JP2005111667A - Printer and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer in which the arrangement can be simplified while reducing the cost. <P>SOLUTION: The printer 1 receives data through Bluetooth communicating section 422, a USB communicating section 423, and a slot communicating section 424 according to different communication protocols and performs printing based on that data. Each communicating section 422-424 stores data in a receiving buffer 331 or a memory card 14 and outputs a pint job containing address information storing the data. The printer 1 comprises a data buffer 332 for storing and managing a print job being outputted from each communicating section 422-424, and units 45-49 for analyzing the print job outputted from the data buffer 332, taking in print object data from the receiving buffer 331 or the memory card 14 to create print data and performing printing based on that print data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method.

In recent years, printing apparatuses that receive data by wireless communication and execute print processing based on the data have become widespread (for example, see Patent Document 1). Accordingly, printing apparatuses that can receive data by various communication methods and can perform printing processing on data received by any communication method have come to be known. In such a printing apparatus, for example, the printing apparatus can be directly connected to an external device such as a digital still camera via a USB cable or the like, and data can be acquired from the external device to be printed. Further, for example, data can be received by wireless communication according to a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication protocol, and the data can be printed. With the diversification of communication formats, the types of external devices that can be connected to printing apparatuses have increased.
JP 2002-248751 A

  However, in the printing apparatus that can be connected to various external devices as described above, the data processing method in the printing apparatus may be changed according to the type of input data, the type of communication method, and the type of external device. is there. Then, as many data processing units as the number of communication means possible in the printing apparatus are provided, so that there is a problem that the printing apparatus increases in size and costs increase accordingly.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method capable of simplifying the configuration and reducing the cost.

  The printing apparatus of the present invention receives data by a plurality of communication means that communicate with each other according to different communication protocols, and performs printing based on the data, wherein each of the communication means stores data. And a print job output means for outputting a print job including address information in which data stored in the storage means is stored, and a first process for storing and managing the print jobs output by the communication means And a second processing unit that analyzes the print job output from the first processing unit, takes print target data from the storage unit, creates print data, and executes printing based on the print data. Prepare.

  According to this, the plurality of communication units that perform communication according to different communication protocols respectively output print jobs including address information in which data in the storage unit is stored. The first processing unit stores and manages the print job output from each communication unit, and the second processing unit executes the print job output from the first processing unit. As described above, since the print job is output from any of the communication units and managed by the first processing unit, even if data is received via a plurality of communication units, the print jobs are batched upstream of the print process. Reservation management. Further, downstream of the printing process, the second processing unit can similarly process all the print jobs output from the first processing unit. Therefore, the configuration of the printing apparatus can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

The printing apparatus includes a first communication unit that receives data transmitted from an external device and stores the data in the storage unit.
According to this, a print job is created based on the data received from the external device by the first communication unit and stored in the storage unit. For this reason, a print job can be executed by the second processing means on the data received by the first communication means.

The printing apparatus includes a second communication unit that can read the data stored in the storage unit.
According to this, a print job is created for the data stored in the storage means for reading the data by the second communication means. For this reason, the print job can be executed by the second processing means for the data received by the second communication means.

In this printing apparatus, the first processing unit queues the print jobs input from the plurality of communication units in the order of input.
According to this, the print job is executed by the second processing unit in the order of input to the first processing unit. For this reason, even if print jobs are input from different communication means, the print processing is performed in the input order.

  The printing apparatus includes a selection unit capable of selecting a print job input and stored in the first processing unit from the plurality of communication units, and the first processing unit is selected by the selection unit. Print jobs are output in the order specified.

  According to this, the print job is executed by the second processing unit in the order selected by the selection unit by the first processing unit. Therefore, it is possible to set the printing order in a state where the print job is stored in the first processing unit.

  The printing apparatus includes an input unit that inputs data for designating print target data from the data stored in the storage unit, and each of the communication units is based on the data input by the input unit. Output a print job.

  According to this, a print job is created for the data designated by the input means from the data stored in the storage means. For this reason, only the desired data can be set as the print target from the data stored in the storage means of each communication means.

  The printing method of the present invention is a printing method in which data is received by a plurality of communication means that communicate with each other according to different communication protocols, and printing is performed based on the data. Each of the communication means stores data. And a print job output means for outputting a print job including address information in which data of the storage means is stored, and a first processing stage for storing and managing the print job; A second processing step of analyzing the print job output by the processing step, capturing print target data to create print data, and executing printing based on the print data.

  According to this, a plurality of communication means that communicate according to different communication protocols output a print job including address information in which data to be printed in the storage means is stored. The print job output from each communication means can be stored and managed in the first process stage, and the print job output in the first process stage is analyzed in the second process stage to analyze the print target data. To generate print data and execute printing based on the print data. As described above, since the print job is output from any of the communication means and managed in the first processing stage, even if data is received via a plurality of communication means, the print job is batched upstream of the print processing. Reservation management. Further, downstream of the printing process, the second processing stage can similarly process all the print jobs output from the first processing stage. Therefore, the configuration of the printing apparatus can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a printing apparatus and a printing method embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a printer 1 as a printing apparatus. The printer 1 is an injection type printer having an operation panel 3 on the upper right side of the main body 2. A paper supply device 4 is provided on the back side of the main body 2, and a cut sheet set in the sheet feeder 5 or a roll paper set in the roll paper support unit 6 is fed into the main body 2. A printing mechanism is mounted below the cover 7 provided in the center of the main body 2, printing processing is executed by the operation of the printing mechanism, and the printed paper 8 is discharged from the discharge port 9 at the lower front side of the main body 2. The

  The operation panel 3 includes a display device 11 having a setting screen 10 and an operation unit 12 including a plurality of operation switches (operation buttons). The setting screen 10 is a monochrome liquid crystal. For example, a menu screen for manually selecting a paper type (cut sheet or roll paper), paper size (A4, etc.), layout, photo selection, number of prints, etc. is displayed in monochrome. Further, the operation unit 12 is provided with a power switch 13a for turning on the printer 1, a maintenance switch 13b that is pressed when an error occurs, and a roll paper switch 13c that is pressed when operating the roll paper. Yes.

  The printer 1 includes a reading device 15 for inserting a memory card 14 for a digital still camera (photographing device), and can print an image read from the memory card 14 without being connected to a host computer (for example, a PC). It is a stand-alone type. The reader 15 is provided with a plurality of slots (three in this embodiment) 15a, and the memory card 14 is detachably attached to the slot 15a. The memory card 14 includes, for example, a compact flash (registered trademark), smart media, a memory stick, and the like, and each is attached to a dedicated adapter (not shown) and inserted into the slot 15a.

  Further, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface 16 is provided on the side surface of the main body 2 of the printer 1, and the USB interface 16 includes a digital still camera 17 having a USB-compatible storage device as an external device, for example. It is connected via a USB cable (see FIG. 3).

  A display device (monitor) 18 for displaying an image read from, for example, the memory card 14 is attached to the upper portion of the printer 1. The display device 18 is a color liquid crystal, and, for example, a monitor screen 19 having a 1.6 inch is adopted. In the stand-alone printer 1, when an image stored in the memory card 14 is selected and printed, it is used without being connected to a host computer such as a personal computer. Therefore, the image cannot be confirmed on the screen. However, by displaying a color image on the monitor screen 19 of the display device 18, it is possible to confirm the image and print layout without connecting to the host computer.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the main part of the operation panel 3. The operation unit 12 includes a print start switch 20, a cancel switch 21, an upper switch 22, a lower switch 23, a determination switch 24, and a return switch 25. The print start switch 20 is pressed when printing is started in accordance with the setting conditions set on the operation panel 3, and the stop switch 21 is set when printing is immediately stopped when printing is being executed or when printing is not being performed. Pressed when discarding input contents (selection items, numerical values, etc.) on the screen 10.

  The upper switch 22 and the lower switch 23 are operated when the cursor is moved on the setting screen 10 or when the numerical value is increased or decreased during numerical value input. For example, when the upper switch 22 is pressed, the cursor moves upward, and the lower switch 23 is moved. When pressed, the cursor moves downward. The determination switch 24 is pressed when the display screen of the setting screen 10 is advanced one time or when the input content on the setting screen 10 is confirmed. The return switch 25 is pressed when returning the setting screen 10 to the initial screen or when returning the display screen displayed on the setting screen 10 to the previous screen.

Next, the electrical configuration of the printer 1 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 1 has a ROM 31, a printer head 32, and an SDRAM 33 connected to a CPU built-in ASIC 40, and these are controlled by a CPU 41 mounted on the CPU built-in ASIC 40.

  The ROM 31 stores a control program executed by the CPU 41. The control program includes an OS (Operating System) and application programs, and the application program includes a plurality of tasks (work programs (unit programs)).

  The printer head 32 has a carriage having an ink jet head, and the carriage reciprocates in the scanning direction to print an image on a printing medium such as paper. In FIG. 1, the printer head 32 is provided in a printing mechanism below the cover 7, and the sheet 8 on which an image is printed is discharged from the discharge port 9 of the main body 2 by operating the carriage.

  The SDRAM 33 is connected to the CPU built-in ASIC 40, and a reception buffer 331, a data buffer 332, a raster data buffer 333, a microweave buffer 334, an image buffer 335, and the like are allocated thereto.

  The CPU-embedded ASIC 40 includes a CPU 41, a communication interface 42, and a user interface (UI) device 43. Further, the CPU-embedded ASIC 40 includes a print job generation unit 44, an RGB development unit 45, a binarization processing unit 46, a microweave processing unit 47, an image buffer unit 48, and a head control unit 49. It has. These are respectively connected by a data bus 50. The ROM 31 is connected to the data bus 50, and a reception buffer 331, a data buffer 332, and an image buffer 335 constituting the SDRAM 33 are connected.

  The CPU 41 comprehensively controls each device constituting the printer 1 based on the control program stored in the ROM 31. Specifically, the CPU 41 outputs, for example, a control signal for operating the head control unit 49 or instructs data transfer processing between various processing circuits inside the CPU built-in ASIC 40. The CPU 41 incorporates, for example, a DMA controller for transfer processing.

  The communication interface 42 includes a communication interface controller (hereinafter referred to as a communication controller) 421. The communication controller 421 includes a plurality of communication means, that is, a Bluetooth communication unit 422, a USB communication unit 423, and a slot. A communication unit 424 is connected. Each of the communication units 422 to 424 performs communication according to a different communication protocol.

  Each communication unit 422 to 424 has a communication port (input / output port), and the communication controller 421 controls each communication unit 422 to 424 to open one of those input ports. The data transmitted from a predetermined host device is received and output to the common data bus 50. When data arrives first in any one of the plurality of input ports, the communication controller 421 starts capturing data from that port and continues to other communication ports until the data capturing ends. In a busy state, data reception from other ports is prohibited.

  This control is performed in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 41 by the communication controller 421. When data reception from one communication port is started, the CPU 41 secures a data transfer path through which the data reception is completed until the reception is completed, and prohibits data reception from other communication ports during that time. The communication controller 421 is instructed as follows. Further, the communication controller 421 performs an interlock process for permitting or prohibiting data reception from the communication port. When the communication controller 421 receives a reception request from an external device such as the digital still camera 17, the CPU 41 receives a notification from the communication controller 421. Manage communication ports inside.

  The Bluetooth communication unit 422 as the first communication unit receives data transmitted from, for example, the host computer (HC) 26 by Bluetooth communication. Data received by the Bluetooth communication unit 422 is stored in a reception buffer 331 serving as a storage unit. Further, in response to a request from the host computer 26, the Bluetooth communication unit 422 transmits an amount of receivable data to the host computer 26 so that the amount of data can be communicated with the host computer 26. It is configured. The host computer 26 is equipped with a Bluetooth (BT) RF module 26a corresponding to the Bluetooth communication unit 422. The Bluetooth communication unit 422 performs near field communication using radio waves in a predetermined standard frequency band from the host computer 26 according to a predetermined communication protocol. Receive data.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the Bluetooth communication unit 422 includes an application layer 51, an adapted protocol group layer 52, a logical link layer 53, and an HCI (Host Control Interface) 54. The conforming protocol group layer 52 includes an HCRP (Hardcopy Cable Replacement Profile) 52a and an RFCOMM (Radio Frequency Communication) 52b. Further, it has a BIP (Basic Imaging Profile) 52c and a BPP (Basic Printing Profile) 52d. The HCRP 52a can realize a wireless output function from the host computer such as a personal computer to the printer 1. The RFCOMM 52b is a serial communication protocol. The BIP 52c is a basic protocol for transmitting image data. In particular, with regard to data related to printing control, the BIP 52c uses image encoding information (information indicating whether the data to be transmitted is GIF, bitmap, JPEG, etc.) and its size (number of vertical and horizontal pixels of the image and the image itself). Information about the number of bytes). On the other hand, the BPP 52d further transmits / receives various information for printing conditions such as printing paper size (A3, A4, etc.), printing layout (single-sided two-sided printing, double-sided printing, etc.), number of copies, etc. in units of jobs. Can do.

  The USB communication unit 423 can receive data transmitted by the digital still camera 17 via a USB cable inserted into the USB interface 16 (see FIG. 1) as a first communication unit. At this time, the data received by the USB communication unit 423 is stored in the reception buffer 331 as a storage unit. The USB communication unit 423 can also read data stored in the digital still camera 17 as the second communication unit. In this case, the storage means for storing data in the digital still camera 17 may be a detachable memory card or a memory embedded in the main body.

  The slot communication unit 424 as the second communication means can read the data stored in the memory card 14 as the storage means inserted into the slot 15a (see FIG. 1) of the reading device 15.

  Note that the Bluetooth communication unit 422, the USB communication unit 423, and the slot communication unit 424 each have a predetermined signal such as a signal for notifying information necessary for communication with the corresponding host device or a status (status status) of the printer 1 or the like. Data can be sent.

  The UI device 43 receives a signal based on the operation of each switch provided on the operation panel 3. The CPU 41 performs various controls according to the control signal input from the UI device 43. Further, the UI device 43 as an input unit can designate print target data from the data stored in the reception buffer 331 or the memory card 14. In this case, the user can select and specify desired data by displaying the data stored in the reception buffer 331 or the memory card 14 on the monitor screen 19 and operating the operation panel 3.

  The print job generation unit 44 as a print job output unit is controlled by the CPU 41 to generate a print job including address information in which data stored in the reception buffer 331 or the memory card 14 is stored, and outputs the print job to the data buffer 332. It has the function to do. The print job generation unit 44 generates and outputs a print job for print target data based on the data input by the UI device 43.

  Note that when image data of an image to be printed is acquired by an external device, data received by the Bluetooth communication unit 422 or the USB communication unit 423 and stored in the reception buffer 331 or data stored in the memory card 14 is It is stored as image information 101 as shown in FIG. The image information 101 includes an image data list 101a and information 101b related to the image data list 101a. The information 101b includes information such as layout type, paper size, paper type, print quality, date / time, and the like. Is included.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, in the print job generation unit 44, the UI device 43 is instructed to generate the print job list 102 as a print job. The print job list 102 has print jobs generated for each image data, and each print job has a file name and an image processing parameter for identifying each print job. In addition to the address information of the image data, information relating to various types of printing such as the designated number of prints, layout type, paper size, paper type, and print quality may be added to the image processing parameter as attribute information.

  The data buffer 332 as the first processing unit stores the print job output from each of the communication units 422 to 424 and manages the print job. Specifically, print jobs generated based on the data received by the communication units 422 to 424 are queued in the order of input, and the print instruction information list 103 is generated as shown in FIG. In the print instruction information list 103, print jobs are registered in the order of input, and pointers are attached so as to be transmitted to the print execution process from the top. In the print instruction information list 103, when a print job is input, a new point is added and added at the end, and when the print job is output, the pointer is changed from the head side and the pointer number is 1. It moves up one by one.

  The RGB development unit 45, the binarization processing unit 46, the microweave processing unit 47, the image buffer unit 48, the head control unit 49, and the printer head 32 correspond to the second processing means. Each of the units 45 to 49 and the printer head 32 analyzes the print job output from the data buffer 332, takes in the print target data from the reception buffer 331 and the memory card 14, creates print data, and prints based on the print data Execute.

  When a print job is input, the RGB development unit 45 acquires image data based on address information of print target data included in the print job, performs raster processing on the image data, and then performs predetermined pixel or dot units. Each function has a function of reading out a function, developing and generating RGB data, and sending it to the binarization processing unit 46. In raster processing, since JPEG image data is compressed image data, first, this is expressed by using a YCbCr color system (luminance (Y), blue color difference (Cb), and red color difference (Cr). ) To uncompressed image data. The YCbCr color system multi-value image data obtained by decompression is further converted into RGB color system multi-value image data. Then, the RGB color system multi-value image data is developed on the data buffer 332 prepared on the SDRAM 33. A process of rearranging the developed image data (dot data) in the dot formation order at the time of printing is performed.

  Here, in JPEG compression processing, the original image is divided into block regions of 8 pixels × 8 pixels, and predetermined calculation processing is performed in units of block regions. For this reason, the original RGB multi-value data converted from JPEG data is also arranged in the form of pixel data divided into 8 pixel × 8 pixel block areas. In the RGB development unit 45, the array of pixel data sorted into the block area of 8 pixels × 8 pixels is converted into a raster scan suitable for printing processing (that is, for example, horizontal scan of line information from the left end to the right end of the image). Are converted into an array in the order of scans that repeat downward from the top row one row at a time. The RGB development unit 45 performs this rearrangement by developing each pixel data of the RGB multi-valued image and writing it in the raster data buffer 333 according to the raster scan order. As a result, RGB multivalued image data in which pixels are arranged in the raster scan order is stored in the raster data buffer 333. The RGB development unit 45 transfers the RGB multilevel image data in which pixels are arranged in the raster scan order to the binarization processing unit 46. As described above, the raster data buffer 333 is used when rasterizing JPEG image data.

  The binarization processing unit 46 has a function of color-converting RGB multilevel image data developed on the data buffer 332 into CMYK multilevel image data, and further binarizing the CMYK binary image data. This color conversion process is performed with reference to a color conversion table (lookup table) (not shown). Further, the CMYK binary image data is transmitted to the microweave processing unit 47.

  The microweave processing unit 47 executes microweave processing for rearranging the ink line dot data of each color in consideration of the dot formation order, rearranges the inkline dot data so as to correspond to the nozzle arrangement of the printer head 32, and the microweave buffer 334. It has a function to memorize. Thereafter, the data is sent from the microweave buffer 334 to the image buffer unit 48.

  The image buffer unit 48 has a function of generating head drive data for causing ink to be ejected from each nozzle of the carriage constituting the printer head 32 from data sent from the microweave processing unit 47. Further, the head drive data finally generated in this way has a function of sending it as print data to the image buffer 335.

  The head control unit 49 is connected to the printer head 32, and controls the drive of the carriage motor that drives the printer head 32, and discharges ink droplets based on the print data sent from the image buffer 335. Controls the presence or absence and the amount of ink droplets to be ejected. The printer head 32 has a number of nozzles for each color on the surface facing the conveyance path of the print medium such as paper and OHP film, and reciprocates in the main scanning direction perpendicular to the paper feed direction under the head control unit 49. Meanwhile, each color ink droplet is ejected from a nozzle corresponding to the color, thereby forming an image on the print medium.

Next, the operation of the printer 1 having the above configuration will be described.
First, a process of receiving data from the host computer 26 as an external device via the Bluetooth communication unit 422 as a first communication unit in the printer 1 will be described.

  When communication is performed between the host computer 26 and the printer 1 via Bluetooth, the host computer 26 first requests connection to the printer 1, and Bluetooth is transmitted between the host computer 26 and the Bluetooth communication unit 422 according to a predetermined communication protocol. Wireless communication is established. At this time, communication is performed according to any of the Bluetooth communication protocols. Data can be transmitted and received between the host computer 26 and the Bluetooth communication unit 422 of the printer 1.

  First, the printer 1 receives data from the host computer 26. In response to a request from the host computer 26, the printer 1 sends the amount of data that the printer 1 can receive at any time to the host computer 26, and sends the amount of data from the host computer 26 to the printer 1 in accordance with the procedure. Communication with the computer 26 is possible.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the host computer 26 requests a credit (Cr) from the Bluetooth communication unit 422 (step S1). In this credit request, the host computer 26 requests the printer 1 for an empty memory having a data amount of data to be transmitted. Specifically, in the host computer 26, for example, a stored image is displayed on the screen, a predetermined image is selected, and the number of prints, print conditions, and the like are specified, and data to be transmitted is generated. . Then, the host computer 26 requests the Bluetooth communication unit 422 for a memory area sufficient to receive this data in a credit request.

  Next, the Bluetooth communication unit 422 that has received the credit request requests the available memory (SDRAM 33) of the available memory (SDRAM 33) to the OS of the printer 1 (step S2). The OS searches for free memory in the SDRAM 33 (step S3). At this time, the CPU 41 searches the SDRAM 33 for a free memory from the data buffer 332, the raster data buffer 333, the microweave buffer 334, and the image buffer 335.

  Then, the OS acquires from the SDRAM 33 information such as address information and capacity of free memory from which data can be received (step S4). Further, the CPU 41 determines an area to be used for data reception from the free memory obtained as information by the OS, adds the capacity of the free memory to the capacity of the reception buffer 331, and transfers the allocation information to the Bluetooth communication unit. It transmits to 422 (step S5). When receiving the allocation information from the OS, the Bluetooth communication unit 422 issues a credit for notifying the host computer 26 of the receivable data amount (step S6). At this time, the allocation information includes the address of the free memory of the SDRAM 33 and its capacity.

  Based on the issued credit memory information, the host computer 26 transmits data to the printer 1 (step S7). As data transmitted at this time, for example, print information to which print information related to the image data is added is transmitted together with the image data. More specifically, the layout, number of prints, and printing conditions of an image to be printed by the user are designated by the host computer 26 and transmitted.

  After that, the Bluetooth communication unit 422 that has received the data notifies the OS of the acquired information (step S8). As described above, the data transmitted from the host computer 26 to the printer 1 is temporarily stored in a part of the data buffer 332, the raster data buffer 333, the microweave buffer 334, and the image buffer 335 in addition to the reception buffer 331 as a storage unit. Saved.

  If a free memory satisfying the request is secured in step S6 for the amount of data requested for credit in step S1, the data transmission process from the host computer 26 to the printer 1 ends. However, if it is not possible to secure the free memory of the requested amount of data in step S6, it is not possible to transmit all the data to be transmitted from the host computer 26 to the printer 1. For this reason, the host computer 26 makes a credit request to the printer 1 again in order to transmit the remaining data.

  Next, a process until the printer 1 receives data by the Bluetooth communication unit 422 as the first communication unit or the slot communication unit 424 as the second communication unit and prints based on the data will be described. .

  As shown in FIG. 8, when receiving data by Bluetooth, the Bluetooth communication part 422 receives data as mentioned above (step S11-1). At this time, the Bluetooth communication unit 422 receives, for example, the image information 101 (see FIG. 5A) as data and stores it in the SDRAM 33. At this time, according to the credit issued by the Bluetooth communication unit 422, the image information 101 is stored in an empty memory in any one of the raster data buffer 333, the microweave buffer 334, and the image buffer 335 in addition to the reception buffer 331. Is done.

  Next, the image information 101 received by the Bluetooth communication unit 422 is processed according to the communication protocol used in the Bluetooth communication (step S11-2). Then, the operation panel 3 is operated by the user and an operation signal is input from the UI device 43, and the print job list 102 is created in the print job generation unit 44 (step S11-3). Specifically, when the operation unit 12 of the operation panel 3 is operated by the user, the CPU 41 reads out the image data stored in the SDRAM 33 so that an image to be printed is displayed on the monitor screen 19. When one image to be printed is selected from the displayed images, the CPU 41 generates a print job corresponding to the image. Then, the print job list 102 is transmitted to the data buffer 332 and queued (step S13).

  On the other hand, when data is received by the slot communication unit 424, the memory card 14 is inserted into the slot 15a of the reading device 15, the operation panel 3 is operated by the user, an operation signal is input from the UI device 43, and printing is performed. In the job generation unit 44, the print job list 102 is generated (step S12). Specifically, when the operation unit 12 of the operation panel 3 is operated by the user, the CPU 41 reads out the image data stored in the memory card 14 so that an image to be printed is displayed on the monitor screen 19. When one image to be printed is selected from the displayed images, the CPU 41 generates a print job corresponding to the image. The print job list 102 generated in this way is queued in the data buffer 332 in the same manner as the print job generated in step S11-3 (step S13).

  As described above, in step S13, the print job list 102 sent from the Bluetooth communication unit 422 and the slot communication unit 424 is stored and managed and queued by the data buffer 332 as the first processing stage. . At this time, the print instruction information list 103 shown in FIG. 6 is generated in the data buffer 332. In the print instruction information list 103, print jobs are registered in the order of input, and pointers are attached so as to be transmitted to the print execution process from the top. In the print instruction information list 103, when a print job is input, a new point is added and added at the end, and when the print job is output, the pointer is changed from the head side and the pointer number is 1. It moves up one by one.

  Thereafter, the print job is read sequentially from the top of the print instruction information list 103 (step S21), and image data is acquired based on the image parameters of the print job. A command analysis of the acquired image data is performed (step S22), and the CPU 41 obtains information on the acquisition destination of the image data to be read, actually reads the image data from the acquisition destination, and sends it to the RGB development unit 45 I do. In order to realize this processing, a location to be accessed is searched for acquiring image data of an image designated by a file system (not shown) included in the SDRAM 33.

  Specifically, the file system has a table indicating the acquisition destination of the image data corresponding to the file name of the print job, and the drive accessed to acquire the image data by the file name constituting the print job It is specified. For example, when the file name is “BIP: Img.JPEG”, the file system reads “BIP” from this file name, and obtains, for example, “reception buffer 331” as an acquisition destination that matches “BIP”. Thereafter, the file system instructs the reception buffer 331 to read out the image data (Img.JPG), reads out the image data stored in the reception buffer 331, and outputs it to the RGB development unit 45. For example, if the file name is “card: 001.JPG”, the file system reads “card” and issues a read command of image data (001.JPG) to the memory card 14 in association with the table. In this way, the location where the image data is to be read is searched based on the file name of the print job, and the image data is read out and sent to the RGB development unit 45.

  Thereafter, RGB development of the image data is performed in the RGB development unit 45 as an image processing stage (step S23), and the RGB multivalued image data (raster data) subjected to the raster processing is stored in the raster data buffer 333. . Next, this raster data is converted from RGB multi-value image data to CMYK multi-value image data by a binarization processing unit 46 with reference to a look-up table (not shown). Subsequently, the CMYK multilevel image data is subjected to binarization processing (for example, error diffusion processing or dither processing), and further converted into CMYK binary image data (step S24). This CMYK binary image data is sent to the micro-weave processing unit 47, and micro-weave processing for rearranging the ink dot data of each color in consideration of the dot formation order is executed (step S25).

  The data subjected to the image processing in step S25 is stored in the microweave buffer 334 and stored until it is sent to the image buffer unit 48. When this data is sent to the image buffer unit 48, print data is generated (step S26) and stored in the image buffer 335. This print data is read by the head control unit 49 and printed by the printer head 32 (step S27). Note that the above-described steps S21 to S27 correspond to a second processing stage in which the print job stored in the data buffer 332 (first processing unit) is executed.

(Effect of embodiment)
Next, characteristic effects of the present embodiment will be described.
(1) The printer 1 according to the present embodiment receives data by the Bluetooth communication unit 422, the USB communication unit 423, and the slot communication unit 424 that perform communication according to different communication protocols, and executes printing based on the data. Each of the communication units 422 to 424 stores data in the reception buffer 331 and the memory card 14 and outputs a print job including address information of the data. The data buffer 332 stores and manages the print jobs output from the communication units 422 to 424, and the units 45 to 49 analyze the print jobs output from the data buffer 332 and print the print target data from the data. To generate print data and execute printing based on the print data. As described above, since the print job is output from any of the communication units 422 to 424 and is managed in the data buffer 332, even if data is received via the plurality of communication units 422 to 424, the print job is upstream. The print job can be reserved and managed at once. Further, in the downstream of the printing process, the units 45 to 49 can similarly process all the print jobs output from the data buffer 332. Accordingly, the configuration of the printer 1 can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  (2) The printer 1 of this embodiment includes a Bluetooth communication unit 422 that receives data transmitted from the host computer 26 and stores the data in the reception buffer 331. According to this, a print job is created based on the data received from the host computer 26 by the Bluetooth communication unit 422 and stored in the reception buffer 331. For this reason, the print job can be executed by the units 45 to 49 for the data received by the Bluetooth communication unit 422.

  (3) The printer 1 of this embodiment has a slot communication unit 424 that can read data stored in the memory card 14. According to this, a print job is created for the data stored in the memory card 14 from which the slot communication unit 424 reads data. Therefore, a print job can be executed by the units 45 to 49 for data received by the slot communication unit 424.

  (4) In the printer 1 of this embodiment, the data buffer 332 queues print jobs input from the communication units 422 to 424 in the order of input. According to this, the print jobs are executed by the units 45 to 49 in the order of input to the data buffer 332. For this reason, even if print jobs are input from different communication means, the print processing is performed in the input order.

(Another example)
In addition, embodiment is not limited to the above, You may make it the following aspects.
(Modification 1) In the above embodiment, print jobs are queued in order in the data buffer 332 as input from the communication units 422 to 424. However, the order of print jobs can be changed in the data buffer 332. May be. For example, the UI device 43 (operation panel 3) may be a selection unit that can select a print job stored in the data buffer 332, and the data may be output from the data buffer 332 in the order selected by the operation panel 3. Then, it is possible to set the printing order with the print job stored in the data buffer 332.

  (Modification 2) In the above embodiment, the printer 1 provided with the Bluetooth communication unit 422 or the USB communication unit 423 as the first communication unit has been described. However, the first communication unit is not limited to this mode. For example, data may be received from an external device via a wireless LAN.

  (Modification 3) In the above embodiment, the printer 1 provided with the USB communication unit 423 or the slot communication unit 424 as the second communication unit has been described. However, the second communication unit is not limited to this mode. Any configuration may be used as long as the data stored in the storage means can be read.

  (Modification 4) In the above embodiment, the print job is created by inputting the data from the operation panel 3 and specifying the print target data from the data received by the Bluetooth communication unit 422. It is also possible to select data to be printed by the computer 26 and transmit only data to be printed. Then, it is not necessary for the printer 1 to select print target data from the data in the SDRAM 33, and the operation after data transmission can be simplified. Further, the memory used in the printer 1 can be reduced.

  (Modification 5) In the above-described embodiment, a print job is created by inputting data from the data on the memory card 14 read by the slot communication unit 424 using the operation panel 3 and specifying print target data. A print job may be created for all data stored in the memory card 14. Then, it is not necessary to select print target data from the data in the memory card 14 in the printer 1, and the operation can be simplified.

  (Modification 6) In the above embodiment, a print job is created based on data received by the communication interface 42. However, the print job may be received by the communication interface 42. Then, it is not necessary to create a print job based on the data in the printer 1, and the operation after data transmission can be simplified.

1 is a perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment. The top view which shows an operation panel. The electrical block diagram of a printer. The software hierarchy figure of a Bluetooth communication part. (A) is explanatory drawing of image information, (b) is explanatory drawing of a print job list. Explanatory drawing of a printing instruction information list. The timing chart explaining the communication by Bluetooth. 6 is a flowchart for explaining print processing by a printer.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer as printing apparatus, 3 ... Operation panel as input means or selection means, 14 ... Memory card as storage means, 17 ... Digital still camera (DSC) as external device, 26 ... Host computer as external device (HC), 43... User interface (UI) device as input means or selection means, 44... Print job generation unit as print job output means, 45. RGB development unit as second processing means, 46. Binary processing unit as the second processing means 47... Microweave processing unit as the second processing means 48. Image buffer unit as the second processing means 49. Head control as the second processing means Unit: 101 ... Image information as data, 331 ... Reception buffer as storage means, 3 2 ... Data buffer as first processing means or storage means, 333 ... Raster data buffer as storage means, 334 ... Microweave buffer as storage means, 335 ... Image buffer as storage means, 422 ... First communication Bluetooth communication unit as means, 423 ... USB communication part as first or second communication means, 424 ... Slot communication part as second communication means.

Claims (7)

In a printing apparatus that receives data by a plurality of communication means that communicate according to different communication protocols, and executes printing based on the data,
Each of the communication units includes a storage unit that stores data, and a print job output unit that outputs a print job including address information in which the data of the storage unit is stored,
First processing means for storing and managing print jobs output by the communication means;
Analyzing a print job designated by the first processing means, fetching print target data from the storage means, creating print data, and second processing means for executing printing based on the print data. Characteristic printing device. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
A printing apparatus comprising: a first communication unit that receives data transmitted by an external device and stores the data in the storage unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
A printing apparatus comprising: a second communication unit capable of reading data stored in the storage unit. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The printing apparatus, wherein the first processing unit queues print jobs input from the plurality of communication units in the order of input. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A selection unit capable of selecting a print job inputted and stored in the first processing unit from the plurality of communication units;
The printing apparatus, wherein the first processing unit outputs print jobs in an order selected by the selection unit. In the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Input means for inputting data for specifying print target data from the data stored in the storage means is provided, and each of the communication means outputs a print job based on the data input by the input means. A printing apparatus characterized by that. In a printing method in which data is received by a plurality of communication means that communicate according to different communication protocols, and printing is performed based on the data,
Each of the communication units includes a storage unit that stores data, and a print job output unit that outputs a print job including address information in which the data of the storage unit is stored,
A first processing stage for storing and managing the print job;
And a second processing step of analyzing the print job output in the first processing step, capturing print target data to create print data, and executing printing based on the print data. Method.

Images