JP2012196886A - Printer, method of controlling the same, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent delay of print operation by increasing the speed in processing print image data according to a command or data received from a host computer.SOLUTION: This printer connectable to a host computer includes a reception part, a generation part, a storage part, a control part and a print part. The reception part receives print data including at least a command from the host computer. The generation part generates print image data based on the command. The storage part stores the command and the print image data in association with each other. The control part determines whether the print image data associated with the command received by the reception part are stored in the storage part, and reads the print image data from the storage part when the print image data are determined to be stored. The print part performs printing on a print medium based on the print image data.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus connectable to a host computer, a control method for the printing apparatus, and a program for controlling the printing apparatus.

  A printing apparatus that is installed in a store or the like and issues a receipt or the like under the control of a host computer is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-157474 A

  Based on commands and print data received from the host computer, it is necessary to generate data for the print head to execute a print operation (this data is referred to as print image data in this specification). In the above printing apparatus, even when the command and print data received from the host computer are the same, print image data is generated each time. Since the generation of print image data includes a process that requires a relatively long time, a print operation is delayed.

  Diversity is also required for images printed on receipts to appeal to customers' vision. For example, appropriate decoration processing (enlargement / reduction, smoothing, italicization, bolding, underlining, rotation, deformation, coloring, etc.) And a command is sent to indicate these. Processing for decorating characters in this way requires a very long processing time. Also, if image data including a logo with a large amount of data is sent each time a receipt is printed, it still takes time to process.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and to speed up the processing of print image data corresponding to commands and print data received from a host computer, thereby avoiding a delay in printing operation. With the goal.

  In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the present invention can take various modes listed below.

  A first aspect of the present invention provides a printing apparatus that can be connected to a host computer. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a receiving unit that receives print data including at least a command from the host computer, a generation unit that generates print image data based on the command, the command and the print image data are provided. It is determined whether the storage unit stores the print image data associated with the command received by the reception unit and the command received by the reception unit, and if the print image data is determined to be stored, the print image data is stored in the storage unit. A control unit that reads from a storage unit, and a printing unit that performs printing on a print medium based on the print image data are provided.

  According to such a configuration, when the same command is received from the host computer, the print image data stored in the storage unit in association with the command can be reused. In this case, the process of generating print image data based on the received command is omitted. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the redundancy in which the process of generating the same print image data is repeated, and it is possible to speed up the process of the print image data. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a delay in the printing operation. The received command is discarded without being executed after being used to determine whether it is stored in the storage unit.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the print data further includes data associated with the command, the generation unit generates the print image data based on the command and the data, and the storage unit The command and the data are stored in association with the print image data, and the control unit determines whether the print image data associated with the command and data received by the receiving unit is stored in the storage unit. If the print image data is determined to be stored, the print image data is read from the storage unit.

  According to such a configuration, the reusability of stored print image data is determined based on a combination of a command and data such as an argument related to the command. Therefore, even when a plurality of different print image data is generated, even if the command is the same, it can be appropriately identified by different data such as arguments, and the process of generating the same print image data is repeated. Redundancy can be eliminated. Therefore, the printing operation can be further speeded up. The received data such as an argument is discarded together with the command without being executed after being used for determining whether it is stored in the storage unit.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the command is related to at least one of decorating characters and causing the printing unit to print, and causing image data to be printed on the printing unit. To do.

  When printing image data is generated, the processing load increases if it involves character decoration processing (enlargement / reduction, smoothing, italicization, bolding, underline addition, rotation, deformation, coloring, etc.) that tends to take time. This delays the printing operation. According to the above configuration, the effect of eliminating redundancy in which the generation of the same print image data is repeated becomes more remarkable. If the image data can be determined to be the same, the stored data can be used. Therefore, the image data sent from the host computer can be discarded without being processed (can be discarded). Therefore, processing can be omitted.

  A second aspect of the present invention provides a printing apparatus that can be connected to a host computer. According to a second aspect of the present invention, a receiving unit that receives print data including at least a character code from the host computer, a generation unit that generates print image data based on the character code, the character code, and the print image A storage unit that associates and stores data, and whether print image data associated with the character code received by the reception unit is stored in the storage unit. A control unit that reads out image data from the storage unit, and a printing unit that prints on a print medium based on the print image data.

  According to such a configuration, when the same character code is received from the host computer, the print image data of the character string stored in the storage unit in association with the character code can be reused. In this case, the process of generating print image data based on the received character code is omitted. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the redundancy in which the process of generating the same print image data is repeated, and it is possible to speed up the printing operation.

  The printing apparatus includes a nonvolatile memory (ROM or the like) in which print image data corresponding to a character code is stored. When the character code is received, the corresponding print data is read from the ROM and written into a volatile memory (RAM or the like). If the character code and the print image data stored in the RAM are stored in association with each other, the print image data in the RAM can be reused, so that the process of transferring the print image data from the ROM to the RAM can be omitted.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, the generation unit generates the print image data in units of lines in the print medium, and the control unit receives print image data associated with the character code received by the reception unit. Whether it is stored in the storage unit is determined for each row.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to manage the presence or absence of character strings that are repeatedly printed on a print medium in units of lines, and control efficiency is improved.

  The print image data is delimited in units of lines and stored in the RAM, and is used for a printing operation in the printing unit in units of lines. For example, this delimiter can be determined by a command such as a line feed. Further, since the number of characters that can be printed within the range of one line is determined by the printing unit, processing can be performed by actively dividing the number of characters within the range of one line without receiving a line feed command.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling a printing apparatus connectable to a host computer. According to a third aspect of the present invention, print data including at least a command is received from the host computer, print image data is generated based on the command, the command and the print image data are stored in association with each other, and It is determined whether print image data associated with the command received by the receiving unit is stored in the storage unit. If it is determined that the print image data is stored, the print image data is read from the storage unit, and the print image data And printing on a print medium based on the above.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, an effect similar to that of the first aspect of the present invention can be obtained.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling a printing apparatus that can be connected to a host computer. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, print data including at least a character code is received from the host computer, print image data is generated based on the character code, and the character code and the print image data are stored in association with each other. And determining whether the print image data associated with the character code received by the receiving unit is stored in the storage unit, and when determining that the print image data is stored, reading the print image data from the storage unit, Printing on a print medium is performed based on the print image data.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, an effect similar to that of the second aspect of the present invention can be obtained.

  The present invention can also be realized as a program that causes a control unit included in a printing apparatus to execute the method for controlling the printing apparatus according to the third aspect or the fourth aspect.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of a control method of a printing apparatus according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of the control method of the printing apparatus according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a third example of the control method of the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

  A printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. As an example of a printing apparatus, a thermal line printer used in a POS system or the like will be described as an example.

  The POS system is configured by connecting a POS terminal that is installed in a retail store or the like and performs sales settlement to a host computer 1 that performs sales registration processing and settlement processing. A printing apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in a POS terminal, and is used for printing / issuing a receipt at the time of sales settlement. The printing apparatus 2 includes a print control unit 10, a reception unit 12, and a printing unit 13.

  The print control unit 10 includes a control unit 11 including a CPU (central control device) and various peripheral circuits. The control unit 11 comprehensively controls each unit of the printing apparatus 2 by executing various programs such as a control program stored in a non-volatile memory 16 (not shown) or a ROM (read only memory) (not shown).

  The receiving unit 12 is an interface that receives various commands and data transmitted from the host computer 1 in accordance with a predetermined standard under the control of the control unit 11. Communication with the host computer 1 is performed by wire or wireless.

  The printing unit 13 includes a medium transport mechanism (not shown), a print head, and a head drive circuit. Under the control of the control unit 11, the medium transport mechanism transports the leading end portion of the roll paper as the print medium accommodated in the printing apparatus 2 toward the print head along a predetermined transport path. The print head of this embodiment is a thermal line head in which a plurality of heat generating elements are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the print medium. Under the control of the control unit 11, a heating element (dot forming element) applies heat to the surface (recording surface) of the roll paper, whereby characters and images are printed (recorded) on the roll paper. The leading end of the roll paper that has passed through the print head is cut automatically or manually by a cutting mechanism (not shown) and handed to the customer as a receipt.

  The printing apparatus 2 of the present embodiment can print image information such as a store logo, coupon information, and a barcode on a receipt in addition to character information such as a store name, the name of a product sold, quantity and amount, and a total amount. It is said that.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the print control unit 10 further includes a reception buffer 14, a print data analysis unit 15, a nonvolatile memory 16, a print buffer 17, and a table 18. Various data can be transmitted and received between these components via the data bus 19.

  The reception buffer 14 temporarily stores various commands and data received from the host computer 1 via the reception unit 12. The reception buffer 14 may be formed in a predetermined storage area in a RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown) used by the control unit 11 for forming a work area, or may be provided with a dedicated memory.

  The print data analysis unit 15 sequentially reads and analyzes various commands stored in the reception buffer 14 under the control of the control unit 11. The commands transmitted from the host computer 1 include commands for designating characters and images to be printed and attributes and positions, commands for transmitting image data, commands for designating functions and operations of the printing apparatus, and the like. The print data analysis unit 15 identifies a control process executed in the printing apparatus 2 by analyzing the contents of the command. The print data analysis unit 15 is realized as a function of the control unit 11. You may provide the hardware or software for exclusive use which implement | achieves the said function.

  The nonvolatile memory 16 is composed of a ROM or the like, and stores and holds various data in a rewritable manner in a nonvolatile manner. The nonvolatile memory 16 of the present embodiment stores data (font data) that defines the shape of various characters printed on the receipt, and data that defines various images printed on the receipt. Data stored and held in the non-volatile memory 16 may be stored in advance, or data transmitted from the host computer 1 may be stored via the receiving unit 12 and the receiving buffer 14.

  The print buffer 17 is an area for storing (developing) print image data generated for driving the thermal line head. The print image data is generated as pixel data by rasterizing characters and images used for printing. For example, a pixel in which a dot is formed (driving a heating element) is represented by 1, and a pixel in which no dot is formed (a heating element is not driven) is represented by 0. The head drive circuit outputs a drive signal to each of the heating elements based on the print image data developed in the print buffer 17 and outputs a drive signal to each of the heating elements while synchronizing with a signal that defines the conveyance timing of the print medium. Print text and images on receipts.

  For example, when a character string is printed on a receipt, a character code group specifying the character string is transmitted from the host computer 1 together with a command for instructing character printing (even if the command itself specifies the character string). Good). The command and the character code group stored in the reception buffer 14 via the reception unit 12 are subjected to analysis by the print data analysis unit 15, and font data corresponding to the character code group is read from the nonvolatile memory 16. Based on the read font data, print image data corresponding to the character string is generated by the control unit 11 and developed in the print buffer 17. In this case, the print control unit 10 functions as a generation unit of the present invention. Under the control of the control unit 11, the printing unit 13 drives the thermal line head and the medium transport mechanism based on the print image data developed in the print buffer 17, and prints the character string on the receipt.

  For example, when an image is printed on a receipt, data specifying the image is transmitted together with a command for instructing image printing from the host computer 1 (the command itself may specify the image). The command and the image designation data stored in the reception buffer 14 via the reception unit 12 are subjected to analysis by the print data analysis unit 15, and the image data designated by the image designation data is read from the nonvolatile memory 16. . Based on the read image data, print image data corresponding to the image is generated by the control unit 11 and developed in the print buffer 17. In this case, the control unit 11 functions as a generation unit of the present invention. Under the control of the control unit 11, the printing unit 13 drives the thermal line head and the medium transport mechanism based on the print image data developed in the print buffer 17 and prints the image on the receipt.

  The print buffer 17 may be formed in a predetermined storage area in a RAM (not shown) used by the control unit 11 for forming a work area, or may be provided with a dedicated memory.

  In the present embodiment, when print image data is stored in the print buffer 17, the type of command involved in the generation of the print image data and an address indicating the storage location of the print image data are associated with each other in the table 18. Is remembered. Therefore, at least a part of the print buffer 17 and the table 18 function as a storage unit of the present invention. The table 18 may be formed in a predetermined storage area in a RAM (not shown) used by the control unit 11 for forming a work area, or may be provided with a dedicated memory.

  The print data analysis unit 15 functions as a control unit of the present invention, and is configured to refer to the table 18 when analyzing a command stored in the reception buffer 14. When the print data analysis unit 15 determines that the command stored in the reception buffer 14 is the same as the command stored in the table 18, the address of the print buffer 17 associated with the command in the table 18 is referred to. Then, the control unit 11 reads the print image data stored at the address, and causes the printing unit 13 to execute a printing operation based on the print image data. That is, when a command capable of reusing print image data stored in the print buffer 17 is received from the host computer 1 again, the font data or image data associated with the command is not read from the nonvolatile memory 16. Then, the print image data stored in the print buffer 17 is read and supplied to the printing unit 13. In this case, the received command is discarded without being executed after being used for the above determination.

  According to this configuration, redundancy in which the same generation process is repeated to obtain the same print image data can be eliminated, and a delay in the printing operation can be prevented.

  A series of control flow executed in the printing apparatus 2 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. First, print data transmitted from the host computer 1 is received by the reception unit 12 of the printing apparatus 2 and stored in the reception buffer 14 under the control of the control unit 11 (step S21). Here, the print data includes a command for designating a specific printing operation and data for designating a character string or an image to be subjected to the printing operation. In the case where the command itself can specify the print target, the data specifying the image in the print data may be omitted.

  The print data analysis unit 15 analyzes the print data stored in the reception buffer 14 and extracts the above commands. Further, with reference to the table 18, it is determined whether or not the same command as the extracted command is stored (step S22).

  When it is determined that the same command is not stored in the table (No in step S22), the control unit 11 obtains font data or image data corresponding to the character string or image to be printed designated by the extracted command. The data is read from the nonvolatile memory 16 and converted into print image data. The print image data generated through the conversion process is stored in a predetermined area of the print buffer 17 (step S23).

  The extracted command is stored in the table 18 in association with the address of the print buffer 17 in which print image data generated based on the command is stored under the control of the control unit 11 (step S24). . This process may be performed in parallel with the execution of the printing operation described later or after the execution of the printing operation.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the same command is stored in the table (Yes in step S22), it means that the print image data stored in the print buffer 17 can be reused. . The control unit 11 reads out the print image data stored at the address associated with the command stored in the table 18 from the print buffer 17 (step S25).

  The print control unit 10 supplies the read print image data to the printing unit 13. The head drive circuit of the printing unit 13 drives the heating elements of the thermal line head based on the print image data, and the character string or image designated by the print data is printed on the receipt (step S26). Since reading of data corresponding to the extracted command from the nonvolatile memory 16 and conversion processing to print image data are omitted, the processing load can be reduced and the printing operation can be speeded up.

  In the printing apparatus 2 of the present embodiment, appropriate decoration processing (enlargement / reduction, smoothing, italicization, bolding, underline addition, rotation, deformation, coloring, etc.) is performed on a character string or image printed on a receipt. The decoration processing to be performed is designated by a decoration designation command transmitted from the host computer 1. The decoration designation command stored in the reception buffer 14 via the reception unit 12 is subjected to analysis by the print data analysis unit 15 and is designated for the font data and image data read from the nonvolatile memory 16. The print image data is generated so as to be an image subjected to the processing and stored in the print buffer 17. In this case as well, the type of the decoration command executed and the address in the print buffer 17 storing the print image data generated based on the decoration command are associated with each other and stored in the table 18.

  When the decoration process is added, the effect of omitting reading of data from the nonvolatile memory 16 and generation of print image data becomes more prominent. Therefore, it is preferable that a command for instructing a printing operation requiring decoration processing and print image data generated based on the command are selectively stored in the print buffer 17. For example, a character string indicating a store name or a logo image is printed at the same location each time a receipt is issued, and tends to be accompanied by a decoration process such as enlargement or emphasis. Therefore, such print image data is stored and held in the print buffer 17. At the same time, if a command for printing at a specific location on the receipt is stored in the table 18 in association with the address of the print buffer 17 storing the print image data, a character string indicating the store name every time a receipt is issued. It is possible to omit the process of reading the data corresponding to the logo image from the nonvolatile memory 16 and generating the print image data together with the decoration. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the processing load and further increase the speed of the printing operation. In addition, the storage area can be used effectively when the capacity of the print buffer 17 is limited.

  In addition, for example, a character string indicating a store location or a telephone number or a character string indicating coupon information tends to be printed at a specific location (such as the beginning or end of a receipt) every time a receipt is issued. If the print image data corresponding to is stored and held in the print buffer 17 and a command for printing at a specific location on the receipt is stored in the table 18 in association with the print image data, each time a receipt is issued, a specific print image data is stored. The process of reading the data corresponding to the character string from the nonvolatile memory 16 and generating the print image data can be omitted. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the processing load and prevent the printing operation from being delayed. In addition, the storage area can be used effectively when the capacity of the print buffer 17 is limited.

  When reusing print image data including a specific character string, a print buffer 17 in which the print image data is stored is not a command for obtaining the print image data but a character code corresponding to the specific character string. The table 18 may be stored in association with the address. In this case, the character code stored in the reception buffer 14 is used for analysis by the print data analysis unit 15. If it is determined that the same character code is stored in the table 18, the address of the print buffer 17 associated with the character code is referred to, and the print control unit 10 uses the print image data stored at the address. Read and cause the printing unit 13 to execute a printing operation based on the print image data.

  The above-mentioned “character code corresponding to a specific character string” may be a set of character codes corresponding to each character constituting the character string, or a single character code specifying the character string. May be.

  A series of flow of control executed in the printing apparatus 2 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. First, print data transmitted from the host computer 1 is received by the reception unit 12 of the printing apparatus 2 and stored in the reception buffer 14 under the control of the control unit 11 (step S31). Here, it is assumed that the print data includes a command for designating a specific printing operation and a character code for designating a character string to be subjected to the printing operation. If reception of a character code can mean a print instruction for the character code, the command may be omitted in the print data.

  The print data analysis unit 15 analyzes the print data stored in the reception buffer 14 and extracts the character code. Further, with reference to the table 18, it is determined whether the same character code as the extracted character code is stored (step S32).

  When it is determined that the same character code is not stored in the table (No in step S32), font data corresponding to the character string to be printed designated by the extracted character code is stored in the nonvolatile memory by the control unit 11. 16 and is converted to print image data. The print image data generated through the conversion process is stored in a predetermined area of the print buffer 17 (step S33). When the font data can be used as print image data as it is, the font data read from the nonvolatile memory 16 by the control unit 11 is transferred as print image data to the print buffer 17 and stored in a predetermined area.

  The extracted character code is stored in the table 18 in association with the address of the print buffer 17 in which the print image data generated based on the command is stored under the control of the control unit 11 (step S34). ). This process may be performed in parallel with the execution of the printing operation described later or after the execution of the printing operation.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 that the same character code is stored in the table (Yes in step S32), it means that the print image data stored in the print buffer 17 can be reused. To do. The control unit 11 reads out the print image data stored at the address associated with the command stored in the table 18 from the print buffer 17 (step S35).

  The print control unit 10 supplies the read print image data to the printing unit 13. The head drive circuit of the printing unit 13 drives the heating elements of the thermal line head based on the print image data, and the character string or image designated by the print data is printed on the receipt (step S36). Since generation of print image data corresponding to the extracted character code or transfer of the print image data from the nonvolatile memory 16 to the print buffer 17 is omitted, the processing load can be reduced and the printing operation can be speeded up.

  From the viewpoint of control efficiency, it is preferable to determine the identity of character strings in units of lines printed on a receipt. In this case, the determination target can be defined based on the number of data corresponding to the maximum number of characters constituting one line or a line feed command. For frequently used character strings, print image data of the character string is stored in the print buffer 17 in advance and stored even if the character string is less than one line on the receipt or extends over a plurality of lines. Control efficiency can also be improved by a configuration in which the character code corresponding to the character string is stored in the table 18 in association with the address indicating the location.

  When the print buffer 17 has a sufficient storage capacity, a plurality of print image data is stored and held in the print buffer 17, and the address of the print buffer 17 storing each print image data is used to generate the print image data. The table 18 may be stored in association with the command or character code group involved.

  Further, for example, there are cases where a character string indicating a store name or a logo image is subjected to different decoration processing, print image data corresponding to a different logo image is generated, and printed on a receipt. In such a case, a combination of a command and data (argument etc.) indicating the processing target (character string or logo image) is stored in the table 18 in association with the address of the print buffer 17 in which each print image data is stored. It is good also as a structure. In this case, a combination of a command stored in the reception buffer 14 and data related to the command (hereinafter referred to as related data) is used for analysis by the print data analysis unit 15. If it is determined that a combination of the same command and related data is stored in the table 18, the address of the print buffer 17 associated with the combination is referred to, and the control unit 11 prints the print image stored at the address. Data is read out, and the printing unit 13 is caused to execute a printing operation based on the print image data.

  According to the above configuration, when the same decoration process is performed on different character strings or image data to generate print image data, or the same character string or image data is subjected to different decoration processes to generate print image data. In the case of generation, the process of generating the same print image data can be omitted. As a result, the control load can be reduced and the printing operation delay can be prevented.

  A series of flow of control executed in the printing apparatus 2 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. First, print data transmitted from the host computer 1 is received by the reception unit 12 of the printing apparatus 2 and stored in the reception buffer 14 under the control of the control unit 11 (step S41). Here, the print data includes a command that designates a specific printing operation and related data (such as an argument) that designates a character string or an image that is a target of the printing operation.

  The print data analysis unit 15 analyzes the print data stored in the reception buffer 14 and extracts the above command and related data. Further, with reference to table 18, it is determined whether the same combination as the combination of the extracted command and related data is stored (step S42).

  When it is determined that the same combination is not stored in the table (No in step S42), font data or image data corresponding to the extracted related data is read from the nonvolatile memory 16 by the control unit 11, and Conversion to print image data is performed. The print image data generated through the conversion process is stored in a predetermined area of the print buffer 17 (step S43).

  The combination of the extracted command and related data is stored in the table 18 in association with the address of the print buffer 17 in which the print image data generated based on the command is stored under the control of the control unit 11. (Step S44). This process may be performed in parallel with the execution of the printing operation described later or after the execution of the printing operation.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S42 that the same combination is stored in the table (Yes in step S42), it means that the print image data stored in the print buffer 17 can be reused. . The print controller 11 reads the print image data stored at the address associated with the combination stored in the table 18 from the print buffer 17 (step S45). In this case, the received command and related data are discarded without being executed after being used for the above determination.

  The print control unit 10 supplies the read print image data to the printing unit 13. The head drive circuit of the printing unit 13 drives the heating elements of the thermal line head based on the print image data, and the character string or image designated by the print data is printed on the receipt (step S46). Since reading of data corresponding to the extracted command from the nonvolatile memory 16 and conversion processing to print image data are omitted, the processing load can be reduced and the printing operation can be speeded up.

  In each of the above configurations, at least a part of the control executed by the print control unit 10 may be realized by various hardware (for example, a direct memory access controller), and software included in a printer driver installed in the host computer 1 It may be realized by.

  The control method of the printing apparatus according to the present invention is also applicable to a page printer that uses a cut sheet as a print medium. When the same character string or image is printed on the header or footer of each page of the document, it is possible to reduce the processing load and avoid delays in the printing operation.

  In the printing apparatus control method according to the present invention, a thermal head including a plurality of heating elements arranged in a print medium conveyance direction is mounted on a carriage, and the carriage is scanned in a direction perpendicular to the print medium conveyance direction. It is also applicable to serial printers that perform printing.

  The driving method of the printing apparatus according to the present invention can also be applied to a printer including an ink jet type or dot impact type print head. Each pixel data constituting the print image data defines ejection / non-ejection of ink droplets in an ink jet printer, and defines driving / non-driving of a needle in a dot impact printer. Either method can be applied to both a line-type head and a serial-type head.

  The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and equivalents thereof are included in the present invention.

  1: host computer, 2: printing apparatus, 11: control unit (generation unit), 12: reception unit, 13: printing unit, 15: print data analysis unit (control unit), 17: print buffer (storage unit), 18 : Table (storage unit)

Claims (8)

A printing device connectable to a host computer,
A receiving unit for receiving print data including at least a command from the host computer;
A generating unit that generates print image data based on the command;
A storage unit that stores the command and the print image data in association with each other;
Determining whether the print image data associated with the command received by the receiving unit is stored in the storage unit, and when determining that the print image data is stored, a control unit that reads the print image data from the storage unit;
A printing unit for printing on a print medium based on the print image data;
A printing apparatus comprising: The print data further includes data associated with the command;
The generation unit generates the print image data based on the command and the data,
The storage unit stores the command and the data in association with the print image data,
The control unit determines whether print image data associated with the command and data received by the reception unit is stored in the storage unit, and when determining that the print image data is stored, stores the print image data in the storage unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus reads out from the printing unit.   3. The command according to claim 1, wherein the command relates to at least one of decorating characters and causing the printing unit to print, and causing image data to be printed on the printing unit. Printing device. A printing device connectable to a host computer,
A receiving unit for receiving print data including at least a character code from the host computer;
A generating unit that generates print image data based on the character code;
A storage unit that stores the character code and the print image data in association with each other;
A control unit that determines whether print image data associated with the character code received by the reception unit is stored in the storage unit, and reads the print image data from the storage unit if it is determined to be stored; ,
A printing unit for printing on a print medium based on the print image data;
A printing apparatus comprising: The generation unit generates the print image data in units of lines in the print medium,
5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit determines, on a line-by-line basis, whether print image data associated with a character code received by the receiving unit is stored in the storage unit. . A method of controlling a printing apparatus connectable to a host computer,
Receiving print data including at least a command from the host computer;
Generate print image data based on the command,
Storing the command and the print image data in association with each other;
It is determined whether the print image data associated with the command received by the receiving unit is stored in the storage unit. If it is determined that the print image data is stored, the print image data is read from the storage unit,
Printing on a print medium based on the print image data;
A control method for a printing apparatus. A method of controlling a printing apparatus connectable to a host computer,
Receiving print data including at least a character code from the host computer;
Generate print image data based on the character code,
Storing the character code and the print image data in association with each other;
It is determined whether the print image data associated with the character code received by the reception unit is stored in the storage unit, and when it is determined that the print image data is stored, the print image data is read from the storage unit,
Printing on a print medium based on the print image data;
A control method for a printing apparatus.   A program that causes a control unit included in a printing apparatus to execute the method for controlling a printing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7.

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