JP4336470B2 - Drawing control apparatus, drawing control method and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the present invention, an input drawing command is transferred to intermediate data. T Conversion to And the concerned Generate a print image by rendering intermediate data Drawing Image control device And drawing control method and program It is about.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a conventional drawing control apparatus having an intermediate data generation unit that analyzes an input drawing command and converts it into intermediate data, and an image generation unit that generates a print image by drawing the intermediate data, an enlargement / reduction process is performed. Is performed only when either the image data is converted into intermediate data or when the intermediate data is drawn and a print image is generated, and either one of the conditions is not switched.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, a conventional drawing control apparatus having an intermediate data generation unit that analyzes an input drawing command and converts it into intermediate data, and an image generation unit that generates a print image by drawing the intermediate data. Processing is performed only when converting image data into intermediate data, or when rendering intermediate data and generating a print image, and switching according to conditions has not been performed. Since it was impossible to control the processing selection and processing flow suitable for the quality mode, there was a problem that the output result of the data processing speed and the image quality desired by the user might not be obtained.
[0004]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to input an input drawing command. During ~ Convert between data And the concerned Generate a print image by rendering intermediate data Drawing In the image control device, Drawing Maintain the image quality according to the image conditions and prevent the processing speed from decreasing, Expansion Freely construct a drawing processing environment that can efficiently obtain output results that have undergone large processing so is there.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention converts an input drawing command into intermediate data and draws the intermediate data. With the set print quality out of multiple A drawing control apparatus for generating a print image, wherein a first enlargement unit that executes a first enlargement process for enlarging the image data input as the drawing command when the image data is converted into intermediate data, and drawing the intermediate data And a second enlargement unit for executing a second enlargement process for enlarging when generating a print image, and a print process based on the drawing command. Print quality As High quality Is specified, and when the size of the image data obtained from the number of dots of the image data is larger than the first predetermined value, only the first enlargement process by the first enlargement unit is executed, High quality is specified as the print quality set to execute the printing process based on the drawing command, and When the size of the image data obtained from the number of dots of the image data is smaller than the first predetermined value, only the second enlargement process by the second enlargement unit is executed. When the normal quality is designated as the print quality, only the second enlargement process is executed by the second enlargement unit. The image quality obtained by the first enlargement process is higher than the image quality obtained by the second enlargement process, and the processing speed of the second enlargement process is the process of the first enlargement process. Faster than speed The first predetermined value is a size that does not require the first enlargement process. It is characterized by that.
[0073]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the present invention is applied to a laser beam printer (hereinafter abbreviated as LBP) and will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.
[0074]
Before describing the configuration of the present embodiment, the configuration of an LBP to which the present embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0075]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a printer to which a print control apparatus according to the present invention can be applied. For example, this corresponds to a case where the printer engine is a laser beam printer engine.
[0076]
In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes an LBP main body, which responds according to a character print command, various graphic drawing commands, image drawing commands, color designation commands, etc. supplied from an externally connected host computer (host computer 201 shown in FIG. 2). A character pattern, a figure, an image, and the like are created, and an image is formed on a recording sheet as a recording medium.
[0077]
Reference numeral 151 denotes an operation panel on which an operation switch, an LED display for displaying the status of the printer, an LCD display, and the like are arranged. A printer control unit 101 controls the entire LBP 100 and analyzes a character print command supplied from the host computer.
[0078]
The LBP in the present embodiment converts RGB color information into M (magenta) C (cyan) Y (yellow) K (black), and forms and develops them in parallel. Has a development mechanism. The printer control unit 101 generates MCYK print images, converts them into video signals, and outputs the video signals to the MCYK laser drivers.
[0079]
The M (magenta) laser driver 110 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 111, and switches on and off the laser beam 112 emitted from the semiconductor laser 111 in accordance with an input video signal. The laser beam 112 is swung in the left-right direction by the rotary polygon mirror 113 to scan the electrostatic drum 114. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character or figure pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 114. The latent image is developed by a developing unit (toner cartridge) 115 around the electrostatic drum 114 and then transferred to a recording sheet.
[0080]
The C (cyan) laser driver 120 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 121, and switches on and off the laser light 122 emitted from the semiconductor laser 121 in accordance with the input video signal. The laser beam 122 is swung in the left-right direction by the rotary polygon mirror 123 to scan the electrostatic drum 124. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character or figure pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 124. The latent image is developed by a developing unit (toner cartridge) 125 around the electrostatic drum 124 and then transferred to a recording sheet.
[0081]
The Y (yellow) laser driver 130 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 131, and switches on / off the laser beam 132 emitted from the semiconductor laser 131 in accordance with the input video signal. The laser beam 132 is swung in the left-right direction by the rotary polygon mirror 133 to scan the electrostatic drum 134. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character or figure pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 134. This latent image is developed by a developing unit (toner cartridge) 135 around the electrostatic drum 134 and then transferred to a recording sheet.
[0082]
The B (black) laser driver 140 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 141, and switches on and off the laser light 142 emitted from the semiconductor laser 141 in accordance with the input video signal. The laser beam 142 is swung in the left-right direction by the rotary polygon mirror 143 to scan the electrostatic drum 144. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character or figure pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 144. The latent image is developed by a developing unit (toner cartridge) 145 around the electrostatic drum 144 and then transferred to a recording sheet.
[0083]
Note that a cut sheet is used as the recording sheet, and the cut sheet recording sheet is stored in the sheet feeding cassette 102 mounted on the LBP and kept at a constant height by the spring 103. The sheet feeding roller 104 and the conveying rollers 105 and 106 are stored. Are taken into the apparatus, are placed on the sheet conveying belt 107, and pass through each image forming / developing mechanism of MCYK.
[0084]
The MCYK toner (powder ink) transferred to the recording paper by the image formation of each color is then fixed to the recording paper by heat and pressure by the fixing unit 108, and the recording paper is transferred to the LBP main body by the transport roller 109 and the transport roller 150. Output to the top.
[0085]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the printer control unit 101 shown in FIG.
[0086]
In FIG. 2, the printer control unit 101 inputs data 218 composed of characters, graphics, image drawing commands, color information, and the like sent from the host computer 201, which is a generation source of print information, in units of pages. Document information and the like are printed.
[0087]
An input / output interface unit 202 exchanges various information with the host computer 201. An input buffer memory 203 temporarily stores various information input via the input / output interface unit 202.
[0088]
Reference numeral 204 denotes a character pattern generator, which includes a font information section 222 storing attributes such as character width and height and the address of the actual character pattern, a character pattern section 223 storing the character pattern itself, and reading out the font information section 222. Consists of a control program. The read control program is included in the ROM 219 and has a code conversion function for calculating the address of the character pattern corresponding to the character code when the character code is input.
[0089]
Reference numeral 205 denotes a RAM which has a font cache area 207 for storing character patterns output from the character pattern generator 204, and a storage area 206 for storing external character fonts and form information sent from the host computer 201 and the current printing environment. Contains.
[0090]
In this way, by storing the pattern information once developed into a character pattern in the font cache area 207 as a font cache, it is not necessary to decode the same character again and develop the pattern when printing the same character. Deployment to patterns is faster.
[0091]
Reference numeral 208 denotes a CPU for controlling the entire control system of the printer, and the entire apparatus is controlled by a control program of the CPU 208 stored in the ROM 219. An intermediate buffer 209 stores an internal data group generated based on the input data 218.
[0092]
A renderer 210 completes reception of data for one page, converts them into simpler intermediate data, stores them in the intermediate buffer, renders them in units of several lines, and outputs them to the band buffer 211 as a print image. Is output.
[0093]
The renderer 210 can generate a drawing bitmap image of 8 bits / pixel for each color of RGB in units of several lines.
[0094]
The band buffer 211 can store at least 8 lines of RGB drawing bitmap images.
[0095]
The image output to the band buffer 211 is compressed in units of scan lines by the compression unit 212 and stored in the page memory 213.
[0096]
Next, rendering of the intermediate buffer memory for one page is finished, and after the rendering is stored in the page memory 213, the decompression unit 214 reads and decompresses the data in units of several lines.
[0097]
The decompressed data is converted by the color conversion unit 215 from a bitmap image of 8 bits / pixel for each RGB color to a bitmap image of 4 bits / pixel for each YMCK color.
[0098]
Next, it is converted into a video signal by the output interface unit 216 and output to the printer unit 217. A printer unit 217 functions as a print mechanism unit of a page printer that prints image information based on a video signal from the output interface unit 216.
[0099]
As described above, in the LBP according to the present embodiment, MCYK image formation / development is performed in parallel. Therefore, the output interface unit 216 includes the M output interface unit, the C output interface unit, the Y output interface unit, and the K output interface unit. Each interface unit independently obtains dot data from the color conversion unit 215, converts it into a video signal, and outputs the video signal to the laser drivers 110, 120, 130, and 140 of each plane.
[0100]
Reference numeral 220 denotes a non-volatile memory composed of a general EEPROM or the like, and is hereinafter referred to as NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM). The NVRAM 220 stores panel setting values designated on the operation panel 151 and the like. Data 221 is transmitted from the LBP to the host computer 201.
[0101]
The ROM 219 includes analysis of data input from the host computer 201, generation of intermediate data, a control program for the page memory 213, a color conversion table from the RGB color space to the MCYK color space, and the like.
[0102]
In this embodiment, a color laser printer is described as an example of a printing apparatus. However, a color printer such as a color inkjet printer or a color thermal transfer printer may be used.
[0103]
The renderer 210 generates a rendering bitmap image of 8 bits / pixel for each color of RGB, but it may be YMCK or gray. Further, the bit / pixel of each color may be any value. In this case, the band buffer 211, the compression unit 212, the page memory 213, and the decompression unit 214 only need to correspond to the color space and bits / pixel generated by the renderer 210.
[0104]
Further, the decompressed data may be any data as long as the color conversion unit 215 converts the data generated by the renderer 210 into a color space and bits / pixels corresponding to the output interface unit 216.
[0105]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of intermediate data stored in the intermediate buffer 209 shown in FIG.
[0106]
3A shows a desired print result POUT, which is output from the printer unit 217 based on the intermediate data shown in FIG. 3B read from the intermediate data storage unit (intermediate buffer) 209. Corresponds to this example.
[0107]
First, it is determined whether the input command is a character command, a graphic command, or an image command, and the intermediate data stored in the intermediate data storage unit 209 has respective flags as shown in FIG.
[0108]
Specifically, the object 1 includes attributes: characters, printing positions (x, y), font names, sizes, character codes, and colors, and the objects 2 include attributes: graphics, printing positions (x, y), shapes (circles). ), Radius, and color, and object 3 includes attributes: image, print position (x, y), image width, height, enlargement ratio, and pointer to the entity of the image.
[0109]
Thus, the intermediate data includes information on the shape, color, and print position of each drawing object.
[0110]
When the intermediate data is rendered by the renderer 210, a result equivalent to the desired print result POUT is obtained as shown in FIG.
[0111]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the flow of image data processing in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
[0112]
In FIG. 4, reference numeral 401 denotes an image analysis unit, and the CPU 208 analyzes an image command input from the input interface unit 202. Reference numeral 402 denotes a first enlargement / reduction unit, which performs enlargement / reduction at a predetermined enlargement rate or reduction rate according to conditions in the CPU 208. Further, enlargement / reduction is performed by the method of enlargement / reduction processing selected according to the conditions.
[0113]
403 is intermediate data, and an image and accompanying information are stored in the intermediate buffer 209. Reference numeral 404 denotes a second enlargement / reduction unit, and the renderer 210 performs enlargement / reduction at a predetermined enlargement rate or reduction rate according to a specific drawing condition. Further, enlargement / reduction is performed by an enlargement / reduction processing method selected according to the drawing conditions. A raster memory 405 stores the drawn image in the band buffer 210. Reference numeral 406 denotes an enlargement / reduction processing unit, which is a processing function executed by the CPU shown in FIG. 2, and specifically executes enlargement / reduction switching control according to the procedure shown in FIGS.
[0114]
Note that the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 performs specific enlargement / reduction switching control based on the drawing condition according to the input drawing command.
[0115]
Specifically, a print control apparatus and drawing control including an intermediate data generating unit that analyzes an input drawing command and converts it into intermediate data, and an image generating unit that generates a print image by drawing the intermediate data In the device
A first enlargement / reduction unit 402 that performs enlargement or reduction when converting image data into intermediate data 403, and a second enlargement / reduction unit 404 that performs enlargement or reduction when drawing intermediate data 403 and generating a print image. And an enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 that determines the enlargement / reduction rate of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the enlargement / reduction rate of the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 according to conditions, and is suitable for the drawing conditions. The first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 can distribute the enlargement rate or reduction rate.
[0116]
At that time, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 determines the enlargement rate or reduction rate of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the enlargement rate or reduction rate of the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 according to the size of the input image data. By doing so, the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 can distribute an enlargement rate or reduction rate suitable for the size of the input image data.
[0117]
The enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 also determines the enlargement rate or reduction rate of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the enlargement rate or reduction rate of the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 according to the relationship between the resolution of the input image and the resolution of the print image. By determining the reduction rate, the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 can allocate an enlargement rate or reduction rate suitable for the relationship between the resolution of the input image and the resolution of the print image. become.
[0118]
Further, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 determines the enlargement rate or reduction rate of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 according to the relationship between the bit depth per pixel of the input image and the bit depth per pixel of the print image, By determining the enlargement rate or reduction rate of the second enlargement / reduction unit 404, an enlargement rate suitable for the relationship between the bit depth per pixel of the input image and the bit depth per pixel of the printed image, or The reduction ratio can be distributed between the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404.
[0119]
Furthermore, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 determines the enlargement rate or reduction rate of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the enlargement rate or reduction rate of the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 according to the setting of the output quality mode of the input image data. Thus, the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 can allocate an enlargement rate or reduction rate suitable for setting the output quality mode of the input image data.
[0120]
Furthermore, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 determines the enlargement rate or reduction rate of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 according to whether or not the input image data is in a reusable format. By determining the enlargement rate or the reduction rate, the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction rate can select an enlargement rate or reduction rate suitable for whether or not the input image data is in a reusable format. This can be distributed by the unit 404.
[0121]
The enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 also determines the enlargement rate or reduction rate of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the enlargement rate or reduction rate of the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 according to the memory capacity of the RAM 205 or the like mounted on the device. Thus, the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 can distribute an enlargement rate or reduction rate suitable for the memory capacity mounted on the device.
[0122]
Furthermore, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 determines the enlargement rate or reduction rate of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the enlargement rate or reduction rate of the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 according to the type of PDL of the input drawing command. By determining, the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 can distribute an enlargement rate or reduction rate suitable for the type of PDL of the input drawing command.
[0123]
In addition, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 includes the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 according to the presence / absence of the enlargement / reduction accelerator, By determining the enlargement rate or reduction rate of the enlargement / reduction unit 404, the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the enlargement / reduction rate suitable for the presence / absence of the enlargement / reduction accelerator of the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 are determined. Distribution can be made by one enlargement / reduction unit 402 and second enlargement / reduction unit 404.
[0124]
Further, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 includes the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 according to the enlargement / reduction processing speed of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 402. By determining the enlargement rate or reduction rate of the enlargement / reduction unit 404, the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the enlargement / reduction rate suitable for the speed of the enlargement / reduction process of the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 are determined. Distribution can be made by one enlargement / reduction unit 402 and second enlargement / reduction unit 404.
[0125]
Further, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 includes the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the enlargement / reduction rate of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 according to the quality of the enlargement / reduction process result of the second enlargement / reduction unit 404, and the first By determining the enlargement rate or reduction rate of the second enlargement / reduction unit 404, the enlargement rate or reduction rate suitable for the quality of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the enlargement / reduction processing result of the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 is determined. Can be distributed by the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404.
[0126]
Further, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 determines the enlargement ratio or reduction rate of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 according to the type of the content of the image data including the input characters, graphics, and natural images. By determining the enlargement ratio or reduction ratio of the first enlargement / reduction section 402 and the second enlargement ratio, the enlargement ratio or reduction ratio suitable for the content type of the image data including the input characters, figures, and natural images is determined. Distribution is possible in the enlargement / reduction unit 404.
[0127]
In addition, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 performs the enlargement or reduction rate of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement according to a switching instruction attached to the input image data or a user designation such as a user interface of the device. By determining the enlargement ratio or reduction ratio of the reduction unit 404, the first enlargement / reduction is performed with an enlargement ratio or reduction ratio suitable for user designation such as a switching instruction attached to the input image data or a user interface of the device. Distribution is possible between the unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404.
[0128]
Furthermore, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 enlarges the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 according to whether the generated print image is stored in the memory for one page or the generated print image is output in synchronization with the printer engine. By determining the rate or reduction rate and the enlargement rate or reduction rate of the second enlargement / reduction unit 404, the generated print image is stored in the memory for one page, or the generated print image is stored in the printer engine. The first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 can distribute an enlargement rate or reduction rate suitable for output in synchronization.
[0129]
Further, in a drawing control apparatus having an intermediate data generation unit that analyzes an input drawing command and converts it into intermediate data, and an image generation unit that generates a print image by drawing the intermediate data, an image is used as a drawing command. When data is input, a first enlargement / reduction unit 402 that performs enlargement or reduction when converting image data into intermediate data, and a second that performs enlargement or reduction when drawing intermediate data and generating a print image Of the enlargement / reduction unit 404, the function of setting one of the enlargement / reduction processes of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 from among a plurality of enlargement / reduction processes, and the enlargement / reduction process of the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 A function process that sets one of a plurality of enlargement / reduction processes, a process that is set by the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 according to a drawing condition, and a second enlargement / reduction unit 404 And an enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 that performs a function process for switching the processing to be determined. Therefore, the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 perform the enlargement process or the reduction process suitable for the conditions. Can be set with.
[0130]
At this time, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 that executes the enlargement / reduction processing switching function processing sets the processing set by the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 according to the size of the input image data. By switching the processing, the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 can set enlargement processing or reduction processing suitable for the size of the input image data.
[0131]
Further, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 that executes the enlargement / reduction processing switching function process performs the processing set by the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement according to the relationship between the resolution of the input image and the resolution of the print image. The first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 perform the enlargement process or reduction process suitable for the relationship between the resolution of the input image and the resolution of the print image by switching the process set by the reduction unit 404. Can be set with.
[0132]
Furthermore, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 that executes the enlargement / reduction processing switching function processing is configured to display the first enlargement / reduction unit according to the relationship between the bit depth per pixel of the input image and the bit depth per pixel of the print image. By switching between the processing set in 402 and the processing set in the second enlargement / reduction unit 404, enlargement suitable for the relationship between the bit depth per pixel of the input image and the bit depth per pixel of the print image Processing or reduction processing can be set by the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404.
[0133]
Further, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 that executes the enlargement / reduction processing switching function process performs processing set by the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 according to the setting of the output quality mode of the input image data. By switching the processing to be set in step 1, the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 can set enlargement processing or reduction processing suitable for setting the output quality mode of the input image data.
[0134]
Further, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 that executes the enlargement / reduction processing switching function process performs the processing set by the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second according to whether or not the input image data is in a reusable format. By switching the processing set by the enlargement / reduction unit 404, the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction processing suitable for whether or not the input image data has a reusable format are performed. This can be set by the enlargement / reduction unit 404.
[0135]
In addition, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 that executes the enlargement / reduction processing switching function process performs processing set by the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 according to the memory capacity of the RAM 205 or the like installed in the device. By switching the processing to be set, the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 can set enlargement processing or reduction processing suitable for the memory capacity mounted on the device.
[0136]
Further, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 that executes the enlargement / reduction processing switching function processing is set by the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 according to the type of PDL of the input drawing command. By switching the processing to be performed, the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 can set enlargement processing or reduction processing suitable for the type of PDL of the input drawing command.
[0137]
Further, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 that executes the enlargement / reduction processing switching function processing is performed by the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 according to the presence / absence of the enlargement / reduction accelerator of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404. By switching between setting processing and processing set by the second enlargement / reduction unit 404, enlargement processing or reduction processing suitable for the presence or absence of the enlargement / reduction accelerator of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 Can be set by the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404.
[0138]
Furthermore, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 that executes the enlargement / reduction processing switching function processing is performed by the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 according to the speed of the enlargement / reduction processing of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404. By switching between setting processing and processing set by the second enlargement / reduction unit 404, enlargement processing or reduction processing suitable for the speed of enlargement / reduction processing of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 Can be set by the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404.
[0139]
Further, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 that executes the enlargement / reduction processing switching function process, the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 according to the quality of the enlargement / reduction processing result of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404. By switching between the processing set in step 1 and the processing set in the second enlargement / reduction unit 404, the enlargement process suitable for the quality of the enlargement / reduction processing result of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 or Reduction processing can be set by the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404.
[0140]
Further, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 that executes the enlargement / reduction processing switching function processing is a process that is set by the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 in accordance with the type of image data content such as characters / graphics / natural images of the input image data. And the first enlargement / reduction process suitable for the type of content of the image data such as characters, graphics, and natural images of the input image data by switching the processing set by the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 Setting can be made by the unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404.
[0141]
The enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 that executes the enlargement / reduction processing switching function processing is set by the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 in accordance with a switching instruction attached to the input image data or a user designation such as a user interface of the device. By switching between the process and the process set by the second enlargement / reduction unit 404, the first enlargement process or reduction process suitable for user designation such as a switching instruction attached to the input image data or a user interface of the device is performed. Setting can be made by the enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404.
[0142]
Further, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 that executes the enlargement / reduction processing switching function processing stores the generated print image in the memory for one page or outputs the generated print image in synchronization with the printer engine. By switching between the process set by the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the process set by the second enlargement / reduction unit 404, the generated print image is stored in the memory for one page, or the generated print image is stored in the printer. The first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 can set enlargement processing or reduction processing suitable for output in synchronization with the engine.
[0143]
In addition, when image data is input as a drawing command, a first enlargement / reduction unit 402 that performs enlargement or reduction when converting the image data into intermediate data, and enlargement when drawing intermediate data and generating a print image Alternatively, a second enlargement / reduction unit 404 that performs reduction, a function process that calculates an image magnification from the resolution of the input image and the resolution of the print image, and the first enlargement / reduction if the magnification is a reduction / magnification A reduction process for reducing the image to the same magnification is set in the unit 402, a non-magnification process for copying only is set in the second enlargement / reduction unit 404, and the first enlargement / reduction is performed if the magnification is an enlargement / reduction. An enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 for performing a function process for setting an invariable magnification process for performing only copying in the unit 402 and setting an enlargement process for performing enlargement to the same magnification in the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 is provided According rate, optimal scaling process flow is available for selection.
[0144]
Further, when image data is input as a drawing command, a first enlargement / reduction unit 402 that performs high-quality enlargement or reduction when converting the image data into intermediate data, and draws the intermediate data to generate a print image. A second enlargement / reduction unit 404 that enlarges or reduces the image quality to normal quality, a function process for determining whether the output quality mode setting of the input image data is a high quality setting, and the quality designation by the determination If normal quality is designated, enlargement / reduction is performed using the second enlargement / reduction unit 404. If the quality designation is high quality, enlargement / reduction is performed using the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 to perform function processing. By providing the processing unit 406, the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 can distribute the enlargement rate or reduction rate suitable for the conditions, and the enlargement suitable for the drawing conditions. The physical or reduction processing in the first scaling section 402 will be set in the second scaling section 404.
[0145]
At this time, if the quality designation is the normal quality designation, the enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 that performs the function processing for performing the enlargement / reduction performs enlargement / reduction using the second enlargement / reduction unit 404, and the quality designation designates the high quality designation. In this case, the image magnification is calculated from the resolution of the input image and the resolution of the print image, and if the magnification is larger than a certain value A, the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 enlarges to the same magnification. Is set, the second enlargement / reduction unit 402 is set to a non-magnification process for performing only copying, and if the enlargement / reduction rate is smaller than a certain value A, the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 is set. Is set to the first enlargement ratio or the reduction ratio suitable for the drawing condition by setting an invariable magnification process for performing only copying and setting an enlargement process for enlarging to the same magnification in the second enlargement / reduction unit 404. Reduction unit 402 and second enlargement It enables apportioned small part 404, the enlargement processing or reduction processing suitable for drawing condition and the first scaling section 402 will be set in the second scaling section 404.
[0146]
In addition, if the quality designation is normal quality designation, the scaling processing unit 406 that performs the function processing for performing the above-described scaling performs enlargement / reduction using the second enlargement / reduction unit 404, and when the quality designation is high quality designation, The image magnification is calculated from the resolution of the input image and the resolution of the print image. If the magnification is larger than a certain value A, the first enlargement / reduction unit 404 enlarges the magnification to the magnification B. The enlargement process to be performed is set, and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 is set to an enlargement process for enlarging up to the same magnification with the remaining enlargement ratio C. An enlargement / reduction ratio suitable for the drawing conditions is set by setting an invariable enlargement / reduction process for performing only copying in the enlargement / reduction unit 402 and setting an enlargement process for enlargement to the same magnification in the second enlargement / reduction part 404. The first enlargement / reduction unit 40 When enabled apportioned second scaling hand portion 404, the enlargement processing or reduction processing suitable conditions a first scaling unit 402 can be set in the second scaling hand portion 404.
[0147]
Further, when image data is input as a drawing command, a first enlargement / reduction unit 402 that performs enlargement or reduction when converting the image data into intermediate data, and enlargement when drawing the intermediate data and generating a print image Or a second enlargement / reduction unit 404 that performs reduction, and a first scaling setting function process that sets one of a plurality of enlargement / reduction processes as the type of enlargement / reduction process of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402; Second scaling setting function processing for setting one of a plurality of scaling processings as the type of scaling processing of the second scaling unit 404, and first and second scaling setting functions depending on drawing conditions An enlargement / reduction processing unit 406 that performs a function process for switching the process set by the process is provided, and when the enlargement / reduction process is switched, input is performed according to the type of content of image data including input characters, figures, and natural images. If the type of the image is text or graphic, an enlargement / reduction process that saves the edge is used as the enlargement / reduction process. If the input image type is an image, an enlargement / reduction process that saves the gradation is used as the enlargement / reduction process. By switching the enlargement / reduction processing to be performed, the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 can distribute an enlargement rate or reduction rate suitable for the drawing condition, and enlargement processing or reduction suitable for the drawing condition Processing can be set by the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404.
[0148]
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining image calculation processing in the print control apparatus according to the present invention, and is an example of reduction processing, for example.
[0149]
In FIG. 5, (a) is an image before reduction, and when this is reduced to ½, a reduced image (b) is obtained. Here, three types of methods are described and compared.
[0150]
Simple sampling method (M1)
The original image is sub-sampled by one pixel and one line interval to obtain an image of 1/4 in area. In the example of FIG. 5, A = a, B = c, C = i, and D = k.
[0151]
Averaging method (M2)
A reduced image is obtained by replacing four adjacent pixels with one pixel of the average value. In the example of FIG.
A = (a + b + e + f) / 4, B = (c + d + g + h) / 4.
[0152]
Sub-sampling after filtering (M3)
In order to suppress moire noise generated by sub-sampling, smoothing filtering processing is performed by the smoothing filter (c) shown in FIG. 5 before sampling. Thereafter, sampling is performed in the same manner as in (M1) to obtain a reduced image.
[0153]
In terms of processing speed, (M1)>(M2)> (M3), indicating that M1 is faster than M2.
[0154]
On the other hand, the image quality is (M1) <(M2) <(M3), which indicates that M2 has higher image quality than M1.
[0155]
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining image calculation processing in the print control apparatus according to the present invention, for example, an example of enlargement processing.
[0156]
In FIG. 6, (a) is an image before enlargement, and when this is enlarged twice, an enlarged image (b) is obtained. Here, two types of methods are described and compared.
[0157]
Here, two methods of simple enlargement (nearest neighbor method) and linear interpolation method will be described as an example of double enlargement.
[0158]
Simple enlargement (Nearest Neighbor Method (M4))
The original image is repeated with one pixel and one line interval, and an image four times larger in area is obtained. In the example of FIG. 6, a = b = e = f = A and c = d = g = h = B.
[0159]
Linear interpolation method (M5)
The pixels before enlargement are arranged at intervals of one line per pixel, and the pixels between them are obtained as an average value.
[0160]
In the example of FIG. 6, a = A, c = B, i = C, k = D, b = (A + B) / 2, j = (C + D) / 2, e = (A + C) / 2, g = (B + D ) / 2, f = (A + B + C + D) / 4.
[0161]
In terms of processing speed, (M4)> (M5), indicating that M4 is faster than M5.
[0162]
On the other hand, in terms of image quality, (M4) <(M5), and M5 has a characteristic that it shows higher image quality than M4.
[0163]
7 and 8 are flowcharts showing an example of the first data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention, and correspond to the image data processing procedure by the CPU 208 of the printer control unit 101. FIG. Note that S701 to S717 indicate steps, and a control program corresponding to the steps is stored in the ROM 219 shown in FIG.
[0164]
First, when the CPU 208 receives image data, the process proceeds to step S701, where the printing device quality mode (normal quality, high quality, ultra high quality) designated via the data 218 from the panel or host computer 201 and stored in the NVRAM 220 is entered. ), And if it is determined that the quality is normal, step S7 12 If it is determined that the other mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S702.
[0165]
In step S702, it is determined whether the quality mode of the printing apparatus stored in the NVRAM 220 is the super high quality mode again. If it is determined that the quality mode is the super high quality mode, the process proceeds to step S708. If it is determined that the mode is the quality mode, the process proceeds to step S703.
[0166]
In step S703, if the size of the input image data determines whether the width or height of the image is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value N, and if it is determined that the width or height of the image is smaller than the predetermined value N, Proceeding to step S712, if it is determined that the width or height of the image is greater than the predetermined value N, the process proceeds to step S704. This means that a too small image such as a 1 × 1 pixel image is judged as not requiring high-quality scaling.
[0167]
In step S704, a scaling factor for printing the input image on the final raster is calculated from the resolution of the input image and the resolution of the print image, and it is determined whether the scaling factor is smaller than a predetermined value M. If it is determined that it is smaller than the predetermined value M, the process proceeds to step S712, and if it is determined that the scaling factor is larger than the predetermined value M, the process proceeds to step S705.
[0168]
In step S705, a scaling factor for printing the input image on the final raster is calculated from the resolution of the input image and the resolution of the print image, and it is determined whether the scaling factor is smaller than a predetermined value L. If it is determined that the value is smaller than the predetermined value L, the process proceeds to step S710. If it is determined that the value is larger than the predetermined value L, the process proceeds to step S706.
[0169]
In step S706, the scaling factor and scaling method of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 before creating the intermediate data shown in FIG. 4 are set. Here, the scaling factor is set to “½” of the enlargement ratio calculated in step S704, and the scaling method is set to “high quality”.
[0170]
In step S707, the scaling factor and scaling method of the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 after creating the intermediate data shown in FIG. 4 are set. Here, the scaling factor is set to “½” of the enlargement ratio calculated in step S704, and the scaling method is set to “normal quality”.
[0171]
On the other hand, in step S710, the scaling factor and scaling method of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 before creating the intermediate data shown in FIG. 4 are set. Here, the scaling factor is the magnification calculated in step S704, and the scaling method is “high quality”.
[0172]
In step S711, the scaling factor and scaling method of the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 after creation of the intermediate data in FIG. 4 are set. Here, the scaling factor is “same size”, and the scaling method is “normal quality”.
[0173]
Here, for example, when the resolution of the final raster is “300”, “600”, and “1200” dpi, the values of M and L are set as follows.
[0174]
Final raster resolution 300 DPI, M = 1, L = 2 / final raster resolution 600 DPI, M = 2, L = 4 / final raster resolution 1200 DPI, M = 4, L = 8.
[0175]
Taking the case of the final raster resolution “600” DPI as an example, if the enlargement ratio is smaller than twice, drawing with “normal quality” is considered that high-quality enlargement is unnecessary, and the enlargement ratio is larger than twice. If it is smaller than 4 times, it is necessary to increase the quality of the image, and it will be expanded with “high quality”. If the expansion rate is larger than 4 times, if all the images are expanded with “high quality”, the speed will be slow. The expansion is divided into two stages, showing that the first half of the expansion is of high quality and the latter half of the expansion is of normal quality.
[0176]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S702 that it is “super high quality”, in step S708, the scaling factor and scaling method of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 before creating intermediate data in FIG. 4 are set. Here, the scaling factor is calculated from the resolution of the input image and the resolution of the print image, the scaling factor for printing the input image on the final raster is set, and the scaling value is set. Set.
[0177]
In step S709, the scaling factor and scaling method of the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 before creating intermediate data in FIG. 4 are set. Here, the scaling factor is set to the same magnification, and the scaling method is the normal quality.
[0178]
On the other hand, in step S712, a scaling factor for printing the input image on the final raster is calculated from the resolution of the input image and the resolution of the print image, and it is determined whether or not the scaling factor is smaller than a predetermined value K. If so, the process proceeds to step S715; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S713.
[0179]
Here, K is set to 1 time. That is, if it is reduced, it is reduced before creating the intermediate code, and if it is enlarged, it is enlarged after creating the intermediate code. As a result, the data amount of the intermediate code can be minimized.
[0180]
In step S713, a scaling factor and a scaling method of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 before creating the intermediate data in FIG. 4 are set. Here, the scaling factor is set to “same size”, and the scaling method is set to “normal quality”.
[0181]
In step S714, a scaling factor and a scaling method of the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 after creating the intermediate data in FIG. 4 are set. Here, the scaling factor is set to the enlargement ratio calculated in step S712, and the scaling method is set to “normal quality”.
[0182]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S712 that the scaling factor is greater than the predetermined value K, in step S715, the scaling factor and scaling method of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 before creating intermediate data in FIG. 4 are set. Here, the scaling factor is the reduction rate calculated in step S712, and the scaling method is “normal quality”. In step S716, a scaling factor and a scaling method of the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 after creating the intermediate data in FIG. 4 are set. Here, the scaling factor is set to “same size”, and the scaling method is set to “normal quality”. In step S717, the process is continued.
[0183]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the image data processing procedure by the CPU 208 of the printer control unit 101. S1101 to S1107 indicate each step, and a control program corresponding to the step is stored in the ROM 219 shown in FIG.
[0184]
Step S1101 is processing after step S717 in FIG. 7, and the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 enlarges or reduces the image data according to the already set enlargement / reduction ratio.
[0185]
In step S 1102, the image is converted into intermediate data shown in FIG. 3 and stored in the intermediate buffer 209.
[0186]
In step S1103, it is determined whether data input from the host computer 201 has been processed for one page.
[0187]
If one page has not been processed, the process returns to step S701 to analyze the next command.
[0188]
If one page has been processed, the process proceeds to step S1104.
[0189]
In step S1104, the renderer 210 reads the data in the intermediate buffer 209.
[0190]
In step S1105, the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 enlarges or reduces the image data according to the already set enlargement / reduction ratio.
[0191]
In step S1106, data is drawn in the band buffer 211.
[0192]
In step S1107, it is determined whether intermediate data for one page has been processed from the intermediate buffer 209 or not.
[0193]
If one page has not been processed, the process returns to step S1104 to analyze the next intermediate data.
[0194]
If one page has been processed, the process ends.
[0195]
[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the processing branch is performed according to the quality mode. However, when the image is accompanied by information specifying image contents such as characters, figures, and natural images as an image command, the processing is branched according to the information. Also good.
[0196]
[Third Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, the information specifying the image content is attached as the image command. However, the image content may be searched for and the image content determined in the printer.
[0197]
[Fourth Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the scaling method is set to the ultra-high quality method in step S708. However, if the image is accompanied by information specifying the image content such as characters, graphics, and natural images as an image command, those In accordance with the information, a method for retaining an edge may be selected for a character or graphic, and a method for retaining a gradation may be selected for a natural image.
[0198]
[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. Note that S718 to S726 indicate each step.
[0199]
First, in step S718, the type of PDL is determined to determine whether the type of PDL is PDL1, and if it is determined that the type of PDL is PDL1, the process proceeds to step S712, and otherwise. If so, the process proceeds to step S719. This means that PDL that does not require high quality gives priority to speed.
[0200]
In step S719, it is determined whether or not the page memory 213 is provided after the renderer 210. If it is determined that the page memory 213 is not provided, the process proceeds to step S720. If it is determined that the page memory 213 is provided, the process proceeds to step S725. .
[0201]
This indicates that when the page memory 213 is not provided, rendering needs to be performed in synchronization with the video signal of the printer engine, and the processing time allocated for rendering is limited.
[0202]
In step S725, a scaling factor and a scaling method are set in the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 before intermediate data creation in FIG. Here, the scaling factor is set to “same size”, and the scaling method is set to “normal quality”.
[0203]
Next, in step S726, a scaling factor and a scaling method are set in the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 after creating the intermediate data in FIG. Here, the scaling factor is set to the value that calculates the scaling factor when printing the input image on the final raster from the resolution of the input image and the resolution of the print image, the scaling method is set to `` super high quality '', The process proceeds to step S717.
[0204]
This indicates that when the page memory is provided, a sufficient time can be allocated for rendering, so that the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 can set a slow process.
[0205]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (719) that the page memory 213 is not provided after the renderer 210, the quality and speed of the enlargement / reduction process are determined in step (720), and the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 is determined. In order to assign appropriate processing to the second enlargement / reduction unit 404, the speed and quality are determined, and the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 and the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 are respectively changed in magnification and magnification in steps S721 to S724. The scaling method is assigned and set, and the process returns to step S717.
[0206]
Specifically, if quality priority is given in step S720, the process proceeds to step S721. In step S721, the scaling factor C of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402 is changed from the resolution of the input image and the resolution of the print image. A value obtained by calculating a scaling factor for printing on the final raster is set, and a scaling method C is set to “super high quality”. In step S722, the scaling factor D of the second enlargement / reduction unit 404 is set to the same magnification, and the scaling method D is set to “normal quality”. Next, in step S723, when speed quality is prioritized, the process proceeds to step S721 and the following processing is performed.
[0207]
That is, the magnification X when the input image is printed on the final raster is calculated from the magnification of the input image and the resolution of the print image.
[0208]
Next, from the time T assigned to the drawing process, a scaling process of the highest quality that can satisfy the time with the scaling ratio X is selected and assigned to the second enlargement / reduction unit 404. B = X. The scaling factor is A = same magnification.
[0209]
If there is no scaling process that can satisfy the time with the scaling ratio X, the scaling ratio is changed to a scaling ratio Y that can be printed at a higher speed, and the scaling process of the highest quality that can satisfy the time with the scaling ratio Y. Is selected and assigned as the second enlargement / reduction unit 404. The scaling factor is B = Y.
[0210]
Further, the variable magnification Z = X / Y is set as the variable magnification A = Z of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402. For the scaling method of the first enlargement / reduction unit 402, it is possible to select an appropriate scaling factor.
[0211]
Further, if the variable magnification Y does not satisfy the time T allocated to the drawing process, the above process may be repeated.
[0212]
In this way, the variable magnification A and the variable magnification B are determined.
[0213]
[Sixth Embodiment]
In the fifth embodiment, the determination is made based on the speed and quality in step S720 shown in FIG. 10, but it may be branched depending on the capacity of the intermediate buffer 209.
[0214]
In this case, if the number of intermediate buffers 209 is small, the process proceeds to step S723, and if the number of memories is large, the process proceeds to step S721.
[0215]
Taking enlargement as an example, in step S721, high-quality enlargement is performed with the calculated enlargement rate, in step S722 it is the same magnification, in step S723, it is the same magnification, and in step S724, high-quality enlargement is performed with the calculated enlargement rate. It is recommended.
[0216]
[Seventh Embodiment]
In the fifth embodiment, the determination is made based on the speed and quality in step S720. However, the process may be branched depending on whether the input image is reusable.
[0217]
In this case, if reusable, the process proceeds to step S721, and if not possible, the process proceeds to step S723.
[0218]
Taking the enlargement process as an example, high-quality enlargement is set at the calculated enlargement ratio in step S721, equal magnification is set in step S722, equal magnification in step S723, and enlargement ratio calculated in step S724. It is recommended to increase the quality of the product.
[0219]
As a result, when the intermediate data is reused, there is an advantage that the time for performing the enlargement process again can be saved even if the intermediate data capacity increases.
[0220]
The configuration of a data processing program that can be read out by a printing system to which the printing control apparatus according to the present invention can be applied will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.
[0221]
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which the printing control apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.
[0222]
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.
[0223]
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.
[0224]
The functions shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 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.
[0225]
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.
[0226]
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.
[0227]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, etc. Can be used.
[0228]
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.
[0229]
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.
[0230]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, an input drawing command can be input. During ~ Convert between data And the concerned Generate a print image by rendering intermediate data Drawing In the image control device, Drawing Freely construct a drawing processing environment that can maintain the image quality according to the image conditions and prevent the processing speed from decreasing, and efficiently obtain the output result that has been subjected to the reduction / enlargement processing at the quality desired by the user. There is an effect that can be.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printer to which a print control apparatus according to the invention can be applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer control unit shown in FIG.
3 is a diagram illustrating an example of intermediate data stored in the intermediate buffer illustrated in FIG. 2; FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a flow of image data processing in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating image calculation processing in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating image calculation processing in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which the printing control apparatus according to the invention can be applied.
[Explanation of symbols]
201 Host computer
202 Input / output interface with host computer
203 Input buffer
204 Character pattern generator
205 RAM
208 CPU
210 Renderer
211 band buffer
212 Compression unit
213 page memory
214 Extension
215 color converter
216 Output interface part
217 Printing mechanism
218 Input data
219 ROM
220 NVRAM
221 data
222 Font information section
223 Character pattern part

Claims (7)

A drawing control apparatus that converts an input drawing command into intermediate data and draws the intermediate data to generate a print image with a set print quality among a plurality of settings,
First enlarging means for executing a first enlarging process for enlarging when the image data input as the drawing command is converted into intermediate data;
A second enlarging means for executing a second enlarging process for enlarging when the intermediate data is drawn and a print image is generated;
High quality is designated as the print quality set for executing the printing process based on the drawing command, and the size of the image data obtained from the number of dots of the image data is larger than the first predetermined value. If it is larger, only the first enlargement process by the first enlargement means is executed,
High quality is designated as the print quality set to execute the printing process based on the drawing command, and the size of the image data obtained from the number of dots of the image data is greater than the first predetermined value. Is smaller, only the second enlargement process by the second enlargement means is executed,
Control means for causing the second enlargement means to execute only the second enlargement process when normal quality is designated as the print quality,
The image quality obtained by the first enlargement process is higher than the image quality obtained by the second enlargement process, the processing speed of the second enlargement process is higher than the processing speed of the first enlargement process, The drawing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first predetermined value is a size that does not require the first enlargement process. The control means is designated as a resolution when the set print quality is high quality and the size of the image data obtained from the number of dots of the image data is larger than a first predetermined value . When the enlargement ratio derived from the resolution of the print image is greater than a second predetermined value, the first enlargement unit is caused to execute only the first enlargement process, and the enlargement ratio is greater than the second predetermined value. 2. The drawing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second enlargement unit executes only the second enlargement process when the second enlargement process is smaller.   The control means further has an ultra-high quality as the print quality, and when the ultra-high quality is designated, the control means does not determine the size of the image data obtained from the number of dots of the image data. The drawing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein only the one enlargement process is executed by the first enlargement unit. A drawing control method in a drawing control apparatus that converts an input drawing command into intermediate data and generates a print image with a set print quality among a plurality by drawing the intermediate data,
A first enlargement step for executing a first enlargement process for enlarging the image data input as the drawing command when the image data is converted into intermediate data;
A second enlargement step for executing a second enlargement process for enlarging the intermediate data when generating the print image by drawing the intermediate data;
High quality is designated as the print quality set for executing the printing process based on the drawing command, and the size of the image data obtained from the number of dots of the image data is larger than the first predetermined value. If it is larger, only the first enlargement process by the first enlargement step is executed,
High quality is designated as the print quality set to execute the printing process based on the drawing command, and the size of the image data obtained from the number of dots of the image data is greater than the first predetermined value. Is also smaller, only the second enlargement process by the second enlargement step is executed,
A control step for causing the second enlargement means to execute only the second enlargement process when normal quality is designated as the print quality,
The image quality obtained by the first enlargement process is higher than the image quality obtained by the second enlargement process, the processing speed of the second enlargement process is higher than the processing speed of the first enlargement process, The drawing control method, wherein the first predetermined value is a size that does not require the first enlargement process. The control step is designated as a resolution when the set print quality is high quality and the size of the image data obtained from the number of dots of the image data is larger than a first predetermined value . If the enlargement ratio derived from the resolution of the print image is greater than a second predetermined value, only the first enlargement process is executed in the first enlargement step, and the enlargement ratio is greater than the second predetermined value. 5. The drawing control method according to claim 4, wherein only the second enlargement process is executed in the second enlargement step when the value is smaller.   The control step further has an ultra-high quality as the print quality, and when the ultra-high quality is designated, without determining the size of the image data obtained from the number of dots of the image data, 6. The drawing control method according to claim 4, wherein only the first enlargement process in one enlargement step is executed. 7.   The program for making a computer perform the drawing control method in any one of Claims 4-6.

Images