JP3990970B2 - Printing apparatus, printing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to control of a printing apparatus that receives and processes print information from a computer via a predetermined interface.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, information processing systems in which a color printing apparatus and a plurality of host computers can communicate with each other have been generalized and widely used. Under such circumstances, many electronic documents created on the information processing system are created, and output demand to the color printing apparatus tends to increase, and a high-speed and inexpensive color printing apparatus is desired. .
[0003]
Conventionally, a printing system that interprets a page description language (PDL) transmitted from a host computer or a print server and creates a raster image creates a display list (DL) that is an intermediate language after interpreting the PDL. It is common to perform raster image conversion (rendering) from DL.
[0004]
At this time, since the size of the PDL data is not limited, the size of the DL created from the PDL data may be very large. In addition, when the DL becomes complicated and its size increases, the work area used by the renderer that renders the DL also increases.
[0005]
However, the amount of memory installed in the printing apparatus is finite, and due to cost restrictions, there is often no sufficient amount to store the DL.
[0006]
Therefore, the size of the area for storing the DL and the work area that can be used by the renderer are limited, and there is a restriction that a DL larger than a predetermined size cannot be processed.
[0007]
In order to avoid this restriction, a process called fallback is performed. Fallback renders the DL generated once when the DL size exceeds a certain size, or when the work area for processing the DL exceeds a certain size. The raster image is created and the DL created up to that point is cleared once.
[0008]
This raster image is added again to a part of DL as a background image of the drawing area.
[0009]
Since this background image is usually compressed, the size of the added DL is smaller than the original DL size. Therefore, a large DL can be processed in a limited memory space by creating the remaining DL in this vacant area. In addition, since the renderer work area is cleared at the end of rendering during fallback, the size restriction of the work area can be avoided, and a low-cost printing apparatus can be provided.
[0010]
On the other hand, the raster image created in the process of performing the fallback processing as described above is compressed and added to the DL list, and the compressed image created at this time must also be within a predetermined size.
[0011]
In particular, in a color image, the size of a raster image created at the time of rendering is very large. In lossless compression, the compressed image cannot often fit within a predetermined size, and irreversible compression is usually used.
[0012]
However, using lossy compression degrades the compressed image. As a technique for minimizing this image degradation, the predetermined image quality is changed while sequentially changing the compression rate from a low compression rate to a high compression rate (from compression with small image degradation to compression with large image degradation) for a rendered image. Repeat several times until the compressed image fits the size of. By doing so, the image is compressed at the lowest compression rate that fits the predetermined size, and minimal image degradation is sufficient. For example, see JP-A-7-137355.
[0013]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the compression rate of the raster image image depends on the contents of the raster image, and the compression rate may become very poor even with compression that causes the same degree of image degradation.
[0014]
In the case of such a raster image, in order to fit within the predetermined size, compression with large image deterioration must be performed, and the image quality of the compressed image becomes very bad. In many cases, there has been a problem that a printing apparatus including such a compressed image having deteriorated image is not intended by the user.
[0015]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a printing apparatus capable of improving usability by preventing output of a print output not intended by the user. is there.
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The printing apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.
[0017]
According to the present invention, when print data is received and a display list is generated, determination means for determining whether or not the size of the display list exceeds the size of the work memory, and the size of the display list by the determination means When it is determined that the size exceeds the specified size, an image is generated based on the display list, the generated image is compressed with the set compression level, and if the compressed image does not fit in the buffer, the compression level is changed. A registration unit that compresses an image generated with the changed compression degree and registers the compressed image in the display list as a background image when the compressed image fits in the buffer; and a size of the display list by the determination unit Is determined not to exceed the size of the work memory, an image is generated based on the display list. And a rendering means for compressing the generated image with the set compression degree, changing the compression degree when the compressed image does not fit in the buffer, and compressing the generated image with the changed compression degree, and If the compressed degree exceeds the designated compression degree, the image decompressed from the image compressed by the rendering means is not printed, and the changed compression degree does not exceed the designated compression degree. Printing means for printing an image decompressed from the image compressed by the rendering means.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Before describing the configuration of the present embodiment, the configuration of a laser beam printer suitable for applying the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Needless to say, the printer to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to the laser beam printer, but may be a printer (ink jet printer) of another printing method.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an output device to which the present invention can be applied. For example, a laser beam printer (LBP) is shown.
[0020]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1000 denotes an LBP main body (LBP), which is print information (character code, etc.), form information, macro instructions, etc. supplied from an external information source such as a host computer connected to the outside via a network or direct interface Are input and stored, and a corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created according to the information, and an image is formed on a recording sheet or the like as a recording medium.
[0021]
Reference numeral 1012 denotes an operation panel on which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged. Reference numeral 1001 denotes a printer control unit that controls the entire LBP 1000 and analyzes character information supplied from an external network or the like.
[0022]
The printer control unit 1001 mainly converts character information into a video signal having a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1002. The laser driver 1002 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1003, and switches on / off the laser light 1004 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1003 in accordance with the input video signal. The laser beam 1004 is shaken in the left-right direction by the rotary polygon mirror 1005 to scan and expose the electrostatic drum 1006.
[0023]
As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1007. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1007 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1006 and then transferred to a recording sheet.
[0024]
A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1008 mounted on the LBP 1000 and is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1009, a transport roller 1010, and a transport roller 1011. The drum 1006 is supplied.
[0025]
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the printer control system in the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0026]
In the printer control unit 1001 shown in FIG. 2, the MAIN-CPU 1 is a printer CPU, and is connected to the system bus 5 based on a control program stored in the ROM 4 or a control program stored in the external memory 7. Access to the device is comprehensively controlled, and an image signal is output as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 9 connected via the printing unit interface 8.
[0027]
The ROM 4 stores a control program for the MAIN-CPU 1 as shown in flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5 to be described later, and data necessary for control of the LBP 1000. The MAIN-CPU 1 is configured to be able to communicate with an external device such as a host computer connected to the external network 3000 via the I / O 11.
[0028]
Although it is assumed that communication is performed with the host computer via an external network, it goes without saying that communication may be performed by connecting to the host computer via a direct interface (not shown).
[0029]
A RAM 2 functions as a main memory / work area of the MAIN-CPU 1. The RAM 2 is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown).
[0030]
Reference numeral 3 denotes an image output buffer prepared on the RAM 2, in which a raster image and attribute bits created by a hard renderer 20 described later are recorded as a fallback buffer and an output buffer.
[0031]
A memory controller (MC) 6 controls access to the external memory 7 such as a hard disk. A hard renderer 20 has a local memory 21 therein. The hard renderer 20 interprets the display list (DL) transferred to the local memory 21 or the DL on the RAM 2 as it is, and creates an attribute bit corresponding to each pixel of the raster image and the raster image.
[0032]
Each attribute bit generated here is composed of three bit fields, 4 bits in total: 1 bit color bit, 1 bit thin line bit, and 2 bit object type bit.
[0033]
The color bit indicates whether the corresponding pixel is a pixel constituting a color object or a pixel constituting a monochrome object. When this bit is “0”, the color bit is a pixel constituting the color object. When it is “1”, it indicates a pixel constituting a monochrome object.
[0034]
The thin line bit indicates whether or not the corresponding pixel is a pixel constituting a thin line. When this bit is “1”, it indicates that the pixel constitutes a thin line.
[0035]
The object type bit indicates what kind of drawing object the corresponding pixel constitutes. When it is “01”, it is a pixel that constitutes a character object, and when it is “10”, it is a pixel that constitutes a graphics object. Yes, when it is “11”, it is a pixel constituting an image object, and when it is “00”, this pixel indicates that no object is constructed.
[0036]
The irreversible compression unit 22 performs irreversible compression on the raster image and stores it in the image output buffer 3 on the RAM 2. The lossy compression unit according to the present embodiment employs JPEG. JPEG can change the compression rate of an image to be compressed by changing the Q table used at the time of compression. The higher the compression rate, the greater the image degradation.
[0037]
Here, JPEG is used as the irreversible compression, but it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to any irreversible compression method capable of changing the compression rate.
[0038]
The lossless compression unit 23 performs lossless compression on the attribute bits and stores them in the image output buffer 3. Based on the attribute bits generated by the hard renderer 20, the image processing unit 24 processes character image processing, image image processing, graphic image processing, color image processing, and monochrome image processing on raster data. Processing or image processing for fine lines or a combination thereof is performed.
[0039]
In the printer control system configured as described above, an embodiment of the present invention will be described according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4 to 6.
[0040]
The LBP 1000 has, for example, six types of Q tables to be set in JPEG of the lossy compression unit 22 when compressing a raster image generated at the time of rendering described later. Each Q table has identifiers 1 to 6, and these identifiers are called Q table IDs for convenience. Each Q table is set so as to have a higher compression ratio as it has a larger Q table ID. Therefore, as a Q table having a larger Q table ID is used, image degradation increases.
[0041]
Here, the number of Q table types is six, but it goes without saying that this number is not limited. In this embodiment, the compression results using the Q tables from the Q table ID 1 to the Q table ID 5 are at a glance that image degradation is not noticeable, but the Q table of the Q table ID 6 is the compression result of most images. Is designed to be stored in a fallback buffer and an image spool area, which will be described later, and image degradation using this Q table is very large.
[0042]
The system of the present embodiment includes a user interface that allows the user to select whether or not to output an image including a compressed image using the Q table of Q table ID6.
[0043]
FIG. 3 is a view for explaining an example of a compressed image output selection screen for printer use settings displayed on the liquid crystal panel portion of the operation panel 1012 shown in FIG.
[0044]
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a liquid crystal panel (LCD) unit, which is a screen displayed on the LCD 301 provided in the operation panel 1012 when the user operates the operation panel 1012. Reference numeral 302 denotes an output button, and 303 denotes an error display button which can be selected by the user. The currently selected content is shaded (in the example of FIG. 3, the error display button 303 is displayed). Selected).
[0045]
When the output button 302 is selected, an image including a compressed image using the Q table of the Q table ID 6 is output, but when the error display button 303 is selected, the Q table ID 6 is selected. An image including a compressed image using the Q table is not printed out, and an error log indicating that an image using the Q table has been generated is displayed.
[0046]
When the user selects the button 302 to be output and selects the OK button 304, “6” is registered in the variable QMAX on the RAM 2, and when the error display button 303 is selected and the OK button 304 is selected, the variable QMAX is changed to “ 5 "is registered.
[0047]
On the other hand, when the cancel button 305 is selected, even if the output button 302 or the error display button 303 is selected and changed to the previous content, the content is not reflected in the variable QMAX.
[0048]
The above description of the user interface (setting screen) is an example, and the user can perform the same setting from a printer driver program executed on the host computer or a remote user interface program. In this case, whether or not a compressed image can be printed out using the Q table ID 6 is notified via the external network 3000, and the QMAX content is updated.
[0049]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the first data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention. Based on the print control program stored in the ROM 4, the PDL job printing processed by the MAIN-CPU 1 when a PDL job is received. Corresponds to the processing procedure. In addition, S400-S414 shows each step.
[0050]
When the LBP 1000 receives a PDL job from the external network 3000 (S401), the process proceeds to step S402, the variable current QID indicating the currently set Q table ID is set to “1”, and the process proceeds to step S403.
[0051]
In step S403, the MAIN-CPU 1 generates (creates) a display list (DL) on the RAM 2 while performing PDL data analysis processing, and then proceeds to step S404. It should be noted that a DL for one page is normally generated when generating a DL in step S403. However, the size of the local memory of the hard renderer 20 and the size of the work table are always inspected. If the DL being generated exceeds the size of the local memory, the work table used when rendering the DL being generated is rendered. Falls over the table size mounted on the hard renderer 20, a fallback is generated, a fallback flag is set, and the process proceeds to step S404.
[0052]
In step S404, the fallback flag is inspected to inspect for the presence of fallback. If it is determined that a fallback has occurred, the process proceeds to step S405.
[0053]
In step S405, the image output buffer in which the compressed image after rendering is stored is set as a fallback buffer, and the process proceeds to the rendering process in step S406. In step S406, the DL generated in step S403 is rendered using the hard renderer 20 to generate a raster image, and then a compressed image is created. Details of the process will be described later.
[0054]
Then, after rendering processing in step S406, the process proceeds to step S407. In step S406, the compressed image stored in the fallback buffer is registered in the DL as a background image, and the process returns to step S403 to analyze the PDL data and generate the DL. Continue.
[0055]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S404 that no fallback has occurred, the process advances to step S408 to set the image output buffer in which the compressed image after rendering is stored in the image spool in which the image for printing is stored. The process proceeds to the rendering process in S409.
[0056]
The rendering process in step S409 is the same as that in step S406 except that the compressed compressed image is stored in the image spool. After the rendering process in step S409, the process proceeds to step S410, in which the variable compression error flag set during the rendering process in step S406 or step S409 is inspected to determine whether there is a compression error, and it is determined that there is a compression error. If it is determined that the image deterioration is higher than the image deterioration set by the user in advance during rendering, the print processing of the PDL job is interrupted and the processing is terminated (S414).
[0057]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S410 that there is no compression error, the process proceeds to step S411, and in step S409, the compressed image stored in the image spool and the compressed attribute bits are transferred to the image processing unit 24, and the compressed image is converted into a raster image. Appropriate image processing is performed in accordance with the attribute bits while decompressing, and the process proceeds to step S412.
[0058]
In step S412, the raster image subjected to the image processing in step S411 is transferred to the printing unit 9 and printed on paper. Then, the process proceeds to step S413, and the processing of all pages of the PDL job received in step S401 is completed. If all pages have been processed, the PDL job printing process is terminated (S414). If it is determined that there is still PDL data to be processed, the process returns to step S402. After initializing the current QID to “1”, PDL data analysis and DL generation processing (DL creation processing) are continued.
[0059]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention. The raster image generated by rendering the DL in steps S406 and S409 shown in FIG. This corresponds to the detailed procedure until the data is stored in the output buffer set in the immediately preceding step. In addition, S500-S511 shows each step.
[0060]
When step S406 or step S409 shown in FIG. 4 described above is executed, this processing is started (S500), and the DL generated on the RAM 2 in step S402 is transferred to the local memory 21 on the hard renderer 20 (S501). In step S502, the Q table ID of the Q table ID set in the variable current QID is set in the lossy compression unit 22.
[0061]
In step S503, after performing various initialization processing such as register setting of the hard renderer 20, a rendering start signal is sent to start rendering of the DL on the local memory 22.
[0062]
In step S504, the hard renderer 20 generates a raster image for 64 scan lines and attribute bits corresponding to the raster image in a buffer on the local memory while analyzing the DL on the local memory 21.
[0063]
Although the raster image for 64 scan lines is generated here, it goes without saying that the number of scan lines is an example, and other scan lines may be used.
[0064]
Next, in step S505, the raster image generated in step S504 is transferred to the lossy compression unit 22, JPEG compression is performed using the Q table set in step S502, and the generated compressed image is converted into the step S405 or step S405. The image is stored in the image output buffer set in S408.
[0065]
In step S505, the attribute bits generated in step S504 are transferred to the lossless compression unit 23 and subjected to lossless compression, and then the compressed attribute bits are stored in the image output buffer.
[0066]
Since it is inspected whether the compressed image and the compressed attribute bit can be always stored in the image output buffer when stored in the image output buffer in step S505, it can be stored in the image output buffer in step S506. If it is determined that the image could be stored in the output buffer, the process proceeds to step S507, and further, the number of scan lines rendered is checked to determine whether rendering for one page has been completed. If it is determined that rendering for one page has been completed, the rendering process ends (S508), and if it is determined that rendering for one page has not ended, the process returns to step S504. Continue with the rest of the rendering.
[0067]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S506 that the compressed image or the compressed attribute bit does not fit in the image output buffer, the process proceeds to step S509, and the value of the variable current QID is incremented.
[0068]
In step S510, the variable current QID is compared with the variable QMAX set by the user to determine whether the value of the variable current QID is less than or equal to the value of the variable QMAX. If it is determined that the value is less than or equal to the value of the current table ID, the process returns to step S502, the Q table of the Q table ID set in the variable current QID is reset in the lossy compression unit 22, and rendering is restarted.
[0069]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S510 that the value of the variable current QID is larger than the value of the variable QMAX, the process proceeds to step S511, the variable compression error flag is set, and then the process returns to step S502.
[0070]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, since pages including an image including a compressed image compressed with a Q table having a Q table ID larger than QMAX set by the user's designation are not output as errors, the user's intention An image with large image deterioration is not output.
[0071]
[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, if it is determined in step S410 shown in FIG. 4 that a compression error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S414, where the PDL processing is interrupted and terminated, but the compression error flag is cleared. It goes without saying that the same effect can be obtained even if the process proceeds to step S413.
[0072]
According to the second embodiment, only pages including an image including a compressed image compressed with a Q table having a Q table ID larger than QMAX set by the user's designation in the PDL job are not output.
[0073]
[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the PDL job print processing procedure when the LBP 1000 receives the PDL job. The same steps as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same step numbers. S610 to S616 indicate each step. Furthermore, steps S400 to S409 shown in FIG. 4 are the same as those in the first embodiment except that the process proceeds to step S610 after the completion of step S409.
[0074]
In step S610, the compressed image stored in the image spool and the compressed attribute bits are stored in the hard disk. In step S611, the compression error flag is checked to determine whether a compression error has occurred. If it is determined that no compression error has occurred, in step S612, the PDL job received in step S402 is checked. It is determined whether or not all pages have been processed. If it is determined that all pages have been processed, the process proceeds to step S613. If there is still PDL data to be processed, the process returns to step S403. Continue PDL data analysis and DL generation processing.
[0075]
In step S613, the compressed image and compressed attribute bits are read page by page from the hard disk, transferred to the image processing unit 24, and subjected to appropriate image processing according to the attribute bits while decompressing the compressed image into a raster image.
[0076]
In step S614, the raster image subjected to the image processing in step S613 is transferred to the printing unit 9 and printed on paper.
[0077]
Next, in step S615, it is determined whether or not the compressed images of all pages stored in the hard disk have been printed. If it is determined that printing of all pages has not been completed, the process returns to step S613 to return to the next page. Continue image processing and printing processing.
[0078]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S615 that all pages have been printed, the PDL job printing process is terminated (S616).
[0079]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S611 that a compression error has occurred, the process advances to step S617, and in step S610, all the compressed images and compressed attribute bits stored in the hard disk are deleted, and the PDL printing process ends. (S616).
[0080]
As described above, according to the third embodiment, a PDL job including an image including a compressed image compressed with a Q table having a Q table ID larger than QMAX set by the user is not output as an error. An image with large image deterioration is not output.
[0081]
[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of a compressed image output selection screen in the printer use setting in the printing apparatus showing the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the screen 301 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the operation unit 1012 instead of the screen 301 shown in FIG. By operating the operation panel 1012 on this screen, the degree of deterioration of the image to be printed out is selected step by step.
[0082]
Reference numeral 703 denotes a slider. The user can freely move the slider 703 within the slider 702 operating area by operating the operation panel 1012, and is registered in the variable QMAX depending on the position of the slider 703 in the slider operating area 702. Value is selected.
[0083]
If the OK button 711 is selected when the center position of the slider 703 is in the range 704, “1” is registered in the variable QMAX, and if the OK button 711 is selected when the center position of the slider 703 is in the range 705, When “2” is registered in the variable QMAX and the center position of the slider 703 is in the range 706, if the OK button 711 is selected, “3” is registered in the variable QMAX and the center position of the slider 703 is in the range 707. When the OK button 711 is selected, “4” is registered in the variable QMAX. When the center position of the slider 703 is in the range 708, when the OK button 711 is selected, “5” is registered in the variable QMAX. When the OK button 711 is selected when the center position of the slider 703 is in the range 709, the variable QMAX "6" is registered. Reference numeral 710 denotes a cancel button.
[0084]
As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the user can select any degree of image deterioration that is not output, and usability can be further improved.
[0085]
The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.
[0086]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
[0087]
Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.
[0088]
Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.
[0089]
The functions shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.
[0090]
As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.
[0091]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0092]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, an EEPROM, or the like is used. it can.
[0093]
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0094]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0095]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.
[0096]
Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will recognize that the spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited to the specific descriptions in the present specification, but the following embodiments. Needless to say, is also included. Hereinafter, Embodiments 1 to 11 will be described.
[0097]
[Embodiment 1]
A printing apparatus for compressing raster image information generated according to input print information and holding the compressed raster image information on an image output buffer on an internal memory, for determining a deterioration state of the raster image information at the time of compression Image degradation threshold designating means for designating a threshold value (designated by, for example, the compressed image output selection screen shown in FIG. 3), and the image degradation state of the compressed raster image information is the threshold value designated by the image degradation threshold designating means. An image deterioration determining means (for example, step S510 in FIG. 5) for determining whether or not the value exceeds the printing apparatus.
[0098]
[Embodiment 2]
Means for not outputting a page including a compressed image of a raster image generated inside the printing apparatus when the image deterioration determining means determines that the image deterioration specified by the image deterioration threshold value specifying means is exceeded (shown in FIG. 4); The printing apparatus according to embodiment 1, further comprising step S410).
[0099]
[Embodiment 3]
Means for not outputting a print job including a page including a compressed image of a raster image generated inside the printing apparatus when the image deterioration determining means determines that the image deterioration specified by the image deterioration threshold value specifying means has been exceeded ( The printing apparatus according to embodiment 1, further comprising step S410) illustrated in FIG.
[0100]
[Embodiment 4]
The image deterioration threshold value specifying means is capable of variably specifying a threshold level for determining the deterioration state of the raster image information at the time of compression (for example, specifying on the compressed image output selection screen shown in FIG. 7). The printing apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3.
[0101]
[Embodiment 5]
A printing apparatus that compresses raster image information generated according to print information input from an information processing apparatus and stores the compressed raster image information in an internal memory. The deterioration state of the raster image information during compression from the information processing apparatus A receiving means (not shown) for receiving a threshold value for determining, and an image deterioration determining means for determining whether the image deterioration state of the compressed raster image information exceeds the threshold value received by the receiving means ( For example, the printing apparatus includes step S510) of FIG.
[0102]
[Embodiment 6]
An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a printer driver, wherein the printing apparatus specifies a threshold value for determining a deterioration state of image information when raster image information generated according to the printing information is compressed An information processing apparatus having a specifying means (not shown).
[0103]
[Embodiment 7]
A method of controlling a printing apparatus that compresses raster image information generated according to input print information and stores the compressed raster image information in an internal memory, and sets a threshold value for determining a deterioration state of the raster image information at the time of compression. An image deterioration threshold specifying step (not shown) to be specified, and an image deterioration determining step for determining whether or not the image deterioration state of the compressed raster image information exceeds the threshold specified by the image deterioration threshold specifying step. (For example, step S510 of FIG. 5) and a control method of a printing apparatus.
[0104]
[Embodiment 8]
When it is determined that the image deterioration determining step exceeds the image deterioration specified by the image deterioration threshold value specifying step, a control step of not outputting a page including a compressed image of a raster image generated inside the printing apparatus (for example, FIG. 4). The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising step S410).
[0105]
[Embodiment 9]
A control step of not outputting a print job including a page including a compressed image of a raster image generated inside the printing apparatus when it is determined that the image deterioration determining step exceeds the image deterioration specified by the image deterioration threshold value specifying step. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising (for example, step S410 in FIG. 4).
[0106]
[Embodiment 10]
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for realizing a control method for a printing apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 7 to 9.
[0107]
[Embodiment 11]
A program that realizes the printing apparatus control method according to any one of the seventh to ninth embodiments.
[0108]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to improve usability by not outputting a print output not intended by the user.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an output device to which the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system in the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a compressed image output selection screen for printer use settings displayed on the liquid crystal panel unit of the operation unit illustrated in FIG. 2; FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a compressed image output selection screen in a printer use setting in the printing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 CPU
2 RAM
3 Output buffer
20 Hard renderer
22 Lossy compression section
23 Lossless compression unit
24 Image processing unit
1000 LBP
1001 Printer control unit
3000 external network

Claims (12)

Determination means for determining whether the size of the display list exceeds the size of the work memory when receiving the print data and generating the display list;
When the determination unit determines that the size of the display list exceeds the size for the work, an image is generated based on the display list, the generated image is compressed with a set compression degree, and the compressed image is buffered. Registration means for changing the compression degree when the image does not fit in the image, compressing the image generated with the changed compression degree, and registering the compressed image as a background image in the display list when the compressed image fits in the buffer When,
When the determination means determines that the size of the display list does not exceed the size of the work memory, an image is generated based on the display list, the generated image is compressed with a set degree of compression, and the compressed image is A rendering means for changing a compression degree when it does not fit in a buffer, and compressing an image generated with the changed compression degree;
When the changed compression degree exceeds the specified compression degree, the image decompressed from the image compressed by the rendering means is not printed, and the changed compression degree does not exceed the specified compression degree Printing means for printing an image decompressed from the image compressed by the rendering means;
A printing apparatus comprising: The printing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a changing unit that changes the designated degree of compression . The registration means sets a compression error flag when the changed compression degree exceeds the specified compression degree,
The rendering means sets a compression error flag when the changed compression degree exceeds the specified compression degree,
The printing means does not print the image decompressed from the image compressed by the rendering means when the compression flag is set, and is compressed by the rendering means when the compression flag is not set. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image decompressed from the image is printed . The printing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the degree of compression includes a JPEG QID . A determination step of determining whether the size of the display list exceeds the size of the work memory when receiving the print data and generating the display list;
When it is determined by the determination step that the size of the display list exceeds the size of the work memory, an image is generated based on the display list, the generated image is compressed with a set compression degree, and the compressed image is Register to change the compression level when it does not fit in the buffer, compress the image generated with the changed compression level, and register the compressed image as a background image in the display list when the compressed image fits in the buffer Steps,
When it is determined in the determination step that the size of the display list does not exceed the size of the work memory, an image is generated based on the display list, the generated image is compressed with a set compression degree, and the compressed image A rendering step that changes the compression level when the image does not fit in the buffer and compresses the image generated with the changed compression level;
When the changed compression degree exceeds the specified compression degree, the image decompressed from the image compressed by the rendering step is not printed, and the changed compression degree does not exceed the specified compression degree. A printing step of printing an image decompressed from the image compressed by the rendering step;
A printing method characterized by comprising: 6. The printing method according to claim 5, further comprising a changing step of changing the designated degree of compression. The registration step, when it exceeds fit compression degree compression degree that has changed is specified, it sets the compression error flag,
The rendering step sets a compression error flag when the changed compression degree exceeds the specified compression degree,
The printing step does not print an image decompressed from the image compressed by the rendering step when the compression flag is set, and is compressed by the rendering step when the compression flag is not set. printing how according to claim 5, wherein the printing the image to be extracted from the image. The degree of compression is printing how according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a JPEG of QID. A determination step of determining whether the size of the display list exceeds the size of the work memory when receiving the print data and generating the display list;
When it is determined by the determination step that the size of the display list exceeds the size of the work memory, an image is generated based on the display list, the generated image is compressed with a set compression degree, and the compressed image is Register to change the compression level when it does not fit in the buffer, compress the image generated with the changed compression level, and register the compressed image as a background image in the display list when the compressed image fits in the buffer Steps,
When it is determined by the determination step that the size of the display list does not exceed the size of the work memory, an image is generated based on the display list, and the generated image is compressed with a set compression degree and compressed. A rendering step that changes the degree of compression if the image does not fit in the buffer and compresses the image generated with the changed degree of compression;
When the changed compression degree exceeds the specified compression degree, the image decompressed from the image compressed by the rendering step is not printed, and the changed compression degree does not exceed the specified compression degree. A printing step of printing an image decompressed from the image compressed by the rendering step;
A program that causes a computer to execute. The program according to claim 9 , further causing the computer to execute a changing step of changing the designated degree of compression . The registration step sets a compression error flag when the changed compression degree exceeds the specified compression degree,
The rendering step sets a compression error flag when the changed compression degree exceeds the specified compression degree,
The printing step does not print an image decompressed from the image compressed by the rendering step when the compression flag is set, and is compressed by the rendering step when the compression flag is not set. 10. The program according to claim 9, wherein an image decompressed from the image is printed. The program according to claim 9, wherein the degree of compression includes a JPEG QID.

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