JP5176404B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus such as a printer apparatus, and more particularly to a printing apparatus that performs drawing processing on print data and prints on a recording medium.

  A conventional printing apparatus receives print data supplied from a host device such as a personal computer (PC), performs drawing processing of the print data, and develops it in a frame type image memory. As this image memory, for example, a 24-bit RGB, CMYK 32-bit, or CMYK dither (1/2/4 bit, etc.) frame type image memory is used for one pixel of a drawn image.

  Patent Document 1 is an invention for improving print speed by performing print data reception processing using a full color data format or a palette color format depending on whether the received data is full color data or a large number of colors. is there.

JP 2006-127351 A

  However, since the conventional frame type image memory includes a memory that is a non-image area depending on the print data, a high-resolution printing apparatus requires a large-capacity memory even if compression processing is performed. For this reason, in the conventional frame-type image memory, there are many relatively continuous same-color sections, and a small amount of color is used. For example, even for form printing, a large amount of memory is required for creating a drawn image.

Therefore, a management method of an image memory using a palette method is proposed, and color data converted in the order of appearance is registered as a palette number, and when the same color data is read, the palette number is used. According to this method, the required memory capacity can be reduced to, for example, 1/3 to 1/4, compared with the case where all data is recorded in the frame format image memory, and the processing efficiency is also improved.
However, in this method, the required memory capacity varies depending on the contents of the print data. For example, if the high-resolution image data, since there is little probability that the same RGB values consecutive in the main scanning direction, the data corresponding to the RGB value that changes must be registered in the color palette table, large memory capacity Necessary.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a printing apparatus capable of suppressing the memory capacity without using a frame-type image memory and performing printing processing of high-resolution image data.

To achieve the above object, one aspect of the printing apparatus of the present invention, the start and end positions of the same color color data of additive color mixture consecutive in the main scanning direction, and the information of the color data of the same color, a first segment table for registering and data type of information, and a data color data of additive mixture that does not continuously in the main scanning direction, the top and data type of information, color data which is not the continuous in the main scanning direction what number of the information, and the second section table for registering information about the minimum coordinate and maximum coordinate of the main scanning direction of the first section table and the second section table one line is registered from If, enter the section management table having an area for storing the number of the first section table and the second segment table registered, and the print data of one line in the main scanning direction, Detecting the same color pixel data continuously, the information of the color data of the same color, and the start position and the end position, the first to be registered as the data type information, the said first section table a registration processing unit, and the color data information which the non-contiguous, registration and the data type information, and a what number information from the head color data the not continuous in the main scanning direction to said second section table second registration processing unit, a third registration processing means for registering a maximum position and minimum position in the sub-scanning direction before Symbol the segment management table in which information is registered in the main scanning direction, the sub-scan direction which is minimum from the position of line sequentially reads the first segment table and the second section table is registered in the line of the maximum position, the print color data of subtractive color mixture information color data of said additive mixture of Having a print processing unit for printing on conversion to the recording medium in the information, and wherein the.

In order to achieve the above-described object, one aspect of the printing method according to the present invention includes the start position and end position of the color data of the additive color mixture that is continuous in the main scanning direction, the information of the color data of the same color, A first section table for registering data type information, additive color data information that is not continuous in the main scanning direction, data type information, and the discontinuous color data are the heads in the main scanning direction. Information of the minimum coordinate and the maximum coordinate in which the first interval table and the second interval table are registered in one line in the main scanning direction. And a section management table having an area for storing the registered number of the first section table and the number of the second section tables. Print data of the same color, detecting continuous pixel data of the same color, and information of the color data of the same color, the start position and the end position, and information of the data type The first registration processing to be registered in the section table, the information on the non-continuous color data, the information on the data type, and the information on the number of the non-continuous color data from the beginning in the main scanning direction, A second registration process for registering in the second section table; a third registration process for registering the maximum position and the minimum position in the sub-scanning direction of the section management table in which the information is registered in the main scanning direction; The first section table and the second section table registered from the minimum position line in the sub-scanning direction to the maximum position line are sequentially read, and the information of the color data of the additive color mixture is subtractively mixed. Performing a printing process for converting the information of the print color data printed on a recording medium, and characterized in that.

In order to achieve the above-described object, one aspect of the printing program of the present invention includes the start position and the end position of the same color data of additive color mixture that is continuous in the main scanning direction, the information of the color data of the same color, A first section table for registering data type information, additive color data information that is not continuous in the main scanning direction, data type information, and the discontinuous color data are the heads in the main scanning direction. Information of the minimum coordinate and the maximum coordinate in which the first interval table and the second interval table are registered in one line in the main scanning direction. And a section management table having an area for storing the registered first section table and the number of the second section table by a computer. A printing program to be executed, wherein one line of print data in the main scanning direction is input, pixel data of the same color is detected continuously, information on the color data of the same color, the start position, and the end A first registration process for registering a position and information on the data type in the first interval table; information on the discontinuous color data; information on the data type; and the discontinuous color data A second registration process for registering in the second section table the number of information from the beginning in the main scanning direction, and the sub-scanning direction of the section management table in which the information is registered in the main scanning direction. Third registration processing for registering the maximum position and the minimum position, and the first section table and the second section table registered from the minimum position line to the maximum position line in the sub-scanning direction. Sequentially read, and the printing process for printing on a recording medium by converting the information of the color data of the additive color information of the print color data of subtractive color mixture, but that can at least run, it is characterized.

  According to the means for solving the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus capable of efficiently performing print processing even for high-resolution image data without using a frame-type high-capacity image memory.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a printing apparatus illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.
The printing apparatus used in this example is a multi-function machine (hereinafter referred to as MFP (multifunction printer / multifunction printer)) having a scanner function, a facsimile function, a copying function, etc. in addition to a printing function. Hereinafter, description will be made using this MFP.

  The MFP 1 includes a scanner unit 2, an MFP control unit 3, and a printer unit 4. The scanner unit 2 includes a reading mechanism unit 2 a, which reads a document image placed on a document table by driving the reading mechanism unit 2 a and transmits document data to the MFP control unit 3.

  The MFP control unit 3 includes an MFP main unit 5, a reading mechanism control unit 6, a display operation control unit 7, a FAX communication control unit 8, a LAN communication control unit 9, an Internet communication control unit 10, an IC card device control unit 11, and a storage device. It comprises a control unit 12 and a storage device (HDD) 13.

  The reading mechanism control unit 6 performs mechanism control of the reading mechanism unit 2 a provided in the scanner unit 2, and sends document data read by the scanner unit 2 to the MFP control unit 5.

  Display operation control unit 7 outputs an operation signal based on an operation of a key or the like provided in display operation unit 15 to MFP main unit 5. Further, display data output from the MFP main unit 5 is displayed on the display operation unit 15. Further, the storage device control unit 12 performs data writing to the storage device (HDD) 13 and reading control of data stored in the storage device (HDD) 13.

The storage device (HDD) 13 is provided with a section management table and the like which will be described later, and RGB format print data is registered by the processing described later under the control of the MFP main unit 5 and the storage device control unit 12.
The LAN communication control unit 9 is an interface for connecting the MFP 1 used in this example to the LAN, and is used for communication with a client PC or the like. For example, print data is supplied from the client PC.

  The FAX communication control unit 8 controls transmission / reception of facsimile data. Further, the Internet communication control unit 10 performs packet communication by TCP / IP (transmission control protocol / internet protocol), for example. Further, the IC card device controller 11 is an interface with the IC card reader 16 and is used for authentication in confidential printing, for example.

  On the other hand, the printer unit 4 includes a PPR control unit 17, a printing mechanism unit 18, and a paper feeding device 19, and print processing is performed on the recording medium carried out from the paper feeding device 19 based on the control of the PPR control unit 17. The printing result is output to a paper discharge unit (not shown).

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the section management table, which is a table for managing drawing data in units of one pixel in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction) of the MFP 1 and for registering the minimum registered Y coordinate in the Y direction. The drawing data between the areas set in the storage area 21a and the registered maximum Y coordinate storage area 21b that stores the maximum registered coordinates in the Y direction are registered.

The section management table 21 includes the number of sections, the minimum X coordinate, the maximum X coordinate, and a section information pointer. The section information pointer is a pointer that designates an address where section information is registered, and the section information contains a plurality of one-line section tables of the Y coordinate. The section table format includes (1) and (2), and the section table (1) shown in FIG. 2 (b) is a case where a plurality of pixels having the same RGB value are continuous, and the continuous same-color section. Start X pixel (start X coordinate), end X pixel (end X coordinate), RGB value and flag area.

The start X coordinate and end X coordinate are 2 bytes, the RGB value is 1 byte each, the flag area is 1 byte, and the section table (1) is 8 bytes in total. However, the 1-byte flag area, using the upper bits 6 and 7, when the bit 6 and 7 is "01", indicates that the print data is text, when "10", the print data The graphic indicates that the print data is an image when “11”.

  On the other hand, the section table (2) shown in FIG. 2C is a table that is registered when pixels having the same RGB value are not continuous and isolated, and each is a 1-byte identifier registration area and 1-byte RGB. It consists of a value registration area, and has a total of 4 bytes. However, since the section table (2) does not have coordinate information in the main scanning direction (X-axis direction), it is necessary to specify the coordinates in the main scanning direction for the first pixel (RGB value), and the section table (1). Register in the format.

The identifier registration area uses bits 6 and 7 as described above. When bits 6 and 7 are “01”, the print data is text, and when “10” is graphic data. And “11” indicates image data. For bits 0 to 5, information indicating the number of isolated pixels of the isolated pixel (RGB value) is registered.
Next, FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of processed pixel information. The processed pixel information indicates each pixel in the main scanning direction (X-axis direction), and information indicating whether or not the corresponding pixel has already been converted at the time of conversion from an RGB value to a CMYK dither value, which will be described later, is recorded. Further, in this example, it is also used when performing the later-described α channel processing.

  In the above configuration, the processing operation of this example will be described below.

  As described above, for example, when print data is input to the MFP 1 from the client PC via the LAN communication control unit 9, the MFP main unit 5 stores the print data in the reception buffer, and rendering is performed when a predetermined amount of print data is stored. Performs data expansion processing.

  In this case, first, initialization processing of the registered minimum Y coordinate storage area 21a and the registered maximum Y coordinate storage area 21b is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 (steps (hereinafter referred to as S) 1 and 2). Specifically, a numerical value of the maximum Y coordinate, for example, “4000” (corresponding to 4000 lines) is set in the registered minimum Y coordinate storage area 21a, and “0” is set in the registered maximum Y coordinate storage area 21b.

  Next, the number of sections in the section management table 21 is initialized (S3). Specifically, “0” is set not only in the storage area for the number of sections but also in the storage area for the minimum X coordinate and the maximum X coordinate, and the section pointer storage area is set to NULL.

  Next, drawing information registration processing is performed. FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts for explaining this process.

  First, according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the print data is read from the reception buffer and compared with the Y coordinate of the section management table 21 (S4). Specifically, a comparison process between the Y coordinate of the section management table 21 to which the read additive color mixture print data (RGB print data) is written and the registered minimum Y coordinate storage area 21a and the registered maximum Y coordinate storage area 21b is performed. Do.

  In the first process, the section management table 21 is in the initial state described above, the maximum value (4000) is set in the registered minimum Y coordinate storage area 21a, and “0” is set in the registered maximum Y coordinate storage area 21b. Has been. Accordingly, the Y coordinate for registering the drawing data is compared with the registered minimum Y coordinate storage area 21a and the registered maximum Y coordinate storage area 21b (S5, S6).

For example, Y coordinates to register this time drawing data, if a previously described FIGS. 2 (a) to indicate Y = S (100), the value of S than the maximum value "4000" of the registered minimum Y-coordinate storage area 21a is The value of S is smaller than “0” in the registered maximum Y coordinate storage area 21b. Therefore, the value of S (for example, 100) which is a Y coordinate is set to the registration minimum Y coordinate storage area 21a and the registration maximum Y coordinate storage area 21b by the said process.

  Next, it is determined whether the registration to the Y coordinate (S) is new (S7). This determination is made by determining the number of sections of the Y coordinate S registered in the section management table 21. In the first process, the number of sections is set to “0” (S7 is YES), and the process proceeds to the determination of the α channel (transparency parameter) (S8).

  The determination of the α channel is a process of drawing a watermark on a registered image at a predetermined ratio. When the α channel is processed (there is S8), for example, 50% of the input color data ( However, when the predetermined ratio is 50%, the RGB value is calculated and set as a new RGB value (S9).

  Next, an area of section information in the section management table 21 is secured (S10), and drawing data registration processing is performed (S11). Specifically, “1” is registered in the area of the number of sections shown in FIG. 2A and section information is written. In the case of the above example, the coordinate Y is S (for example, 100), the area of the line S is “1” as the number of sections, the section information (1) as the section information, or the information necessary for the section table (2) Write (S11, S12).

  For example, if the same RGB value is continuous, information is registered in the interval table (1), and if it is an isolated RGB value, information is registered in the interval table (2).

  The above processing is executed when new registration to the Y coordinate is performed. For example, when new drawing data registration processing to the Y coordinate M, E, etc. shown in FIG. 2A is performed, it is repeatedly executed (S4 to S12). ).

  On the other hand, if data has already been registered for the Y coordinate for registering drawing data (S7 is NO), the processing shown in FIG. 6 is executed.

  First, when new drawing data is input, registration processing to the section management table 21 is performed by the above-described processing (S4 to S7), and new registration is performed in the registered minimum Y coordinate storage area 21a and the registered maximum Y coordinate storage area 21b. Is determined, and it is determined that the registration is not a new registration to the Y coordinate (NO in S7).

  Next, it is determined whether there is alpha channel processing (S13). Here, when the α channel processing is not necessary (there is no S13), the process immediately proceeds to the section information registration routine S. FIG. 6 also shows the processing of the section information registration routine S.

  First, it is determined whether the read processing target data (pixel) is an isolated RGB value (S14). If it is not an isolated pixel, it is determined that the same RGB value is continuous (S14 is NO), The process proceeds to processing (S15). On the other hand, if it is determined that the pixel is an isolated pixel (YES in S14), it is determined whether or not 128 isolated RGB values are the last consecutive pixels (RGB values) (S16). This determination is made by confirming the identifier of the section table (2).

Here, if 128 isolated RGB values are consecutive pixels (RGB values) (YES in S16), the process proceeds to processing (S15). On the other hand, if the isolated RGB value is not 128 consecutive pixels (RGB value) (NO in S16), it is then determined whether it is the first pixel of the isolated RGB value (S17). If it is the first pixel (YES at S17), the process proceeds to the process (S15). If it is not the first pixel (S17 is NO), the process proceeds to the process (S18).
The process (S15) is a setting of the section table (1). The number of sections is incremented by 2, the data of the minimum X coordinate and the maximum X coordinate are updated, and the section table (1) corresponding to the section information area is generated. To do. On the other hand, the process (S18) is a setting of the section table (2), the number of sections is incremented by 1, the data of the minimum X coordinate and the maximum X coordinate are updated, and the section table (2) corresponding to the section information area. Is generated. Thereafter, the end of the processing target data is determined, and the above processing is repeated each time the processing target data is input (S21 is NO, S14 to S20).

On the other hand, when the α channel process is necessary (there is S13), a comparison process is performed between the section in which the α channel process is performed and the already registered section (S22). For example, when the alpha channel processing section has an X coordinate value of 30 to 80, the minimum X coordinate of the already registered drawing section is 100, and the maximum X coordinate is 200, there is no overlapping section, Outside the section (S23 is outside the section). On the other hand, if the drawing interval of the α channel is 50 to 130, the minimum X coordinate of the already registered drawing interval is 100, and the maximum X coordinate is 200, there are overlapping intervals (100 to 130), It is determined that it is within the section (S23 is within the section).

  First, the case outside the section will be described. In this case, first, the α channel process is performed, and the RGB value of the transmittance (for example, 50%) to be subjected to the watermark process is calculated (S24). Thereafter, the section information registration routine S is entered as described above. The processing of the section information registration routine S is the same as described above.

  On the other hand, when the drawing data to be subjected to the α channel processing is within the section (S23 is within the section), the processed pixel information for one line is initialized (S25).

  Next, the intersection section search process is performed (S26). In the above example, the intersection interval is 100 to 130, and the α channel processing is performed on the RGB data corresponding to the intersection interval. For example, in the above-described sections 100 to 130, 50% new RGB data based on the α channel processing is added to the RGB data to obtain new RGB data (S28). Then, the RGB data is registered in the section information (S30). Next, the corresponding pixel of the processed pixel information is turned on ("1" is set) (S31). Then, by determining whether all the processed pixel information corresponding to the intersecting section is turned on (S32), it is determined whether the comparison processing of all the sections is completed. In addition, even when not all are turned on, when all the created section information has been compared (YES in S33), the RGB data corresponding to the intersection section and for which the processed pixel information is not turned on is outside the section. The same processing as the α channel processing (S24) is performed to create a section table and register it in the section information (S36).

  The above process will be described below using a specific example.

  The example illustrated in FIG. 7 describes a registration process for a line having a Y coordinate (for example, a line having a coordinate Y of S). In this example, first, text type print data is input, and drawing writing is performed in the main scanning direction (X-axis direction) 0 to 2. The α channel processing (Opacity) is NO. In this case, the same RGB values are continuous, the section table (1) is used, and the data shown in FIG. 8A is registered. That is, “0” is registered as the start X coordinate, “2” is registered as the end X coordinate, the RGB values are R1, G1, and B1, and the flag is “40” Hx (bits 7 and 6 are (01)). ).

  Next, the second data is image type data, the writing position is 3, and the α channel processing (Opacity) is NO. In this case, although it is an isolated pixel, it is the head of the isolated pixel, and the data shown in FIG. 8B is registered using the section table (1) for specifying the head position as described above. That is, following the section table (1) set above, “3” is registered as the start X coordinate, “3” is registered as the end X coordinate, and RGB values of R2, G2, and B2 are registered. A flag of C0 ″ Hx (bits 7 and 6 are (11)) is set.

  Next, the third data is image type data, the writing position is 4, and the α channel processing (Opacity) is NO. In this case, it is an isolated RGB value (pixel), the section table (2) is used, and the data shown in FIG. 8C is registered. That is, following the set interval table (1), “C0” Hx (bits 7 and 6 are (11)) is set in the identifier, and RGB values of R3, G3, and B3 are registered.

  Next, the fourth data is image type data, the writing position is 5, and the α channel processing (Opacity) is NO. In this case, it is an isolated RGB value (pixel), the section table (2) is used, and the data shown in FIG. 8D is registered. That is, following the section table (2) set above, “C0” Hx (bits 7 and 6 are (11)) is set in the identifier, and RGB values of R4, G4, and B4 are registered.

  Next, the fifth data is graphic type data, the writing position is 6 to 8, and the α channel processing (Opacity) is NO. In this case, the same RGB values are continuous, the section table (1) is used, and the data shown in FIG. 8 (e) is registered. That is, following the section table (2) set above, “6” is registered as the start X coordinate, “8” is registered as the end X coordinate, the RGB values are R5, G5, and B5, and the flag is “80” Hx (bits 7 and 6 are (10)).

Next, data of the sixth graphic type shown in FIG. 7 is input. This processing target data is processing that requires alpha channel processing (Opacity), and will be described below.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the processing in this case. First, the processed pixel information shown in FIG. 3 is initialized. FIG. 10 shows processed pixel information that has undergone initialization processing.

  Next, the pointer is positioned at the end point +1 position (point A) of the section information shown in FIG. 9, and the pointer is moved from point A to point B 4 bytes before. End B coordinate data “8” is registered at this point B, and the upper bits 6 and 7 of this area are “00”. Therefore, it can be determined that the position of point B is not the section table (2) but the area of the section table (1).

  Next, the pointer is moved from point B to point C 4 bytes before, the start X coordinate of the section table (1) is examined, and the intersection state in the main scanning direction (X axis direction) in which α channel processing is to be performed is known. . In this case, “6” to “7” intersect, and the RGB values R5, G5, B5 and R6, G6, B6 in the meantime are added to create an RGB value (R65, G65, B65).

  In this process, the α channel process is first performed, and the RGB values (R6, G6, B6) of a predetermined transmittance (for example, 50%) are calculated as described above, and then R5, G5, B5 are added. It is processing to do. Then, a new section table is created. In this case, the section table (1) is created, “6” is registered as the start X coordinate shown in FIG. 11, “7” is registered as the end X coordinate, and R65, G65, and B65 are registered as RGB values. In the flag area, “80” Hx (bits 7 and 6 are (10)) is registered. In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, “1” indicating processed is set in the pixels 6 and 7 of the processed pixel information.

  Next, the pointer is moved from point C to point D 4 bytes before. Since the identifier is set in the area of point D and bits 7 and 6 are not set to “00”, it can be determined as the section table (2). Then, it moves from the information on the number of continuous RGB values to point F through point E.

  Here, it is identified that “5” in the main scanning direction (X-axis direction) intersects, and RGB values (R4, G4, B4 and R6, G6, B6) are added to obtain RGB values (R64, G64). , B64). Then, a new section table is created. In this case, the section table (1) is created, "5" is registered in the start X coordinate shown in FIG. 13, "5" is registered in the end X coordinate, and RGB values (R64, G64, B64) are registered. To do. The flag is set to “80” Hx (bits 7 and 6 are (10)) indicating a graphic. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, “1” is set in the pixel 5 of the processed pixel information.

FIG. 15 shows a registration example of section information after the α channel processing is completed.
After the section management table 21 is completed as described above, the drawing data transfer process to the printer engine unit is performed as follows.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining this process. FIG. 17 is an example of section information registered in the section management table 21 by the above-described processing, and shows one-line section information for explanation.

  First, the search start Y coordinate is set (step (hereinafter referred to as ST) 1). This process is a process of reading the information set in the registered minimum Y coordinate storage area 21a shown in FIG. For example, in the process shown in FIG. 2A, the minimum Y coordinate is S (for example, 100), and the search start Y coordinate is 100.

  Next, the presence / absence of section information of the line S is searched (ST2). In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the number of sections is Qs, and the number of sections is present (YES in ST3). Therefore, the processed pixel information is initialized next (ST4). In this process, “0” is set in all the pixels of the processed pixel information shown in FIG. FIG. 18 shows the state of the processed pixel information at this time.

  This processed pixel information is set in a register, and as will be described later, the section information data is read from the last registered data, so that “1” is sequentially set to the processed pixel and the processing for the same pixel is performed. This is a configuration for performing without repeating.

  After the processed pixel information is prepared, the CMYK dither image is initialized (ST5). Then, the section information is read (ST6). In this case, first, the section information registered most recently as described above is read from the section information included in the same line S. As described above, “0” indicating unprocessed at the initial stage is set in the processed pixel information, but “1” indicating processed from the processed pixels is set.

  Therefore, first, the processed pixel information of the corresponding section is compared (ST7). First, it is determined whether the processed pixel information has been processed for all sections (ST8). First, as described above, since all the processed pixel information is set to “0”, it is a decision (NO in ST8).

  Thereafter, the processed information of the corresponding pixel is compared (ST9). If not processed, the CMYK dither value is calculated from the CMYK 32-bit data (YES in ST10, ST11). Then, the dither value is written to the CMYK dither image (ST12), and “1” is set to the corresponding pixel to be processed (ST13). The above process is repeated for the unprocessed pixels, resulting in sequentially processed pixels (“1”).

  Hereinafter, a specific example will be described. First, the pointer is positioned at the position (point A) of the end point + 1 of the section information shown in FIG. 17, and the pointer is moved from point A to point B 4 bytes ahead. End B coordinate data “5” is registered at point B, and the upper bits 6 and 7 are “00”. Therefore, it can be determined that the position of the point B is an area of the section table (1).

  Next, the pointer is moved to the point C 4 bytes before the point B, knowing that the start X coordinate of the section table (1) is “5”, and the RGB values are R64, G64, B64, Know that it is graphic data. Therefore, a 32-bit CMYK value is calculated from the 24-bit (3-byte) RGB value, and further a CMYK dither value is calculated and written in the buffer (ST11, ST12).

  Further, “1” indicating that the processing has been completed is set in the pixel 5 of the processed pixel information. FIG. 19 shows the state of the processed pixel information at this time.

Next, it is determined whether the processing of sections within a pixel is completed (S T 14), the above example, the same process is repeated so yet process is not completed (S T 14 is NO, ST9~ST13) . In the case of this example, the pointer is then moved to the point D 4 bytes before the point C, and the processing is continued. In the area of point D, the end X coordinate “7” is set, and bits 7 and 6 are set to “00”, so that it is determined that the section table (1). Therefore, as described above, the pointer is moved to the point E 4 bytes before the point D, the starting X coordinate “6” of the section table (1) is known, and the RGB values are R65, G65, B65, and the flag Know that it is graphic data. Therefore, a 32-bit CMYK value is calculated from the 24-bit (3-byte) RGB value, and further a CMYK dither value is calculated and written to the buffer (ST11, ST12).

  Further, “1” indicating that the processing has been completed is set in the pixels 6 and 7 of the processed pixel information. FIG. 20 shows the state of the processed pixel information at this time.

  Next, the pointer is moved to the point F 4 bytes before the point E, and the processing is continued. In the area of point F, the end X coordinate “8” is set and bits 7 and 6 are set to “00”, so that it is determined that the table is the section table (1). It moves to point G 4 bytes before the point, knows the start X coordinate “6” in the interval table (1), and further knows that the RGB values are R5, G5, B5 and that it is graphic data from the flag. Therefore, a 32-bit CMYK value is calculated from the 24-bit (3-byte) RGB value, and further a CMYK dither value is calculated and written to the buffer (ST11, ST12).

Further, “1” indicating that the processing has been completed is set in the pixel 8 of the processed pixel information. FIG. 21 shows the state of the processed pixel information at this time.
Next, the pointer is moved to the H point 4 bytes before the G point, and the processing is continued. In the area of point H, identifier information is set, and it is determined that it is the section table (2), and the information moves from the information of the continuous number of isolated RGB values to point I.

  Here, the RGB values (R4, G4, B4 and R6, G6, B6) are added, and the RGB values R3, G3, B3, and R2, G2, B2 are sequentially calculated as 32-bit CMYK values, and further the CMYK dither value. Is calculated and written to the buffer. Further, “1” indicating that the processing has been completed is set in the pixels 3 and 4 of the processed pixel information. FIG. 22 shows the state of the processed pixel information at this time.

  Next, the pointer is moved from point I to point J, which is 4 bytes before, and processing continues. In the area of the point J, the end X coordinate “2” is set, and the bits 7 and 6 are set to “00”, so that it is determined as the section table (1). It moves to point K 4 bytes before the point, knows the start X coordinate “0” of the interval table (1), and further knows that the RGB values are R1, G1, B1, and that it is text data from the flag. Therefore, a 32-bit CMYK value is calculated from the 24-bit (3-byte) RGB value, and a CMYK dither value is further calculated and written to the buffer. Furthermore, “1” indicating that the processing has been completed is set in the pixels 0 to 2 of the processed pixel information. FIG. 23 shows the state of the processed pixel information at this time.

When the pixel processing in the section is completed by the above processing (S T 14 is YES), it is determined whether the processing for all the pixels in the minimum X coordinate to the maximum X coordinate is completed (S T 15). If the process for is not completed (S T 16 is NO), the above process is repeated.

On the other hand, the processing for all the pixels if the ends (the S T 16 YES), opens the section information (ST17). Thereafter, the data of the CMYK dither image of the line is transferred to the engine unit (S T 18).

Thereafter, the same processing is repeated for the Y coordinate line information, and the CMYK dither image data converted for each line is transferred to the engine unit. After that, when the processing is completed up to the maximum Y coordinate value line registered in the registered maximum Y coordinate storage area 21b, the processing of print data for one page is completed (YES in S T 19). Further, the print data of the next page written in the reception buffer is read, and the same processing is repeated.

  As described above, according to this example, when pixels of the same color continue without using a frame-type image memory, registration processing is performed in the section table (1) of the section management table 21, and the isolated RGB When a value pixel is included, registration processing is performed in the interval table (2), and even for print data including high-resolution image data, drawing processing is efficiently performed, and high-speed printing is possible with a small memory capacity. Is.

  Further, when information registered in the section management table 21 is read out, efficient drawing processing can be performed by reading out the section information registered last and generating a CMYK dither image.

  In the description of the present embodiment, an example of a multifunction peripheral has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to a multifunction peripheral and can be applied to a printing apparatus in general.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a printing apparatus illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a figure explaining the structure of an area management table, (b) is a figure explaining the structure of an area table (1), (c) demonstrates the structure of an area table (2). It is a figure to do. It is a figure explaining the structure of processed pixel information. It is a flowchart explaining the initial setting process of a section management table. It is a flowchart explaining the registration process of drawing information. It is a flowchart explaining the registration process of drawing information. It is a figure explaining the registration process to the line with a Y coordinate (for example, the line where the coordinate Y is S). (A) is a figure which shows the specific example of a registration process, (b)-(e) is a figure which shows each state of processed pixel information. It is a figure explaining alpha channel processing (transparency effect processing). It is a figure which shows the processed pixel information in which the initialization process was performed. It is a figure which shows the example of registration of an area table (1). It is a figure which shows the processed pixel information in which the initialization process was performed. It is a figure which shows the example of registration of an area table (1). It is a figure which shows the processed pixel information in which the initialization process was performed. It is a figure which shows the example of the area information in which the some area table was registered. It is a flowchart explaining the expansion | deployment process to a CMYK dither value. It is a figure which shows the example of the area information explaining the expansion | deployment process to a CMYK dither value. It is a figure which shows the state of the processed pixel information. It is a figure which shows the state of the processed pixel information. It is a figure which shows the state of the processed pixel information. It is a figure which shows the state of the processed pixel information. It is a figure which shows the state of the processed pixel information. It is a figure which shows the state of the processed pixel information.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Scanner part 3 ... MFP control part 4 ... Printer part 5 ... MFP main part 6 ... Reading mechanism control part 7 ... Display operation control part 8 ... FAX communication control part 9 ... LAN communication control unit 10 ... Internet communication control unit 11 ... IC card device control unit 12 ... Storage device control unit 13 ... Storage device (HDD)
16. IC card reader 17 PPR controller 18 Printing mechanism 19 Paper feeder 21 Section management table 21a Registration minimum Y coordinate storage area 21b Registration maximum Y coordinate storage area

Claims (6)

The start and end positions of the same color color data of additive color mixture consecutive in the main scanning direction, and the information of the color data of the same color, the first section table that registers and data type of information, and
Second section table for registering the color data of the additive mixture information which is not continuous in the main scanning direction, and data type of information, color data which is not the continuous take, and what number of information from the head in the main scanning direction When,
Information on minimum and maximum coordinates in which the first section table and the second section table are registered in one line in the main scanning direction , and the registered first section table and second section table. a section management table having an area for storing the number of a,
Enter the print data of one line in the main scanning direction, and detects the same color pixel data continuously, the information of the color data of the same color, and the start position and the end position, and the data type of information , First registration processing means for registering in the first section table;
And color data information which the non-contiguous, the data type of the information, a second register which color data to which the non-consecutive registers and a what number of information from the head in the main scanning direction to said second section table Processing means;
A third registration processing means for registering a maximum position and minimum position in the sub-scanning direction before Symbol the segment management table in which information is registered in the main scanning direction,
The first section table and the second section table registered from the minimum position line to the maximum position line in the sub-scanning direction are sequentially read out, and the information on the additive color mixture data is subtracted from the print color data. Print processing means for converting the information into a print medium and printing on the recording medium;
Having,
A printing apparatus characterized by that. Against section information including the first section table and the second section table that is registered in the section management table, the printing processing means the section, which is registered after the most in the main scanning direction one line sequentially read from the information, the printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that converting the print color data of the subtractive color mixing. The first section table and the second segment table, the printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is linked through the section information pointer to the section management table. The first section table, said for the second section table, the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it has a byte capacity twice. The start and end positions of the same color color data of additive color mixture consecutive in the main scanning direction, and the information of the color data of the same color, the first section table that registers and data type of information, and
Second section table for registering the color data of the additive mixture information which is not continuous in the main scanning direction, and data type of information, color data which is not the continuous take, and what number of information from the head in the main scanning direction When,
And minimum coordinate and maximum coordinate information in which the first section table and the second section table one line of the main scanning direction is registered, the first section table and the second segment table registered a section management table having an area for storing the number of a,
In a printing apparatus having
Enter the print data of one line in the main scanning direction, and detects the same color pixel data continuously, the information of the color data of the same color, and the start position and the end position, and the data type of information , And a first registration process for registering in the first section table;
And color data information which the non-contiguous, the data type of the information, a second register which color data to which the non-consecutive registers and a what number of information from the head in the main scanning direction to said second section table Processing,
A third registration process for registering the maximum position and minimum position in the sub-scanning direction before Symbol the segment management table in which information is registered in the main scanning direction,
The first section table and the second section table registered from the minimum position line to the maximum position line in the sub-scanning direction are sequentially read out, and the information on the additive color mixture data is subtracted from the print color data. Print processing to convert the information into a print medium and print on the recording medium;
Do the
A printing method characterized by the above. The start and end positions of the same color color data of additive color mixture consecutive in the main scanning direction, and the information of the color data of the same color, the first section table that registers and data type of information, and
Second section table for registering the color data of the additive mixture information which is not continuous in the main scanning direction, and data type of information, color data which is not the continuous take, and what number of information from the head in the main scanning direction When,
And minimum coordinate and maximum coordinate information in which the first section table and the second section table one line of the main scanning direction is registered, the first section table and the second segment table registered a section management table having an area for storing the number of a,
A printing program executed by a computer of a printing apparatus having:
Enter the print data of one line in the main scanning direction, and detects the same color pixel data continuously, the information of the color data of the same color, and the start position and the end position, and the data type of information , And a first registration process for registering in the first section table;
And color data information which the non-contiguous, the data type of the information, a second register which color data to which the non-consecutive registers and a what number of information from the head in the main scanning direction to said second section table Processing,
A third registration process for registering the maximum position and minimum position in the sub-scanning direction before Symbol the segment management table in which information is registered in the main scanning direction,
The first section table and the second section table registered from the minimum position line to the maximum position line in the sub-scanning direction are sequentially read out, and the information on the additive color mixture data is subtracted from the print color data. Print processing to convert the information into a print medium and print on the recording medium;
Is at least viable ,
A printing program characterized by that .