JP3610307B2 - Image forming method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming method and apparatus for developing input image data into a bit pattern and forming a corresponding image.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a printing apparatus such as a laser beam printer, data for printing input from a host computer is expanded into a bit pattern for one page, and then printing output is executed using this bit pattern.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above conventional example, the print data is transferred to the printer after the host computer is instructed to print, the command analysis is performed, and the bit pattern is developed. Therefore, there is a problem that the total processing time of printing increases. there were. Also in test prints, test print data is created, command analysis is performed, and developed into bit patterns after test print printing is instructed, which increases the total processing time for test print printing. there were.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional example, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming method and apparatus capable of generating an image corresponding to image data at high speed.
[0005]
Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming method and apparatus capable of forming an image corresponding to internal status information for image formation at high speed.
[0006]
Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming method and apparatus capable of forming an image of test data for image formation at high speed.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an image input method and apparatus according to the present invention comprise the following arrangement.
[0008]
A method of forming an image of internal status information for image formation,
A pixel image data generation step for generating pixel image data corresponding to the internal status information at the time of initial setting and change of the internal status information;
An image forming step of forming an image corresponding to the pixel image data when a predetermined command is input.
[0009]
Preferably, the internal status information is a capacity of storage means for storing image data.
[0010]
Preferably, the internal status information is status information of a recording material for printing image data.
[0011]
Alternatively, a method of forming an image of test data for image formation,
A pixel image data generation step of generating pixel image data corresponding to the test data at the time of initial setting and change of the test data;
An image forming step of forming an image corresponding to the pixel image data when a predetermined command is input.
[0012]
Alternatively, an apparatus for forming an image of internal status information for performing image formation,
Pixel image data generating means for generating pixel image data corresponding to the internal status information at the time of initial setting and change of the internal status information;
And an image forming unit that forms an image corresponding to the pixel image data when a predetermined command is input.
[0013]
Preferably, the internal status information is a capacity of storage means for storing image data.
[0014]
Preferably, the internal status information is status information of a recording material for printing image data.
[0015]
Alternatively, an apparatus for forming an image of test data for image formation,
Pixel image data generating means for generating pixel image data corresponding to the test data at the time of initial setting and change of the test data;
And an image forming unit that forms an image corresponding to the pixel image data when a predetermined command is input.
Alternatively, expansion processing means for expanding the print data indicating the state of the image forming apparatus or the setting state into a bit pattern and storing the print data expanded into the bit pattern in a memory;
In response to a print instruction, output processing means for outputting print data expanded in a bit pattern stored in the memory to a printing unit;
Monitoring means for monitoring that the status of the image forming apparatus or the setting status has changed,
The developing means develops print data indicating the state or setting status of the image forming apparatus into a bit pattern in response to a change in the status or setting status of the image forming apparatus.
Further preferably, when the switch of the operation unit is pressed, the output processing unit outputs the print data expanded in the bit pattern stored in the memory to the printing unit.
Preferably, the monitoring unit changes the stored controller status item or engine status item when the status of the controller of the image forming apparatus or the status of the printing unit changes.
Preferably, the output result of the print data includes a layout setting item, a font setting item, an interface setting item, a total RAM capacity, a built-in font type, or a toner remaining amount paper cassette type. Represent.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following, detailed description of the present embodiment will be described. First, in order to facilitate understanding of the image forming method and apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, an outline of a printing operation procedure of a printer that can be generally considered. The flowchart of FIG. 14 showing the above and the flowchart of FIG. 15 showing the test print process for printing the printer status and setting status will be briefly described.
[0016]
First, in step S101, print data is received and stored in a reception buffer. In step S102, a command analysis is performed on the data in the reception buffer to create a page buffer for one page. In step S103, an expansion process is executed to generate bit pattern data for one page and store it in the frame memory.
[0017]
In step S104, output processing is executed, and printing on a storage medium such as recording paper is executed in accordance with the developed bitmap data. In step S105, it is determined whether or not the output process has been completed for all of the input image information. If completed, this process ends. If not completed, the process returns to step S101 and the above-described processes are repeated.
[0018]
The development and printing of input data into a bit pattern are executed by the procedure described above. Next, a test print process for printing the printer status and setting status will be described with reference to FIG. When this test print is performed, similarly to the print data input from the above-described host computer, the printer status and setting status data are expanded into bit patterns and then printed.
[0019]
First, when test print printing is instructed, in step S111, test print data is created using data indicating the state and setting status of the printing apparatus. In step S112, a command analysis is performed on the created test print data to create a page buffer for one page.
[0020]
Next, in step S113, an expansion process is executed to generate bit pattern data for one page and store it in the frame memory. In step S114, output processing is executed, and printing on a storage medium such as recording paper is executed in accordance with the developed bitmap data. In the image forming process described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 described above, the print data is transferred to the printer after the host computer issues a print instruction, the command analysis is performed, and the bit pattern is developed. The total processing time increases.
[0021]
Also in the test print, the test print data is created, the command analysis is performed, and the bit pattern is developed after the test print printing is instructed, so that the total processing time of the test print printing is increased. The image forming method and apparatus configuration described below solve these problems.
[0022]
(First embodiment)
The image forming method and apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0023]
Prior to describing the configuration of the image forming method and the apparatus according to the present embodiment, the configurations of a suitable laser beam printer and ink jet printer will be described with reference to FIGS. Needless to say, the printer to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer and an inkjet printer, and may be a printer of another printing method.
[0024]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a first output device to which this embodiment can be applied, for example, a laser beam printer (LBP). In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1500 denotes an LBP main body, which inputs and stores print information (character code, etc.), form information, macro instructions, etc. supplied from a host computer (not shown) connected to the outside. A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created according to the above information, and an image is formed on a recording sheet or the like as a recording medium. Reference numeral 1501 denotes an operation panel on which switches for operation and LED displays are arranged, and reference numeral 1000 denotes a printer control unit that controls the entire LBP main body 1500 and analyzes character information supplied from the host computer. The printer control unit 1000 mainly converts character information into a video signal having a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1502. The laser driver 1502 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1503, and switches on / off the laser beam 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 in accordance with the input video signal. The laser beam 1504 is shaken in the left-right direction by the rotary polygon mirror 1505 to scan and expose the electrostatic drum 1506. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1507 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1506 and then transferred to a recording sheet. A cut sheet is used as the recording paper. The cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1508 mounted on the LBP 1500, and is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1509, a transport roller 1510, and a transport roller 1511, and is electrostatically charged. The drum 1506 is supplied. The LBP main body 1500 includes at least one card slot (not shown), and is configured to connect an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language system in addition to a built-in font.
[0025]
FIG. 2 is an external view showing a configuration of a second output device to which an embodiment of the present invention can be applied. For example, FIG. 2 is an external view showing a configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus (IJRA). In FIG. 2, the carriage HC engaged with the spiral groove 5004 of the lead screw 5005 rotating via the driving force transmission gears 5011 and 5009 in conjunction with forward / reverse rotation of the drive motor 5013 is a pin (not shown). And is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b. An ink jet cartridge IJC is mounted on the carriage HC. A paper pressing plate 5002 presses the paper against the platen 5000 in the carriage movement direction. Reference numerals 5007 and 5008 denote photocouplers that function as home position detection units for confirming the presence of the lever 5006 of the carriage in this region and switching the rotation direction of the motor 5013 and the like. Reference numeral 5016 denotes a member that indicates a cap member 5022 that caps the entire surface of the recording head. Reference numeral 5015 denotes suction means that sucks the inside of the cap, and performs suction recovery of the recording head through the cap opening 5023. Reference numeral 5017 denotes a cleaning blade which can be moved in the front-rear direction by a member 5019. Reference numeral 5018 denotes a main body instruction plate for instructing the above 5017 and 5019. Reference numeral 5012 denotes a lever for starting suction for suction recovery, which is engaged with the carriage. The cam 5020 moves as the cam 5020 moves, and the driving force from the driving motor is controlled by a known transmission means such as clutch switching.
[0026]
These capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured so that when the carriage reaches the home position side region, a desired process can be performed at the corresponding position by the action of the lead screw 5005, but at a known timing. What is necessary is just to make it comprise so that desired operation | movement may be performed. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the second output device illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0027]
In FIG. 3, 1700 is an interface for inputting a recording signal, 1701 is an MPU, 1702 is a ROM for storing a control program executed by the MPU 1701, host print information and the like, 1703 is a DRAM, and various data (supplied to the above recording signal and head). Recording data to be recorded). Reference numeral 1704 denotes a gate array that controls the supply of output data to the recording head 1708, and also controls data transfer among the interface 1700, the MPU 1701, and the DRAM 1703. Reference numeral 1710 denotes a carrier motor for conveying the recording head 1708, 1709 denotes a conveyance motor for conveying recording paper, 1705 denotes a head driver for driving the recording head, and 1707 denotes a motor driver for driving the carrier motor 1710.
[0028]
In the recording apparatus configured as described above, when input information is input from a host computer 3000 described later via the interface 1700, the input information is converted into print output information with the gate array 1704MPU 1701. The motor drivers 1706 and 1707 are driven, and the recording head is driven in accordance with the output information sent to the head driver 1705 to execute printing.
[0029]
The MPU 1701 can communicate with a host computer 3000 (to be described later) via an interface 1700, and notifies the host computer 3000 (to be described later) of memory information and resource data related to the DRAM 1703 and print information when the ROM 1702 is dried. It is configured to be possible. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the printer control system according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, a laser beam printer (FIG. 1) will be described as an example. As long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention can be used for a single device, a system composed of a plurality of devices, or a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. It goes without saying that the invention can be applied.
[0030]
In FIG. 4, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer that executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program stored in the ROM 3 program ROM. The CPU 1 generally controls each device connected to the system device 4. The ROM 3 program ROM stores a control program of the CPU 1, the ROM 3 font ROM stores font data used in the document processing, and the ROM 3 data ROM stores the document. Various data (for example, a fixed pattern, a test print form, etc.) used when processing is stored. Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM which functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls key input from a keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown). Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC) which controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. A memory controller (MC) 7 controls access to the external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) or floppy disk (FD) that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, and the like. A printer controller (PRTC) 8 is connected to the printer 1500 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 21 and executes communication control processing with the printer 1500. Note that the CPU 1 executes, for example, outline font development (rasterization) processing on the display information RAM set on the RAM 2 to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 10. The CPU 1 opens various windows registered based on commands instructed by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.
[0031]
In the printer 1500, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU, which accesses various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program stored in the external memory 14. The image signal serving as output information is output to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected through the printing unit interface 16 with overall control. Further, the control program of the CPU 12 and the like are stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13. The program ROM of the ROM 13 stores a control program for the CPU 12 and the like. The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data used when generating the output information, and the ROM 13 data ROM is used on the host computer in the case of a printer without the external memory 14 such as a hard disk. Information to be stored is stored. The CPU 12 can communicate with the host computer via the input unit 18 and is configured to notify the host computer 3000 of information in the printer. Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and is configured such that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 19 is used as an output information expansion area, environment data storage area, NVRAM, and the like. Access to the above-described external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) or IC card is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. Reference numeral 18 denotes an operation panel described above, on which switches for operation, LED indicators, and the like are arranged.
[0032]
Further, the number of external memories is not limited to one, and at least one external memory is provided so that an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages with different language systems can be connected in addition to the built-in font. It may be configured. Furthermore, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided, and printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1501 may be stored.
[0033]
Next, a processing procedure for developing test print data into a bit pattern when the printer is in an idle state will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S11, it is checked whether or not test print development has been completed. If completed, the process proceeds to step S14. If not completed, the process proceeds to step S12.
[0034]
In step S12, the test print data according to the current printer status and setting status is command-analyzed and developed into a bit pattern. In step S13, the test print data expanded into the bit pattern is stored in the RAM (19 in FIG. 4). In step S14, it is checked whether or not there has been a change in the printer state or setting status. If there has been a change, the process returns to step S12, and the test printer data according to the new printer status or setting status is command-analyzed as described above. Re-develop to bit pattern. If there is no change, the process is terminated.
[0035]
Next, a processing procedure for test print printing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When a test printer print instruction switch on the operation unit 1501 of FIG. 16 described later is pressed, the processing from step S21 is executed. In step S21, test print data expanded into a bit pattern stored in the RAM (19 in FIG. 4) is taken out.
[0036]
In step S22, test print data expanded into a bit pattern is output in accordance with the timing of the printer engine (17 in FIG. 4), and test print printing is performed. Next, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a test print output result. Reference numeral 41 represents setting items such as layout, font, and interface, 42 represents the state of the controller (printer control unit 1000 in FIG. 4) such as the total RAM capacity and the type of built-in font, and 43 represents the remaining amount of toner and paper feed. It represents the state of the engine (printing unit 17 in FIG. 4) such as the type of cassette.
[0037]
Next, the state from test print development to printing will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The ROM 13 stores a test print form (see FIG. 7), and the RAM 19 stores a controller (1000 in FIG. 4) state item and an engine (printing unit 17) state item. Reference numeral 32 denotes a printer status monitoring unit that constantly monitors the status of the controller and the engine and changes the controller status item and the engine status item in the RAM 19 when the status of the controller and the engine changes.
[0038]
The test print idling control unit 31 checks whether the printer is in an idle state. If the printer is in an idle state, the test print idling control unit 31 analyzes the test print form stored in the ROM 13 and the controller state item and engine state item stored in the RAM 19. 63 is instructed to output. The analysis processing unit 63 synthesizes the input test print data (test print form, controller state item, and engine state item), analyzes the command, and outputs the result to the development processing unit 64. The development processing unit 64 develops the input test print data into a bit pattern and stores it in the RAM 19.
[0039]
When the test print print instruction switch on the operation unit 1501 is pressed, the test print data expanded in the bit pattern stored in the RAM 19 is output to the output processing unit 63. The output processing unit 63 outputs the input test print data to the printing unit 17 in accordance with the engine timing, and the printing unit 17 prints the test print.
[0040]
When the controller status item or the engine status item in the RAM 19 changes, the test print idling control unit 31 deletes the test print data in the RAM 19 and starts the analysis process again using the changed controller status item and the engine status item. The new test print data is stored in the RAM 19 after redoing and developing.
[0041]
If the test print data has not been developed on the RAM 19 at the time when the test print print instruction is given, the test print data is waited until the development is completed, and after the above-described output processing to print processing is completed. The process is to be performed. In the first embodiment described above, the test print is always developed into a bit pattern in the idle state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the RAM capacity is small, the test print is developed. It is also possible not to perform this operation, or to allow the user to select whether or not the test print is developed on the host computer.
[0042]
(Second Embodiment)
A procedure of processing for transferring image data from the host when the printer is in an idle state, combining it with other image data, and printing will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
[0043]
In step S51, an application (for example, document processing software, chart creation software, etc.) on the host computer (3000 in FIG. 4) detects whether or not image data composed of bit patterns has been pasted. If YES in step S52, the flow advances to step S52. If NO in step S52, the flow returns to the beginning of the processing in step 51 and loops until it is pasted.
[0044]
In step S52, the pasted image data and the identification number (ID) of the image data are transferred to the printer (1500 in FIG. 4). In step S53, it is determined whether the printer is in an idle state. If the printer is in an idle state, the process proceeds to a reception process. If not idle, wait until idle.
[0045]
In step S54, image data and image data ID reception processing is performed. In step S55, the analysis process is performed. In step S56, the image data and the image data ID are stored in the RAM (19 in FIG. 4).
[0046]
In step S57, the image data expanded into a bit pattern to which the image data is pasted is combined. In step S58, the combined image data is output in accordance with the timing of the printer engine (17 in FIG. 4), and printing is performed. Next, the manner in which image data and image data other than an image (image data to which image data is pasted) will be described with reference to FIG.
[0047]
When an image data print instruction command is issued from the application on the host computer 3000, the image data other than the image and the ID and coordinate values (x, x) of the image data already stored in the RAM 19 of the printer (1500 in FIG. 4). y) is input from the host computer 3000 to the reception processing unit 61 of the printer. Of the input data, image data other than the image is sent to the analysis processing unit 63 to analyze the command. Further, image data other than the analyzed image is sent to the development processing unit 64 and developed into a bit pattern. On the other hand, the image data ID received and processed by the reception processing unit 61 is sent to the ID discrimination processing unit 62, and image data that matches the ID added to the image data on the RAM 19 is extracted. Further, the upper left coordinate value (x, y) of the image data received and processed by the reception processing unit 61 is sent to the synthesis processing unit 65, and the image data input from the RAM 19 is an image other than the image developed into a bit pattern. Determine the position to be combined (pasted) with the data. The composition processing unit 65 synthesizes image data other than the image developed into the bit pattern with the image data based on the upper left coordinate value (x, y) of the image data.
[0048]
In the second embodiment described above, the composition of the image data other than the image and the image is described on the assumption that the image data is overwritten on the image data other than the image. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to transfer overlap information from the host computer and thereby switch the overlap.
[0049]
(Third embodiment)
A procedure of processing for transferring object (part) data from a host when the printer is in an idle state, combining it with other image data, and printing will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
[0050]
In step S71, it is determined whether an object (part, such as a polygon, arc, ruled line, etc.) is used in an application (for example, document processing software, chart creation software, etc.) on the host computer (3000 in FIG. 4). If it is detected and used, the process proceeds to step S72. If it is not used, the process returns to the top of step S71 and loops.
[0051]
In step S72, the object data and the identification number (ID) of the object data are transferred to the printer (1500 in FIG. 4). In step S73, it is determined whether the printer is in an idle state. If the printer is in an idle state, the process proceeds to a reception process. If not idle, wait until idle.
[0052]
In step S74, object data and object data ID reception processing is performed. In step S75, the analysis process is performed. In step S76, processing for expanding the object data into a bitmap is performed.
[0053]
In step S77, the object data and the ID of the object data are stored in the RAM (19 in FIG. 4). In step S78, the object data is combined with image data other than the object developed in the bit pattern. In step S79, the combined image data is output in accordance with the timing of the printer engine (17 in FIG. 4), and printing is performed.
[0054]
Next, the manner in which object data and image data other than an object are combined will be described with reference to FIG. When an image data print instruction command is issued from an application on the host computer 3000, the image data other than the object and the ID and coordinate values (x, x) of the image data already stored in the RAM 19 of the printer (1500 in FIG. 4). y) is input from the host computer 3000 to the reception processing unit 61 of the printer. Of the input data, image data other than the object is sent to the analysis processing unit 63 to analyze the command.
[0055]
Further, image data other than the analyzed object is sent to the development processing unit 64 and developed into a bit pattern. On the other hand, the object data ID received and processed by the reception processing unit 61 is sent to the ID discrimination processing unit 62, and the object data matching the ID added to the object data is extracted from the RAM 19. In addition, the upper left coordinate value (x, y) of the object data received and processed by the reception processing unit 61 is sent to the synthesis processing unit 65, and the object data input from the RAM 19 is an image other than the object developed into a bit pattern. Determine the position to be combined (pasted) with the data. The composition processing unit 65 synthesizes the object data and the image data other than the object developed into the bit pattern based on the coordinate value (x, y) of the reference point of the object data.
[0056]
In the third embodiment described above, all objects are transferred to the printer in the idle state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to adopt a configuration in which only frequently used objects are transferred. is there.
[0057]
(Fourth embodiment)
Using the flowchart of FIG. 12, when the printer is in an idle state and the line is free, the compressed image data is transferred from the host, decompressed on the printer, and combined with other image data. A procedure of printing processing will be described.
[0058]
In step S90, an application (eg, document processing software, chart creation software, etc.) on the host computer (3000 in FIG. 4) detects whether or not image data composed of bit patterns has been pasted. If YES, go to step S91. Otherwise, step S90 is looped.
[0059]
In step S91, the image data is compressed by a compression program (for example, built in the above application) on the host computer. In step S92, it is determined whether the printer is in an idle state. If the printer is in an idle state, the process proceeds to step S93. If not idle, wait until idle.
[0060]
In step S93, the compressed image data and the identification number (ID) of the image data are transferred to the printer (1500 in FIG. 4). In step S94, it is determined whether the network line to which the printer is connected is free by a program for monitoring the free state of the network line on the host computer. If the line is free, the process proceeds to step S95. If the line is not available, wait until it is available.
[0061]
In step S95, image data and image data ID reception processing is performed. In step S96, the analysis process is performed. In step S97, the image data and the image data ID are stored in the RAM (19 in FIG. 4).
[0062]
In step S98, the compressed image data stored in the RAM is expanded. In step S99, the image data expanded into a bit pattern to which the image data is pasted is combined. In step S100, the combined image data is output in accordance with the timing of the printer engine (17 in FIG. 4), and printing is performed.
[0063]
Next, the manner in which the compressed image data and image data other than the image (image data to which the image data is pasted) will be described with reference to FIG. When an image data print instruction command is issued from the application on the host computer 3000, the image data other than the image and the ID and coordinate values (x, x) of the image data already stored in the RAM 19 of the printer (1500 in FIG. 4). y) is input from the host computer 3000 to the reception processing unit 61 of the printer. Of the input data, image data other than the image is sent to the analysis processing unit 63 to analyze the command. Further, image data other than the analyzed image is sent to the development processing unit 64 and developed into a bit pattern. On the other hand, the image data ID received and processed by the reception processing unit 61 is sent to the ID discrimination processing unit 62, and image data that matches the ID added to the image data on the RAM 19 is extracted. The upper left coordinate value (x, y) of the image data received and processed by the reception processing unit 61 is sent to the synthesis processing unit 65, and the image data input from the expansion processing unit 66 is developed into a bit pattern. The position to be combined (pasted) with other image data is determined. The decompression processing unit 66 decompresses the compressed image data input from the RAM, and the composition processing unit 65 uses the upper left coordinate value (x, y) of the image data to generate image data other than the image developed into the bit pattern. And image data.
[0064]
In the first to fourth embodiments described above, for example, both the test print of the first embodiment and the image of the second embodiment are stored in the RAM in the idle state, or the object of the embodiment. It is also possible to freely combine them, for example, so as to perform the compression / decompression processing of the fourth embodiment. The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus.
[0065]
As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, since the test print data is developed into a bit pattern when the printer is in an idle state, the test print is printed at a high speed after the test print is instructed. can do.
[0066]
Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment, since the image data is transferred to the printer when the printer is in the idle state, the image data including the image can be printed at a high speed.
[0067]
Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment, since the object data is transferred to the printer when the printer is in the idle state, the image data can be printed at a high speed.
[0068]
Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment, when the printer is in an idle state, the compressed image data is transferred to the printer and stored in the RAM, so that the transfer time is shortened and the capacity of the RAM to be used is saved. be able to. Furthermore, since the image data is transferred only when the network line is free, it is possible to prevent other task processing using the line from becoming dark.
[0069]
In this embodiment, an example of a laser beam printer is shown, but it goes without saying that it may be an ink jet printer or a serial printer.
[0070]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an image corresponding to image data can be generated at high speed. In addition, an image corresponding to the format information for image formation can be formed at high speed.
[0071]
In addition, an image corresponding to internal status information for image formation can be formed at high speed. In addition, an image of test data for image formation can be formed at high speed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a first output device to which the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a second output device to which the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a second output device illustrated in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for developing and storing a test print according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a test print output processing procedure according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test print according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of image data according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the output device according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of object data according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an output device according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of image data according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an output device according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a conventional image data processing procedure.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a test print printing processing procedure of a conventional example.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the output device according to the first embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 CPU
2 RAM
3 ROM
4 System bus
12 CPU
13 ROM
19 RAM
61 Reception processing section
62 ID discrimination processing unit
63 Analysis processing section
64 Development processing unit
65 Compositing processor
66 Decompression processing unit
3000 Host computer
1500 printer

Claims (13)

A method of forming an image of internal status information for image formation,
A pixel image data generation step for generating pixel image data corresponding to the internal status information at the time of initial setting and change of the internal status information;
An image forming method comprising: forming an image corresponding to the pixel image data when a predetermined command is input. The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein the internal status information is a capacity of a storage unit that stores image data. 2. The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein the internal status information is status information of a recording material for printing image data. A method of forming an image of test data for image formation,
A pixel image data generation step of generating pixel image data corresponding to the test data at the time of initial setting and change of the test data;
An image forming method comprising: forming an image corresponding to the pixel image data when a predetermined command is input. An apparatus for forming an image of internal status information for image formation,
Pixel image data generating means for generating pixel image data corresponding to the internal status information at the time of initial setting and change of the internal status information;
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image corresponding to the pixel image data when a predetermined command is input. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the internal status information is a capacity of a storage unit that stores image data. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the internal status information is status information of a recording material for printing image data. An apparatus for forming an image of test data for image formation,
Pixel image data generating means for generating pixel image data corresponding to the test data at the time of initial setting and change of the test data;
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image corresponding to the pixel image data when a predetermined command is input. Expansion processing means for expanding the print data indicating the state of the image forming apparatus or the setting state into a bit pattern and storing the print data expanded in the bit pattern in a memory;
In response to a print instruction, output processing means for outputting print data expanded in a bit pattern stored in the memory to a printing unit;
Monitoring means for monitoring that the status of the image forming apparatus or the setting status has changed,
The development unit develops print data indicating the state or setting status of the image forming apparatus into a bit pattern in response to a change in the status or setting status of the image forming apparatus. apparatus. 10. The image according to claim 9, wherein the output processing unit outputs print data expanded in a bit pattern stored in a memory to the printing unit when a switch of the operation unit is pressed. Forming equipment. 11. The monitoring unit according to claim 9 or 10, wherein when the state of the controller of the image forming apparatus or the printing unit changes, the monitoring unit changes a stored state item of the controller or engine. Image forming apparatus. The output result by the print data represents a layout setting item, a font setting item, an interface setting item, a total RAM capacity, a built-in font type, or a toner remaining amount paper cassette type. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9. A development processing step of developing print data indicating a state of the image forming apparatus or a setting state into a bit pattern, and storing the print data expanded into the bit pattern in a memory;
In accordance with a print instruction, an output processing step for outputting print data expanded in a bit pattern stored in the memory to a printing unit;
A monitoring step of monitoring that the state of the image forming apparatus or the setting state has changed,
The developing step includes developing print data indicating the state or setting state of the image forming apparatus into a bit pattern in response to a change in the state or setting state of the image forming apparatus. Method.

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