JP3440117B2 - Printer 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 a printer controller for causing a color printer to print color image data created in a page description language sent from a host computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an image processing device such as a printer control device capable of drawing linear vector data, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 2
There is one disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 181886, and the configuration and operation of such an image processing device will be described with reference to FIG. This image processing apparatus draws in the image memory 32 image data created by a page description word represented by Postscript in the host computer 31.

All the image data (vector data) is represented by a vector, and the described vector is C
All of the PUs 33 are re-developed into straight line vectors in the main scanning direction, and the coordinates of the start and end points of the straight line vectors and the density values are first-in first-out memory (hereinafter referred to as "FIFO memory")
Temporarily stored in 34.

Each data stored in the FIFO memory 34 includes a main scanning direction start address register (hereinafter referred to as "XS register") 35, a main scanning direction end address register (hereinafter referred to as "XE register") 36, and a sub scanning direction start. Address register (hereinafter referred to as "YS register") 3
7, density register (hereinafter referred to as "RGB register") 3
8 are each latched.

When a drawing command is issued from the CPU 33, the memory controller 39 generates a write signal, and the density specified by the RGB register 38 at the address specified by the XS register 35 and the YS register 37 on the image memory 32. Write with. Further, when the writing operation is started, the main scanning direction address counter (hereinafter referred to as “X address counter”) 40 enters the counting operation, and the address (the load value from the XS register 35) is incremented.

Thereafter, the address is stored in the XE register 36.
When it becomes the same as the value of, the X-comparator 41, which is the main scanning direction comparator, notifies the memory controller 39 that the drawing end dot has come. This allows the drawing of a straight line vector. Then, by repeating the above operation,
One page of image data created by the host computer 31 can be drawn in the image memory 32.

The present inventor has already invented and filed a patent for an image processing apparatus capable of storing both a straight line vector input from a host computer and image data read from a scanner in one image memory. (Japanese Patent Application No. 5-36917). The configuration and operation of the image processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

Although not shown in the image drawing device 50, a main scanning direction start register (XS register), a main scanning direction end register (XE register), and a sub-scanning direction start register similar to those of the device shown in FIG. (YS register),
When there is a sub-scanning direction end register (YE register) and a density register (RGB register), and the user wants to store the image data specified by the page description language in the image memory 32 , the CPU 33 causes the CPU 33 to draw a straight line in the main scanning direction. By specifying the vector drawing mode, the data switching unit 52 makes the FIFO
The image data output from the memory 34 is stored in the image memory 32.
Output to the data line of and store.

The scanner 45 is designated by the user.
When the image data is to store in the image memory 32 <br/> from the CPU 33 is to specify the scanner mode, the data switching unit 52, the main scanning direction start register, the main scanning direction end register, the sub-scanning Within the range specified by the direction start register and the sub-scanning direction end register , the scanner 45
The image data from is output to the data line of the image memory 32 and stored.

Further, when the image data from the scanner 45 is written in the image memory 32, the gradation of the image memory 32 is compared with the gradation of the image data, and the image memory 32 is compared.
When the number of gradations of the scanner is smaller, the area to be read by the scanner 45 is reduced or dither processing is performed.

When the image read by the scanner 45 is pasted in an arbitrary rectangular area, the start coordinate and the end coordinate in the main scanning direction and the start coordinate and the end coordinate in the sub scanning direction designated by the address control unit 51. The address control unit 51 generates the address of the area surrounded by the coordinates, and the image memory 3
Write to 2. By repeating the above operation, both the image data created by the host computer 31 and the data read by the scanner 45 are stored in the same image memory 3
Can be stored in 2.

[0012]

However, when the printer control device of the color printer is constructed by using the conventional image processing device as described above, the configuration of the image memory is not independent for each color. When printing is performed, it is impossible to output four colors to the video interface at the same time, and when the printer engine is a four-drum machine, different hardware must be newly provided, resulting in high cost. Furthermore, one piece of hardware (color printer controller)
However, there is also a problem that it is not possible to connect color printers of both 1-drum machine and 4-drum machine.

When the image data from the host computer and the image data from the scanner are stored, the address designation of the image memory is designated two-dimensionally in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, but when outputting to the printer. However, there is also a problem that the one-dimensional address of the actual memory has to be calculated, the load on the CPU increases, and the processing time increases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and in order to reduce the cost of the printer controller , one
It is possible to connect color printers of both 1-drum machine and 4-drum machine without changing hardware, and to improve functions and shorten processing time with a common hardware configuration .

[0015]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a printer control apparatus comprising: an image memory for storing at least one page of image data for each color; and a host computer. A means for receiving the image data to be sent, developing it into an image image to be printed for each color, and storing it in the image memory, and a color that has a plurality of independent data lines with one common hardware configuration and is connected The image data for each color is transferred to the printer in parallel to the plurality of data lines and a copy used for the parallel transfer .
Image data of any color, which is inserted between the video interface capable of sequentially transferring to any one of the number of data lines and the image memory and the video interface and stored in the image memory. Of the multiple data lines used for the parallel transfer of the video interface
A switching unit capable of selectively sending data to an arbitrary data line and a type of the connected color printer, which is a one-drum machine or a four-drum machine, are detected, and the detected type is printed. And a control means for controlling the switching means by sending information for associating the color of the image data with the data line output on the video interface to the switching means.

Then, in the case where the detected type is a one-drum machine according to the above information, the control means:
Image data of all colors stored in the image memory is used for the parallel transfer on the video interface.
If any one of the number of data lines is sequentially output and the detected type is a 4-drum machine, the image data of all colors stored in the image memory is transferred to the video interface. The switching means is controlled so that the plurality of data lines are simultaneously transmitted.

[0017]

[0018]

[0019]

[0020]

[0021]

[0022]

A printer control device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the printer control device according to the first aspect.
In the printer control device of the above, a FIFO memory that is inserted between the image memory and the video interface and can temporarily store one line or a plurality of lines independent for each color of the image data stored in the image memory is provided. It is provided.

A printer control device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the first aspect.
If the connected color printer is equipped with a scanner unit, the color image data read by the scanner unit is input through the video interface, transferred to the image memory, and the color image data is transferred for each color. A means for storing is provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the printer control device according to the fourth aspect, in which the video interface and the color printer are arranged in parallel with each other from the color printer side.
In which the image data input to one of the data lines provided with switching means for selectively outputting the plurality of all the data lines of the video interface of the plurality of data lines to be used for column transfer .

A printer control device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the printer control device according to the sixth aspect.
When the RGB color image data read by the scanner unit of the connected color printer is input through the video interface in
A means for converting it into CMYK color image data,
A means for selecting either the CMYK color image data converted by the means or the RGB color image data not converted and transferring it to the image memory is provided.

[0027]

According to the printer controller of the first aspect of the present invention thus constructed, the image memory stores the image data independently for each color, and the video interface has one common hardware configuration. Image data of any color is used for parallel transfer on the video interface by the switching means inserted between the video interface and
The data can be output to an arbitrary data line of the plurality of data lines , and the control means detects the type of the connected color printer as a one-drum machine or a four-drum machine and determines that the color printer is a one-drum machine. If so, by transmitting the color of the image data to be transmitted out of the image data stored in the image memory and the information of the output data line on the video interface, the image data of all colors are transmitted one by one. Multiple data used for the above parallel transfer of video interface
Sequentially send to any one of the data lines, 4
In the case of a drum machine, the switching means is controlled so that the image data of all colors stored in the image memory are simultaneously sent to the respective data lines of the video interface, so that it is a different type of color printer. 1 drum machine and 4
The drum machine can be easily connected with one printer controller without changing the hardware.

In addition, the above-mentioned parallel conversion of the video interface.
Image data of any color in the image memory can be output to any one of the plurality of data lines used for transmission. Therefore, in the case of one drum machine, color image data of three colors or four colors is output. Since it is only necessary to sequentially transfer each color to the color printer, it is not necessary to specify the data line of the video interface, and it is possible to reduce the scale of the switching means and reduce the cost.

[0029]

[0030]

[0031]

[0032]

According to the printer control apparatus of the second aspect , before outputting to the video interface, the line buffer of the temporary FIFO memory is provided with 1 in the main scanning direction of the image memory.
By storing the image data for more than one line, asynchronous transfer between the printer control device and the printer engine can be performed, and one printer control device can be connected to a printer engine having a different pixel clock frequency.

According to the printer controller of claim 3 , F
The image data input to the line buffer by the IFO memory can be switched between the data from the image memory and the read image data from the color printer used as a scanner. By using the printer as a scanner, it is possible to improve the function such that the read color image can be output on the display.

According to the printer control device of the fourth aspect, even when the scanner section provided in the color printer can read the image only one color at a time, the color image data is used for the parallel transfer. Multiple data lines
It is possible to input from any one of the data lines, selectively output to all of the plurality of data lines of the video interface by the switching means, and store in the image memory for each color.

According to the printer control device of the fifth aspect, the image data that can be used as a scanner and read from the printer is subjected to image processing of RGB to CMYK color conversion when input from the color printer through the video interface. The color of the image data that can be captured is stored in the image memory not only as RGB data but also as CMYK data, and the function can be improved.

[0037]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT An embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. A printer controller according to a first embodiment (corresponding to claim 1) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the block diagram shown in FIG. 1, a printer control device 3 is connected between a host computer 1 and a color printer (printing device) 2.

The printer control device 3 includes a CPU 4 and
An image memory 5 for storing image data to be printed (printed) for at least one page for each color, a video interface 6 capable of parallel transfer of image data for each color, and each image memory 5 and video interface 6. It is provided with a selector 7 and an address control unit 8 which are interposed therebetween.

The CPU 4 receives the image data sent from the host computer 1, develops image data to be printed for each color and stores it in each image memory 5, and the type of the connected color printer 2. means for sensing, control for controlling the selector 7 in response to the detection result
Fulfill the function of the means . The selector 7 is a switching means for switching so that image data can be sent from all the image memories 5 for each color to all the data lines (8 bits at a time) of the video interface 6.

The user creates image data for printing one page in the host computer 1 in the page description language represented by Postscript. In the page description language, both characters and figures are represented by vectors regardless of whether they are straight lines or curved lines. Therefore, the CPU 4 of the printer control device 3 causes the image data received from the host computer 1 to be actually printed for each color. And is expanded into the image memory 5.

When the image data for one page sent from the host computer 1 is completely stored in the image memory 5,
Whether the type (method) of the color printer 2 connected to the video interface 6 is one drum machine
Detects if it is a drum machine. If the detected type is a one-drum machine, only one color can be transferred in one toner transfer operation. Therefore, when printing a color image, the image data is red, green, and blue. When stored in the image memory 5 with (RGB), three times, cyan, magenta,
When storing in yellow and black (CMYK), data must be sent 4 times.

Therefore, the CPU 4 first informs the selector 7 that the currently connected color printer 2 is a one-drum machine, and when the image data is stored in the image memory 5 in CMYK, the color data to be printed is stored. The first code shown in Table 1 is transmitted to the selector 7 (for example, if it is "cyan data", the first code is "00"), and the data line on the video interface 6 to which the image data is output is shown in Table 2. The second code shown in FIG. That is, the type of the connected color printer, the color to be printed, and the information of the data line to be output on the video interface 6 are transmitted from the CPU 4 to the selector 7 by a total of 5 bit data lines.

[0043]

[Table 1]

[0044]

[Table 2]

In the address control section 8, a frame gate (FG) showing a state of actually printing by the color printer 2 is displayed.
The ATE) signal, the line synchronization (LSYNC) signal that specifies the start of the print line, and the pixel clock that counts the dots to be printed generate the address on the image memory 5 where the image data to be output is stored. .

The selector 7 sends the image data of the color designated by the CPU 4 to the designated data line of the video interface 6 and causes the color printer 2 to print (print). When the printing of one color is completed, the FGATE signal is negated, so that the CPU 4 enters the print control operation of the second color. The print control operations for the second and subsequent colors are performed in the same manner as for the first color, and when the printing of the three or four colors is completed, the printing of the image data for one page stored in the image memory 5 is completed.

Next, when the color printer 2 is a four-drum machine, printing operations can be performed simultaneously for four colors.
U4 informs the selector 7 that the type of color printer currently connected is a 4-drum machine, and in the selector 7, the image data of each color of the image memory 5 is simultaneously applied to each data line of the video interface 6 in three or four colors. It is sent out and the color printer 2 is made to print one page. The flow of such operation is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

In the first embodiment, the selector 7 is
The image data of each color of the image memory 5 can be sent to the data line of one color of the video interface 6 (for example, either the data line 0 shown in Table 2 or the data lines 1 to 3 may be used). For example, in the case of a one-drum machine, since the data line on the video interface 6 from which the selector 7 sends the image data is fixed, the CPU 4 needs to send the second code shown in Table 2 to the selector 7.
Is eliminated, and the gate configuration of the selector 7 can be reduced (to 3 bits) .

Next, a printer controller according to the application example 1 of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the block diagram shown in FIG. 3, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the printer controller 3 of this application example , an RGB output buffer 9 and a CMYK output buffer 10 are inserted between the image memory 5 for each color and the selector 7, and each data to the selector 7 is inserted. Each line is connected to a power source (+ 5V) via a pull-up resistor 11, and a switching control line for each buffer 9 and 10 is provided from the CPU 4 via the AND circuits a and b and the NOT circuit c.

The RGB output buffer 9 is a first output control means capable of output control in three states, and the CMYK output buffer 10 outputs inverted data in three states.
It is a second output control means capable of controlling output to the state. Here, 3 states means enable
It means the output state of high level “H” and low level “L” according to the input when it is (valid) and the output state of high impedance when it is disabled (invalid) .

The CPU 4 expands the image data in the image memory 5 into a two-dimensional image in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and FIG.
In the case of storing as shown in FIG. 3, the margin area A3 between the printing area A1 and the area A2 stored in the memory of the hatched portion must be white data when sending to the color printer 2. .

Therefore, when the image data stored in the image memory 5 is RGB color data, R in FIG.
The GB output buffer 9 is enabled and the image of each color is displayed.
The image data is output as it is, and the CMYK output buffer 10 is disabled to put its output in a high impedance state. Then, when the margin area A3 shown in FIG. 4 is reached, the RGB output buffer 9 is also disabled and its output is set to a high impedance state. As a result, all the inputs to the selector 7 are in a high impedance state, so that each data line is pulled to the high level “H” by the pull-up resistor 11 and white data is sent out.

If the image data stored in the image memory 5 is CMYK color-specific data, the RGB output buffer 9 is disabled, its output is set to a high impedance state, and the CMYK output buffer 10 is enabled. Then, the image data of each color is inverted and output.
Let Further, in this case, its within the color printer 2
The image data of is inverted again to the same value as the data stored in the image memory 5.

In the margin area A3 shown in FIG. 4, all the inputs to the selector 7 are in a high impedance state as in the case of RGB, so that the pull-up resistor 11 is used.
, It becomes a high level "H" and white data is sent out. With the above operation, white data can be generated in the margin area only by the pull-up resistor 11.

Next, a printer controller according to an application example 2 of the invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the block diagram shown in FIG. 5, parts corresponding to those in FIGS. 1 and 3 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The printer control device 3 of this application example is provided with a work memory 12 in addition to the configuration of the application example 1 described above. In the case of emulation printing in which monochrome data is directly sent from the host computer 1 as image data, if the image is developed using the image memory 5 for color data, address control becomes complicated, so the work memory 12 of the CPU 4 is used. It is better to use as a monochrome image memory and develop monochrome image data on it.

At this time, the RGB output buffer 9 is enabled, the CMYK output buffer 10 is disabled, and the image data on the work memory 12 is RG.
It suffices to send it to the selector 7 through the B output buffer 9. At this time, since the color image data is not stored in the image memory 5, it is not output. In the margin area, the RGB output buffer 9 is also disabled. According to this embodiment, color printing can be performed as in the second embodiment, and monochrome printing can be performed at high speed.

Further, in this application example , when the color printer 2 is a one-drum machine when printing monochrome data, the CPU 4 controls the selector 7 according to the first code of Table 1 described above. By performing the print control operation once or a plurality of times, not only black but also a total of seven colors of red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, and yellow can be printed.

Even if the color printer 2 is a four-drum machine, the selector 7 outputs 1 to the video interface 6.
Since it is possible to output color or multiple color data at the same time, even if it is monochrome data, not only black but also red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, and yellow, 7 colors in total, as in the case of one drum machine. that-out <br/> in to print the.

Next, a printer controller according to a second embodiment (corresponding to claim 2 ) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the block diagram shown in FIG. 6, portions corresponding to those in FIGS. 1 and 3 and 5 are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

This printer control device 3 is shown in FIG.
Instead of the RGB output buffer 9 and the CMYK output buffer 10 in the application example 2 , an RGB output latch 13 and a CMYK output latch 14, and an enable control line (NOT circuit 1 from the CPU 4 to each of the latches 13 and 14).
7) and a clock signal line. Further, a line buffer 15 which is a FIFO memory is provided in place of the selector 7, and each data line on the output side to the video interface 6 is connected to a power supply (+ 5V) via a pull-up resistor 16.

In a system using a normal microcomputer, the system clock SY used in the CPU 4
It operates at the frequency of SCLK, but color printer 2
Since the pixel clock frequency varies depending on the model,
In order to connect a plurality of color printers of different models to the printer control device 3, an asynchronous circuit must be used.

In the configuration of this embodiment, the image data read from the image memory is converted into the RGB output latch 13 or C.
Via the MYK output latch 14, a FIFO format line buffer 15 that stores one or more lines in the main scanning direction is temporarily stored with a system clock SYSCLK, and when it is read out, pixels sent from the color printer 2 are read out. Output from the line buffer 15 to the video interface 6 in synchronization with the clock CLK.

In the margin area, the output control terminal RE of the line buffer 15 is used to bring each output line into a high impedance state, so that the pull-up resistor 16 pulls the input to the video interface 4 to "H". In the case of CMYK data, white data can be printed by further inverting and printing in the color printer 2.

With the above operation, the printer controller 3
Asynchronous transfer between the color printer 2 and the printer engine of the color printer 2 can be easily performed, and different types of color printers having different pixel clock frequencies can be connected.

Next, a printer controller according to a third embodiment (corresponding to claim 3 ) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the block diagram shown in FIG. 7, parts corresponding to those in FIGS. 1 and 3, 5 and 6 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

This printer control device 3 is shown in FIG.
The scanner latch 18 is provided between the output data line of each image memory 5 and each output data line of the line buffer 15 in the configuration of the second embodiment, and the scanner buffer 19 is provided in parallel with the line buffer 15 and the line is also provided. A clock selector 20 for selecting the clock of the buffer 15 is provided.

When the printer control device 3 performs a print control operation, the image data from the image memory 4 is temporarily stored in the line buffer 15 through the RGB output latch 13 or the CMYK output latch 14. However, the system clock SY switched by the clock selector 20 is used as the clock when the image data is stored in the line buffer 15.
Use SCLK. When the image data is read from the line buffer 15, the pixel clock CLK from the color printer 2 is switched and used by the clock selector 20, and the read image data is output to the color printer 2 through the video interface 6 to be printed.

At this time, the margin area has a pull-up resistor 1
White data is created by 6 and sent to the color printer 2 through the video interface 6. If the color printer 2 is, for example, a color copying machine having a scanner section and a printer section, it can also be used as a scanner. Therefore, when using it as a scanner, the color printer (color copying machine) 2 The captured image data is sent to the scanner buffer 19 through the video interface 6 and temporarily stored in the line buffer 15.

However, the image data is transferred to the line buffer 15
The clock used when storing the image data is the pixel clock CLK switched by the clock selector 20, and when the image data is read from the line buffer 15, the system clock SYSCLK switched by the clock selector 20 is used. Since the system clock SYSCLK has a higher frequency than the clock CLK, one line is stored in the main scanning direction before reading.

The image data read from the line buffer 15 is passed through the scanner latch 18 to the image memory 5
Stored in. At this time, white data created by the pull-up resistor 16 is written in the margin area. Generally, the data read by the scanner is RGB data unless color conversion processing is performed, and thus the inversion latch is not necessary. By performing the above operations, one printer control device can control two functions of the printer function and the scanner function.

Next, a printer controller according to a fourth embodiment (corresponding to claim 4 ) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the block diagram shown in FIG. 8, portions corresponding to those in FIGS. 1 and 3, 5, 6, and 7 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

This printer control device 3 is shown in FIG.
A selector 21 is inserted between the video interface 6 and the color printer 2 in the configuration of the third embodiment. The selector 21 is a switching unit that allows image data input from the color printer 2 side to any one data line to be selectively output to all the data lines of the video interface 6.

The CPU 4 also detects the type of the color printer (color copying machine) 2 to determine the type of the scanner section, and outputs the select data SEL to the selector 21 in accordance with the result of the determination, and the status thereof. the parallel connection of all <br/> data lines, or switched to a selective connection between one data line and all the data lines.

According to this embodiment, even when the scanner section provided in the color printer 2 can read an image only one color at a time, the color image data is input from one data line and the selector is selected. 21 selectively outputs to all the data lines of the video interface 6,
Similar to the case of the third embodiment described above, it can be stored for each color in the image memory 5.

Next, a printer controller according to a fifth embodiment (corresponding to claim 5 ) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Also in the block configuration diagram shown in FIG. 9, the portions corresponding to those in FIGS. 1 and 3, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

This printer controller 3 is shown in FIG.
A data selector 22 and an image processing unit 23 are inserted between the line buffer 15 and the video interface 6 in the configuration of the third embodiment.

The image data read by the color printer (color copying machine) 2 having the scanner unit is converted into the image processing unit 2.
Since the image data converted from the RGB data to the CMYK data by the color conversion process in 3 and the RGB image data as they are captured can be switched by the data selector 22 and sent out, the image data is buffered for the scanner. By storing in the image memory 5 via 19, the line buffer 15, and the scanner latch 18, either RGB image data or CMYK image data can be stored in the image memory 5.

[0080]

As described above, the printer control apparatus according to the present invention has a plurality of independent data lines with one common hardware configuration, and transmits image data for each color to the connected color printer. Parallel transfer to the above multiple data lines and multiple data used for the parallel transfer
A video interface capable of sequentially transferring to any one of the data lines, and image data of an arbitrary color stored in the image memory is stored in the above-mentioned video interface.
Detecting switching means capable of selectively sending to any data line of a plurality of data lines used for column transfer, and type of connected color printer being one drum machine or four drum machine However, it is provided with a control means for sending information that associates the detected type, the color of the image data to be printed, and the data line to be output on the video interface to the switching means, and controls the switching means. According to the above information, if the detected type is one drum machine, the control means uses the image data of all colors stored in the image memory for the parallel transfer on the video interface .
If the detected type is a 4-drum machine, the image data of all colors stored in the image memory is output to each of the video interfaces. Since the switching means is controlled so as to send the data lines simultaneously, the color printers of both the one-drum machine and the four-drum machine can be easily connected without changing the hardware, and the function is improved while suppressing the cost. Also, the processing time can be shortened. further,
According to the printer control device of the second to fifth aspects, the following effects can be obtained.

[0081]

[0082]

[0083]

[0084]

[0085]

[0086]

According to the printer control device of the second aspect , before outputting to the video interface, the line buffer of the temporary FIFO memory structure is provided with 1 in the main scanning direction of the image memory.
By storing the image data for one line, asynchronous transfer between the printer control device and the printer engine can be performed, and one printer control device can be connected to a printer engine with a different pixel clock frequency, thus improving the function. .

According to the printer controller of claim 3 , F
Since the image data input to the line buffer of the IFO memory structure can be switched to either the data from the image memory or the image data read from the printer used as the scanner, color data with a scanner unit like a color copying machine can be used. The printer device can also be used as a scanner.

According to the printer control device of the fourth aspect, even if the scanner unit provided in the color printer can read the image only one color at a time , the plural color image data are used for the parallel transfer. Data line
It is possible to input from any one of the color data lines, selectively output to the data lines of all the plurality of colors of the video interface by the selector, and store in the image memory 5 for each color.

According to the printer control device of the fifth aspect, the image data read from the printer used as the scanner is subjected to image processing for color conversion from RGB to CMYK, so that the captured color image data is converted into CMYK as well as RGB. It can be stored in the image memory.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of a printer control device showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations performed by the printer control device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a printer control device according to an application example 1 of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the paper to be printed and its margin area.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a printer control device according to an application example 2 of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a block configuration diagram of a printer control device showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block configuration diagram of a printer control device showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block configuration diagram of a printer control device showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block configuration diagram of a printer control device showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of an image processing apparatus used in a conventional printer control apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a block configuration diagram showing another example of an image processing apparatus used in a conventional printer control apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Host computer 2: Color printer 3: Printer control device 4: CPU (processing device) 5: Image memory 6: Video interface 7: Selector (switching means) 8: Address control unit 9: RGB output buffer (first Output control means) 10: CMYK output buffer (second output control means) 11, 16: Pull-up resistors 12: Work memory 13: RGB output latch 14: CMYK output latch 15: Line buffer (FIFO memory) 18 : Scanner Latch 19: Scanner Buffer 20: Clock Selector 21: Selector (Switching Means) 22: Data Selector 23: Image Processing Unit

Front page continuation (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 29/00 B41J 5/30 B41J 2/525 G06F 3/12 G06T 1/60

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image memory for storing at least one page of image data for each color, and an image memory for receiving image data sent from a host computer and printing it for each color, and storing it in the image memory. means and has a plurality of data lines independent with one common hardware configuration, parallel transfer and said parallel image data for each color to the plurality of data lines to a color printer that is connected to
Any one of a video interface that can be sequentially transferred to any one of a plurality of data lines used for transfer and an image memory that is inserted between the image memory and the video interface and stored in the image memory. Use color image data for the parallel transfer of the video interface
Switching means capable of selectively transmitting to any data line of a plurality of data lines and the type of whether the connected color printer is a one-drum machine or a four-drum machine are detected, and the detection is performed. And a control means for controlling the switching means by sending information to the switching means for associating the selected type with the color of the image data to be printed and the data line to be output on the video interface. According to the above, the detected type is 1
In the case of a drum machine, any one of a plurality of data lines used for the parallel transfer of the image data of all colors stored in the image memory on the video interface.
Re or is sequentially output to one data line, the if the detected type is a four-drum machine, the plurality of data lines of all colors the video interface image data stored in the image memory A printer control device, characterized in that the switching means is controlled so that they are simultaneously sent to the printer. 2. The printer control device according to claim 1, wherein one line or a plurality of lines are provided between the image memory and the video interface and are independent for each color of the image data stored in the image memory. A printer control device comprising a FIFO memory capable of temporarily storing the data. 3. The printer control device according to claim 1, wherein when the connected color printer has a scanner unit, the color image data read by the scanner unit is input via the video interface. A printer control device comprising means for transferring to the image memory and storing each color. 4. The printer control device according to claim 3, wherein between the video interface and the color printer,
From the color printer side, a plurality of
It is characterized in that a switching means is provided which can selectively output image data input to any one of the data lines to all of the plurality of data lines of the video interface. Printer control device. 5. The printer control device according to claim 3, wherein when RGB color image data read by a scanner unit of a connected color printer is input via the video interface, the color image data is CMYK color image data. And a CMY converted by the means
A printer control device comprising means for selecting either K color image data or RGB color image data that is not converted and transferring the selected color image data to the image memory.