JP2007301893A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that a printing processing speed is decreased by a reduction in a storage area usable for an object except a form overlay, because complex operations and the provision of a storage area for the registration of a form inside an image forming apparatus are required so that a user can make the form in advance and register it in the image forming apparatus, in the case of the form overlay. <P>SOLUTION: In a band in which the results of analyses of PDL data of pages are identical to each other, a bit map is prestored by performing rendering only once, and the prestored bit map is read out in a second operation or later, so that printing can be done at a high speed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, for example, an image forming apparatus that develops information transferred from a host computer through an interface circuit into image information and prints on recording paper using an electrophotographic system or an inkjet system.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus that prints on a recording sheet using an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method, an external data input unit, an image developing unit that develops input data into an image, a printing unit that prints on a recording sheet, or the like Consists of Examples of data input from the outside include print data transmitted from an externally connected host computer, digital camera, and the like, a document recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, and an image file. In the image developing unit, the image is developed into a format that can be printed by an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method.

  In general, such an image forming apparatus includes a controller unit and an engine unit. As the format of information input from the outside, it is input in a language format that describes the arrangement and expression method of characters and images, etc., and the controller unit analyzes the language and develops it into a bitmap format. The engine unit receives print data from the controller unit, conveys the recording paper, and actually performs printing using a recording member such as a photosensitive drum or an inkjet head.

  In developing a bitmap in the controller unit, first, the input language is analyzed and converted into an intermediate processing format called a display list (hereinafter referred to as DL). This DL is a format that does not depend on the language type, and even when the image forming apparatus supports a plurality of types of languages, the difference is absorbed and converted into a format that the renderer can render. The DL is generated in units of objects such as characters, images, and graphics. Next, the generated DL is rendered on an object basis by a renderer and developed into a bitmap. After rendering processing, the developed bitmap is transferred to the engine unit for printing, but the rendering processing unit (band height) is processed by the engine unit so that the used memory capacity and processing speed are most efficient. It is set according to the unit (number of lines).

  This DL generation and rendering depends on the rendering method, but is performed for all objects even if the objects overlap. Accordingly, the rendering processing time varies depending on the band depending on the number of objects existing in each band and the overlapping state between the objects.

  Next, regarding the conveyance and printing of the recording paper in the engine unit, when an ink jet head is used as a recording member, the leading end of the recording paper contained in the paper feed cassette or paper feed tray is a position where the ink jet head performs printing. (Hereinafter referred to as paper feed). After feeding is completed, printing is performed for one recording sheet while repeating printing by the inkjet head and conveyance of the recording sheet, and the recording sheet is discharged to the discharge port after printing is completed. When printing a plurality of pages, paper feeding, printing, and discharging are repeated for the number of pages.

Incidentally, some image forming apparatuses have a function called form overlay as a function for efficiently performing form printing (sales slip, detailed slip, etc.). In the form overlay, common contents between pages, for example, data such as table ruled lines and item names, are transmitted to the image forming apparatus and registered in advance as form overlay data. Subsequently, data unique to each page is transmitted, and an image of each page is formed by superimposing it with the registered form overlay data. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the amount of data transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and it is possible to shorten the time until printing is completed. Further, depending on the contents of the form overlay data, it may be faster to draw directly on the bitmap for bitmap printing than to superimpose the data on each page. As a method for solving this, there is a method in which whether to perform superimposition processing or direct drawing is switched according to a predetermined condition (for example, see Patent Document).
JP 2002-67423 A

  However, the image forming apparatus described above has the following drawbacks. In order for the user to use the form overlay function, form overlay data must be created in advance and registered in the image forming apparatus, which complicates the user in terms of usability. . Further, the form overlay data registered in the image forming apparatus remains stored in the memory of the image forming apparatus unless intentionally deleted. Therefore, there is a disadvantage that the memory capacity that can be used when printing without using the form overlay function is reduced, and the processing speed is reduced.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described aspects, and aims to provide each means for solving the problems of the following items. That is,
1) The first purpose is to make it easy to print multiple pages of PDL data with slightly different contents on each page at high speed and without any special operation. To do.

  2) The second object is to achieve the first object even in a system with a small memory capacity.

  Therefore, the present invention intends to achieve each of the above objects by providing an image forming apparatus having the structure shown in the following corresponding items (1) to (2).

  (1) In an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording sheet and performs printing, an input unit that inputs information to be printed, an analysis unit that analyzes information input by the input unit, and an analysis by the analysis unit A first storage area for storing the analysis result in units of bands obtained by dividing the page into a plurality of units, a development unit that develops the results analyzed by the analysis unit into image information in units of bands, and the development unit A second storage area for storing image information in band units; and a determination means for determining whether or not the same analysis result as the analysis result analyzed by the analysis means is stored in the first storage area. And when it is determined that the image is not stored by the determining unit, the analysis result is stored in an empty area of the first storage area, and is also converted into image information by the expanding unit. The image information corresponding to the analysis result from the second storage area when it is determined that the image information is stored in the empty area of the second storage area, printed, and stored by the determination means. An image forming apparatus characterized by reading out and printing.

  (2) In an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording sheet and performs printing, an input unit that inputs information to be printed, an analysis unit that analyzes information input by the input unit, and an analysis by the analysis unit A first storage area for storing the analysis result in units of bands obtained by dividing the page into a plurality of units, a development unit that develops the results analyzed by the analysis unit into image information in units of bands, and the development unit A second storage area for storing image information in band units, a determination unit for determining whether or not the first storage area is empty, and an analysis result analyzed by the analysis unit is used as the first storage area. And comparing means for comparing with the analysis result of the same band stored in the memory, and when the determining means determines that the first storage area is empty, the analyzing means analyzes When the comparison result is not matched by the previous comparison means when the determination means determines that the first storage area is not empty and the comparison means determines that the comparison result does not match. Overwriting and storing in the storage area of the same band in the first storage area and expanding into image information by the expansion means, overwriting and storing the image information in the storage area of the same band in the second storage area, printing When it is determined that the first storage area is not empty by the determination means, and the comparison result is the same by the comparison means in the previous period, image information corresponding to the analysis result is read from the second storage area. An image forming apparatus characterized in that printing is performed.

  According to the present invention, when printing PDL data of a plurality of pages, rendering is performed only once for a band in which DL is the same between pages, so that the print processing time can be shortened. Furthermore, since it is automatically determined by the image forming apparatus whether the printed contents are the same between pages, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use image forming apparatus without forcing the user to perform complicated operations unlike a form overlay. There is an effect that can be done.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an image forming apparatus, which prints on printing paper based on information input from the outside or information previously held inside. Reference numeral 2 denotes a host computer (hereinafter referred to as a host), which is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a cable 3, and print data and information for controlling the image forming apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as print information). ). A digital camera 4 is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a cable 5 and transfers print information to the image forming apparatus 1. A memory card insertion slot 6 is inserted into the memory card 7, and the image forming apparatus 1 inputs print information stored in the memory card 7. Reference numeral 8 denotes a paper feed cassette on which a predetermined amount of printing paper can be set. In the figure, the paper feed cassette has a two-stage configuration, and two types of paper of different sizes and types can be set. Reference numeral 9 denotes a paper discharge port for discharging the printed paper. An operation key 10 is a member for performing various settings relating to the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 or performing operations when the image forming apparatus 1 is used alone. Reference numeral 11 denotes a display panel for displaying the status of the image forming apparatus 1 and setting contents when operation settings of the image forming apparatus 1 are performed using the operation keys 10. The type of paper to be printed, the print image quality, and the like can also be set with the operation keys 10 and the display panel 11. A power switch 12 is a switch for turning on / off the power of the image forming apparatus 1.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a controller unit 13 and an engine unit 14. The controller unit 13 receives print information from the host 2, the digital camera 4, and the memory card 7, performs processing such as analysis of the print information, and generates print data in a format that can be printed by the engine unit 14. Further, the input of the operation key 10 is accepted, the operating environment of the image forming apparatus 1 is set, and the display panel 11 displays the status of the image forming apparatus 1 and a display for prompting the user to operate with the operation key 10. Etc. The engine unit 14 feeds paper, prints the print data generated by the controller unit 13 and discharges the print data. When an abnormality such as a paper jam or out of paper occurs in the engine unit 14, the controller unit 13 is notified, and the controller unit 13 displays that the abnormality has occurred on the display panel 11, or notifies the host 2 or the digital camera 4. Perform notification processing.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the controller unit 13. In the figure, 21 is a controller microcomputer, 22 is a system memory, 23 is an interface circuit (hereinafter referred to as I / F circuit), 24 is a reception buffer, 25 is a DL memory, 26 is a renderer, 27 is a controller memory, and 28 is a resolution. A gradation conversion circuit.

  Next, the operation in the block diagram of FIG. 3 will be described. The controller microcomputer 21 controls all control such as analysis of print information input from the outside, image processing, and conversion processing to a bitmap. The flow of print data is as follows. Print information input from the host 2, digital camera 4, and memory card 7 is stored in the reception buffer 24 via the I / F circuit 23, and the controller microcomputer 21 is notified from the I / F circuit 23 that the print information has been received. The The print information includes a page description language (hereinafter referred to as PDL) that describes how to arrange and represent characters and images on a print sheet in units of pages. The controller microcomputer 21 analyzes the received print information, converts it into a display list (hereinafter referred to as DL) format, and stores it in the DL memory 25. The DL is rendered by the renderer 26, converted into a bitmap having a predetermined gradation and resolution, and stored in the controller memory 27. The bitmap is converted into a resolution and gradation printable by the engine unit 14 by the resolution / gradation conversion circuit 28 and sent to the engine unit 14.

  The operation content of the operation key 10 is input to the controller microcomputer 21 and appropriate processing is performed according to the input content. Further, when a printing situation or an error occurs from the engine unit 14, the contents are notified to the controller microcomputer 21, displayed on the display panel 11, or notified to the host 2 or the digital camera 4.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the engine unit 14 and illustrates an image when the image forming apparatus 1 is viewed from the side. In the figure, 41 is an engine microcomputer, 42 is an engine memory, 43 is a carriage, 44 is a carriage motor, 45 is a print head, 46 is a head driver, 47 is a roller, 48 is an LF motor, 49 is printing paper, and 50 is paper supply. A paper sensor, 51 is a paper discharge sensor, and 52 is a program memory.

  Next, the operation in the block diagram of FIG. 4 will be described. The engine microcomputer 41 controls all control such as feeding and discharging of the printing paper 49 and control of the print head. The bitmap sent from the controller unit 13 is stored in the engine memory 42. The printing paper 49 is fed and discharged by driving the LF motor 48 and rotating the roller 47. Whether the paper feed and paper discharge are operating normally is determined by detecting the presence or absence of the print paper 49 by the paper feed sensor 50 and the paper discharge sensor 51. The print head 45 is integrated with the carriage 43 and is driven by a head driver 46. The carriage 43 reciprocates in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface and the conveyance direction of the printing paper by the carriage motor 44, and prints on the printing paper 49 by the print head 45. When the paper feed sensor 50 and the paper discharge sensor 51 detect that the printing paper 49 is jammed, printing is stopped and the controller unit 13 is notified.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart is a program diagram showing a program flow built in the system memory 22 of FIG. 3 and the program memory 52 of FIG. 4 and processed by the controller microcomputer 21 and the engine microcomputer 41. The controller microcomputer 21 and the engine microcomputer 41 cooperate to execute a control operation according to the program flow.

  The flow of FIG. 5 shows the processing of the first page when a print job of two pages or more is received. The processing for the second and subsequent pages will be described later with reference to the flow of FIG.

  Below, it demonstrates along each step of a flow.

  Step 101 (denoted as S101 in the figure, the same applies hereinafter): Waits until a print job is received from the host 2, the digital camera 4, and the memory card 7. When received, the I / F circuit 23 notifies the controller microcomputer 21 and stores it in the reception buffer 24.

  Step 102: Analyze the PDL data in the received print job, and generate a DL for the first page. DL is data in a format necessary for rendering processing by the renderer 26.

  Step 103: One page of DL is stored in memory in band units. A storage image of the memory is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, one page is divided into n bands, band numbers are assigned in order from the top of the paper, and the band numbers and DL are stored in pairs.

  Step 104: The DL generated in step 102 is input to the renderer 26, and the first page is rendered. The result of the rendering process is stored in the controller memory 27.

  Step 105: The rendering result of the first page is read from the controller memory 27, and the resolution and gradation conversion circuit 28 converts the resolution and gradation into a bitmap format printable by the engine.

  Step 106: Save the bitmap generated in Step 105 in a memory in band units. A storage image of the memory is shown in FIG. Similarly to the DL storage image, one page is divided into n bands, and band numbers are assigned in order from the top of the paper, and the band number and bitmap are stored in pairs.

  Step 107: Send out one band of the bitmap for one page converted in Step 105 to the engine unit 14. The transmitted bitmap is stored in the engine memory 42.

  Step 108: The engine unit 14 prints the bitmap for one band stored in the engine memory 42 at an appropriate timing. Specifically, the printing paper 49 is conveyed by the LF motor 48 and the roller 47, and printing is performed on the printing paper 49 by the print head 45 while the carriage 43 is reciprocated by the carriage motor 44. The printing position of the printing paper 49 is controlled based on the driving amount of the LF motor 48 and the detection results of the paper feed sensor 50 and the paper discharge sensor 51 in the transport direction, and the moving direction of the carriage 43 on the driving amount of the carriage motor 44. Based on.

  Step 109: If printing has not been completed up to the final band, the process returns to Step 107 to continue processing for the next band. When printing is completed up to the last band, the processing for the first page is finished.

  In the above operation flow, a print job is received in step 101, DL generation and storage in steps 102 and 103, rendering and storage of the results in steps 104 to 106, and all of one page in steps 107 to 109. The band bitmap is printed. The saved DL and bitmap are used in the processing for the second and subsequent pages, which will be described later.

  Next, the processing for the second and subsequent pages will be described using the flow of FIG.

  Below, it demonstrates along each step of a flow.

  Step 201: Analyze the PDL data in the received print job and generate one page of DL.

  Step 202: For each band, the DL generated in step 201 is compared with the stored DL. The comparison is performed between the same band numbers. If the contents of the DL match, the process proceeds to step 203; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 204. In the third and subsequent pages, there is a possibility that a plurality of DLs are stored for the same band number (described in step 204). In this case, if there is one matching DL, step 203 is executed. If there is no matching DL, the process proceeds to step 204.

  Step 203: Read one band of saved bitmaps corresponding to the matched DL. After reading, the process proceeds to step 208.

  Step 204: The DL generated in step 201 is stored for one band. The storage is performed in an area different from the already stored DL. Accordingly, there are a plurality of DLs for the same band number. A storage image of the memory is shown in FIG. The DL for the first page stores all bands, but the DLs for the second and subsequent pages are stored in another memory area only when they are different from the DL of the previous page.

  Step 205: The DL stored in step 204 is input to the renderer 26 to perform rendering processing for one band. The result of the rendering process is stored in the controller memory 27.

  Step 206: The rendering result for one band is read from the controller memory 27, and the resolution and gradation conversion circuit 28 converts the resolution and gradation into a bitmap format printable by the engine.

  Step 207: Save the bitmap generated in step 206 in a memory. Saving is done by pairing the band number and bitmap, and in a different area from the bitmap that has already been saved. Accordingly, there are a plurality of bitmaps for the same band number. A storage image of the memory is shown in FIG. The bitmap for the first page is stored for all bands, but for the second and subsequent pages, only the bitmap corresponding to the DL stored in step 204 is stored in another memory area.

  Step 208: Send out a bitmap for one band to the engine unit 14. If the process proceeds from step 203, the bitmap read in step 203 is transmitted to the engine unit 14. If the process proceeds from step 207, the bitmap generated in step 206 is transmitted to the engine unit 14. The transmitted bitmap is stored in the engine memory 42.

  Step 209: The engine unit 14 prints the bitmap for one band stored in the engine memory 42 at an appropriate timing.

  Step 210: If printing has not been completed up to the final band, the process returns to step 202 to continue processing for the next band. When printing is completed up to the last band, the processing for the page is terminated. If there is a next page, the process is repeated from step 201.

  In the above operation flow, the DL is generated in step 201, and the DL generated in the previous page in step 202 is compared with the DL contents of the currently processed page. If any of the DLs generated on the previous page match, the bitmap corresponding to the DL is read from the storage area in step 203. If there is no DL having the same content, the DL of the currently processed page is newly stored, rendered, and the rendering result (bitmap) is newly stored in steps 204 to 207. From step 208 to step 209, bitmap printing is performed, and from step 202 to step 210, processing for the number of bands of one page is repeated.

  In this way, when the DL contents are the same as the previous page, rendering is not performed, but the saved bitmap is read and printed, so that the rendering processing time can be saved and the speed can be increased. Printing can be performed. In particular, when the number of objects is large or the drawing is complicated, it takes time to render, so omitting the rendering process is effective for speeding up. Since whether or not to render is determined for each band, if only a part of the page content is different, only the band including the different part is rendered. Therefore, the smaller the number of different parts, the higher the printing speed.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart of FIG. 11 is a program diagram showing a program flow built in the system memory 22 of FIG. 3 and the program memory 52 of FIG. 4 and processed by the controller microcomputer 21 and the engine microcomputer 41. The controller microcomputer 21 and the engine microcomputer 41 cooperate to execute a control operation according to the program flow.

  The flow shown in the figure shows the processes on and after the second page among the processes suitable for the system having a smaller installed memory than the configuration shown in the first embodiment. Since the processing for the first page is the same as that in the first embodiment (the flow in FIG. 5), the description is omitted.

  Below, it demonstrates along each step of a flow.

  Step 301: Analyze the PDL data in the received print job, and generate one page of DL.

  Step 302: For each band, the DL generated in step 301 is compared with the stored DL. The comparison is performed between the same band numbers. If the DL contents match, the process proceeds to step 303, and if not, the process proceeds to step 304.

  Step 303: One band of the saved bitmap corresponding to the matched DL is read. After reading, the process proceeds to step 308.

  Step 304: Save one band of the DL generated in step 301. Saving is performed by overwriting the already saved DL area. Accordingly, there is only one DL for a certain band number.

  Step 305: The DL stored in step 304 is input to the renderer 26 to perform rendering processing for one band. The result of the rendering process is stored in the controller memory 27.

  Step 306: The rendering result for one band is read from the controller memory 27, and the resolution / gradation conversion circuit 28 converts the resolution and gradation into a bitmap format printable by the engine.

  Step 307: The bitmap generated at step 306 is stored in a memory. Saving is performed by overwriting the already saved bitmap area. Accordingly, only one bitmap exists for a certain band number.

  Step 308: Send out a bitmap for one band to the engine unit 14. If the process proceeds from step 303, the bitmap read in step 303 is transmitted to the engine unit 14. If the process proceeds from step 307, the bitmap generated in step 306 is transmitted to the engine unit 14. The transmitted bitmap is stored in the engine memory 42.

  Step 309: The engine unit 14 prints the bitmap for one band stored in the engine memory 42 at an appropriate timing.

  Step 310: If printing has not been completed up to the final band, the process returns to Step 302 and processing of the next band is continued. When printing is completed up to the last band, the processing for the page is terminated. If there is a next page, the process is repeated from step 301.

  In the above operation flow, unlike the first embodiment, when the DL is different from the DL of the previous page, the DL and the bitmap are overwritten and saved. Although the degree of rendering processing is slightly increased as compared with the first embodiment, the memory capacity required for storing DL and bitmap is always constant (for one page). Therefore, it is most suitable for a system that particularly requires memory saving.

The perspective view which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus of 1st-2nd Example. The figure which showed the outline | summary of the structure of the image forming apparatus of 1st-2nd Example. The figure which showed the outline | summary of the structure of the image forming apparatus of 1st-2nd Example. The figure which showed the outline | summary of the structure of the image forming apparatus of 1st-2nd Example. Flow chart showing the operation of the first and second embodiments. The figure which showed the preservation | save image of DL of 1st Example The figure which showed the preservation | save image of the bitmap of 1st Example Flow chart showing the operation of the first embodiment. The figure which showed the preservation | save image of DL of 1st Example The figure which showed the preservation | save image of the bitmap of 1st Example Flow chart showing the operation of the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Host 3 Cable 4 Digital camera 5 Cable 6 Memory card insertion port 7 Memory card 8 Paper feed cassette 9 Paper discharge port 10 Operation key 11 Display panel 12 Power switch 13 Controller unit 14 Engine unit 21 Controller microcomputer 22 System memory 23 I / F circuit 24 Reception buffer 25 DL memory 26 Renderer 27 Controller memory 28 Resolution / gradation conversion circuit 41 Engine microcomputer 42 Engine memory 43 Carriage 44 Carriage motor 45 Print head 46 Head driver 47 Roller 48 LF motor 49 Printing paper 50 Supply Paper sensor 51 Paper discharge sensor 52 Program memory

Claims (2)

In an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording sheet and performing printing,
An input means for inputting information to be printed;
Analyzing means for analyzing information input by the input means;
A first storage area for storing the analysis result analyzed by the analysis means in units of bands divided into a plurality of pages;
Expansion means for expanding the result of analysis by the analysis means into image information in band units;
A second storage area for storing the image information developed by the development means in band units;
Determining means for determining whether or not the same analysis result as the analysis result analyzed by the analysis means is stored in the first storage area;
If it is determined by the determining means that the data is not stored, the analysis result is stored in the empty area of the first storage area and is expanded into image information by the expanding means, and the image information is stored in the empty area of the second storage area. Save to the area and print,
An image forming apparatus characterized in that when it is determined that the image is stored by the determining means, image information corresponding to the analysis result is read from the second storage area and printed. In an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording sheet and performing printing,
An input means for inputting information to be printed;
Analyzing means for analyzing information input by the input means;
A first storage area for storing the analysis result analyzed by the analysis means in units of bands divided into a plurality of pages;
Expansion means for expanding the result of analysis by the analysis means into image information in band units;
A second storage area for storing the image information developed by the development means in band units;
Determining means for determining whether the first storage area is empty;
Comparing the analysis result analyzed by the analysis means with the analysis result of the same band stored in the first storage area,
If it is determined by the determination means that the first storage area is empty, the analysis result by the analysis means is stored in the first storage area,
If it is determined that the first storage area is not empty by the determination means and the comparison result does not match by the comparison means in the previous period, the analysis result is overwritten on the storage area of the same band of the first storage area. Storing and developing the image information by the expansion means, overwriting the image information in the storage area of the same band of the second storage area and performing printing,
When it is determined that the first storage area is not empty by the determination means, and the comparison result is the same by the comparison means in the previous period, image information corresponding to the analysis result is read from the second storage area. An image forming apparatus characterized in that printing is performed.

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