JP2017065229A - Storage device, data transfer method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a delay in printing time and body startup time due to data transfer for parameter information used by a storage device in a storage device installed with multiple memories, and to suppress memory consumption.SOLUTION: The storage device includes: the memory; holding means for holding data of the parameter information; and transfer means for controlling data transfer to the memory. The transfer means transfers part of the data held by the holding means at a predetermined timing depending on a sort of data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a parameter information data transfer method used by a recording apparatus.

  In a recording apparatus such as an ink jet printer, there are a plurality of types of parameter information used by the storage device. The various parameter information includes engine control parameters related to operations such as motors and sensors, image processing parameters related to image conversion processing performed on the recording apparatus, and the like. These various parameter information is acquired in advance by being stored in a non-volatile memory mounted on the recording apparatus or received from a host computer that instructs execution of a print job.

  By the way, in a recording apparatus, a plurality of CPUs may be used, and in addition, a plurality of connected memories are often used. If the development of various parameter information is uniformly performed for a plurality of memories at the time of start-up or printing, the start-up time is reduced and the memory is also wasted.

  Patent Document 1 proposes a method of developing various parameter information in a distributed manner in idle time in which output processing and expansion processing are not performed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-320151

  In Patent Document 1, there is no idle time when it is desired to promptly start from the start to the start of printing, and therefore it is not possible to reduce the time taken from the start to the start of printing.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention has an object to reduce the time for starting the main body and the time until the start of printing due to data transfer of parameter information. Another object is to reduce the memory consumption of parameter information.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration. That is, the recording apparatus includes a memory, a holding unit that holds data of parameter information, and a transfer unit that controls transfer of data to the memory, and the transfer unit is configured according to the type of data. Then, a part of the data held by the holding unit is transferred at a predetermined timing.

  There is no delay in the main body activation time and printing time, and the memory consumption of parameter information can be suppressed.

The figure which shows the structural example of the principal part of the recording device which concerns on this invention from the side. The figure which shows the structural example of the control part which concerns on this invention. The figure showing the data kind and transfer timing which concern on this invention. The figure for demonstrating the transfer of the data for every SoC which concerns on this invention. The flowchart which concerns on this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

[Device configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a side surface of a main part of the recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. The printer includes an inkjet image forming unit, a sheet feeding unit that feeds sheets, and a main body control unit (not shown). The image forming unit includes a carriage 1 and an ink jet recording head 2 mounted thereon, and the carriage 1 scans from the front to the back in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. Simultaneously with this main scanning, a sheet (paper) is conveyed on the platen 3 in the sub-scanning direction (left direction in FIG. 1), and ink is ejected by the recording head 2 to form a two-dimensional image on the sheet. . Here, the sheet (paper) is not limited to paper, and may be a storage medium made of other materials.

  In order to acquire the position of the carriage 1 in the scanning direction, a linear scale including an encoder pattern (not shown) in the main scanning direction and a sensor (not shown) mounted on the carriage 1 that optically or magnetically reads the encoder pattern. (Not shown) is provided. The conveyance roller 6 is provided in the common conveyance path, and a plurality of types of sheets to be described later are conveyed to the common conveyance path by the conveyance roller 6. In the vicinity of the conveyance roller 6 in the common conveyance path, an optical reflective sensor 9 for detecting a sheet is provided. The sensor 9 optically detects the presence or absence of a sheet that has been sent through the common conveyance path.

  The supply unit that supplies sheets includes a sheet storage unit 4 (first sheet storage unit) that supplies sheets used for printing, and a sheet storage unit 5 (second sheet storage unit). The sheet supply unit 4 is attached with a roll sheet 4a in which a long belt-like sheet is wound in a roll shape. The sheet storage unit 4 is provided with a driving motor 7 that rotates the roll sheet 4a about the axis of the roll tube, and transmits power by a clutch to control the rotation. When the sheet is rewound, the roll sheet 4a is rotated clockwise in FIG. In addition, a sensor 10 is provided for detecting whether the roll sheet 4a exists in the common conveyance path. Hereinafter, the sheet attached to the sheet storage unit 4 is referred to as “upper roll”. The sheet storage unit 5, the roll sheet 5a, the driving motor 8, and the sensor 11 have the same configuration as the upper roll, and are hereinafter referred to as “lower roll”.

  In the present embodiment, a recording apparatus including two sheet storage units is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration including more sheet storage units may be used. In this embodiment, a serial printer that scans the carriage in a direction intersecting the sheet conveyance direction is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the width of the print area of the maximum size sheet that can be used by the printer is set. A so-called full multi-head in which nozzles are arranged in a range to be covered may be used.

[Configuration of control unit]
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a configuration example of the main body control unit according to the present invention. The main body control unit includes a plurality of SoCs (System-on-a-Chip). Here, although it demonstrates as what is comprised from three chips (SoC), it is not limited to this, The structure provided with more SoC may be sufficient. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2, the SoC 210 is described as the SoC that controls data transfer to another SoC.

  The SoC 210 includes a CPU 211, a RAM 212, and a ROM 213. The CPU 211 reads a program stored in the ROM 213, which is a non-volatile storage area, and the CPU 211 performs arithmetic processing for executing the program. The arithmetic processing performed by the CPU 211 includes image processing, engine control processing, communication with a host computer, communication with other SoCs, and the like. The ROM 213 stores parameter information data. The parameter information data may be acquired and stored from an external device, for example, or may be stored in advance as an initial value. The parameter information stored in the ROM 213 can be updated with the parameter information received from the external device.

  The RAM 212 is a volatile storage area (memory), and is used to store a program being executed by the CPU 211 and recording data. The communication unit 214 performs communication with other SoCs and performs data transfer. As the communication interface, PCIe, USB (Universal Serial Bus), Ethernet (registered trademark), or the like is used.

  The SoC 220 includes a CPU 221, a RAM 222, and a communication unit 223. The SoC 220 has no ROM, and data is loaded from the SoC 210 to the RAM 222 via the communication unit 223.

  The SoC 230 includes a CPU 231, a RAM 232, and a communication unit 233. Like the SoC 220, the SoC 230 does not have a ROM, and data is loaded from the SoC 210 to the RAM 222 via the communication unit 233. It is assumed that all SoCs are the same except for the operation through the ROM.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating data types and transfer timings according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the data transfer timing is changed depending on the data type. Here, three types of data types are given as examples, but the present invention is not limited to this, and further detailed classification may be performed.

  The data type “type A” mainly assumes an engine control table in which engine control parameters related to operations such as a motor and a sensor are defined, and the data transfer timing is set at the time of activation and at the time of power saving return. The type A data is, for example, a control parameter required when operating a connected actuator or sensor. The responsiveness can be improved by transferring the data of type A in advance on each SoC RAM.

  The data type “type B” mainly assumes an image processing table in which image processing parameters related to image processing are defined, and the data transfer timing is set when paper information is determined. The type B data is data that determines a pattern for ejecting ink from the recording head 2 and has a data size larger than that of the type A data.

  The data type typeC assumes various individual data of type A or type B attached to the print job data, and the data transfer timing is set at the time of printing (at the time of recording operation). The type C data is, for example, a unique value unique to a print job, and is part of type A or type B. The data of type A or type B may be overwritten by the data of type C, or both may be retained. Further, the type C data may be set not only as a one-time unique setting specific to the print job but also permanently stored in the future.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the parameter information is classified into a plurality according to the type, and the transfer timing of the parameter information is set for each classification. In this embodiment, the parameter information classification and the parameter information transfer timing for each classification are preset in the printer as a program. The CPU 211 transfers data at the transfer timing shown in FIG. 3 according to the program. That is, based on the setting shown in FIG. 3, the type of data to be transferred is selected according to the timing, and the data transfer is performed. The data transfer timing according to the data type is not limited to that shown in FIG. The data transfer timing may be changed by the user or the like as necessary.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining data transfer and update for each SoC according to the present embodiment. How the data is transferred and updated in each step for each of the data types typeA, typeB, and typeC described above will be described in order. Here, the recording apparatus will be described as having a configuration in which eight types of paper A to H can be used.

  In Step 1 shown in FIG. 4A, data is expanded from the ROM 213 of the SoC 210 to the RAM 212 of the SoC 210 at the time of activation. The data developed at this time is type A and type B data corresponding to each paper (paper A to paper H).

  In Step 2 shown in FIG. 4B, data is transferred from the RAM 212 of the SoC 210 to the RAM 222 of the SoC 220 and the RAM 232 of the SoC 230 as a continuation of the activation process of Step 1. Step 2 is executed when a sheet is attached to the upper sheet storage unit 4. The type of attached paper is input by the user via an operation unit (not shown). The printer identifies the paper type by receiving the paper type input by the user. Here, the paper type is specified by what the user inputs, but is not limited to this, and the recording apparatus includes a sensor for specifying the paper type, and is specified based on the detection of this sensor. May be.

  The data transferred at this time is type A data corresponding to each paper (paper A to paper H), default paper (paper A) when paper is indefinite, and attached paper (attached to the upper roll in this embodiment). This is type B data of the completed paper C). That is, the CPU 211 determines data to be transferred according to the type of paper attached to the upper sheet storage unit 4. The default paper is set in advance, but may be changed by the user as appropriate.

  Step 3 shown in FIG. 4C shows data transfer when an operation of additionally attaching the paper H to the lower sheet storage unit is performed by the user or the like. The method for specifying the type of attached paper is the same as in Step 2. The type B data of the paper H existing in the RAM 212 of the SoC 210 is selected and transferred to the RAM 222 of the SoC 220 and the RAM 232 of the SoC 230. That is, the CPU 211 determines data to be transferred according to the type of paper attached to the lower sheet storage unit 5.

  Step 4 shown in FIG. 4D shows data transfer when a print start operation is performed for a job in which the paper H is designated after being attached to the lower sheet storage unit. First, type C data is expanded in the RAM 212 of the SoC 210 from the host computer (not shown) side that performs job transmission. Subsequently, the type C data is transferred to the RAM 222 of the SoC 220 and the RAM 232 of the SoC 230.

  Step 5 shown in FIG. 4E shows data transfer when the paper information is updated. Here, a case will be described in which all the information on the sheets A to H is updated at once. Data of type A and type B corresponding to each of paper A to paper H is transferred from the host computer (not shown) side that updates the paper information to the RAM 212 of the SoC 210. Thereafter, the data transferred to the ROM 213 of the SoC 210 is stored. Further, in the RAM 222 of the SoC 220 and the RAM 232 of the SoC 230, the updated type A data of each of the paper A to the paper H, the currently attached paper (here, the paper C and the paper H), and the default paper when the paper is indefinite. The type B data (here, paper A) is transferred from the RAM 212 of the SoC 210.

[Processing flow]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart according to the present embodiment. Since the data type to be transferred has been described in each step of FIG. 4, branch determination as a detailed condition will be described. In the present embodiment, each processing flow described below is realized by the CPU 211 of the SoC 210 reading and executing a program recorded in the ROM 213.

  FIG. 5A is a flowchart of data transfer in the case of assuming start-up and power saving return.

  In S501, the CPU 211 of the SoC 210 loads data of type A and type B from the ROM 213 of the SoC 210 to the RAM 212 of the SoC 210.

  In S502, the CPU 211 of the SoC 210 loads the data of type A into the RAM 222 of the SoC 220 and the RAM 232 of the SoC 230 via the communication unit 214.

  In step S503, the CPU 211 of the SoC 210 stores the type B data of a specific sheet (in the example of FIG. 4, sheet A in the example of FIG. 4) to the RAM 222 of the SoC 220 and the RAM 232 of the SoC 230 via the communication unit 214. Load it.

  In step S504, the CPU 211 of the SoC 210 determines whether there is a sheet already loaded in the recording apparatus. If there is a loaded paper (YES in S504), the process proceeds to S505. If there is no loaded paper (NO in S504), the process flow ends. Here, the loaded paper refers to the paper loaded on the upper roll (sheet storage unit 4) and the lower roll (sheet storage unit 5).

  In S505, the CPU 211 of the SoC 210 loads type B data corresponding to the loaded paper into the RAM 222 of the SoC 220 and the RAM 232 of the SoC 230. Then, this processing flow ends.

  FIG. 5B is a flowchart of data transfer when paper attachment / detachment or paper information update is assumed.

  In step S511, the CPU 211 of the SoC 210 determines whether paper attachment, paper removal, or paper information update has occurred in the recording apparatus. If it is determined that it has not occurred (NO in S511), the process flow ends. If it is determined that it has occurred (YES in S511), the process proceeds to S512.

  In S512, the CPU 211 of the SoC 210 causes the data of type A and type B corresponding to the change in the paper information to be loaded into the RAM of each SoC via the communication unit 214. The change in paper information here refers to paper attachment, paper removal, or paper information update. Then, this processing flow ends.

  In this process, when the paper is attached, the paper information on which the paper is attached exists in the RAM 212 of the SoC 210, and therefore, control is performed so that these data are loaded into the RAM 222 of the SoC 220 and the RAM 232 of the SoC 230. In addition, since the paper supply process accompanied by the mechanical operation is performed during the paper attachment time, sufficient time can be secured in the data transfer as compared with the time of starting or printing. Therefore, it is difficult to cause an effect such as waiting for another operation by data transfer.

  When the paper is removed, control is performed so as to remove the information on the paper from which the removal has been performed from the RAM 222 of the SoC 220 and the RAM 232 of the SoC 230. However, if the RAM resources of the SoC 220 and SoC 230 are sufficiently secured and are reloaded at the next paper attachment, there is no need to perform the data removal operation. Therefore, data to be transferred to the RAM of each SoC (that is, data held in each RAM) is controlled according to the sheet attachment state of each sheet storage unit.

  When the paper information is updated, the updated paper information is overwritten and updated from the RAM 212 of the SoC 210 to the ROM 213 of the SoC 210. Further, similar paper information is loaded into the RAM 222 of the SoC 220 and the RAM 232 of the SoC 230. At this time, the sheet information to be loaded may be only the sheet information that has been updated (difference information), or may be sheet information for all sheets.

  In addition, it is assumed that the user changes the paper information being fed on a panel UI (User Interface). In such a case, it is possible to cope with this by performing a data transfer process equivalent to paper attachment.

  FIG. 5C is a flowchart of data transfer when a print job is received.

  In step S521, the CPU 211 of the SoC 210 checks whether there is additional data of paper information in the print job. If there is additional data (YES in S521), the process proceeds to S522. If there is no additional data (NO in S521), the process flow ends.

  In S522, the CPU 211 of the SoC 210 loads type C data, which is additional data, into the RAM 212 of the SoC 210. Further, the CPU 211 of the SoC 210 loads the same additional data into the RAM 222 of the SoC 220 and the RAM 232 of the SoC 230. As a result, data necessary for printing is held in the RAM of each SoC.

  According to the present embodiment, the parameter information transferred when the printer is started is a part of all the parameter information. The remaining parameter information is transferred at a necessary timing. Thereby, the delay of the starting time by transfer of parameter information can be suppressed. The parameter information used for image processing like the image processing table is much larger in size than the parameter information used for mechanical control like the engine control table. In this embodiment, it is possible to speed up the startup time by transferring only small parameter information when the printer is started up. Also, by transferring parameter information having a large size at the timing when the paper feeding process accompanied by the mechanical operation is performed, the time until the start of printing can be reduced. In the present embodiment, the time until the start of printing can be further reduced by transferring only the parameters corresponding to the paper to be used in the image processing table.

  In the present embodiment, the paper information of the default paper at the time of indefinite paper and the loaded paper is preliminarily developed in each SoC RAM. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to these pieces of information, information such as paper information loaded as cut paper, paper information corresponding to calibration printing, pattern printing, and special processing may be included as information to be developed in advance.

  In the present embodiment, the description has been made on the assumption that each parameter information is always associated with each piece of paper information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As other configurations, one parameter information may be associated with a plurality of pieces of paper information, or common information that does not associate parameter information with paper information may be used.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, in the embodiment described above, an ink jet printer has been described as the recording apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this. The printing apparatus may employ any system such as a thermal printer (sublimation type, thermal transfer type, etc.), dot impact printer, LED printer, laser printer, or the like.

  The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

1: Carriage, 2: Recording head, 3: Platen, 4, 5: Sheet storage unit, 6: Conveyance roller, 7, 8, 9: Sensor

Claims (10)

Memory,
Holding means for holding parameter information data;
Transfer means for controlling transfer of data to the memory;
Have
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit transfers a part of the data held by the holding unit at a predetermined timing according to the type of data.   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a part of the parameter information data held in the holding unit is transferred when the recording apparatus is activated. The recording apparatus further comprises one or more supply means for supplying paper,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit determines data to be transferred according to a type of paper supplied to the supply unit.   The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the transfer unit transfers at least data corresponding to a type of a sheet attached to the supply unit when a sheet is attached to the supply unit.   5. The transfer unit according to claim 1, wherein when the parameter information data held in the holding unit is updated, the transfer unit transfers the updated data to the memory. 6. Recording device.   The transfer unit transfers data at least one of a timing when the recording device is activated, when the recording device returns to power saving mode, when paper information is determined, and when printing is performed. The recording apparatus according to any one of 1 to 5.   7. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the parameter information data type includes an engine control parameter provided in the recording apparatus and an image processing parameter in the recording apparatus. 8. A first chip having the holding means;
A second chip having the memory;
Have
The holding means is a ROM;
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the memory is a RAM. A data transfer method in a recording apparatus having a memory and holding means for holding data of parameter information,
A data transfer method characterized by transferring a part of the data held by the holding means at a predetermined timing according to the type of data. A computer comprising a memory and holding means for holding parameter information data,
Function as a transfer means for controlling the transfer of data to the memory;
The transfer means transfers a part of the data held by the holding means at a predetermined timing according to the type of data.

Images