JP3307452B2 - Printer - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer such as a laser printer which is connected to a host machine such as a host computer and prints print data output from the host machine, and in particular, can change the horizontal resolution and the vertical resolution. And a printer having a double-sided printing function or a bookbinding printing function.

Generally, this type of printer is provided with an intermediate tray.
Or double-sided printing
Perform double-sided printing or bookbinding printing with print or page order
In this case, two or four pages of the front and back
Develop print data into print images and store them in memory
Need to be kept. However, in such a conventional printer, the memory installed in the printer control device is not used.
The capacity for storing print images is reduced ,
If it is not possible to store the number of print images required for double-sided printing or bookbinding printing as described above , double-sided printing or bookbinding printing cannot be performed.Perform normal single-sided printing or notify an error and suspend processing. I was

[0003]

However, in such a conventional printer, if the capacity of the memory mounted in the printer control device is small, it is not possible to perform double-sided printing or bookbinding printing. There is a problem that a printing result cannot be obtained.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is an object of the present invention to perform double-sided printing or bookbinding printing even when the capacity of a memory mounted in a printer control device is small. .

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides the following printer to achieve the above object. The invention of claim 1 includes a data input that have a and two-sided printing function can change the horizontal and vertical resolutions, and inputs a print image storage means, and the image developing means, the print data and commands sent from the host machine and means, in the case where only the print data is input by said means, is stored in the print image storage means and developed to print image by image developing means at a resolution that is currently designated the print data, the data input means Instructions for double-sided printing and printing
If data is entered, the currently specified resolution
Print the print data for the two pages on the front and back with the image
Develop into print image by opening means and print image
Storage device for storing in the storage device
In printer, the duplex printing control means, when the double-sided printing instruction is input by the data input means, current finger
The print image storage means has a memory capacity enough to store two pages of print images on the front and back sides at a fixed resolution.
Determining whether there on, it if no only memory capacity is calculates the resolution print image of two pages from the memory capacity is capable of storing, the calculated print data input by the data input means and further comprising a means for storing the print image storage means and developed to print image by image developing means and resolution
I do .

[0006] According to a second aspect of the invention, inputs have a and can change the horizontal and vertical resolution duplex printing function, a print image storage means, and the image developing means, the print data and commands sent from the host machine Data input means, and when only print data is input by the means,
Is the print data at a resolution that is currently designated and developed to print image by the image expansion means is stored in said print image storage means, depending on the data input means
Bookbinding print command and print data are input
Is the currently specified resolution for the four pages on the front and back.
Print data is converted into a print image by image development means
Double-sided printing developed and stored in print image storage means
Control for upper and lower printing
Means, when the instruction of the bookbinding print the data input means is input, the memory capacity for storing the print image of four pages at a resolution that is currently specified print Ime
It is determined whether or not the image data is stored in the image storage means. If there is not enough memory capacity, a resolution at which a print image of four pages can be stored is calculated from the memory capacity, and the data input is performed. The print data input by the means is developed into a print image by the image developing means at the calculated resolution and stored in the print image storage means.
It is characterized by having means .

[0007]

According to the printer of the effects] of claim 1 invention, when the instruction of duplex printing by the data input means is input, two-sided sign
Printing control means 2 of the front and back surfaces with a resolution that is currently designated
Memory capacity to store print images for pages
Judge whether it is in the print image storage means , that's it
If there is no memory capacity of only exists, 2 from the memory capacity
The resolution at which the print image for the page can be stored is calculated, and the print data input by the data input unit is expanded into a print image by the image expansion unit at the calculated resolution and stored in the print image storage unit. Thereafter, the print data ( 3 pages) is continuously
When the print data is input, the print data is developed into a print image by the image development means at the calculated resolution and stored in the print image storage means.

[0008] Accordingly, while a throughput during normal printing is ensured, when a specific command, that is, a double-sided printing command, is input, the resolution is calculated as needed, so that the memory capacity of the print image storage means can be calculated. Even when the number is small, double-sided printing can be performed reliably. Furthermore, the calculation of the resolution, the double-sided printing instruction and the first two pair
This is performed as needed when the print data for one page is input by the data input unit.If the print data of the subsequent pages is input by the data input unit, it is not necessary to calculate the resolution. It is possible to develop a print image without waiting for the input of the data, thereby avoiding a processing delay.

According to the printer of the second aspect of the present invention, when an instruction for bookbinding printing is input by the data input means, both of them are output.
The surface printing control means determines that the resolution of the current page is 4 pages.
Memory capacity for storing print image of the equity is printing
It is determined whether the image storage means exists or not. If there is not enough memory capacity, page 4 is used based on the memory capacity.
Calculating a resolution print image of di content would be capable of storing,
The print data input by the data input means is developed into a print image by the image developing means at the calculated resolution and stored in the print image storage means. Since then
When the print data (the print data of page 5 and thereafter) is continuously input by the data input means, the print data is input.
The print image is developed by the image developing means at the calculated resolution and stored in the print image storage means.

[0010] Therefore, while a throughput during normal printing is secured, when a bookbinding printing command, which is a specific command, is input, the resolution is calculated as needed, so that the memory capacity of the print image storage means is increased. Bookbinding printing can be reliably performed even when the number of documents is small. Furthermore, the calculation of the resolution is based on the instruction for double-sided printing and the first four pages.
This is performed as needed when the print data for one page is input by the data input unit.If the print data of the subsequent pages is input by the data input unit, it is not necessary to calculate the resolution. It is possible to develop a print image without waiting for the input of the data, thereby avoiding a processing delay.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a printer embodying the present invention, which comprises a printer (printer engine) 2 and a printer controller 3. The host computer 1 is a host machine of the printer.

The printer control device 3 inputs print data sent from the host computer 1 and develops it into a print image, and then transfers it to the printer device 2 for printing on paper. Print image developing unit 5, print image storage unit 6, and print image transfer unit 7
And a double-sided printing control unit 8 for controlling them collectively.

The printer control unit 3 receives print data and commands transmitted from the host computer 1 through the data input unit 4, and prints the received data by the print image developing unit 5 when the received data is print data. The print image is developed and stored in the print image storage unit 6, and when the print start condition is satisfied, the print image is read out, transferred to the printer device 2 by the print image transfer unit 7, and printed on paper.

At this time, when a command for double-sided printing or bookbinding printing is received by the data input unit 4, double-sided printing control is performed.
The duplex printing control unit 8 determines whether duplex printing or bookbinding printing is possible at the currently specified resolution (hereinafter, also referred to as the “current resolution”). The data is developed into a print image at the current resolution by the print image development unit 5, but if it is not possible, a resolution for storing the print image for double-sided printing or bookbinding printing is obtained in the print image storage unit 6, and the print image development is performed. A resolution change process for setting the resolution is performed in the unit 5 and the print image transfer unit 7, and the development and printing of the print image are performed at the resolution. The details will be described later.

FIG . 2 is a flowchart showing a duplex printing process by the printer. This routine starts when data transmitted from the host computer 1 is received (input) by the data input unit 4. First, if the data is not a double-sided printing start command, normal processing is performed. It is determined whether or not double-sided printing is possible, that is, whether or not the print image storage unit 6 has a memory capacity enough to store the print images of the front and back sides (for two pages) at the current resolution.

If the print image storage unit 6 has a memory capacity enough to store both front and back print images at the current resolution, normal processing is performed. In this case, the received print data is developed into a print image at the resolution currently designated by the print image development unit 5 and stored in the print image storage unit 6, and when the print start condition is met, the print image is read out. Then, the image is transferred to the printer device 2 by the print image transfer unit 7 and printed on paper.

If the print image storage unit 6 does not have enough memory capacity to store both front and back print images at the current resolution, a resolution capable of storing two pages is determined from the memory capacity. The resolution changing process is performed to set the set resolution in the print image developing unit 5 and the print image transfer unit 7, and thereafter, the above-described double-sided printing process is performed at the set resolution.

FIG . 3 is a diagram showing the concept of bookbinding printing by this printer. Bookbinding printing refers to printing, as shown in FIG. 3 , four pages of print data on both sides of a sheet twice as large as one page and binding them at the center so that the pages are continuous. This can be done by operating the storage position by a page when the print image developed by the print image development unit 5 of FIG. 1 is stored in the print image storage unit 6.

In the case of bookbinding printing, it is determined whether or not bookbinding printing is possible, that is, whether or not the print image storage unit 6 has a memory capacity capable of storing a print image for four pages. A resolution that can be stored is obtained, and the obtained resolution is set in the print image developing unit 5 and the print image transfer unit 7 to change the resolution.
Thereafter, bookbinding printing is performed at the set resolution.

As described above, according to the printer of this embodiment, it is determined whether or not double-sided printing or bookbinding printing is possible at the currently specified resolution. Automatically changes to a resolution that allows double-sided printing or bookbinding printing and performs double-sided printing, so the print image required for double-sided printing or bookbinding printing can be reliably stored without additional memory, and double-sided printing or bookbinding printing Will not be interrupted.

It should be noted that whether or not to print with a changed resolution can be set in advance by an instruction from the host computer 1. In this case, determine whether double-sided printing or bookbinding printing is possible at the current resolution, and if not, check the setting status of whether to change the resolution and print, and change the resolution to print If so, a resolution for storing a print image for double-sided printing or bookbinding printing in the print image storage unit 6 is determined.

Then, the obtained resolution is set in the print image developing unit 5 and the print image transfer unit 7, and thereafter, the above-described double-sided printing or bookbinding printing is performed at the set resolution. If printing is not to be performed after the change, processing similar to the conventional one, that is, normal one-sided printing processing is performed or the processing is interrupted.

In addition, if duplex printing or bookbinding printing cannot be performed at the current resolution, and if the resolution is automatically changed and printing is performed, the image quality is degraded. The user can be notified by a buzzer, a light-emitting body, or the like (not shown) provided in the printer, so that the user can immediately determine the reason why the image quality has deteriorated.

Further, in this embodiment, double-sided printing or bookbinding printing is started by a command from the host computer 1, but a switch or the like may be provided in the printer control device 3 to start it. Good.

Although the embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a printer has been described above, the present invention can be applied to various types of image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine which can change the horizontal resolution and the vertical resolution and have a double-sided printing function or a bookbinding printing function. Applicable to the device.

[0026]

As described above, according to the present invention, the throughput during normal printing is ensured while
The following effects can be obtained. In other words, the memory capacity of the print image storage means for storing the print image is insufficient, and two-sided printing cannot be performed as it is, but the resolution is calculated and changed so that the print image for two pages can be stored. Printing image storage means
The print image required for double-sided printing can be securely stored without adding a memory, and double-sided printing does not stop halfway.

[0027] In addition, printing for storing the print image
Not enough memory capacity of the image storage means, and what was impossible bookbinding printing as it is, because to be able to store the print image of four pages to calculate and change the resolution, print image storage means also memory The print image required for bookbinding printing can be reliably stored without adding
Bookbinding printing does not stop halfway.

[0028] It should be noted that the printing for storing the print image
If the memory capacity of the image storage means is insufficient, if means for automatically calculating or changing the resolution and setting whether to print is provided, double-sided printing or bookbinding printing can be performed until the resolution is changed. If you do not want done, calling the above-mentioned
This makes it possible to suppress the bright function, and it is possible to suspend double-sided printing or bookbinding printing at the request of the user.

Further, the resolution is calculated and changed (lowered).
When printing, the image quality of the printed surface is reduced. However, if the resolution is changed and the user is notified that the printing has been performed, the user can immediately understand why the image quality has been reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a printer embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing double-sided printing processing according to the present invention by the printer of FIG . 1 ;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining bookbinding printing processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 High-order computer 2 Printer device 3 Printer control device 4 Data input part 5 Print image development part 6 Print image storage part 7 Print image transfer part 8 Duplex printing control part

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-3-293170 (JP, A) JP-A-62-182833 (JP, A) JP-A-4-33988 (JP, A) 62169 (JP, A) JP-A-3-7358 (JP, A) JP-A-2-182479 (JP, A) JP-A 4-117065 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 21/00 B41J 3/60 B41J 5/30 H04N 1/387 101

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A horizontal resolution and a vertical resolution are changeable.
One-sided printing functionAndPrint image storage means,
Page expansion means and print data transmitted from the host machine.
Data input means for inputting data and instructions, and
When only print data is enteredIs, The print data
CurrentSpecifiedResolution by the image developing means
The print image storage means
To memorizeThe double-sided printing command is issued by the data input means.
Command and print data are entered, the
The print data for the two pages on the front and back sides at the specified resolution.
Develop the print image by the image development means
Double-sided printing control means stored in the print image storage means
In a printer with steps, The double-sided printing control means, By the data input means
Double-sided printingInstructionIf entered, currentlySpecified
ToAt resolutionFront and back two pagesMinute print imageRememberYou
Memory capacityIn the print image storage meansis there
Judge whether there isJust thatWhen there is no memory capacity
Is based on its memory capacity2 pagesMinute print image
The resolvable resolution is calculated, and the data input means
The print data input as described above is
Developed into a print image by image developing means and
Store in print image storage meansHaving meansThat
Characterized printer. 2. A horizontal resolution and a vertical resolution can be changed.
One-sided printing functionAndPrint image storage means,
Page expansion means and print data transmitted from the host machine.
Data input means for inputting data and instructions, and
When only print data is enteredIs, The print data
CurrentSpecifiedResolution by the image developing means
The print image storage means
To memorizeThe book input printing command is issued by the data input means.
Command and print data are entered, the
4 pages of print data on the front and back sides at the resolution specified
Develop the print image by the image development means
Double-sided printing control means stored in the print image storage means
In a printer with steps, The double-sided printing control means, By the data input means
Life of bookbinding printingOrdinanceIf entered, currentlySpecified
ToAt resolution4 pagesMinute print imageRememberJust to do
Memory capacityIn the print image storage meansOr not
Judge,Just thatIf there is not enough memory,
From memory capacity4 pagesPrint images can be stored
Is calculated and input by the data input means.
Print data at the calculated resolution
The print image is developed by a developing means to a print image.
In the storage meansHaving meansCharacterized by
Printer.