JP3342464B2 - Print control method and print control device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to printing on a printing medium.
Control method and print control apparatus for the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing apparatus such as a printer or a typesetting machine has a data creating means which analyzes print data including a character code and a control command input from an external device such as a host computer, etc., based on the print data. To create dot image data. The printing means prints on paper based on the dot image data. At this time, the created dot image data was all lost after printing was completed.

Therefore, when the same print data is to be printed again, the same print data must be input from an external device, and the analysis of the print data and the creation of dot image data must be performed again.

[0004]

However, it takes a lot of time to analyze print data and create dot image data.

[0005] Therefore, in order to print the printed matter once printed on another occasion, the print data must be analyzed and the dot image data must be analyzed again. In the case of a printed matter that requires creation processing, the time required for these analysis and creation is not negligible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and has been made in consideration of a printing process for performing printing.
Print control method and print control capable of reducing time
The purpose is to present the device .

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control method , comprising: a data creation step of analyzing print data to create analysis data; a storage instruction step, in response to said storage instruction, a storage step of storing the analysis data in a nonvolatile memory means, after which the analysis data is stored in said memory means by said storing step, said analysis data a print command process that indicates the print command is a user, the
Depending on the print command by the user after the storing step, a readout step of reading out said analysis data print command from said memory means, mark on the basis of the analysis data read out from said memory means by said reading step
And a direct printing process for causing the printing unit to perform printing.

[0008] According to such a print control method, in accordance with the stored instruction by the user, the analysis data of the analysis of the print data is stored in the memory means a nonvolatile. And
The analysis data is stored in the memory means by the storing step.
Is stored in the memory means after the
If you want to print the analysis data, the user indicates a print command, in accordance with the print command, the <br/> analysis data print command is read out from said memory means, the said <br/> Analysis The printing unit performs printing based on the data.

[0009] The print control method according to claim 2, in the printing control method according to claim 1, wherein the storage step, before
The file name and the analysis data of the serial analysis data is stored in said memory means, said print command step prints the
A print command is indicated by a user designating a file name of the analysis data, and the reading step reads the analysis data corresponding to the file name instructed by the user from the memory means.

According to such a print control method , the above-mentioned protection
When the presence command is indicated, the file name and
The analysis data is stored in the memory means, and when a print command of a file name of the analysis data to be printed is indicated by a user, the analysis data of the instructed file name is read from the memory means.

[0011] The print control method according to claim 3, in the printing control method according to claim 1 or 2, in the print command step, when the analysis data in the memory means is not stored, the It is characterized in that the memory means is notified that the analysis data is not stored.

[0012] With such a print control method, in the print command step, when the analysis data in the memory means is not stored, that the analysis data to be printed on the memory means it is not stored Be informed.

[0013] The print control method according to claim 4, that the printing control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and a deletion step of deleting the analysis data stored in said memory means It is characterized by.

[0014] With such a printing control method, the analysis data stored in said memory means is deleted.

[0015] The print control method according to claim 5, in the print control method according to claim 4, comprising a deletion instruction step of indicating deletion instruction of the analysis data stored in said memory means the user, the deletion Process is before deletion order
The analysis data is deleted.

[0016] With such a print control method, a user, indicating a deletion instruction of the analysis data stored in said memory means, said analysis data that was deleted command is deleted.

[0017] The print control method according to claim 6, in the print control method according to claim 5, in the deletion instruction step, when the analysis data in the memory means is not stored, the memory means the analysis data is characterized by notifying that it has not been stored in.

[0018] With such a print control method, in the deletion instruction step, when the analysis data in the memory means is not stored, that the analysis data to be deleted in the memory means is not stored Be informed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention , there is provided a print control method according to the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein
In the step, the analysis data file name and the analysis data are stored in the memory means, the deletion command step indicates a deletion command by specifying a file name of the analysis data to be deleted by a user, and the deletion step includes: , Corresponding to the file name deleted by the user and the file name
The analysis data is deleted from the memory means.

According to such a print control method , the above-mentioned security
When the presence command is indicated, the file name and
The analysis data is stored in the memory means and provided to the user.
Therefore, when the delete command is indicated by a file name, the commanded file name and the solution corresponding to the file name are displayed.
The analysis data is deleted. The print control method according to claim 8 is
The print control method according to claim 2 or 7, wherein the user
Has a file name specification process for specifying the file name.
The storage step is specified in the file name specification step.
The obtained file name and the analysis data are stored in the memory means.
It is characterized by being stored. Such a print control method
, The analysis data file by the user
First name is specified. And specified by the user
The file name and the analysis data are stored in the memory means.
It is. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control method according to the first aspect.
In the print control method according to any one of the above, the save instruction is
Regardless of whether or not
A data printing step for causing the printing unit to perform printing,
The storing step includes the steps of:
Storing analysis data in the memory means.
I do. According to such a print control method, the save command
Regardless of whether or not is indicated, the marking of the analysis data
Printing is performed, and the analysis data is stored in the memory means.
Is performed only when the save command is indicated. Claim
A print control method according to claim 10 is the print control method according to claim 1.
In the print control method described above, the data creation step
And generating image data. This
In such a print control method, the save command is not indicated.
Whether or not the input print data is printed
And storing the analysis data in the memory means is
This is done only when the presence order is indicated. Claim 11
The print control method analyzes print data and creates analysis data.
Data creation process to be performed, and the user
File name specification process to specify the file name and save command
A save command step indicated by the user, and responding to the save command.
The file name specified in the file name specification step
And storing the analysis data in a non-volatile memory means.
A storage step; and the analysis data stored in the memory means.
Prints the user's print command by its file name
Command step and a file for which a print command has been issued in accordance with the print command.
The analysis data corresponding to the file name is stored in the memory unit.
A reading step for reading from the
Based on the analysis data read from the memory means
And a direct printing process that allows the printing unit to perform printing.
You. With this printing control method, the user
A file name of the analysis data is designated. user
File name and the analysis data are non-volatile
Stored in the memory means. Respond to save command by user
The analysis data is stored in the non-volatile memory means.
It is. And the analysis data stored in the memory means.
If you want to print the data,
Indicates a print command for the analysis data, and responds to the print command.
The analysis data corresponding to the file name specified for printing
Data is read from the memory means and the analysis data is read.
The printing unit performs printing based on the data. Claim 12
The print control method analyzes print data and creates analysis data.
The data creation process to be performed and the
A storage command step, and the analysis data according to the storage command.
Storing in a non-volatile memory means,
A print command for the analysis data stored in the memory means is sent to the user.
A print command process indicated by the user, and according to the print command,
Reading the analysis data instructed by printing from the memory means;
Read out step, and the read out step
The read out of the memory means in response to a print command
Direct printing to make the printing unit print based on the analysis data
And in the print command step, the memory
If the analysis data is not stored in the means,
The analysis data is not stored in the memory means
Is reported. Such a print control method
, The print data will be
Data obtained by analyzing data is stored in nonvolatile memory
Is done. And the analysis stored in the memory means.
To print data, the user issues a print command.
In response to the print command, the analysis data for which the print command was issued
Data is read from the memory means and the analysis data is read.
The printing unit performs printing based on the data. Also, the mark
In the printing command step, the analysis data is stored in the memory means.
Is not stored in the memory means.
That the analysis data is not stored
You. A print control method according to a thirteenth aspect analyzes print data.
Data creation process to create analysis data by
A storage command step shown user, depending on the storage command
Storing the analysis data in a non-volatile memory means.
Storing the analysis data stored in the memory means.
A print command step in which a user indicates a data print command;
According to the print command, the analysis data for which the print command was issued
A reading step for reading from the memory means;
The memory means in response to the print command
Printed on the printing unit based on the analysis data read from
Performing a direct printing process and storing the data in the memory means.
Deletion command indicating a deletion command of the analysis data set by the user
And a deletion step for deleting the analysis data for which the deletion command has been issued.
Removing step. Such a print control method
And release the print data in response to a save command from the user.
The analyzed data is stored in the non-volatile memory means.
You. And the analysis data stored in the memory means.
When you want to print the data, the user issues a print command and
According to the print command of the above, the analysis data of the print command is
Read from the memory means, and
The printing unit performs printing on the basis of the printing. Also, if the user
Instruction for deleting the analysis data stored in the memory means
Indicates that the analysis data instructed to be deleted is deleted.
You. A print control apparatus according to claim 14 analyzes print data.
Data creation means for creating analysis data by
Memory means and the solution
First memory control for storing analysis data in the memory means
Means, and said memory means is controlled by said first memory control means.
To the user after the analysis data is stored in the column
In response to the print command of the analysis data by the
A second method for reading the analysis data instructed by the printing from the second stage.
Memory control means and the second memory in response to the print command
Based on the analysis data read by the control means
Printing control means for causing the printing unit to perform printing.
You. According to such a configuration, the data creation means
The analysis data obtained by analyzing the print data is created. You
The first memory control means in response to a save command by the user
Stores the analysis data in nonvolatile memory means.
Then, the first memory control means controls the memory operation.
The memory after the analysis data is stored in a row
When you want to print the analysis data stored in the means,
The user indicates a print command and, in response to the print command,
Print command of serial second memory control means from said memory hand stage
The read analysis data is read out, and the printing control means
And causing the printing unit to print based on the analysis data.
The printing control device according to claim 15 is the printing control device according to claim 14.
In the control device, the first memory control means includes the solution
The analysis data file name and the analysis data are stored in the memory
And the second memory control means provides the user with
Therefore, the analysis data corresponding to the file name instructed to print
Data is read from the memory means.
With this configuration, when the save command is indicated,
The first memory control means stores a file of the analysis data.
File name and the analysis data are stored in the memory means,
The print command is indicated by the user in the file name.
The analysis data corresponding to the commanded file name
Is read from the memory means by the second memory control means.
Is spilled out. The print control device according to claim 16 is the print control device according to claim 14.
Or in the print control device according to 15, wherein the user
A print command mode for indicating the print command,
In the print command mode, the analysis data is stored in the memory means.
If no data is stored in the memory means,
Notifier that notifies that the analysis data is not stored
It is characterized by having a step. Configure like this
In the print command mode,
If the analysis data is not stored,
The analysis data to be printed on the memory means by a stage
Is notified that is not stored. Claim 17
The printing control device according to any one of claims 14 to 16,
The printing control device, wherein the
It is characterized by having a deletion means to delete analysis data
And With such a configuration, the deletion means causes
Deletes the analysis data stored in the memory means.
Is done. The print control device according to claim 18 is the print control device according to claim 17.
In the print control device described above, the analysis data
In response to a data deletion command, the deletion means is commanded to be deleted.
Further, the analysis data is deleted. this
In this configuration, the user can store the data in the memory means.
When indicating deletion instruction of said analysis data that is, the deletion hand
The analysis data instructed to be deleted by the step is deleted.
The print control device according to claim 19 is the print control device according to claim 18.
In the control device, the user indicates the deletion command
In the deletion mode.
When the analysis data is not stored in the memory means
Indicates that the analysis data is not stored in the memory means.
A notification means for notifying that
You. With this configuration, in the deletion mode,
When the analysis data is not stored in the memory means,
In the case, the notification means deletes to the memory means.
Is notified that the analysis data is not stored.
You. The printing control device according to claim 20 is the printing control device according to claim 18 or 1
9. The print control apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first memory control
The means comprises a file name of the analysis data and the analysis data.
Is stored in the memory means, and the deleting means
File name that was deleted by the
Delete the analysis data corresponding to the name from the memory means
It is characterized by doing. With this configuration, the protection
When the presence command is indicated, the first memory control means
The file name of the analysis data and the analysis data
File name stored in the memory means
When the delete command is indicated at, the file name specified
And the analysis data corresponding to the file name is deleted.
Deleted means. The print control device according to claim 21.
The print control device according to claim 15 or 20,
File name specified by the user
Setting means, wherein the first memory control means
The file name and the analysis data are stored in the memory means.
It is characterized by With this configuration, the user
The analysis data using the file name specifying means.
Specify the file name of And the first memory control
Means for storing the specified file name and the analysis data
It is stored in the memory means. The print control device according to claim 22 is:
A print control device according to any one of claims 14 to 21,
And if the save command is indicated, the analysis data
The first memory based on the first data.
The control means stores the analysis data in the memory means.
If the save command is not indicated, the analysis data
The first memory based on the first data.
The control means does not store data in the memory means.
Sign. With such a configuration, the save command indicates
Whether or not the analysis data has been printed
The analysis data is stored in the memory means.
This is done only when the presence order is indicated. Claim 23
The print control device according to any one of claims 14 to 22,
In the printing control device, the analysis data is a dot image.
Data. Configure like this
The data creation means analyzes the print data and
Create image data. The print control device according to claim 24.
The data is used to analyze print data and create analysis data.
Data creation means, non-volatile memory means, and
The analysis data entered in response to the save command
The file name of the analysis data specified by
First memory control means for storing in the memory means;
The user who indicates the printing of the analysis data by its file name
The print command is issued by the user according to the print command
Storing the analysis data corresponding to a file name in the memory means
A second memory control unit for reading from the printer, and responding to the print command.
The second memory control means
Print control that causes the printing unit to print based on the analysis data
Means. According to such a configuration, the data
The analysis data obtained by analyzing the print data by
Created. In response to a save command by the user,
(1) The memory control means controls the analysis data and a finger
The file name of the specified analysis data
Stored in the storage means. And stored in said memory means
If you want to print the analysis data,
The user indicates the print command by the file name
In response to the print command, the second memory control means
Corresponds to the file name printed by the user
The analysis data is read out, and the print control means
The printing unit performs printing based on the analysis data. Claim
The print control device of item 25 analyzes the print data and analyzes the print data.
Data creation means for creating data, and a non-volatile memory
And the analysis data according to a storage instruction by a user.
First memory control means for storing in the memory means,
Printing for the user to indicate a print command for the analysis data
In the command mode, the print command indicated by the user
Reading the analysis data from the memory means accordingly
A second memory control unit, the second memory control unit responsive to the print command;
The analysis data read by the memory control means
Printing control means for causing a printing unit to perform printing based on the
In the print command mode, the analysis data is stored in the memory means.
If no data is stored in the memory means,
Notifier that notifies that the analysis data is not stored
And a step. According to such a configuration, the data
The analysis data obtained by analyzing the print data by the
Is done. In response to a save command by the user, the first
A memory control means stores the analysis data in a nonvolatile memory
Store in the column. And before being stored in the memory means.
If you want to print the analysis data,
In the print command mode to indicate the data print command
The user indicates a print command and, in response to the print command,
The second memory control means receives a print command from the memory means.
The read analysis data is read out, and the printing control means
Printing is performed based on the analysis data. The print command
In the mode, the analysis data is stored in the memory means.
If it is not remembered, the notifying means
The analysis data to be printed is not stored in the memory means.
Is notified. The printing control device according to claim 26, wherein
A data creation method that analyzes printing data and creates analysis data
Step, non-volatile memory means, and user storage finger
The analysis data is stored in the memory means in accordance with the order.
First memory control means, and the analysis data by a user.
The analysis data from the memory means in response to a print command of the data.
A second memory control means for reading data, and
Before being read by the second memory control means accordingly.
A printing system that allows the printing unit to print based on the analysis data
Control data and a command to delete the analysis data by the user.
Accordingly, delete the analysis data instructed to be deleted.
Removing means. According to such a configuration,
Analysis data is print data analyzed by the data creation means
Is created. According to the save command by the user,
The first memory control means stores the analysis data in a nonvolatile memo.
Stored in the storage means. And stored in said memory means
User wants to print the analysis data,
Enter the print command mode to indicate the print command of the analysis data.
The user indicates a print command and responds to the print command.
And the second memory control means prints from the memory means.
Read the analysis data instructed, and read the print control
A column prints based on the analysis data. Soshi
And the user inputs the analysis data stored in the memory means.
When a command to delete data is given, the deletion means
The commanded analysis data is deleted.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a laser printer will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit of the laser printer comprises a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an interface 14, a key input unit 15, a printing unit 16, a display control unit 17, and a hard disk device 18.
These are connected by a bus 19.

The CPU 11 controls all operations of the control unit.

The ROM 12 stores a control program of the control unit, a program for analyzing control commands included in print data input through the interface 14 and creating dot image data, and a character code included in the print data. Various data such as fonts to be stored are stored.

The RAM 13 temporarily stores various data, a receiving buffer 13a for temporarily storing print data input from the external device 20, and temporarily stores dot image data created from the print data. Image buffer 13b, hard disk drive 1 to be described later
8, a file name buffer 13c for storing a file name when storing dot image data, a flag area 13d for storing a value of a flag F for instructing whether or not to store the dot image data, and a data generated during control. A work area 13e and the like for temporarily storing are provided.

An external device 20 including a host computer such as a personal computer and a workstation is connected to the interface 14, and print data including a character code and a control command is input from the external device 20.

The key input unit 15 includes a panel unit 21 described later.
Key operation information of the keyboard section 22 provided on the keyboard (shown in FIG. 2) is input.

The printing unit 16 prints a dot pattern on paper based on dot image data by an electrophotographic method.

The display controller 17 connects the liquid crystal display 23 provided on the panel unit 21 and outputs a message to the liquid crystal display 23 as necessary according to a command from the CPU 11.

The hard disk drive 18 includes a hard disk 18 a which is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage medium, and a memory control unit which stores dot image data on the hard disk 18 a and reads dot image data from the hard disk 18 a and outputs it to the bus 19. 18b.

As shown in FIG. 2, the panel unit 21 includes a keyboard unit 22 and a liquid crystal display 23. The keyboard unit 22 has a save key 32, a direct key 33, a delete key 34, a left cursor key 35, and a right cursor key. Each key includes a key 36, a setting key 37, and a cancel key 38.

The liquid crystal display 23 can display two lines, and is controlled by the display control unit 17 to display a message.

The save key 32 is a key for setting the storage of the dot image data in the hard disk device 18. When the save key 32 is pressed, the flag F is set, that is, the value of the flag F is set to "1". Set.

The direct key 33 is a key for executing the direct print mode, and the delete key 34 is a key for executing the delete mode.

Right cursor key 35, left cursor key 36
Is a key for switching selection candidates. As the selection candidates, there are a case where all the candidates are displayed and a cursor is displayed at the current selection candidate, and a case where only the selection candidates are displayed. In any case, by pressing any of these keys, the selection candidate can be changed. The control unit recognizes a selection candidate from the state of pressing the cursor keys 35 and 36.

The setting keys 37 are the two cursor keys 35 and 36.
Is used to instruct the selection of the candidate selected by operating
The cancel key 38 is a key for canceling all settings.

The operation of the laser printer configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIGS.

The operation of the printer can be roughly divided into a standby mode, a print mode, and a setting mode.

The standby mode is a state other than the print mode and the setting mode is a state waiting to print data from the external device 20 is output.

The print mode is a mode for performing printing or printing processing, and includes a data printing mode for performing printing processing of print data output from the external device 20 and a dot image data stored and stored in the hard disk device 18. There is a direct print mode to print.

The setting mode is a mode for performing various settings for determining processing in the print mode. The setting modes include a save mode in which data is saved in the data print mode, a mode in which the direct print mode is set, and a delete mode in which data that has already been saved is deleted.

First, the processing in the storage mode will be described with reference to FIG. This process is executed when the save key 32 is pressed when the laser printer is in the standby mode.

In this process, first, the user inputs a file name as shown in S30. That is, the file name is input to the file name buffer 13c. At this time, a character string indicating the file name currently stored in the file name buffer 13c is displayed in the upper part of the liquid crystal display 23, and a character as a selection candidate and "end" or "backspace" are displayed in the lower part. Are displayed as much as possible. In addition, the cursor is displayed below the currently selected candidate character or control instruction at the bottom. The selection candidates in the lower row are such that the cursor position is at the right end and the right cursor key 36 is scrolled to the right when the cursor key 36 is pressed, the cursor position is at the left end, and the left cursor key 35 is scrolled to the left when the cursor key 35 is pressed. Control.

The processing in S30 will be described below. S3
In step 1, the character is displayed under the selection candidate character or control instruction in the selection candidate buffer (not shown) in the RAM 13 and a key input is awaited. In S32, it is determined whether the left and right cursor keys 35 and 36 have been pressed. Here, left and right cursor keys 35,
If the button 36 has been pressed, S33 is executed. In S33, the contents of the selection candidate buffer are changed according to the left and right cursor keys. In S34, it is determined whether the setting key 37 has been pressed. If the setting key 37 has not been pressed, S32
Return to the processing of. If YES, it is determined that one in the selection candidate buffer has been determined. If the selected candidate buffer does not indicate "end" in S35, the contents of the file name buffer 13c are updated in S36. In S36, if the contents in the selection candidate buffer are characters, they are added to the end of the file name buffer 13c,
If "backspace", file name buffer 13c
Remove the last character of. If "End" is indicated in S35, the process in S30 ends, and the content of the current file name buffer 13c becomes the file name to be registered. As described above, the user can specify a file name indicating the content of the dot image data.

Since the file name input by the user has been obtained in the file name buffer 13c in the processing of S30, the flag F is set to "1" in S37, and
At 38, the contents of the file name buffer 13c are stored as the determined file name, and the save mode process ends.

After the storage mode processing is executed as described above, the laser printer enters the standby mode. When print data is input from the external device 20 via the interface 14 during the standby mode, the print data is temporarily stored in the reception buffer 13a. Then, the data print mode process shown in FIG. 4 is executed.

In S41, one page of print data is read from the reception buffer 13a, and in S42, the CPU 11
The print data is analyzed by the OM 12 and the RAM 13 to create printable dot image data for one page, and the dot image data is stored in the image buffer 13.
b.

In S43, it is determined whether the value of the flag F is "1". If the save key 32 is pressed and the save mode is executed before the print data is input from the external device 20, the value of the flag F is set to "1", so that S44 is executed.

In S44, the dot image data created in S42 is read from the image buffer 13b, and the memory controller 18b uses the file name stored in the file name buffer 13c by the memory controller 18b.
8 is stored in the hard disk 18a. And
In S45, the dot image data stored in the image buffer 13b is printed by the printing unit 16 on paper as a print medium. Since this printing method is a well-known electrostatic photography method, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, if the save key 32 is not pressed before the print data is input and the save mode processing is not executed, the value of the flag F is "0". If the determination is NO, S45 is executed without executing S44, and the dot image data is printed on the paper by the printing unit 16.

After the dot image data for one page is printed, it is determined in S46 that all the print data stored in the reception buffer 13a has been printed. At the end of the print data, a special code indicating that fact is included. When this special code is detected, the print data is all printed. If all the print data has not been printed, the processes from S41 to S46 are repeatedly executed. When all the print data has been printed, the flag F is set to "0" in S47. Then, the data print mode processing ends, and the laser printer enters the standby mode.

As described above, the print data input after the save key 32 is pressed and the save mode is executed is
The data is converted to dot image data and printed on paper, and the hard disk 18a is stored under the set file name.
Is stored. Also, print data input before the save key 32 is pressed, that is, print data that is not likely to be printed at another opportunity once printed, is converted into dot image data and printed on paper. The dot image data is not stored in the hard disk 18a.

Next, the direct print mode processing for printing the dot image data stored in the hard disk 18a will be described with reference to FIG. This direct print mode process is executed when the direct key 33 is pressed.

In this process, first, as shown in S50, a file name selecting process for selecting a file name indicating dot image data to be printed is executed. In the file name selection process, first, in S51, one of the file names stored in the hard disk 18a is displayed on the upper stage of the liquid crystal display 23, and a key input is awaited. In S52, it is determined whether the left and right cursor keys 35, 36 have been pressed.
Here, when the left and right cursor keys 35 and 36 are pressed, S53 is executed. In S53, the next file name is read from the hard disk 18a and displayed according to the left and right cursor keys. In S54, it is determined whether the setting key 37 has been pressed. If the setting key 37 is not pressed, the process of S52 is executed again. When the setting key 37 is pressed, it is determined that the displayed file name has been selected. Thus, the process of S50 ends, and the currently displayed file name is determined as the selected file name. As described above, when printing the dot image data stored in the hard disk 18a, a file name indicating the content of the dot image data may be selected and specified, so that the user can easily specify the file name. Operability is improved.

In S55, the dot image data of the file name selected in S50 is read from the hard disk 18a by the memory control unit 18b, and in S56, the dot image data is printed on the paper by the printing unit 16. Then, the direct print mode ends.

If the file name and the dot image data are not stored in the hard disk 18a at the time when the key 33 is directly pressed, an error process is performed, and a warning means such as a buzzer is driven. The operator is notified. Therefore, the user can immediately know that the dot image data to be printed on the hard disk 18a is not stored.

A deletion mode process for deleting the dot image data stored in the hard disk 18a together with the file name will be described with reference to FIG. This delete mode process is executed when the delete key 34 is pressed.

In this process, first, a file name selection process S50 is executed similarly to the direct print mode process, and a file name to be deleted is selected from the file names stored and saved in the hard disk 18a. The selected file name and its dot image data are deleted from the hard disk 18a in S61. Then, the delete mode process ends. In this way, the dot image data that the user does not need can be deleted, and the storable capacity of the hard disk 18a can be secured. Further, when deleting the dot image data stored in the hard disk 18a, it is sufficient to select and specify a file name indicating the contents of the dot image data. The performance is improved.

If the file name and the dot image data are not stored in the hard disk 18a when the delete key 34 is pressed, an error process is performed, and an alarm means such as a buzzer is driven. The operator is notified. Thus, the user can immediately know that the dot image data to be deleted is not stored in the hard disk 18a.

The techniques for analyzing print data and creating dot image data, writing to the hard disk 18a, and
Since the technology of reading from the hard disk 8a and the technology of deleting a file in the hard disk 18a are well-known technologies,
Detailed description is omitted.

As described above in detail, in the laser printer according to the present embodiment, when printing the same printed matter a plurality of times, the hard disk 18a of the dot image data in the save mode before executing the first printing. When the data print mode is executed, the dot image data is stored and stored in the hard disk 18a. Therefore, in the second and subsequent printing, the print data must be newly input from the external device. The direct print mode is executed only by directly pressing the key 33, and the hard disk 18
The dot image data stored and stored is read out from a and printed. Therefore, the time required for inputting the print data and the time required for analyzing the print data and creating the dot image data for the second and subsequent printings are not required, and high-speed printing is possible. In other words, analyze print data
The time required to create dot image data
In other words, the print processing time when printing is
Can be shortened. The data creation process of the claim
This corresponds to S42. Claim storage instruction process is in standby mode
When the user presses the save key 32
Respond. The storing step in the claims corresponds to S44. Claim
Is a print command process in the direct print mode process of FIG.
Corresponding to 50. The reading step of the claims corresponds to S55
I do. The direct printing step in the claims corresponds to S56. Claim
The term analysis data corresponds to the dot image data. Ma
The step of specifying a file name in the claims corresponds to S30.
The step of deleting a claim corresponds to S61. Claim deletion finger
The command step corresponds to S50 in the delete mode process of FIG.
You. The data generating means of the claims is a CPU
OM12 and RAM13. Claimed non-volatile
The memory means corresponds to the hard disk 18a. Claim
The first memory control means corresponds to the memory control unit 18b.
You. The second memory control means is a memory control unit 18b
Corresponding to The print control means of the present invention includes a CPU 11, an R
OM12 and RAM13. Claim analysis data
Corresponds to dot image data. Claims
File name designation means includes CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 1
3, left and right cursor keys 35, 36, setting key 37, liquid
Crystal display 23. Claim deletion means is C
PU11, ROM12, RAM13, delete key 34, left
Right cursor key 35, 36, setting key 37, LCD
Corresponds to spray 23. The print command mode of the claim is
Corresponds to the contact printing mode.

Although the present embodiment has been described with reference to an example of a laser printer, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to other printers such as a dot impact printer and an ink jet printer, or to a typesetting machine.

The configuration of the panel section 21 of the present embodiment is not limited to this, and can be changed.
Further, in the present embodiment, various operations in the setting mode are performed using the panel unit 21, but it is also possible to perform other operations by other operation methods. It is also possible to make settings by a command from the host.

Further, in this embodiment, a hard disk device is used as a storage medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A floppy disk and its drive device, a magneto-optical disk and its drive device, or a nonvolatile RAM and its drive device It is also possible to adopt a configuration changed to, for example.

Although not specifically exemplified, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0066]

[0067]

[0068]

[0069]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the printing control method of the first aspect of the present invention, the print data is analyzed in the storage step in response to the user's save command in the save command step. The analyzed data is stored in a non-volatile memory . And, by the storing step,
After the analysis data is stored in the memory means,
Wherein when you want to print the stored said analysis data in the memory means, the user indicates a print command in the print command process at reading step to read out the analysis data print command from said memory means, directly In the printing process,
Cause perform printing to the printing unit based on the analysis data
In, reducing the print processing time at the time of performing printing
Is possible.

According to the printing control method of the second aspect,
When the save instruction is indicated, the analysis data is stored in the storage step.
Data file name and the analysis data are stored in the memory means.
In the print command process, the user
The print command can be indicated by the file name of the analysis data.
Wear.

According to the printing control method of the third aspect,
In the printing instruction process, wherein when said analysis data in the memory means is not stored, since it is notified,
The user can immediately know that the analysis data to be printed on the memory means is not stored.

According to the printing control method of the fourth aspect,
Wherein in the removal step, since the solution <br/> analysis data stored in said memory means is deleted, it is possible to secure a storage capacity of said memory means.

According to the printing control method of the fifth aspect,
Depending on the delete command from the user in the delete command step, since the analysis data that was deleted commanded by the deletion process to delete from said memory means, it is possible to remove the analysis data that the user unnecessary.

According to the printing control method of the sixth aspect,
In the deletion instruction step, when said the analysis data in the memory means is not stored, since it is notified,
The user can immediately know that the analysis data to be deleted in the memory means is not stored.

According to the printing control method of the seventh aspect,
When the save instruction is indicated, the analysis data file
The name and the analysis data are stored in the memory means.
In the deletion command step, the user
The deletion instruction can indicate Succoth at Airu name. Claim
According to the print control method of No. 8, in the file name designation step,
The user specifies a file name indicating the contents of the analysis data.
Can be specified. According to the print control method of claim 9,
If the analysis data that could be printed on another occasion
When printing on the print unit, the user in the save command process
Indicates the save command, and the analysis is performed in the data printing process.
Print on the printing unit based on the data, in the storage process
Analyze data is stored in the memory means, and on another occasion
Possible to reduce print processing time when printing
Noh. On the other hand, there is no possibility of printing on another occasion.
When printing the analysis data on the print unit,
Does not indicate the save command in the save command process,
Printing on the printing part based on the analysis data in the data printing process
And not stored in the memory means in the storage step,
Unnecessary analysis data is stored in the memory means.
I can't. According to the print control method of the tenth aspect, the data
In the creation process, print data is analyzed and a dot image
Data is created.
Time required to expand to
Become. According to the print control method of the eleventh aspect, the file name
In the designation step, the user indicates the contents of the analysis data
You can specify a file name. And save command
In response to a save command from the user in the process,
The file name specified by the user and the analysis data
Data is stored in non-volatile memory means. And before
Want to print the analysis data stored in the memory means
In the print command process, the user
The print command of the analysis data is indicated by the file name,
The analysis corresponding to the file name instructed to print
Data is read from said memory means and a direct printing process
Prints on the printing unit based on the analysis data.
To reduce the print processing time when printing.
It is possible to According to the print control method of claim 12,
Then, the analysis data stored in the memory means is marked.
When you want to print, the user issues a print command in the print command process.
In the reading step, a printing finger is
Command to read the analysis data
Performing printing on a printing unit based on the analysis data.
Since the, to shorten the print processing time at the time of performing printing
It is possible to Furthermore, in the print command process,
When the analysis data is not stored in the memory means
The user will be notified in the memory means
Immediately that the analysis data to be printed is not stored
You can know. According to the printing control method of claim 13,
Prints the analysis data stored in the memory means
If you want to do this, the user
Print command from the memory means in the reading step.
Read out the analyzed data, and directly to the printing process
Performing printing on a printing unit based on the analysis data.
The print processing time when printing.
It is possible to In addition, the user
The deletion command in the deletion process in response to the deletion command
Deleting the analyzed data from the memory means.
To delete the analysis data that the user no longer needs.
Can be. According to the printing control apparatus of claim 14, the printing control device
The analysis is performed by the first memory control means in the memory means.
After the data is stored, it is stored in the memory means.
If you want to print the analysis data,
A printing command, and the second memory control means displays the printing command.
Reads the analysis data instructed by the print
The print control means based on the analysis data.
The printing unit will print based on the
Print processing time can be shortened. Claim
According to the fifteenth print control device, the save command is indicated.
And the analysis data by the first memory control means.
File name and the analysis data are stored in the memory means.
User, the file name of the analysis data
Thus, the print command can be indicated. Claim 16 printing
According to the control device, in the print command mode,
When the analysis data is not stored in the memory means
Is notified by the notification means,
Indicates that the analysis data to be printed is stored in the memory means.
You can immediately know that you are not. Claim 17
According to the printing control device of
The analysis data stored in the memory means is deleted.
Thus, the storage capacity of the memory means can be secured.
Wear. According to the printing control apparatus of the eighteenth aspect, the user
The deletion means in response to a command to delete the analysis data.
From the memory means,
Since the analysis data is deleted,
Can be deleted. According to the print control apparatus of claim 19,
Then, in the deletion mode, the memory means
If the analysis data is not stored, the notification means
The user is notified by the memory means
Immediately that the analysis data to be deleted is not stored.
You can get to know Zodiac. According to the printing control apparatus of claim 20,
If the save command is indicated, the first memory control
By means, the file name of the analysis data and the analysis
Since the data is stored in said memory means, the user
The deletion command should be indicated by the file name of the analysis data.
Can be. According to the print control apparatus of claim 21, the user
The user inputs the analysis data using the file name specifying means.
The first memory control means,
The specified file name and the analysis data are stored in the memory
The user stores the contents of the analysis data
You can specify the file name shown. Claim 22
According to the print control device, there is a possibility that printing may be
When the printing unit performs printing based on the analysis data
The user indicates the save command and
Causing the printing unit to print the data, and
A stage stores the analysis data in the memory means, and
It is possible to reduce the printing processing time when printing
It is. On the other hand, the solution without the possibility of printing on another occasion
When the printing unit prints based on the analysis data,
The user does not indicate the save command and the analysis data
Causing the printing unit to perform printing, wherein the first memory control means
Since the analysis data is not stored in the memory means, unnecessary
The analysis data is not stored in the memory means.
No. According to the printing control apparatus of the twenty-third aspect, the analysis data
Data is dot image data.
Required to develop print data into dot image data
Time is not required. According to the print control apparatus of claim 24,
The first memory in response to a save command by a user;
Analysis data corresponding to the print data input by the control means;
File name of the analysis data specified by the user
Is stored in the non-volatile memory means.
To print the analysis data stored in the column,
Specified by the user to indicate the content of the analysis data
User prints the analysis data by file name
Command can be indicated. And according to the print command
And the second memory control means controls the printing
Reads the analysis data corresponding to the specified file name
And the printing control means performs the processing based on the analysis data.
Since the printing unit performs printing, the printing
Printing processing time can be reduced. Claim 25
According to the printing control device, the data stored in the memory means
If you want to print the analysis data,
In the print command mode to indicate the data print command
The user indicates a print command and, in response to the print command,
The second memory control means receives a print command from the memory means.
The read analysis data is read out, and the printing control means
Since the printing unit performs printing based on the analysis data of
Possible to reduce print processing time when printing
Noh. Further, in the print command mode, the menu is displayed.
When the analysis data is not stored in the memory means
Is notified by the notification means,
Analysis data to be printed is stored in the memory means
You can immediately know that there is no. The mark of claim 26
According to the printing control device, according to the user's save command
And storing the analysis data obtained by analyzing the print data in the first memory.
The control means stores the data in the nonvolatile memory means. And
Printed the analysis data stored in the memory means
The user indicates a print command for the analysis data.
The print command in the print command mode for
In response to the print command, the second memory control means
Reading the analysis data instructed to be printed from the memory means;
And the printing control means performs the processing based on the analysis data.
Since the printing unit performs printing, the printing
Printing processing time can be reduced. In addition, the user
According to the instruction to delete the analysis data.
Means for storing the analysis data instructed to be deleted by the memory means
From the analysis data that the user no longer needs.
It is possible to delete the data.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a laser printer according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a panel unit of the laser printer.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a save mode process.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating data print mode processing.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a direct print mode process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a deletion mode process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 CPU 12 ROM 13 RAM 16 Printing unit 18 Hard disk device 18a Hard disk 18b Memory control unit 20 External device 32 Save key 33 Direct key 34 Delete key 37 Setting key

Claims (26)

(57) [Claims] And 1. A data producing step of analyzing the print data to create the analysis data, the storage instruction step of indicating a storage command the user, in response to said storage instruction, stores the analysis data in the memory means a nonvolatile Storing the analysis data in the memory means by the storing step.
Read but to read in after being stored, the print instruction of the analysis data and the print command process shown user, in response to the print command by the user after the storing step, the analysis data print command from said memory means process and print control how, characterized in that a <br/> direct printing process to perform printing to the printing unit based on the analysis data read out from said memory means by said reading step
Law . 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the storing step includes storing a file of the analysis data.
Storing the file name and the analysis data in the memory means, the print command step indicates a print command by designating a file name of the analysis data to be printed by a user, and the read step includes a print command by the user. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein said analysis data corresponding to a file name is read from said memory means.
Your way . 3. A said print command step, wherein when said analysis data in the memory means is not stored, claims, characterized in that for informing that the analysis data in the memory means is not stored 1 or 2
Print control method . 4. The print control method according to claim 1, further comprising a deletion step of deleting the analysis data stored in the memory unit. 5. comprising a deletion instruction step of deleting instruction of the analysis data stored in said memory means indicated by the user,
The deletion process, the print control side of claim 4, characterized in that the deletion of the analysis data that was deleted commanded
Law . 6. The delete command step, wherein when said analysis data in the memory means is not stored, claims, characterized in that for informing that the analysis data in the memory means is not stored Print control described in 5
How . 7. The method according to claim 7, wherein the storing step includes storing a file of the analysis data.
Storing the file name and the analysis data in the memory means, the deletion command step indicates a deletion command by specifying a file name of the analysis data to be deleted by the user, and the deletion step is commanded by the user to delete. 6. A file name and said analysis data corresponding to the file name are deleted from said memory means.
Or the print control method according to 6. 8. A file for designating the file name by a user.
A file name specifying step, wherein the storing step is specified in the file name specifying step.
The stored file name and the analysis data are stored in the memory means.
The printing according to claim 2 or 7, wherein the printing is performed.
Control method. 9. A method according to claim 1, wherein said storing instruction is indicated.
Instead, print on the printing unit based on the analysis data
Data printing step, wherein the storing step includes storing the data.
When a command is indicated, the analysis data
9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the information is stored in a storage means.
The print control method described in any of the above. 10. The data creating step includes a step of creating a dot image.
10. The method according to claim 1, wherein data is created.
A printing control method according to any one of the claims. 11. Analyzing print data to create analysis data.
Data creation step to be performed, and a file for the user to specify a file name of the analysis data.
A file name designation step, a save command step in which a save command is indicated by a user, and a file name designation step in response to the save command.
The specified file name and the analysis data
And a print command for the analysis data stored in the memory means.
A print command step in which the user designates the file name by the file name.
Reading the corresponding analysis data from the memory means.
Reading out from the memory means by the reading out step and the reading out step.
The printing unit to perform printing based on the analysis data obtained
A printing control method comprising a direct printing process
Law . 12. Analyzing print data to create analysis data.
A data creation step to be executed, a save command step in which a save command is indicated by a user, and the analysis data in a nonvolatile memory in accordance with the save command.
A storage step for storing in the memory means, and a print command for the analysis data stored in the memory means
A print command step indicated by the user, and in accordance with the print command, the analysis data instructed to be printed
Reading from the memory means, and reading the memory in response to the print command by the reading step.
Based on the analysis data read from the memory means
And a direct printing process to perform printing on a printing unit, in the print command process, the analysis in said memory means
If no data is stored, the memory means
Notifying that the analysis data is not stored
A printing control method characterized by the following . 13. Analyzing print data to create analysis data.
A data creation step to be executed, a save command step in which a save command is indicated by a user, and the analysis data in a nonvolatile memory in accordance with the save command.
A storage step for storing in the memory means, and a print command for the analysis data stored in the memory means
A print command step indicated by the user, and in accordance with the print command, the analysis data instructed to be printed
Reading from the memory means, and reading the memory in response to the print command by the reading step.
Based on the analysis data read from the memory means
A direct printing step of causing the printing unit to perform printing, and a command to delete the analysis data stored in the memory means.
A deletion command step indicated by the user, and a deletion step of deleting the analysis data instructed to be deleted.
A print control method comprising: 14. Analyzing print data to create analysis data.
Data creating means, a non-volatile memory means, and the analysis data in response to a save command by a user.
First memory control means for storing in the memory means, and the first memory control means
The said data by the user after the analysis data is stored
In response to a print command for the analysis data, a mark is printed from the memory means.
Second memory control for reading the analysis data instructed by printing
Means and the second memory control means in response to the print command.
Printing on the printing unit based on the read analysis data
Printing characterized by comprising print control means for performing
Control device. 15. The first memory control means, wherein the first memory control means
The file name of data and the analysis data are stored in the memory means.
And the second memory control means outputs a print command by a user.
The analysis data corresponding to the file name
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the data is read from the storage means.
Print control device. 16. A method for allowing a user to indicate the print command.
A print command mode in which the solution is stored in the memory means.
If analysis data is not stored, the memory means
That the analysis data is not stored in the
15. A device according to claim 14, further comprising:
Printing control device according to 15. 17. The analysis stored in the memory means.
Characterized by having a deletion means for deleting data.
The print control device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein: 18. Deletion of the analysis data by a user
The analysis in which the deletion means is instructed to delete in response to a command.
The method according to claim 17, wherein data is deleted.
Print control device. 19. A system according to claim 19, wherein the user issues a command to delete said instruction.
In the deletion mode, when the analysis data is not stored in the memory means in the deletion mode,
19. The print control apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying that the analysis data is not stored in the memory unit. 20. The first memory control means, wherein the first memory control means
The file name of data and the analysis data are stored in the memory means.
The deletion means , and the deletion unit deletes the file specified by the user.
File name and the analysis data corresponding to the file name.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said information is deleted from said memory means.
20. The print control device according to 8 or 19. 21. A user specifies the file name
File name designating means, wherein the first memory control means stores the designated file name and
Storing the analysis data in the memory means.
The print control device according to claim 15 or 20, wherein: 22. When the save command is indicated,
Causing the printing unit to perform printing based on the analysis data,
First memory control means stores the analysis data in the memory means
If the save command is not indicated, the analysis data
The printing unit performs printing based on the first memory control
The means does not perform storage in the memory means.
22. A print control device according to claim 14,
Place. 23. The analysis data is a dot image data.
23. The method according to claim 14, wherein
3. The print control device according to claim 1. 24. Analyzing print data to create analysis data.
Data creating means, a non-volatile memory means, and the analysis data input in response to a save command by a user.
Data of the analysis data specified by the
A first memory control means for storing a file name in the memory means;
And a user indicating the printing of the analysis data by its file name
Print command by the user according to the print command
The analysis data corresponding to the file name
A second memory control unit that reads from the storage unit, and the second memory control unit that responds to the print command.
Printing on the printing unit based on the read analysis data
Printing characterized by comprising print control means for performing
Control device. 25. Analyzing print data to create analysis data.
Data creating means, a non-volatile memory means, and the analysis data in response to a save command by a user.
First memory control means for storing in the memory means, and printing for indicating a print command of the analysis data by a user
In the command mode, the print command indicated by the user
Reading the analysis data from the memory means accordingly
A second memory control unit, and the second memory control unit in response to the print command.
Printing on the printing unit based on the read analysis data
Print control means for performing the printing, and storing the solution in the memory means in the print command mode.
If analysis data is not stored, the memory means
That the analysis data is not stored in the
A printing control device comprising: a notifying unit. 26. Analyzing print data to create analysis data.
Data creating means, a non-volatile memory means, and the analysis data in response to a save command by a user.
A first memory control means for storing in the memory means, in response to a print command of the by user analysis data, before
A second memory for reading the analysis data from the memory means
Control means, and the second memory control means according to the print command.
Printing on the printing unit based on the read analysis data
Print control means to be executed, and delete in response to a user's instruction to delete the analysis data.
Deleting means for deleting the analysis data instructed to be deleted.
A print control device, comprising: