JP4363434B2 - Printer system and printer - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a technique for creating bitmap data by rasterizing print data. In particular, the present invention relates to a printer system including a printer capable of rasterizing print data.
The term “printer” in this specification is to be interpreted in the broadest sense and includes any device capable of printing images, text, etc. on a print medium. For example, the term “printer” includes a copier, a fax machine, a multifunction machine, and the like.

  For example, the printer is used by being connected to an external device (PC, digital camera, portable media, etc.). Some printers, when receiving print data output from an external device, rasterize the print data to create bitmap data. The printer prints on the print medium based on the created bitmap data. Patent Document 1 below discloses a printer that can rasterize print data.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-91726

  An increasing number of printers are capable of printing print data with a large resolution. If the resolution is large, the amount of bitmap data also increases. In this case, it takes a long time to rasterize the print data and create bitmap data. While it has been realized that print data is clearly printed at a large resolution, there is a problem that the time required for rasterizing the print data is prolonged.

  The present invention has been created in view of the above circumstances, and provides a technique capable of realizing rasterization of print data at high speed.

  The inventor has paid attention to the widespread use of systems in which a plurality of printers are communicably connected. The present inventor has found that if a plurality of printers jointly rasterize print data in such a system, the time required for rasterizing the print data can be shortened. The present invention has been created based on the above findings.

The technical idea of the present invention is described in the broadest sense as follows. That is, the present invention is a printer system that includes a printer and a rasterizing device that is configured separately from the printer and is communicably connected to the printer. This rasterizing apparatus may be a printer different from the above printer, or may be another device.
The printer includes a first rasterizer to create bitmap data by rasterizing the object, to create only the first rasterizer bitmap data of a plurality of objects including a DL object it is necessary to download from a communication network A first processing time calculating means for calculating the first processing time including a time for downloading the DL object and a time for rasterizing the DL object ; Information transmitting means for transmitting to the rasterizing device information relating to the partial object that is a part of the plurality of objects, including the DL object, and obtaining a second processing time from the rasterizing device. Means and said If 2 processing time is less than the first processing time and a instructing means for instructing the rasterizing device to rasterize an object of the part. The first rasterizer creates bitmap data of the plurality of objects when the first processing time is smaller than the second processing time. The first rasterizer creates bitmap data of objects other than the part of objects when the second processing time is smaller than the first processing time. The rasterizing device includes: a second rasterizer that creates bitmap data by rasterizing an object; and a second rasterizer that generates bitmap data of the partial object based on the information about the partial object obtained from a printer. The second processing time for generating the DL object, the time for downloading the DL object, the time for rasterizing the DL object, and the bitmap data of the DL object for sending to the printer A second processing time calculating means for calculating the second processing time including a transmission time . The second rasterizer creates bitmap data of the part of the object in accordance with an instruction from the printer and transmits it to the printer.

According to the printer system of the present invention, at least two rasterizers can jointly rasterize print data. In this case, the print data may be rasterized at a higher speed than when the print data is rasterized by one rasterizer. The system according to the present invention can realize faster rasterization of print data than when print data is always rasterized by one rasterizer.
Note that the number of rasterizing devices is not limited to one. A system in which one printer and two or more rasterizers can jointly rasterize print data may be constructed.

If the following printer is used, the above printer system can be constructed. This printer is used separately from a rasterizing device having an external rasterizer and connected to the rasterizing device so as to be communicable. This printer creates only the printer-side rasterizer that creates bitmap data by rasterizing the object, and the bitmap data for a plurality of objects including DL objects that need to be downloaded from the communication network , only by the printer-side rasterizer. First processing time calculating means for calculating the first processing time , including a time for downloading the DL object and a time for rasterizing the DL object ; a object of some of the plurality of objects, and information transmitting means for transmitting the information about the part of the object to rasterization apparatus including the DL object, the raster on the basis of the information about the objects of the part Together is calculated in size device, rasterizing a second processing time for the external side rasterizer to create a bit map data of a portion said object, and time for downloading the DL object, the DL object Second processing time acquisition means for acquiring the second processing time from a rasterizing device , and a second processing time including a transmission time for transmitting bitmap data of the DL object to a printer, and the second processing time Is instructed to instruct the rasterizing device to rasterize the partial object when the first processing time is smaller than the first processing time, and the bitmap data of the partial object created by the rasterizing device is acquired from the rasterizing device. Bitmap data acquisition means . The printer-side rasterizer creates bitmap data of the plurality of objects when the first processing time is smaller than the second processing time. The printer-side rasterizer creates bitmap data of objects other than the part of objects when the second processing time is shorter than the first processing time.
This printer can rasterize print data in cooperation with a rasterizing device. According to this printer, high speed rasterization can be realized.

The present invention provides a computer program for realizing the above printer. This computer program causes a computer mounted on the printer to execute the following processes.
(1) A first processing time for creating bitmap data of a plurality of objects including a DL object that needs to be downloaded from a communication network by itself, a time for downloading the DL object; A first processing time calculation process for calculating the first processing time including a time for rasterizing the DL object .
(2) Information transmission processing for transmitting information on the partial object including the DL object, which is a partial object of the plurality of objects, to the rasterizing device.
(3) a second processing time that is calculated by the rasterizing device based on the information related to the part of the object and is used by the external rasterizer to create bitmap data of the part of the object , the DL The second processing time including a time for downloading an object, a time for rasterizing the DL object, and a time for transmitting bitmap data of the DL object to a printer is acquired from the rasterizer. Second processing time acquisition process.
(4) Instruction processing for instructing the rasterizing device to rasterize the part of the objects when the second processing time is shorter than the first processing time.
(5) Bitmap data acquisition processing for acquiring bitmap data of the partial object created by the rasterizer from the rasterizer.
(6) Processing for creating bitmap data of the plurality of objects when the first processing time is smaller than the second processing time.
(7) Processing for creating bitmap data of objects other than the part of objects when the second processing time is shorter than the first processing time.

The following rasterization method is also useful. This rasterizing method is executed by a printer that is configured separately from a rasterizing device having an external rasterizer and is communicably connected to the rasterizing device. This method includes the following steps.
(1) A first processing time for creating bitmap data of a plurality of objects including a DL object that needs to be downloaded from a communication network by itself, a time for downloading the DL object; And a first processing time calculating step of calculating the first processing time including a time for rasterizing the DL object .
(2) An information transmission step of transmitting information on the partial object including the DL object, which is a partial object of the plurality of objects, to the rasterizing device.
(3) a second processing time that is calculated by the rasterizing device based on the information related to the part of the object and is used by the external rasterizer to create bitmap data of the part of the object , the DL The second processing time including a time for downloading an object, a time for rasterizing the DL object, and a time for transmitting bitmap data of the DL object to a printer is acquired from the rasterizer. Second processing time acquisition step.
(4) An instruction step for instructing the rasterizing apparatus to rasterize the part of the objects when the second processing time is shorter than the first processing time.
(5) A bitmap data acquisition step of acquiring bitmap data of the partial object created by the rasterizer from the rasterizer.
(6) A step of creating bitmap data of the plurality of objects when the first processing time is smaller than the second processing time.
(7) A step of creating bitmap data of objects other than the part of objects when the second processing time is shorter than the first processing time.
According to this method, high-speed rasterization can be realized.

Here, the main features of the techniques described in the following examples are summarized.
(Mode 1) A printer system is constructed by the first printer and the second printer. Each printer is connected to an information processing apparatus (PC). Each printer can rasterize and print the print data sent from the PC.
(Mode 2) At least one printer has a slot portion into which a memory card is inserted. One of the printers can rasterize and print the print data stored in the memory card.
(Mode 3) Each printer creates bitmap data in band units from print data. Bitmap data for each band is created in the order of printing on the print medium.
(Mode 4) Each printer is connected to a network such as a local area network.
(Form 5) The DL object included in the print data is an image object.
(Mode 6) The image object includes an address (URL) on the Internet where the image data is stored. The printer accesses the address included in the image object and downloads the image data.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a printer system 10 of this embodiment. The printer system 10 includes a first printer 20a, a second printer 20b, a PC 60, a server 70, and the like. Each printer 20a, 20b is connected to the Internet 56.
(Configuration of the first printer)
The first printer 20a includes a control device 22a, a storage device 24a, a display device 36a, an operation device 38a, a slot portion 40a, a printing device 44a, and an input / output port 46a.
The control device 22a is configured by a CPU or the like. The control device 22a comprehensively controls each process executed by the first printer 20a. For example, the control device 22a can execute processing for rasterizing print data and creating bitmap data. That is, the control device 22a functions as a rasterizer.
The storage device 24a is configured by a ROM, a RAM, an EEPROM, or the like. The storage device 24a stores a program for the control device 22a to execute each process. The storage device 24a can store various data generated in the course of executing the above program. The storage device 24a has storage areas 26a, 28a, 30a, and 32a. Next, the contents of the data stored in the storage areas 26a to 32a will be described.

The print data storage area 26a can store print data. The print data storage area 26a can store layout data converted from print data. The contents of the print data and layout data will be described later.
The DL object storage area 28 a can store DL objects (image data) downloaded from the Internet 56. The DL object will be described later.
The first bitmap data storage area 30a can store bitmap data for at least one band. The band will be described later.
The second bitmap data storage area 32a can also store bitmap data for at least one band.

The display device 36a is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like. The display device 36a can display various data.
The operating device 38a is composed of a plurality of keys. The user can input various information to the printer 20a by operating the operation device 38a.
The slot part 40a can receive various memory cards 42a.
The printing device 44a is an inkjet or laser printing device. The printing device 44a can print on printing paper (not shown).
An Internet line 50 and a LAN line 52 are connected to the input / output port 46a. The internet line 50 is connected to the internet 56. The first printer 20 a can communicate with various devices 70 on the Internet 56. The LAN line 52 is connected to the PC 60. The first printer 20a can communicate with the PC 60. The LAN line 52 is connected to the second printer 20b. The first printer 20a can communicate with the second printer 20b.

(Configuration of the second printer)
The second printer 20b has the same configuration as the first printer 20a. That is, the second printer 20b includes a control device 22b, a storage device 24b, a display device 36b, an operation device 38b, a slot portion 40b, a printing device 44b, and an input / output port 46b.
The control device 22b functions as a rasterizer.
The storage device 24b includes a print data storage area 26b, a DL object storage area 28b, a first bitmap data storage area 30b, and a second bitmap data storage area 32b. The contents of the data stored in these storage areas 26b to 32b are the same as those of the first printer 20a.
Moreover, the slot part 40b can receive various memory cards 42b.

The user can instruct the first printer 20 a to print the content displayed on the PC 60 by operating the PC 60. In this case, print data is sent from the PC 60 to the first printer 20a. The first printer 20a performs printing based on the print data sent from the PC 60.
Similarly, the user can instruct the second printer 20b to print the content displayed on the PC 60. In this case, print data is sent from the PC 60 to the second printer 20b, and the print data is printed by the second printer 20b.
Further, the user can instruct the first printer 20a to print the data stored in the memory card 42a by operating the operation device 38a. In this case, the first printer 20a takes in the print data stored in the memory card 42a and prints based on the print data.
Similarly, the user can instruct the second printer 20b to print the data stored in the memory card 42b. In this case, the second printer 20b takes in the print data stored in the memory card 42b and prints based on the print data.

(Processing executed by the printer)
A printing process executed by the first printer 20a will be described. Here, the printing process executed by the first printer 20a will be described. This print processing is executed when print data is sent from the PC 60 or when an instruction is issued to print the print data stored in the memory card 42a. This printing process is executed by the control device 22a. 2 and 3 show a flowchart of the printing process executed by the first printer 20a. Hereinafter, a case where print data stored in the memory card 42a is printed will be described as an example.
The first printer 20a reads the print data stored in the memory card 42a (S2). This print data is stored in the print data storage area 26a (see FIG. 1). FIG. 4 shows a visual representation of the print data 100 stored in the memory card 42a. The print data 100 is XHTML-Print data. In order to print the XHTML-Print data 100, it is necessary to rasterize the data 100 to create bitmap format data.

The print data 100 in FIG. 4 includes four objects 102, 104, 106, and 108. Objects 102, 104, and 108 are image objects. The object 102 is a JPEG format image object. Objects 104 and 108 are image objects in the SVG format. The print data 100 does not include image data of the image objects 102, 104, and 108. The image data of each image object 102, 104, 108 is stored in another device on the Internet. The print data 100 includes an address on the Internet where the image data of each image object 102, 104, 108 is stored. When the address included in the print data 100 is accessed, the image data of each image object 102, 104, 108 can be downloaded from the Internet 56. The image data is downloaded in a later step (S24 in FIG. 3). Each of the image objects 102, 104, and 108 is an object that needs to be downloaded from the Internet 56, and may be referred to as a “DL object” below. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the image data of the image objects 102, 104, and 108 is stored in the server 70 shown in FIG.
The object 106 in FIG. 4 is a text object. The first printer 20a can create bitmap data from the text object 106 and print the characters (AB) of the text object 106 on a print sheet. That is, the text object 106 does not need to be downloaded from the Internet 56. That is, the text object 106 can be called a non-DL object.

FIG. 5 shows the data structure of the XHTML-Print data 100 of FIG. The print data 100 in FIG. 5 includes data 122 corresponding to the image object 102, data 124 corresponding to the image object 104, data 126 corresponding to the text object 106, and data 128 corresponding to the image object 108. .
Data 122 indicates that the image data is in JPEG format (img1.jpg). The data 122 includes an address on the Internet where the image data is stored (not shown in FIG. 5). That is, the data 122 includes the address (URL) of the server 70 (see FIG. 1).
The data 124 indicates that the image data is in SVG format (Scalable Vector Graphics) (img2.svg). The data 124 includes an Internet address (address of the server 70) where the image data is stored.
The data 126 includes text data of characters “AB”.
Data 128 indicates that the image data is in SVG format (img3.svg). The data 128 includes an Internet address (address of the server 70) where the image data is stored.

When the first printer 20a finishes S2 in FIG. 2, the first printer 20a executes a layout process (S4). In this layout process, each object 102, 104, 106, 108 included in the XHTML-Print data 100 read in S2 is converted into a rectangular object.
The layout process will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 shows a visual representation of the data 130 (layout data 130) after the print data 100 of FIG. 4 has been converted by the layout process. FIG. 7 shows the data structure of the layout data 130 of FIG.

The image object 102 in FIG. 4 is converted into a rectangular image object 132 in FIG. The rectangular image object 132 is positioned by two rectangular coordinates C1 and C2 that are substantially circumscribed by the image object 102. Since the image object 102 itself is rectangular, the rectangular image object 132 has the same rectangle as the image object 102.
The coordinates C1 and C2 are two coordinates (hereinafter referred to as diagonal coordinates) located on one diagonal line of the rectangle. The data 142 in FIG. 7 corresponds to the rectangular image object 132 in FIG. “2010” of the data 142 corresponds to the coordinate C1. “100 60” of the data 142 corresponds to the coordinate C2.

  The image object 104 in FIG. 4 is converted into a rectangular image object 134 in FIG. The rectangular image object 134 is positioned by rectangular diagonal coordinates C3 and C4 that are substantially circumscribed by the image object 104. The data 144 in FIG. 7 corresponds to the rectangular image object 134 in FIG. “120 10” of the data 144 corresponds to the coordinate C3. “200 60” in the data 144 corresponds to the coordinate C4.

The text object 106 in FIG. 4 is converted into the rectangular text object group 136 in FIG. The text object 106 is a two-character text “AB”. In this case, each of the two characters is converted into a rectangular text object 136.
For example, the rectangular text object 136 of the character “A” is positioned by rectangular diagonal coordinates C5 and C6 that are substantially circumscribed by the “A”. The data 146a in FIG. 7 corresponds to the rectangular text object 136 of the character “A” in FIG. “210 45” in the data 146a corresponds to the coordinate C5. “220 65” in the data 146a corresponds to the coordinate C6. Further, “serif a 20pt” in the data 146a means that the character “A” is in a 20-point font.
Similarly, another character “B” is converted into a rectangular text object 136. In FIG. 7, data 146b corresponding to the character “B” is shown. “225 45” in the data 146b corresponds to the coordinate C7. “235 65” in the data 146b corresponds to the coordinate C8. “Serif b 20pt” in the data 146b means that the character is “B” in a 20-point font.

The image object 108 in FIG. 4 is converted into the rectangular image object 138 in FIG. The rectangular image object 138 is positioned by rectangular diagonal coordinates C9 and C10 that substantially circumscribe the substantially elliptical image object 108. The data 148 in FIG. 7 corresponds to the rectangular image object 138 in FIG. “20 100” of the data 148 corresponds to the coordinate C9. “100 140” of the data 148 corresponds to the coordinate C10.
Note that the data 140 in FIG. 7 indicates the dimensions (vertical 210, horizontal 297) of the printing paper.

The layout data 130 may include the following data in addition to the data shown in FIG.
(1) One coordinate of the vertex of the rectangular object and the vertical and horizontal lengths of the rectangle (2) One coordinate of the rectangular object's vertex and the length of the diagonal of the rectangle (3) Size of the rectangular object (4) Rotation angle of rectangular object (5) Character color of rectangular text object (6) Background color of rectangular image object (7) Page number of printing paper In the layout data 130, each rectangular object is printed. It is preferable to sort in the order in which they are performed.

The layout data 130 is stored in the print data storage area 26a (see FIG. 1). When the first printer 20a executes the layout process (S4 in FIG. 2), the process proceeds to S6. In S6, the first band is specified. Hereinafter, “n” is used as a code for specifying a band. The first band is “n = 0”, and thereafter, “n = 1”, “n = 2”, “n = 3”.
Briefly describe the band. The first printer 20a rasterizes the print data 100 to create bitmap data, and prints on the printing paper based on the created bitmap data. A method of starting printing after creating bitmap data of all print data 100 is conceivable. However, in this case, a large-capacity memory capable of storing the bitmap data of all the print data 100 is required.
The first printer 20a of this embodiment employs a technique for creating bitmap data in band units in order to compress the memory capacity for storing bitmap data. The print data 100 is divided into a plurality of bands. In FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, three bands 110, 112, and 114 are shown. Bitmap data of each band 110 to 114 is created in the order of printing on the printing paper. When bitmap data of one band (for example, band 110) is created, printing of the band is started. While the band is being printed, bitmap data of the next band (for example, band 112) is created. Repeat until the last band. When bitmap data is created for each band, the bitmap data of the band for which printing has been completed can be erased, so that the memory capacity for storing the bitmap data can be compressed.

When the first printer 20a specifies the first band (band 110 in this embodiment) in S6 of FIG. 2, the first printer 20a determines the band area of the band 110 (S8). The band region is defined by two coordinates (0, n · hB), (w, (n + 1) · hB). “N” is a number that identifies a band. For the first band, n = 0. “HB” indicates a bandwidth (vertical length of one band in FIG. 6). The bandwidth hB may be a fixed value or a variable value. For example, the bandwidth hB may be changed based on the memory capacity, the size of the printing paper, the printing resolution, and the like. The bandwidth may be changed for each band or may be changed for each print data.
The two coordinates (0, n · hB) and (w, (n + 1) · hB) that define the band region are arranged on one diagonal line of the rectangular band. For example, the two coordinates defining the band 110 (n = 0) are (0, 0) and (w, hB). (0, 0) is the coordinates of the upper left vertex of the band 110, and (w, hB) is the coordinates of the lower right vertex of the band 110.

The first printer 20a identifies an object included in the band area determined in S8 (S10). First, for each of the rectangular objects 132 to 138, the first printer 20a specifies the y coordinate of the upper end (hereinafter referred to as “y1”) and the y coordinate of the lower end (hereinafter referred to as “y2”). For example, in the case of the rectangular image object 132, y1 is 10 and y2 is 60 (see FIG. 7). For example, in the case of the rectangular image object 138, y1 is 100 and y2 is 140.
In S10, an object (group) in which y1 or y2 is included between n · hB and (n + 1) · hB is specified. For example, in the case of the band 110, an object (group) that includes y1 or y2 between zero and hB is specified. In this embodiment, two rectangular image objects 132 and 134 and two rectangular text objects 136 and 136 are specified.

After completing S10, the first printer 20a proceeds to S20 in FIG. In S20, it is determined whether or not two or more rectangular image objects have been specified in S10. For example, in the case of the band 110, since two rectangular image objects 132 and 134 are specified in S10, YES is determined in S20.
If YES in S20, the first printer 20a outputs data relating to one rectangular image object (here, rectangular image object 132) to the second printer 20b (S22). That is, the address where the image data of the rectangular image object 132 is stored, the enlargement ratio (or reduction ratio) of the image data, the rotation angle of the image data, the printing resolution, and the like are output to the second printer 20b. Is done.

The second printer 20b inputs the data (address, enlargement ratio, rotation angle, resolution, etc.) of the rectangular image object 132 output from the first printer 20a. The second printer 20b accesses the input address (that is, the server 70 in FIG. 1) and downloads the image data of the rectangular image object 132. The downloaded image data is stored in the DL object storage area 28b (see FIG. 1). The second printer 20b rasterizes the downloaded image data based on the data (magnification rate, rotation angle, resolution, etc.) output from the first printer 20a. That is, for each coordinate in the area occupied by the rectangular image object 132, the size (or no dot) and color of the dot printed on the coordinate are determined. The density of the coordinate group depends on the printing resolution. Rasterization can be executed using various known methods. For example, rasterization can be performed using a halftone process, an error diffusion method, a dither method, or the like.
The second printer 20b outputs the rasterized data (that is, bitmap data of the rectangular image object 132) to the first printer 20a. The bitmap data output from the second printer 20b is input to the first printer 20a in S28 described later.

When the first printer 20a outputs data relating to the rectangular image object 132 to the first printer 20b in S22, the image data of the rectangular image object 134 is downloaded (S24). This process is executed by accessing an address (the address of the server 70) included in the rectangular image object 134. The downloaded image data is stored in the DL object storage area 28a (see FIG. 1).
The first printer 20a rasterizes the downloaded image data (S26). This rasterization is also performed using various known methods. The bitmap data of the rectangular image object 134 obtained by rasterization is stored in the first bitmap data storage area 30a (see FIG. 1).

The bitmap data of the band 112 that is rasterized next to the band 110 is stored in the second bitmap data storage area 32a (see FIG. 1). Further, the bitmap data of the band 114 is stored in the first bitmap data storage area 30a. In this case, the bitmap data of the band 110 is erased from the first bitmap data storage area 30a. In addition, bitmap data of a band (not shown) following the band 114 is stored in the second bitmap data storage area 32a. In this case, the bitmap data of the band 112 is erased from the second bitmap data storage area 32a.
Bitmap data of each band 110, 112, 114, etc. are alternately stored in the first bitmap data storage area 30a and the second bitmap data storage area 32a.

While the first printer 20 a is creating bitmap data for the rectangular image object 134, the second printer 20 b is creating bitmap data for the rectangular image object 132. That is, the first printer 20a and the second printer 20b execute rasterization in parallel.
The bitmap data of the rectangular image object 132 output from the second printer 20b is input to the first printer 20a in S28. The input bitmap data is stored in the first bitmap data storage area 30a (see FIG. 1).
The first printer 20a rasterizes the other objects 136 and 136 included in the band 110, and stores the bitmap data in the first bitmap data storage area 30a. As a result, the bitmap data of all the objects 132, 134, and 136 included in the band 110 is stored in the first bitmap data storage area 30a.

In the flowchart of FIG. 3, it appears that the process of S28 is executed after the process of S26 is completed. However, the first printer 20a may execute the process of S28 before executing the process of S26 (or before finishing the process).
Further, it appears that the processing of S30 is executed after the processing of S28 is completed. However, the first printer 20a may execute the process of S30 before executing the process of S28 (or before finishing the process). The first printer 20a may execute the process of S30 before any of the processes of S20 to S28. However, in order for the second printer 20b to execute the process of rasterizing the rectangular image object 132 at an early stage, the process of S30 is preferably executed after the process of S22.
When three or more rectangular image objects are included in one band, the first printer 20a executes rasterization of a plurality of rectangular image objects, and the second printer 20b executes rasterization of one rectangular image object. Also good. Further, the first printer 20a may execute rasterization of one rectangular image object, and the second printer 20b may execute rasterization of a plurality of rectangular image objects. When one or more rectangular image objects are included in one band, the first printer 20a executes rasterization of a plurality of rectangular image objects, and the second printer 20b also executes rasterization of the plurality of rectangular image objects. Also good.

The determination in S20 is executed based on the number of rectangular image objects included in one band. If the number of rectangular image objects included in the band is 0 or 1, NO is determined in S20. In this case, the first printer 20a does not cause the second printer 20b to execute rasterization of the image data. The first printer 20a rasterizes each object by itself (S32). For example, when one rectangular image object is included in the band, the first printer 20a downloads the image data of the rectangular image object and rasterizes the downloaded image data.
When the process of S30 or S32 is completed, the process proceeds to S40 of FIG.

  In S40, a process of printing on the printing paper is executed based on the bitmap data stored in the first bitmap data storage area 30a or the second bitmap data storage area 30b. For example, the bitmap data of the band 110 is stored in the first bitmap data storage area 30a. For this purpose, the print processing of the band 110 is executed based on the bitmap data stored in the first bitmap data storage area 30a. The printing process of S40 is performed when the control device 22a issues an instruction to the printing device 44a (see FIG. 1).

When printing is started in S40, the first printer 20a determines whether or not the next band exists (S42). For example, when S8 to S40 are completed for the band 110, the next band 112 is present, and therefore YES is determined in S42.
If YES in S42, the first printer 20a identifies the next band (S44). For example, when S8 to S40 are completed for the band 110, the band 112 is specified. Next, the first printer 20a determines whether or not the band specified in S44 exceeds the end of one printing sheet. Is determined (S46). This process is determined to be YES when n · hB is larger than h (vertical length of the printing paper).
If YES in S46, it is determined to print on the next printing paper (S48). In this case, the number (n) specifying the band is cleared to zero. If S48 is completed, or if NO in S46, the process proceeds to S8. Thereby, the process of S8-S40 is performed about the following band.

The processes in S8 to S40 described above are executed for each band after the band 112.
The contents of the processing executed for the band 112 will be briefly described. This process is executed while the bitmap data of the band 110 is being printed on the printing paper.
In S10, the rectangular image object 138 (image object 108) is specified. In S20, NO is determined. This is because only one rectangular image object 138 is included in the band 112.
In S32, the image data of the rectangular image object 138 is downloaded, and the image data is rasterized. Thereby, the bitmap data of the band 112 is created. The bitmap data of the band 112 is stored in the second bitmap data storage area 32a. The first printer 20a executes a process of printing on the printing paper based on the bitmap data of the band 112 stored in the second bitmap data storage area 32a (S40).

  While the printing process (S40) for the band 112 is being executed, the processes subsequent to S8 are executed for the band 114. When the processing of S8 to S40 is executed for all the bands, NO is determined in S42. As a result, all processing is completed.

  The processing executed by the first printer 20a has been described in detail. The second printer 20b can execute the process of printing the print data according to the same flowchart (FIGS. 2 and 3) as in the case of the first printer 20a. For example, the second printer 20b can create layout data from print data. Further, the second printer 20b causes the first printer 20a to execute rasterization of the rectangular image object when two or more rectangular image objects are included in one band.

In the present embodiment, the first printer 20a and the second printer 20b can jointly rasterize the print data 100. That is, the process in which the first printer 20a rasterizes a part of the print data 100 and the process in which the second printer 20b rasterizes another part of the print data 100 are performed in parallel (simultaneously). In this case, the print data 100 can be rasterized at a higher speed than when the print data 100 is rasterized by only one printer. The printer system 10 according to the present embodiment realizes high-speed rasterization of the print data 100. As a result, the time required for printing the print data 100 can be shortened.
In this embodiment, the objects 102 to 108 included in the print data 100 are converted into rectangular objects 132 to 138. Each object is positioned by simple rectangular coordinates. Therefore, the first printer 20a (or the second printer 20b) can easily specify the object included in the band. That is, the process of S10 in FIG. 2 can be easily executed.

(Second embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the processing executed by the first printer 20a (or the second printer 20b) is different from the first embodiment. FIG. 8 shows an example of layout data. With reference to FIG. 8, a process executed by the first printer 20a of this embodiment will be described.
The layout data 150 includes two rectangular image objects 152 and 154. The rectangular image object 152 is disposed across the two bands 110 and 112. The rectangular image object 154 is included only in the band 110.
The first printer 20a instructs the second printer 20b to rasterize the rectangular image object 154. That is, the first printer 20a outputs data (address, enlargement ratio, rotation angle, resolution, etc.) regarding the rectangular image object 154 to the second printer 20b. The second printer 20b downloads the image data of the rectangular image object 154 and rasterizes the image data.
The first printer 20a downloads the image data of the rectangular image object 152 from the Internet 56, and rasterizes the image data. The first printer 20a stores data (that is, bitmap data) after the rectangular image object 152 is rasterized in the DL object storage area 26a. The first printer 20a cuts out only the portion included in the band 110 from the bitmap data of the rectangular image object 152 stored in the DL object storage area 26a, and stores the portion in the first bitmap data storage area 30a. Let
Also, the first printer 20a receives the bitmap data of the rectangular image object 154 rasterized by the second printer 20b, and stores the input bitmap data in the first bitmap data storage area 30a. As a result, the bitmap data of the band 110 is created.

  The first printer 20a creates the bitmap data of the band 112 while executing the process of printing on the print medium based on the bitmap data of the band 110 (S40). In the DL object storage area 26a, bitmap data of the rectangular image object 152 is stored. This bitmap data is obtained by rasterizing the rectangular image object 152 when the bitmap data of the band 110 is created. The first printer 20a cuts out only the part included in the band 112 from the bitmap data of the rectangular image object 152 stored in the DL object storage area 26a, and stores the part in the second bitmap data storage area 32a. Let As a result, the bitmap data of the band 112 is created.

(Third embodiment)
Unlike the second embodiment, the first printer 20a of this embodiment downloads the image data of the rectangular image object 154 from the Internet 56 and rasterizes the image data. The first printer 20a instructs the second printer 20b to rasterize the rectangular image object 152. That is, the first printer 20a outputs data (address, enlargement ratio, rotation angle, resolution, etc.) regarding the rectangular image object 152 to the second printer 20b.
The second printer 20b downloads the image data of the rectangular image object 152 and rasterizes the image data. The second printer 20b stores the data (that is, bitmap data) after the rectangular image object 152 is rasterized in the DL object storage area 26b. The second printer 20b cuts out only the portion included in the band 110 from the bitmap data of the rectangular image object 152 stored in the DL object storage area 26b, and outputs the portion to the first printer 20a.
The first printer 20a inputs the bitmap data (only the part included in the band 110) of the rectangular image object 152 output from the second printer 20b, and the input bitmap data is input to the first bitmap data storage area 30a. Remember me. Further, the first printer 20a stores the bitmap data of the rectangular image object 154 rasterized by itself in the first bitmap data storage area 30a. As a result, the bitmap data of the band 110 is created.

The first printer 20a creates the bitmap data of the band 112 while executing the process of printing on the print medium based on the bitmap data of the band 110 (S40). Bit map data of the rectangular image object 152 is stored in the DL object storage area 26b of the second printer 20b. The first printer 20a instructs the second printer 20b to output the bitmap data of the rectangular image object 152 (only the portion included in the band 112).
The second printer 20b cuts out only the portion included in the band 112 from the bitmap data of the rectangular image object 152 stored in the DL object storage area 26b, and outputs the portion to the first printer 20a.
The first printer 20a inputs the bitmap data (only the portion included in the band 112) of the rectangular image object 152 output from the second printer 20b, and the input bitmap data is stored in the second bitmap data storage area 30b. Remember me. As a result, the bitmap data of the band 112 is created.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the processing executed by the first printer 20a (or the second printer 20b) is different from the first embodiment. In particular, the judgment criteria of S20 in FIG. 3 are different from those of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 shows an example of layout data. With reference to FIG. 9, a process executed by the first printer 20a of the present embodiment will be described.
The first printer 20a of the first embodiment instructs the second printer 20b to rasterize at least one rectangular image object when two or more rectangular image objects are included in one band (FIG. 3). S20, S22). On the other hand, the first printer 20a of the present embodiment includes only one rectangular image object in one band, but includes other objects (rectangular text objects) in the band. The second printer 20b is instructed to rasterize the rectangular image object.
For example, the band 110 of the layout data 160 in FIG. 9 includes one rectangular image object 162 and two rectangular text objects 164a and 164b. In this case, the first printer 20a instructs the second printer 20b to rasterize the rectangular image object 162. The first printer 20a rasterizes the rectangular text objects 164a and 164b by itself.

  In this embodiment, the first printer 20a may instruct the second printer 20b to rasterize the rectangular text objects 164a and 164b and rasterize the rectangular image object 162 by itself.

(5th Example)
In the present embodiment, the processing executed by the first printer 20a (or the second printer 20b) is different from the first embodiment. In particular, the judgment criteria of S20 in FIG. 3 are different from the first embodiment.
The first printer 20a according to the present embodiment instructs the second printer 20b to rasterize at least one object when a plurality of objects are included in one band regardless of the type of the object.
For example, the band 112 in FIG. 9 includes three rectangular text objects 166a, 166b, and 166c. In this case, the first printer 20a instructs the second printer 20b to rasterize at least one rectangular text object (for example, 166a). The first printer 20a rasterizes other rectangular text objects (for example, 166b and 166c) by itself.

(Sixth embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the processing executed by the first printer 20a (or the second printer 20b) is different from the first embodiment. In particular, the judgment criteria of S20 in FIG. 3 are different from those of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of processing after S10 of FIG. 2 in the present embodiment. That is, the first printer 20a of this embodiment executes the flowchart of FIG. 10 instead of the flowchart of FIG.
The first printer 20a determines whether or not at least one rectangular image object is included in the objects specified in S10 of FIG. 2 (S60). In the case of YES here, the first printer 20a outputs data (address, enlargement ratio, rotation angle, resolution, etc.) relating to one rectangular image object to the second printer 20b (S62).

When the data relating to the rectangular image object is input, the second printer 20b calculates a processing time t2 for rasterizing the rectangular image object and outputting it to the first printer 20a. The processing time t2 is a time (tD) for downloading the image data of the rectangular image object, a time (tL) for rasterizing the downloaded image data, and the bitmap data obtained by the rasterization as the first time. This is the sum of the time for sending to the printer 20a (ie, transmission time; tT).
The time tD may be a fixed value or may be determined based on the data amount of the image data. When determining the time tD, the processing speed of the second printer 20b may be taken into consideration.
The time tL may be a fixed value or may be determined based on the data amount of the image data.
The time tT may be a fixed value, or may be determined based on the amount of image data, the communication speed between the first printer 20a and the second printer 20b, or the like.
When calculating the processing time t2, the second printer 20b outputs the processing time t2 to the first printer 20a. This processing time t2 is input to the first printer 20a in S66 described later.

The first printer 20a calculates a processing time t1 when it rasterizes all objects included in the band (that is, all objects specified in S10 of FIG. 2) (S64).
The processing time may be determined according to the type of object. For example, the processing time (tIO) of the rectangular image object and the processing time (tTO) of the rectangular text object may be determined. In this case, for example, when two rectangular image objects and three rectangular text objects are included in one band, the processing time t1 is obtained by calculating the sum of 2 × tIO and 3 × tTO.
On the other hand, the first printer 20a may calculate the processing time t1 based on the data amount of the object. The first printer 20a may calculate the processing time t1 in consideration of the time for downloading the image data of the rectangular image object.

The first printer 20a inputs the processing time t2 calculated by the second printer 20b (S66).
The processing time when the first printer 20a and the second printer 20b jointly execute rasterization of the band (referred to as joint processing time) is the time required for rasterization by the first printer 20a (this is t2 ′). Or the time required for rasterization by the second printer 20b (t2 above). That is, when the time required for rasterization by the first printer 20a is later, the joint processing time is t2 ′. When the time required for rasterization by the second printer 20b is later, the joint processing time is t2 described above.
t1 is the time for the first printer 20a to rasterize all objects. t2 ′ is the time for the first printer 20a to rasterize some objects (objects other than the rectangular image object rasterized by the second printer 20b). For this reason, t2 ′ is smaller than t1.
When t1 is smaller than t2, the first printer 20a can rasterize all objects at a higher speed. On the other hand, when t2 is smaller than t1, rasterization can be executed at higher speed when the first printer 20a and the second printer 20b jointly rasterize. This is because the joint processing time in this case is t2 or t2 ′, t2 is smaller than t1, and t2 ′ is also smaller than t1.

The first printer 20a compares the processing time t1 calculated in S64 with the processing time t2 input in S66 (S70). If t1 is smaller than t2, YES is determined in S70. If t1 is greater than t2, NO is determined in S70.
If YES in S70, the first printer 20a rasterizes all the objects included in the band by itself (S78). The first printer 20a stores the rasterized bitmap data in the bitmap data storage area 30a or 32a.

On the other hand, if NO in S70, the first printer 20a instructs the second printer 20b to rasterize the rectangular image object (S72). The second printer 20b rasterizes the rectangular image object and outputs the bitmap data obtained by the rasterization to the first printer 20a. This bitmap data is input to the first printer 20a in S76 described later.
Further, the first printer 20a rasterizes an object (group) other than the rectangular image object instructed to be rasterized by the second printer 20b (S74). The first printer 20a stores the rasterized bitmap data in the bitmap data storage area 30a or 32a.
The first printer 20a receives the bitmap data of the rectangular image object created by the second printer 20b, and stores the bitmap data in the bitmap data storage area 30a or 32a (S76).

In this embodiment, t1 and t2 are compared and the faster one is adopted. t1 and t2 ′ are not compared, but t2 ′ is known to be less than t1. For this reason, comparing t1 and t2 is comparing the processing time for rasterizing only by the first printer 20a and the processing time for jointly rasterizing by the first printer 20a and the second printer 20b. be equivalent to.
According to this embodiment, it is possible to reliably reduce the time required for rasterizing print data.

The modification of each above-mentioned Example is enumerated.
(Modification 1)
In the sixth embodiment, the second printer 20b may output the amount of memory that can be used by the second printer 20b to the first printer 20a when the process of S62 in FIG. 9 is executed by the first printer 20a. .
In this case, the first printer 20a may instruct the second printer 20b to perform rasterizing only when the amount of memory sent from the second printer 20b is larger than a predetermined threshold (that is, in S70 of FIG. 9). NO may be determined).

(Modification 2)
In each of the above embodiments, the first printer 20a is instructed to print the print data and the second printer 20b is instructed to print other print data in parallel. Sometimes. In this case, the first printer 20a and the second printer 20b may be prohibited from printing print data together.

(Modification 3)
In each of the embodiments described above, it is not necessary to create band-unit bitmap data from print data. The first printer 20a (or the second printer 20b) may create bitmap data from all of the print data and then start printing.
In this case, in each of the above embodiments, the process of S20 in FIG. 3 is determined based on the object (group) included in the entire print data, not based on the object included in the band. Also good.

(Modification 4)
The determination criteria of S20 in each of the above embodiments can be combined by an AND condition and / or an OR condition.

(Modification 5)
The system 10 may be configured by three or more printers. In this case, three or more printers may jointly rasterize the print data.

Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above.
The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.

1 illustrates a configuration of a printer system according to an embodiment. 2 shows a flowchart of processing executed by a printer. The flowchart of the process which a printer performs is shown (continuation of FIG. 2). A visual representation of the print data is shown. The data structure of print data is shown. Shows a visual representation of layout data. The data structure of layout data is shown. Another example of layout data is shown. Another example of layout data is shown. 9 shows a flowchart of processing executed by a printer (sixth embodiment).

Explanation of symbols

20a: first printer 20b: second printer 22a, 22b: control devices 24a, 24b: storage devices 36a, 36b: display devices 38a, 38b: operation devices 40a, 40b: slot portions 44a, 44b: printing devices 46a, 46b: Input / output port 56: Internet 100: Print data 102, 104, 108: Image object 106: Text object 110, 112, 114: Band 130: Layout data 132, 134, 138: Rectangular image object 136: Rectangular text object

Claims (4)

A printer system comprising a printer and a rasterizing device configured separately from the printer and communicably connected to the printer,
The printer
A first rasterizer that creates bitmap data by rasterizing the object;
A first processing time for creating bitmap data of a plurality of objects including a DL object that needs to be downloaded from a communication network only by the first rasterizer , the time for downloading the DL object; First processing time calculation means for calculating the first processing time including a time for rasterizing the DL object ;
Information transmitting means for transmitting information on the partial object including the DL object to a rasterizing device , which is a partial object of the plurality of objects;
Second processing time acquisition means for acquiring the second processing time from the rasterizing device;
An instruction means for instructing a rasterizing device to rasterize the part of the object when the second processing time is smaller than the first processing time;
The first rasterizer creates bitmap data of the plurality of objects when the first processing time is smaller than the second processing time,
The first rasterizer creates bitmap data of objects other than the part of objects when the second processing time is smaller than the first processing time,
The rasterizing device
A second rasterizer that creates bitmap data by rasterizing the object;
Based on the information about the partial object obtained from the printer, the second rasterizer is the second processing time for creating the bitmap data of the partial object, and the DL object is downloaded. Second processing time calculating means for calculating the second processing time , including: a time for rasterizing the DL object; and a time for transmitting bitmap data of the DL object to a printer. Have
The second rasterizer creates bitmap data of the part of the object according to an instruction from the printer, and transmits the bitmap data to the printer. A printer that is configured separately from a rasterizing device having an external rasterizer and is connected to the rasterizing device in a communicable manner;
A printer-side rasterizer that creates bitmap data by rasterizing objects;
A first processing time for creating bitmap data of a plurality of objects including a DL object that needs to be downloaded from a communication network only by a printer-side rasterizer, the time for downloading the DL object; First processing time calculation means for calculating the first processing time including a time for rasterizing the DL object;
Information transmitting means for transmitting information on the partial object including the DL object to a rasterizing device, which is a partial object of the plurality of objects;
The DL object is downloaded in a second processing time that is calculated by the rasterizing device based on the information about the part of the object and the external rasterizer creates bitmap data of the part of the object. A second process for acquiring the second processing time from the rasterizing device, including a time for performing, a time for rasterizing the DL object, and a time for transmitting bitmap data of the DL object to a printer Time acquisition means;
Instructing means for instructing the rasterizing device to rasterize the part of the object when the second processing time is smaller than the first processing time;
Bitmap data acquisition means for acquiring bitmap data of the part of objects created by the rasterization device from the rasterization device;
The printer-side rasterizer creates bitmap data of the plurality of objects when the first processing time is smaller than the second processing time,
The printer-side rasterizer creates bitmap data of objects other than the part of objects when the second processing time is smaller than the first processing time.
A printer characterized by that. A computer program for a printer that is configured separately from a rasterizing device having an external rasterizer and is connected to the rasterizing device in a communicable manner.
The computer program stores the following processes on a computer mounted on the printer, that is,
A first processing time for creating bitmap data of a plurality of objects including a DL object that needs to be downloaded from a communication network by itself, the time for downloading the DL object, and the DL A first processing time calculation process for calculating the first processing time including a time for rasterizing the object;
An information transmission process for transmitting information about the partial object including the DL object to a rasterization device, which is a partial object of the plurality of objects;
The DL object is downloaded in a second processing time that is calculated by the rasterizing device based on the information about the part of the object and the external rasterizer creates bitmap data of the part of the object. A second process for acquiring the second processing time from the rasterizing device, including a time for performing, a time for rasterizing the DL object, and a time for transmitting bitmap data of the DL object to a printer Time acquisition processing,
An instruction process for instructing the rasterizing device to rasterize the part of the object when the second processing time is smaller than the first processing time;
Bitmap data acquisition processing for acquiring bitmap data of the part of the objects created by the rasterization device from the rasterization device;
A process of creating bitmap data of the plurality of objects when the first processing time is smaller than the second processing time;
Processing for creating bitmap data of objects other than the part of objects when the second processing time is smaller than the first processing time;
A computer program that executes A rasterizing method executed by a printer that is configured separately from a rasterizing device having an external rasterizer and is connected to the rasterizing device in a communicable manner.
A first processing time for creating bitmap data of a plurality of objects including a DL object that needs to be downloaded from a communication network by itself, the time for downloading the DL object, and the DL A first processing time calculating step for calculating the first processing time including a time for rasterizing the object;
An information transmission step of transmitting information about the partial object including the DL object to a rasterization device, which is a partial object of the plurality of objects;
The DL object is downloaded in a second processing time that is calculated by the rasterizing device based on the information about the part of the object and the external rasterizer creates bitmap data of the part of the object. A second process for acquiring the second processing time from the rasterizing device, including a time for performing, a time for rasterizing the DL object, and a time for transmitting bitmap data of the DL object to a printer A time acquisition process;
An instruction step for instructing the rasterizing device to rasterize the part of the object when the second processing time is smaller than the first processing time;
A bitmap data acquisition step of acquiring bitmap data of the part of the object created by the rasterization device from the rasterization device;
Creating bitmap data of the plurality of objects when the first processing time is less than the second processing time;
Creating bitmap data of objects other than the part of the objects when the second processing time is smaller than the first processing time;
A rasterizing method comprising:

Images