JP2005242901A - Reconfigurable print data generating system, host terminal, print data generating program for host terminal and print data generating method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To generate reconfigurable print data for executing the high speed operation of print-out. <P>SOLUTION: A host terminal 1 which requests print and a printer 2 which executes print in response to the print request are communicatively connected in a print data generating system, which has a print data generating hardware circuit 111 having a circuit element by which hardware region is rewritable. The print data generating system is provided with a user operation acquiring part 123 which acquires the operation of a user related with print preparation, a hardware configuration information acquiring part 122 which acquires hardware configuration information from a plurality of pieces of hardware configuration information and a hardware reconfiguring part 121 which reconfigures the print data generating hardware circuit 111 based on the hardware configuration information acquired by the hardware configuration information acquiring part 122, so that the reconfiguration can be executed in timing when the user operation is acquired by the user operation acquiring part 123. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a reconfigurable print data generation system, a host terminal, a print data generation program for a host terminal, and a print data generation method, and in particular, reconfigurable printing that achieves high-speed image processing in a print processing process. The present invention relates to a data generation system, a host terminal, a print data generation program for a host terminal, and a print data generation method.

In recent years, there has been a demand for speeding up color printers. On the other hand, in order to improve the image quality of printed matter, the definition of data used for printing is increasing, that is, the file size is increasing. An example of this is an increase in image quality and an increase in file size in digital cameras, and it has become possible to handle higher-definition color data more easily.
As a result, the processing load on image processing or print data generation processing in the print processing process further increases, and this is a bottleneck when high-quality print processing is performed at high speed.

There are various types of image processing methods or print data generation processing methods at the time of such print processing, but they are generally roughly divided into host-based methods and non-host-based methods.
In particular, in the host-based method, data compression processing for image processing and data transfer is performed by a printer driver installed on the user's host terminal, so when performing image processing with a large amount of processing data as described above. May occupy the resources of the host terminal and may affect the operation of the OS (Operating System) and other applications.

As a method for solving the problems of the processing speed and the adverse effects on the host terminal, it is considered to perform image processing or print data generation processing on hardware provided in the host terminal.
Particularly in recent years, reconfigurable hardware has been provided, and it is possible to change and use the content of processing performed by the hardware.

  When image processing or print data generation processing is performed using such hardware, it is possible to perform high-speed image processing that optimizes the processing process by reconfiguring the hardware circuit according to the content of the print processing. It becomes. Here, the “print processing content” is determined for each printer model or for each print setting content, and the “print processing content” changes each time a print request is issued to make a printer model or print setting. It is.

As a print data generation apparatus using this hardware, Patent Document 1 discloses that the step of generating hardware reconfiguration information used in the expansion process is made efficient, and high-speed print processing is performed using limited hardware resources. A print processing apparatus that enables printing is described. This apparatus generates conversion data including hardware configuration change information, changes hardware based on the conversion data, that is, performs parallelization, and generates print data using the hardware.
JP-A-11-010961

  However, the above apparatus may delay the start of printout when attempting to reconfigure the hardware processing circuit each time a print request is actually issued. The reason is that after a print request is issued, it is necessary to extract print settings from the print request and then reconfigure the hardware processing circuit. Therefore, there is a problem that the start of printout is delayed by reconfiguring the hardware processing circuit.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a reconfigurable print data generation system, a host terminal, a print data generation program, and a print data generation method that can increase the speed of printout. It is an object.

[Invention 1] In order to achieve the above object, a print data generation system of Invention 1 comprises:
A print data generation hardware circuit having a circuit element in which a hardware area is rewritable, and a host terminal that requests printing and a printer that performs printing in response to a print request from the host terminal are communicably connected. A print data generation system for reconfiguring the print data generation hardware circuit,
User operation acquisition means for acquiring a user operation related to print preparation;
Hardware configuration information acquisition means for acquiring hardware configuration information from a plurality of hardware configuration information;
Hardware reconfiguration means for reconfiguring the print data generation hardware circuit based on the hardware configuration information acquired by the hardware configuration information acquisition means,
Reconfiguration by the hardware reconfiguration unit is performed at the timing when the user operation is acquired by the user operation acquisition unit.

According to this configuration, when a user operation is acquired by the user operation acquisition unit, reconfiguration by the hardware reconfiguration unit is performed at that timing. Therefore, since the hardware reconfiguration can be started before the print request is issued, the effect of shortening the first printout time can be obtained as compared with the conventional case.
The print data generation hardware circuit, user operation acquisition means, hardware configuration information acquisition means, or hardware reconfiguration means can be installed in the host terminal or printer server, or in the printer. It can also be installed outside.

[Invention 2] The print data generation system of Invention 2 is the same as that of Invention 1,
The user operation acquisition means is configured to acquire an operation for a print setting user interface for a user to perform print settings.
According to this configuration, the user operation acquisition unit acquires an operation for the print setting user interface for the user to perform print settings. For example, the user operation acquisition unit performs a check with the mouse or the keyboard using the print setting screen or the printer selection screen. Thus, an operation for the print setting user interface for performing print settings can be acquired, and the print data generation hardware circuit can be reconfigured at the timing when the operation is acquired. Therefore, since the hardware reconfiguration can be started before the print request is issued, the effect of shortening the first printout time can be obtained as compared with the conventional case.

[Invention 3] The print data generation system according to Invention 3 is the same as that of Invention 2,
The print setting user interface can input an operation for instructing completion of print settings,
The user operation acquisition unit is configured to acquire an operation for instructing completion of print setting among operations for the print setting user interface.

  According to this configuration, the hardware function can be reconfigured at the same time that the print setting completion is instructed. Therefore, since the hardware reconfiguration can be started before the print request is issued, the effect of shortening the first printout time can be obtained as compared with the conventional case.

[Invention 4] The print data generation system according to Invention 4 is the same as that of Invention 2,
The print setting user interface has a plurality of print setting input screens and can input an operation for switching the print setting input screens.
The user operation acquisition means acquires an operation for switching a print setting input screen among operations for the print setting user interface.

  According to this configuration, the hardware function can be reconfigured simultaneously with switching the print setting input screen to another print setting input screen or the like. Therefore, since the hardware reconfiguration can be started before the print request is issued, the effect of shortening the first printout time can be obtained as compared with the conventional case.

[Invention 5] The print data generation system of Invention 5 is the same as that of Invention 2,
The print setting user interface can input an operation for selecting one of a plurality of print settings,
The user operation acquisition unit is configured to acquire an operation for selecting a print setting among operations for the print setting user interface.

  According to this configuration, hardware is reconfigured simultaneously with selection from among a plurality of print settings. Therefore, since the hardware reconfiguration can be started before the print request is issued, the effect of shortening the first printout time can be obtained as compared with the conventional case.

[Invention 6] The print data generation system according to Invention 6 is the invention according to any one of Inventions 1 to 5,
Hardware configuration information storage means for storing hardware configuration information, which is information constituting the print data generation hardware, is provided, and the hardware configuration information acquisition means obtains hardware configuration information from the hardware configuration information storage means. It is characterized by acquiring.

  According to this configuration, the hardware configuration information storage unit that stores the hardware configuration information that configures the print data generation hardware is provided, so that the hardware configuration information acquisition unit can retrieve the user configuration information when necessary. Can be compared with information. Therefore, since the hardware reconfiguration can be started before the print request is issued, the effect of shortening the first printout time can be obtained as compared with the conventional case.

[Invention 7] The print data generation system of Invention 7 is the invention according to any one of Inventions 1 to 6,
The host terminal includes the print data generation hardware circuit.
According to this configuration, since the host terminal has the print data generation hardware circuit, hardware reconfiguration can be started before a print request is issued. The effect that time can be shortened is acquired.

[Invention 8] The host terminal of Invention 8 is:
A print data generation hardware circuit that is connected to a printer that performs printing in response to a print request, requests printing to the printer, and includes a circuit element capable of rewriting a hardware area; In the host terminal that reconfigures the generated hardware circuit,
User operation acquisition means for acquiring a user operation related to print preparation;
Hardware configuration information acquisition means for acquiring hardware configuration information from a plurality of hardware configuration information;
Hardware reconfiguration means for reconfiguring the print data generation hardware circuit based on the hardware configuration information acquired by the hardware configuration information acquisition means,
Reconfiguration by the hardware reconfiguration unit is performed at the timing when the user operation is acquired by the user operation acquisition unit.
According to this configuration, the same effect as in the first aspect can be obtained.

[Invention 9] The host terminal print data generation program of Invention 9 is
In a host terminal having a print data generation hardware circuit that is connected to a printer that performs printing in response to a print request, requests printing to the printer, and includes a circuit element in which a hardware area can be rewritten, A print data generation program for a host terminal for reconfiguring the print data generation hardware circuit,
User operation acquisition means for acquiring a user operation related to print preparation;
Hardware configuration information acquisition means for acquiring hardware configuration information from among a plurality of hardware configuration information, and the print data generation hardware circuit based on the hardware configuration information acquired by the hardware configuration information acquisition means Causing the computer in the host terminal to execute processing realized as hardware reconfiguring means for reconfiguration,
Reconfiguration by the hardware reconfiguration unit is performed at the timing when the user operation is acquired by the user operation acquisition unit.
According to this configuration, the same effect as in the first aspect can be obtained.

[Invention 10] A print data generation program for a host terminal according to an invention 10 in the invention 9,
The user operation acquisition means is configured to acquire an operation for a print setting user interface for a user to perform print settings.
According to this configuration, the same effect as in the second aspect can be obtained.

[Invention 11] A print data generation program for a host terminal according to Invention 11 is the invention according to Invention 10,
The print setting user interface can input an operation for instructing completion of print settings,
The user operation acquisition unit is configured to acquire an operation for instructing completion of print setting among operations for the print setting user interface.
According to this configuration, the same effect as in the third aspect can be obtained.

[Invention 12] A print data generation program for a host terminal according to Invention 12 in Invention 10,
The print setting user interface has a plurality of print setting input screens and can input an operation for switching the print setting input screens.
The user operation acquisition means acquires an operation for switching a print setting input screen among operations for the print setting user interface.
According to this configuration, the same effect as in the fourth aspect can be obtained.

[Invention 13] A print data generation program for a host terminal according to Invention 13 in Invention 10,
The print setting user interface can input an operation for selecting one of a plurality of print settings,
The user operation acquisition unit is configured to acquire an operation for selecting a print setting among operations for the print setting user interface.
According to this configuration, the same effect as in the fifth aspect can be obtained.

[Invention 14] A print data generation program for a host terminal according to Invention 14, in any one of Inventions 9 to 13,
Hardware configuration information storage means for storing hardware configuration information, which is information constituting the print data generation hardware, is provided, and the hardware configuration information acquisition means receives hardware configuration information from the hardware configuration information storage means. It is characterized by acquiring.
According to this configuration, the same effect as in the sixth aspect is obtained.

[Invention 15] The print data generation method of the invention 15 includes:
Reconfiguring a print data generation hardware circuit having a circuit element in which a hardware area can be rewritten by connecting a host terminal that requests printing and a printer that performs printing in response to a print request from the host terminal. A print data generation method for
A user operation acquisition step of acquiring a user operation related to print preparation;
A hardware configuration information acquisition step for acquiring hardware configuration information from a plurality of hardware configuration information;
A hardware reconfiguration step of reconfiguring the print data generation hardware circuit based on the hardware configuration information acquired in the hardware configuration information acquisition step,
The reconfiguration by the hardware reconfiguration step is performed at the timing when the user operation is acquired in the user operation acquisition step.
According to this configuration, the same effect as in the first aspect can be obtained.

[Invention 16] The print data generation method of Invention 16 is the same as that of Invention 15,
The user operation acquisition step is characterized in that an operation for a print setting user interface for a user to perform print settings is acquired.
According to this configuration, the same effect as in the second aspect can be obtained.

[Invention 17] The print data generation method according to Invention 17 is the same as that of Invention 16,
The print setting user interface can input an operation for instructing completion of print settings,
The user operation acquisition step is characterized by acquiring an operation for instructing completion of print setting among operations for the print setting user interface.
According to this configuration, the same effect as in the third aspect can be obtained.

[Invention 18] The print data generation method of Invention 18 is the same as that of Invention 16,
The print setting user interface has a plurality of print setting input screens and can input an operation for switching the print setting input screens.
The user operation acquisition step is characterized in that an operation for switching a print setting input screen among operations for the print setting user interface is acquired.
According to this configuration, the same effect as in the fourth aspect can be obtained.

[Invention 19] The print data generation method of Invention 19 is the same as that of Invention 16,
The print setting user interface can input an operation for selecting one of a plurality of print settings,
The user operation acquisition step is characterized in that an operation for selecting a print setting among operations for the print setting user interface is acquired.
According to this configuration, the same effect as in the fifth aspect can be obtained.

[Invention 20] A print data generation method according to Invention 20, in any one of Inventions 15 to 19,
A hardware configuration information storage step for storing hardware configuration information, which is information for configuring the print data generation hardware, wherein the hardware configuration information acquisition step is based on information from the hardware configuration information storage step. Hardware configuration information is acquired.
According to this configuration, the same effect as in the sixth aspect is obtained.

Hereinafter, a reconfigurable print data generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a reconfigurable print data generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In this system, a host terminal 1 that is used by a user and a printer 2 that performs printing in response to a print request from the host terminal 1 are communicably connected. In order to facilitate understanding of the invention, only one host terminal 1 and one printer 2 are shown in the figure, but in practice, a large number of host terminals 1 or a large number of printers 2 may be used. it can.

The host terminal 1 includes a print data generation device 11, a print data generation program 12, a hardware configuration information storage unit 125, a print instruction application 126, and an input / output unit 127.
The print data generation device 11 includes a print data generation hardware circuit 111 having a hardware function for generating print data and a circuit element that can rewrite the hardware function.

  The print data generation program 12 prints from the hardware reconfiguration unit 121 that reconfigures the print data generation hardware circuit 111 in the print data generation apparatus 11 and the print instruction application 126 when the print setting is changed by a print request. A user operation acquisition unit 123 that acquires user operations related to the hardware configuration information acquisition unit that acquires hardware configuration information from the hardware configuration information storage unit 125 or acquires or receives print settings from the user operation acquisition unit 123 122 and a print request processing unit 124 that passes a print request from the print instruction application 126 to the print data generation hardware circuit 111 and processes the print request.

The hardware reconfiguration unit 121 receives the hardware configuration information and reconfigures the print data generation hardware circuit 111 in the print data generation apparatus 11. When the reconfiguration of the print data generation hardware circuit 111 is finished, the print request processing unit 124 is notified of the circuit configuration.
The hardware configuration information acquisition unit 122 acquires hardware configuration information suitable for the print setting from the hardware configuration information storage unit 125 based on the print setting information received from the user operation acquisition unit 123, and stores the hardware configuration information. The hardware configuration information acquired from the unit 125 is passed to the hardware reconfiguration unit 121.

The user operation acquisition unit 123 provides the user with a print setting user interface (printer selection screen or print setting screen) or receives a print setting instruction to acquire a user operation related to print preparation. Further, the print setting information is transferred to the hardware configuration information acquisition unit 122 at the following three timings.
(1) When the user presses the print setting completion button on the print setting user interface.
(2) When the user switches the setting item screen on the printer selection screen or the print setting screen of the print setting user interface.
(3) When the user selects each setting item on the setting item screen.

Also, when the print instruction application 126 calls the print setting screen, the user operation acquisition unit 123 passes the current print setting thereto. Also, the default print settings of each printer are held. The default print setting means a print setting screen prepared as a standard in advance or an initial setting of the print setting.
The print request processing unit 124 receives a print request issued from the print instruction application 126 by the user, and performs the following.
(1) Extract print settings designated according to the received print request.
(2) Print setting information corresponding to the current print data generation hardware circuit 111 is acquired from the user operation acquisition unit 123.
(3) The information of (1) and (2) is compared and verified to confirm whether the circuit configuration of the print data generation hardware circuit 111 is appropriate. If the circuit configuration of the print data generation hardware circuit 111 is appropriate, the input data is passed to the print data generation hardware circuit 111. If the circuit configuration of the print data generation hardware circuit 111 is not appropriate, the acquired print settings are transferred to the user operation acquisition unit 123 to reconfigure the hardware / software.
(4) The processed print data is received from the print data generation hardware circuit 111 and transferred to the printer 2 using the input / output unit 127 serving as communication means.

The hardware configuration information storage unit 125 stores hardware configuration information for performing print processing according to the printer model and the type of print settings.
The print instruction application 126 is an application that can issue a print request by a user. For example, there are a document editing application for editing a document, a photo retouching application for editing a photo, a photo viewer application for a photo screen, and the like. The user issues a print request via the print instruction application 126 and calls the user operation acquisition unit 123, that is, the print setting user interface, to perform print settings.

The print data generation hardware circuit 111 generates print data based on the print request from the print request processing unit 124. In addition, a rewritable circuit element is included, and the processing content is reconfigured by the hardware reconfiguration unit 121.
The input / output unit 127 is an interface for sending processed print data to a printer, and is, for example, an interface such as a network interface, USB, or parallel. The printer 2 performs printout using the print data transmitted from the print request processing unit 124 of the host terminal 1.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the print data generation hardware reconfiguration system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
In this system, a host terminal 1 that requests printing and a printer 2 that performs printing in response to a printing request from the host terminal 1 are communicably connected, and a print data generation hardware function is arranged on the host terminal 1 side. In this system, the hardware function is dynamically changed to generate print data.

The hardware configuration of the host terminal 1 includes a CPU 101, HDD 102, RAM 103, input device 104, output device 105, I / F (interface) 106, ROM 108, print data generation device 11, and bus 107.
The hardware configuration of the printer 2 includes an I / F 201, a print processing controller 22, and a printing unit 202.

The host terminal 1 and the printer 2 are communicably connected via an I / F 106 on the host terminal 1 side and an I / F 201 on the printer 2 side.
The CPU 101 controls the calculation and the entire system based on the control program. The CPU 101 also includes a microprocessing unit (MPU) or the like, activates a predetermined program stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 108, and executes reconfigurable print data generation processing, which will be described later, according to the program.

  The HDD 102 stores, for example, the print data generation program 12 described above. The print data generation program is called when a print request is issued or when print settings are made, and print data generation is performed using the CPU 101 of the host terminal 1. Execute the process. When the print setting is changed, the print data generation hardware circuit 111 in the print data generation apparatus 11 is reconfigured.

The ROM 108 stores a control program of the CPU 101 in a predetermined area in advance.
The RAM 103 stores data read from the ROM 108 and calculation results necessary in the calculation process of the CPU 101.
The input device 104 is an input device including a keyboard and a mouse capable of inputting data as a human interface.

  The I / Fs 106 and 201 mediate input / output of data to / from an external device. The host terminal and the printer are communicably connected. In addition, as an external device, an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse that can input data as a human interface, a storage device that stores data, tables, and the like as files, a display device that displays a screen based on an image signal, and a network A signal line or the like for connecting to can be connected. The storage device is configured as a reconfigurable data storage unit and transmission history information storage unit. The reconfigurable data is stored in association with the reconfigurable data ID. The transmission history is registered with a reconfigurable data ID associated with a transmission date and time.

The bus 107 is a signal line for transferring data of each unit in the host terminal 1, and is connected to each other so as to be able to exchange data.
Next, a processing method in the reconfigurable print data generation system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a reconfiguration process of the print data generation hardware when a printer is selected. The print data generation hardware reconfiguration process is realized as a user operation acquisition unit 123, a hardware configuration information acquisition unit 122, and a hardware reconfiguration unit 121. When executed in the CPU 101, the ROM 108 or the HDD 102 is executed. A predetermined program stored in the predetermined area is started, and the reconfiguration process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is executed.

  First, immediately after the start (START), in step S301, a request for calling the above-described printer selection screen is received from the print instruction application 126 that can be requested by the user. The print instruction application 126 has a function for a user to issue a print request based on printable content. This print request is made using a print setting user interface. The print setting user interface is provided by the above-described user operation acquisition unit 123, and the user performs print settings by calling the user operation acquisition unit 123, that is, the print setting user interface.

In step S <b> 302, the user operation acquisition unit 123 displays model information for a printer that can generate print data in the current print data generation device 11 on the printer selection screen. At this time, a print setting user interface, for example, a printer selection screen or a print setting screen is provided to the user.
In step S <b> 303, the user operation acquisition unit 123 passes the printer model name selected by the user on the printer selection screen and its default print setting to the hardware configuration information acquisition unit 122. At this time, the print setting information is transferred at any one of the following three timings as the timing for transferring the print setting information.
(1) When the user presses the print setting completion button on the print setting user interface.
(2) When the setting item screen on the printer selection screen or print setting screen of the print setting user interface is switched.
(3) When the user selects the print setting to be applied from among the setting items on the setting item screen.

When the print instruction application 126 calls the print setting screen at any of the above timings, the current print setting is transferred thereto. That is, the default print setting of each printer is held.
Next, in step S304, the hardware configuration information acquisition unit 122 acquires the hardware configuration information stored in the hardware configuration information storage unit 125 based on the print setting information. The acquired hardware configuration information is passed to the hardware reconfiguration unit 121. The hardware configuration information storage unit 125 stores hardware configuration information for recording hardware configuration information for performing print processing according to the model of the printer 2 and the type of print setting.

Next, in step S <b> 305, the hardware configuration information acquisition unit 122 passes the acquired hardware configuration information to the hardware reconfiguration unit 121.
Next, in step S306, the hardware reconfiguration unit 121 reconfigures the print data generation hardware circuit 111 of the print data generation device 11 based on the hardware configuration information. When the reconfiguration of the print data generation hardware circuit 111 is completed, the circuit configuration is notified to the print request processing unit 124 and the process ends (END).

4 is a table showing examples of various modules prepared for the printer 2. FIG. 4A shows a layout arrangement module, FIG. 4B shows a device-specific color space module, and FIG. 4C. Indicates a binarization module. Assume that model A is used as the printer 2.
These modules are used when a user issues a print instruction using the print instruction application 126, and are configured so that various modules can be selected for each printer. As modules that can be selected, the following modules are stored in the hardware configuration information storage unit 125 as hardware configuration information.

  Further, the print data generation hardware circuit 111 performs image processing in order by the following modules to generate print data. However, “setting of printing paper type, setting of printing quality” and the like that should be considered when optimizing the data generation processing are shown in a simplified manner for the sake of clarity. In actual print data generation processing, hardware configuration information that is individually optimized in accordance with detailed print quality settings, print paper types, and the like is prepared.

  The layout arrangement module in FIG. 4A is a module that generates a page from data input from a print instruction application based on designation of paper size, print direction, or layout. In this example, “A4, A3” or the like as the paper size, “vertical or horizontal” or the like as the print direction, or “no assignment, with assignment” or the like as the assignment specification is displayed and displayed. Then, No. which combined these. 1 (A4, vertical, no assignment), No. 2 (A4, horizontal, no assignment), No. 3 (A3, vertical, no assignment), No. 4 (A3, horizontal, no assignment) or the like is selected.

  The device-specific color space conversion module in FIG. 4B is a module that converts the layout-converted data into a color space specific to each printer model. For example, for a printer that prints with six colors of ink, it is a process of converting RGB data of three colors handled by the host terminal 1 into a YMCK color space of six colors. At that time, the print color is selected according to the print color and print quality designated as print settings. In this example, “color, monochrome” or the like is designated as the print color, and “high quality, standard” or the like is designated as the print quality. 1 (color, high quality), No. 1 2 (color, standard), No. 2 3 (monochrome, high quality), no. One of the modules such as 4 (monochrome, standard) is selected.

  The binarization module in FIG. 4C is a module that generates print data that the printer uses for printing based on the device-specific color space. Specifically, it is determined whether or not each pixel is a dot to be printed, and processing for determining the presence or absence of a color for each pixel is performed. This process is performed for each ink color of the printer or for each toner color. At this time, the print color “color, monochrome” or the like designated as the print setting, the print quality “high quality, standard” or the like is selected. In the displayed example, as in the above-described device-specific color space module, No. 1 (color, high quality), No. 1 2 (color, standard), No. 2 3 (monochrome, high quality), no. One of the modules such as 4 (monochrome, standard) is selected.

Next, a method for selecting a printer on the print setting screen on the print setting screen [Processing 1] and a method for the user setting print on the print setting screen [Processing 2] will be described.
[Process 1] First, a method in which the user selects a printer on the print setting screen on the print setting screen will be described.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a printer selection screen when the user selects a printer. FIG. 5A shows the printer selection, FIG. 5B shows the printer selection, and FIG. 5C shows the print data generation. Shown after hardware reconfiguration is complete.

This printer selection screen can be used to specify a printer name, printer availability, data generation status, location, and the like. If a print setting is completed after a predetermined specification is made, “OK” is displayed. When the button is pressed and the user designates again from the beginning, the “Cancel” button is pressed.
First, during printer selection in FIG. 5A, the user selects a printer to be used on the print setting screen. In the example of this screen, four models of model A, model B, model C, and model D are displayed, and the current model B is about to be clicked. Thus, for example, when selecting a printer called model B, as shown in the figure, model B on the printer selection screen is selected by clicking with a pointing device. Thereafter, reconfiguration processing of the print data generation hardware circuit 111 when the user selects a printer to be used for printing is shown.

  Next, after selecting the printer in FIG. 5B, the screen after the model B is selected by clicking with the pointing device is shown. The printer is “available”, the data generation is “preparing”, the location (Network address) is displayed as “IP — 192.168.0.15”. Displaying “data preparation” as “data preparation” indicates that reconfiguration of the print data generation hardware has not been completed. Although this example is an example of displaying whether preparation is in progress or completion of preparation, a progress bar indicating the progress of the reconstruction process may be displayed, and the display may be displayed more finely.

As for the reconfiguration of the hardware function, the hardware configuration information optimum for the model B on the printer selection screen is selected, and the print data generation hardware circuit 111 is reconfigured. At that time, the printer may be reconfigured when the printer is selected, or may be reconfigured when OK is clicked.
Next, after the reconfiguration of the print data generation hardware in FIG. 5C is completed, what is “preparing” in the data generation column in FIG. 5B is “ready”. . This indicates that the reconfiguration of the print data generation hardware has been completed.
[Processing 2] Next, a method in which the user performs print settings on the print setting screen will be described.

FIG. 6 is a table showing a list of various default print settings for each printer model.
The user operation acquisition unit 123 holds the following default settings for each printer model. Here, “setting of print paper type, setting of print quality” and the like to be considered when optimizing the print data generation process are shown in a simplified manner for the sake of clarity. In actual print data generation processing, hardware configuration information that is individually optimized in accordance with detailed print quality settings, print paper types, and the like is prepared.

  In the present embodiment, the four model names of the first to fourth printers described above with reference to FIG. 5 are displayed as printer model names, and the paper size is “A4, A3, or L size” as an initial setting. The print direction is “vertical or horizontal”, the layout is “none, 16 thumbnails, or 2-page layout”, the print color is “color or monochrome”, the print quality is “high quality or standard”, etc. . For example, the initial setting of the first printer is “A4, portrait, none, color, high quality”, and the default setting of the second printer is “A3, portrait, 16 thumbnails, color, standard”, third The initial setting of the printer is “L size, landscape, none, color, high quality”, and the fourth printer is “A4, portrait, 2-page layout, monochrome, standard”.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a print setting screen when the user selects print settings to be used for printing.
First, the print setting screen is displayed by pressing the “print setting” button on the printer selection screen. This is because the print data generation hardware is reconfigured each time the user selects each item with the pointing device. In addition, the circuit is reconfigured for the first time after the OK button is pressed, and the circuit is reconfigured when the user changes the “tab” displayed on the print setting screen. Variations are possible. On the print setting screen, basic settings and layout details can be selected.

  In the present embodiment, the basic settings of the model B as the printer model, the paper size “A4, A5”, the printing direction “vertical, horizontal”, the paper type “plain paper”, etc., and the printing color “color, When “recommended” or “detailed” is set as the print quality, such as “monochrome”, and “recommended” is selected, any of the standard to high quality can be selected. On the other hand, when “Layout” is set in the “Layout Details” tab or “Details” is selected in “Print Quality”, the “Print Quality Details” tab is displayed and parameter settings are made. Can be. In the displayed example, the minimum necessary basic settings are listed and the minimum necessary items are listed. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and more detailed basic setting items can be set.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a screen switching method in the reconfiguration processing method of the print data generation hardware at the time of print setting.
The screen switching method in the reconfiguration processing method of the print data generation hardware is a process realized as the print instruction application 126 and the user operation acquisition unit 123. When executed in the CPU 101, it is stored in a predetermined area of the ROM. The predetermined program is started, and the screen switching method shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is executed.

First, in step S <b> 801, the user operation acquisition unit 123 receives a call request for a printer selection screen when selecting a printer from the print instruction application 126 that can be instructed by the user to print. (See Fig. 5 for printer selection screen)
In step S <b> 802, the user operation acquisition unit 123 displays model information of a printer that can generate print data in the current print data generation apparatus 11 on the printer selection screen.

In step S803, the user operation acquisition unit 123 acquires the printer model name selected by the user on the printer selection screen and its default print settings. (See Fig. 6 for printer model names and default print settings)
In step S804, the hardware reconfiguration unit 121 reconfigures the hardware circuit based on the designated print setting.

In step S805, mouse events are monitored. In monitoring the mouse event, the user operation acquisition unit 123 monitors information input to the print setting screen. Here, if the print settings on the print setting screen are acceptable, pressing the OK button ends the process (END). When canceling the print setting on the print setting screen, the Cancel button is pressed.
Next, in step S806, if the Cancel button is pressed, the process returns to the default hardware circuit configuration without reconfiguration, and the process ends.

If the print setting is selected or the print setting screen is switched in step S805, the process returns to step S804, the hardware circuit is reconfigured based on the designated print setting, and the mouse event in step S805 is performed. In this monitoring, information input to the print setting screen is monitored, and the OK button or Cancel button is pressed to end (END).
In this method, when the print settings are executed or changed on the print setting screen, the setting contents are acquired, and the hardware circuit configuration of the print data generation processing hardware optimized based on the setting contents Information is selected and the hardware circuit configuration information is applied to the reconfigurable hardware. By reconfiguring the hardware circuit at such timing, it is possible to reconfigure the hardware circuit optimally until a print request is issued by the user, and to perform optimal print data generation processing.

  Further, by installing the print data generation device 11 having a hardware circuit capable of reconfiguring the processing circuit in the host terminal 1, a “plurality” that may occur when such a print data generation device is mounted in the printer 2. This makes it possible to perform high-speed print data generation processing optimized according to the user's request without worrying about frequent hardware circuit reconfiguration and reconfiguration instruction conflicts.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a reconfiguration processing method for print data generation hardware after print settings.
The print data generation hardware reconfiguration processing method is a process executed by the hardware configuration information acquisition unit 122, the hardware configuration information storage unit 125, and the hardware reconfiguration unit 121, and is executed by the CPU 101. A predetermined program stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 108 is activated, and a reconfiguration process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 is executed.

First, in step S <b> 901, the user operation acquisition unit 123 passes the print setting information to the hardware configuration information acquisition unit 122.
Next, in step S902, the hardware configuration information acquisition unit 122 acquires hardware configuration information from the hardware configuration information storage unit 125 based on the print setting information.
Next, in step S <b> 903, the hardware configuration information acquisition unit 122 passes the hardware configuration information to the hardware reconfiguration unit 121.

In step S904, the hardware reconfiguration unit 121 reconfigures the print data generation hardware circuit 111 of the print data generation apparatus 11 based on the hardware configuration information, and the process ends.
As described above, according to the print data generation system of the present invention, since the print data generation device 11 controlled by the print data generation program 12 is mounted on the host terminal 1, the print data generation hardware is provided. Can be avoided when the print data generation device 11 capable of reconfiguring is mounted on the printer 2.

  In other words, when the printer is used by a plurality of users, the instructions for reconfiguring the processing circuit and the confirmation process of the setting contents are frequently generated by a plurality of users, so that the user generates print data in an optimal state. In many cases, the apparatus cannot be used, and each user cannot simply reconfigure the print data generation apparatus. Therefore, it is necessary to perform the scheduling of the reconfiguration process together with the print job management in the printer on the printer side, which adversely affects the system resources of the printer and the speed of the printing process itself is reduced. On the other hand, according to the print data generation system of the present invention, since the print data generation apparatus 11 is mounted on the host terminal 1, even when the printer 2 is used by a plurality of users, each user can The print data generation apparatus 11 can be reconfigured independently.

Further, if the hardware reconfiguration information is stored in the printer 2, the storage capacity becomes a problem. However, according to the print data generation system of the present invention, the storage area such as the HDD 102 of the host terminal 1. Can be used, so the storage area is not affected.
Further, the reconfigurable print data generation system of the present invention has a print data generation program for controlling the reconfigurable print data generation apparatus 11 mounted in the host terminal 1 on the host terminal 1 side. Is particularly preferred.

  As described above, according to the print data generation system of the present invention, the contents of the setting are acquired at the time of performing the print setting, and the optimum processing circuit is configured accordingly, until the print processing is started. In the meantime, the print data generation hardware can be reconfigured into an optimal hardware circuit, and optimal image processing and optimal print data generation processing can be performed.

Further, when the reconfigurable print data generation apparatus 11 is installed in the printer 2, when considering that a plurality of users share the printer 2, the present invention can be realized by adding the following processing and functions. It can be effectively implemented.
(1) Schedule reconfiguration within the printer.
(2) A right token for performing reconfiguration processing must be set. The right to perform the reconfiguration process is acquired by capturing the right token, and the right token is released when the reconfiguration process is completed. As a result, only the user who has acquired the rights token can issue a reconfiguration request.
(3) Reconfiguration information is attached to a print request sent to the printer, and the hardware is reconfigured before the printer performs print processing.

  In the above embodiment, when executing the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, FIG. 8, or FIG. 9, the case where the control program stored in advance in the ROM 108 is executed has been described. Instead, the program may be incorporated into the RAM 103 and executed from a storage medium on which a program showing these procedures is recorded. Alternatively, the program may be acquired from a network.

  Here, the storage medium is a semiconductor storage medium such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic storage type storage medium such as FD or HD, an optical reading type storage medium such as CD, CDV, LD, or DVD, or a magnetic storage type such as MO. / Optical reading type storage media, including any storage media that can be read by a computer regardless of electronic, magnetic, optical, or other reading methods.

In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a reconfigurable print data generation apparatus, print data generation program, and print data generation method that dynamically change the print data generation hardware function. The present invention can be applied to other cases without departing from the spirit of the invention.
In the above embodiment, the paper size, the printing direction, the paper type, the printing color, and the printing quality are not limited to the examples, and other paper size, paper type, printing color, and printing quality items are set. It can also be provided.

  In the above embodiment, the hardware configuration information storage unit 125 and the print instruction application 126 are arranged on the host terminal 1 side. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the hardware configuration information storage unit 125 is not limited thereto. Can be arranged in another external apparatus, and a print instruction application can be arranged from another external apparatus via the host terminal 1.

In the above-described embodiment, two items of the printer model and print setting are exemplified as the print request. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other element can be set as the print request.
In the above-described embodiment, the example of selecting with a pointing device on the printer property screen such as basic settings and layout details is given. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and numbers are added and the numbers are input. It is also possible to select them.

  In the above embodiment, the user operation acquisition unit 123 is configured to pass the print settings to the hardware configuration information acquisition unit 122 at three timings. That is, (1) when the user presses the print setting completion button on the print setting user interface, (2) when the user switches the setting item screen on the printer selection screen or the print setting screen of the print setting user interface, (3) The configuration is such that the user passes the print setting when each selection is made in the setting item screen, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the print setting can be passed at a timing other than the above three timings. .

  In the above embodiment, when the reconfigurable print data generation device 11 is installed in the printer 2, when considering that a plurality of users share the printer 2, The invention can be effectively implemented. (1) Reconfiguration scheduling is performed in the printer. (2) A right token for performing reconfiguration processing is set in advance. (3) Although it is possible to implement it by adding reconfiguration information to the print request sent to the printer and adding hardware such as reconfiguring the hardware before the printer performs print processing, However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other effective configurations can be adopted.

It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the reconfigurable print data generation system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the reconfigurable print data generation system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a reconfiguration processing method of print data generation hardware when a printer is selected. 5 is a table showing examples of modules prepared for a printer, where (a) shows a layout arrangement module, (b) shows a device-specific color space conversion module, and (c) shows a binarization module. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a printer selection screen when a user selects a printer, in which FIG. 5A illustrates a printer being selected, FIG. 5B illustrates a printer selection, and FIG. 5C illustrates a print data generation hardware after reconfiguration is completed. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of default print settings of a printer. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a print setting screen when a user selects print settings to be used for printing. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a screen switching method in a reconfiguration processing method of print data generation hardware at the time of print setting. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a reconfiguration processing method of print data generation hardware at the time of print setting.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Host terminal, 2 ... Printer, 11 ... Print data generation apparatus, 12 ... Print data generation program, 22 ... Print processing controller, 101 ... CPU, 102 ... HDD, 103 ... RAM, 104 ... Input device, 105 ... Output device 106 ... I / F, 107 ... bus, 108 ... ROM, 111 ... print data generation hardware circuit, 121 ... hardware reconfiguration unit, 122 ... hardware configuration information acquisition unit, 123 ... user operation acquisition unit, 124 ... Print request processing unit, 125 ... hardware configuration information storage unit, 126 ... print instruction application, 127 ... input / output unit, 201 ... I / F, 202 ... printing unit

Claims (10)

A print data generation hardware circuit having a circuit element in which a hardware area is rewritable, and a host terminal that requests printing and a printer that performs printing in response to a print request from the host terminal are communicably connected. A print data generation system for reconfiguring the print data generation hardware circuit,
User operation acquisition means for acquiring a user operation related to print preparation;
Hardware configuration information acquisition means for acquiring hardware configuration information from a plurality of hardware configuration information;
Hardware reconfiguration means for reconfiguring the print data generation hardware circuit based on the hardware configuration information acquired by the hardware configuration information acquisition means,
A print data generation system, wherein reconfiguration by the hardware reconfiguration unit is performed at a timing when a user operation is acquired by the user operation acquisition unit. In claim 1,
The print data generation system, wherein the user operation acquisition means acquires an operation on a print setting user interface for a user to perform print settings. In claim 2,
The print setting user interface can input an operation for instructing completion of print settings,
The print data generation system characterized in that the user operation acquisition means acquires an operation for instructing completion of print setting among operations for the print setting user interface. In claim 2,
The print setting user interface has a plurality of print setting input screens and can input an operation for switching the print setting input screens.
The print data generation system characterized in that the user operation acquisition means acquires an operation for switching a print setting input screen among operations for the print setting user interface. In claim 2,
The print setting user interface can input an operation for selecting one of a plurality of print settings,
The print data generation system according to claim 1, wherein the user operation acquisition means acquires an operation for selecting a print setting among operations for the print setting user interface. In any one of Claims 1-5,
Hardware configuration information storage means for storing hardware configuration information, which is information constituting the print data generation hardware, is provided, and the hardware configuration information acquisition means receives hardware configuration information from the hardware configuration information storage means. A reconfigurable print data generation system characterized by being acquired. In any one of Claims 1-6,
A reconfigurable print data generation system, wherein the host terminal includes the print data generation hardware circuit. A print data generation hardware circuit that is connected to a printer that performs printing in response to a print request, requests printing to the printer, and includes a circuit element capable of rewriting a hardware area; A host terminal for reconfiguring the generating hardware circuit,
User operation acquisition means for acquiring a user operation related to print preparation;
Hardware configuration information acquisition means for acquiring hardware configuration information from a plurality of hardware configuration information;
Hardware reconfiguration means for reconfiguring the print data generation hardware circuit based on the hardware configuration information acquired by the hardware configuration information acquisition means,
A host terminal configured to perform reconfiguration by the hardware reconfiguration unit at a timing when a user operation is acquired by the user operation acquisition unit. In a host terminal having a print data generation hardware circuit that is connected to a printer that performs printing in response to a print request, requests printing to the printer, and includes a circuit element in which a hardware area can be rewritten, A print data generation program for a host terminal for reconfiguring the print data generation hardware circuit,
User operation acquisition means for acquiring a user operation related to print preparation;
Hardware configuration information acquisition means for acquiring hardware configuration information from among a plurality of hardware configuration information, and the print data generation hardware circuit based on the hardware configuration information acquired by the hardware configuration information acquisition means Causing the computer in the host terminal to execute processing realized as hardware reconfiguring means for reconfiguration,
A print data generation program for a host terminal, wherein reconfiguration by the hardware reconfiguration unit is performed at a timing when a user operation is acquired by the user operation acquisition unit. Reconfiguring a print data generation hardware circuit having a circuit element in which a hardware area can be rewritten by connecting a host terminal that requests printing and a printer that performs printing in response to a print request from the host terminal. A print data generation method for
A user operation acquisition step of acquiring a user operation related to print preparation;
A hardware configuration information acquisition step for acquiring hardware configuration information from a plurality of hardware configuration information;
A hardware reconfiguration step of reconfiguring the print data generation hardware circuit based on the hardware configuration information acquired by the hardware configuration information acquisition means,
A print data generation method, wherein reconfiguration by the hardware reconfiguration step is performed at a timing when a user operation is acquired in the user operation acquisition step.

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