 10, an NV-RAM 11, an engine I/F 12, a printer engine 13, etc. In the printer 1, for example, capable of printing by two colors, e.g. black and red colors, a range of color is set based on color information of a command for designating full colors sent from the host. When the color designated by the command for designating full colors sent from the host is in the range of the set color, the printer 1 selects one color to be printed out of the two colors printable by the printer 1. When the color designated by the command for designating full colors sent from the host is out of the range of the set color, the color different from the color previously selected.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a printer, and more particularly, to a printer capable of two-color printing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a printer device, there is generally a printer which can be applied to a multifunction machine such as Imagio and which can perform two-color printing. These two colors are printers that print a combination of a base color (mainly black) and an optional color (red or blue), such as black and red or black and blue.

A command for specifying full color is, for example, R
(Red), G (Green), B (Blue)
Full color is specified with gradation. An example of a full color designation command is as follows: CLR, G,
B; The above command is a color designation command CL. This “R” is a parameter indicating the level of red,
“G” is a parameter indicating a green level, and “B” is a parameter indicating a blue level. These "R,
G, B "are referred to as parameters of the full color designation command. In this example," R, G, B "is designated by a numerical value from 0 to 255. Range of R, G, B parameters Here, from 0 to 255, 0 is a value including no color component at all, and 255 is a value including the color component at the maximum.

To actually use the CL command, to specify the strongest (darkest) red in pure red, use CL25
The command 5,0,0; is specified (Example 1). To specify 100 levels (intensity) of green with pure green, send a command such as CL0,100,0; (Example 2). To specify a color in which red at the level of “50” and blue at the level of “140” are mixed, CL50,0,14
Send a command such as 0 (Example 3).

[0005] Example 1 of the prior application similar to the present invention in the technical field
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-34547 discloses a "printing method and apparatus" (applicant: Canon Inc.). The first prior invention example 1 has been devised for printing monochrome data sent from the host in color.

A "digital color proofing system"(Applicant; Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company) disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-1765 of Invention 2 of the prior application is to process monochrome data sent from a host. It was designed for printing in color.

[0007]

However, in the above-described conventional printer for two-color printing, even if full-color print data is sent, the printer does not support full-color printing, and therefore can print only one color. Therefore, even if a command for designating full color is sent, the command is conventionally ignored, so that there is a problem that even a printer capable of two-color printing can print only one color.

The first and second prior art examples described above do not allow full-color data to be printed in two colors by a two-color printer as in the present invention. Absent.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its main object to provide a printer apparatus having the following functions.

First, in order to be able to use two colors, the range of the parameter of the color designated by the full color designation command is set, and the colors within the set range are designated by the full color designation command. In this case, it is possible to switch the drawing color between the case and the case where a color designation command out of the range is received, and perform the drawing.

Second, for the first purpose, the parameter of the full-color color designation command is set within and outside the range set by the parameter.
Although it has been described that the drawing can be performed by switching colors, it is convenient to store a plurality of types of set ranges instead of one type. The reason for this is that the value of the parameter of the full-color specification command sent by the host to the printer differs depending on the application software used by the user and the type of data, and it depends on the type of application software and data on the host. If several suitable color setting ranges are prepared and stored, there is no need to change the setting range every time, and the operability is improved. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to store and use a plurality of types of color setting ranges.

Third, in the second case, it is convenient to be able to automatically select a suitable color setting range according to host data. Therefore, in the third case, the characteristics of the command sequence sent from the host are stored, and if the data sent from the host matches the characteristics of the stored command sequence, it is determined that the command sequence is optimal. By making it possible to select a color setting range, it is possible to automatically perform drawing using the optimum color setting range information.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, a printer device of the present invention has two colors (for example, red and black).
Range setting means for setting a color range based on the color information of a full color designation command sent from the host, and a color designated by the full color designation command sent from the host. Is within the color range set by the color range setting means, a color selecting means for selecting which of two colors the printer can print, and a full color designation command sent from the host. When the designated color is out of the range of the color set by the color range setting unit, the color selecting unit selects the color selected previously and another color. .

The color range to be set in the color range setting means is not limited to one kind of range, but a plurality of kinds of ranges are set and stored, and the color range is determined by a command sequence sent from the host. It is preferable to further include a color range selection unit that selects a color range corresponding to the command sequence from a plurality of color ranges stored by the range setting unit.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an embodiment of a printer according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1
6 to 6, there is shown one embodiment of the printer device of the present invention.

(Outline of Printer Controller) FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer device of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a laser printer. Printer Applied to Embodiment; PRINTE
R1 is a controller 2, host machine 3, operation panel 4, host I / F 5, program ROM 6, font R
OM7, panel I / F8, CPU9, RAM10, NV
-RAM 11, engine I / F 12, printer engine 13, OPTION I / F 14, OPTION ME
MORY15.

The controller 2 is a general term for a control mechanism that converts print data from the host into video data and outputs the video data to the printer engine 13 in accordance with the control mode set at that time and the control code from the host machine 3. It consists of the following modules.

The host I / F 5 is an interface for control signals and data from the host machine 3 to the printer and status signals from the printer to the host.

The CPU 9 processes data (print data, control data) from the host according to the program ROM 6.

The RAM 10 includes a work memory for processing by the CPU 9, a buffer for managing data from the host in units of pages and temporarily storing the data, and converting the data stored in the buffer into an actual print pattern to convert video data. Used as a bitmap memory for storing.

The NV-RAM 11 is a non-volatile RAM for storing data to be retained even when the power is turned off.

The program ROM 6 stores programs for processing and managing data in the controller 2 and controlling peripheral modules. Font ROM 7
Has various types of fonts used for printing.

The engine I / F 12 is an interface for control signals and video signals from the controller 2 to the printer engine 13 and status signals from the printer to the controller 2.

The printer engine 13 includes the controller 2
Creates an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor based on the video signal and control signal from, develops it, and feeds the transfer paper from the paper feed unit,
Transfer and fix to form an image. When controlling the paper discharging means in the present invention, the printer engine 13
Has a paper discharge tray, a sorter, a punch and a stapler. In the present invention, the printer engine is capable of printing two colors.

The operation panel 4 includes a display unit for displaying the status of the printer, and a switch unit for switching the mode of the printer, designation of the number of copies, fonts and the like. Panel I / F
Reference numeral 8 denotes an interface between the controller 2 and the operation panel 4.

The OPTION I / F 14 is an interface for connecting the printer main body and the OPTION MEMORY 15. OPTION MEMORY
Reference numeral 15 denotes a storage medium detachable from the printer main body, such as a memory card, a SIMM, or a DIMM.

Next, an outline of the data processing will be described. The data sent from the host via the host interface 5 is analyzed by the CPU 9 in accordance with a data analysis program on the program ROM 6, and print data and print control data (SP, CR, LF, HT, VT,... It is divided into others. The print data and print control data are temporarily stored in a reception buffer on the RAM. The emulation program, which is one of the control programs on the program ROM, takes out the stored data once and performs the processing.

For example, if the extracted data is a character code, an intermediate code including a print position, a print size, a character code, font information and the like is created and stored in an intermediate buffer provided on a RAM.

If the extracted data is vector data, the emulation program determines the type of each vector (circle, straight line, curve, etc.), vector coordinates, vector attributes (line width, connection between lines). By converting the shape type (miter connection, round connection, etc.), specifying dotted line or solid line, etc. into a data format that can be input to the drawing library and inputting it, the vector data received by the emulation is converted to a bitmap in the drawing library. Have them draw.

When the command is a command such as a control code or an escape sequence, a predetermined process is performed on the command. For example, if the number of print copies is specified, set to output the specified number of print copies (internal control information setting). If the print position is specified, specify the position of the next character code. When the font is changed, or when the font is changed, the font information of the next character code is changed to the specified font.

In this way, when a print command from the host is processed, or when the processed data exceeds one page, the intermediate code stored in the intermediate buffer is converted into video data in accordance with the control program. Perform the following processing. When the conversion is completed, the controller 2 issues a print start command to the printer engine 13 via the engine I / F 12, and transfers video data in synchronization with the print start command.

(Embodiment 1) An example of the processing procedure of the present invention will be described below. First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is an example of an operation for setting a color range according to the first embodiment. Here, a case where the user sets the color range by operating the keys on the operation panel will be described.

In step S21, the printer detects that the user has started the setting of the color range by key operation. In step S22, the printer displays a display message that allows the user to set the color range. In step S23, the printer reads the color range set by the user by looking at the message displayed by the printer in step S22. In step S24,
Based on the information read in step S23, the printer sets a color range that serves as a reference for switching between the two colors. According to the above procedure, the color gamut setting information is stored in the internal memory so that it can be referred to and used in the subsequent processing.

FIG. 3 shows an example of an operation flow of a process for separating a color to be drawn within the set color range or outside the set color range when a color is specified by the full color designation command. In this example, the printer is red and black
It is assumed that a color is usable, and if a color within the set color range is specified by a command from the host, the color is drawn in red, and if the color is out of the range, the color is drawn in black.

In step S31, the data sent from the host is analyzed to determine whether it is a full color designation command. In the case of a full color designation command, step S
Go to 32.

In step S32, information on the color designated by the full color designation command is read. In step S33, the information of the color range set in FIG. 2 is compared with the information of the color designated this time read in step S32, and it is checked whether the information is within the color range set in the procedure of FIG. If it is within the range, the image is drawn in red, so the process proceeds to step S34. If it is out of the range, the image is drawn in black, and the process proceeds to step S35.

In step S34, the drawing is set to be drawn in red, and thereafter, the drawing data sent from the host is drawn in red. The drawing period in red is set in step S35.
Is carried out until a new full-color designation command is transmitted.

In step S35, the drawing is set so as to be drawn in black, so that the drawing data sent from the host thereafter is drawn in black. This black drawing period is performed in step S34.
Is carried out until a new full-color designation command is transmitted. The first embodiment can be realized by the processing as described above.

A specific example of the range of colors to be set will be described below for the case of the CL command. When only the strongest color of pure red is set as the color range to be set, the color within the set range is set only when the R parameter is 255, the G parameter is 0, and the B parameter is 0 ( Example 1
1).

When only the red component has a level of 100 or more within the set range, the R parameter is set to 10
When the G and B parameters are 0 or more and 255 or less and the G and B parameters are 0, the color is within the set range (Example 1-2).

Red, green, and blue may have respective color components, but when red is a color within a range of 50 to 120, green is 100 to 110, and blue is a color within a range of 40 to 90,
R parameter is 50 to 120 and G parameter is 10
A color within a set range is defined as a time when 0 to 110 and the B parameter is 40 to 90 (Example 1-3).

According to the first embodiment, in order to use two colors, the range of the parameter of the color designated by the full color designation command is set, and the colors within the set range are set to the full color designation command. In this case, it is possible to switch between the color to be drawn and the case where a color specification command outside the range is received.

Embodiment 2 An example of the operation flow of Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The start is when the key operation for starting the setting of the color range is performed by the user in step S21 in FIG. 2 and the printer detects the notification.

In step S41, similar to step S21, the printer performs display for setting the color range by the user.

In step S42, it is checked whether a notification that the setting of the color range has been completed has been received. In this example, the user ends the setting of the color range by performing a key operation on the operation panel. When the key operation is performed, the printer detects the key operation and ends the setting of the color range.

In step S43, the user inputs color range setting information by key operation. The printer checks whether there is such input information, and if there is such input information, the flow proceeds to step S44.

In step S44, a memory area for storing information on the set color range in the printer is secured. In step S45, information of the set color range is referred to in the subsequent processing, and management information is created so that it can be used in the third embodiment described below. Here, the management information is information such as a registration number of a color range and an address to be stored.

If the plurality of stored color range information is distinguished by using the registration number of the color range created here, the registration number is displayed on the operation panel and can be selected by key operation of the operation panel. The user can select a plurality of stored color range information from the operation panel.

In step S46, the setting information of the color range input by the user is stored in the area secured in step S44. The second embodiment can be realized by the above processing.

In the second embodiment, a plurality of types of color setting ranges can be stored and used. In the first embodiment, it is possible to draw by switching between two colors within and outside the range set by the parameter of the full-color color designation command. However, the set range is not limited to one type. It is convenient to be able to store multiple types. The reason for this is that the value of the parameter of the full-color specification command sent by the host to the printer differs depending on the application software used by the user and the type of data, and it depends on the type of application software and data on the host. If several suitable color setting ranges are prepared and stored, it is unnecessary to change the setting range every time, and the operability is improved. This is achieved by the second embodiment.

(Embodiment 3) Embodiment 3 is to automatically select information on a color range suitable for a command sequence from a host. In order to realize this function, in the present invention, the user sends data from the host to the printer, stores the characteristics of the command sequence in the printer, and sets an optimum color range at that time. First, FIG. 5 shows an example of a registration operation performed by a user as a preparation for realizing the third embodiment. After the registration work shown in FIG. 5, the third embodiment is performed according to the operation flow shown in FIG.
Becomes feasible.

In the outline of the operation shown in FIG. 5 showing the preparation procedure, the printer is set to the registration mode, data is sent from the host, and the color range is set by the user. Print the data of If the user likes the drawing result at this time, the color range at that time is stored and set in association with the feature of the command sequence of the data from the host.

In step S51 in FIG. 5, the user enters a registration mode in which the user operates the panel keys to set the printer to a color gamut and associate the command sequence of data from the host. The printer detects the key operation of the user,
Enter this mode.

In step S52, the printer receives data sent from the host. The received data is
In the mode entered in step S51, all are stored and used repeatedly in the operation from step S54 to step S58.

In step S53, the printer analyzes the data sent from the host, finds the features of this command sequence from the types of commands sent, the order of commands, and the like, and stores the features.

In step S54, the printer displays a display message on the panel for the user to set the color range.

In step S55, when the user performs a key operation for terminating the setting of the color range from the panel, the printer reads the information and goes to the end. Thus, the process is completed. If the setting of the color range is not completed, the printer reads the setting information of the color range input by the user, and sets the contents (step S56).

In step S57, printing is performed in the color range set by the user. In this print result, the user
Now, it is possible to confirm whether the set color range is satisfactory or not, and by repeating the processing from step S58 to step S54 several times, it is possible to set the optimum color range for this data.

In step S58, if the printer reads information on whether or not to change the setting of the color range entered by the user through the key, and has read the information for changing the color information, the process proceeds to step S54. In step S58, if the printer reads information that the color information is not changed, the process proceeds to step S59.

In step S59, step S53
Characteristics of the data from the host obtained in step S5
The information of the color range set in step 6 is linked and stored.

An example of the operation flow of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In step S61, the printer receives the data sent from the host and analyzes the data.

In step S62, the printer obtains the characteristic of the command sequence of the data from the analysis result of the data received in step S61.

In step S63, step S62
The characteristics of the data sent from the host this time,
In step S59 in FIG. 5, it is checked whether or not there is any of those stored and registered. Here, among the features of the command sequence that have been stored in the registration work of FIG.
Check if there is the same thing as 2).

If the same feature as that of the transmitted data has already been registered this time, in step S64, the color range of the color range stored in association with the registered feature (stored in step S59) is stored. Select information. The third embodiment can be realized by the above operation flow.

The purpose of the third embodiment is as follows. Example 2
It is convenient to be able to automatically select a suitable color setting range in accordance with host data. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the characteristics of the command sequence sent from the host are stored, and if the data sent from the host matches the characteristics of the stored command sequence, the command sequence is optimized. By enabling selection of the color setting range, it is possible to automatically perform drawing using the optimum color setting range information.

[0066]

As is apparent from the above description, the printer device of the present invention is capable of printing in two colors such as red and black in a printer capable of printing in two colors, such as red and black. If the color range specified by the full-color specification command sent from the host is within the set color range, the printer can print in one of two printable colors. If the selected color is out of the set color range by the full color designation command sent from the host, a color different from the previously selected color is selected.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a color range is set in advance, and a color can be drawn separately within the color range and outside the color range. Then, it is possible to draw in two colors.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of color ranges can be set and registered, and the registered color range can be selected.
Each time the data to be sent to the printer or the application on the host to be used changes, it is not necessary to set the color range each time, and the operability is improved. According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to select an optimum color range according to data from the host.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a laser printer showing an embodiment of a printer device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a first flowchart illustrating an example of a color range setting operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a second flowchart illustrating an example of a color range setting operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the second embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a first flowchart illustrating an operation example of a third embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a second flowchart illustrating an operation example of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 PRINTER 2 controller 3 host machine 4 operation panel 5 host I / F 6 program ROM 7 font ROM 8 panel I / F 9 CPU 10 RAM 11 NV-RAM 12 engine I / F 13 printer engine 14 OPTION I / F 15 OPTION MEMORY

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/60 H04N 1/40 D 5C074 1/46 1/46 C 5C077 5C079 F term (reference) 2C087 AA15 AB05 AC08 BA01 BA04 BA05 BA08 BD13 BD37 2C187 AC07 2H027 FA28 FB06 FB11 FB19 FD08 ZA07 2H030 AD07 AD08 BB02 DD00 5B021 AA02 BB01 BB04 CC05 LG07 5C074 AA13 AA20 CC26 DD16 DD22 FF16 HH04 MPC09P01 PP19 PP02 LA31 MA01 MA19 NA01 NA17 PA03

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A color range setting means for setting a color range based on color information of a full color designation command sent from a host in a printer capable of printing two colors (for example, red and black), When the color designated by the full color designation command sent from the host is within the range of the color set by the color range setting means, printing is performed in either of the two colors printable by the printer. A color selection unit that selects the color selected when the color specified by the full color specification command sent from the host is out of the range of the color set by the color range setting unit. And a selecting means for selecting another color. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for setting and storing not only one kind of range but a plurality of kinds of ranges for said color range set in said color range setting means. Printer device. 3. A color range for selecting the color range corresponding to the command sequence from a plurality of color ranges stored by the color range setting means according to a command sequence sent from the host. Selection means,
3. The printer device according to claim 2, further comprising: