JP2008068539A - Image forming device, image processing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device, an image processing method and a program by which image processing when printing a plurality of copies can be effectively carried out. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming device forming an image on a printing sheet by discharging an ink from an ink head has a band data generating means generating band data in a recording unit based on printing data, a scan data generating means generating scan data for controlling the discharge of an ink from the ink head based on the band data and holding the scan data in the recording unit, a band data managing means eliminating the band data used for generating the scan data from the recording unit, and a print control means printing the same page plurality of times repeatedly using the scan data held in the recording unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image processing method, and a program, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus, an image processing method, and a program for forming an image on printing paper by ejecting ink from an ink head.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining image processing when one copy is printed in a conventional inkjet printer. FIG. 1 schematically shows image processing in the ink jet printer 500.

  For example, when a PDL (Page Description Language) command is input from a host computer connected via a network or the like (S1), the PDL processing unit 510 interprets the PDL command and performs raster data (band data) in units of bands. Is generated in the band memory 520 (S2). The scan data generation unit 530 extracts the band data from the band memory 520 (S3), and converts the band data into scan data (S4). Here, the scan data refers to data for controlling the ejection of ink from the ink head in one scan (printing operation in the main scanning direction by the ink head). Incidentally, since the width of the ink head in the sub-scanning direction (hereinafter referred to as “ink head width”) generally corresponds to a plurality of bands, one scan data is based on the band data for the plurality of bands. Generated.

  Subsequently, the hardware interface unit 540 extracts the scan data (S5) and outputs the scan data to hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 550 (S6). Thereafter, an ink firing command is output from the ASIC 550 to the ink head, and printing is executed.

  The processing procedures of the PDL processing unit 510, the scan data generation unit 530, and the hardware interface unit 540 in the above series of processing are as follows, for example. Note that step numbers in the following flowchart correspond to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the processing procedure of the PDL processing unit when one copy is printed in a conventional inkjet printer.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the PDL processing unit 510 interprets the PDL command and repeats the process (S2) for generating (drawing) band data in the band memory 520 for each band (l11). Further, this (loop l11) is repeated for the number of pages (l12).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the processing procedure of the scan data generation unit when one copy is printed in a conventional inkjet printer.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the scan data generation unit 530 repeats the scan data generation process (S3, S4) based on the band data for the number of scans for one page (122). Further, this (loop 1121) is repeated for the number of pages (122).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the processing procedure of the hardware interface unit when one copy is printed in a conventional inkjet printer.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the hardware interface unit 540 repeats outputting scan data to the ASIC 550 (S5, S6) for one page by the number of scans (l31). Further, this (loop l31) is repeated for the number of pages (l32).

  By the way, when performing a plurality of copies (printing a plurality of copies), the scan data generation processing and thereafter (that is, S3 to S6 in FIG. 1) are repeated for the number of copies based on the same band data. Accordingly, the band data expanded in the band memory 520 cannot be deleted from the band memory until the generation of all the scan data for several minutes is completed, and there is a problem that the memory consumption increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image processing method, and a program capable of efficiently performing image processing when printing a plurality of copies.

  Accordingly, in order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus that forms an image on printing paper by ejecting ink from an ink head, and generates band data in a storage device based on the print data. A scan data generating unit configured to generate scan data for controlling ejection of ink from the ink head based on the band data, and to store the scan data in the storage device; Band data management means for deleting the band data used for generation from the storage device, and print control means for repeatedly printing the same page a plurality of times using scan data held in the storage device. Features.

  Such an image forming apparatus can efficiently perform image processing when printing a plurality of copies.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus, an image processing method, and a program capable of efficiently performing image processing when printing a plurality of copies.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining image processing in the ink jet printer according to the first embodiment.

  For example, when a PDL (Page Description Language) command is input from a host computer connected via a network or the like (S101), the PDL processing unit 110 interprets the PDL command and performs raster data (band data) in units of bands. Is generated in the band memory 120 (S102). At this time, if other band data has already been generated in the band memory 120, the other band data is compressed before generating new band data in step S102 (S102). In the figure, an example is shown in which band data 2-5 is compressed and band data 2-6 is newly generated. In the figure, each band data is given an identifier in the format [N]-[M]. [N] indicates a page number, and [M] indicates a band number in the page. In the figure, an example in which the band data 1-1 to 2-5 is compressed is shown.

  Subsequently, the scan data generation unit 130 extracts band data from the band memory 120. At this time, if the band data to be processed is compressed, the band data is extracted after being expanded in the band memory 120 (S104, S105). In the figure, an example in which the band data 1-1 is expanded is shown.

  Subsequently, the scan data generation unit 130 generates scan data based on the expanded band data (S105, S106). Here, the scan data refers to data for controlling ejection of ink from the ink head in one scan (printing operation in the main scanning direction by the ink head). Incidentally, since the width of the ink head in the sub-scanning direction (hereinafter referred to as “ink head width”) generally corresponds to a plurality of bands, one scan data is based on the band data for the plurality of bands. Generated.

  Subsequently, the hardware interface unit 140 takes out the scan data (S107) and outputs it to hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 150 (S108). Thereafter, an ink firing command is output from the ASIC 550 to the ink head, and printing is executed.

  In the case of performing a plurality of copies (a plurality of copies), the scan data generation processing and subsequent steps (that is, S104 to S108 in FIG. 5) are repeated for the number of copies based on the same band data.

  The respective processing procedures of the PDL processing unit 110, the scan data generation unit 130, and the hardware interface unit 140 in the above series of processing are as follows, for example. Note that step numbers in the following flowchart correspond to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the processing procedure of the PDL processing unit in the ink jet printer according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the PDL processing unit 110 compresses existing band data and saves it (S102), and interprets the PDL command and generates (draws) band data in the band memory 120 (S103). ) Is repeated for the number of bands for one page (l11). In the case of a plurality of pages, the processing in the loop l11 is repeated for the number of pages (l12).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a processing procedure of the scan data generation unit in the ink jet printer according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the scan data generation unit 130 performs a decompression process (S104) of band data that has been compressed and saved, and a scan data generation process (S105, S106) based on the band data. Repeat for the number of scans for one page (122). If the copy for each page is designated, the processing in the loop l21 is repeated for the number of copies (122). In the case of a plurality of pages, the processing in the loop 122 is repeated for the number of pages (122). Further, when a plurality of print copies are designated, the processing in the loop l23 is repeated for the number of copies (l24).

  For example, if the number of copies per page of 3 pages is 2 and the number of copies is 2, the order of 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3 The number indicates the page number.) Scan data for each page is generated.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the processing procedure of the hardware interface unit in the ink jet printer according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the hardware interface unit 140 repeats outputting scan data to the ASIC 150 (S107, S108) for one page by the number of scans (l31). In the case of a plurality of pages, the processing in the loop l31 is repeated for the number of pages (l32). Further, when a plurality of print copies are designated, the processing in the loop l33 is repeated for the number of copies (l34).

  For example, if the number of copies per page of 3 pages is 2 and the number of copies is 2, the order of 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3 The number indicates a page number.) Scan data of each page is output to the ASIC 150.

  As described above, according to the ink jet printer 10 in the first embodiment, since the band data is compressed and held, the consumption of the band memory 120 can be suppressed even when printing a plurality of copies.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the ink jet printer according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 9, the ink jet printer 20 (image forming apparatus) includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, an ASIC 23, a RAM 24, a USB device 25, an ink head 26, and the like.

  CPU21 implement | achieves the various functions regarding the inkjet printer 20 by running a program. The ROM 22 stores a program and various data used by the program. The ASIC 23 controls the ink head 26 based on the scan data. Note that the ASIC 23 in the present embodiment has a compressed data decompression function. The RAM 24 is used as a storage area for loading a program, a band memory, and a memory area for temporarily storing scan data. The USB device 25 is a device for providing a USB standard connection terminal. Therefore, the inkjet printer 20 can be connected to the host computer 30, the scanner 40, and the like by a USB cable. PDL data or image data (hereinafter referred to as “print data”) is input from the host computer 30 or the scanner 40. Note that the connection medium with the host computer 30 and the scanner 40 is not limited to a USB cable. For example, it may be connected by a network such as a LAN (whether wired or wireless). The ink head 26 is a so-called ink head that forms (prints) an image on printing paper by firing ink.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the ink jet printer according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 10, an inkjet printer 20 includes a USB driver 201, a print data reception unit 202, a print data processing unit 203, a scan data generation unit 204, a hardware interface unit 205, a band memory management unit 206, a print image management unit 207, and the like. Consists of. The functions of these units are realized by the CPU 21 processing a program.

  The USB driver 201 realizes USB connection by controlling the USB device 25. The print data receiving unit 202 receives print data from the host computer 30 or the scanner 40. The print data processing unit 203 interprets the print data and generates (draws) band data in the band memory. The scan data generation unit 204 converts the band data generated in the band memory into scan data. The meaning of the scan data is the same as that in the first embodiment. The hardware interface unit 205 outputs the scan data to the ASIC 23. The band memory management unit 206 manages the band memory. A print image management unit 207 manages image data related to print processing, such as band data and scan data.

  Hereinafter, the processing procedure of the inkjet printer 20 will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining image processing in the ink jet printer according to the second embodiment.

  For example, when print data from the host computer 30 or the scanner 40 is received by the print data receiving unit 202 (S201), the print data processing unit 203 interprets the print data and performs raster data (band data) in band units. Is generated in the band memory 260 (S202). In the drawing, an example in which band data 2-6B is generated is shown. At this time, the existing band data is not compressed. In the figure, each band data is assigned an identifier in the format [N]-[M] B. [N] indicates a page number, and [M] indicates a band number in the page. Also, “B” at the end indicates band data.

  Subsequently, the scan data generation unit 204 extracts (uncompressed) band data from the band memory 260 (S203), and converts the band data into scan data (S204). In the drawing, an example in which band data 2-5B is converted into scan data is shown. Note that the band data converted into the scan data is deleted from the band memory 260 by the band memory management unit 206. Therefore, in the figure, the band data 2-5B is deleted when it is determined that the band data 2-5B is unnecessary when taken out by the scan data generation unit 204.

  Subsequently, the scan data generation unit 204 compresses the generated scan data (S205), and writes the compressed scan data (compressed scan data) in the band memory 260 (S206). In the drawing, an example in which the compressed scan data 2-5S is newly written in the band memory 260 is shown. In the figure, each compressed scan data is given an identifier in the format [N]-[M] S. [N] indicates a page number, and [M] indicates a scan number in the page. Further, “S” at the end indicates compressed scan data. In the drawing, an example in which the compressed scan data 1-1S to 2-5S is held in the band memory 260 is shown.

  Subsequently, the hardware interface unit 205 extracts the compressed scan data from the band memory 260 (S207a) and outputs the compressed scan data to the ASIC 23 as it is (compressed) (S208). Thereafter, the scan data is expanded by the expansion function of the ASIC 23 and output to the ink head 26. The ink head 26 ejects ink based on the scan data and performs printing.

  When printing a plurality of copies, the processing after the compressed scan data extraction processing by the hardware interface unit 205 (that is, S207a and S208 in FIG. 11) is repeated for the number of copies based on the same compressed scan data.

  In addition, when the number of copies is not printed or when the RAM 24 has a sufficient capacity, the scan data compression or the like (S205 to S207a) may not be performed. In this case, the hardware interface unit 205 extracts uncompressed scan data (S207b) and outputs it to the ASIC 23.

  The processing procedures of the print data processing unit 203, the scan data generation unit 204, and the hardware interface unit 205 in the above series of processing are as follows, for example. Note that step numbers in the following flowchart correspond to FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the processing procedure of the print data processing unit in the ink jet printer according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the print data processing unit 203 repeats the process of interpreting the print data and generating (rendering) the band data in the band memory 260 (S202) by the number of bands for one page (l71). In the case of a plurality of pages, the processing in the loop l71 is repeated for the number of pages (l72).

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a processing procedure of the scan data generation unit in the ink jet printer according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the scan data generation unit 130 generates scan data based on band data (S203, S204), compresses the scan data, and writes the compressed scan data to the band memory 260 (S205, S204). S206) is repeated for the number of scans for one page (l81). In the case of a plurality of pages, the processing in the loop l82 is repeated for the number of pages (l82). The band data converted into scan data is deleted from the band memory 260 by the band memory management unit 206 when the band is determined to be unnecessary when the scan data generation unit 204 extracts the band data. Therefore, it is desirable that the print data (PDL data) in the second embodiment is such that the drawing contents are determined in order in band units.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the processing procedure of the hardware interface unit in the ink jet printer according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the hardware interface unit 205 repeats the output of the compressed scan data to the ASIC 23 (S207a, S208) for one page by the number of scans (l91). In the case of a plurality of pages, the processing in the loop l91 is repeated for the number of pages (l92). Further, when a plurality of print copies are designated, the processing in the loop l93 is repeated for the number of copies (l94).

  For example, if the number of copies per page of 3 pages is 2 and the number of copies is 2, the order of 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3 The number indicates a page number.) The compressed scan data of each page is output to the ASIC 23.

  As described above, according to the inkjet printer 20 in the second embodiment, scan data is held in the band memory 260 instead of band data. Therefore, in the case of printing a plurality of copies, it is not necessary to repeat the generation of scan data based on the same band data, and the processing efficiency is improved. In this regard, it is clear when FIG. 7 is compared with FIG.

  Further, since the scan data is compressed and written to the band memory 260, the consumption amount of the band memory 260 can be suppressed.

  Further, the scan data is decompressed not by the CPU 21 but by the ASIC 23. Therefore, it is possible to execute in parallel the processing of the print data processing unit 203, the scan data generation unit 204, the hardware interface unit 205 and the like that require the CPU 21 to realize the function and the scan data expansion processing. It is. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the processing efficiency due to the scan data expansion process.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to such specific embodiment, In the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim, various deformation | transformation・ Change is possible.

It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the image process in the case of 1 copy printing in the conventional inkjet printer. It is a figure for demonstrating the process sequence of the PDL process part in the case of 1 copy printing in the conventional inkjet printer. It is a figure for demonstrating the process sequence of the scan data production | generation part in the case of 1 copy printing in the conventional inkjet printer. It is a figure for demonstrating the process sequence of the hardware interface part in the case of 1 copy printing in the conventional inkjet printer. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the image processing in the inkjet printer of 1st embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the process sequence of the PDL process part in the inkjet printer of 1st embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the process sequence of the scan data generation part in the inkjet printer of 1st embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the process sequence of the hardware interface part in the inkjet printer of 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the inkjet printer in 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of the inkjet printer in 2nd embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the image processing in the inkjet printer of 2nd embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the process sequence of the print data process part in the inkjet printer of 2nd embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the process sequence of the scan data generation part in the inkjet printer of 2nd embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the process sequence of the hardware interface part in the inkjet printer of 2nd embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10, 20, 500 Inkjet printer 21 CPU
22 ROM
23 ASIC
24 RAM
25 USB device 26 Ink head 30 Host computer 40 Scanner 110, 510 PDL processing unit 120, 520 Band memory 130, 530 Scan data generation unit 140, 540 Hardware interface unit 150, 550 ASIC
201 USB Driver 202 Print Data Receiving Unit 203 Print Data Processing Unit 204 Scan Data Generation Unit 205 Hardware Interface Unit 206 Band Memory Management Unit 207 Print Image Management Unit

Claims (7)

An image forming apparatus that forms an image on printing paper by firing ink from an ink head,
Band data generation means for generating band data in the storage device based on the print data;
Scan data generating means for generating scan data for controlling the ejection of ink from the ink head based on the band data, and holding the scan data in the storage device;
Band data management means for deleting the band data used for generating the scan data from the storage device;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a print control unit that repeatedly uses the scan data held in the storage device to print the same page multiple times.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scan data generation unit compresses the scan data and causes the storage device to hold the compressed scan data. A second arithmetic processing unit different from the first arithmetic processing unit used by the band data generation unit, the scan data generation unit, the band data management unit, and the print control unit;
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second arithmetic processing unit causes the compressed scan data to be decompressed. 4. An image processing method executed by an image forming apparatus that forms an image on printing paper by firing ink from an ink head,
A band data generation procedure for generating band data in the storage device based on the print data;
Based on the band data, a scan data generation procedure for generating scan data for controlling the ejection of ink from the ink head and holding the scan data in the storage device;
A band data management procedure for deleting the band data used for generating the scan data from the storage device;
An image processing method comprising: a print control procedure for repeatedly printing the same page a plurality of times by repeatedly using scan data held in the storage device.   5. The image processing method according to claim 4, wherein the scan data generation procedure compresses the scan data and causes the storage device to hold the compressed scan data. The image forming apparatus includes a second arithmetic processing device different from the first arithmetic processing device used by the band data generation procedure, the scan data generation procedure, the band data management procedure, and the print control procedure,
6. The image processing method according to claim 4, wherein the second arithmetic processing unit is caused to perform decompression of the compressed scan data.   A program for causing a computer to execute the image processing method according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

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