JP2005062919A - Printing device, print control method, storage medium in which computer-readable program is stored, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize the layout print of a plurality of images without a large-capacity memory in a printing device and obtain inexpensively prints in which characters and ruled lines with the same color are always inserted independently of the images. <P>SOLUTION: Second image processing is executed to one raster line image data of a plurality of images generated by image processing units 1001 and 1002 to arrange the result on a one raster line buffer 120. Then, after character data and ruled line data are arranged on the one raster line buffer 120, a quantization processing part 121 executes quantization processing to one raster line data to output print data in one raster line unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention stores a printing apparatus, a printing control method, and a computer-readable program for performing predetermined image processing on a plurality of image data input from a host device or the like, and laying out and printing the plurality of image data. The present invention relates to a storage medium and a program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, when printing data created by a printing control device on the host device side such as a personal computer, for example, by a connected printer, the printer driver in each printing control device creates data that can be printed by the printer. A system for transmitting to a printer has become common.
[0003]
In recent years, however, in addition to this system, a host device such as a digital camera is directly connected to the printer for printing, or data stored in a data storage device such as a memory card is directly connected via a reader mounted on the printer. Direct printing apparatuses and direct printing systems that perform printing (for example, see Patent Document 1) have appeared.
[0004]
On the other hand, in the above-described printing system using a personal computer or the like, data specific to each printer is created. Therefore, in the printer driver software in each system, an image is transferred from another color space such as a CRT to the printer color space. In general, color correction processing for performing the above conversion, color conversion processing for conversion in the printer color space, quantization processing, and the like are performed to generate optimum data for the printer.
[0005]
However, in the direct printing system that performs printing directly from the above-described digital camera, memory card, or the like, it is difficult to mount a printer driver in the device because of the limited capability of the host device. A general image format such as the above is transmitted to a printing apparatus, and the above processing is performed in the printing apparatus to perform printing.
[0006]
On the other hand, with the rapid spread of digital cameras in recent years, new needs have appeared in the printing results.
[0007]
It is not only possible to print a single sheet, but also the date of shooting, printing of image file names, layout printing and index printing to print multiple images in one format in various formats, insertion of ruled lines and frames for comments Etc.
[0008]
These needs are the same not only in printing from a PC but also in a direct printing system, and are being dealt with in a printing apparatus such as a layout function.
[0009]
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-25678
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional example, in order to realize the above-described series of image processing functions and multiple image layout processing functions in the printing apparatus, an output page memory, work memory, and a plurality of input images are simultaneously developed. A large amount of work buffer was required.
[0011]
Also, in the effect processing that performs processing according to the characteristics of the image even when a large number of buffers are prepared, it is difficult to perform different processing for each image after developing multiple images on the output page memory. Met.
[0012]
On the other hand, in the function for inserting characters and ruled lines, for example, the data of the characters and ruled lines is defined as device-independent colors for reasons such as reduction of the data size, and is placed on the image in a superimposed manner. .
[0013]
However, since a series of image processing is performed after overlaying on the image, if an effect process that matches the characteristics of each image is performed, characters and ruled lines are printed in different colors for each image. There was also a problem that.
[0014]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the present invention executes a second image process on one raster line image data of a plurality of generated images, and performs one raster line buffer. By arranging the character data and ruled line data on the one raster line buffer and then performing quantization processing on the one raster line data and outputting print data in units of one raster line, Inexpensive printing device and printing that realizes layout printing of multiple images without requiring a large amount of memory in the printing device, and can always insert characters and ruled lines in the same color without depending on the image It is an object to provide a control method, a storage medium storing a computer-readable program, and a program.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, an image data generating unit that performs a first image processing on a plurality of input image data to generate one or a plurality of raster line data, and the image data generating unit The first layout means (for example, the first image processing unit 1001, shown in FIG. 1) that executes the second image processing on the one raster line image data of the plurality of images and places it on one raster line buffer. 1002) and second layout means (for example, ROM 302 shown in FIG. 3) that arranges character data and ruled line data on one raster line buffer (eg, buffer 120 shown in FIG. 1) generated by the first layout means. A stored drawing processing program) and one raster line data laid out by the first and second layout means Quantization processing means (for example, the quantization processing unit 121 shown in FIG. 1) for performing child processing, and printing means (printing shown in FIG. 3) for printing in units of one raster line quantized by the quantization processing means. Device 314).
[0016]
The second invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the first layout means arranges device color data obtained by executing the first image processing on the one raster line buffer.
[0017]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the second layout means is characterized in that character data and ruled line data are formed depending on device color data.
[0018]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the first image processing includes decoding processing, rotation processing, and reduction processing.
[0019]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the second image processing includes color space conversion processing, color conversion processing, and enlargement processing.
[0020]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of input image data is read out and input from a storage unit of a host device.
[0021]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image data generation step for generating a single or a plurality of raster line data by performing a first image processing on a plurality of input image data, and the image data generation step. A first layout step (for example, steps (3001) to (3009) shown in FIG. 13) for executing the second image processing on the one raster line image data of the plurality of images and arranging them on one raster line buffer. ), A second layout step (steps (3013) and (3010) shown in FIG. 13) for arranging character data and ruled line data on one raster line buffer generated by the first layout step, and the first Quantization processing for performing quantization processing on one raster line data laid out in the first and second layout steps And step (step shown in FIG. 8 (1009)), characterized in that it comprises a printing step for printing on one raster line units processed quantized by the quantization processing step.
[0022]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first layout step, device color data obtained by executing the first image processing is arranged on the one raster line buffer.
[0023]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the second layout step, character data and ruled line data are formed depending on device color data.
[0024]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the first image processing includes a decoding process, a rotation process, and a reduction process.
[0025]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the second image processing includes color space conversion processing, color conversion processing, and enlargement processing.
[0026]
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of input image data is read from a storage unit of a host device and inputted.
[0027]
A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that a program for realizing the printing control method according to any of the seventh to twelfth aspects is stored in a computer-readable storage medium.
[0028]
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for realizing the printing control method according to any one of the seventh to twelfth aspects.
[0029]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0030]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a data processing mechanism of a printing apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0031]
In FIG. 1, 101 and 111 are JPEG format print target image data, 102 and 112 are decoding processing units, 103 and 113 are color space conversion processing units, 104 and 114 are color conversion processing units, and 105 and 115 are enlargement processings. , 106 and 116 are data of one raster line of each data, and 120 is an output buffer. Reference numeral 1001 denotes a first image processing unit, which is composed of 102 to 105. Reference numeral 1002 denotes a second image processing unit, which includes 112 to 115.
[0032]
Reference numeral 121 denotes a quantization processing unit, 122 denotes a print result of one raster line, and 123 denotes a final output result. Further details will be described.
[0033]
As the print target image data 101 and 111, JPEG data is used as an example in FIG. 1, but the data format is not specified. The decoding processing unit 102 performs a decoding process on the print target image data 101. At this time, rotation and reduction processing may be executed according to the output image frame.
[0034]
A plurality of lines of data are generated from the decoding process, and the subsequent processes are executed for each raster line. The color space conversion processing unit 103 executes color space conversion processing on the decoded one raster line data to generate color space data such as RGB.
[0035]
The color conversion processing unit 104 performs color conversion processing to device-dependent colors and generates data dependent on the printing apparatus. The enlargement processing unit 105 executes enlargement processing on the device-dependent data generated by the color conversion processing unit 104. Similarly, the above-described processing is executed as the enlargement processing unit 115 from the decoding processing unit 112 to the print target image data 111, and one raster line data 116 is generated.
[0036]
Reference numeral 120 denotes a buffer of one raster line, and layout processing is executed by arranging the above-described data, characters, and ruled line data on the buffer. The character data and ruled line data to be used are expressed in device-dependent colors in the same manner as the image data described above. One raster line data for which layout has been completed is subjected to quantization processing by the quantization processing unit 121 and is printed by the engine unit 122. The final output result 123 is obtained by repeating the above processing.
[0037]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a printing system to which the printing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.
[0038]
A printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a host apparatus 201 for providing print target data, a printing apparatus 203 including means of the present invention, and a bidirectional interface 202 that connects the host apparatus and the printing apparatus. .
[0039]
The host device 201 is not only a computer such as a PC but also a host device for performing direct printing such as a digital camera or a scanner.
[0040]
In the printing system configured as described above, for example, when a digital camera is used as the host device 201, data captured by the host device 201 or data stored in an area such as a built-in memory card is bidirectional. The data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 203 via the interface 202.
[0041]
At this time, it is assumed that additional information at the time of printing is transmitted from the host apparatus 201 to the printing apparatus 203 in addition to the print target data. This additional information includes, in addition to various information associated with the print data, layout information for expressing the print data on the paper, print setting information, and the like.
[0042]
Further, a form in which printing is performed without using the host device 201 is also possible.
[0043]
The printing device 203 may include means such as a memory device and an operation panel in FIG. 3 described later. In this case, print data is read from the memory device, and the above information is obtained from the operation panel and printed. Printing by the apparatus 203 alone becomes possible.
[0044]
3 is a detailed block diagram showing the internal configuration of the printing apparatus shown in FIG. 2. The printing apparatus 203 shown in this example includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a flash ROM 303, a RAM 304, a CF controller 306, a CF I / F 307, and an operation panel. 308, an operation panel controller 309, a communication device 310, a communication device controller 311, a display device 312, a display device controller 313, a printing device 314, and a printing device controller 315.
[0045]
In FIG. 3, when a control program or control procedure stored in a ROM 302 that can only be read by the CPU 301 or a rewritable flash ROM 303 is executed, the RAM 304 temporarily stores various data in the calculation and logic judgment of the CPU 301. Used as work memory.
[0046]
Programs such as decoding processing, color space conversion processing, color conversion processing, enlargement processing, layout processing, character / ruled line insertion processing, and quantization processing according to the present invention are stored in the ROM 302 or the Flash ROM 303, and are generated by each program. Data to be processed, for example, layout information, JPEG file decoding result, color space conversion result, color conversion result, enlargement result, quantization result, and the like are stored in respective storage areas of the RAM 304.
[0047]
A CF I / F 307 is an interface of a compact flash (registered trademark) card, and is driven and controlled by the CF controller 306 to read out information on a JPEG image taken by a digital camera stored in the compact flash (registered trademark) card onto the RAM 304. Used for the purpose.
[0048]
The operation panel controller 309 is an input interface for transmitting an operator's instruction. The operated content is displayed on the operation panel 308, and the printing process is started when the print execution button is pressed.
[0049]
The communication device 310 is a device for performing communication between the host device 201 and the printing device 203. The communication device 310 is driven and controlled by the communication device controller 311, receives operations and data from the host device 201, and receives data from the printing device 203. Used to send response status back.
[0050]
The system configuration is such that a print operation instruction can be performed by pressing the print execution button from the host device 200 in addition to the operation panel 308.
[0051]
The display device 312 is an output device that is driven and controlled by the display device controller 313 and displays images, error messages, and the like read from the compact flash (registered trademark) (CF), and uses a small color liquid crystal or the like. Has been.
[0052]
The printing device 314 is a device unit that records and outputs the mounted paper using a head and ink in the device. In the printing process from the operation panel 308 or the digital camera, the CPU 301 executes the printing control program of the ROM 302 or the flash ROM 303 according to the information received from each interface, and drives the printing apparatus controller 315 to control the ink head in the printing apparatus. This is performed by repeating the operation of ejecting ink in the ink head onto the paper.
[0053]
The internal bus 316 is a common communication path for communicating between devices in the printing apparatus 314 from the CPU 301, and communication between all the apparatuses in the printing apparatus is performed via this internal bus. ing.
[0054]
Next, processing according to the present invention in the above-described printing apparatus will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 2, 4 to 6, and 7.
[0055]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a printing result output from the printing apparatus 314 shown in FIG. 3, and this example shows a result when printing is performed by arranging four images on one sheet. Is described below.
[0056]
First, in FIG. 2, four image data is transmitted from the host device 201 to the printing device 203. The data may be obtained from a storage area in the printing apparatus 203 as described above. Accompanying the acquisition of print data with the printing apparatus 203, the accompanying information is also acquired from the host apparatus 201 or the built-in operation panel.
[0057]
Next, a series of flow until the obtained data is printed will be described with reference to FIG.
[0058]
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first layout printing process state by the printing apparatus 203 shown in FIG. 2, and a thick arrow corresponds to a data processing flow.
[0059]
In FIG. 5, a state 501 is print image data. In this example, four images are print target data. For the four images, layout information for printing is determined in state 502. In this example, layout printing is performed to print four images on one surface. In this case, output rectangular frames (1) to (4) are determined.
[0060]
Further, it goes without saying that this layout determination can correspond to an arbitrary number of rectangular frames and an arbitrary arrangement. Next, in the state 503, the actual printing process is executed.
[0061]
Although details of this processing will be described later, processing for each raster line is repeatedly executed in the sub-operation direction.
[0062]
A state 504 is a state immediately after printing is performed on the rectangular frames (1) and (2). This layout is a process for four images, but represents the print result on the paper at the time when the process for up to two images is completed.
[0063]
A state 505 further proceeds from the state 504, and is a state at the time when the processing for the image frames of (3) and (4) is completed and printing of all four images is completed.
[0064]
Next, the processing in one raster line listed in the state 503 shown in FIG. 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
[0065]
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the image rasterization process in the state 503 shown in FIG.
[0066]
In FIG. 6, reference numeral 601 denotes a printing result in a state where several lines of processing have been performed on the image frames (1) and (2). In order to generate this result, first, as exemplified in the source image division example 602, the image is divided into raster lines in the sub-scanning direction.
[0067]
The source image division example 602 is a state in which the source 2 image is divided for each raster line. Each of the divided raster line data is subjected to processing described later with reference to FIG. 7 and is arranged on the output buffer. The state 603 is a state in which the raster lines of the two images are arranged on the buffer, but are arranged in accordance with the respective image rectangular frames. By repeating the above processing, the print result 604 can be acquired.
[0068]
Next, referring to FIG. 7, the flow of the processing for generating one raster line data shown in FIG. 6 will be described.
[0069]
FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of processing for generating one raster line data shown in FIG.
[0070]
In this description, processing for one image data is described, but this processing is realized by repeating this processing at the time of layout printing using a plurality of image data.
[0071]
Reference numeral 1501 denotes print target image data. Although the data format is not particularly defined, JPEG data is used in this example. The target data is decrypted in the decryption processing unit 1502. In this decoding, image rotation and reduction processes are executed simultaneously according to the output frame information.
[0072]
Reference numeral 1503 represents result data obtained by decoding all of one image data. However, all of one image or a plurality of rasters can be decoded according to a buffer amount that can be used by the processing means.
[0073]
Next, the decoded number raster data 1504 is divided into one raster line in the main scanning direction, cut out, and passed to the color space conversion processing unit 1505. The data at this time is, for example, N-bit YCbCr data expressed in a YCbCr space obtained by decoding JPEG data. The color space conversion processing unit 1505 performs conversion to the RGB space, and M-bit RGB data is generated.
[0074]
Next, the color conversion processing unit 1506 performs conversion into CMYK data using device-dependent colors, and generates L-bit CMYK data. Next, enlargement processing is executed in the enlargement processing unit 1507.
[0075]
This process is a process of expanding the number of input pixels to the number of pixels in the corresponding output frame, and the output data is still L-bit CMYK data. Through the above processing, one raster line data with device-dependent color data corresponding to the output frame is generated.
[0076]
Further, by executing the processing up to the enlargement processing unit 1507 by the JPEG data 1501 for each image frame in the main scanning direction, a multiple image layout can be realized.
[0077]
On the other hand, the enlarged data is converted into K-bit CMYK data by the quantization processing unit 1508 and transmitted to the engine unit 1509 to be printed. Also, known techniques can be used for the color space processing, color conversion processing, enlargement processing, and quantization processing described above.
[0078]
Next, in the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the processing flow will be described in detail using the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
[0079]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to an image processing procedure in the sub-scanning direction for image data. In addition, (1001)-(1014) show each step.
[0080]
First, initialization processing such as buffer clearing is performed at the start of processing, and layout information on an output sheet of an image to be printed is created in the layout information creation processing in step (1001). This process is the layout determination process 502 shown in FIG. 5 and creates arrangement information such as the output frame, number, and number of images according to the number of output images, output order, output size, layout method, and the like.
[0081]
In addition, rotation information and enlargement / reduction ratio information are also created from the image output rectangular frame and the number of vertical and horizontal pixels of the image. As a result, the image layout information of the frames (1) to (4) in the layout determination process 502 shown in FIG. 5 is determined.
[0082]
Needless to say, image data is input to the apparatus from a host device or a storage medium when executing the processing.
[0083]
Next, cueing processing up to an image rectangular frame is executed based on the created layout information. This process is executed in step (1002), and the main contents are a paper feed process in the engine unit and a raster skip process up to the print area frame. As a result of this process, a skip process from the top edge of the sheet to the top edge in the frames (1) and (2) in the layout determination process 502 shown in FIG. 5 is executed.
[0084]
In step (1003), image information in the main scanning direction is updated. In the layout determination process 502 shown in FIG. 5, the image information is obtained from the images of the frames (1) and (2). The information to be obtained includes an image file name, an image file size, and an image. Format, shooting date / time information, image size, etc. The obtained information is stored in an internal buffer area.
[0085]
Next, in step (1004), "1" is set to an internal flag for updating the next main scanning direction image information described later. This completes the initialization process and proceeds to the main loop.
[0086]
First, in step (1005), it is determined whether processing of all rasters in the sub-scanning direction has been completed. If it is determined that processing has not ended, the process proceeds to step (1006), where the current target raster is sub-scanned. It is determined whether the image frame is within the direction.
[0087]
In this layout determination process 502 shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether the current target raster is within the frames (1) and (2) in the main scanning direction.
[0088]
If it is determined that the image frame is within the sub-scanning direction image frame, the process proceeds to step (1007) to set “1” in the flag described above, and then proceeds to step (1008). Data after enlarging one raster line in the main scanning direction is obtained.
[0089]
Since this data is data before quantization, in step (1009), quantization processing is performed and the engine unit converts the data into printable data. Next, after the data converted in step (1010) is transmitted to the engine unit, the processing returns to the above-described step (1005) and moves to the next raster.
[0090]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1006) that the image is outside the sub-scanning direction image frame, the process proceeds to step (1011).
[0091]
In this case, the current target raster is located between the lower end of the image frame of the frames (1) and (2) and the upper end of the image frames of the frames (3) and (4) in the layout determination processing 502 shown in FIG. It becomes. The output paper is in the state of the main scanning direction-rectangular frame end state 504 shown in FIG. 5, and the processing of the images in the frames {circle around (1)} and {circle around (2)} is completed. It is before the start of processing.
[0092]
In step (1011), the data to be printed becomes NULL raster because it is outside the image frame. For this reason, the buffer for one line is NULL cleared. Next, in step (1012), it is determined whether or not the flag is “1”. If it is not “1”, the process proceeds to the quantization unit in step (1009), and a NULL raster is set. Quantization processing is performed on it.
[0093]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1012) that the flag is “1”, the process proceeds to step (1013), and the image information in the main scanning direction is updated as in step (1003).
[0094]
In the layout determination process 502 shown in FIG. 5, information for the images in the frames (3) and (4) is set in this process.
[0095]
Next, the process proceeds to step (1014), and "0" is set to the flag described above. This prevents the double main scanning direction image information update processing from being executed when a plurality of NULL rasters exist outside the image frame.
[0096]
Then, after the process of step (1014), the process proceeds to step (1009), where a quantization process is performed on the NULL raster and the result is transmitted to the engine unit.
[0097]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1005) that the processing for all the rasters has been completed, this processing ends. The above is the processing in the sub-scanning direction in this processing, but this flow is an example of processing, and an implementation method using other flows is also possible.
[0098]
Next, the flow in the main scanning direction in this process will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[0099]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention. This processing corresponds to the one raster line data acquisition processing procedure in step (1008) shown in FIG. In addition, (2001)-(2011) shows each step. Further, one raster line data 603 shown in FIG. 6 is created by this processing.
[0100]
First, in step (2001), one raster line output buffer is initialized. Next, proceeding to step (2002), the address of the write buffer pointer to the output buffer is set.
[0101]
In this case, the set address is, for example, the left end of the rectangular width (1) in the source image division state 602 shown in FIG.
[0102]
Next, in step (2003), it is determined whether or not the processing for all image frames in the main scanning direction has been completed. If it is determined that the processing has not ended, the process proceeds to step (2004) and the output buffer for decoding is output. Whether or not raster line data exists is determined. If it is determined that there is data, the process proceeds to step (2005), and one line of data is obtained from the decoding output buffer.
[0103]
At this time, the obtained data is, for example, data expressed in a YCbCr space obtained by decoding JPEG data. Next, in step (2006), color space conversion processing is performed on one raster line data to convert the one raster line data into RGB space data.
[0104]
Further, in step (2007), color conversion processing for converting one raster line data expressed in the RGB space into CMYK data which is a device-dependent color is executed, and the process proceeds to step (2008).
[0105]
In step (2008), enlargement processing is executed on the CMYK data of the device-dependent color. For this enlargement process, a known technique such as simple enlargement can be used. The purpose of this enlargement process is the rectangular width (1) or the rectangular width (2) in the source image division state 602 shown in FIG. The raster line data of the input image is enlarged in accordance with the output rectangular width.
[0106]
Next, in step (2009), the enlarged device-dependent color data of one raster line is stored in the output buffer.
[0107]
Outlined using FIG. 6, the processing for the rectangular width (1) of the source image division state 602 shown in FIG. 6 is completed by the processing from step (2004) to step (2009).
[0108]
Next, in step (2010), the address of the write buffer pointer to the output buffer is moved, and the process returns to step (2003). The address updated at this time is, for example, the left end of the frame for image (2) in the source image division state 602 shown in FIG.
[0109]
If there is no raster data in the decoding output buffer in step (2004), the process proceeds to step (2011) to perform decoding processing on the image data to newly generate several lines of data and to perform the above steps. The process proceeds to (2005).
[0110]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2003) that the processing has been completed for all image frames in the main scanning direction, the processing ends.
[0111]
The method for generating one raster line data in the device color is as described above. By executing the processing in steps (2004) to (2009) for all image frames in the main scanning direction, a buffer for one raster line is used. As a result, a layout function for a plurality of images can be realized.
[0112]
By repeating the flow in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 described in detail above, it is possible to arrange an image with respect to the layout frame defined in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction, and it is possible to realize a layout printing function in a device-dependent color. The above is the operation in the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0113]
[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The configuration of the hard disk is the same as the configuration of FIGS. 1 to 7 and the like shown in the first embodiment, and thus the description of the configuration shown in FIGS.
[0114]
Next, processing according to the present invention in the above-described printing apparatus will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 10 to 12.
[0115]
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printing result in the printing apparatus according to the present invention. This example shows a result when printing is performed by arranging two images including a character frame and two ruled line frames on one sheet. First, in FIG. 2, the host apparatus 201 transmits two image data including character frame information and two ruled line frame data to the printing apparatus 203. The data can be obtained from a storage area in the printing apparatus as described above. Accompanying the acquisition of print data with the printing apparatus, the accompanying information is also acquired from the host apparatus or the built-in operation panel.
[0116]
Next, a series of flow until the obtained data is printed will be described with reference to FIG.
[0117]
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a second layout printing process state by the printing apparatus 203 shown in FIG. 2, and a thick arrow corresponds to a data processing flow.
[0118]
In FIG. 11, reference numeral 801 denotes print image data. In this example, two images including a character frame and two ruled line frames are print target data. In the layout determination processing state 802, layout information (for example, 4in1 is arranged in the order of upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right) is determined for the two images and the two ruled line frames.
[0119]
This example is layout printing in which two images and two ruled line frames are printed on one surface. In this case, output rectangular frames (1) to (4) are determined. Further, it goes without saying that this layout determination can correspond to an arbitrary number of rectangular frames and an arbitrary arrangement.
[0120]
Next, in the line unit processing state 803, actual printing processing is executed. Although details of this processing will be described later, processing for each raster line is repeatedly executed in the sub-operation direction.
[0121]
The main scanning direction first rectangular frame end state 804 is a state immediately after printing is performed on the rectangular frame of the image of frame (1) and the ruled line of frame (2).
[0122]
This layout is a process for two images and two ruled line frames, but represents a print result on paper at the time when the process for one image including character frames and one ruled line frame is completed.
[0123]
Reference numeral 805 denotes a print result, which further proceeds from the main scanning direction first rectangular frame end state 804, and the processing for the image of the frame (3) and the ruled line of the frame (4) is completed. It is the state at the time of termination.
[0124]
Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the processing in one raster line listed in the line unit processing state 803 shown in FIG. 11 will be described in detail.
[0125]
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining a second layout printing process state by the printing apparatus 203 shown in FIG.
[0126]
In FIG. 12, reference numeral 901 denotes a print result corresponding to a print state in which several lines of processing have been performed on the ruled line frames of the image frames (1) and (2).
[0127]
In order to generate the result of the print result 901, first, the image is divided into raster lines in the sub-scanning direction as listed in the source image and ruled line division state 902.
[0128]
An example of the source image and ruled line division state 902 is a state in which the source image of frame (1) and the source ruled line frame of frame (2) are divided for each raster line.
[0129]
Each divided raster line data is subjected to the processing described above with reference to FIG.
[0130]
Reference numeral 903 denotes the result on the output buffer. The raster line of the image of frame (1) and the ruled line frame of frame (2) shown in FIG. 12 is arranged on the buffer. Arranged. By repeating the above processing, the print result 901 can be acquired.
[0131]
Next, a processing method for obtaining a print result 905 including an image frame including a character frame and a ruled line frame will be described.
[0132]
904 is character string data, which is an example of the font decoding result. When the processing raster arrives at the character insertion position at the bottom of the image (1) in the frame (1) of the printing result 905, the font decoding process is called. Is obtained as
[0133]
As the result of the print result 905, the raster data of the image of frame (1) shown in FIG. 12 is generated. Next, an insertion character pattern corresponding to the raster is obtained from the font decoding process.
[0134]
Then, the character pattern is inserted on the image data, and further, the raster data of the ruled line frame of frame (2) is synthesized. By repeating these processes, the print result 905 with the characters and ruled lines inserted can be acquired.
[0135]
Next, in the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the processing flow will be described in detail using the flowcharts of FIGS. 11, 8, and 13. Detailed explanation of FIG. 8 will be omitted, and correspondence with FIG. 11, FIG.
[0136]
First, initialization processing such as buffer clearing is performed at the start of processing, and layout information on an output sheet of an image to be printed is created in the layout information creation processing in step (1001). This processing is the layout determination processing state 802 shown in FIG. 11, and creates arrangement information such as the output frame, number, and number of images and ruled lines according to the number of output images, output order, output size, layout method, and the like.
[0137]
In addition, rotation information and enlargement / reduction ratio information are also created from the image output rectangular frame and the number of vertical and horizontal pixels of the image. Further, date frame information to be inserted into the images of the frames (1) and (3) in the layout determination processing state 802 shown in FIG. 11 is also created. As date frame information, a character insertion position, a character size, a character color, and the like are created.
[0138]
As a result, the image layout information of the frames (1) to (4) in the layout determination processing state 802 shown in FIG. 11 is determined. Needless to say, image data is input to the apparatus from a host device or a storage medium when executing the processing.
[0139]
Next, cueing processing up to an image rectangular frame is executed based on the created layout information. This process is executed in step (1002), and the main contents are a paper feed process in the engine unit and a raster skip process up to the print area frame. As a result of this processing, the skip processing from the upper end of the sheet to the upper end in the frames (1) and (2) in the layout determination processing state 802 shown in FIG. 11 is executed.
[0140]
In step (1003), the image information in the main scanning direction is updated. In the layout determination processing state 802 shown in FIG. 8, the image information is obtained from the frame {circle around (1)} and the ruled line frame information is obtained from the frame {circle around (2)}. There are an image file name, an image file size, an image format, shooting date / time information, an image size, and the like. Information acquired from the frame (2) includes a ruled line type, a ruled line color, a ruled line length, a ruled line width, and a ruled line interval. The obtained information is stored in an internal buffer area.
[0141]
Next, in step (1004), "1" is set to an internal flag for updating the next main scanning direction image information described later. This completes the initialization process and proceeds to the main loop.
[0142]
First, in step (1005), it is determined whether all rasters in the sub-scanning direction have been processed. If it is determined that the process has not been completed, the process proceeds to step (1006), and it is determined whether the current target raster is within the image frame in the sub-scanning direction. In the layout determination processing state 802 shown in FIG. 11, this processing is performed to determine whether the current target raster is within the frames (1) and (2) in the main scanning direction.
[0143]
If it is determined that the image is within the image frame in the sub-scanning direction, the process proceeds to step (1007), where “1” is set in the flag described above, and the process proceeds to step (1008). Data after enlargement of one raster line in the scanning direction is obtained.
[0144]
Here, the difference from the first embodiment is that character data and ruled line data are added as data to be obtained in addition to image data.
[0145]
Since this data is data before quantization, in step (1009), quantization processing is performed to convert the data into printable data by the engine unit.
[0146]
Next, after the data converted in step (1010) is transmitted to the engine unit, the processing returns to the above-described step (1005) and moves to the next raster.
[0147]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1006) that the image is outside the sub-scanning direction image frame, the process proceeds to step (1011). In this case, the current target raster is located between the lower end of the frames (1) and (2) and the upper end of the frames (3) and (4) in the layout determination process 802 shown in FIG. .
[0148]
On the output paper is the first rectangular end state 804 in the main scanning direction shown in FIG. 11, and the processing of the image of frame {circle around (1)} and the ruled line frame of frame {circle around (2)} is completed. It is before the start of processing for.
[0149]
In step (1011), the data to be printed is NULL raster because it is outside the image frame and the ruled line frame. For this reason, the buffer for one line is NULL cleared.
[0150]
Next, in step (1012), it is determined whether or not the flag is “1”. If it is not “1”, the process proceeds to the quantization process in step (1009) as it is, and a NULL raster is set. Quantization processing is performed on it.
[0151]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the flag is “1”, the process proceeds to step (1013), and the image information in the main scanning direction is updated as in step (1003).
[0152]
In the layout determination processing state 802 shown in FIG. 11, information on the image of frame (3) and the ruled line frame of frame (4) is set in this processing.
[0153]
Next, the process proceeds to step (1014), and "0" is set to the flag described above. This prevents double main scanning direction image information update processing from being executed when a plurality of NULL rasters exist outside the frame. After the process of step (1014), the process proceeds to step (1009), where the quantization process is performed on the NULL raster and the result is transmitted to the engine unit.
[0154]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1005) that the processing for all the rasters has been completed, the processing ends. The above is the processing in the sub-scanning direction in this processing, but this flow is an example of processing, and an implementation method using other flows is also possible.
[0155]
Next, the flow in the main scanning direction in this process will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12, 13, 14, and 15. Note that this processing is processing for obtaining one raster line data in 1008 in FIG.
[0156]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the data processing procedure in the main scanning direction in this processing. In addition, (3001)-(3013) show each step. When FIG. 12 is used, one raster line data in the output buffer state 903 shown in FIG. 12 is created by this processing.
[0157]
First, in step (3001), the output buffer for one raster line is initialized. In step (3002), the address of the write buffer pointer to the output buffer is set. For example, in the output buffer state 903 shown in FIG. 12, the set address is the left end of the rectangular width (1).
[0158]
Next, in step (3003), it is determined whether or not the processing for all image frames in the main scanning direction has been completed. If it is determined that the processing has not been completed, the process proceeds to step (3004) to output for decoding. It is determined whether or not raster line data exists in the buffer. If it is determined that there is data, the process proceeds to step (3005), and one line of data is obtained from the decoding output buffer. The data obtained at this time is, for example, data expressed in a YCbCr space obtained by decoding JPEG data.
[0159]
Next, in step (3006), color space conversion processing is performed on one raster line data to convert the one raster line data into RGB space data. Further, in step (3007), color conversion processing for converting one raster line data expressed in RGB space into CMYK data which is a device-dependent color is executed, and the process proceeds to step (3008).
[0160]
In step (3008), enlargement processing is performed on the CMYK data of the device-dependent color.
[0161]
A publicly-known technique such as simple enlargement can be used for the enlargement process. The purpose of the enlargement process is to set an output rectangular width such as the rectangular width (1) or (3) in the output buffer state 903 shown in FIG. In addition, the raster line data of the input image is enlarged.
[0162]
Next, in step (3009), the enlarged device-dependent color data of one raster line is stored in the output buffer. Outlined using FIG. 12, the processing for the rectangular width (1) of the output buffer state 903 is completed by the processing of steps (3004) to (3009).
[0163]
Next, in step (3010), in FIG. 14, date data of one raster line in the main scanning direction is inserted by a process described later.
[0164]
Next, in step (3011), the address of the write buffer pointer to the output buffer is moved, and the process returns to step (3003). The address updated at this time is, for example, the left end of the ruled line (2) frame in the output buffer state 903 shown in FIG.
[0165]
In step (3004), if there is no raster data in the decoding output buffer, the flow advances to step (3012) to perform decoding processing on the image data and newly generate several lines of data as described above. The process proceeds to step (3005).
[0166]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3003) that the processing for all image frames in the main scanning direction has been completed, the ruled line of one raster line in the main scanning direction is processed in FIG. The data insertion is performed at the end and the process is terminated.
[0167]
The method for generating one raster line data in the device color is as described above. Through the above processing, data of one raster line in which images, characters, and ruled lines are merged can be generated, and steps (3004) to (3013) are performed. By executing the above process on all image frames in the main scanning direction, it is possible to realize a layout function for a plurality of images including characters and ruled lines using a buffer of one raster line.
[0168]
Next, the flow of the date insertion process in the image in this process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
[0169]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention. This processing corresponds to the detailed procedure of the date insertion processing procedure called from step (3010) in FIG. To do. When FIG. 12 is used, the one-line data of the date character pattern of the character string data 904 shown in FIG. 12 is created by this processing. In addition, (4001)-(4005) show each step.
[0170]
First, in step (4001), whether or not the current processing raster is a raster into which a date is inserted is determined with reference to the information obtained in the layout information creation processing in step (1001) shown in FIG.
[0171]
If it is determined that the line does not include a date, the process ends without outputting data to the output buffer.
[0172]
First, in step (4001), it is determined whether or not the line is for inserting a date, and if it is determined that the line is for inserting a date, the font decoding process in step (4002) is executed. A font pattern for one raster corresponding to the raster is generated.
[0173]
In step (4003), the generated font pattern is extracted from the font decoding buffer. Note that the font pattern generated in step (4002) is, for example, binary information. In step (4004), this data is converted into a device color, such as CMYK, and the image is already displayed in step (4005). A process of overwriting only a portion having a font pattern on the output buffer storing the data is performed, and the process is terminated. The above is the description of the operation of the date insertion process.
[0174]
As described above, by outputting the date character last on the image data in the device color, the result of character data of the same color is always obtained without being affected by image processing such as color space conversion processing and color conversion processing. Can be realized.
[0175]
Finally, with reference to FIG. 15, the flow of the date insertion processing in the image in this processing will be described in detail.
[0176]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a fifth data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention. This processing is ruled line insertion processing called from step (3013) in FIG. In addition, (5001)-(5005) show each step. When FIG. 9 is used, the one line data of the ruled line pattern in the division state 902 shown in FIG. 12 is created by this processing.
[0177]
First, in step (5001), whether or not the current processing raster is a raster into which a ruled line is inserted is determined by referring to information obtained in the layout information creation processing in step (1001) shown in FIG. If it is determined that the ruled line is not inserted, the process ends without outputting data to the output buffer.
[0178]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5001) that the ruled line is to be inserted, the ruled line decoding process in step (5002) is executed to generate a ruled line pattern for one raster corresponding to the processed raster.
[0179]
Next, in step (5003), the generated ruled line pattern is extracted from the ruled line decoding buffer. The ruled line pattern generated in step (5002) is, for example, binary information. In step (5004), this data is converted into a device color, for example, CMYK, and image data has already been converted in step (5005). Is overwritten on the output buffer in which is stored, and the process is terminated. The above is the description of the operation of the ruled line insertion process.
[0180]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a sixth data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention, corresponding to the font decoding processing procedure, and this processing is a step (4002) of ruled line insertion processing shown in FIG. It is called from. Note that (6001) to (6005) indicate each step.
[0181]
FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the input parameters delivered from the higher-level program and the output results in the font decoding process shown in FIG.
[0182]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, input parameters such as “character code string”, “character size”, and “number of acquired rasters” are passed from the host program. This example corresponds to the case where the character size is composed of 36 dots × 48 dots.
[0183]
In this program, first, in step (6001), a process is performed in which the passed character code string (character code string corresponding to 2003/07/18) is extracted in order from the beginning. Next, in step (6002), it is determined whether or not the extracted character code is a valid character. If it is determined that the character code is NULL or not included in the ROM 302 shown in FIG. The process is terminated.
[0184]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (6002) that the character is valid, in step (6003), the INDEX portion of the ROM built-in font data shown in FIG. 18 is searched using the character code as a key.
[0185]
FIG. 18 is a view for explaining the structure of photo data built in the ROM 302 shown in FIG.
[0186]
Then, the head address of the font pattern corresponding to the character code is acquired. As shown in FIG. 17, the ROM built-in font data is composed of an INDEX portion having a character code and a corresponding pattern storage start address as a pair, and a font pattern entity portion. , The width is 30 dots and the height is 40 dots. Of course, it goes without saying that means for storing outline fonts may be installed.
[0187]
In step (6004), the ROM built-in font size (30 dots × 40 dots) is compared with the “required character size” to determine the scaling factor. In the example shown in FIG. 17, an example is shown in which “character code string is 2003/07/18”, “character size is 36 dots × 48 dots”, and “number of acquired rasters is 1”. As a result, each font pattern is enlarged 1.2 times both horizontally and vertically.
[0188]
The scaling process is performed by implementing “simple enlargement process” or “primary interpolation enlargement process”. Since the interpolation process itself is not directly related to the present invention, the description is omitted.
[0189]
Finally, in step (6005), the ROM font pattern is enlarged based on the scaling ratio determined in step (6004), and only one line of data corresponding to the requested “number of acquired rasters” is stored in the decoding buffer. Process to store.
[0190]
From the upper program, control is performed so as to acquire all the font patterns by incrementing one by one in order from “acquisition raster 1” and calling this function until “acquisition raster 48”. This is because such processing is performed on the premise that processing is performed in units of rasters so that the present invention can operate in a memory-saving manner.
[0191]
After the processing of step (6005), the processing is returned to step (6001) to perform processing for all the requested character strings, and perform processing of decoding and returning the requested raster pattern of the requested character strings. Yes.
[0192]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a seventh data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the ruled line decoding processing procedure. This processing is called from the ruled line insertion processing step (5002) shown in FIG. Note that (7001) to (7004) indicate each step.
[0193]
20 is a diagram for explaining the structure of ruled line data built in the ROM 302 shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the correspondence between input parameters and ruled line output results for the ROM built-in ruled line data shown in FIG. It is.
[0194]
The ROM built-in ruled line data in this embodiment is composed of an INDEX part having a ruled line type code and a corresponding ruled line pattern storage start address as a pair and a ruled line pattern entity part as shown in FIG. In this example, the pattern size is shown as 30 dots wide and 40 dots high. Of course, it goes without saying that means for storing outline fonts may be installed.
[0195]
As shown in FIG. 20, a “ruled line type code”, “ruled line length”, and “number of acquired rasters” are passed from the host program.
[0196]
In this program, first, in step (7001), a process of extracting the ruled line type code that has been passed is performed. Next, it is determined whether or not the character code extracted in step (7002) is a valid character. If the character code is NULL or is a ruled line type code not incorporated in the ROM 302 shown in FIG. finish.
[0197]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (7002) that the character is a valid character, in step (7003), the INDEX portion of the ROM built-in ruled line data shown in FIG. 20 is searched using the ruled line type code as a key. Then, the head address of the ruled line pattern corresponding to the ruled line type code is acquired.
[0198]
Finally, in step (7004), a process of enlarging in the horizontal direction is performed by the “ruled line length” passed from the host program based on the ROM built-in ruled line size (30 dots × 40 dots).
[0199]
The enlargement here is not performed by scaling but by arranging the ROM built-in patterns in the horizontal direction as much as necessary. If the fraction is rounded off, a process for generating a pattern for the requested “ruled line length” is performed.
[0200]
Then, only one line of data corresponding to the requested “number of acquired rasters” is stored in the decoding buffer. From the upper program, control is performed so as to acquire all the ruled line patterns by incrementing one by one in order from “acquisition raster 1” and calling this function until “acquisition raster 40”. This is because such processing is performed on the premise that processing is performed in units of rasters so that the present invention can operate in a memory-saving manner.
[0201]
By the step (7004) process, the ruled line decoding process is completed.
[0202]
As described above, the ruled line data is always output on the image data in the device color, so that the result of ruled line data of the same color is always obtained without being affected by image processing such as color space conversion processing and color conversion processing. Can be achieved.
[0203]
By repeating the flow in FIGS. 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 19 described in detail above, it is possible to place an image with respect to the layout frame defined in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and A layout printing function that can insert characters and ruled lines in device-dependent colors can be realized. The above is the operation in the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment.
[0204]
The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.
[0205]
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs readable by the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
[0206]
Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.
[0207]
Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.
[0208]
The functions shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 19 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.
[0209]
As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.
[0210]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0211]
Therefore, as long as it has the function of the program, the form of the program such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS is not limited.
[0212]
As a storage medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD, etc. Can be used.
[0213]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0214]
As another program supply method, a browser of a client computer is used to connect to a homepage on the Internet, and the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is stored on a recording medium such as a hard disk from the homepage. It can also be supplied by downloading. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server, an ftp server, and the like that allow a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer are also included in the claims of the present invention.
[0215]
In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.
[0216]
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0217]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0218]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.
[0219]
Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will not limit the spirit and scope of the present invention to the specific description in the present specification.
[0220]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the second image processing is performed on one generated raster line image data of a plurality of images and arranged on one raster line buffer. After arranging character data and ruled line data on the line buffer, quantizing one raster line data and outputting print data in units of one raster line, a large amount of memory is required in the printing apparatus. Thus, the layout printing of a plurality of images can be realized, and the printing result in which characters and ruled lines with the same color are always inserted can be obtained at low cost without depending on the images.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a data processing mechanism of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a printing system to which the printing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram showing an internal configuration of the printing apparatus shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print result output from the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first layout printing process state by the printing apparatus shown in FIG. 2;
6 is a schematic diagram illustrating image rasterization processing in the state illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG.
7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the flow of processing for generating one raster line data shown in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a printing result in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second layout printing process state by the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2;
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second layout printing process state by the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fifth data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a sixth data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between input parameters delivered from a higher-level program and output results in the font decoding process shown in FIG. 16;
18 is a view for explaining the structure of photo data built in the ROM shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a seventh data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
20 is a diagram for explaining the structure of ruled line data built in the ROM shown in FIG. 3; FIG.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a correspondence between input parameters and ruled line output results for the ROM built-in ruled line data shown in FIG. 20;
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs readable by the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
101,111 JPEG data
102, 112 Decoding processing unit
103,113 color space conversion processing unit
104,114 color conversion processing unit
105,115 Enlargement processing unit

Claims (14)

Image data generating means for performing first image processing on a plurality of input image data to generate one or a plurality of raster line data;
First layout means for executing second image processing on one raster line image data of a plurality of images generated by the image data generating means and placing the data on one raster line buffer;
Second layout means for arranging character data and ruled line data on one raster line buffer generated by the first layout means;
Quantization processing means for performing quantization processing on one raster line data laid out by the first and second layout means;
Printing means for performing printing in units of one raster line quantized by the quantization processing means;
A printing apparatus comprising: 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first layout unit arranges device color data obtained by executing the first image processing on the one raster line buffer. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second layout unit forms character data and ruled line data depending on device color data. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first image processing includes decoding processing, rotation processing, and reduction processing. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second image processing includes color space conversion processing, color conversion processing, and enlargement processing. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of input image data is read and input from a storage unit of the host apparatus. An image data generation step of performing a first image processing on a plurality of input image data to generate one or a plurality of raster line data;
A first layout step of performing second image processing on one raster line image data of a plurality of images generated by the image data generation step and placing the image data on one raster line buffer;
A second layout step of arranging character data and ruled line data on one raster line buffer generated by the first layout step;
A quantization processing step for performing quantization processing on one raster line data laid out by the first and second layout steps;
A printing step for printing in units of one raster line quantized by the quantization processing step;
A printing control method comprising: 8. The print control method according to claim 7, wherein in the first layout step, device color data obtained by executing the first image processing is arranged on the one raster line buffer. 8. The print control method according to claim 7, wherein in the second layout step, character data and ruled line data are formed depending on device color data. The print control method according to claim 7, wherein the first image processing includes decoding processing, rotation processing, and reduction processing. The print control method according to claim 7, wherein the second image processing includes color space conversion processing, color conversion processing, and enlargement processing. The print control method according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of input image data are read from the storage unit of the host device and input. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for realizing the printing control method according to claim 7. The program which implement | achieves the printing control method in any one of Claims 7-12.

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