JP3342315B2 - Print control device and print control method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention analyzes data input from the outside, generates predetermined intermediate data, and develops the generated intermediate data into bitmap data that can be printed by a printing unit. The present invention relates to a print control device and a print control method for outputting map data to a printing unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image output device, for example, a printer such as a known laser beam printer is connected to a host computer using a standard interface cable, and a page description language (PDL) is transmitted from the host computer.
Is input, the image signal is interpreted, converted into a binary signal of bitmap data for output to a printer engine, and a hard copy is obtained from the printer.

In recent years, a laser beam printer as a page printer is required to have high image quality, and a data processing resolution of 600 dpi or more is becoming mainstream. 600d
For pi, an A4 full size bitmap of about 4 MB is required, and cost increases due to high image quality.

On the other hand, cost reduction is also required, and in order to reduce the memory capacity which increases due to multifunctional data processing, a laser beam printer which is a page printer is also provided with a bit map for one page like a serial printer. That is, there are many products that adopt a banding processing method that develops a bitmap in a band memory and outputs the data in synchronization with a printer engine.

[0005]

However, in the above-described conventional example, the processing for expanding the data in the band memory must be equal to or faster than the processing of the printer engine, and relatively complicated data is expanded in the band memory. Has occurred in time for the processing of the printer engine (hereinafter, print overrun).

In this case, the bitmap memory is expanded (the option RAM is expanded to increase the bitmap memory capacity), developed into one page of bitmap memory, and then output to the printer engine (hereinafter, full paint processing). ) Method or a method in which the resolution is reduced and full paint processing is performed without increasing the bitmap memory.

In addition, before being developed into a bitmap,
Intermediate data for one page (generally having a smaller capacity than a full bitmap and being easily converted to a bitmap) is created. There has also been a phenomenon that the capacity of a page buffer for storing data is exceeded (hereinafter, memory over).

In this case, similarly to the print overrun,
A method in which a bitmap memory is added and developed into a bitmap memory for one page and then output to a printer engine (hereinafter referred to as a full paint process) or a full paint process in which the resolution is reduced without adding a bitmap memory , One of the methods was adopted.

As described above, when the print information input in the memory resources of the printer is processed, a memory over occurs, and unless the option RAM or the like is added by a user's burden to expand the memory capacity, the memory capacity is originally high. There is a problem that a high resolution printing process cannot be performed even with a printer capable of resolution processing.

Further, in order to print input high-resolution print information in the current memory resources, full-painting is performed at a low resolution, so that the process speed of the printer engine is reduced, and as a result, the throughput is also reduced. There was a problem that would.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method for storing intermediate data for one page when the intermediate data for one page cannot be stored in the storage means. By increasing the storage capacity of the first area for storing bitmap data, reducing the storage capacity of the second area for storing bitmap data secured in the storage means, and adjusting the process speed of the printing unit to a low speed, A print control device that can reliably store one page of intermediate data without expanding the capacity of the storage means and can perform high-resolution print processing even when the amount of one page of intermediate data is large. And a print control method.

[0012]

A solution for the present invention a first invention according to analyzes the data input from the outside to generate a predetermined intermediate data, the printing unit can print the data while among those made live expand to a bit map data, bit map data
A printing control apparatus for outputting data to the printing unit, the determination determines a storage means for storing the intermediate data and the bit map data, whether or not storing the intermediate data of one page in the memory means Means for increasing the storage capacity of the first area for storing the intermediate data secured in the storage means, when the determination means determines that the bit map cannot be stored, the bit map secured in the storage means; Control means for reducing the storage capacity of the second area for storing data and adjusting the process speed of the printing unit to a low speed.

In a second aspect of the present invention, the control means stores the one-page intermediate data in the storage means.
If it is determined that it is not possible, the process speed of the printing unit
Is adjusted to a speed lower than the process speed at the maximum throughput .

The third invention according to the present invention is directed to the first invention.
The rear is a page buffer, and the second area is a van.
Memory.

A fourth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the control means reduces the paper conveying speed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an input from an external device is provided.
Analyzes the data to be generated, generates predetermined intermediate data, and
Bitmap that allows the printing unit to print the generated intermediate data
Develop into bitmap data and output to bitmap data
Printing control method, wherein the intermediate data and the
One page worth of data is stored in storage means for storing bitmap data.
A determination step for determining whether the intermediate data has been stored.
Is determined by the determination step that
The intermediate data secured in the storage means.
The storage capacity of the first area for storing data is increased,
Stores the bitmap data secured in storage means
The storage capacity of the second area to be
Changing the process speed to a lower speed.
It is characterized by that.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the above-described modification step.
In the storage step, the storage step stores the intermediate data for one page.
If it is determined that the data cannot be stored,
Process speed lower than process speed at maximum throughput
It is characterized by adjusting to a high speed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the first area.
Is a page buffer, and the second area is a band buffer.
It is a memory.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the above-described modification step.
Is characterized in that the paper transport speed is reduced.

[0020]

[0021]

[0022]

[0023]

[0024]

[0025]

[0026]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing the configuration of this embodiment, a configuration of a laser beam printer suitable for applying this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The printer to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer and an ink jet printer.
It goes without saying that a printer of another printing method may be used.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of an output device to which the present invention can be applied, and shows, for example, the case of a laser beam printer (LBP).

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1000 denotes an LBP main body, which inputs and stores print information (character codes and the like), form information, macro instructions, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer, and stores the information. , A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as recording paper.
An operation panel 1012 is provided with switches for setting various modes, an LED display, an LCD display, and the like for displaying a printer status.

A printer control unit 1001 controls communication processing for receiving print information from a host computer, which will be described later, and image processing for analyzing the received print information and generating an output image printable by a printer engine. I do. The printer control unit 1001 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1002.

The laser driver 1002 is the semiconductor laser 1
003 is a circuit for driving a laser beam 1004 that is emitted from the semiconductor laser 1003 in accordance with an input video signal. Laser light 10
Reference numeral 04 denotes a rotating polygon mirror 1005 which is swung in the left and right direction to scan and expose the electrostatic drum 1006. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1006. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1007 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1006, and then transferred to a recording sheet. A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1008 mounted on the LBP 1000, taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1009, a conveyance roller 1010, and a conveyance roller 1011, and electrostatically charged. It is supplied to the drum 1006.

The LBP main body 1000 is provided with at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an option card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language system can be connected in addition to the built-in font.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the printing system according to the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Note that, as long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention is applicable to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, and a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. It goes without saying that the invention can be applied.

In the figure, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer, a control unit 2000, a keyboard (KB) 9, a CRT.
It comprises a display (CRT) 10 and an external memory 11. The control unit 2000 includes a CPU 1 that executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets and the like) are mixed based on a document processing program or the like stored in a program ROM of the ROM 3, and a system bus. The CPU 1 generally controls each device connected to the device 4.

The program ROM of the ROM 3
The (program ROM) stores a control program executed by the CPU 1 and the like, and the font ROM (font ROM) of the ROM 3 stores font data and the like used in the above-described document processing. Data ROM) includes various data (eg, print information initial values, error messages, etc.) used when performing the above document processing and the like.
I remember.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which is constituted by an extendable DRAM and functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 1. Reference numeral 5 denotes a keyboard controller (KBC) for controlling key input from a keyboard (KB) 9 or a pointing device (not shown). Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC) which controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. 7 is a memory controller (MC)
It controls access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) or a floppy disk (FD) that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edited files, and the like.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer controller (PRTC)
A predetermined bidirectional interface (interface)
The communication device 21 is connected to the printer 1000 via the printer 21 and executes communication control processing with the printer 1000. In addition, CPU
Executes a rasterization process of an outline font on a display information RAM set on the RAM 2, for example, to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 10. Further, the CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.

In the printer 1000, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU (CPU).
M (program ROM) or a control program stored in the external memory 14 to control access to various devices connected to the system bus 15 in a comprehensive manner. 1
Printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via
To output an image signal as output information. Also, this R
The OM program ROM (program ROM)
A control program and the like executed by the CPU 12 in accordance with the procedures of flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4, 7, and 10 described below are stored.

Further, a font ROM of the ROM 13
(Font ROM) stores font data and the like used when generating the output information. In the case of a printer without an external memory 14 such as a hard disk in a data ROM (data ROM) of the ROM 13, a host computer is used. The information used on 3000 is stored.

The CPU 12 is capable of communicating with the host computer 3000 via the input unit 18, and transmits information in the printer 1000 to the host computer 300.
0 can be notified. 19 is a RAM, a CP
It functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the U12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 19 is used for an output information development area, an environment data storage area, an NVRAM, and the like. The external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) and an IC card described above.
The access to is controlled by the memory controller (MC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option, and stores font data, an emulation program,
Stores form data and the like.

The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one. At least one external memory can be connected, and in addition to built-in fonts, an option card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages can be connected. It may be configured as follows. Further, N (not shown)
It may have a VRAM and store printer mode setting information from an operation panel (operation unit) 1012.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a print control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 31 denotes an intermediate data generator.
For example, it analyzes data from the host computer 3000 stored in a reception buffer secured on the RAM 19 shown in FIG. 2 to generate intermediate data. Reference numeral 32 denotes a page buffer secured on the RAM 19 shown in FIG. 2, for example, for storing one page of intermediate data generated by the intermediate data generator 31. 33 is a bitmap generator,
Bitmap data is generated from the intermediate data stored in the page buffer 32.

Reference numeral 34 denotes a band memory secured on the RAM 19 shown in FIG. 2, and stores the bitmap data generated by the bitmap generator 33. An engine output control unit 35 transfers the bitmap data developed in the band memory 34 to an engine 36 corresponding to the printing unit 17 shown in FIG. 2 based on a predetermined synchronization signal.

Reference numeral 37 denotes a paper transport speed control unit,
The transport speed of the transport mechanism in the engine 36 that transports the sheet as the recording medium is controlled in accordance with the determination result of the intermediate data complexity determination unit 38 according to the high-speed transport mode or the low-speed transport mode. The intermediate data complexity determination unit 38 determines the complexity (complexity) of the intermediate data stored in the page buffer 32, determines whether banding processing on the band memory 34 is possible, and
7 is instructed to set the paper transport speed to the low speed mode or the high speed mode.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the first and second inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing method which analyzes data inputted from the outside, generates predetermined intermediate data, develops the generated intermediate data into a bitmap printable by a printing unit, and outputs the bitmap. A control unit for storing the intermediate data (for example, RA
M19) and deriving means (intermediate data complexity determining unit 38) for deriving a first processing time for developing the bitmap of the intermediate data stored in the storage means for one page. The first processing time derived by the deriving means and the second processing time for the printing unit to print one page of bitmap (stored in the data ROM of the ROM 13 or the external memory 14). And control means (paper transport speed control unit 37) for adjusting the process speed of the printing unit on a page-by-page basis.
The intermediate data complexity determining unit 38 derives a first processing time for developing the bitmap of the intermediate data stored in the page buffer 32 for one page, and calculates the derived first processing time and engine. The paper transport speed control unit 37 adjusts the process speed of the engine 36 for each page by comparing the second processing time for printing the bit map for one page with the page 36, thereby expanding the memory capacity. In addition, the input data can be printed at a high resolution by automatically switching to a process speed that does not cause a print-over according to the complexity of the intermediate data. The second processing time is appropriately set according to the printing unit and the printing process.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the paper transport speed control unit 37 comprises:
If it is determined that the first processing time is equal to or longer than the second processing time, the process speed of the engine 36 is adjusted to a lower speed than the process speed at the maximum throughput.
The input data can be printed at a high resolution without increasing the memory capacity, even if the print is over at a high resolution.

Hereinafter, the data processing operation of the print control apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 shows a first example of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure.
Note that (1) to (11) indicate each step, and each procedure is stored in the ROM 13 or the external memory 14 shown in FIG.

For example, the host computer 3 shown in FIG.
When data (including print control information, print data, and the like) is input from 000 (1), the data is stored in a reception buffer secured in the RAM 19, and then analyzed and analyzed by a command analysis and editing processing unit (not shown). Edit (2). The data analyzed and edited by the command is sent to the intermediate data generating unit 31 to generate intermediate data (3) and stored in the page buffer 32 (4).

Next, the intermediate data complexity determination section 38 judges the complexity of the generated intermediate data to predict whether or not banding processing is possible (5). If it is predicted that there is, that is, if it is predicted that a print overrun will occur, it instructs the paper transport speed control unit 37 to set the paper transport speed to the low speed mode. The controller 37 changes the paper transport speed of the engine 36 to the low speed mode (6), and proceeds to step (7) and subsequent steps.

On the other hand, if it is predicted in step (5) that the banding process is possible (the intermediate data is not complicated), it is determined whether the intermediate data for one page has been stored in the page buffer 32, that is, if the data is all It is determined whether or not the processing has been performed (7). If NO, steps (2) to (7) are repeated until one page of intermediate data is stored in the page buffer 32.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (7) that one page of intermediate data has been stored in the page buffer 32, the intermediate data is sent to the bitmap generator 33 and expanded into a bitmap. (8). The developed bitmap is stored in the band memory 34 (9). Then, the bitmap stored in the band memory 34 is sent to the engine output control unit 35 and the engine 3
Printing is performed by the engine 36 while synchronizing with (6).

Next, it is determined whether or not all data stored in the band memory 34 has been processed (11).
If NO, steps (8) to (11) are repeated and YE
If S, the process ends.

The process of expanding the bitmap by the bitmap generator 33 must be equal to or faster than the process of inputting the bitmap by the engine 36.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an object table OJTB for predicting the processing time of the intermediate data complexity determining section 38 shown in FIG. Corresponding to the case of

The object table OJT shown in FIG.
B is secured on the page buffer 32 shown in FIG.
The number of each object of the intermediate data created by the intermediate data generator 31 is registered and stored together with the intermediate data.

When the number of each object is registered in the object table OJTB secured on the page buffer 32 in this way, the processing time of one page of intermediate data is derived from the following equation (1). It is assumed that each object is stored in the ROM 13 in advance as data with a known processing time for developing into a bitmap.

Σ ((processing time of each object) × (number of objects)) (1) In this way, when the processing time of one page of intermediate data is later than the processing time of the engine 36 Gives an instruction to switch the paper transport speed of the engine 36 to the low speed mode in advance to the paper transport speed control unit 37, and reduces the paper transport speed in the engine 36 as described above.

In order to more accurately predict the processing time, not only the number of objects but also the number of objects as elements for deriving the processing time for developing the intermediate data into a bitmap
Information such as the capacity, the shape of each object, and the number of control points can also be included in the object table OJTB.

Even when the paper transport speed of the engine 36 is in the low speed mode, the processing time of the intermediate data for one page is reduced.
If the processing time is slower than the processing time of the engine 36, the processing is interrupted as an error or the processing is performed with a reduced resolution.

Further, when the engine 36 is the laser beam printer engine of the present embodiment, it is difficult to change the paper conveyance speed in the middle of one page, and it is changed for each page.

The paper transport speed is usually (hereinafter, default), for example, 12 sheets / min. In step (5) of FIG. 4, it is determined that the intermediate data is complicated (print overrun is predicted to occur). ), The configuration is such that the mode is set to the low speed mode, for example, 8 sheets / minute, and it goes without saying that the default value is 12 sheets / minute on the next page.

In the above configuration, the paper transport speed is only the two modes of the normal mode and the low speed mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of modes of three or more may be provided. , It is also possible to switch to any of a plurality of modes.

Although a plurality of fixed speed modes are provided as the paper transport speed in the above description, the present invention is not limited to this mode.
Of course, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the paper transport speed can be made variable, and to set the paper transport speed at which printing can be performed fastest in the processing time of the data due to the complexity of the data.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each step of the ninth and twelfth inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing method which analyzes data input from the outside to generate predetermined intermediate data, develops the generated intermediate data into a bitmap printable by a printing unit, and outputs the bitmap. 4. A control method, comprising: a deriving step of deriving a first processing time for developing the bitmap of one page of the intermediate data stored in a storage unit (page buffer 32) for storing the intermediate data (FIG. 4). (Step (not shown) between step (4) and step (5)), and the derived first processing time and a second time required for the printing unit to print one page of bitmap. The CPU 12 compares the processing time with the adjustment process (step (6) in FIG. 4) for adjusting the process speed of the printing unit for each page in the ROM 13 or other memory resources. Run the control program, without extending the memory capacity, can be printed automatically processes switched data inputted to the process speed that do not print over depending on the complexity degree of the intermediate data at high resolution.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, predetermined intermediate data is generated by analyzing data input from the outside, and the generated intermediate data is developed into a bitmap printable by a printing unit and transfer-controlled. A deriving step of deriving a first processing time for developing one bit of the intermediate data stored in the storage means for storing the intermediate data in a storage medium storing a program used by a computer ( Step (4) and Step (5) in FIG.
And a second processing time for the printing unit to print a bit map for one page by comparing the derived first processing time with the second processing time for the printing unit to print a bit map of one page. A computer-readable program including an adjustment step (step (6) in FIG. 4) for adjusting the process speed of the unit in page units is stored in a storage medium. That is, the ROM 1 of the printer 1000
3. An embodiment in which a program code corresponding to the process illustrated in FIG. 4 is stored in a memory resource such as the external memory 14 and the CPU 12 reads and executes the program code from a storage medium storing the program code is also included in the embodiment of the present invention. It is.

[Second Embodiment] In the above embodiment, when it is determined that the intermediate data is complicated, the paper transport speed of the engine is reduced to lower the throughput, thereby preventing the occurrence of print overrun beforehand. In the above description, the case where the printing process is performed at a high resolution has been described. However, when the memory is over, the band memory area secured on the RAM 19 is reduced, the page buffer area is increased, and the paper conveyance speed is set to the low speed mode. By changing to, control may be performed so as to avoid the occurrence of memory over and to enable print processing at high resolution. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of a print control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the same elements as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 39 denotes a memory over determining section which determines whether or not the intermediate data stored in the page buffer 32 exceeds the capacity of the page buffer 32. (The allocation of the page buffer 32 secured on the RAM 19 is expanded as described later), and the capacity of the band memory 34 is reduced (the allocation of the band memory 34 secured on the RAM 19 is reduced as described later). Then, it instructs the paper transport speed controller 37 to set the paper transport speed to the low speed mode.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the third and fourth inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing method which analyzes data input from the outside to generate predetermined intermediate data, develops the generated intermediate data into a bitmap printable by a printing unit, and outputs the bitmap. A control unit for storing the intermediate data and the bitmap (the intermediate data is a page buffer 32, and the bitmap is a band memory 34, which is secured on the RAM 19, for example); Determining means (memory over determining unit 39) for determining whether one page of the intermediate data has been stored in the storage means; and storing the intermediate data secured in the storage means based on the determination result of the determining means. Control means (memory over determining unit 39) for changing the allocation distribution between the first area to be stored and the second area for storing the bitmap. , Determining whether the memory overflow judgment unit 39 can store the intermediate data of one page in the page buffer 32, based on the determination result RAM19
Since the control means changes the allocation distribution between the first area (page buffer 32) for storing the intermediate data and the second area (band memory 34) for storing the bitmap, the memory capacity is reduced. It is possible to reliably store one page of intermediate data without expansion, and secure an area for bitmap development at high resolution.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the paper transport speed control unit 37
When it is determined that one page of the intermediate data cannot be stored in the page buffer 32, the process speed of the engine 36 is adjusted to a speed lower than the process speed at the time of the maximum throughput. Therefore, without expanding the memory capacity, Even when the amount of intermediate data for one page is large, print processing can be performed at a high resolution.

Hereinafter, the data processing operation of the print control apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure.
(21) to (23) indicate each step, and the same steps as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same step numbers. Further, each procedure is stored in the ROM 13 or the external memory 14 shown in FIG.

For example, the host computer 3 shown in FIG.
When data (including print control information, print data, and the like) is input from 000 (1), the data is stored in a reception buffer secured in the RAM 19, and then analyzed and analyzed by a command analysis and editing processing unit (not shown). Edit (2). The data analyzed and edited by the command is sent to the intermediate data generating unit 31 to generate intermediate data (3) and stored in the page buffer 32 (4).

Next, the memory over judgment section 39 judges whether or not the page buffer 32 has memory over (2).
1) In the case of the first memory over, as will be described later, the allocation of the page buffer area secured on the RAM 19 is increased, that is, the capacity of the page buffer 32 is increased (22), and the memory is secured on the RAM 19. The band memory area allocation to be performed is reduced, that is, the capacity of the band memory 34 is reduced (23), and the paper transport speed control unit 37 is instructed to set the paper transport speed to the low speed mode (6). , And proceed to step (7).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (21) that no memory over has occurred, it is determined whether or not all the data has been processed (7). Steps (1) to (7) and (21) to (23) are repeated until the data is stored in the buffer 32.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (7) that one page of intermediate data has been stored in the page buffer 32, the intermediate data is sent to the bitmap generator 33 and expanded into a bitmap. (8). The developed bitmap is stored in the band memory 34 (9). Then, the bitmap stored in the band memory 34 is sent to the engine output control unit 35 and the engine 3
Printing is performed by the engine 36 while synchronizing with (6).

Next, it is determined whether or not all the data stored in the band memory 34 has been processed (11).
If NO, steps (8) to (11) are repeated and YE
If S, the process ends.

If it is determined in step (21) that the second memory over has occurred, the processing is interrupted as an error or the print processing is performed with a reduced resolution.

The process of expanding the bitmap by the bitmap generator 33 must be equal to or faster than the process of inputting the bitmap by the engine 36.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the memory map of the RAM 19 shown in FIG.
And the memory map of the band memory 34.

In the figure, reference numeral 41 denotes a page buffer, which normally (hereinafter referred to as a default) corresponds to, for example, a case of 1.5 MB. Reference numeral 42 denotes a boundary line, which is configured as a boundary floating according to an instruction from the memory over determination unit 39. 43 is a band memory, usually (hereinafter, default)
Then, for example, it corresponds to the case of 1.0 MB.

When the intermediate data generated by the intermediate data generating unit 31 is sequentially stored in the page buffer 41 and the area of the page buffer 41 is about to exceed 1.5 MB,
The memory over determination unit 39 sets the boundary line 42 to the band memory 4
3, the capacity of the page buffer 41 is increased to 2.0 MB, and the capacity of the band memory 43 is reduced to 500 KB. At this time, the memory over determination unit 39 instructs the paper transport speed control unit 37 to set the paper transport speed of the engine 36 to the low speed mode so that the print overrun does not occur.

In the present embodiment, in order to prevent memory over, the page buffer 41 and the band memory 43 are used.
The allocation distribution of the default and when the memory is over,
The case where the allocation amount of the page buffer 41 and the band memory 43 is changed from 1.5 MB and 1.0 MB to two types of 2.0 MB and 500 KB has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Of the page buffer 41 and the band memory 43 may be prepared in three or more types, and may be continuously adjusted.
The memory configuration may be configured to be optimal depending on the capacity of the intermediate data stored in the page buffer 41. When the adjustment is performed steplessly, the paper conveyance speed of the engine 36 can also be adjusted steplessly, and it is of course possible to control the paper conveyance speed to the optimum paper conveyance speed.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and the respective steps of the tenth and thirteenth inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing method which analyzes data input from the outside, generates predetermined intermediate data, develops the generated intermediate data into a bitmap printable by a printing unit, and outputs the bitmap. A control method for determining whether or not one page of the intermediate data has been stored in the storage unit for storing the intermediate data (step (21) in FIG. 7); A changing step of changing an allocation distribution between a first area for storing the intermediate data and a second area for storing the bitmap secured in a storage means (steps (22) and (2) in FIG. 7);
3)) and the CPU 12 executes the control program stored in the ROM 13 or another memory resource to reliably store the intermediate data for one page without expanding the memory capacity, and develop the bitmap with high resolution. And an area to be used.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, predetermined intermediate data is generated by analyzing data input from the outside, and the generated intermediate data is developed into a bitmap printable by a printing unit and transfer-controlled. In a storage medium storing a program used by a computer, a determination step of determining whether or not one page of the intermediate data has been stored in the storage unit for storing the intermediate data (step (2 in FIG. 7)
1)), and a changing step of changing an allocation distribution between a first area storing the intermediate data and a second area storing the bitmap, which are secured in the storage means based on the determination result (FIG. And (7) steps (22) and (23)) stored in a storage medium. That is, the printer 1
The program code corresponding to the process shown in FIG. 7 is stored in a memory resource such as the ROM 13 and the external memory
The mode of reading and executing by 12 is also included in the embodiment of the present invention.

[Third Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
The case in which the paper transport speed of the engine 36 is changed to the low speed mode based on the complexity of the intermediate data has been described. However, switching control is performed to determine whether to set the paper transport speed of the engine 36 to the low speed mode based on the attribute of an object to be drawn. May be configured. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of a print control apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the same elements as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 51 denotes a command analysis / edit processing unit which analyzes and edits a command in data input from the host computer 3000. Reference numeral 52 denotes a command data determination unit which determines the attribute of the command analyzed by the command analysis / edit processing unit 51 to determine whether the text is a text that can be processed for high-speed paper transport or a text other than the text to be processed for low-speed paper transport. The paper transport mode of the engine 36 is controlled to be switched between high speed and low speed.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the fifth to seventh inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing method wherein predetermined intermediate data is generated by analyzing data input from the outside, and the generated intermediate data is developed into a bitmap printable by a printing unit and output. A control unit that stores the intermediate data (the page buffer 32,
M19), a determination unit (command data determination unit 52) for determining the attribute of the intermediate data stored in the storage unit, and the printing unit (engine 36) based on the determination result of the determination unit. ) For controlling the process speed of each page in units of pages (paper transport speed control unit 37).
And the paper transport speed control unit 37 adjusts the process speed of the engine 36 on a page basis based on the determination result. Even if the processing time for development is short or long, print processing can be performed at high resolution and at high speed without expanding the memory capacity.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the paper transport speed control unit 37
When the command data determination unit 52 determines that the type of the intermediate data is text, the process speed of the engine 36 is adjusted to the process speed at the maximum throughput, so that the text data can be printed at a high speed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the paper transport speed control unit 37 comprises:
If the command data determination unit 52 determines that the type of the intermediate data is other than text, the process speed of the engine 36 is adjusted to a speed lower than the process speed at the maximum throughput. High-resolution printing can be performed without expanding the memory capacity.

Hereinafter, the data processing operation of the print control apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the third data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention. (31) and (32) indicate each step, and the same steps as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same step numbers. Further, each procedure is performed in the ROM 1 shown in FIG.
3 or the external memory 14.

For example, when data (including print control information and print data) is input from the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 2 (1), the data is stored in a reception buffer secured on the RAM 19, The analysis / edit processing unit 51 analyzes and edits the command (2). The data analyzed and edited by the command is sent to the intermediate data generating unit 31 to generate intermediate data (3) and stored in the page buffer 32 (4).

Next, it is determined whether the intermediate data for one page has been stored in the page buffer 32, that is, whether all the data has been processed (7). If NO, the intermediate data for one page is stored in the page buffer 32. Steps (2) to (7) are repeated until the data is stored in.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (7) that one page of intermediate data has been stored in the page buffer 32, the intermediate data is sent to the bitmap generator 33 and expanded into a bitmap. (8). The developed bitmap is stored in the band memory 34 (9). Then, the bitmap stored in the band memory 34 is sent to the engine output control unit 35 and the engine 3
Printing is performed by the engine 36 while synchronizing with (6).

Next, it is determined whether or not all the data stored in the band memory 34 has been processed (11).
If NO, steps (8) to (11) are repeated and YE
If S, the process ends.

On the other hand, when the command analysis and editing are performed in step (2), it is determined whether or not the attribute of the command analyzed in parallel is other than text data (31). Then, the paper transport speed of the engine 36 is changed to the low speed mode (32), and when it is determined that the data is text data, the paper transport speed of the engine 36 is maintained in the high speed mode, and the process is terminated.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and the respective steps of the eleventh and fourteenth inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing method which analyzes data input from the outside, generates predetermined intermediate data, develops the generated intermediate data into a bitmap printable by a printing unit, and outputs the bitmap. A control method, comprising: a determination step (step (31) in FIG. 10) of determining an attribute of the intermediate data stored in a storage unit that stores the intermediate data;
The CPU 12 executes a control program stored in the ROM 13 or other memory resources, including an adjusting step (step (32) in FIG. 10) of adjusting the process speed of the printing unit in page units based on the determination result of the determining step. Then, even if the processing time for developing the data into a bit map is shortened depending on the attribute of the generated intermediate data, high-resolution and high-speed printing can be performed without expanding the memory capacity.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, predetermined intermediate data is generated by analyzing data input from the outside, and the generated intermediate data is developed into a bitmap printable by a printing unit and transfer-controlled. In a storage medium storing a program used by a computer, a determination step (step (31) in FIG. 10) for determining an attribute of the intermediate data stored in storage means for storing the intermediate data; A computer-readable program including an adjustment step (step (32) in FIG. 10) of adjusting the process speed of the printing unit in page units based on the determination result is stored in a storage medium. That is, an embodiment in which the program code corresponding to the process shown in FIG. 10 is stored in a memory resource such as the ROM 13 and the external memory 14 of the printer 1000 and the CPU 12 reads out and executes the program code from a storage medium storing the program code is also described. It is included in the form.

Normally (default), the engine 3
The paper transport speed of No. 6 is a high-speed mode. This is because the paper transport speed is optimized for the text data drawing process. Further, once the paper transport speed of the engine 36 is changed to the low speed mode, the inside of the page is processed in the low speed mode, and when a new page is set, the process returns to the high speed mode. Further, the process of expanding the bitmap by the bitmap generator 33 must be equal to or faster than the process of inputting the bitmap by the engine 36.

In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which it is determined at the command level whether the paper transport speed of the engine 36 is set to the high speed mode or the low speed mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The control for setting the low-speed mode based on the complexity of data as in the embodiment may be combined, or the first embodiment and the third embodiment may be combined.

Thus, when the intermediate data is complicated, the printing process is performed in the low-speed mode, and when the data is not complicated, the printing is performed in the high-speed mode.

Further, not only two paper transport speed modes, high speed or low speed, but also many more modes may be provided, and when the complexity of data is intermediate, printing may be controlled in the medium speed mode. .

Further, the first to third embodiments can be appropriately combined and configured.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the eighth invention and the operation thereof will be described.

In an eighth aspect based on the first to seventh aspects, the process speed of the printing section corresponds to the transport speed for transporting the recording medium, and each control means controls the paper transport speed for transporting the recording medium. The unit 37 controls the transport mechanism in the engine 36 to adjust the transport speed to the high-speed mode or the low-speed mode.

As a result, even if a print overrun or memory over occurs, high-resolution printing can be performed without expanding the memory capacity.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by the printing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator and the like are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

The functions shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 7, and FIG. 10 in this embodiment may be executed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program code of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is provided.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first processing time required for the deriving means to develop the bitmap of the intermediate data stored in the storage means for one page. And the control unit compares the derived first processing time with a second processing time for the printing unit to print a bit map of one page. Since the speed is adjusted on a page-by-page basis, it is possible to automatically switch to a process speed that does not cause print-over according to the complexity of the intermediate data and print the input data at high resolution without expanding the memory capacity. it can.

According to the second invention, when the control unit determines that the first processing time is equal to or longer than the second processing time, the control unit sets the process speed of the printing unit to the process speed at the maximum throughput. Since the speed is also adjusted to a low speed, the input data can be printed at a high resolution without expanding the memory capacity, even if the print is over at a high resolution.

According to the third aspect, the determining means determines whether or not the one-page intermediate data has been stored in the storing means, and is secured in the storing means based on the determination result of the determining means. Since the control means changes the allocation distribution between the first area for storing the intermediate data and the second area for storing the bitmap, the one-page intermediate data can be reliably stored without expanding the memory capacity. At the same time, it is possible to secure a high-resolution bitmap development area.

According to the fourth aspect, when the control means determines that the one-page intermediate data cannot be stored in the storage means, the control section sets the process speed of the printing section to the process speed at the maximum throughput. Since the speed is also adjusted to a low speed, it is possible to print at a high resolution without expanding the memory capacity, even when the amount of intermediate data for one page is large.

According to the fifth aspect, the judging means judges the attribute of the intermediate data stored in the storage means, and the control means adjusts the process speed of the printing unit in page units based on the judgment result. Therefore, even if the processing time for developing into a bitmap according to the attribute of the generated intermediate data is short or long, print processing can be performed at high resolution and at high speed without expanding the memory capacity.

According to the sixth aspect, when the determination unit determines that the type of the intermediate data is text, the process speed of the printing unit is adjusted to the process speed at the maximum throughput. Data can be printed at high speed.

According to the seventh aspect, when the determination unit determines that the type of the intermediate data is other than text, the determination unit sets the process speed of the printing unit to a speed lower than the process speed at the maximum throughput. Since the adjustment is performed, data other than the text data can be printed at a high resolution without expanding the memory capacity.

According to the eighth aspect, the process speed of the printing unit is adjusted by the transport speed for transporting the recording medium.
Even if a print overrun or a memory over situation occurs, the print processing can be performed at a high resolution without expanding the memory capacity.

According to the ninth and twelfth aspects, the first processing time for developing the bitmap of the intermediate data stored in the storage means for storing the intermediate data for one page is derived. Comparing the derived first processing time with a second processing time for the printing unit to print a bit map of one page, and adjusting the process speed of the printing unit in units of pages; Without expanding the memory capacity, it is possible to automatically switch to a process speed that does not cause print over according to the degree of complexity of the intermediate data and print the input data at a high resolution.

According to the tenth and thirteenth aspects, it is determined whether or not one page of the intermediate data has been stored in the storage for storing the intermediate data, and the storage is secured in the storage based on the determination result. Since the allocation distribution between the first area for storing the intermediate data and the second area for storing the bitmap is changed, the intermediate data for one page is reliably stored without expanding the memory capacity. At the same time, it is possible to secure a high-resolution bitmap development area.

According to the eleventh and fourteenth aspects, the attribute of the intermediate data stored in the storage means for storing the intermediate data is determined, and the process speed of the printing unit is determined in page units based on the determination result. Therefore, even if the processing time for developing the data into a bitmap is shortened depending on the attribute of the generated intermediate data, high-resolution and high-speed printing can be performed without expanding the memory capacity.

[0137]

As described above, according to the present invention,
If the one-page intermediate data cannot be stored in the storage means, the storage capacity of the first area for storing the intermediate data secured in the storage means is increased, and the first area storing the bitmap data secured in the storage means is increased. By reducing the storage capacity of the area 2 and adjusting the process speed of the printing unit to a low speed, the capacity of the storage unit can be increased without increasing the storage capacity.
Intermediate data for pages can be reliably stored, and 1
Even when the data amount of the intermediate data for the page is large, an effect that the printing process can be performed at a high resolution can be achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an output device to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print control apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an object table for predicting a processing time of an intermediate data complexity determining unit illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print control apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a memory map of a RAM illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print control apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the print control device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 31 intermediate data generator 32 page buffer 33 bitmap generator 34 band memory 35 engine output controller 36 engine 37 paper transport speed controller 38 intermediate data complexity determiner

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-5-557 (JP, A) JP-A-4-251766 (JP, A) JP-A-5-208540 (JP, A) JP-A-8-224917 (JP) JP-A-7-314795 (JP, A) JP-A-6-305205 (JP, A) JP-A-7-256935 (JP, A) JP-A-8-276622 (JP, A) 7-137355 (JP, A) JP-A-7-68863 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 5/30 G05F 3/12

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: analyzing data input from outside to generate predetermined intermediate data; developing the generated intermediate data into bitmap data printable by a printing unit; A print control device for outputting, the storage means for storing the intermediate data and the bitmap data; a determination means for determining whether or not the one-page intermediate data has been stored in the storage means; When the determination is made by the determination means, the storage capacity of the first area for storing the intermediate data secured in the storage means is increased, and the storage capacity of the bitmap data secured in the storage means is increased. Control means for reducing the storage capacity of the second area and adjusting the process speed of the printing unit to a low speed. 2. The control unit adjusts a process speed of the printing unit to a speed lower than a process speed at a maximum throughput when it determines that the intermediate data for one page cannot be stored in the storage unit. The print control device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first area is a page buffer, and the second area is a band memory. 4. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means reduces the paper transport speed. 5. Analyzing data input from the outside, generates predetermined intermediate data, develops the generated intermediate data into bitmap data that can be printed by a printing unit, and transfers the bitmap data to a printing unit. A print control method for outputting, comprising: a determination step of determining whether one page of the intermediate data has been stored in a storage unit that stores the intermediate data and the bitmap data; and If determined, the storage capacity of the first area for storing the intermediate data secured in the storage means is increased, and the storage of the second area for storing the bitmap data secured in the storage means is increased. Changing the process speed of the printing unit to a low speed by reducing the capacity. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the changing step includes:
6. The print control method according to claim 5, wherein when it is determined that the intermediate data for a page cannot be stored, the process speed of the printing unit is adjusted to a speed lower than the process speed at the maximum throughput. 7. The print control apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first area is a page buffer, and the second area is a band memory. 8. The print control method according to claim 5, wherein in the changing step, the paper transport speed is reduced.