JP4720466B2 - Multifunction printer, multifunction printer drive method, and print data generation unit initialization program for multifunction printer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for shortening the time required for a printing mechanism unit to start driving from a printing instruction, and waits for a printing instruction when settings such as a print medium type and printing quality are performed on a print setting screen. The present invention relates to a multifunction printer that can shorten the time by initializing a print data generation unit, a driving method for the multifunction printer, and a print data generation unit initialization program for the multifunction printer.

The printer is usually configured to be able to perform printing corresponding to sizes, paper qualities, etc. of a plurality of types of printing media, printing with a plurality of printing qualities (printing resolution), and the like.
When printing, the user can select a print medium type, print quality, and the like via a user interface (print setting screen).
The printer includes a halftoning processing unit and a group of lookup tables for halftoning processing (LUTs corresponding to printing medium type, printing quality, and the like). Prior to driving the printing mechanism (printing mechanism unit), the halftoning processing unit is initialized with reference to the LUT corresponding to the print medium type, print quality, etc. in the LUT group. By this initialization, the halftoning processing unit can generate data for the printing operation (print data corresponding to the print medium type, print quality, etc.).

  However, a CPU used for a multifunction printer generally has a lower processing capacity than a CPU used for a computer such as a desktop, and requires time for initialization for a printing operation. That is, conventionally, since the halftoning processing unit generates data for the printing operation with reference to the LUT after the printing instruction is given, it takes time from the printing instruction to the start of the operation of the printing mechanism. For the user, a state where nothing appears to move continues, which increases the psychological burden. In addition, the time required from the print start instruction for the first page to the completion of printing (discharge) is longer than the time required from the previous page discharge to the completion of printing (discharge) for the second and subsequent pages. This reduces the user's comfort in using the multifunction printer.

  An object of the present invention is to execute a print mechanism unit from a print instruction by initializing a print data generation unit without waiting for a print instruction when a print medium type, print quality, or the like is set on a print setting screen. Is to provide a multifunction printer, a multifunction printer driving method, and a print data generation unit initialization program for the multifunction printer, which can reduce the time required for the printer to start driving.

The gist of the multifunction printer of the present invention is (1) to (8).
(1) “A multifunction printer in which a print data generation unit is initialized based on a plurality of print setting information before the printing mechanism is driven,
An operation display unit on which a print setting screen including a setting field of the print setting information is displayed;
When at least one of the print setting information is set via the operation display unit, a time counter that counts a time until a predetermined time elapses from the setting time;
A print data generation table group storage unit storing a group of print data generation tables corresponding to the print setting information;
When at least one of the print setting information is newly set via the print setting screen, the count value of the time counter corresponds to the newly set print setting information when the predetermined time has passed. A print control unit that initializes the print data generation unit based on the print data generation table;
A multi-function printer. "

(2) further includes a print setting information storage unit storing the previous initialization condition information of the print data generation unit,
In the case where at least one of the print setting information is newly set via the print setting screen, the print control unit,
The print data generation unit has already been initialized, and
(I) The newly set print setting information matches the print setting information used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, or
(Ii) When the print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information matches the print data generation table used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, the print data generation table Do not initialize the data generator,
The multifunction printer according to (1), characterized in that: "

(3) “When the print instruction is given, the print control unit
The print data generation unit has already been initialized, and
(I) The newly set print setting information matches the print setting information used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, or
(Ii) When the print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information matches the print data generation table used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, the print data generation table Do not initialize the data generator,
The multifunction printer according to (1), characterized in that: "

(4) “The print setting information is a print medium type and print quality,
The print data generation unit is a halftoning processing unit;
The group of print data generation tables is halftoning data for converting a print target image into print data.
The multifunction printer according to any one of (1) to (3).

(5) A multi-function printer in which a print data generation unit is initialized based on a plurality of print setting information before the printing mechanism is driven,
An operation display unit that displays a print setting screen including a setting field of the print setting information on a screen lower than a screen instructed to start printing;
A print data generation table group storage unit storing a group of print data generation tables corresponding to the print setting information;
When at least one of the print setting information is newly set via the print setting screen, the display on the operation display unit is a higher level in which the print instruction is issued from a lower hierarchy where the print setting information is set. A print control unit that initializes the print data generation unit based on a print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information when the hierarchy is shifted;
A multi-function printer. "

(6) further includes a print setting information storage unit that stores the previous initialization condition information of the print data generation unit;
In the case where at least one of the print setting information is newly set via the print setting screen, the print control unit,
The print data generation unit has already been initialized, and
(I) The newly set print setting information matches the print setting information used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, or
(Ii) When the print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information matches the print data generation table used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, the print data generation table Do not initialize the data generator,
(5) The multi-function printer described in (5). "

(7) “When the print instruction is given, the print control unit
The print data generation unit has already been initialized, and
(I) The newly set print setting information matches the print setting information used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, or
(Ii) When the print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information matches the print data generation table used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, the print data generation table Do not initialize the data generator,
(5) The multi-function printer described in (5). "

(8) “The print setting information is a print medium type and print quality,
The print data generation unit is a halftoning processing unit;
The group of print data generation tables is halftoning data for converting a print target image into print data.
The multifunction printer according to any one of (5) to (7). "

The summary of the print data generation unit initialization program of the multifunction printer of the present invention is (9) to (16).
(9) “A multifunction printer driving method for initializing a print data generation unit based on a plurality of print setting information before the printing mechanism is driven,
A print setting screen display step for displaying a print setting screen including a setting field of the print setting information on a display screen;
When at least one of the print setting information is set via the display screen, a time counting step for counting a time until a predetermined time elapses from the setting time;
When at least one of the print setting information is newly set via the print setting screen, the count value of the time counter corresponds to the newly set print setting information when the predetermined time has passed. A print data generation unit initialization step for initializing the print data generation unit based on the print data generation table
A method for driving a multifunction printer, comprising: "

(10) "In the print data generation unit initialization step, when at least one of the print setting information is set via the print setting screen,
The print data generation unit has already been initialized, and
(I) The newly set print setting information matches the print setting information used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, or

(Ii) When the print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information matches the print data generation table used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, the print data generation table Do not initialize the data generator,
(9) The method for driving a multi-function printer according to (9). "
(11) “In the print data generation unit initialization step, when a print instruction is given,
The print data generation unit has already been initialized, and
(I) The newly set print setting information matches the print setting information used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, or
(Ii) When the print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information matches the print data generation table used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, the print data generation table Do not initialize the data generator,
(9) The method for driving a multi-function printer according to (9). "

(12) “The print setting information is a print medium type and print quality,
The print data generation unit is a halftoning processing unit;
The group of print data generation tables is halftoning data for converting a print target image into print data.
(10) The driving method for a multifunction printer according to any one of (10) to (12). "

(13) “A multifunction printer driving method for initializing a print data generation unit based on a plurality of print setting information before the printing mechanism is driven,
A print setting screen display step for displaying a print setting screen including a setting field of the print setting information on a screen lower than a screen instructed to start printing;
When at least one of the print setting information is newly set via the print setting screen, the display in the print setting screen display step is performed from the lower level where the print setting information is set. A print data generation unit initialization step for initializing the print data generation unit based on a print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information when moving to a higher hierarchy;
A method of driving a multifunction printer, comprising: "

(14) "In the print data generation unit initialization step, when at least one of the print setting information is set via the print setting screen,
The print data generation unit has already been initialized, and
(I) The newly set print setting information matches the print setting information used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, or
(Ii) When the print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information matches the print data generation table used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, the print data generation table Do not initialize the data generator,
(13) A method for driving a multifunction printer according to (13). "

(15) In the print data generation unit initialization step, when a print instruction is given,
The print data generation unit has already been initialized, and
(I) The newly set print setting information matches the print setting information used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, or
(Ii) When the print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information matches the print data generation table used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, the print data generation table Do not initialize the data generator,
(13) A method for driving a multifunction printer according to (13). "

(16) "The print setting information is a print medium type and print quality,
The print data generation unit is a halftoning processing unit;
The group of print data generation tables is halftoning data for converting a print target image into print data.
(13) The driving method of a multifunction printer according to any one of (13) to (16). "

The summary of the print data generation unit initialization program of the multifunction printer of the present invention is (17) to (22).
(17) “A print data generation unit initialization program for a multifunction printer that initializes a print data generation unit based on a plurality of print setting information,
A determination program for determining that at least one of the print setting information is set via a print setting screen;
When at least one of the print setting information is newly set via the print setting screen, the count value of the time counter that counts the time from the setting time is newly set when a predetermined time has passed. The print data generation unit is initialized based on the print data generation table corresponding to the print setting information.
A print data generation unit initialization program for a multifunction printer. "

(18) “When at least one of the print setting information is newly set via the print setting screen,
The print data generation unit has already been initialized, and
(I) The newly set print setting information matches the print setting information used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, or
(Ii) When the print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information matches the print data generation table used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, the print data generation table Do not initialize the data generator,
A print data generation unit initialization program for a multifunction printer as described in (17). "

(19) “When a print instruction is given,
The print data generation unit has already been initialized, and
(I) The newly set print setting information matches the print setting information used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, or
(Ii) When the print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information matches the print data generation table used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, the print data generation table Do not initialize the data generator,
A print data generation unit initialization program for a multifunction printer as described in (17). "

(20) “A print data generation unit initialization program for a multifunction printer that initializes a print data generation unit based on a plurality of print setting information,
When at least one of the print setting information is newly set via the print setting screen, the display of the print setting screen is changed from the lower hierarchy where the print setting information is set to the upper hierarchy where the print instruction is given. When migrating, the print data generation unit is initialized based on the print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information.
A print data generation unit initialization program for a multifunction printer. "

(21) “When at least one of the print setting information is set via the print setting screen,
The print data generation unit has already been initialized, and
(I) The newly set print setting information matches the print setting information used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, or
(Ii) When the print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information matches the print data generation table used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, the print data generation table Do not initialize the data generator,
A print data generation unit initialization program for a multifunction printer as described in (20).

(22) “When a print instruction is given,
The print data generation unit has already been initialized, and
(I) The newly set print setting information matches the print setting information used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, or
(Ii) When the print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information matches the print data generation table used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, the print data generation table Do not initialize the data generator,
A print data generation unit initialization program for a multifunction printer as described in (20). "

In the present invention, since the print data generation unit is initialized when the print medium type and print quality are set, the time until the printing mechanism (printing mechanism) starts operating after the user issues a printing instruction is set. It can be shortened compared to the conventional case.
For the user, since printing is performed immediately after the printing instruction is given, the psychological burden does not increase. Also, since the time required for printing the first page is the same as the time required for printing the second and subsequent pages, the user can comfortably use the multifunction printer.

First Embodiment
In the present embodiment, when the print medium type A, print quality B, etc. are set on the print setting screen, the print data generation unit (halftoning process in this embodiment) is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the setting. Part) is initialized.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a multifunction printer 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the multifunction printer 1 includes an operation display unit 11, a print setting information storage unit 12, a time counter 13, and a print data generation table group storage unit (in this embodiment, a halftoning data storage unit) 14. A print control unit 15, a printing mechanism 16, and a print data generation unit (in this embodiment, a halftoning processing unit) 17.

The operation display unit 11 displays a print setting screen 111 including a plurality of print setting information setting fields. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the print setting information is the print medium type A and the print quality B, and the print setting screen 111 includes these setting fields a and b. In the present invention, when the setting of “print setting information” is changed, the initialization condition information of the halftoning processing unit 17 (indicated by reference numeral 26 in the second embodiment and indicated by reference numeral 37 in the second embodiment) is changed. In this embodiment, the initialization condition information is setting information for the print medium type A or setting information for the print quality B.
The initial screen of the operation display unit 11 is the print instruction screen 110 shown in FIG. 2, and the print setting screen 111 exists in the lower hierarchy. By pressing a print setting button PS (shown as “print setting” in FIG. 2) on the print instruction screen 110, the screen display is changed to the print setting screen 111.

  Although the print start button SB (shown as “print start” in FIG. 2) is displayed on the print instruction screen 110, in this embodiment, the print instruction screen 110 and the print setting screen 111 are the same screen. May be integrated. That is, in the present embodiment, unlike the second and third embodiments, the halftoning processing unit 17 is initialized regardless of the hierarchical structure of the operation display unit 11, and therefore the print start button SB Even if the setting fields a and b are displayed on the same screen, the operation of this embodiment is not affected. In this embodiment (and the second and third embodiments), the print start button SB is a software button, but hardware provided in the multifunction printer 1 (reference numerals 2 and 3 in the second and third embodiments). It may be a wear button (not shown).

  The print setting information storage unit 12 stores the print medium type A and the print quality B when the halftoning processing unit 17 is initialized last time. In the present embodiment, as described above, the initialization condition information of the halftoning processing unit 17 is the print medium type A and the print quality B used in the previous initialization of the halftoning processing unit 17. Information (for example, a table ID) for specifying the print data generation table used in the previous initialization of the processing unit 17 may be used.

  When one of the print medium type A and the print quality B is set via the print setting screen 111, the time counter 13 counts the time from the setting to the elapse of a predetermined time.

  The halftoning data storage unit 14 stores a group of look-up tables (LUT (1) to LUT (n): halftoning data) corresponding to a plurality of print medium types A and a plurality of print qualities B.

  When either one of the print medium type A and the print quality B is set via the print setting screen 111, the print control unit 15 performs the following processing when the count value of the time counter 13 has passed a predetermined time. Do.

  That is, initialization of the halftoning processing unit 17 has already been performed, and the newly set printing medium type A and printing quality B are the printing medium types used in the previous initialization of the halftoning processing unit 17. It is determined whether they match A and print quality B. If they match, the halftoning processing unit 17 is not initialized, and if they do not match, the halftoning processing unit 17 is initialized.

This initialization is performed based on a look-up table corresponding to the latest print medium type A and print quality B. That is, the print control unit 15 refers to the look-up table corresponding to the set values of the print medium type A and the print quality B from the look-up table group (LUT (1) to LUT (n)), and the halftoning processing unit. 17 is initialized. The halftoning processing unit 17 can convert an image to be processed into print data, and the printing mechanism 16 acquires the print data from the halftoning processing unit 17 and performs printing.
The initialization process is also performed when a print instruction is issued via the print instruction screen 110.

  Since the initialization of the halftoning processing unit 17 is omitted when the latest initialization condition information matches the previous initialization condition information, the load on the CPU mounted on the multifunction printer 1 is reduced. In addition, since initialization is performed before the print start button SB is pressed, there is no inconvenience that it takes time until the first sheet is printed after the print start button SB is pressed.

  The processing of the multifunction printer 1 of FIG. 1 (first embodiment of the multifunction printer driving method) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when the print menu (the initial screen is the print instruction screen 110) is opened (S101), it is determined whether or not there is a print instruction, that is, whether or not the print start button SB has been pressed (S102). If it is determined in S102 that there is a print instruction, the print menu (print instruction screen 110) is closed (S112: Note that the print menu does not necessarily have to be closed), and the process is passed to S113. The processes after S113 (S112 to S118) will be described later.

  When it is determined in S102 that there is no print instruction (“NO” in S102), it is determined whether or not the print medium type A and the print quality B are newly set (S103). If it is determined that the print quality B is not newly set (“NO” in S103), the process returns to S102. In S103, when it is determined that the print medium type A and the print quality B are newly set (“YES” in S103), the time counter 13 (timer) is initialized and the time count is started ( S104). Next, it is determined whether or not the time counter 13 has counted N seconds (N seconds have elapsed from the settings of the print medium type A and print quality B) (S105), and when N seconds have not been counted. (“NO” in S105), it is determined whether the print medium type A and the print quality B are newly set (S106).

  When the print medium type A and the print quality B are newly set in S106 (“YES” in S106), the process returns to S104. Thereby, the time counter 13 (timer) is initialized again, and time count is started (S104). If the print medium type A and the print quality B are not set in S106 ("NO" in S106), it is determined whether or not a print instruction has been issued (S107). In S107, when it is not determined that there is no print instruction (“NO” in S107), the process returns to S105. In this case, the time counter 13 continues to count without being initialized. If it is determined in S107 that there is no print instruction (“YES” in S107), the process is passed to S112, and the halftoning processing unit 17 is immediately initialized as described later.

  In S105, when the time counter 13 counts N seconds (“YES” in S105), the time counting is ended (S108).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the halftoning processing unit 17 has been initialized (S109). If it is determined in S109 that initialization has been completed (“YES” in S109), the settings of the print medium type A and print quality B are stored in the print setting information storage unit 12 (that is, halftoning). It is determined whether or not it matches the print medium type A and print quality B) at the time of the previous initialization of the processing unit 17 (S110). If it is determined in S110 that the settings of the print medium type A and the print quality B do not match the settings stored in the print setting information storage unit 12 (“NO” in S110), and halftoning in S109 When it is determined that the processing unit 17 has not been initialized (“NO” in S109), the LUT corresponding to the setting of the print medium type A and the print quality B is selected, and the halftoning processing unit 17 performs the initialization process. (S111), the process returns to S102, and it is determined whether or not there is a print instruction. If it is determined in S110 that the print medium type A and print quality B settings match the settings stored in the print setting information storage unit 12 (“YES” in S110), the process returns to S102 to print. It is determined whether or not there is an instruction.

  As described above, when it is determined in S102 that there is a print instruction (“YES” in S102), the process is passed to S112 and the print instruction screen 110 is closed. When the print instruction screen 110 is closed, it is determined whether or not the halftoning processing unit 17 has been initialized (S113). In S113, when the halftoning processing unit 17 has been initialized (“YES” in S113), the settings of the print medium type A and the print quality B are stored in the print setting information storage unit 12 (that is, half It is determined whether or not the toning processing unit 17 matches the print medium type A and print quality B) at the previous initialization (S114). When the settings of the print medium type A and the print quality B do not match the settings stored in the print setting information storage unit 12 in S114 (“NO” in S114), and in S113, the halftoning processing unit 17 If not initialized (“NO” in S113), the LUT corresponding to the setting of the print medium type A and the print quality B is selected, the halftoning processing unit 17 is initialized (S115), and the process is printed. The data is passed to the data processing (S116). When the settings of the print medium type A and the print quality B match the settings stored in the print setting information storage unit 12 in S114 (“YES” in S114), the print data processing (S116) is also passed.

Thereafter, the printing mechanism 16 (printing mechanism unit) is driven (S117), and the printing post-processing is terminated (S118).
If the above-described value of N is too small, when one of the print medium type A and the print quality B is newly set, the halftoning processing unit can be used while the user is setting a new one. 17 is initialized, and the process returns to S102. Therefore, when the user subsequently sets the print medium type A or the print quality B, the halftoning processing unit 17 must be initialized again (see S105). If the value of N is too large, when there is a print instruction (when the print start button SB is pressed) before the initialization of the halftoning processing unit 17 is started (“YES” in S107). Since the initialization of the halftoning processing unit 17 is started based on this (see S115), the effect of the present embodiment cannot be achieved. Therefore, the value of N is determined in consideration of the above circumstances.

  The subprogram that executes the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 (particularly, the processing from S102 to S115) constitutes a print data generation unit initialization program for the multifunction printer.

<< Second Embodiment >>
In the present embodiment, when the display on the operation display unit shifts from the lower layer where the print setting information is set to the upper layer where the print instruction is performed, the print data generation unit (the halftoning processing unit in the present embodiment). Initialize the.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the multifunction printer 3 of the present invention. 4, the multifunction printer 2 includes an operation display unit 21, a print setting information storage unit 22, a print data generation table group storage unit (in this embodiment, a halftoning data storage unit) 23, and a print control unit 24. , A printing mechanism 25 and a print data generation unit (in this embodiment, a halftoning processing unit) 26.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a print instruction screen 210 is displayed on the operation display unit 21 as an initial screen. On the print instruction screen 210, the print setting button PS described in the first embodiment is displayed. By pressing the print setting button PS, the screen display is changed to a lower layer print setting screen 211. The print setting screen 211 displays a print setting screen 211 including a plurality of setting fields for print setting information. In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the print setting information is the print medium type A and the print quality B, and the print setting screen 211 includes setting fields a and b.

  The print setting information storage unit 22 stores the print medium type A and the print quality B used in the previous initialization of the halftoning processing unit 26. Also in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the previous initialization condition information of the halftoning processing unit 26 is the print medium type A and print quality B used in the previous initialization of the halftoning processing unit 26. The previous initialization condition information may be information (for example, a table ID) that identifies the print data generation table used in the previous initialization of the halftoning processing unit 26.

  The halftoning data storage unit 23 stores lookup table groups (LUT (1) to LUT (n): halftoning data) corresponding to a plurality of printing medium types A and a plurality of printing qualities B.

  When at least one of the print medium type A and the print quality B is set, the print control unit 24 displays the operation display unit 21 from the print setting screen 211 (lower layer) to the print instruction screen 210 (upper layer). ), The following processing is performed.

  That is, initialization of the halftoning processing unit 26 has already been performed, and the newly set printing medium type A and printing quality B are the printing medium types used in the previous initialization of the halftoning processing unit 26. It is determined whether they match A and print quality B. If they match, the halftoning processing unit 26 is not initialized, and if they do not match, the halftoning processing unit 26 is initialized.

  This initialization is performed based on a look-up table corresponding to the latest print medium type A and print quality B. That is, the print control unit 24 refers to the look-up table corresponding to the set values of the print medium type A and the print quality B from the look-up table group (LUT (1) to LUT (n)), and the halftoning processing unit. 26 is initialized. The halftoning processing unit 26 can convert an image to be processed into print data, and the printing mechanism 25 acquires the print data from the halftoning processing unit 26 and performs printing.

  Since the initialization of the halftoning processing unit 26 is omitted when the latest initialization condition information matches the previous initialization condition information, the load on the CPU mounted on the multifunction printer 2 is reduced. In addition, since initialization is performed before the print start button SB is pressed, there is no inconvenience that it takes time until the first sheet is printed after the print start button SB is pressed.

  The processing of the multifunction printer 2 of FIG. 4 (second embodiment of the driving method of the multifunction printer) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when the print instruction screen 210 is opened (S201), it is determined whether or not there is a print instruction, that is, whether or not the print start button SB is pressed (S202). If it is determined in S202 that there is a print instruction, the print menu (print instruction screen 210) is closed (S208: It is not always necessary to close the print menu), and the process is passed to S209. The processes after S209 (S209 to S214) will be described later.

  When it is determined in S202 that there is no print instruction (“NO” in S202), it is determined whether or not the print instruction screen 210 is entered (S203), and when it is determined that the print instruction screen 210 is not entered. (“NO” in S203), the process returns to S202. When it is determined in S203 that the screen has shifted to the print instruction screen 210 (“YES” in S203), it is determined whether or not the screen has returned to the print instruction screen 210 (S204). “NO” in S204). When it is determined in S204 that the print instruction screen 210 has been returned, it is determined whether or not the halftoning processing unit 26 has been initialized (S205). When it is determined in S205 that initialization has been completed ("YES" in S205), the settings of the print medium type A and print quality B are stored in the print setting information storage unit 22 (that is, the settings at the time of the previous initialization). It is determined whether or not it matches (setting) (S206). When it is determined in S206 that the settings of the print medium type A and the print quality B do not match the settings stored in the print setting information storage unit 22 ("NO" in S206), and in S205, halftoning When it is determined that the processing unit 26 has not been initialized (“NO” in S205), the LUT corresponding to the setting of the print medium type A and the print quality B is selected, and the halftoning processing unit 26 performs the initialization process. (S207), the process returns to S202, and it is determined whether or not there is a print instruction. When it is determined in S206 that the settings of the print medium type A and the print quality B match the settings stored in the print setting information storage unit 22 (“YES” in S206), the process returns to S202, and the print instruction It is determined whether or not there is.

  In S202, when the print menu (print instruction screen 210) is closed, it is determined whether or not the halftoning processing unit 26 has been initialized (S209). In S209, when the halftoning processing unit 26 has been initialized (“YES” in S209), the set print medium type A and print quality B are stored in the print setting information storage unit 22. It is determined whether A and the print quality B match (S210). In S210, when the settings of the print medium type A and the print quality B do not match the settings stored in the print setting information storage unit 22 (“NO” in S210), and in S209, the halftoning processing unit 26 When it is determined that the initialization has not been completed (“NO” in S209), the LUT corresponding to the setting of the print medium type A and the print quality B is selected, and the halftoning processing unit 26 is initialized (S211). The process is passed to the print data process (S212). In S210, when the settings of the print medium type A and the print quality B match the settings stored in the print setting information storage unit 22 (“YES” in S210), the process is passed to S212.

  Thereafter, the printing mechanism 25 (printing mechanism unit) is driven (S213), and the post-processing after printing is finished (S214).

  The subprogram that executes the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 (particularly, the processing from S202 to S211) constitutes a print data generation unit initialization program for the multifunction printer.

<< Third Embodiment >>
This embodiment is an embodiment in which the first and second embodiments are combined. In the present embodiment, when the print medium type A, the print quality B, etc. are set on the print setting screen, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the setting time, or the display on the operation display unit indicates the print setting information. When a transition is made from a lower level where settings are made to a higher level where printing instructions are given, the print data generation unit (in this embodiment, a halftoning processing unit) is initialized.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the multifunction printer 3 of the present invention. In FIG. 6, the multifunction printer 3 includes an operation display unit 31, a print setting information storage unit 32, a time counter 33, and a print data generation table group storage unit (in this embodiment, a halftoning data storage unit) 34. A print control unit 35, a print mechanism 36, and a print data generation unit (in this embodiment, a halftoning processing unit) 37.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a print instruction screen 310 is displayed on the operation display unit 31 as an initial screen. Similar to the first and second embodiments, the print setting button PS is displayed on the print instruction screen 310. By pressing this print setting button PS, the screen display is changed to the lower-layer print setting screen 311. Be changed. The print setting screen 311 displays a print setting screen 311 including a plurality of setting fields for print setting information. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the print setting information is the print medium type A and the print quality B, and the print setting screen 311 includes setting fields a and b.

  The print setting information storage unit 32 stores the previous initialization condition information of the halftoning processing unit 37. In the present embodiment, the previous initialization condition information is the print medium type A and print quality B used in the previous initialization of the halftoning processing unit 37, but the previous initialization condition information is the halftoning processing unit. The information (for example, table ID) for specifying the print data generation table used in the previous initialization of 37 can also be used.

  When either one of the print medium type A and the print quality B is set via the print setting screen 311, the time counter 33 counts the time from the setting to the elapse of a predetermined time.

  The halftoning data storage unit 34 stores a group of look-up tables (LUT (1) to LUT (n): halftoning data) corresponding to a plurality of print medium types A and a plurality of print qualities B.

  When at least one of the print medium type A and the print quality B is set via the print setting screen, the print control unit 35 (I) when the count value of the time counter 33 has passed a predetermined time, The halftoning processing unit 37 is initialized based on a look-up table (any one of LUT (1) to LUT (n)) corresponding to the print medium type A and print quality B, and (II) the display screen is printed. When the medium type A and the print quality B are shifted to the layer where the print instruction is issued, any of the lookup tables (LUT (1) to LUT (n) corresponding to the latest print medium type A and the print quality B is displayed. The halftoning processing unit 37 is initialized based on

  When the print instruction is given, the print control unit 35 matches the print medium type A and the print quality B at the time of the previous initialization of the halftoning processing unit 26 with the latest print medium type A and the print quality B, When the halftoning processing unit 37 has already been initialized based on the look-up table corresponding to the print medium type A and the print quality B, the print data generation unit is not newly initialized. As a result, the load on the CPU mounted on the multi-function printer 3 is reduced, and there is no inconvenience that it takes a long time to print the first sheet after the print start button SB is pressed.

  When either one of the print medium type A and the print quality B is set via the print setting screen 311, the print control unit 35 prints the lower layer when the count value of the time counter 33 has passed a predetermined time or When the setting screen 311 shifts to the upper layer print instruction screen 310, the following processing is performed.

  That is, initialization of the halftoning processing unit 37 has already been performed, and the newly set printing medium type A and printing quality B are the printing medium types used in the previous initialization of the halftoning processing unit 37. It is determined whether they match A and print quality B. If they match, the halftoning processing unit 37 is not initialized, and if they do not match, the halftoning processing unit 37 is initialized.

  This initialization is performed based on a look-up table corresponding to the latest print medium type A and print quality B. That is, the print control unit 35 refers to the look-up table corresponding to the set values of the print medium type A and the print quality B from the group of look-up tables (LUT (1) to LUT (n)), and the halftoning processing unit. 37 is initialized. The halftoning processing unit 37 can convert an image to be processed into print data, and the printing mechanism 36 acquires the print data from the halftoning processing unit 37 and performs printing.

  In the multi-function printer 3 of FIG. 6, when the user sets the print medium and print quality B, the halftoning processing unit 37 is automatically initialized, and the user prints on the lower layer screen. After setting the medium and print quality B, the halftoning processing unit 37 is automatically initialized even when returning to a higher level for instructing printing.

  Processing of the multifunction printer 310 of FIG. 6 (third embodiment of the multifunction printer driving method) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when the print instruction screen 310 is opened (S301), it is determined whether or not there is a print instruction, that is, whether or not the print start button SB is pressed (S302). If it is determined in S302 that a print instruction has been issued, the print menu (print instruction screen 310) is closed (S318: It is not always necessary to close the print menu), and the process is passed to S319. The processes after S319 (S319 to S324) will be described later.

  When it is determined in S302 that there is no print instruction (“NO” in S302), it is determined whether or not the print setting screen 311 for the print medium type A and print quality B has been transferred (S303), and the print setting screen is displayed. If it is determined that the process has not been performed (“NO” in S303), the process returns to S302. If it is determined in S303 that the print setting screen 311 has been entered (“YES” in S303), it is determined whether or not the print medium type A and print quality B have been set (S304), and the print medium type A is determined. When it is determined that the print quality B is not set (“NO” in S304), it is determined whether or not the screen returns to the print instruction screen 310 (S305). When it is determined in S305 that the print instruction screen 310 has been returned ("YES" in S305), the process returns to S302, and when it is determined that the print instruction screen 310 has not been returned ("NO" in S305), The process returns to S304.

  When it is determined in S304 that the print medium type A and the print quality B are set (“YES” in S304), the time counter 33 (timer) is initialized and the time count is started (S306). Next, it is determined whether or not the time counter 33 has counted N seconds (N seconds have elapsed from the setting) (S307). If N seconds have not been counted ("NO" in S307), printing is performed. It is determined whether the medium type A and the print quality B are set (S308). If it is determined in S308 that the print medium type A or print quality B has been set (“YES” in S308), the process returns to S306. As a result, the time counter 33 (timer) is initialized again, and time counting is started. If the print medium type A and the print quality B are not set in S308 (“NO” in S308), it is determined whether or not the print instruction screen 310 has been returned (S309). When it is determined (“NO” in S309), the process returns to S307. In this case, the time counter 33 continues to count without being initialized.

  When it is determined in S309 that the print instruction screen 310 has been returned ("YES" in S309), the process is passed to S310, and it is determined whether or not the halftoning processing unit 37 has been initialized (S310). . If it is determined in S310 that initialization has been completed (“YES” in S310), the settings of the print medium type A and the print quality B are stored in the print setting information storage unit 32 (that is, halftoning). It is determined whether or not it matches the setting at the time of the previous initialization of the processing unit 37 (S311). When it is determined in S311 that the settings of the print medium type A and the print quality B do not match the settings stored in the print setting information storage unit 32 (“NO” in S311), and the halftoning process in S310 When it is determined that the unit 37 has not been initialized (“NO” in S310), the LUT corresponding to the setting of the print medium A and the print quality B is selected, and the halftoning processing unit 37 is initialized (S312). ), The process is returned to S302, and it is determined whether or not there is a print instruction. If it is determined in S311 that the print medium type A and print quality B settings match the settings stored in the print setting information storage unit 32 (“YES” in S311), the process returns to S302 to print. It is determined whether or not there is an instruction.

In S307, when the time counter 33 counts N seconds (“YES” in S307), the time counting is ended (S313).
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the halftoning processing unit 37 has been initialized (S314). If it is determined in S314 that initialization has been completed (“YES” in S314), the latest A and print quality B settings are stored in the print medium information A and the print medium type A stored in the print setting information storage unit 32. It is determined whether or not the quality B matches the setting (S315). When it is determined in S315 that the settings of the print medium type A and the print quality B do not match the settings stored in the print setting information storage unit 32 (“NO” in S315), and the halftoning processing unit in S314 If it is determined that 37 has not been initialized (“NO” in S314), the LUT corresponding to the setting of the print medium A and print quality B is selected, and the halftoning processing unit 37 is initialized (S316). ), It is determined whether or not the screen returns to the print instruction screen 310 (S317).

  If it is determined in S317 that the print instruction screen 310 has been returned ("YES" in S317), the process returns to S302 to determine whether or not there has been a print instruction, and if it has been determined that the print instruction screen 310 has not been returned to. (“NO” in S317), the process returns to S304, and it is determined whether or not the print medium type A and the print quality B are set.

  When the settings of the print medium type A and the print quality B match the settings stored in the print setting information storage unit 32 in S315 (“YES” in S315), the process proceeds to S317 and returns to the print instruction screen 310. It is determined whether or not.

  As described above, when it is determined in S302 that there is a print instruction (“YES” in S302), the process is passed to S318, and the print instruction screen 310 is closed. When the print instruction screen 310 is closed, it is determined whether or not the halftoning processing unit 37 has been initialized (S319). In S319, when the halftoning processing unit 37 has been initialized (“YES” in S319), the settings of the print medium type A and the print quality B are stored in the print setting information storage unit 32 (that is, the previous time). It is determined whether or not it matches the setting at the time of printing or the default setting when the power is turned off at the previous printing (S320). In S320, when the settings of the print medium type A and the print quality B do not match the settings stored in the print setting information storage unit 32 (“NO” in S320), and in S319, the halftoning processing unit 37 If it has not been initialized (“NO” in S319), the LUT corresponding to the setting of the print medium A and the print quality B is selected, the halftoning processing unit 37 is initialized (S321), and the process is performed as print data. It passes to processing (S322).

  Thereafter, the printing mechanism 36 (printing mechanism unit) is driven (S323), and the post-processing after printing is finished (S324).

  The subprogram that executes the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 (particularly, the processing from S302 to S321) constitutes a print data generation unit initialization program of the multifunction printer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a first embodiment of a multifunction printer of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the printing instruction | indication screen and print setting screen which are displayed on the operation display part in 1st Embodiment to 3rd Embodiment. 2 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the multifunction printer of FIG. 1 (first embodiment of the multifunction printer driving method of the present invention). It is explanatory drawing which shows 2nd Embodiment of the multifunctional printer of this invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing in the multifunction printer of FIG. 4 (second embodiment of the multifunction printer driving method of the present invention). FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows 3rd Embodiment of the multifunctional printer of this invention. 7 is a flowchart showing processing (third embodiment of the driving method of the multifunction printer of the present invention) in the multifunction printer of FIG. 6.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2, 3 MFP printer 11, 21 Operation display unit 12, 22 Print setting information storage unit 13, 33 Time counter 14, 23, 34 Halftoning data storage unit 15, 24, 35 Print control unit 16, 25, 36 Printing mechanism 17, 26, 37 Halftoning processing unit 110, 210, 310 Print instruction screen 111, 211, 311 Print setting screen LUT (1) to LUT (n) Look-up table

Claims (12)

A multi-function printer in which a print data generation unit is initialized based on a plurality of print setting information before the printing mechanism is driven,
An operation display unit on which a print setting screen including a setting field of the print setting information is displayed;
When at least one of the print setting information is set via the operation display unit, a time counter that counts a time until a predetermined time elapses from the setting time;
A print data generation table group storage unit storing a group of print data generation tables corresponding to the print setting information;
When at least one of the print setting information is newly set via the print setting screen, the count value of the time counter corresponds to the newly set print setting information when the predetermined time has passed. A print control unit that initializes the print data generation unit based on the print data generation table;
A multi-function printer. A print setting information storage unit storing the previous initialization condition information of the print data generation unit;
In the case where at least one of the print setting information is newly set via the print setting screen, the print control unit,
The print data generation unit has already been initialized, and
(I) The newly set print setting information matches the print setting information used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, or
(Ii) When the print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information matches the print data generation table used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, new print data Does not initialize the generator.
The multifunction printer according to claim 1. When the print control unit is instructed to print,
The print data generation unit has already been initialized, and
(I) The newly set print setting information matches the print setting information used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, or
(Ii) When the print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information matches the print data generation table used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, the print data generation table Do not initialize the data generator,
The multifunction printer according to claim 1. The print setting information is a print medium type and print quality;
The print data generation unit is a halftoning processing unit;
The group of print data generation tables is halftoning data for converting a print target image into print data.
The multifunction printer according to claim 1, wherein the multifunction printer is a printer. A multi-function printer in which a print data generation unit is initialized based on a plurality of print setting information before the printing mechanism is driven,
An operation display unit that displays a print setting screen including a setting field of the print setting information on a screen lower than a screen instructed to start printing;
A print data generation table group storage unit storing a group of print data generation tables corresponding to the print setting information;
When at least one of the print setting information is newly set via the print setting screen, the display on the operation display unit is a higher level in which the print instruction is issued from a lower hierarchy where the print setting information is set. A print control unit that initializes the print data generation unit based on a print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information when the hierarchy is shifted;
A multi-function printer. A print setting information storage unit storing the previous initialization condition information of the print data generation unit;
In the case where at least one of the print setting information is newly set via the print setting screen, the print control unit,
The print data generation unit has already been initialized, and
(I) The newly set print setting information matches the print setting information used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, or
(Ii) When the print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information matches the print data generation table used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, the print data generation table Do not initialize the data generator,
6. The multi-function printer according to claim 5, wherein When the print control unit is instructed to print,
The print data generation unit has already been initialized, and
(I) The newly set print setting information matches the print setting information used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, or
(Ii) When the print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information matches the print data generation table used in the previous initialization of the print data generation unit, the print data generation table Do not initialize the data generator,
6. The multi-function printer according to claim 5, wherein The print setting information is a print medium type and print quality;
The print data generation unit is a halftoning processing unit;
The group of print data generation tables is halftoning data for converting a print target image into print data.
8. A multi-function printer according to claim 5, wherein the multi-function printer is used. A method for driving a multifunction printer that initializes a print data generation unit based on a plurality of print setting information before the printing mechanism is driven,
A print setting screen display step for displaying a print setting screen including a setting field of the print setting information on a display screen;
When at least one of the print setting information is set via the display screen, a time counting step for counting a time until a predetermined time elapses from the setting time;
When at least one of the print setting information is newly set via the print setting screen, the count value of the time counter corresponds to the newly set print setting information when the predetermined time has passed. A print data generation unit initialization step for initializing the print data generation unit based on the print data generation table
A method for driving a multifunction printer, comprising: A driving method of a multifunction printer that initializes a print data generation unit based on a plurality of print setting information before a printing mechanism (printing mechanism unit) is driven,
A print setting screen display step for displaying a print setting screen including a setting field of the print setting information on a screen lower than a screen instructed to start printing;
When at least one of the print setting information is newly set via the print setting screen, the display in the print setting screen display step is performed from the lower level where the print setting information is set. A print data generation unit initialization step for initializing the print data generation unit based on a print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information when moving to a higher hierarchy;
A method of driving a multifunction printer, comprising: A print data generation unit initialization program for a multifunction printer that initializes a print data generation unit based on a plurality of print setting information,
A determination program for determining that at least one of the print setting information is set via a print setting screen;
When at least one of the print setting information is newly set via the print setting screen, the count value of the time counter that counts the time from the setting time is newly set when a predetermined time has passed. The print data generation unit is initialized based on the print data generation table corresponding to the print setting information.
A print data generation unit initialization program for a multifunction printer. A print data generation unit initialization program for a multifunction printer that initializes a print data generation unit based on a plurality of print setting information,
When at least one of the print setting information is newly set via the print setting screen, the display of the print setting screen is changed from the lower hierarchy where the print setting information is set to the upper hierarchy where the print instruction is given. When migrating, the print data generation unit is initialized based on the print data generation table corresponding to the newly set print setting information.
A print data generation unit initialization program for a multifunction printer.

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