JP2006285720A - Printer, data transfer method, and program for executing the method by computer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer capable of saving large quantities of data in a recording medium of an output destination, and thus reducing an error in transferring data. <P>SOLUTION: The printer can save the data to be printed in the recording medium 111 in a plurality of data saving formats, and is provided with a remaining capacity acquiring part 105 for detecting a remaining capacity for further recording data out of a recording capacity of the recording medium 111, a data format selecting part 104 for selecting a data saving format for saving the data to be output to the recording medium 111 within a range of the remaining capacity on the basis of the detected remaining capacity and data quantities to be output to the recording medium 111, a data storage part 103 for outputting the data to be output to the recording medium 111 in a format selected by the data format selecting part 104, and a recording device selecting part 107. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer, a data transfer method, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method, and more particularly to a virtual printer that outputs data to an electronic medium, a data transfer method in the printer, and a method for causing the computer to execute the method. Related to the program.

  Currently, there are printers that store data passed to a host computer in a file without printing it on a paper medium. Such a printer is also called a virtual printer. In recent years, reading terminals such as electronic books have been put into practical use, and virtual printers are used for storing data created or downloaded by a computer in a recording medium. The reading terminal connects such a recording medium to read and display data.

As a conventional technique for storing data in a recording medium using a virtual printer, for example, Patent Document 1 can be cited. In Patent Document 1, data output from a virtual printer is stored in a recording medium to create multimedia content.
JP-A-11-154154

However, the above-described conventional technology stores the data output from the virtual printer by designating the memory built in the reading terminal or the removable media. The built-in memory and removable media of a reading terminal generally have a recording capacity of several megabytes to several hundred megabytes.
On the other hand, the memory in which the print data of the host computer is built has a larger recording capacity than that of the built-in memory and removable media, and often stores content with a large amount of data. For this reason, when the virtual printer stores the data of the host computer in the built-in memory or the removable medium of the reading terminal, the transfer may fail because the remaining capacity of the storage destination is small.

When data transfer fails, in the prior art, an error is notified to the user, and data transfer and storage must be stopped. In the prior art, when resuming the suspended data transfer and storage, it is necessary to delete a file in the removable medium to increase the free space or to prepare another removable medium.
In such a prior art, the user needs to pay attention to the remaining capacity of the removable medium and the amount of data to be transferred when transferring data. This has been one of the causes of impairing the operability of the virtual printer in the prior art.

Further, in the conventional technology, when the amount of data to be output exceeds the remaining capacity of the removable medium, the data cannot be stored in the removable medium. For this reason, the remaining capacity of the removable media cannot be effectively used for the reading terminal.
Furthermore, in the prior art, it is conceivable to divide content having a large amount of data and store it on a plurality of removable media. However, the need for a plurality of removable media to view one content also reduces usability for a reading terminal that is often carried with the removable media.

  The present invention has been made in view of these points, and can provide a printer that can store a larger amount of data in an output-destination recording apparatus such as a removable medium, and therefore has fewer data transfer errors. The purpose is to do.

  In order to solve the above problems, the printer of the present invention is a printer capable of storing input data in a recording device in a plurality of data storage formats, and can further record data out of the recording capacity of the recording device. Based on the remaining capacity detecting means for detecting the remaining capacity which is the recording capacity, and information including the remaining capacity detected by the remaining capacity detecting means and the amount of data to be output to the recording apparatus. A storage format selection means for selecting a data storage format capable of storing data to be stored within the remaining capacity range, and data to be output to the recording apparatus is output to the recording apparatus in a format selected by the storage format selection means And a data output means.

  According to such an invention, based on the detected remaining capacity and information including the amount of data to be output to the recording apparatus, a data storage format capable of storing the data to be output to the recording apparatus within the range of the remaining capacity Can be selected. In addition, since the data to be output can be output to the recording device in a selected format, the possibility that the output data cannot be stored in the recording device is reduced, and the processing and time required for generating the output data are reduced. Never waste. Further, it is not necessary for the user to pay attention to the remaining capacity of the recording apparatus and the amount of data transferred when transferring data, and the operability of the printer can be improved. According to the present invention, a larger amount of data can be stored in an output destination recording apparatus such as a removable medium, and therefore a printer with less data transfer error can be provided.

  In the printer according to the present invention, the storage format selection unit converts the input data into one of the data storage formats, the amount of data converted by the data conversion unit, and the remaining data. A data amount comparing means for comparing with the remaining capacity detected by the capacity detecting means, and the data converting means has a result of comparison by the data amount comparing means that the amount of converted data is larger than the remaining capacity The data is converted into a data storage format that is different from the data storage format in which the data was previously converted until the amount of the converted data becomes smaller than the remaining capacity.

According to such an invention, the data to be output can be more reliably converted into a data amount less than the remaining capacity. For this reason, it is possible to provide a printer with improved reliability of storing data and with fewer data transfer errors.
The printer of the present invention is also configured to accept designation of a data storage format different from the data storage format in which the data has been converted first when the amount of converted data is greater than the remaining capacity as a result of the comparison by the data amount comparison means. It further comprises receiving means.

According to such an invention, the user can select the preferred data storage format and convert the data. For this reason, a user's liking can be reflected more in the preservation | save system in the data recording device.
The printer according to the present invention is characterized in that when the input data is composed of a plurality of pages, the storage format selection means selects a data storage format for each page.

According to such an invention, it is possible to select an effective data storage format for each page according to the image or text content of the page, and a higher print data compression rate can be obtained.
The data transfer method of the present invention is a data transfer method applied to a printer that can store input data in a recording device in a plurality of data storage formats, and further includes data out of the recording capacity of the recording device. On the basis of a remaining capacity detecting step for detecting a remaining capacity, which is a recording capacity capable of recording, and information including the remaining capacity detected in the remaining capacity detecting step and the amount of data to be output to the recording device A storage format selection step for selecting a data storage format capable of storing data to be output to the apparatus within the range of the remaining capacity; and data to be output to the recording device is converted into the format selected in the storage format selection step. And a data conversion step.

  According to such an invention, based on the detected remaining capacity and information including the amount of data to be output to the recording apparatus, a data storage format capable of storing the data to be output to the recording apparatus within the range of the remaining capacity Can be selected. In addition, since the data to be output can be output to the recording device in a selected format, the possibility that the output data cannot be stored in the recording device is reduced, and the processing and time required for generating the output data are reduced. Never waste. Further, it is not necessary for the user to pay attention to the remaining capacity of the recording apparatus and the amount of data transferred when transferring data, and the operability of the printer can be improved. According to the present invention, it is possible to store a larger amount of data in an output destination recording apparatus such as a removable medium, and therefore it is possible to provide a data transfer method with less data transfer errors.

  A program for causing a computer to execute the data transfer method of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute a data transfer method applied to a printer capable of storing input data in a recording device in a plurality of data storage formats. A remaining capacity detecting step for detecting a remaining capacity that is a recording capacity capable of further recording data among the recording capacities of the recording apparatus, a remaining capacity detected in the remaining capacity detecting step, and the recording apparatus A storage format selection step for selecting a data storage format in which data to be output to the recording device can be stored within a range of remaining capacity based on information including the amount of data to be output, and output to the recording device A data conversion step of converting the data into the format selected in the storage format selection step. To.

  According to such an invention, based on the detected remaining capacity and information including the amount of data to be output to the recording apparatus, a data storage format capable of storing the data to be output to the recording apparatus within the range of the remaining capacity Can be selected. In addition, since the data to be output can be output to the recording device in a selected format, the possibility that the output data cannot be stored in the recording device is reduced, and the processing and time required for generating the output data are reduced. Never waste. Further, it is not necessary for the user to pay attention to the remaining capacity of the recording apparatus and the amount of data transferred when transferring data, and the operability of the printer can be improved. The present invention provides a program for enabling a computer to execute a data transfer method that enables a larger amount of data to be stored in an output-destination recording device such as a removable medium, and therefore has fewer data transfer errors. can do.

Embodiments 1 to 3 of a printer, a data transfer method, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
The printers according to the first to third embodiments are virtual printers that store print data as a file on a recording medium instead of outputting the print data to paper or the like. The virtual printer is realized by causing software of a printer driver to operate on a computer and causing the computer to operate as a virtual printer. The configuration shown in FIG. 1 shows the hardware of a computer that operates as a virtual printer.

In the first to third embodiments, a personal computer is used as the host computer in any case, and the personal computer is hereinafter referred to as a PC.
The PC includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 122 that controls the entire PC, an operating system (HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 130 in which an OS program and the like are recorded), and an HDD controller that controls the operation of the HDD 130. 126 is provided.

The PC also includes a ROM 123 that stores programs and data used for the control of the CPU 122, a RAM 124 that is used as a work memory for operations performed by the CPU 122, and the like for displaying the control results and generated images. A display 121 and a display controller 125 for controlling the display 121 are provided.
The PC also includes a keyboard 133 and a keyboard controller 129 for the user to input instructions to the PC.

Further, the PC can use a content stored in the removable medium by attaching a removable medium such as a memory stick. For this purpose, a media drive 132 and a media I / F 128 are provided.
Further, the PC includes a CD / DVD driver 131 that is a CD (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) driver, and a CD / DVD driver controller 127 that operates the CD / DVD driver 131.

  The PC shown in FIG. 1 executes an initialization program stored in the ROM 123 when the power is turned on. By executing the initialization program, the HDD controller 126, the CD / DVD drive controller 127, the keyboard controller 129, and the display controller 125 are initialized. Next, the OS recorded in the HDD 130 is read onto the RAM 124 and the OS is executed. Thereafter, the media I / F 128 is initialized by the driver stored in the HDD 130 and the media drive 132 becomes usable.

  The user inputs an instruction for printing or the like to the CPU 122 via the keyboard 133. The CPU 122 receives an instruction via the keyboard controller and controls other components in accordance with the instruction. If the input instruction is printing, the printer driver of this embodiment (a program for causing the computer to execute the data transfer method of this embodiment) is read from the HDD 130 and stored in the RAM 124 to execute the operation as a printer. To do.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the PC shown in FIG. 1 and shows functions used for operating the PC as a virtual printer. However, the recording medium 111 is a detachable removable medium and is not included in the host computer.
The PC shown in FIG. 2 functions as a virtual printer that stores input data as a file in the recording medium 111 or the RAM 124 in a plurality of formats. For this reason, the PC detects, from the recording medium 111 or the RAM 124, a remaining capacity acquisition unit 105 that detects a remaining capacity that is a recording capacity capable of further recording data, the remaining capacity detected by the remaining capacity acquisition unit 105, and the recording medium 111 or Based on the information including the amount of data to be output to the RAM 124, the data format selection unit 104 that selects a format in which the data to be output can be stored within the remaining capacity range, the recording medium 111, or the data to be output to the RAM 124 The data storage unit 103 and the recording device selection unit 107 output to the recording medium 111 or the RAM 124 in the format selected by the data format selection unit 104.

The recording device selection unit 107 selects the recording medium 111 or the RAM 124 as a data storage destination. In each of Embodiments 1 to 3 of the present invention, an example in which the recording device selection unit 107 selects the recording medium 111 as a data storage destination will be described.
Further, in order to realize the above-described operation, when the data format selected by the data format selection unit 104 and the current format of the data to be output are different, the PC changes this data format to the data format selection unit 104. Is provided with a data format conversion unit 102 that converts the data selected by the above. The data format conversion unit 102 and the data format selection unit 104 constitute a storage format selection unit according to the first embodiment.

  Further, the PC includes a print data acquisition unit 106 for acquiring data to be printed (print data). The print data is recorded in a recording device such as the HDD 130, CD, or DVD, and the recording device selection unit 107 selects any one of the HDD 130, CD, or DVD as the print data acquisition destination. Note that a plurality of various drives such as the media drive 132 may exist.

In FIG. 2 described above, the solid line indicates the flow of control and parameters, and the broken line indicates the data flow.
The configuration described above operates as follows. That is, when the user instructs the PC to store data on the recording medium 111 (print instruction), the print data acquisition unit 106 reads the instructed print data via the recording device selection unit 107. The read print data is stored in the RAM 124.

  For example, when the user's instruction is “print a document recorded in the HDD”, the print data acquisition unit 106 instructs the recording device selection unit 107 to “select an HDD”. The recording device selection unit 107 reads the print data by accessing the HDD 130 and stores the read print data in the RAM 124. Note that the print data may be stored in the RAM 124. In such a case, the process of saving the print data in the RAM 124 can be omitted.

  Note that the user generally designates a storage destination as well as a print data acquisition destination when instructing printing. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user has instructed to print (save) a document recorded in the HDD on the recording medium 111. It is assumed that the recording device selection unit 107 also holds information that the print data acquisition destination is the HDD and the storage destination is the recording medium 111. The storage destination information held in the recording device selection unit 107 is used in the subsequent print data storage process.

  After the print data is stored in the RAM 124, the remaining capacity acquisition unit 105 acquires the remaining capacity of the recording device (the recording medium 111 in the present embodiment) that is the storage destination of the acquired print data. To acquire the remaining capacity, the remaining capacity acquisition unit 105 instructs the recording device selection unit 107 to select a recording device in which print data is stored, and the recording device selection unit 107 selects the recording medium 111. Then, the remaining capacity of the recording medium 111 is notified to the remaining capacity acquisition unit 105. The remaining capacity acquisition unit 105 further notifies the data format selection unit 104 of the acquired remaining capacity.

The data format selection unit 104 instructs the data format conversion unit 102 to convert the data format of the print data stored in the RAM 124 by specifying the data format. The data format specified in this operation is a format predetermined as a format used for the first conversion or a format specified by the user.
The data format conversion unit 102 converts print data in a specified format in accordance with an instruction from the data format selection unit 104. The converted print data is temporarily written back to the RAM 124. At this time, the data format conversion unit 102 records the data size of the print data after the data format conversion and notifies the data format selection unit 104 of the data size.

  The data format selection unit 104 compares the data size notified by the data format conversion unit 102 with the remaining capacity notified by the remaining capacity acquisition unit 105. As a result of the comparison, if the data size notified by the data format conversion unit 102 is larger than the remaining capacity, that is, if the print data cannot be stored in the recording medium 111 as it is, the data format selection unit 104 determines the data format again The conversion is instructed to the data format conversion unit 102.

  In the data format conversion again, the data format selection unit 104 instructs the data format conversion unit 102 to use a data format different from the previous conversion. In the first embodiment, the determination is made by informing the user that the print data cannot be stored and by selecting another data format. The comparison between the converted data size and the remaining capacity and the data format re-conversion are repeated until the print data has a data size that can be stored in the recording medium 111. However, when the user instructs to stop the data re-conversion, the user's instruction is followed.

  In the first embodiment, a message indicating that the print data cannot be stored is displayed on the display 121. The user sees the message and recognizes that the print data cannot be stored in the current data storage format. Then, using the keyboard 133, a data storage format different from the data storage format obtained by previously converting the data is designated. In the first embodiment, the display 121 and the keyboard 133 function as designation receiving means.

If the data format selection unit 104 determines that the print data can be stored in the recording medium 111 as a result of the comparison, the data format selection unit 104 instructs the data storage unit 103 to store the data. The data storage unit 103 selects the recording medium 111 via the recording device selection unit 107 and transfers the print data. The transferred print data is stored in the recording medium 111.
Here, each feature of the print data storage format is shown in FIG. 3 and described. It is assumed that the printer of the first embodiment can store data in four formats: bitmap, JPEG, embedded font data + text, and plain text.

  The bitmap format is a data format that can be used for text representing characters and images representing photographs and drawings. In addition, the data processing load is low and the reproducibility of print data is high, but the data format is disadvantageous for reducing the data amount. The JPEG format can also be used for both text and images. In addition, the load on data processing is lower than that in the bitmap format, which is more advantageous for reducing the amount of data. However, the image quality of the printed image is inferior to that of the bitmap format.

  The combination of embedded font data and text and plain text are data storage formats that can be used only for text. The combination of the embedded font data and the text is advantageous for reducing the amount of data and has high image reproducibility. However, there is a drawback that it takes time to process data. Also, it cannot be used when the font creator does not permit font embedding in the document.

Plain text can have a smaller data amount than embedded font data. Moreover, it is not necessary to obtain the permission of the font creator for use. However, it takes time to process the data, and there is a drawback that the reproducibility of the font is easily lost because the font data is replaced with other font data when the reading data is not in the reading-only terminal.
In the first embodiment, the user designates the data format in consideration of such characteristics of the data storage format. The printer converts the print data into the designated data format, and determines whether the converted capacity is equal to or less than the remaining capacity. Then, the print data is stored in the recording medium 111 when the remaining capacity is reached.

In the first embodiment, the print data can be converted into the data format most strongly desired by the user among the data formats that allow the print data to be stored in the recording medium 111.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the data transfer method in the printer of the first embodiment described above.

  When the PC starts operating as a printer, the data format selection unit 104 sets the file format of print data to be output to the recording medium 111 to a predetermined format (S401). In the first embodiment, it is assumed that a prescribed format is set in a bitmap. If the print data is not in the bitmap format, the data format converter 102 converts it to the bitmap format (S402). The conversion of print data is referred to as output data generation in the flowchart.

  After the conversion, the data format selection unit 104 acquires the remaining capacity (free capacity) of the recording medium 111 (S403) and compares it with the data amount of the converted print data (S404). As a result of the comparison, if the data amount of the print data is equal to or less than the free capacity (S404: Yes), the generated output data is transferred by the data storage unit 103 and the recording device selection unit 107 and stored in the recording medium 111. (S406).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S404 that the amount of generated output data is greater than or equal to the remaining capacity (S404: No), the data format selection unit 104 notifies the display controller 125 to print to the user. Notifying that the data cannot be stored in the recording medium 111, and inquiring the user about another desired data format (S405).

  After the inquiry, the data format selection unit 104 determines whether the user has given an instruction to cancel printing (S407). When printing cancellation is instructed (S407: Yes), an error message “printing has been stopped” is displayed on the display 121 (S409), and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if there is no instruction to cancel printing (S409: No), the output file format is set as the data storage format designated by the user (S408). The data format conversion unit 102 converts the print data again in this data storage format (S402).

  Note that a program for causing a computer to execute the data transfer method of the present embodiment described above is a CD-ROM, floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD) in an installable or executable format file in addition to a PC ROM. ) And recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a DVD. Further, a program for causing a computer to execute the data transfer method of the present embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network.

The printer and the data transfer method of the first embodiment described above and the program for causing the computer to execute the method are output because the print data can be converted into a selected format and output to a recording medium or the like. The possibility that data cannot be stored in the recording medium is reduced, and processing and time required for generating data for output to the recording medium are not wasted. Further, it is not necessary for the user to pay attention to the remaining capacity of the recording medium and the amount of data transferred when transferring data, and the operability of the printer can be improved. According to the present invention, a larger amount of data can be stored on a recording medium or the like, and therefore data transfer errors can be reduced.
(Embodiment 2)
Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment includes the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as in the first embodiment. For this reason, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure similar to the structure demonstrated in Embodiment 1, and description shall be partially abbreviate | omitted.

  In the printer and the data transfer method according to the second embodiment, the data format conversion unit 102 converts the print data into one of the data storage formats. The data format selection unit 104 compares the amount of converted data with the remaining capacity. As a result of comparison, if the amount of converted data is larger than the remaining capacity, the data format conversion unit 102 converts the print data into a data storage format that has been converted earlier until the amount of converted data becomes smaller than the remaining capacity. Convert print data to a different data storage format. The above contents are the same as those in the first embodiment.

However, in the second embodiment, print data is converted into a plurality of data storage formats that can be converted by the printer as different data storage formats at the time of reconversion (this conversion is hereinafter referred to as trial conversion). As a result, a data storage format in which the converted print data exceeds the remaining capacity is recorded, and this data storage method is automatically excluded from the options.
In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the priority order of data storage formats that can be converted by the printer is set in advance, and the data format conversion unit 102 sequentially repeats the trial conversion of print data according to the priority order. In the second embodiment, the priority order is set in the order of all bitmap formats, all JPEG formats, and a method using both JPEG and plain text.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a data transfer method in the printer of the second embodiment.
When the PC starts operating as a printer, the data format selection unit 104 sets the file format of print data to be output to the recording medium 111 to a predetermined format (S501). In the second embodiment, it is assumed that a prescribed format is set in the bitmap. Next, the data format selection unit 104 acquires the remaining capacity (free capacity) of the recording medium 111 (S502). Then, the data format conversion unit 102 converts the print data into a bitmap format and generates output data (S503).

Next, the data format selection unit 104 compares the remaining capacity with the data amount of the converted print data (S504). As a result of the comparison, if the data amount of the print data is less than the free space (S504: Yes), the generated output data is transferred by the data storage unit 103 and the recording device selection unit 107 and stored in the recording medium 111. (S508).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S504 that the data amount of the generated output data is greater than or equal to the remaining capacity (S504: No), the data format selection unit 104 sets the set data storage method (second embodiment). In this case, a flag (trial completed flag) is set to indicate that the format has been converted by trial and the print data cannot be stored in the recording medium 111 (S505). Then, it is determined whether or not there is still a data storage format that can be converted by the printer and not subjected to trial conversion (S506).

  If it is determined in step S506 that trial conversion has been completed for all data storage formats (S506: No), the data format selection unit 104 displays an error message “Please set a new medium” on the display 121 ( S509), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if there is a data storage format that has not been trial converted (S506: Yes), the output file format is set as the next data storage format (S507). The data format conversion unit 102 converts the print data again in this data storage format (S503).

  In the second embodiment described above, when the data format conversion unit 102 repeatedly performs trial conversion and detects a data storage format capable of storing print data on the recording medium 111, the print data is immediately converted to this data storage format. is doing. However, the second embodiment is not limited to such a configuration, and trial conversion of the next data storage format may be performed even when a data storage format capable of storing print data is detected. If a plurality of data storage formats capable of storing the print data are detected, one data storage format may be selected from the data storage formats to convert the print data.

  Furthermore, the second embodiment is not limited to the configuration in which the priorities are set in the order of all bitmap formats, all JPEG formats, and methods using both JPEG and plain text. For example, the priority order can be set so that the data storage format having the highest quality of the image displayed by the data output to the recording medium 111 is higher. By setting the priority order in this way, in the second embodiment, it is possible to suppress degradation of image quality as much as possible while suppressing the data amount of print data to a range that can be stored in the recording medium 111.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating output data generated according to the first and second embodiments. In the output data shown in FIG. 6, document title information is recorded at the head of the data. Subsequently, the creator information and creation date information are recorded, and the capacity of the entire output data, the number of configured pages, the embedded font data storage location, and the storage location of all page data are recorded in order from the first page. Has been. The broken lines shown in FIG. 6 indicate the correspondence between the information indicating the storage position of each page of data and the address where the page data is actually stored. Note that the font data is stored in another location because it is shared and referenced by all pages.

In the output data shown in FIG. 6, all the data of each page is in the bitmap format. Such output data is generated when print data can be stored in the recording medium 111 by converting it into a bitmap format.
In the second embodiment described above, the print data can be more reliably converted into a data amount that is equal to or less than the remaining capacity of the recording medium. For this reason, the reliability of storing data can be improved, and errors in data transfer can be further reduced.

Note that a program for causing a computer to execute the data transfer method of the present embodiment described above is a CD-ROM, floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD) in an installable or executable format file in addition to a PC ROM. ) And recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a DVD. Further, a program for causing a computer to execute the data transfer method of the present embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network.
(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The third embodiment has the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as in the first embodiment. For this reason, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure similar to the structure demonstrated in Embodiment 1, and description shall be partially abbreviate | omitted.

The printer according to the third embodiment enables the data format conversion unit 102 and the data format selection unit 104 to select a data storage format for each page. This point is different from the first and second embodiments in which the print data is collectively converted into one data storage format based on the data amount and the remaining capacity of the entire print data.
That is, when the print data is composed of print data of a plurality of pages, the contents of the print data on each page are different for each page. FIG. 7 is a diagram for illustrating a difference in print contents of each page. FIG. 7A shows a page that displays only images such as drawings and photographs. (B) shows a page composed only of text, and (c) shows a page in which an image and text are mixedly displayed. Many contexts include a mixture of pages shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the contents of print data and the amount of data when this data is stored in a plurality of data storage formats. A plurality of data storage formats such as bitmap and JPEG shown in FIG. 8 are described in which the image quality is less deteriorated in order from the right end to the left side of the data storage method in the table. That is, in the example of FIG. 8, data that can display the highest quality image is generated when the print data is all stored as a bitmap.

  In the content illustrated in FIG. 8, the image occupies 68% of the first page and there is no text. The reason why the image is not 100% in the image-only page is that there is a blank space on the page. Furthermore, all data are calculated assuming an A4 size of 200 dpi. Therefore, there is a possibility that a discrepancy due to a fraction occurs in the portion of the specific example.

  In the content illustrated in FIG. 8, the print data for the second page is text-only data and does not include an image. The image and text have different data storage formats with good compression efficiency. For this reason, if images and text are mixed in one page, and contents whose ratios differ depending on the page are stored together in the same data storage format, the compression efficiency of the entire data may be reduced.

  For this reason, the third embodiment makes it possible to select a data storage format for each page and obtain a higher print data compression rate. It should be noted that the specification of which page is to be saved in which data storage format has a problem that the number of combinations of pages and data storage formats becomes relatively large and the processing becomes complicated. This problem can be solved by allowing the user to select a data storage format for each page. Alternatively, the printer can automatically make a determination according to the ratio between the image and the text included in the page. In such a case, it is conceivable to use JPEG when the image exceeds 50% of the page area, and use JPEG and plain text in other cases.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a data transfer processing method performed by the printer of the third embodiment. When the PC starts operating as a printer, the data format selection unit 104 sets the file format of print data to be output to the recording medium 111 to a predetermined format (S901). In the third embodiment, it is assumed that a prescribed format is set in the bitmap. Next, the data format selection unit 104 acquires the remaining capacity (free capacity) of the recording medium 111 (S902).

  Next, the data format selection unit 104 sets the page number being processed to 1 (S903), and the set page number is the number of the page constituting the print data to be printed this time (the total number of pages in the context). It is determined whether or not the following is true (S904). If it is determined that the page number is equal to or less than the total number of pages (S904: Yes), there are still pages to be converted. For this reason, the printer of the third embodiment acquires the print data of the page corresponding to the page number being processed, and converts it in the set prescribed format (S905). The converted print data is stored in the RAM 124.

Next, the data format selection unit 104 records the amount of data required to store the converted page in the RAM 124 and the data storage format used for the conversion, for example, in the RAM 124 for each page (S906). Then, the page number being processed is advanced by 1 (S907), and the process of step S907 is executed again.
On the other hand, in step S904, if the page number being processed exceeds the total number of pages in the context (S904: No), the total capacity of the converted print data is compared with the remaining capacity of the recording medium 111 (S909). . If the total capacity of the converted print data is less than or equal to the remaining capacity of the recording medium 111 (S909: Yes), the converted print data can be stored in the recording medium 111. Therefore, the converted print data is transferred to the recording medium 111 as output data. The transferred output data is stored in the recording medium 111 (S908).

  In step S909, when the total capacity of the converted print data is equal to or larger than the remaining capacity of the recording medium 111 (S909: No), the data format selection unit 104 sets the set data storage method (bit in the third embodiment). A tried flag is set for the map method (S910). Then, it is determined whether or not there is still a data storage format that can be converted by the printer and not subjected to trial conversion (S911).

  If it is determined in step S911 that trial conversion has been completed for all data storage formats (S911: No), the data format selection unit 104 displays an error message “Please set a new medium” on the display 121 ( S913), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if there is a data storage format that has not undergone trial conversion (S911: Yes), the output file format is set as the next data storage format (S912).

  Next, the data format selection unit 104 sets the page number being processed to 1 again (S914), and determines whether or not the set page number is less than or equal to the total number of pages in the context to be printed this time ( S915). As a result, if the set page number is equal to or greater than the total number of pages of the context to be printed this time (S915: No), a tried flag is set in the data storage format obtained by converting the current print data (S910).

If the result of determination in step S915 is that the page number is less than or equal to the total number of pages (S915: Yes), print data for the page corresponding to the page number being processed is acquired and converted in the specified format set. (S916). The converted print data is stored in the RAM 124.
Next, the data format selection unit 104 stores the amount of data required to store the print data of the page converted this time in the RAM 124 and the print data of this page previously converted in another data storage format. The amount of data required for the comparison is compared (S917). As a result of comparison, if the data amount of the previously converted print data is smaller than the data amount of the print data converted this time (S917: No), the effect of reducing the data amount cannot be obtained by changing the data storage format. It will be that. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the data generated by converting the print data this time is discarded, and the previous one is used. Naturally, since the total capacity of the output data does not change, the page number being processed is incremented by 1 without calculating the total capacity (S920), and the process of step S915 is executed again.

  If it is determined in step S917 that the data amount of the previously converted print data is larger than the data amount of the print data converted this time (S917: Yes), the data amount and the data storage format are set for each page. (S918). Further, the total data amount of the converted print data is recalculated, and the total data amount is compared with the remaining capacity of the recording medium 111 (S919).

  If the total data amount is equal to or smaller than the remaining capacity of the recording medium 111 as a result of the comparison in step S919 (S919: Yes), the converted print data is stored in the recording medium 111 as output data (S908). If it is determined in step S919 that the total data amount is greater than or equal to the remaining capacity of the recording medium 111 (S919: No), the page number being processed is advanced by 1 (S920), and the process of step S915 is executed again. To do.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for illustrating print data converted in the third embodiment and output to the recording medium 111. It can be seen that the first page is all in JPEG format, and the second page has been converted to a mixed system of bitmap and plain text.
According to the third embodiment described above, it is possible to select an effective data storage format for each page according to the contents such as the ratio and amount of the image and text of the page, and a higher print data compression rate. Obtainable.

  Note that a program for causing a computer to execute the data transfer method of the present embodiment described above is a CD-ROM, floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD) in an installable or executable format file in addition to a PC ROM. ) And recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a DVD. Further, a program for causing a computer to execute the data transfer method of the present embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network.

  Next, specific examples of Embodiments 1 to 3 described above will be described. In this specific example, the content shown in FIG. 6 is used. The priority order of the data storage format is set in the order of all bitmap format, all JPEG format, JPEG and plain text format.

(Specific example 1)
When the free space of the medium is sufficient (for example, 9 MB), in any of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment, the data is first generated in the bitmap format, and the size is 8.30 MB. Desired. For this reason, it is unconditionally written to the medium and the process ends. That is, when there is sufficient free space on the medium, the same result as the conventional method can be obtained.

(Specific example 2)
Next, when the free space of the medium is 1.5 MB (1536 kB), in all the flowcharts of the first and second embodiments, data is first generated in the bitmap format, and the size is 8 .30MB is required. At this time, the data amount of the generated data exceeds the free space of the medium.

  At this time, in the first embodiment, the printer makes an inquiry to the user and converts the print data according to the data storage format selected by the user. For example, if the user selects a bitmap and a plain text format, in the first embodiment, the printer acquires free space. Next, the print data is converted in the designated bitmap and plain text format to obtain a data size of 2.77 MB.

  The data size 2.77 MB exceeds the free space of the media. For this reason, in the first embodiment, the user is again inquired about another data storage format, and the print data is converted by, for example, all the JPEG formats selected by the user. The data size of the print data, all converted in JPEG format, is 1.04 MB, which is below the free space of the media. For this reason, all the print data converted in the JPEG format is transferred to the medium and stored. Note that if the user gives an instruction to cancel printing during the processing in the first embodiment, the printer displays an error message and ends the printing process.

  In such a case, in the second embodiment, the data storage format set next in the priority order is selected. In the second embodiment, the tried flag is set in the bitmap format. Then, the bitmap and the plain text format are selected according to the above-described priority order. The data size of the print data converted by the bitmap and plain text format is obtained as 2.77 MB. At this time, since the data amount of the generated data still exceeds the free space of the medium, the tried flag is set in the bitmap and plain text format, and the print data is converted in JPEG format according to the above-mentioned priority order. The

The amount of print data converted in JPEG format is 1.04 MB, which is less than the free space of the media. For this reason, all the print data converted in the JPEG format is transferred to the medium and stored.
In the case of the third embodiment, the printer once converts all the print data in the bitmap format. The size of each page at this time is as shown in FIG. 8, and the total data size is 8.30 MB. Since the data amount of the converted data exceeds the free space of the medium, the bitmap and plain text format are selected next. The print data is converted page by page in bitmap and plain text format. At this time, the data size when converted in the previous bitmap format and the data size obtained by the current conversion are compared for each page.

  For example, in the case of the third page, the data size is 755.3 kB in all bitmap formats, but when converted again in the current bitmap and plain text format, the data size of the same page is 38.9 kB. become. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the data of this page, the data size obtained by the current conversion, the bitmap that is the conversion format, and the plain text format are recorded.

Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the above processing is repeated, and the data size total is recalculated after re-conversion of all pages. In this reconversion, only the first page is in the bitmap format, the second to the tenth pages are in the bitmap and plain text format, and the total data is 2.77 MB, which exceeds the free space of the media.
The reason why the first page is all bitmap only is that the size did not change even when converted to bitmap and plain text format. This is because the first page contains no text at all, and the same result is obtained.

Next, in the third embodiment, all JPEG formats are selected, and print data is converted page by page. Then, the data size of each page obtained as a result of the conversion is compared with the data size of the same page obtained by the previous conversion. As a result of the comparison, data having a larger data size is discarded, and data having a smaller data size is left.
For example, as a result of the conversion on the second page, the data size that was previously 1.5 kB is increased to 118.0 kB by using the JPEG format. Therefore, for the second page, the previous data converted in the bitmap and plain text format is retained. The third page also increases from 38.9 kB to 94.4 kB as a result of conversion, so no data is replaced. This is the difference from the first and second embodiments, and as a result, data of a smaller size can be generated. In addition, since priority is given to data converted in a data conversion format having a higher priority, image quality deterioration can be reduced.

  After performing the above processing for each page, in the third embodiment, the data size total is recalculated. As a result, the converted data size of the fourth page is 1.06 MB, which is less than the free space of the medium. For this reason, all the print data converted in the JPEG format is transferred to the medium and stored.

(Specific example 3)
Further, when the free space of the medium is 0.2 MB, the condition that the size of the data to be output is equal to or smaller than the free space of the medium is not satisfied. For this reason, in the first embodiment, until the user cancels printing or replaces with a new medium, the user is inquired about the output format, generates data, and repeats the procedure for determining that the free space is insufficient.

  In the second and third embodiments, the “trial” flag is set for each output format, and when the “trial” flag is set for all output formats, “set new media” Please display the error message "Please do" and finish printing.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating hardware of a PC that operates as a virtual printer common to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the PC shown in FIG. 1 and shows functions used for operating the PC as a virtual printer. It is a figure for demonstrating each characteristic of the preservation | save format of print data. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a data transfer method in the printer of the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a data transfer method in the printer of the second embodiment. It is the figure which illustrated the output data produced | generated by Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the difference in the content of printing of a general page It is the figure which showed the general relationship between the content of print data, and the data amount at the time of preserve | saving this data by a some data storage format. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a data transfer processing method performed by the printer according to the third embodiment. It is the figure which illustrated the output data produced | generated by Embodiment 3. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

102 data format conversion unit, 103 data storage unit, 104 data format selection unit, 105 remaining capacity acquisition unit, 106 print data acquisition unit, 107 recording device selection unit, 111 recording medium, 121 display, 125 display controller, 129 keyboard controller, 133 keyboard

Claims (6)

A printer that can store input data in a recording device in multiple data storage formats,
Among the recording capacities of the recording device, remaining capacity detecting means for detecting a remaining capacity that is a recording capacity capable of further recording data;
A data storage format capable of storing the data to be output to the recording device within the range of the remaining capacity based on the remaining capacity detected by the remaining capacity detecting means and information including the amount of data to be output to the recording device Save format selection means for selecting,
Data output means for outputting data to be output to the recording apparatus to the recording apparatus in a format selected by the storage format selection means;
A printer comprising: The storage format selection means includes:
Data conversion means for converting the input data into any of the data storage formats;
Data amount comparison means for comparing the amount of data converted by the data conversion means and the remaining capacity detected by the remaining capacity detection means,
If the amount of converted data is larger than the remaining capacity as a result of the comparison by the data amount comparing means, the data converting means is a data obtained by converting data until the amount of converted data becomes smaller than the remaining capacity. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the data is converted into a data storage format different from the storage format.   When the amount of converted data is larger than the remaining capacity as a result of the comparison by the data amount comparing means, the apparatus further comprises a designation receiving means for accepting designation of a data storage format different from the data storage format obtained by converting the data first. The printer according to claim 2.   4. The printer according to claim 1, wherein when the input data includes a plurality of pages, the storage format selection unit selects a data storage format for each page. 5. A data transfer method applied to a printer capable of storing input data in a recording device in a plurality of data storage formats,
Of the recording capacity of the recording apparatus, a remaining capacity detecting step for detecting a remaining capacity that is a recording capacity capable of further recording data;
A data storage format capable of storing the data to be output to the recording device within the range of the remaining capacity based on the remaining capacity detected in the remaining capacity detection step and information including the amount of data to be output to the recording device Save format selection step to select,
A data conversion step of converting data to be output to the recording device into a format selected in the storage format selection step;
A data transfer method comprising: A program for causing a computer to execute a data transfer method applied to a printer capable of storing input data in a recording device in a plurality of data storage formats,
Of the recording capacity of the recording apparatus, a remaining capacity detecting step for detecting a remaining capacity that is a recording capacity capable of further recording data;
A data storage format capable of storing the data to be output to the recording device within the range of the remaining capacity based on the remaining capacity detected in the remaining capacity detection step and information including the amount of data to be output to the recording device Save format selection step to select,
A data conversion step of converting data to be output to the recording device into a format selected in the storage format selection step;
A program for causing a computer to execute a data transfer method comprising:

Images