JP2016193514A - Image recorder, and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent delay in printing processing interrupted during interruption printing execution.SOLUTION: When interruption advance notice for recording processing during execution (interruption button) is received, a part of raster data stored in a first storage part by RIP processing, for which recording processing is not executed, is stored in a second storage part on page unit basis, and a region of the first storage part which stored raster data thereof is opened. Further, although said RIP processing is continuously executed even if the interruption advance notice for recording processing is received, continuously executed RIP processing is stopped when execution command (execution button) according to the interruption advance notice is received. Namely, by use of a time from operation of the interruption button to operation of the execution button, said RIP processing is continuously executed. Thus, it is possible to form many raster data by use of a useless time, whereby printing processing interrupted during interruption printing processing can be prevented from delay.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus that executes a printing process based on a print job created in a page description language described in units of pages, and a control program that can be read by a computer of the image recording apparatus.

  In print processing based on a print job created in a page description language described in page units, RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing for analyzing the page description language and creating raster data, and an image based on the raster data Is recorded on the printing paper. Some image recording apparatuses have an interrupt printing function, and a printing process different from the printing process may be performed while the printing process corresponding to the print job is being performed. For this reason, for example, when another print processing is executed by the interrupt printing function before a print job created in the previously described page description language is completed, it is described in the following patent document. As described above, the RIP process is stopped by operating the interrupt button.

JP 2004-180134 A

  In the technique described in the above-mentioned patent document, the interrupt print process is performed by waiting until the RIP process is stopped by the operation of the interrupt button and a processing area necessary for executing the interrupt print process is secured. It becomes possible to execute. However, if the RIP process is stopped by operating the interrupt button, the interrupted print process may be delayed. Specifically, in the interrupt printing process, a setting screen for setting the interrupt printing process is displayed on the display unit by operating the interrupt button. Then, the interrupt printing process is executed by operating the execution button. In other words, the user performs settings for interrupt printing processing between the time when the interrupt button is operated and the time when the execution button is operated, but the image recording apparatus performs almost nothing during that time. In addition, there is a possibility that the interrupted print processing may be delayed due to the standby state. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to execute an interrupt printing process when a printing process based on a print job created in a page description language is being executed. Even if it is, the delay of the interrupted printing process is to be prevented.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image recording apparatus of the present invention includes a recording unit that records an image based on image data on a recording sheet, an operation unit that performs input in accordance with a user operation, and a first unit that stores image data. A first storage unit, a second storage unit that stores image data, and a control unit, the control unit is configured to analyze a page description language described in units of pages and create raster data. RIP process execution means for executing RIP processing for storing the raster data stored in the first storage unit, and image recording processing based on the raster data stored in the first storage unit by the RIP process execution means, A recording process executing means executed by the recording section, a first receiving means for receiving an interruption notice for the recording process being executed by the recording section from the operation section, and the first receiving hand. The raster data that is stored in the first storage unit by the RIP process execution unit and not subjected to the recording process by the recording process execution unit when the notice of interruption is received by the second storage unit Storage control means for storing the page-unit raster data stored in the second storage section and releasing the area of the first storage section, and the operation section interrupts the first reception means. Second receiving means for receiving an execution command for recording processing that has received the advance notice, and even if the RIP process executing means receives the advance notice for interruption of the recording process by the first accepting means, The RIP process that was being performed when the advance notice was received is continuously executed. However, the second receiving unit causes the first receiving unit to interrupt the RIP process. When the recording process execution command is received, the RIP process that is continuously executed is stopped, and the storage control unit is configured to notify the RIP process execution unit of an interruption notice by the first reception unit. Raster data created by continuously executing RIP processing after being received and stored in the first storage unit is stored in the second storage unit in units of pages, and the control unit is configured so that the RIP process execution means When RIP processing is stopped by receiving an execution command for recording processing that has received a notice of interruption in the first receiving means, raster data corresponding to the page description language of the page that was analyzed when the RIP processing was stopped is stored. An opening means is provided for opening the area of the first storage section.

  In order to solve the above problems, a control program according to the present invention stores a recording unit that records an image based on image data on a recording sheet, an operation unit that performs input in accordance with a user operation, and image data. A computer-readable control program for an image recording apparatus comprising a first storage unit and a second storage unit for storing image data, wherein the computer analyzes a page description language described in units of pages. RIP processing execution means for creating raster data and executing RIP processing for storing the created raster data in the first storage unit; and raster data stored in the first storage unit by the RIP process execution unit Recording processing execution means for executing image recording processing based on the recording unit, and recording being executed by the recording unit from the operation unit A first accepting unit that accepts an advance notice of an interruption to the logic, and when the advance notice of an interrupt is accepted by the first accepting unit, the RIP process executing unit stores the interrupt notice in the first storage unit, and the recording process executing unit records Raster data that has not been processed is stored in the second storage unit in units of pages, and the area of the first storage unit that stores the raster data in units of pages stored in the second storage unit is released. The RIP process executing means is configured to function as a storage control means for causing the recording control means to function as a second accepting means for accepting an execution instruction for a recording process for which the first accepting means accepts an advance notice of interruption. 1 Even if a recording process interrupt notice is accepted by the accepting means, the RIP process that was being executed when the notice was accepted is continued. However, when the second accepting unit accepts an execution command for the recording process in which the first accepting unit accepts the notice of interruption, the RIP process that is continuously executed is stopped, and the storage The control unit is configured to continuously execute the RIP process after the RIP process execution unit receives the notice of interruption by the first reception unit and stores the raster data stored in the first storage unit in units of pages. When the RIP process is stored in the second storage unit and the RIP process execution unit stops the RIP process upon receipt of an execution instruction for a recording process in which the first reception unit receives an interrupt notice, the RIP process The area of the first storage unit that stores raster data corresponding to the page description language of the page that was analyzed at the time of stopping is released. It functions as an opening means.

  In the image recording apparatus of the present invention, even when the interrupt button is operated, the RIP process is continuously executed, and when the execution button is operated, the RIP process is stopped. That is, the RIP process is continuously executed by using the period from when the interrupt button is operated to when the execution button is operated. Accordingly, it is possible to create a lot of raster data by using wasted time, and it is possible to prevent a delay in the interrupted printing process during the interrupt printing process.

1 is a block diagram of a communication system 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the progress of a RIP process, and the user operation at the time of an interrupt printing process. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing raster data stored in a first RAM 26. FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the printer 10. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the printer 10. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the printer 10. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the printer 10. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the printer 10. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the printer 10. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the printer 10.

<Configuration of communication system>
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a communication system 1 exemplified as an embodiment according to the present application. The communication system 1 includes a printer (an example of an image recording apparatus of the present invention) 10 and a PC (abbreviation for personal computer).

  The printer 10 includes a CPU (abbreviation of Central Processing Unit) (an example of a control unit and a computer of the present invention) 12, a display 14, an input I / F (an example of an operation unit of the present invention) 16, a reading unit (a reading unit of the present invention). 18), recording unit (an example of the recording unit of the present invention) 20, network I / F 22, flash memory (an example of the second storage unit of the present invention) 24, first RAM (abbreviation for Random Access Memory) (book) An example of the first storage unit of the invention) 26 and a second RAM 28 are mainly provided. These components can communicate with each other via a bus 30.

  The display 14 includes a display surface that displays various functions of the printer 10. The input I / F 16 is a key for executing each function of the printer 10. For example, the input I / F 16 may be a touch panel configured integrally with the display 14, and a user operation on an icon displayed on the display 14. Accept. In addition to the touch panel, a hard key or the like may be used. The reading unit 18 is a part that reads an image recorded on a document and creates image data, and includes, for example, a CCD image sensor, a contact image sensor, and the like. The recording unit 20 is a printing mechanism, for example, an inkjet head. The CPU 12 inputs a drive signal to the recording unit 20 and, when the recording unit 20 is an inkjet head, ejects ink from the nozzles according to the input drive signal.

  The network I / F 22 communicates with an external device, and is connected to the PC 50 existing on the same network as the printer 10. As a result, the printer 10 can perform data communication with the PC 50 via the network I / F 22.

  The flash memory 24 is a nonvolatile memory, and stores a control program (an example of a control program of the present invention) 32 and various data. The first RAM 26 and the second RAM 28 are volatile memories, and store various data created when the printing process is executed. The second RAM 28 is connected to the recording unit 20.

  The CPU 12 executes processing according to the control program 32. The control program 32 is a program for executing print processing. Hereinafter, the CPU 12 that executes the control program 32 may be simply described as a program name. For example, the description “control program 32” may mean “the CPU 12 that executes the control program 32”.

<Print processing using communication system>
In the communication system 1, a print job created in a page description language described in units of pages is transmitted from the PC 50 to the printer 10, and the printer 10 executes print processing according to the print job. The page description language is a computer language for instructing the image recording apparatus such as the printer 10 to perform drawing. PostScript (registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated), PCL (abbreviation of Printer Command Language) (Hewlett-Packard) Company registered trademark).

  When the printer 10 receives a print job created in a page description language, the printer 10 performs RIP (abbreviation for Raster Image Processor) processing on the print job. The RIP process is a process of analyzing a page description language described in units of pages, creating raster data, and storing the created raster data in the first RAM 26. When the raster data for one page is stored in the first RAM 26, the raster data for one page is transferred to the second RAM 28. As described above, the second RAM 28 is connected to the recording unit 20, and the recording unit 20 acquires raster data from the second RAM 28 and records an image based on the raster data on a recording sheet. That is, the recording unit 20 performs an image recording process based on raster data for one page stored in the second RAM 28. Then, by repeating the above processing, the page description language for all pages transmitted from the PC 50 is converted into raster data, and an image based on the raster data for all pages is recorded on the recording paper. Thereby, the printing process corresponding to the print job transmitted from the PC 50 is completed.

  However, the printer 10 has an interrupt printing function, and a printing process different from that process may be performed while the printing process corresponding to the print job is being executed. In such a case, the RIP process and the recording process of the print process corresponding to the print job are temporarily interrupted, and the print process using the interrupt print function (hereinafter referred to as “interrupt print process”). Is executed). When the interrupt printing process ends, the interrupted RIP process and recording process of the printing process are resumed. As described above, when the interrupt printing process is executed, the previously executed printing process (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “preceding printing process”) is interrupted, so that the preceding printing process is delayed. In view of the above, in the printer 10, the delay of the preceding print process when the interrupt print process is executed is reduced by improving the interrupt print process procedure.

  Specifically, the input I / F 16 of the printer 10 has an interrupt button (not shown), and when the interrupt button is operated, a setting screen (such as setting of interrupt print processing) (Not shown) is displayed on the display 14. Then, the user sets the interrupt printing process on the setting screen. At this time, in the conventional interrupt printing process, the RIP process of the preceding printing process is immediately interrupted by the operation of the interrupt button. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, an interrupt button is displayed while the conversion of the page description language up to the sixth page into raster data is completed and the page description language of the seventh page is being converted into raster data. Is operated, the RIP process is interrupted while the page description language of the seventh page is being converted into raster data.

  Also, the recording process of the preceding printing process is interrupted after the recording process being executed at the time of operation is completed by operating the interrupt button. That is, for example, when an interrupt button is operated while an image based on the raster data of the third page in which the page description language of the third page is converted is recorded on the recording paper, the raster of the third page After the image recording process based on the data is completed, the recording process is interrupted. In this description, a case where raster data for one page is recorded on one recording sheet will be described. For example, when raster data for a plurality of pages is recorded on one recording sheet. In this case, after the raster data for a plurality of pages is recorded on one recording sheet, the recording process is interrupted. In addition, when a plurality of recording sheets are simultaneously transported in the transport path of the printer 10, in addition to the recording sheet that is the target of the recording process that is performed when the interrupt button is operated, the recording paper is already transported in the transport path. The recording process is also interrupted after the image is recorded on the recording paper. Furthermore, when an image is recorded on the back side of the plurality of recording sheets after the image is recorded on the front side of the plurality of recording sheets, the images are recorded on the front and back sides of the plurality of recording sheets. After recording, the recording process is interrupted. That is, the recording process is interrupted after the image recording process based on a group of page-unit raster data including raster data for one page of the target of the recording process being executed when the interrupt button is operated.

  An execution button (not shown) is displayed on the setting screen for the interrupt printing process. Then, after setting the interrupt printing process as necessary, the interrupt printing process is executed by operating the execution button. However, while the execution button is operated after the interrupt button is operated, the user performs setting of interrupt printing processing and the like, but the printer 10 is executed when the interrupt button is operated during that time. The processing is in a standby state without executing any processing other than the image recording processing based on a group of page-unit raster data including raster data for one page to be recorded. For this reason, the printer 10 uses the time to execute the RIP process and effectively uses the time in the standby state. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, if the interrupt button is operated while the page description language of the seventh page is being converted into raster data, and then the execute button is operated, the interrupt button is operated. The RIP process is not interrupted by the operation of the execution button, but the RIP process is interrupted by the operation of the execution button. Thus, by effectively using the time in the standby state, it is possible to create raster data for the seventh and eighth pages and reduce the delay of the preceding printing process.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the interrupt button is operated while the page description language of the seventh page is being converted into raster data, the recording process is temporarily stopped. Is output. Then, the recording unit 20 interrupts the recording process after completing the recording process currently being executed in accordance with this instruction. On the other hand, the RIP process is continuously executed even if the instruction is output.

  In addition, an instruction to transfer the raster data stored in the first RAM 26 to the flash memory 24 is output by operating the interrupt button. When this instruction is output, raster data stored in the first RAM 26 and not subjected to recording processing is stored in the flash memory 24 in units of pages. Then, the area of the first RAM 26 that stores the raster data for each page stored in the flash memory 24 is released.

  Specifically, for example, when the page description language of the seventh page is being converted into raster data and an image recording process based on the raster data of the third page is being executed, an interrupt button Is operated, the raster data of the page unit of the 4th to 6th pages and the raster data less than the page unit of the 7th page, that is, the raster data converted to the page description language in the middle of the 7th page Are stored in the first RAM 26. Therefore, raster data is stored in the first RAM 26 as shown in FIG. FIG. 3 conceptually shows the raster data stored in the first RAM 26, and the hatched raster data means raster data that has been recorded, and these rasters are stored. The area is already open. The raster data divided by the dotted line means data that is less than the raster data for one page.

  When raster data is stored in the first RAM 26 in the state shown in FIG. 3, the raster data for the fourth to sixth pages is stored in the flash memory 24 when a raster data transfer instruction is output. Then, the area of the first RAM 26 storing the raster data of the fourth to sixth pages is released. Thereby, it is possible to overwrite the area where the raster data of the fourth to sixth pages of the first RAM 26 is stored, and it is possible to store data necessary for the interrupt printing process using the area. As described above, the RIP process is not interrupted directly by the operation of the interrupt button, but is temporarily interrupted while the raster data is being transferred. That is, the RIP process is temporarily interrupted by the output of the raster data migration instruction, but is resumed when the raster data migration is completed.

  When the RIP process is resumed in response to the completion of the raster data migration, the RIP process is continuously executed until the execution button is operated. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the interrupt button is operated when the raster data of the seventh page is created, the RIP process is continued except during the raster data migration. And executed. In the meantime, the user makes settings for interrupt printing processing. During this time, when the RIP process proceeds and the RIP process of the raster data of the seventh page is completed, the raster data of the seventh page is stored in the flash memory 24 in units of pages. Then, the area of the first RAM 26 storing the raster data of the seventh page is released. Further, when the RIP process proceeds and the RIP process for the eighth page of raster data is completed, the raster data for the eighth page is stored in the flash memory 24 in units of pages, and the raster data for the eighth page is stored. The area of the first RAM 26 is released.

  Then, when the execution button is operated when the raster data of the ninth page is created, an instruction for temporarily stopping the RIP process is output. When this instruction is output, the RIP process is immediately interrupted. On the other hand, an interrupt printing process is executed by operating the execution button. Note that if the RIP process is interrupted when the raster data for the ninth page is created, the raster data for the ninth page created until the interruption is stored in the first RAM 26. However, since this raster data is raster data that is less than one page, the area of the first RAM 26 storing the raster data is released.

  As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 2, when the conventional interrupt printing process is executed, only raster data up to the sixth page can be created. However, the printer 10 performs the interrupt printing process. When executed, raster data up to the eighth page can be created. Accordingly, a lot of raster data can be created by using the useless waiting time, and the delay of the preceding printing process can be reduced.

  When the interrupt printing process is executed by operating the execution button, the document placed on the document table is read by the reading unit 18, and the image data of the document read by the reading unit 18 is the first RAM 26. Stored in the freed area. Then, the image based on the image data is transferred to the second RAM 28 and is recorded on the recording paper by the recording unit 20. This completes the interrupt printing process.

  When the interrupt printing process is completed, an instruction for releasing the suspension of the RIP process is output. When the instruction is output, a process of returning the raster data transferred to the flash memory 24 to the first RAM 26 is executed. That is, the page unit raster data stored in the flash memory 24 by the output of the shift instruction is stored in the first RAM 26. Then, the area of the flash memory 24 that stores the page-unit raster data stored in the first RAM 26 is released. Thereby, the raster data transferred to the flash memory 24 is returned to the first RAM 26.

  Further, when an instruction for releasing the suspension of the RIP process is output, the RIP process is resumed. However, while the process of restoring the raster data to the first RAM 26 is being performed, the resumption of the RIP process is temporarily interrupted. That is, the RIP process is resumed on the condition that an instruction for canceling the suspension of the RIP process is output and the raster data restoration process is not executed. When the RIP process is resumed, the raster data of the page created when the RIP process is interrupted is created again from the beginning. That is, for example, if the RIP process is interrupted when the raster data for the ninth page is created, the page description language for the ninth page is analyzed from the beginning when the RIP process is resumed, and the raster data for the ninth page is Created. This is because when the RIP process is interrupted, the area of the first RAM 26 storing the raster data being created is released and the raster data is discarded.

  When the interrupt printing process is completed, an instruction for canceling the temporary stop of the recording process is output. When the instruction is output, the image recording process based on the raster data by the recording unit 20 is resumed. That is, the raster data of the next page of the raster data for which the recording process has been completed is transferred from the first RAM 26 to the second RAM 28, and an image recording process based on the raster data transferred to the second RAM 28 is executed by the recording unit 20. The

  Then, the page description language for all pages transmitted from the PC 50 is converted into raster data, and an image based on the raster data for all pages is recorded on a recording sheet, so that the print job transmitted from the PC 50 can be used. The printing process is completed.

<Control program>
The printing process described above is performed by executing the control program 32 in the CPU 12 of the printer 10. Note that, by executing the control program 32, the four flows shown in FIGS. 4 to 10 are executed. FIG. 4 shows the flow when accepting the execution of the interrupt printing process in a state where the printing process has already been executed, and FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 show the preceding printing process depending on the situation of the interrupt printing. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show the flow when the print job is received and execute the RIP process, and FIG. 10 shows the flow when the recording process is executed.
Hereinafter, four flows when the control program 32 is executed by the CPU 12 of the printer 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the control program 32 is executed by the CPU 12, as shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the interrupt button has been operated (S100). When the interrupt button is not operated (NO in S100), the process of S100 is repeated. On the other hand, when the interrupt button is operated (YES in S100), an instruction to pause the recording process is output (S102). Next, a raster data transfer instruction is output (S104). Then, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the execution button has been operated (S106).

  When the execution button is not operated (NO in S106), the process in S106 is repeated. On the other hand, when the execution button is operated (YES in S106), an instruction to pause the RIP process is output (S108). Then, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the interrupt printing process is completed (S110). If the interrupt printing process has not ended (NO in S110), the process in S110 is repeated. On the other hand, if the interrupt printing process has been completed (YES in S110), an instruction to cancel the suspension of the RIP process is output (S112). Then, an instruction to cancel the pause of the recording process is output (S114). Thereby, the process of this flow is complete | finished.

  Further, when the control program 32 is executed by the CPU 12, as shown in FIG. 5, it is determined by the CPU 12 whether or not an instruction regarding the RIP process is output (S120). The instructions regarding the RIP process are a raster data transfer instruction, a RIP process suspension instruction, and a RIP process suspension release instruction. When the instruction regarding the RIP process is not output (NO in S120), the process of S120 is repeated. On the other hand, if an instruction related to the RIP process is output (YES in S120), the CPU 12 determines whether or not the data related to the RIP process is a raster data transfer instruction (S122).

  If the data relating to the RIP process is a raster data transfer instruction (YES in S122), a transfer process subroutine is executed (S124). In the migration process subroutine, as shown in FIG. 6, the data migration flag F is set to ON (S140). The data migration flag F is a flag indicating whether raster data migration processing or restoration processing is being executed. The data migration flag F = ON indicates that processing is in progress. The middle flag F = OFF indicates that the processing is finished. Next, raster data migration processing is executed (S142). When the raster data migration process is completed, the data migration flag F is set to OFF (S144). Thereby, the transfer processing subroutine is completed.

  When the transition processing subroutine ends, the process returns to the main routine of FIG. 5, and the RIP processing state variable V is set during pause preparation (S126). The RIP process state variable V is a flag indicating the state of the RIP process, and is set to any one of the execution state, the pause state, and the pause preparation. RIP processing state variable V = execution state indicates that normal RIP processing is executed, and RIP processing state variable V = pause state indicates that execution of RIP processing is temporarily stopped. , RIP process state variable V = pause preparation indicates that the RIP process is continuously executed by the interrupt printing process. Then, when the RIP process state variable V is set during the pause preparation, the process of this flow ends.

  If the data related to the RIP process is not a raster data transfer instruction in S122 (NO in S122), the CPU 12 determines whether the data related to the RIP process is a temporary stop instruction for the RIP process (S128). ). If the data relating to the RIP process is an instruction to pause the RIP process (YES in S128), the RIP process state variable V is set to the pause state (S130) and raster data less than one page is stored. The area of the first RAM 26 is released (S131), and the process of this flow ends.

  In S128, if the data related to the RIP process is not an instruction to pause the RIP process (NO in S128), that is, if the data related to the RIP process is an instruction to cancel the pause of the RIP process, the return process subroutine is executed. (S132). In the return processing subroutine, as shown in FIG. 7, the data migration flag F is set to ON (S150). Next, raster data restoration processing is executed (S152). When the raster data restoration processing is completed, the data migration flag F is set to OFF (S154). This completes the return processing subroutine. When the return process subroutine ends, the process returns to the main routine of FIG. 5, and the RIP process state variable V is set to the execution state (S134). Then, the process of this flow ends.

  Further, when the control program 32 is executed by the CPU 12, the input data is analyzed as shown in FIG. 8 (S160). Then, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the input data is a print job (S162). If the input data is not a print job (NO in S162), the process in S162 is repeated. On the other hand, if the input data is a print job (YES in S162), general printing such as color / monochrome, paper size, etc. based on print job information settings, that is, print information included in the print job. Setting is performed (S164).

  Next, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the RIP process is permitted (S166). Specifically, when the data migration flag F = OFF and the RIP process state variable V = pause preparation and execution state, it is determined that the RIP process is permitted. That is, when the data migration flag F = ON or the RIP processing state variable V = pause state, it is determined that the RIP processing is not permitted. In this determination, when the RIP process is not permitted (NO in S166), the process in S166 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the RIP process is permitted (YES in S166), the RIP process is executed (S168). Subsequently, the CPU 12 determines whether or not raster data for one page has been created (S170). If raster data for one page has not been created (NO in S170), the process returns to S166. On the other hand, when raster data for one page is created (YES in S170), the raster data for one page is registered (S172).

  Then, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the RIP process state variable V is set during the pause preparation (S174). If the RIP process state variable V is not set during pause preparation (NO in S174), the process proceeds to S178. On the other hand, when the RIP process state variable V is set during pause preparation (YES in S174), the transition process subroutine shown in FIG. 6 is executed (S176). Next, the CPU 12 determines whether or not raster data for all pages has been created (S178). If raster data for all pages has not been created (NO in S178), the process returns to S166. On the other hand, if raster data for all pages has been created (YES in S178), the process of this flow ends.

  When the control program 32 is executed by the CPU 12, as shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 12 determines whether or not raster data for one page is stored in the first RAM 26 (S200). When raster data for one page is not stored in the first RAM 26 (NO in S200), the process of S200 is repeated. On the other hand, when raster data for one page is stored in the first RAM 26 (YES in S200), the CPU 12 determines whether or not the recording process is permitted (S202).

  Specifically, when the data migration flag F = OFF and the recording process pause instruction is not output, or when the data migration flag F = OFF and the recording process pause instruction is output. Later, when an instruction to cancel the pause of the recording process is output, it is determined that the recording process is permitted. That is, when the data migration flag F = ON or a recording process pause instruction is output and a recording process pause cancel instruction is not output, it is determined that the recording process is not permitted. In this determination, when the recording process is not permitted (NO in S202), the process in S202 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the recording process is permitted (YES in S202), the recording process is executed (S204). Subsequently, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the image recording process based on the raster data for one page is completed (S206). If the image recording process based on the raster data for one page has not been completed (NO in S206), the process returns to S204. On the other hand, when the image recording process based on the raster data for one page has been completed (YES in S206), the CPU 12 determines whether the image recording process based on the raster data for all pages has been completed. Determination is made (S208). If the image recording process based on the raster data for all pages has not been completed (NO in S208), the process returns to S202. On the other hand, if the image recording process based on the raster data for all pages has been completed (YES in S208), the process of this flow ends.

  The CPU 12 that executes S100 is an example of a first receiving unit. The CPU 12 that executes S106 is an example of a second receiving unit. The CPU 12 that executes S142 is an example of a storage control unit. The CPU 12 that executes S168 is an example of RIP process execution means. The CPU 12 that executes S204 is an example of a recording process execution unit and a release unit.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It is possible to implement in the various aspect which gave various change and improvement based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Specifically, in the above embodiment, the printing process of the image read by the reading unit 18 is employed as the interrupt printing process, but the printing process of the image stored in the flash memory 24 or the like is employed. Is possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the processes shown in FIGS. 4 to 10 are executed by the CPU 12 or the like has been described. However, these processes are not limited to the CPU 12 or the like, and may be executed by an ASIC or other logic integrated circuit. These processes may be executed by the cooperation of a CPU or the like, an ASIC, or another logic integrated circuit.

10: Printer (image recording device)
12: CPU (control unit) (computer)
16: Input I / F (operation unit)
18: Reading unit 20: Recording unit 24: Flash memory (second storage unit)
26: First RAM (first storage unit)
32: Control program

Claims (6)

A recording unit for recording an image based on the image data on a recording sheet;
An operation unit for performing input in accordance with a user operation;
A first storage unit for storing image data;
A second storage unit for storing image data;
A control unit;
With
The controller is
RIP process execution means for analyzing a page description language described in units of pages and generating raster data and executing RIP processing for storing the generated raster data in the first storage unit;
Recording process execution means for executing image recording processing based on raster data stored in the first storage unit by the RIP process execution means by the recording unit;
First accepting means for accepting a notice of interruption to the recording process being executed by the recording unit from the operation unit;
Raster data that is stored in the first storage unit by the RIP process execution unit and that has not been subjected to recording processing by the recording processing execution unit when the interrupt notification is received by the first receiving unit is stored in page units Storage control means for releasing the area of the first storage unit that has been stored in the second storage unit and stored raster data in units of pages stored in the second storage unit;
Second accepting means for accepting an execution command for a recording process in which the operation part has accepted an advance notice of interruption in the first accepting means;
With
The RIP process execution means includes:
Even if the recording process interruption notice is received by the first accepting unit, the RIP process that was being performed when the notice was accepted is continuously executed. When the execution instruction of the recording process that received the notice of interruption is received in the first receiving means, the RIP process that is continuously executed is stopped,
The storage control means
Raster processing data created by continuously executing RIP processing after the RIP processing execution means has received an advance notice of interruption by the first receiving means and stored in the first storage unit in the second storage. To remember
The controller is
When the RIP process execution unit stops the RIP process by receiving the execution instruction of the recording process in which the interrupt notification is received by the first reception unit, the page description language of the page analyzed at the time of the stop of the RIP process is displayed. An image recording apparatus comprising: an opening unit that opens an area of the first storage unit that stores corresponding raster data. The RIP process execution means includes:
Even when the recording processing interrupt is received by the first receiving unit, the notification is not made except when the storage control unit stores the raster data in the second storage unit. The RIP process that was being executed at the time of acceptance is continuously executed, but is continued when the second acceptance means receives an execution instruction for a recording process that has received a notice of interruption at the first acceptance means. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the RIP process being executed is stopped. The storage control means
When the RIP process execution unit continuously executes the RIP process after receiving the interrupt notice by the first reception unit, the raster data is stored in the first storage unit in units of pages. The page unit raster data stored in one storage unit is stored in the second storage unit, and the area of the first storage unit storing the page unit raster data stored in the second storage unit is released. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image recording apparatus is an image recording apparatus. The recording process execution means includes
When the interrupt notification is received by the first receiving means, image recording processing based on a group of data including at least raster data to be recorded is executed. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image recording process based on the data is not executed. The image recording apparatus includes:
A reading unit for reading an image written on a document;
5. The image according to claim 1, wherein the recording process for which the first receiving unit receives an interruption notice is a recording process of an image read by the reading unit. 6. Recording device. A recording unit that records an image based on image data on a recording sheet, an operation unit that performs input according to a user operation, a first storage unit that stores image data, and a second storage unit that stores image data A control program readable by a computer of an image recording apparatus provided,
The computer,
RIP process execution means for analyzing a page description language described in units of pages and generating raster data and executing RIP processing for storing the generated raster data in the first storage unit;
Recording process execution means for executing image recording processing based on raster data stored in the first storage unit by the RIP process execution means by the recording unit;
First accepting means for accepting a notice of interruption to the recording process being executed by the recording unit from the operation unit;
Raster data that is stored in the first storage unit by the RIP process execution unit and that has not been subjected to recording processing by the recording processing execution unit when the interrupt notification is received by the first receiving unit is stored in page units. Storage control means for releasing the area of the first storage unit that has been stored in the second storage unit and stored raster data in units of pages stored in the second storage unit;
Second accepting means for accepting an execution command for a recording process in which the operation part has accepted an advance notice of interruption in the first accepting means;
To function,
The RIP process execution means includes:
Even if the recording process interruption notice is received by the first accepting unit, the RIP process that was being performed when the notice was accepted is continuously executed. When the execution instruction of the recording process that received the notice of interruption is received in the first receiving means, the RIP process that is continuously executed is stopped,
The storage control means
Raster processing data created by continuously executing RIP processing after the RIP processing execution means has received an advance notice of interruption by the first receiving means and stored in the first storage unit in the second storage. To remember
The computer,
When the RIP process execution unit stops the RIP process by receiving the execution instruction of the recording process in which the interrupt notification is received by the first reception unit, the page description language of the page analyzed at the time of the stop of the RIP process is displayed. A control program for causing an area of the first storage unit storing corresponding raster data to function as an opening means for releasing.

Images