JP2016193515A - Image recorder, and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent delay in printing processing interrupted during interruption printing execution.SOLUTION: Even if interruption advance notice for recording processing during execution (interruption button) is received, RIP processing is continuously executed, and said RIP processing is discontinued when an execution button is operated. 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. Further, when the execution button is operated under such a condition that RIP processing for page description language on a page which is being analyzed when the interruption is operated is completed, said RIP processing is discontinued. Thus, it is possible to reduce useless disposal of raster data formed by continuation of RIP processing and to prevent a delay in printing processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

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, Recording process executing means executed by a recording section; and first receiving means for receiving a notice of interruption for recording processing being executed by the recording section from the operation section; The P process execution means continues to execute the RIP process that was executed when the advance notice was received even when the advance notice of the recording process was accepted by the first accepting means, and the control unit After the raster data corresponding to the page description language of the page analyzed by the RIP process executing means when the first accepting means accepts the notice of interruption is created and stored in the first storage unit A first storage process of storing raster data stored in the first storage unit in the second storage unit in units of pages, in which the recording process by the recording process execution unit is not executed, When the RIP process is continuously executed by the RIP process execution unit after the first reception unit receives an interrupt notification, the RIP process is executed when the RIP process is received. When raster data corresponding to the page description language after the page analyzed by the P process execution means is stored in the first storage unit in page units, the page unit raster data stored in the first storage unit Storage control means for executing the second storage process for storing the second storage process in the second storage section, and the page description of the page analyzed by the RIP process execution means when the first acceptance means accepts the notice of interruption On the condition that raster data corresponding to a language has been created and stored in the first storage unit, an instruction to execute a recording process, which is input by the operation unit and has received an interrupt notice in the first reception unit, is issued. A second accepting unit for accepting an interrupt notice in the first accepting unit by the second accepting unit. When the execution instruction of the recording process is received, the RIP process that is continuously executed is stopped, and the control unit has received an advance notice of interruption by the RIP process execution means in the first reception means. When the RIP process is stopped by receiving the execution instruction for the recording process, an area of the first storage unit that stores raster data corresponding to the page description language of the page that was analyzed when the RIP process was stopped. An opening means for opening is provided.

  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 The RIP process execution means accepts the notice even when the notice of interruption of the recording process is accepted by the first accepting means. The RIP process that was being executed at the time is continuously executed, and the computer is changed to the page description language of the page that was analyzed by the RIP process executing means when the first accepting means accepts the notice of interruption. After the corresponding raster data is created and stored in the first storage unit, the raster data stored in the first storage unit that has not been recorded by the recording process execution unit, First storage processing to be stored in the second storage unit in units of pages, and execution of the RIP processing after the first receiving unit has received a notice of interruption By continuously executing the RIP process according to the stage, raster data corresponding to the page description language after the page analyzed by the RIP process executing means when the notice is received is stored in the first storage unit. A storage control unit that executes a second storage process of storing the raster data of the page unit stored in the first storage unit in the second storage unit when stored in units; and the first reception unit On the condition that the raster data corresponding to the page description language of the page analyzed by the RIP process execution means when the notice of interruption is received and stored in the first storage unit, the operation unit The second reception unit that receives the input instruction of the recording process that received the notification of the interruption in the first reception unit is input, The RIP process execution means stops the RIP process that is continuously executed when the second reception means receives an instruction to execute a recording process in which the first reception means has received a notice of interruption, When the RIP process is stopped when the RIP process execution unit stops the RIP process by receiving a recording process execution command in which the first reception unit has received an interrupt notice, the page of the page that was analyzed when the RIP process was stopped The area of the first storage unit storing raster data corresponding to a page description language is made to function as an opening unit that releases the data.

  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. In addition, when the interrupt button is operated, the RIP process is stopped when the execute button is operated on the condition that the RIP process has been completed for the page description language of the page being analyzed. As a result, it is possible to suppress wasteful disposal of raster data created by continuing the RIP process and reduce the delay of the printing process.

1 is a block diagram of a communication system 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the user operation at the time of the conventional interruption printing process, the progress of a RIP process, the progress of a reading process, and the progress of a recording process. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the user operation at the time of the interruption printing process of this invention, the progress of a RIP process, the progress of a reading process, and the progress of a recording process. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing raster data stored in a first RAM 26. FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flowchart of the printer 10 of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flowchart of the printer 10 of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flowchart of the printer 10 of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flowchart of the printer 10 of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flowchart of the printer 10 of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flowchart of the printer 10 of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flowchart of the printer 10 of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flowchart of the printer 10 of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flowchart of the printer 10 of 2nd Embodiment.

<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 of personal computer) 50.

  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 placed on a flat bed or an ADF (abbreviation of Auto Document Feeder) and creates image data. For example, a CCD image sensor, a contact image sensor, etc. Including. The recording unit 20 is a printing mechanism, and examples thereof include an inkjet type and an electrophotographic type. 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.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, upon receiving a print job created in the page description language, the printer 10 starts executing the RIP process. When the page description language described in the first page document is analyzed and raster data is created, the raster data of the first page document is stored in the first RAM 26. This completes the RIP process for the first page of the document. Next, the raster data of the first page stored in the first RAM 26 is transferred to the second RAM 28, and the recording unit 20 performs image recording processing based on the raster data transferred to the second RAM 28. Thereby, the recording process of the print job created in the page description language starts.

  Further, the input I / F 16 of the printer 10 includes an interrupt button (not shown) for giving a notice of the interrupt printing process. In the conventional interrupt printing process, the preceding printing process is performed by operating the interrupt button. Interrupted immediately. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the conversion to the page description language raster data up to the sixth page is completed by the RIP process of the preceding printing process, and the page description language of the seventh page is the raster data. If the interrupt button is operated during the conversion to, a stop instruction is output. Then, while the page description language of the seventh page is being converted into raster data, the RIP process is interrupted according to the stop instruction.

  Also, the recording process of the preceding printing process is interrupted after a stop instruction is output by the operation of the interrupt button and the recording process being executed at the time of completion is completed. That is, for example, when an interrupt button is operated while an image based on the raster data of the third page is being recorded on the recording paper, a stop instruction is output. Then, after the image recording process based on the raster data of the third page is completed, the recording process is interrupted according to the stop instruction.

  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.

  In addition, a setting screen for setting interrupt printing processing and the like is displayed on the display 14 of the printer 10 by operating the interrupt button. An execution button (not shown) is displayed on this setting screen. Then, after setting the interrupt printing process as necessary, the interrupt printing process is executed by operating the execution button. Specifically, when the execution button is operated, a document placed on the flat bed or the ADF is read by the reading unit 18, and when the first page of the original is read, the first page of the original is recorded. Starts. However, since the recording unit 20 needs to be warmed up in order to perform the recording process, the recording process starts after the warming up of the recording unit 20 is completed.

  As described above, in the conventional interrupt printing process, the RIP process of the preceding printing process is immediately interrupted by the operation of the interrupt button, and the recording process of the preceding printing process is also an image recording process for one page being processed. Will be interrupted after completion. However, while the execution button is operated after the interrupt button is operated, the user performs setting of interrupt printing processing and the like, while the printer 10 is executed when the interrupt button is operated. 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 preceding printing process, and effectively uses the time in the standby state. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the delay of the preceding printing process.

  Specifically, for example, as in the above description, the RIP process of the preceding printing process completes the conversion of the page description language up to the sixth page into raster data, and the page description language of the seventh page is changed to raster data. Even if the interrupt button is operated during the conversion, the RIP process is continuously executed. However, by operating the interrupt button, an instruction for transferring the raster data stored in the first RAM 26 to the flash memory 24 is output as shown in FIG. When this instruction is output, raster data that has not been subjected to recording processing among raster data stored in the first RAM 26 is stored in the flash memory 24 in units of pages. However, even after the raster data is stored in the flash memory 24, the raster data stored in the first RAM 26 is retained.

  Specifically, the interrupt button is operated while the page description language of the seventh page is being converted into raster data and the image recording process based on the raster data of the third page is being executed. In such a case, the page-by-page raster data for the 4th to 6th pages and the raster data that is less than 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. 4 conceptually shows 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 free. The raster data divided by the dotted line means data that is less than the raster data for one page.

  When the raster data is stored in the first RAM 26 in the state shown in FIG. 4 and a raster data transfer instruction is output, as shown in FIG. Is remembered. The raster data of the 4th to 6th pages are held. Thereby, as will be described later, the recording process is continued based on the raster data. 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, when the interrupt button is operated when the raster data of the seventh page is created, the RIP process is continuously executed except during the migration of the raster data. 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. The area of the first RAM 26 that stores the raster data of the seventh page is retained. 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 retained.

  For example, when the execution button is operated when the raster data of the ninth page is created, a stop instruction is output. When this instruction is output, the RIP process is immediately interrupted. If the RIP process is interrupted when creating the raster data for the ninth page, the raster from the page where the recording process has not yet started (here, page 7) to the ninth page created until the interrupt is interrupted. Data is stored in the first RAM 26. However, this raster data is raster data less than one page. Then, the area of the first RAM 26 storing these 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 in the example shown in FIG. 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.

  However, if the execution button is operated immediately after the interrupt button is operated, the raster data created at the time of operating the interrupt button is discarded, and the continuation of the RIP process is wasted. Specifically, for example, as described above, when the raster data for the seventh page is created, even if the interrupt button is operated, the creation of the raster data continues. Is created and stored in the first RAM 26. However, if the execution button is operated before all the raster data of the seventh page is stored in the first RAM 26 by continuing the RIP process, the RIP process is immediately interrupted. The creation of the raster data is interrupted, and the area of the first RAM 26 storing the raster data of the seventh page created until the raster data is interrupted is released. That is, the raster data of the seventh page being created is discarded by continuing the RIP process. For this reason, continuation of the RIP process is wasted.

  In view of this, the printer 10 interrupts the RIP process by the operation of the execution button until the RIP process is completed for the page description language of the page being analyzed when the interrupt button is operated. Wait. That is, when the interrupt button is operated, the RIP process is interrupted by the operation of the execution button on the condition that the RIP process is completed for the page description language of the page being analyzed. Therefore, as described above, when the interrupt button is operated during the analysis of the page description language of the seventh page, the RIP process is completed for the page description language of the seventh page, and then the execution button The operation interrupts the RIP process. Thereby, when the interrupt button is operated, the RIP process can be completed for the page description language of the page being analyzed, and the continuation of the RIP process is not wasted.

  In the printer 10, when the interrupt button is operated, a page in the page description language being analyzed in the RIP process (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “page during interrupt button operation”) is stored in the first RAM 26. Remembered. In addition, when the execution button is operated, a page in a page description language being analyzed in the RIP process (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “execution button operation page”) is stored in the first RAM 26. If the page when the execution button is operated is the same as the page when the interrupt button is operated, the interrupt button is operated and executed when the RIP process is executed for the page description language of the predetermined page. The button is also operated. That is, when the interrupt button is operated, the execution button is operated before the RIP processing is completed for the page description language of the page being analyzed. For this reason, when the execution button operation page and the interrupt button operation page are the same, the interruption of the RIP process due to the operation of the execution button is awaited.

  On the other hand, when the page when the execution button is operated is different from the page when the interrupt button is operated, the interrupt button is operated when the RIP process is executed for the page description language of the predetermined page, and the predetermined page When the RIP process is being executed for the page description language of the page after the page, the execution button is operated. That is, when the interrupt button is operated, the execution button is operated after the RIP processing is completed for the page description language of the page being analyzed. For this reason, when the execution button operation page and the interrupt button operation page are different, the RIP process is interrupted by the operation of the execution button.

  Further, in the printer 10, even if the interrupt button is operated while the conversion of the page description language up to the sixth page into the raster data is completed and the page description language of the seventh page is being converted into the raster data. Similarly to the RIP process, the recording process is continuously executed. As shown in FIG. 3, when the execution button is operated when the raster data of the ninth page is created, a stop instruction is output, and after the recording process executed at the time of the execution button operation is completed, the recording process is performed. Is interrupted. That is, for example, when an execution button is operated while an image based on raster data of the sixth page is being recorded on a recording sheet, a stop instruction is output. Then, after the image recording process based on the raster data of the sixth page is completed, the recording process is interrupted.

  As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 2, when the conventional interrupt printing process is executed, only the recording process for three pages can be executed, but the printer 10 executes the interrupt printing process. In such a case, in the example shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to execute a recording process for six pages. As a result, it is possible to execute a recording process for a large number of pages by using a useless waiting time, and it is possible to reduce the delay of the preceding printing process.

  When the interrupt printing process is executed by the operation of the execution button, as shown in FIG. 3, the reading process by the reading unit 18 is started, and the document placed on the flat bed or the ADF is read by the reading unit. 18 is read. When the reading process for the first page document is completed, the recording process for the first page document starts. However, as described above, in the printer 10, a stop instruction is output by operating the execution button, and the recording process is interrupted after the recording process based on the raster data of the page being executed at the time of outputting the stop instruction is completed. . Therefore, the recording process of the preceding printing process is performed until immediately before the recording process of the interrupt printing process is started, and the time required for warming up the recording unit 20 is a long time after the last recording process is completed. It is shorter than when it has passed. Thereby, it is possible to shorten the warm-up time of the recording unit 20 during the preceding printing process. Note that the warm-up here refers to flushing or purging in the case of an inkjet head, and heating of a fixing device in the case of an electrophotographic system.

  When the interrupt printing process is completed, an instruction for canceling the temporary 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. At this time, raster data corresponding to a page that has already been recorded is discarded.

  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 the execution of the control program 32 executes the four flows shown in FIGS. 5, 6 to 8, 9 to 10, and 11. 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. 5, 6 to 8, 9 to 10, and 11.

  When the control program 32 is executed by the CPU 12, as shown in FIG. 5, 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), the interrupt button operated page is stored in the first RAM 26 (S101). Then, a raster data transfer instruction is output (S102). Subsequently, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the execution button has been operated (S104).

  When the execution button is not operated (NO in S104), the process of S104 is repeated. On the other hand, when the execution button is operated (YES in S104), the execution button operation page is stored in the first RAM 26 (S105). Next, an instruction to pause the recording process is output (S106). Subsequently, 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. 6, 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. 7, 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. 6, and the RIP processing state variable V is set during the 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 related to the RIP process is an instruction to pause the RIP process (YES in S128), whether or not the execution button operated page and the interrupt button operated page stored in the first RAM 26 are the same. The CPU 12 determines (S129). When the execution button operation page and the interrupt button operation page are the same (YES in S129), the process of S129 is repeated. On the other hand, when the execution button operation page and the interrupt button operation page are different (NO in S129), the RIP processing state variable V is set to the pause state (S130). Then, the raster data area corresponding to the raster data that is less than one page stored in the first RAM 26 and the page before the raster data is released (S131), and the processing 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. 8, the data migration flag F is set to ON (S150). Next, raster data restoration processing is executed (S152). At this time, raster data corresponding to a page for which recording processing has already been completed is discarded from the flash memory 24 without being stored in the first RAM 26. 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. 6, 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. 9 (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, when the input data is a print job (YES in S162), the print job information is set, that is, the setting is made according to the print information included in the print job (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. 7 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, the CPU 12 determines whether or not raster data for one page is stored in the first RAM 26 as shown in FIG. 11 (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 S104 is an example of a second receiving unit. The CPU 12 that executes S142 is an example of a storage control unit and an opening 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.

Second Embodiment
In the printer 10 of the first embodiment, when the page description language page being analyzed when the execution button is operated is the same as the page description language page being analyzed when the interrupt button is operated. In this case, the interruption of the RIP process by the operation of the execution button is prohibited. On the other hand, in the printer 10 of the second embodiment, when the execution button is operated, the RIP process is interrupted by the operation of the execution button regardless of the page description language page being analyzed. Therefore, when the user desires to execute the interrupt printing process immediately, the instruction can be accepted without waiting for the user. In the printer 10 according to the first embodiment, when the execution button is operated, the recording process is interrupted after the recording process based on the raster data of the page being executed when the execution button is operated. On the other hand, in the printer 10 of the second embodiment, when the interrupt button is operated, the recording process is interrupted after the recording process based on the raster data of the page being executed when the interrupt button is operated is completed. .

  Note that the printing process in the printer 10 of the second embodiment is performed by executing the control program 32 in the CPU 12 of the printer 10 of the second embodiment. Hereinafter, a flow when the control program 32 is executed will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. However, in the printer 10 of the second embodiment, four flows are executed by the execution of the control program 32, and two of these four flows are executed in the first embodiment as shown in FIG. The flow shown in FIG. 10 is substantially the same as the flow shown in FIG. The difference is that in the second embodiment, at the time of S142 of the data migration processing subroutine shown in FIG. 7, the area of the first RAM 26 in which the raster data migrated to the flash memory 24 is stored may be released. There is no need to wait until the execution button is operated. In S152 of the return processing subroutine shown in FIG. 8, all pages saved in the flash memory 24 are returned to the first RAM 26. For this reason, illustration and description of these two flows are omitted. In the remaining two flows, there is a process common to the flow executed in the first embodiment. For this reason, a common process will be briefly described.

  When the control program 32 is executed in the printer 10 of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the interrupt button has been operated (S300). When the interrupt button is not operated (NO in S300), the process in S300 is repeated. On the other hand, when the interrupt button is operated (YES in S300), an instruction to pause the recording process is output (S302). Then, the processing of S304 to S314 is executed, but the processing of S304 to S314 is the same as the processing of S102, S104, and S108 to S114 in FIG.

  Further, when the control program 32 is executed in the printer 10 of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the processes of S320 to S334 are executed. The processes of S320 to S334 are the same as S120 to S128 of FIG. , S130 to S134, the description is omitted. However, as described above, in the second embodiment, even if the area where the raster data transferred to the flash memory 24 is stored in the first RAM 26 at the time of S142 of the data transfer processing subroutine shown in FIG. Therefore, if the raster data stored in the first RAM 26 is only raster data that is less than one page at the time of S131, only that area is released.

  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. For example, in the above embodiment, when the interrupt button is operated, the raster data stored in the first RAM 26 and not subjected to the recording process is transferred to the flash memory 24 in units of pages. The Specifically, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, raster data on the fourth to sixth pages is transferred to the flash memory 24. When the raster data for the seventh page is stored in the first RAM 26 by continuously executing the RIP process, the raster data for the seventh page is transferred to the flash memory 24.

  On the other hand, after the interrupt button is operated and the RIP process for the page description language of the page being analyzed is completed when the interrupt button is operated, the recording process of the raster data stored in the first RAM 26 is not executed. Raster data can be transferred to the flash memory 24 in units of pages. Specifically, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, when the interrupt button is operated, the raster data of the fourth to sixth pages is not transferred to the flash memory 24, but the raster data of the seventh page is stored in the first RAM 26. Then, the raster data of the 4th to 7th pages can be transferred to the flash memory 24.

  In the above embodiment, when the interrupt button is operated, the interruption of the RIP process by the operation of the execution button is waited until the RIP process is completed for the page description language of the page being analyzed. Even if the interruption of the RIP processing is prohibited by prohibiting the acceptance of the operation of the execution button before the RIP processing is completed for the page description language of the page being analyzed when the interrupt button is operated. Good. Specifically, for example, in the above embodiment, a setting screen is displayed on the display 14 by operating an interrupt button, and an execution button is displayed on the setting screen from the beginning. On the other hand, the setting screen is displayed on the display 14 by the operation of the interrupt button, but the page being analyzed when the interrupt button is operated without displaying the execution button on the setting screen immediately after the display. After the RIP processing is completed for the description language, an execution button can be displayed on the setting screen. Thus, before the RIP process is completed for the page description language of the page being analyzed when the interrupt button is operated, the acceptance of the operation of the execution button itself is prohibited and the interruption of the RIP process is prohibited. Is possible. Further, for example, when the execution button is displayed on the display 14 before the RIP process is completed for the page description language of the page being analyzed when the interrupt button is operated, the RIP process is completed. When the execution button is operated before, “Please wait until RIP is completed” is displayed, so that the input by the operation of the execution button is rejected, and the input by the operation of the execution button is accepted after the RIP processing is completed. Is also possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printing process of the image read by the reading unit 18 is employed as the interrupt printing process. However, the printing process of the image stored in the flash memory 24 or the like may be employed. Is possible.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the processing illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 13 is executed by the CPU 12 or the like has been described. However, these processing 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, 12: CPU, 16: input I / F, 18: reading unit, 20: recording unit, 24: flash memory, 26: first RAM, 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;
With
The RIP process execution means includes:
Even when the advance notice of the interruption of the recording process is accepted by the first accepting means, the RIP process that was being executed when the advance notice was accepted is continuously executed,
The controller is
Raster data corresponding to the page description language of the page analyzed by the RIP process execution unit when the first reception unit receives an interrupt notice is created and stored in the first storage unit. A first storage process of storing raster data stored in the first storage unit in the second storage unit in units of pages, in which the recording process by the recording process execution unit is not executed, and the first storage unit Since the RIP process is continuously executed by the RIP process executing means after the accepting means accepts the notice of interruption, the page description after the page analyzed by the RIP process executing means when the notice is accepted When raster data corresponding to a language is stored in page units in the first storage unit, page unit rasters stored in the first storage unit are stored. A storage control means for executing a second storage process of storing the coater data in the second storage unit,
The raster data corresponding to the page description language of the page analyzed by the RIP process executing means when the first accepting means accepts the interruption notice is created and stored in the first storage unit. As a second receiving means for receiving an execution command for a recording process that has been input by the operation unit and has received a notice of interruption in the first receiving means,
With
The RIP process execution means includes:
When the second accepting unit accepts the execution instruction of the recording process in which the first accepting unit accepts the notice of interruption, the RIP process that is continuously executed is stopped,
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 has been executed at the time of reception is continuously executed. When the execution instruction of the recording process that has received the advance notice is received by the second reception unit, the RIP process that is continuously executed is executed. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image recording apparatus is stopped. The recording process execution means includes
Even if the recording process interrupt notice is received by the first accepting unit, the recording process that was executed when the notice is accepted is continuously executed. 3. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording process that is continuously executed is stopped when the execution instruction of the recording process that has received the notice of interruption is received by the first receiving unit. . The storage control means
Until the second accepting unit accepts an execution command for the recording process in which the first accepting unit accepts the notice of interruption, the raster data for each page stored in the second storage unit by executing the second storage process is received. When the storage in the first storage unit is maintained and the execution instruction for the recording process is received, the area of the first storage unit that stores the raster data for each page stored in the second storage unit Let open
The recording process execution means includes
In the first storage unit, a recording process that is executed from when the first acceptance unit accepts a notice of interruption of the recording process to when an instruction to execute the recording process that accepts the notice of notice is received by the second accepting unit is stored in the first storage unit. The image recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image recording apparatus is executed based on raster data in units of pages in which storage is maintained. 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;
To function,
The RIP process execution means includes:
Even when the advance notice of the interruption of the recording process is accepted by the first accepting means, the RIP process that was being executed when the advance notice was accepted is continuously executed,
The computer,
Raster data corresponding to the page description language of the page analyzed by the RIP process execution unit when the first reception unit receives an interrupt notice is created and stored in the first storage unit. A first storage process of storing raster data stored in the first storage unit in the second storage unit in units of pages, in which the recording process by the recording process execution unit is not executed, and the first storage unit Since the RIP process is continuously executed by the RIP process executing means after the accepting means accepts the notice of interruption, the page description after the page analyzed by the RIP process executing means when the notice is accepted When raster data corresponding to a language is stored in page units in the first storage unit, page unit rasters stored in the first storage unit are stored. A storage control means for executing a second storage process of storing the coater data in the second storage unit,
The raster data corresponding to the page description language of the page analyzed by the RIP process executing means when the first accepting means accepts the interruption notice is created and stored in the first storage unit. As a second receiving means for receiving an execution command for a recording process that has been input by the operation unit and has received a notice of interruption in the first receiving means,
To function,
The RIP process execution means includes:
When the second accepting unit accepts the execution instruction of the recording process in which the first accepting unit accepts the notice of interruption, the RIP process that is continuously executed is stopped,
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