JP3257902B2 - Printing apparatus and data transfer control method for printing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus for receiving data from an external device such as a host computer and printing the same on paper or the like, and a data transfer control method for the printing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional printing apparatus, a control section and a printing mechanism section are electrically and softwarely connected by a specific interface / protocol determined by both parties. Then, the bitmap image data (including the byte map) created by the control unit is sent to the printing mechanism unit as it is,
The data is transferred through the above interface, and the printing mechanism prints the data on paper or the like.

[0003]

However, the transfer amount of bitmap and bytemap image data is increasing more and more due to the increase in resolution and colorization of the printing apparatus. For this reason, the processing cost and time required for data transfer from the control unit to the printing mechanism unit in the printing apparatus also increase, and the load affects the performance of the entire printing apparatus.

In particular, when bitmap image data of the same page is repeatedly transmitted to the printing mechanism by realizing a copy function or the like in a printing apparatus, the drawing process has been completed. However, there has been a problem that time has not been taken for other input data processing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to transfer data transferred from a second storage unit at the end of bit image development to a first storage unit. When it is determined that the remaining amount of the transfer data in the second storage unit is larger than the predetermined amount during the transfer to the printing mechanism unit,
After the transfer data from the second storage unit is completed, the print data in the first storage unit compressed by the compression unit is transferred to the printing mechanism unit as the next transfer data, so that the transfer data is transferred according to the progress of the transfer. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus and a data transfer control method of the printing apparatus, which can reduce the transfer time by reducing the printing time. If it is determined that the state of the printing mechanism is not in a state in which the transfer data can be transferred, the printing data is compressed by the compressing means and transferred to the printing mechanism, whereby the data is transferred according to the state of the printing mechanism. Provided is a printing apparatus and a data transfer control method for the printing apparatus, which can compress the already stored print data to reduce the amount of data when the start is expected to be delayed, and reduce the data transfer time after the start of data transfer. It is to be.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, print information is received from a data source, the received print information is analyzed, and print data expanded into a bit image is stored in units of planes. In a printing apparatus having a plurality of storage units and a control unit for transferring transfer data based on print data stored in each storage unit to a printing mechanism unit including a printer engine via a predetermined interface, a first storage unit A determination unit configured to determine a remaining amount of transfer data in the second storage unit when the transfer data from the second storage unit is being transferred to the printing mechanism unit at the end of the bit image development to the unit; When the control unit determines that the remaining amount of the transfer data in the second storage unit is larger than the predetermined amount, the control unit compresses the bit image expanded print data stored in the first storage unit. To The control unit transfers the print data of the first storage unit compressed by the compression unit to the printing mechanism unit as next transfer data after the transfer data from the second storage unit ends. And

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a storage unit for receiving print information from a data source, analyzing the received print information, and storing print data expanded into a bit image,
A control unit for transferring transfer data based on the print data stored in the storage unit to a print mechanism unit having a printer engine via a predetermined interface; and a state communication for communicating a state of the print mechanism unit. Means for determining whether or not the state of the printing mechanism communicated by the state communication means is a state in which the transfer data can be transferred; and compression means for compressing the print data. When it is determined that the transfer data is not in a state in which the transfer data can be transferred, the print data is compressed by the compression unit and transferred to the printing mechanism.

A third invention according to the present invention receives the print information from the data source, comprising a plurality of storage portions for storing the surface unit the print data by analyzing the print information thus received developed into bit image In a data transfer control method of a printing apparatus for transferring transfer data based on print data stored in each storage unit to a printing mechanism unit having a printer engine via a predetermined interface, a bit image development to a first storage unit A determination step of determining the remaining amount of transfer data in the second storage unit when the transfer data from the second storage unit is being transferred to the printing mechanism unit at the time of termination; A compression step of compressing the bit image expanded print data stored in the first storage unit when it is determined that the remaining amount of the transfer data is larger than a predetermined amount; After the transfer data ends, and having a transfer step of transferring the print data of the first storage unit, which is compressed by the compression unit to the printing mechanism portion as the next transfer data.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage unit for receiving print information from a data source, analyzing the received print information, and storing print data expanded into a bit image,
In a data transfer control method for a printing apparatus for transferring transfer data based on print data stored in a storage unit to a printing mechanism unit having a printer engine via a predetermined interface, a state communication for communicating a state of the printing mechanism unit A step of determining whether the state of the printing mechanism unit communicated by the state communication step is a state in which the transfer data can be transferred; a compression step of compressing the print data; and A transfer step of compressing the print data in the compression step and transferring the print data to the printing mechanism when it is determined that the transfer data is not in a transferable state.

[0010]

[0011]

[0012]

[0013]

[0014]

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

[0018]

[0019]

[0020]

[0021]

[0022]

[0023]

[0024]

【Example】

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an external device such as a host computer for sending data to a printing apparatus, which executes application software and the like. 2
Is an input unit for receiving data transmitted to the printing apparatus. Reference numeral 3 denotes a ROM for storing a control program and various information.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a CPU for executing a control program stored in the ROM 3. The control program analyzes print data and control commands received by the input unit 2 to format a page, and performs actual development processing and the like. The main function is to perform control and management of the entire apparatus.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a RAM for storing drawing data processed by the CPU 4 and for developing a bit map as a frame memory. Work variables and buffers are also stored here. Reference numeral 6 denotes an output unit for transmitting the bitmap image data developed in the RAM 5 to the printing mechanism unit 8. In this embodiment, the input units 2 and R
The OM 3, the CPU 4, the RAM 5, and the output unit 6 are collectively called a control unit 7.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a printing mechanism unit having a printer engine for printing on paper or the like and a control unit therefor. The printing mechanism unit 8 and the output unit 6 are connected by a predetermined interface I / F (thick line in the figure), and the printing mechanism unit 8 is instructed by data transmission from the output unit 6.
Performs a paper feeding process, a printing process, a transporting process, and a paper discharging process. In the example of the interface according to the present embodiment, print data is transmitted from the output unit 6 to the print mechanism unit 8 in units of lines, and a one-line conveyance instruction is issued, thereby performing print processing. In addition, as the printer engine, an inkjet printer engine corresponds to a preferred example to which the present invention is applied.
For example, the present invention can be applied to an ink ribbon printer engine or the like. The printing mechanism 8
A data decompression unit, which is not shown in detail, regardless of hardware or software, is provided therein, and when the transfer data transferred from the control unit 7 via the interface I / F is determined to be compressed data. The compressed data is decompressed into predetermined print data, and the printer engine of the printing mechanism unit 8 can continuously print on the recording material regardless of whether the transfer data is print data or compressed data. It is configured as follows.

A thin line connecting the output section 6 and the printing mechanism section 8 is a control line CL for acquiring the state of the printing mechanism section 8.

In the case of color printing, for example, four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are designated for the same line and transmitted, and thereafter, a one-line conveyance instruction is issued to perform printing. However, in this embodiment, only one color is described because the same pattern is repeated only four times. Further, the paper supply / discharge processing is omitted.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of bitmap image data processed by the printing mechanism section 8 shown in FIG. 1. When output as shown in FIG.
When the entire area for one page is secured from the RAM 5 as a bitmap image area, the image is directly drawn on a full bitmap as shown in FIG. When drawing one page by dividing it, for example, 1 / page of the page height is read from the RAM 5.
FIG. 2C shows a case where the bitmap image area of the area No. 5 is secured.

At this time, the shift drawing process and the transfer process
This operation is repeated to draw and output one page. One of the divisions at this time is called a band, and in this case, 5
Band / Page.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first output data processing state transferred to the printing mechanism section 8 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 9 denotes a work buffer area for performing a compression process, which is secured on the RAM 5 shown in FIG. Reference numeral 10 denotes a normal bitmap image area secured on the RAM 5 shown in FIG. 1. In the case of this embodiment, each line for which rendering has been completed is used as original data, and the compressed data is stored in the compression work buffer 9. Is created, and the number of compressed data is compared with (the number of original data−2). If compression is enabled, the compressed data length is stored in the first two bytes of the original data area, and the remaining area is compressed. It is used to store the compression processing data in line units by copying the subsequent data.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a flag array indicating the presence or absence of compression. In this example, "1" is set when the above-described line-by-line compression is effective, and "0" is set when the compression is invalid, so that data is identified at the time of transfer. Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the first to third inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0036]

[0037]

[0038]

FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing a first embodiment of a data transfer control method for a printing apparatus according to the present invention. (1) to (27) show each step, and FIG.
2B corresponds to the case of outputting a full bitmap, and FIG. 2C corresponds to the case of outputting one band.

Further, description will be made from the point that the drawing of the bitmap image data is completed and the data is transferred from the output unit 6 to the printing mechanism unit 8. In the present embodiment, when multiple planes are used, the same operation is performed only for the number of planes.

In the data transfer, the variable linenct indicating the number of lines transferred in step (1) is set to "0", the start address of the bitmap image area 10 as the transfer source is set to the variable lineptr, the bitmap image area 10
Is initially set to the variable framewidth.

In step (2), by referring to a flag area (not shown), it is checked whether or not there is data to be printed on the raster currently being transferred. This flag area is set according to the instruction to draw data on the line at the time of page layout or drawing, or whether drawing is performed, etc. Lines for which this flag is not set have no print data Is meant.

If there is data to be printed, in step (3), the head address of the working buffer 9 shown in FIG. 3 is set in a variable bupptr indicating the head address of the compressed data storage area. . Then, the compression processing routine in step (4) includes an original data head address lineptr, a compressed data storage address bufptr, and an original data length framewidth as arguments.
From the compressed data storage address b
Compressed data is stored in order from ufptr, all data is compressed and stored, and then the number of compressed data is returned as a return value.

Then, in step (5), step (4)
The number of compressed data, which is the return value of, is compared with the number of original data -2.

At this time, if the number of compressed data is smaller, it is determined that the compression processing is effective, and in step (6), “1” meaning a compression processing line is placed at the lineectnt-th of the compression presence / absence flag array 11. Set.

Then, in step (7), the number of compressed data, which is the return value of step (4), is set in a 2-byte area from the address indicated by the original data head address lineptr, and in step (8), the compressed data storage address bufp
The compressed data area starting from tr is copied to the area indicated by the original data start address linenptr + 2 by the number of compressed data.

Thus, the compression processing is completed for the line currently being processed.

On the other hand, if the number of compressed data does not become smaller than the number of original data -2 in step (5), in step (9), "0" indicating the non-compressed data line at the linenct-th of the compression presence / absence flag array 11 'Is set.

In either case, step (10)
Then, the original data head address lineptr is updated by adding the bitmap image width so as to target the next line, and the line counter is advanced by "1".

In step (11), it is determined whether or not all lines have been processed from lineectnt. If processing has not been completed yet, the flow returns to step (2) to perform the same processing. When all the line numbers have been processed, the process proceeds to a transfer process for actually printing.

First, in step (12) of FIG.
The designated number of copies currently designated is set in pycnt. Then, a paper feeding process is performed (13). This is performed by the output unit 6 transmitting a predetermined data string to the printing mechanism unit 8 or by operating a signal line.

Next, in step (14), “0” of the variable “linent” indicating the current processing line number is set, and the start address of the bitmap image area 10 is set to the variable “lineptr” indicating the start address of the transfer line. Is initially set to the variable framewidth indicating the frame width value of the bitmap image area 10.

Next, in step (15), it is checked whether or not there is data to be printed on the raster to be transferred, with reference to a flag area (not shown). This flag area is set according to the instruction to draw data on the line at the time of page layout or drawing, or whether drawing is performed, etc. Lines for which this flag is not set have no print data Is meant.

If data exists, step (1)
In 6), the variable linentnt of the compression flag flag array 11
If the value is “1” meaning a line subjected to compression processing, the output unit 6 notifies the printing mechanism unit 8 in step (17) that the compressed data is to be transferred.

This is a data string or a signal line defined in advance as an interface (in this embodiment, FIG.
Operation by the control line CL). Then, in step (18), a 2-byte area is read from the address indicated by lineptr as the number of compressed data to obtain the number of data, and in step (19) one line is read from the area indicated by the variable lineptr + 2 in step (18). Perform transfer processing for several minutes.

Thus, the printing mechanism 8 processes the data transferred as compressed data.

On the other hand, if the content of the compression presence / absence flag array is "0" meaning non-compression in step (16), normal transfer is designated in step (20).

Then, in step (21), the variable line
Transfer data of framewidth with ptr as the start address. Thus, the printing mechanism 8 processes the data transferred as the normal data.

On the other hand, including the case where it is determined in step (15) that there is no transfer data, one-line transport processing is performed in step (22), and the printing line on the printing
Advance by line.

Next, at step (23), the controller 7
In the one-line update process on the side, this is performed by adding the framewidth, which is the bitmap image area width, to the variable lineptr, and the linectnt is also advanced by "1".

Next, in step (24), it is determined from the variable "linent" whether or not all the lines have been transferred. If the transfer processing of all the lines has not been completed, the flow returns to step (15) to change the remaining lines. The same processing is performed.

On the other hand, if all the lines have been transferred in step (24), the paper is discharged in step (25).

This is based on an interface defined between the output unit 6 and the printing mechanism unit 8 as in the paper feeding process. Thus, the transfer process for one page is completed.

Next, in step (26), a variable copycnt indicating the number of copies is reduced by "1", and step (27)
It is determined whether output of all pages has been completed by referring to this copycnt. If there are still pages to be copied, the process returns to step (13) to print on the next sheet.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (27) that all pages have been output, the processing is terminated.

[0066]

[0067]

In the figure, when printing three pages of data (page data) such as data (1) to data (3), a bitmap image area (secured in the RAM 5 of FIG. 1 in this embodiment). ) Is plural (2 in this example)
One) shows the processing when it exists. Let the two bitmap image areas be (A) and (B) respectively.

It should be noted that the time axis in the figure shows points indicating the temporal order in the description, and the ratio between the points does not always match the real time ratio.

The time axis p. 0 (hereinafter, the description of the time axis is omitted, and simply described as p. 0), both bitmap image areas are “empty”. To print the data (1) to (3) shown in FIG. 1
Starts drawing processing in the bitmap image area (A) at p. End with 2.

P. 3 for bitmap image area (A)
Start transfer. The transfer process is performed in parallel with the drawing control process. At this time, since the page data (2) already exists, the bitmap image area is switched to (B) and the drawing process is started.

P. If the printing process of the serial printer or the like is relatively slow when the drawing is completed in step 4, the printing mechanism unit 8
The drawing process is often faster than the transfer process to the bitmap image area (B), and the transfer processing of the bitmap image area (B) cannot be performed until the previous bitmap image area (A) ends. For this reason, a waiting state is entered here, and the system performance is reduced.

Therefore, if the compression processing of the bitmap image area is performed within this waiting time, the transfer processing can be performed earlier in the next data transfer. However, if the compression process is performed to leave only a few more lines, the printing mechanism unit 8 will be made to wait instead. If the transfer of a predetermined number of lines remains, the compression process is performed. In this case, it is determined that the processing is about to be completed soon, and control is performed so that the normal transfer processing is performed without forcibly performing the compression processing.

P. 4 shows the case where the number of lines remains larger than the previously determined number of lines. At this time, compression processing is performed.

P. 5 for bitmap image area (A)
Is completed, p. At 6, the transfer of the bitmap image area (B) that has been subjected to the compression processing is started. At the same time, since the page data (3) exists, the bitmap image area to be rendered is switched to (A) and the rendering process is started.

P. When the drawing process is completed in step 7, the page data corresponding to the bitmap image area (B) during the transfer process is assumed to have only the number of lines equal to or less than the previous number of lines, and is simply transferred without performing the compression process. Is completed, and p. 8, the transfer processing of the bitmap image area (A) is started, and the transfer processing of the bitmap image area (A) is started. This is a control method in which the transfer of the bitmap image area (A) ends at 10.

[0077]

In the printing apparatus configured as described above, print data received from a data source (external device 1) is received, and the received print information is analyzed, and the print data expanded into a bit image is converted into a plane unit. (In this embodiment, a full image is developed in the RAM 5, for example, two pages are secured as a paint memory or a frame memory, for example), and transfer data based on the print data stored in each of the memory units And a control unit 7 for transferring the print data to a printing mechanism unit 8 having a printer engine via a predetermined interface I / F, and transferring the transfer data from one storage unit via the predetermined interface I / F to the printing mechanism. Determination unit that determines the state of the remaining amount of transfer data being transferred at the end of bit image development to the other storage unit during transfer to the storage unit A CPU 4) and a compression unit (a compression program stored in the ROM 3) that writes, in the other storage unit, compressed data obtained by compressing print data that has been bit-image expanded in the other storage unit based on the determination result of the determination unit Is provided in the control unit 7, and the CPU 4 prints the transfer data from one of the storage units (the data area (A) shown in FIG. 6 secured on the RAM 5) through a predetermined interface. While transferring to part 8,
The remaining storage state of the preceding transfer data at the end of the bit image development to the other storage unit (the data area (B) shown in FIG. 6 secured on the RAM 5) is determined, and based on the determination result, the compression unit determines The other storage unit writes compressed data obtained by compressing the bit image-decompressed print data to the other storage unit, and the control unit transmits the compressed data written to the other storage unit after completion of the transfer data from one storage unit. The data is transferred as the next transfer data to the printing mechanism via a predetermined interface, and the amount of data transferred from each storage unit is reduced, so that the transfer time can be reduced.

[0079]

FIGS. 7 and 8 are flow charts showing a second embodiment of the data transfer control method of the printing apparatus according to the present invention. In particular, in the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. ) And data transfer processing are performed in parallel, so the flowchart is divided into two parts, a control processing part and a transfer processing part. FIG. 7 corresponds to the control processing part and FIG. 8 corresponds to the transfer processing part. . Hereinafter, the control processing part of FIG. 7 will be described. Note that (1) to (11) in FIG.
And (1) to (16) of FIG. 8 show each step.

Output control is started by the control unit 7 when there is a page to be drawn. In step (1), a variable paintsw indicating a bitmap image area to be drawn is set as an initial setting in the bitmap image area (A). The variable transw indicating the bitmap image area to be transferred is set to “0”,
The variable transscnt indicating the number of remaining transfer lines is set to “0”
Shows an array sta indicating the state of the bitmap image area.
A numerical value “0” indicating an empty state is set in each of tus [0] and status [1].

An array adres [0], adres indicating the start address of the bitmap image area
[1], width [0], width indicating data width
[1] height [0, height indicating the number of lines
At t [1], the bitmap image area (A),
Set the value of (B).

Next, in step (2), the state of the bitmap image area to be drawn is checked. If the state is free, the bitmap image area indicated by the variable paintsw is used as the drawing target. In step (3), the variable paints
If the value of w is “0”, it is inverted to “1”, and if it is “1”, it is inverted to “0”. Since the transfer processing is not performed at the same time, the variable paintsw now indicates the other bitmap image area.

In step (4), the variable paintsw
Is used as an index, and the address [points
w], width [pointsw], height
A drawing process is performed on the bitmap image area indicated by the information of [paintsw] as before.

Next, in step (5), it is determined whether or not there is a page currently being transferred.
If it is not "0", it means that the transfer is in progress. In step (6), the number of remaining transfer lines is compared with the number of remaining lines for performing the compression process stored in the ROM 3 in advance. If so, step (7)
Performs page compression processing. This process is the same as the previous embodiment.

If there is no page being transferred in step (5), including the case where the number of remaining transfer lines is small in step (6), wait for transfer completion until the transcnt becomes "0" in step (8). Do. When the transfer is completed, in step (9), paintsw is set to the bitmap image area variable transsw to be transferred.
, The bitmap image area information to be transferred next is passed, and a transfer start instruction is issued in step (10). The transfer process of FIG. 8 is started in parallel by this transfer start instruction.

Next, in step (11), it is checked whether there are any remaining pages waiting to be drawn. If there are any, the process returns to step (2) to perform the next drawing process. Ends the processing.

Next, a flow chart of the transfer processing instructed to start the transfer in FIG. 8 will be described.

In response to the transfer start instruction, the paper is fed in step (1). This is performed by the output unit 6 transmitting a predetermined data string to the printing mechanism unit 8 or by operating a signal line (in this embodiment, by the control line CL).

In step (2), “0” is set to the variable linentnt indicating the current processing line number, and “adores [tran] is set to the variable lineptr indicating the start address of the transfer line as the start address of the bitmap image area.
ssw] is a variable frame indicating the number of data in one line.
Initially, width [transsw] is set as the width of the frame width of the bitmap image area.

In step (3), the remaining transfer line number variable t
height [transsw] in the ranscnt and the status array status [tr of the bitmap image area
[answ]] is set to a numerical value indicating that data is being transferred.

In step (4), by referring to a flag area (not shown), it is checked whether or not there is data to be printed on the raster currently being transferred. This flag area is set according to the instruction to draw data on the line at the time of page layout or drawing, or whether drawing is performed, etc. Lines for which this flag is not set have no print data Is meant.

If there is data as a result of the determination, in step (5), the line
If the value is “1” meaning a line subjected to compression processing, the output unit 6 notifies the printing mechanism unit 8 in step (6) that the compressed data is to be transferred.

This may be a data sequence predetermined as an interface or an operation of a signal line (in this embodiment, by the control line CL shown in FIG. 1).

Then, in step (7), a 2-byte area is read from the address indicated by the variable lineptr as the number of compressed data to obtain the number of data.
Transfer processing is performed for one line from the area indicated by neptr + 2 for the number of data read in step (7). Thus, the printing mechanism 8 processes the data transferred as the compressed data.

On the other hand, if the content of the compression presence / absence flag array is “0” meaning uncompression in step (5),
In step (9), normal transfer is designated. Then, in step (10), data for framewidth with the variable lineptr as the start address is transferred. Thus, the printing mechanism 8 processes the data transferred as the normal data.

On the other hand, including the case where it is determined in step (4) that there is no transfer data, one-line transport processing is performed in step (11), and the printing line on the printing mechanism unit 8 side is advanced by one line.

Next, at step (12), the controller 7
In the one-line update process on the side, this is performed by adding the framewidth, which is the bitmap image area width, to the variable lineptr, and the linectnt is also advanced by "1".

Next, in step (13), the number of remaining transfer lines transcnt is reduced by "1". The control unit 7 proceeds with the process while referring to this variable.

Next, in step (14), it is determined from the variable linent whether or not all lines have been transferred. If transfer processing for all lines has not been completed, the process returns to step (4) and the remaining lines are similarly processed. To process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (14) that all the lines have been transferred, the paper is discharged in step (15). This is based on an interface defined between the output unit 6 and the printing mechanism unit 8 as in the sheet feeding process.

Then, the status array status of the bitmap image area that has been transferred in step (16)
A numerical value indicating an empty state is set in [transsw].

Thus, the transfer process for one page is completed.
By performing the above two processes (step processes shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) in parallel, it is possible to perform an appropriate compression transfer process according to the state of the printer system. In the above description, the copy number process is omitted.

In the above description, only the case where the full bitmap area is secured is described. However, even when the image is divided into the band image buffers shown in FIG. 2C, a plurality of band image areas exist. In such a case, the present invention can be applied.

In the data transfer control method of the printing apparatus configured as described above, the printing information received from the data source (external device 1) is analyzed, and the received printing information is analyzed and developed into a bit image. A plurality of storage units for storing data in units of planes (for example, a frame memory for two pages secured in the RAM 5 for each page) and a printer engine for transferring transfer data based on the print data stored in each storage unit are provided. In a data transfer control method for a printing apparatus having a control unit 7 for transferring to a printing mechanism unit 8 via a predetermined interface I / F, one storage unit (R
While the transfer data is being transferred from the data area (A) shown in FIG. 6 secured on the AM 5 to the printing mechanism section 8 via a predetermined interface, the other storage section (shown in FIG. 6 secured on the RAM 5). A determination step (steps (4) to (6) in FIG. 7) for determining the remaining amount of transfer data being transferred at the end of bit image development to the data area (B); A compression step (step (7) in FIG. 7) for writing the compressed data obtained by compressing the bit image-decompressed print data to the other storage unit, and after the transfer data from one storage unit is completed, the data is written to the other storage unit. A transfer step of transferring the compressed data as the next transfer data to the printing mechanism unit 8 via the predetermined interface (steps (4) to (6) in FIG. 8, step (4) in FIG. 8,
(5), (9)), the compressed data obtained by compressing the print data that has been subjected to bit image expansion to the other storage unit at an appropriate timing without disturbing the next data transfer Can be transferred to the printing mechanism 8. Third Embodiment FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a third output data processing state transferred to the printing mechanism unit 8 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a bitmap image area, and reference numeral 12 denotes a certain one of the lines that has not been subjected to compression processing. Reference numeral 13 denotes a transmission work buffer for storing a result of the compression process, which is secured on the RAM 5.

In this embodiment, when data is transmitted from the output unit 6 to the printing mechanism unit 8 in units of lines, the printing mechanism unit 8 may determine whether the receiving buffer is full or the print head cleaning process. By providing a means for detecting the state of the printing mechanism unit 8 in response to the waiting for the transfer process, the line data that should have been subjected to the normal transfer process is compressed at this stage according to the state of the printing mechanism unit 8. Is what you do.

In this case, if the normal transmission data area 12 cannot be received by the printing mechanism 8, the transmission work buffer 1
3, the buffer address to be transferred is switched to the transmission work buffer 13, and the data is compressed and transferred when reception becomes possible.

[0109]

In the printing apparatus configured as described above, that is, storage for receiving print information from a data source (external device 1), analyzing the received print information, and storing print data expanded into a bit image. Unit (RAM5)
And a control unit 7 for transferring transfer data based on print data stored in the storage unit to a printing mechanism unit 8 having a printer engine via a predetermined interface I / F. State communication means for communicating the state 8 (in this embodiment, by the control line CL)
Determining means (CPU 4) for determining whether or not the state of the printing mechanism unit 8 communicated by the state communication means is a state in which the transfer data can be transferred; and a state in which the determination means can transfer the transfer data. If it is determined that it is not
A data compression unit (the CPU 4 is configured to execute a compression printer stored in the ROM 3) for writing the print data into the storage unit;
L, the CPU 4 determines whether the state of the printing mechanism unit 8 communicated by L is a state in which the transfer data can be transferred.
4 compresses the print data and writes it to the RAM 5, and the control unit 7 uses the compressed data or print data written to the RAM 5 as the transfer data as the predetermined interface I
/ F, the data transfer start is expected to be delayed according to the state of the print mechanism unit 8, and the stored print data is compressed to reduce the data amount. Data transfer time after the start of transfer can be reduced.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a third embodiment of the data transfer control method of the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
In addition, (1) to (16) indicate each step.

First, in step (1), “0” is set to a variable “linent” indicating the transfer target line number, a variable “lineptr” indicating the start address of the transfer target line is indicated, and the bitmap image area width is indicated. The variable framewidth indicates the frame width, and the variable bu indicates the start address of the compression work buffer.
The head address of the transmission work buffer 13 is set to fptr.

Next, in step (2), by referring to a flag area not shown, it is checked whether or not there is data to be printed on the raster currently being transferred.

This flag area is used for the line (control line CL in this embodiment) at the time of page layout, drawing, and the like.
) Is set according to an instruction to draw data, whether data is drawn, or the like. Lines for which this flag is not set mean that print data does not exist.

If there is data to be printed in the judgment of step (2), a compression flag indicating whether or not the compression processing has been performed in step (3) is set to a value "0" indicating that the data is not compressed. And a variable trans indicating the number of transfer data.
The content of the variable framewidth is set to size.

In step (4), the output unit 6 and the printing mechanism unit 8 acquire the status of the printing mechanism unit 8 by means of bidirectional information transmission means, signal lines, etc., and in step (5), the printing mechanism unit It is determined whether or not the transfer flag 8 is in a transfer enabled state. If the transfer is not possible, the value of the compression flag is checked in step (6).

This is to prevent the compression process from being repeated when the transfer impossible state is prolonged. If the compression flag has a value of “0” indicating uncompression, in step (7), the area corresponding to the variable framewidth from the original line data area 11 indicated by the variable
Compression processing is performed on the transmission work buffer 13 indicated by ufptr, and the number of data after compression is returned.

In step (8), the compression flag is set to “1” indicating a compressed state, and t indicating a transfer size.
The number of data after compression, which is the return value of step (7), is set to “ransize”. The process returns to step (4), including the case where the data has already been compressed in step (6), and waits until the transfer becomes possible.

On the other hand, if the transfer is possible in step (5), the value of the compression flag is referred to in step (9). If the value is "0" indicating non-compression, the normal data transfer processing is performed. In step (10), normal data transfer is specified to the printing mechanism unit 8 in order to perform the above operation.

Then, in step (11), from the variable linetr which is the head address of the original data area, the transfer size transsize is transferred as one line of data.

On the other hand, if the compression flag is "1" indicating the compression state in step (9), the compressed data transfer to the printing mechanism 8 is performed in step (12) to perform the compressed data transfer process. Is specified, and in step (13), bufptr, which is the head address of the storage area of the compressed data, is stored.
, The transfer size indicating the transfer size is transferred as one line of data.

In both cases, step (1)
In step 4), one line is conveyed to the printing mechanism unit 8, and in step (15), the variable fr
The target line is advanced next by adding the "amewidth", and the variable linentnt which is the transfer target line number is also advanced by "1".

At step (16), it is determined whether or not processing of all lines has been completed from lineectnt. If there are still remaining lines, the process returns to step (2) and processing is continued. The output processing has been completed. Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each step of the ninth invention and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the data transfer control method of the printing apparatus configured as described above, that is, print information from a data source (external device 1) is received, and the received print information is analyzed and developed into a bit image. A storage unit (RAM5) for storing print data, a control unit 7 for transferring transfer data based on the print data stored in the storage unit to a printing mechanism unit 8 including a printer engine via a predetermined interface, In a data transfer control method for a printing apparatus having state communication means (control line CL in this embodiment) for communicating the state of the unit 8, the state of the printing mechanism unit 8 communicated by the control line CL indicates the transfer data. A determining step (steps (4) and (5) in FIG. 10) for determining whether or not the transfer data can be transferred; If it is determined that the print data is compressed, the data is compressed (steps (6) to (8) in FIG. 10) and the compressed data or print data written to the storage is transferred to the storage unit. A transfer process (steps (9) to (11), steps (9), (12), and (13) in FIG. 10) for transferring the data as data to the printing mechanism unit via the predetermined interface is executed to perform printing. When the transfer of stored print data is expected to be delayed due to the state of the mechanism, it is possible to reduce the amount of data by compressing the already stored print data and shorten the data transfer time after the start of data transfer And

The present invention may be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices or to an apparatus constituted by a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

According to each of the above embodiments, when data is transferred from the control unit to the printing mechanism unit in the printing apparatus, the control unit has a data compression processing function and the printing mechanism unit has a data decompression processing function. By reducing the data transfer amount between the control unit and the printing mechanism unit, the transfer time can be reduced.

Further, switching means for switching between normal transfer and compressed transfer is provided, and when the data length becomes longer than the original data due to the compression processing, the switching control is performed so that the data compression processing is invalidated and the normal transfer can be performed. The print control is performed while selecting the data whose transfer time is shorter, for example, in line units. Note that by sharing the compressed data area and the original data area at this time, the memory efficiency can be improved.

Further, when there are a plurality of bitmap image areas, if another bitmap image area which has been drawn exists while a certain surface (for example, page unit or band unit) is being transferred, the transfer is awaited. The next transfer process can be performed at high speed by compressing the area that has been drawn in time.

Further, by providing a means for acquiring the state of the printing mechanism between the control unit and the printing mechanism, the receiving buffer of the printing mechanism becomes full, or the reception becomes difficult due to the printing process or the cleaning process. Figure 1
In this case, individual drawing is performed by interrupt processing or the like at a predetermined timing by the control line CL or the like shown in (1), and in such a case, the bitmap image area being transmitted is compressed and transferred at any time so as to be transferred. Etc., it is possible to perform effective compression processing.

[0130]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The transfer data can be reduced according to the progress of the transfer to shorten the transfer time. Further, when the start of data transfer is expected to be delayed according to the state of the printing mechanism, the already stored print data can be compressed to reduce the data amount, and the data transfer time after the start of data transfer can be shortened. It has an excellent effect.

[0131]

[0132]

[0133]

[0134]

[0135]

[0136]

[0137]

[0138]

[0139]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of bitmap image data processed by a printing mechanism unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first output data processing state transferred to the printing mechanism unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a data transfer control method for a printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a data transfer control method for a printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a transition diagram showing a second output data processing state transferred to the printing mechanism shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a data transfer control method for a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a data transfer control method for a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a third output data processing state transferred to the printing mechanism unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of the data transfer control method for the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 External apparatus 2 Input part 3 ROM 4 CPU 5 RAM 6 Output part 7 Control part 8 Printing mechanism CL Control line

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 3/12 B41J 5/30

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] A plurality of storage units for receiving print information from a data source, analyzing the received print information, and storing print data expanded into bit images in units of planes, and stored in each of the storage units; the printing apparatus and a control unit for transferring via a predetermined interface to print mechanism including a printer engine transfers data based on the print data, a second serial during bit image expansion completion to the first storage unit
When the transfer data from the storage unit is being transferred to the printing mechanism unit
A determining unit for determining the remaining amount of transfer data in the second storage unit
When the remaining amount of the transfer data in the second storage unit by the determination unit Tokoro
When it is determined that the number is larger than the fixed amount, the data is stored in the first storage unit.
Compressed print data with expanded bit image
A compression unit is provided in the control unit, and the control unit operates after the end of the transfer data from the second storage unit.
The print data of the first storage unit compressed by the compression unit
Printing apparatus for transferring data to the printing mechanism unit as next transfer data . 2. A storage unit for receiving print information from a data source, storing the print data obtained by analyzing the received print information and developing it into a bit image, and transfer data based on the print data stored in the storage unit. And a control unit for transferring the print mechanism unit to a printing mechanism unit having a printer engine via a predetermined interface. A status communication unit that communicates the status of the printing mechanism unit; and the printing that is communicated by the status communication unit. Determining means for determining whether the state of the mechanism unit is in a state in which the transfer data can be transferred; and compression means for compressing the print data, wherein the determination means is not in a state in which the transfer data can be transferred.
If it is determined that the print data is
A printing device that compresses the data and transfers the compressed data to the printing mechanism . 3. Receiving print information from a data source and receiving the print information.
A stamp that analyzes the received print information and develops it into a bit image.
A plurality of storage units for storing printing data for each surface are provided.
Print data based on the print data stored in the
Interface to the printing mechanism with a print engine
Method for controlling data transfer of a printing device that transfers data via a printer
When the bit image development to the first storage unit is completed, the second
When the transfer data from the storage unit is being transferred to the printing mechanism unit
A discriminator for discriminating the remaining amount of transfer data in the second storage unit
And the remaining amount of transfer data in the second storage unit is determined by the determination step.
If it is determined that the amount is larger than the predetermined amount, the information is stored in the first storage unit.
Compresses the stored bit image expanded print data
Compression process, and after the transfer of data from the second storage unit,
The print data in the first storage unit compressed by the
A data transfer control method for a printing apparatus, comprising: a transfer step of transferring the print data to the printing mechanism unit.
Law. 4. Receiving print information from a data source and receiving the print information.
A stamp that analyzes the received print information and develops it into a bit image.
A storage unit for storing printing data and a mark stored in this storage unit
Equipped with a printer engine to transfer data based on printing data
To a printing mechanism via a predetermined interface
In the data transfer control method for a printing apparatus, and status communication step of communicating the state of the printing mechanism Zhou of the state the printing mechanism portion communicated by the communication step
Determine whether the state is a state in which the transfer data can be transferred.
Discriminating step, a compressing step of compressing the print data, and the discriminating step is not in a state in which the transfer data can be transferred.
Is determined, the print data is subjected to the compression process.
Ri data transfer control side of the compression to the printing apparatus, characterized by having a transfer step of transferring to the printing mechanism portion
Law.