JP2005339546A - Print control device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print control device capable of increasing speed by eliminating time required for a communication time of a parameter. <P>SOLUTION: This print control device is provided with a storage means for storing binary image data or multiple-value image data; a communication means for transmitting the image data stored in the storage means to an interface provided for a printer by converting the data; an image processing means for executing gradation processing of the image data stored in the storage means; and a process control means for recognizing print instructions and gradation control instructions from at least one host interface to control the storage means, the communication means and the image processing means. That is to say, the gradation control means, excluding a dithering process for printing half tone, is installed in the print control device as a printer machine, whereby the time required for a communication time of a parameter is eliminated to speed up. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a print control apparatus, and more specifically, image data is stored in a memory in response to a print command from a host computer, and when development of all the images of one page in the memory is completed, The present invention relates to a print control apparatus that executes printing with a color multi-value engine. In particular, the present invention relates to a print control apparatus that performs gradation processing in a print control apparatus without using gradation processing such as black and white or gamma processing by a color engine.

  As a method for performing gradation processing in a print control apparatus according to the prior art, there is a system as seen in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133260. In this method, first gradation processing means (binary dither processing circuit 5) for converting input image data into binary image data by area gradation processing, and the input image data form a matrix. A second gradation processing means (multi-value dither processing circuit 6) for performing area gradation processing by dither processing using each threshold value of the multi-value dither pattern and converting it into multi-value image data different from the original number of gradations; A gradation processing switching means (selector 4) for selecting one of the first and second gradation processing means and an image capable of storing a binary or multivalued image data bitmap for at least one page. A binary image or multi-valued image data converted by the memory (3) and the gradation processing means (5, 6) selected by the gradation processing switching means (4) is developed into a bitmap on the image memory (3). Exhibition Processing means in which is provided (CPU 2) and the.

  The matrix composed of the threshold values of the multi-value dither pattern may be a two-dimensional matrix, and the second gradation processing means sets the threshold values of the multi-value dither pattern forming the matrix. In some cases, a plurality of flip-flops are stored. Further, when the threshold corresponding to the pixel of interest in the input image data out of the thresholds used for the dither processing by the second gradation processing means deviates from the last threshold of the matrix row, There may be provided threshold value indicating means for indicating the address of the threshold value. Furthermore, a plurality of sets of first and second gradation processing means and gradation processing switching means are provided according to the number of color information of the input image data, and a plurality of sets of first or second image memories are provided. In some cases, a plurality of binary or multi-value image data bitmaps respectively converted by the gradation processing means can be stored for at least one page.

  Alternatively, it has a plurality of flip-flops that form a matrix by storing each threshold value of the dither pattern, and the area of the input image data by dithering using each threshold value stored in each of the plurality of flip-flops. Gradation processing means for converting to gradation-processed image data with gradation numbers different from the original gradation number, and corresponding to the target pixel in the input image data among the threshold values used for dither processing by the gradation processing means Threshold indicating means for instructing the address of the threshold of the next row corresponding to the target pixel when the threshold to deviate from the threshold of the last row of the rows of the matrix composed of a plurality of flip-flops; An image memory capable of storing a bitmap of binary or multi-value image data for a page, and binary or multi-value image data converted by the gradation processing means Sometimes provided and expansion processing means that can be stored in the bit map development on the memory. The matrix composed of the plurality of flip-flops is a two-dimensional matrix, and the threshold indicating means designates the first indicating means for indicating the address of the row to which the next threshold belongs and the first indicating the column address. In some cases, it may be constituted by two instruction means. Further, a plurality of gradation processing means are provided according to the number of pieces of color information of the input image data, and a plurality of binary or multi-value image data bitmaps respectively converted by the plurality of gradation processing means are stored in the image memory. In some cases, at least one page can be stored.

  The image processing apparatus configured in this way performs area gradation processing on the input image data, the first gradation processing means into binary image data, and the second gradation processing means as multi-value dither. The image data is converted into multi-value image data having different numbers of gradations by dither processing using each threshold value of the pattern. The gradation processing switching means switches between the first and second gradation processing means and selects one of them, and the expansion processing means expands the selected binary or multi-value image data into a bitmap on the image memory. Remember. Thus, by dividing the gradation processing means and providing the first and second gradation processing means independently of each other according to the binary and multi-value conversion processes, the respective conversion processes can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to select an optimum circuit configuration according to the processing speed, cost, etc., so that the performance of image processing can be improved and the cost can be minimized. Also, if a two-dimensional array matrix is formed by the threshold values of the multi-value dither pattern, it is not necessary to replace the threshold values of the one-dimensional row or column matrix every time the row or column changes, thereby increasing the processing speed. it can.

  The second gradation processing means has a plurality of flip-flops, and each threshold value of the multi-value dither pattern is stored in each of the flip-flops, thereby eliminating the need to use an expensive SRAM and reducing the cost. it can. The effect increases as the number of thresholds, that is, the number of flip-flops increases. In addition, when the threshold value for the target pixel of the input image data deviates from the last threshold value of the matrix row, the threshold value instruction unit instructs the address of the next threshold value corresponding to the target pixel to continue the processing. The direction or angle of the dot array formed by the area gradation processing can be arbitrarily set depending on the address of the next threshold value to be designated. Accordingly, it is possible to change the texture of the pixels formed without changing the matrix itself, and the processing speed is faster than when the matrix itself is changed.

  Further, a plurality of sets of first and second gradation processing means and gradation process switching means respectively convert the image memory in which the bitmap area is expanded in accordance with the number of pieces of color information of the input image data. A plurality of binary or multivalued image data bitmaps are developed. Therefore, by performing area gradation processing on multicolor image data in parallel, the processing time can be reduced to a fraction of that of serial processing for each color.

  Alternatively, the gradation processing unit performs area gradation processing on the input image data by dither processing using each threshold value stored in a plurality of flip-flops forming a matrix, so that the number of gradations different from the original number of gradations. The image data is converted into logarithmic image data, and the expanded image data is expanded and stored in the image memory by the expansion processing means. At this time, if the threshold value for the target pixel of the input image data deviates from the last threshold value of the matrix row, the address of the next threshold value corresponding to the target pixel is instructed to continue the processing. Therefore, the gradation processing means can be changed to binary image data or multi-value image data depending on each threshold value stored in a plurality of flip-flops and the structure of the matrix to be formed. The direction or angle of the dot arrangement can be arbitrarily set depending on the threshold address. Furthermore, compared with the case where the first and second gradation processing means are provided, the configuration is simple and the cost can be reduced.

  Further, a plurality of flip-flops constitute a two-dimensional array matrix, and the threshold value indicating means includes first and second indicating means for indicating the row to which the next threshold value belongs and the address of the row, respectively. Not only when the threshold corresponding to the pixel is out of the last threshold of the matrix row, but also when the threshold is out of the last row of the matrix, the address of the next threshold can be easily indicated. Increases speed. Further, a plurality of binary or multivalued image data respectively converted by a plurality of gradation processing means are converted into a bitmap in an image memory having a bitmap area expanded in accordance with the number of pieces of color information of the input image data. expand. Therefore, the processing time can be reduced to a fraction by performing area gradation processing on multicolor image data in parallel.

Japanese Patent Application No. 6-328951

  However, the above-described configuration in which the print control device is connected to a printer engine using an electrophotographic method such as black and white or a color copying machine can perform only image processing such as gradation processing and texture expression as a printer, and printing. The image quality was reduced. Also, when image processing is performed using a gamma processing circuit in the copier itself, each time when switching between copying and printer operations due to the difference in printing characteristics between the copied manuscript and the printer manuscript, Since the parameters were changed, the operating speed was also reduced.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems caused by the above-described conventional print control apparatus, and it is a first object to provide a print control apparatus that can eliminate the time required for parameter communication and increase the speed. Objective. A second object of the present invention is to provide a print control apparatus having further improved functions. It is a third object of the present invention to provide a print control apparatus that can absorb a difference in interface specifications with a printer engine and connect one print control apparatus to a plurality of types of printer engines. It is a fourth object of the present invention to provide a print control apparatus capable of inverting an output image without using a plurality of output circuits and having an improved function without increasing costs. A fifth object of the present invention is to provide a printing control apparatus with improved functions without increasing costs. A sixth object of the present invention is to provide a printing control apparatus with improved printing quality. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus capable of processing image data read by a scanner in a print control apparatus when a black and white and color copier is connected. Objective. Further, according to the present invention, when the image data stored in the multi-level frame memory is connected to a printer engine capable of outputting more gradations, the print control apparatus can store image data that could not be output to the printer engine interface. It is an eighth object of the present invention to provide a print control apparatus that can output gradation.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, storage means for storing binary image data or multi-value image data, and communication means for converting the image data stored in the storage means into an interface of the printing apparatus and sending it out And image processing means for performing gradation processing on the image data stored in the storage means, and a print command and gradation control command from at least one host interface are recognized, the storage means, the communication means, and the The processing control means for controlling the image processing means is provided in the print control apparatus to achieve the first object. That is, by providing gradation processing means other than dither processing for printing halftones as a printer in the print control apparatus, the time required for parameter communication time is eliminated, and the speed is increased.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the first aspect, the image processing means achieves the second object by including a gamma processing function for removing variations due to characteristics unique to the printing apparatus. To do. In other words, the function is improved by averaging the difference in characteristics due to variations inherent in the printer engine by the electrophotographic method and performing gamma processing for improving the print quality.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the first aspect, the image processing means has a function of inverting and outputting the image data, thereby achieving the third object. That is, by enabling the output by inverting the image, the difference in the interface specifications with the printer engine is absorbed, and the function can be achieved by connecting one print control apparatus to a plurality of types of printer engines. Improve.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the first aspect, the image processing means is constituted by a RAM capable of writing and reading at any time, thereby achieving the fourth object. That is, by using a RAM in which the image processing apparatus in the print control apparatus can be written as needed, the output image can be inverted without using a plurality of output circuits as in the method according to claim 2. Improve functionality without increasing costs.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the first aspect, the storage means stores binary image data or multi-value image data in a plurality of colors simultaneously, and the image processing means. By providing one, the fifth object is achieved. That is, when connecting to a color printer engine, when performing a printing operation, the image data for each color is transferred, so only one image processing device in the print control device is provided, and each color is output. By setting parameters, it is possible to improve the function without increasing the cost by eliminating the need for a multi-color circuit.

  The image data according to claim 6 is a storage means for storing binary image data, a communication means for converting the image data stored in the storage means into an interface of the printing apparatus, and the communication means. Image processing means for performing gradation processing on the image data output from the printer, and recognizing a print command and a gradation control command from at least one host interface, and controlling the storage means, the communication means, and the image processing means And a processing control means for achieving the sixth object. Step: When the image data developed in binary is output to the printer engine, it is possible to output values other than the maximum density and the minimum density of the image, thereby improving the print quality.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the seventh object is achieved by configuring the image processing means to be capable of bidirectional input / output. In other words, by configuring the image processing apparatus in the printing control apparatus of the system according to claim 6 so as to be capable of bidirectional input / output, an image read by a scanner when a monochrome and color copier is connected. The function of the data is also improved by enabling image processing in the print control apparatus.

  In the invention described in claim 8, the storage means for storing the multi-valued image data and the format having a larger number of bits than the image data stored in the storage means are converted into the interface of the printing apparatus. Communication means for sending out, image processing means for performing gradation processing on image data output from the communication means, a print command and a gradation control command from at least one host interface are recognized, and the storage means, The communication control unit and a processing control unit for controlling the image processing unit are provided in a print control apparatus to achieve the eighth object. In other words, after image processing is performed, the image data stored in the multi-level frame memory is connected to a printer engine capable of outputting more gradations by converting the interface data to be sent to the printer engine. At the same time, the print control apparatus improves the function by enabling the output of the gradation of the image data that could not be output to the interface of the printer engine.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the seventh object is achieved by configuring the image processing means to be capable of bidirectional input / output. That is, by configuring the image processing apparatus in the printing control apparatus according to claim 8 so as to be capable of bidirectional input / output, an image read by a scanner when a black-and-white and color copying machine is connected. The function of the data is improved by enabling image processing in the print control apparatus.

  According to the printing control apparatus of the first aspect, the printer has the gradation processing means other than the dither processing for printing the halftone, thereby eliminating the time required for the parameter communication time and increasing the speed. It becomes possible. In addition, according to the print control apparatus of the second aspect, a function that can perform a gamma process for improving the print quality by averaging the difference in characteristics due to variations inherent in the printer engine by the electrophotographic method is provided. Can be improved. In addition, according to the print control apparatus of the third aspect, by enabling the output by inverting the image, the difference in the specification of the interface with the printer engine is absorbed, and a plurality of types of print control apparatuses can be used. The function can be improved by connecting to the printer engine. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of output circuits are used as in the method according to the second aspect by using a RAM that can write the image processing apparatus in the print control apparatus 11 at any time. Since it is possible to invert the output image even without it, the function can be improved without increasing the cost. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when a printing operation is performed when connecting to a color printer engine, image data for each color is transferred. By having only one processing device and setting parameters at the time of outputting each color, it is possible to improve the function without increasing the cost by eliminating the need for a multi-color circuit.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, when the image data expanded in binary is output to the printer engine, the maximum density of the image and values other than the minimum density can be output. The print quality can be improved. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus in the print control apparatus according to the sixth aspect is configured so as to be capable of bidirectional input / output, so that black and white and color copying can be performed. When the machine is connected, the image data read by the scanner can be processed in the print control apparatus, and the function can be improved.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the image data stored in the multi-value frame memory is converted from the image data stored in the multi-value frame memory by converting the image data into the interface format to be sent to the printer engine after image processing. When connecting to a printer engine capable of outputting a large number of gradations, the print control apparatus can improve the function by enabling the gradation of image data that could not be output to the interface of the printer engine. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus in the print control apparatus according to the eighth aspect is configured so as to be capable of bidirectional input / output, thereby reproducing black and white and color. When the machine is connected, the image data read by the scanner can be processed in the print control apparatus, so that the function can be improved.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the print control apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printing control apparatus and peripheral devices connected thereto. As shown in FIG. 2, the print control apparatus 11 is connected to at least one host computer 10 and a digital copying machine 19. In the host computer 11, a user creates a document to be printed and supplies a print command and image data to the print control device 11. The digital copying machine 19 includes a printer engine, and executes printing by an electrophotographic method.

  The print control device 11 includes a host interface 12, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 13, a RAM 14, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 15, a data conversion device 16, an image processing device 17, and a video interface 18. The host interface 12 is connected to the host computer 10 and receives a print command from the host computer 10 so as to transmit the print command to the CPU 13 by an interrupt or the like.

  The RAM 14 is a random access memory that stores data such as image data supplied from the host computer 10. The RAM 14 has a capacity larger than that for storing image data in multiple values. The ROM 15 is a read-only memory in which various programs and data necessary for the CPU 13 to perform printing control are stored. The data converter 16 converts the number of gradations of the image data stored in the RAM 14 into the number of gradations that can be output by the digital copying machine 19. The image processing device 17 performs image adjustment such as gamma conversion and maximum density adjustment. The video interface 18 is connected to the digital copying machine 19 and outputs image data processed by the image processing device 17.

  Next, the operation of the embodiment configured as described above will be described. A user creates a document to be printed on the host computer 10, issues a print command to the print control device 11, and outputs image data. In the print control apparatus 11, when a print command is issued from the host interface 12, it is transmitted to the CPU 13 by an interrupt or the like, and the CPU 13 writes the transmitted image data as a bit image on the RAM 14.

  At this time, if the print command from the host computer 10 is designated as a multi-value, among the image data sent from the host computer 10, the data represented by the halftone is the halftone value as it is or The dithered value is written into the RAM 14. For example, image data per pixel is normally specified by 8 bits from the host computer, but if the capacity of the RAM 14 can be stored in 8 bits, it is written in 8 bits and the capacity is only 4 bits. In this case, dither processing is performed, and 4-bit data is written in the RAM 14.

  When all the image data from the host computer 10 has been expanded into bit images in binary or multi-value in the RAM 14, the CPU 13 notifies the digital copying machine 19 that the preparation of the image data has been completed, and the digital copying machine 19 Make sure that it is not being used in a copy operation, and issue a print command. When the print control signal is asserted from the digital copying machine 19, the print control device 11 performs DMA (direct memory access) and sends the image data stored in the RAM 14 to the data conversion device 16.

  In the data converter 16, when the number of gradations of the image data stored in the RAM 14 is smaller than the number of gradations of the digital copying machine capable of multi-value output, the data can be repeated and output from the digital copying machine. Convert back to the number of tones. For example, when outputting to a digital copying machine capable of outputting 8 bits (256 gradations), the image data stored in the RAM 14 is 1 bit (2 gradations), 2 bits (4 gradations) per pixel. In the case of 4 bits (16 gradations), as shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, each bit is expanded and converted back to image data of 256 gradations. Supply.

  The image processing device 17 performs processing such as gamma conversion and maximum density adjustment on the image data converted by the data conversion device 16. Here, the gamma conversion is to adjust the value of the output image with respect to the input image in order to absorb the difference in the output density characteristic due to the individual difference on the printer engine of the digital copying machine 19. In addition, the maximum density adjustment takes into account that if a value close to the maximum density (0xFF in the case of 8 bits) is printed by an electrophotographic method, toner may be scattered on the output image or cause mechanical failure. The data is adjusted to a certain value. The image data adjusted by the image processing device 17 in this way is sent to the digital copying machine 19 through the video interface 18. In the digital copying machine 19, printing by the electrophotographic method is executed in accordance with the input image data.

  Note that there are various formats when passing through the video interface 18 depending on the connected digital copying machine 19, and some image data is inverted. Therefore, at the time of output, the image data is inverted and output is performed. It is also possible to switch between when to let it go. In addition, when the gamma conversion circuit of the image processing device 17 is composed of a RAM that can be written as needed, it is possible to invert data without an image data inversion circuit.

  Furthermore, when printing in color, the gamma conversion usually requires four types of gamma tables of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black). Since the configuration is the same, when the configuration of the video interface 18 outputs one color at a time, the configuration is only one circuit. Since the copying machine is equipped with a scanner, if the image processing device 17 is configured to be capable of bidirectional input / output, the print control device 11 can be used as a scanner, and the configuration of the image processing device 17 It can also be used as a binarization process of image data or a gamma processing apparatus for a scanner.

  Next, specific examples of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the print control apparatus 11 in this embodiment. The same parts as those of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The print control apparatus includes a mode register 20 and a gamma conversion circuit 21.

  The mode register 20 stores setting values such as a printer / scanner, 1 bit / 2 bits / 4 bits / 8 bits, and the like. The gamma conversion circuit 21 is composed of a RAM, and conversion values that match the characteristics of the digital copying machine connected by the CPU 13 are written in a table format as shown in FIG. Further, when the image is inverted and output, as shown in FIG. 8, the value of the gamma conversion table is output when the value of the input image data is small, and when the value of the input image data is large, It is set to output a small value.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. In the same manner as described in the operation of the above embodiment, the image data sent from the host computer 10 is expanded in the RAM 14 as a bitmap. However, in this embodiment, the RAM 14 is assumed to be able to store a 4-bit multi-value gradation. Since 4-bit data can be handled, the RAM 14 stores data having values in 16 steps from 0x0 to 0xF. The connected digital copying machine can output 8-bit (256 gradations) data.

  When all the image data is developed on the RAM 14, the image data is sent from the RAM 14 to the video interface 18, and at that time, the printer / scanner, 1 bit / 2 bits / 4 bits / 8 stored in the mode register 20 are sent. Image data is converted with reference to set values such as bits. When the video DMA operation starts, the image data on the RAM 14 is input to the data conversion device 16 through the CPU bus, and the gradation of the mode register is designated to 4 bits in advance, so the table shown in FIG. The bit is expanded according to the above and output as 8-bit data. However, although this embodiment describes the case of 4 bits, even in the case of 1 bit and 2 bits, the conversion table of FIG. 5 only changes to FIG. 3 and FIG. is not.

  The image data output from the data converter 16 is converted again into data to be referred to by the gamma conversion circuit 21. For example, when the image data output from the data conversion device 16 is 0x11, the value of the output data in the reference table of FIG. 7 is 0x13, so this value is output as new image data. When the image is inverted and output, the gamma conversion table in FIG. 8 outputs a large value when the value of the input image data is small, and outputs a small value when the input image data is a large value.

  Further, by applying gamma conversion to the output of the data conversion device 16, the gamma conversion is applied to 4-bit (16 gradations) image data and then input to the data conversion device 16. The number of data that can be output does not change in 16 ways within one video DMA, but it is possible to output halftone values further than the gradations represented by 16 gradations such as 0x13 and 0xEC. When the 4-bit (16 gradation) image data is subjected to gamma conversion and then input to the data conversion device 16, the output image data values are 0x00, 0x11,. The number of values is limited to 16 values that are repeated 4 bits. In addition, if 16 types of input gamma conversion are performed with 16 types of input, the same output image data may be obtained for different input image data. As a result, the number of gradations that can be output is reduced. There is a case.

  With the configuration of the embodiment described above, gamma conversion can be performed without using a gamma processing circuit in the copying machine, so that not only the processing speed can be increased but also various video interfaces 1 can be used. Therefore, even image data that is bitmap-developed with a small number of gradations can be handled as image data with a large number of gradations.

It is a block diagram of the printing control apparatus which performs the conventional gradation process. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating peripheral devices connected to the configuration of the embodiment of the print control apparatus of the present invention. 4 is a conversion table for bit-extending 2-gradation image data stored in a RAM and converting it to 256-gradation image data in the data conversion apparatus of the embodiment. 4 is a conversion table for bit-extending 4-gradation image data stored in a RAM and converting it to 256-gradation image data in the data conversion apparatus of the embodiment. 4 is a conversion table for bit-extending 16-gradation image data stored in a RAM and converting it to 256-gradation image data in the data conversion apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating a specific example of a print control apparatus according to the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the conversion table in the gamma conversion circuit of an Example same as the above. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a conversion table when an image is inverted and output in the gamma conversion circuit of the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10 Host Computer 11 Print Control Device 12 Host Interface 13 CPU
14 RAM
15 ROM
16 Data converter 17 Image processor 18 Video interface 19 Digital copier 20 Mode register 21 Gamma conversion circuit

Claims (9)

Storage means for storing binary image data or multi-value image data;
Communication means for converting the image data stored in the storage means into an interface of the printing apparatus and sending out the data;
Image processing means for performing gradation processing of image data stored in the storage means;
A printing control apparatus comprising: a processing control unit that recognizes a printing command and a gradation control command from at least one host interface and controls the storage unit, the communication unit, and the image processing unit. .   The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit includes a gamma processing function that removes variations due to characteristics unique to the printing apparatus.   The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image processing unit has a function of inverting and outputting the image data.   The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit is configured by a RAM that can be written and read at any time.   The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores binary image data or multi-value image data in a plurality of colors at the same time, and includes one image processing unit. Storage means for storing binary image data;
Communication means for converting the image data stored in the storage means into an interface of the printing apparatus and sending out the data;
Image processing means for performing gradation processing of image data output from the communication means;
Processing control means for recognizing a print command and a gradation control command from at least one host interface and controlling the storage means, the communication means, and the image processing means;
A printing control apparatus comprising:   The print control apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image processing unit is configured to be capable of bidirectional input / output. Storage means for storing multi-valued image data;
A communication unit that expands to a format having a larger number of bits than the image data stored in the storage unit, converts it into an interface of the printing apparatus, and sends it out;
Image processing means for performing gradation processing on the image data output from the communication means;
A printing control apparatus comprising: a processing control unit that recognizes a printing command and a gradation control command from at least one host interface and controls the storage unit, the communication unit, and the image processing unit. . The print control apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image processing unit is configured to be capable of bidirectional input / output.

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