JP5194952B2 - Data processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to data processing for creating second data from first data and creating third data from second data.

  It is necessary to perform memory management so that a memory full error does not occur in the process of executing various processes. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, when two processes (jobs) for creating print data are executed in parallel, status information (information such as the number of prints) and priority information ( Based on information such as copy priority and printer priority, a technique for correcting the distribution of the memory amount for the memory circuit for one job and the memory circuit for the other job is disclosed.

JP 2006-174247 A

  Although the memory management technique of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 may be useful, it cannot be applied to any data processing technique. The present inventor is engaged in the development of a data processing apparatus in which data is converted in two stages. That is, in this type of data processing apparatus, the second data is created from the first data, and the third data is created from the second data. The present specification provides a novel memory management technique for such a process of converting data over two stages.

The present invention is a data processing apparatus that creates second data from first data and creates third data from the second data, first data input means for inputting the first data, and the first data First program storage means for storing a first program for sequentially creating a plurality of partial second data included in the second data from a plurality of partial first data included in the second data, and the second data Second program storage means for storing a second program for creating the third data from the plurality of partial second data included in the plurality of partial data, and storing both the second data and the third data The memory used for the processing, the processing can be executed according to the first program, the processing can be executed according to the second program, and both of the processing Control means for performing overall memory management, the control means having a memory size smaller than an available memory size in the memory, and the memory size to be used for creating the second data Each time the partial first data to be processed of the plurality of partial first data is to be processed, it is assumed that one partial second from the partial first data to be processed When data is created in the memory, it is determined whether a total data size of two or more partial second data in the memory including the one partial second data is equal to or greater than the predetermined value; When it is determined that the total data size does not exceed the predetermined value, the one partial second data is created in the memory from the partial first data to be processed, and the total data size is When it is determined that the value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and there is no compressed third data in the memory, (A1) M pieces of second data in the memory (where M is an integer equal to or greater than 1) To create the third data in the memory, (A2) compress the third data in the memory to create the compressed third data in the memory, and (A3) the M data In the case where the partial second data is deleted from the memory and the total data size is determined to be equal to or larger than the predetermined value, and the third data in the compressed state exists in the memory, (B1) Decompressing the compressed third data to create the decompressed third data in the memory; (B2) N pieces of partial second data in the memory (where N is an integer equal to or greater than 1); The decompressed state in the memory New third data is created in the memory from the third data, and (B3) the new third data in the memory is compressed, and the new compressed third data is stored in the memory. (B4) deleting the N pieces of partial second data from the memory, and the control means determines that the total data size of the third data in the memory is a predetermined value from the usable memory size. Regardless of whether or not becomes larger than the subtracted value, (B2) is executed.
One form of technology disclosed in this specification is a data processing apparatus that creates second data from first data and creates third data from the second data. The data processing apparatus includes first data input means, first program storage means, second program storage means, memory, and control means. The first data input means inputs the first data. For example, when the first data is transmitted from another device, the first data input means may input the first data transmitted from another device (personal computer, server, portable memory, etc.). The first program storage means stores a first program for creating second data from the first data. The second program storage means stores a second program for creating third data from the second data. The memory is used to store both the second data and the third data. The control means can execute the process according to the first program, can execute the process according to the second program, and performs overall memory management for both of these processes.

Specifically, the control means executes the following processes.
(1) The second data is created from the data constituting the first data.
(2) It is determined whether there is next data constituting the first data.
(3) Whether the total data size of the second data is equal to or greater than a predetermined value when the second data is created from the next data constituting the first data when the determination in (2) above is affirmative Determine whether.
(4) When a negative determination is made in the above (3), the above (1) is executed.
(5) Create third data from the second data.
(6) Create compressed third data by compressing the third data.
(7) Delete the second data.
(8) When a positive determination is made in the above (3), the above (5), (6), and (7) are executed.
(9) Decompress the compressed third data.
(10) When a negative determination is made in (2) above, the above (9) is executed on condition that the compressed third data exists.

The process (3) can be executed using various methods. For example, any of the following methods (A) and (B) can be used.
(A) For example, when the second data memory size for storing the second data is determined in advance, the control means outputs the second data when the second data is created from the next data constituting the first data. It may be determined whether or not the total data size of the data is greater than or equal to the second data memory size. In this case, the second data memory size becomes the “predetermined value” in (3) above.
(A ′) When the compressed third data is present in this example, the control unit may determine whether only the total data size of the second data is equal to or larger than the second data memory size. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not the sum of the total data size of the second data and the data size of the compressed third data is greater than or equal to the second data memory size. In the latter case, the predetermined value of (3) is a value obtained by subtracting the data size of the compressed third data from the second data memory size. That is, the predetermined value of (3) may be a fluctuation value (inversely, it may be a fixed value as in (A) above).

(B) Further, for example, when the third data memory size for storing the third data is determined in advance, the control means generates the second data from the next data constituting the first data. It may be determined whether the third data memory size is to be compressed. That is, the control means may determine whether or not the remaining memory size is equal to or smaller than the third data memory size due to an increase in the total data size of the second data. The configuration of this example is also equivalent to “determine whether or not the total data size of the second data is equal to or larger than a predetermined value”. That is, “when the second data is created from the next data constituting the first data, it is determined whether or not the total data size of the second data exceeds a predetermined value” This is equivalent to determining whether or not the remaining memory size is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value due to the increase in the total data size of the second data when the second data is created from the next data. This point will be described in more detail in Examples described later.

  The data processing apparatus executes the processes (1) to (10) while performing overall memory management of the processes of the first program and the second program. Data can be converted in two stages while efficiently using the memory. If memory management is performed individually, it is necessary to distribute the memory for processing each program. In this case, an error occurs at that point in time when the memory of the other program is full but the memory becomes full by the other program. For example, when the second data memory and the third data memory are individually managed, the following events may occur. For example, if the determination in (3) above is affirmative, if the third data is created from the second data, the third data memory may become full. Even if the second data memory is surplus, an error occurs when the third data memory becomes full. On the other hand, if memory management for the processing of each program is comprehensively executed as in the present technology, the memory can be shared by the processing of each program. For this reason, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of an event that a memory full error occurs even though a part of the memory is left. In the case of the above example, if the second data memory is surplus, the third data can be created using the surplus memory and the third data can be compressed (memory). To avoid full errors). According to the present technology, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a memory full error in the process of converting data in two stages.

  The above control means may execute the following processing. That is, the control means causes the above (9) to be executed when the affirmative determination is made in the above (3) in the state where the compressed third data exists, and the control data created in the above (5). The above (6) may be executed for new third data including the three data and the third data expanded in the above (9).

  The first data may be data (for example, vector data) described in a page description language, for example. The second data may be data (for example, vector data) described in a language different from the page description language, for example. Further, the third data may be bitmap data, for example. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a memory-full error in the process of converting page description language data into different types of language data and converting the converted data into bitmap data. Note that the term “page description language” used in this specification is a concept including all languages for describing data using the concept of a page. Examples of page description languages include PDF (Portable Document Format) and PS (Post Script). A language that describes data using the concept of a page among languages used in word processing software, spreadsheet software, drawing software, and the like can also be called a page description language. In the following, the page description language may be referred to as PDL (Page Description Language). Further, this technique is not limited to the technique for creating the printing bitmap data, and can also be used for the technique for creating the display bitmap data. The “bitmap data” may be multi-tone bitmap data, or may be print bitmap data (for example, binary of “0” and “1”).

  The unit of the first data used for the control means to make the above determination (2) is not particularly limited. For example, the control means may determine whether or not the next data exists in the first data for one page in (2) above. In this case, the above determination (2) is made for each page. That is, the control means makes an affirmative determination in the above (2) when the data in the different language is created from the PDL data for one page. On the other hand, for example, the control means may make the above determination (2) in units of a plurality of pages (for example, in units of two pages), or make the above determination (2) in units of a predetermined amount of data size. May be.

  The present specification also provides a computer program for realizing the above data processing apparatus. The computer program includes a first program for creating second data from the first data, and a second program for creating third data from the second data. Furthermore, the computer program includes a process for creating second data from the first data according to the first program, a process for creating third data from the second data according to the second program, and a memory for both of these processes. And causing the computer to execute control processing including processing that performs overall memory management. In this control process, the above processes (1) to (10) are executed. According to this computer program, it is possible to realize a data processing apparatus capable of suppressing the occurrence of a memory full error in the process of converting data in two stages.

Here, some of the features of the techniques described in the following embodiments are summarized.
(Mode 1) The first data may include a plurality of commands. In the above process (1), the second data may be created from the command constituting the first data. In the process (2), it may be determined whether or not there is a next command constituting the first data.
(Mode 2) The control means may start creating bitmap data of the page on condition that intermediate language data is created from the first data for one page.
(Mode 3) The control means may sequentially create bitmap data in band units. A “band” is a unit smaller than one page. That is, one page is a set of a plurality of bands. The control means executes a first process for creating bitmap data for the first band and a second process for creating bitmap data for the next band, and all bitmap data for one page is created. The second process is repeated until the above.

(Mode 4) The control means may execute a process for specifying a usable memory size.
(Mode 5) The control means may execute processing for specifying a memory size for storing the third data.
(Mode 6) The control means may execute a process of specifying a memory size for storing the second data.
(Mode 7) The control means may execute the process (3) based on the memory size specified in any of Modes 4 to 6.

  Embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a printer network system 2 of this embodiment. The printer network system 2 includes a printer 10 and a PC 60. The printer 10 and the PC 60 can communicate with each other via the LAN line 70. The PC 60 stores a data file group (not shown). The PC 60 can instruct the printer 10 to print the data file in accordance with a user operation. In this case, the PC 60 converts the data file into PDL in accordance with a user instruction, and transmits the data file described in PDL to the printer 10.

(Printer configuration)
FIG. 1 simply shows the configuration of the printer 10. The printer 10 includes a network interface 12, an interface buffer 13, a PDL data conversion processing unit 14, a printing unit 40, and the like. A LAN line 70 is connected to the network interface 12. The LAN line 70 is connected to the PC 60. The printer 10 can communicate with the PC 60 via the network interface 12 and the LAN line 70. The interface buffer 13 is a buffer for temporarily storing data input to the network interface 12.

  The PDL data conversion processing unit 14 includes a control unit 16, a program storage area 18, a common memory 28, and the like. The control unit 16 executes various processes according to the program stored in the program storage area 18. The contents of the process executed by the control unit 16 will be described in detail later. The program storage area 18 stores an intermediate language data creation program 20, a multi-value BMP data creation program 22, a memory management program 24, and other programs 26.

  The intermediate language data creation program 20 converts data described in PDL (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “PDL data”) into data described in an intermediate language (hereinafter also referred to as “intermediate language data”). It is a program for conversion. The intermediate language data creation program 20 includes programs corresponding to each of a plurality of types of PDL. For example, the intermediate language data creation program 20 stores a program for converting data described in PDF into intermediate language data, and a program for converting data described in PS into the same intermediate language data. Yes. Further, in the intermediate language of this embodiment, CMYK is used to express colors. When colors are expressed using RGB in PDL data, they are converted to CMYK when converted to an intermediate language.

  A technique for creating bitmap data from PDL data via intermediate language data (hereinafter referred to as “the former technique”) is a technique for creating bitmap data directly from PDL data (hereinafter referred to as “the latter technique”). Is effective in the following respects. Many PDLs can describe the same type of data. For example, many PDLs can describe linear gradations and text. An example will be described in which the same linear gradation (for example, gradation changing from red to blue from left to right) is described by each of the first PDL and the second PDL.

  In the case of the above example, in order to adopt the latter method, a program for creating bitmap data from linear gradation vector data described in the first PDL format and a linear type described in the second PDL format are used. A program for creating bitmap data from gradation vector data is required.

  On the other hand, in the case of the above example, if the former method is adopted, intermediate language data is created from the vector data of the linear gradation of the first PDL, and the intermediate language data (vector data) is generated from the vector data of the linear gradation of the second PDL. Created. In this case, the two intermediate language data are the same. Then, if there is a program for converting this intermediate language data into bitmap data, bitmap data can be created for any linear gradation described in either the first PDL or the second PDL. That is, in order to adopt the former method, in order to create intermediate language data from the first PDL linear gradation vector data and the first PDL linear gradation vector data and second PDL linear gradation vector data. And a third program for creating bitmap data from the intermediate language data. That is, in the program for processing the first PDL and the second PDL, the third program (multi-valued BMP data creation program 22 in the example of FIG. 1) for creating bitmap data from linear gradation vector data is shared. be able to. Certainly, the first program and the second program are newly required as compared with the latter method. However, a program for converting vector data (PDL) into vector data (intermediate language) does not require a large amount of program. A program for converting vector data into bitmap data requires a larger program amount. Although the first program and the second program are newly required, since the third program can be shared, the total program amount can be smaller than that of the latter method.

  The multi-value BMP data creation program 22 is a program for converting intermediate language data into bitmap data in multi-tone (in this embodiment, 256 gradations of CMYK). Hereinafter, the multi-tone bitmap data may be referred to as “multi-valued BMP data”. In the present embodiment, the common memory 28 is used in both the process of creating intermediate language data from PDL data and the process of creating multi-level BMP data from intermediate language data. A memory management program 24 is prepared for managing the common memory 28 used in both of these processes. In other words, the memory management program 24 is a program for performing overall memory management of both processes. How both the above processes are executed using the common memory 28 will be described in detail later. The program 26 is a program for executing other processes necessary for the PDL data conversion process.

  The printing unit 40 includes a program storage area 42, a buffer 48, a band memory 50, a printing mechanism 52, and the like. In this embodiment, the control unit 16 of the PDL data conversion processing unit 14 also serves as the control unit of the printing unit 40. That is, the control unit 16 executes processing according to the programs 44 and 46 stored in the program storage area 42. However, a dedicated control unit different from the control unit 16 of the PDL data conversion processing unit 14 may be provided in the printing unit 40.

  The program storage area 42 stores a binary BMP data creation program 44 and other programs 46. The binary BMP data creation program 44 uses the multi-value BMP data created by the PDL data conversion processing unit 14 to print low gradation (in this embodiment, two gradations of “0” and “1”) bitmap data. It is a program for creating. In the following, bitmap data for printing may be referred to as “binary BMP data”. The program 46 is a program for executing other processes necessary for the printing process (for example, a program for controlling the printing mechanism 52).

  The buffer 48 is a buffer for temporarily storing the multivalued BMP data transmitted from the PDL data conversion processing unit 14. The band memory 50 is a memory for storing binary BMP data for at least one band. A brief explanation of “bands” will be given. Multi-value BMP data corresponding to all PDL data instructed to be printed from the PC 60 is created, then all binary BMP data is created from all the multi-value BMP data, and then printing is started. A method can be considered. However, in this case, a large-capacity memory is required to store multilevel BMP data and binary BMP data corresponding to all PDL data. In order to compress the memory capacity for storing the multilevel BMP data and the binary BMP data, the printer 10 of the present embodiment uses the concept of “band” to gradually convert the multilevel BMP data and the binary BMP data. A method of creating and printing in order is adopted. In this embodiment, the bandwidth of one band is set based on, for example, a range in which the inkjet head can print by one scan (a range less than one page).

  As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the PDL data conversion processing unit 14 creates one page of intermediate language data from one page of PDL data. The PDL data conversion processing unit 14 creates multi-value BMP data for the first band of the page from the intermediate language data for one page. Multi-value BMP data for one band is transmitted from the PDL data conversion processing unit 14 to the printing unit 40. The PDL data conversion processing unit 14 deletes the transmitted multi-value BMP data. The PDL data conversion processing unit 14 repeats these processes for each band. For example, the PDL data conversion processing unit 14 creates multi-value BMP data for one band, deletes the multi-value BMP data after completing transmission, and then creates multi-value BMP data for the next band. May be. In this case, it is sufficient for the PDL data conversion processing unit 14 to secure a memory size for one band in the common memory 28. However, in this embodiment, the PDL data conversion processing unit 14 starts to generate the multi-value BMP data of the next band while transmitting the multi-value BMP data for one band to the printing unit 40. . As a result, multi-value BMP data can be created at high speed and provided to the printing unit 40. When executing this processing, the PDL data conversion processing unit 14 needs to secure a memory size in the common memory 28 for storing multi-level BMP data for at least two bands. This is because, before deleting multi-value BMP data for one band, it starts to create multi-value BMP data for the next band.

  The printing unit 40 receives the multi-value BMP data for one band transmitted from the PDL data conversion processing unit 14. The printing unit 40 creates binary BMP data for one band from multi-value BMP data for one band. The printing unit 40 performs printing according to binary BMP data for one band. The printing unit 40 deletes the binary BMP data that has been printed. For example, the printing unit 40 creates binary BMP data for one band, deletes the binary BMP data after printing it all, and then creates binary BMP data for the next band. Good. In this case, it is sufficient for the band memory 50 to have a memory size for one band. However, in the present embodiment, the printing unit 40 starts creating binary BMP data for the next band while printing is performed according to the binary BMP data for one band. This realizes printing at high speed. When this process is executed, the band memory 50 needs to have a memory size for storing BMP data for at least two bands. This is because, before deleting the binary BMP data for one band, it starts to create binary BMP data for the next band.

  The printing mechanism 52 includes a mechanism for transporting the printing medium and a mechanism for printing on the printing medium (for example, an ink jet type or laser type printing mechanism). The control unit 16 performs drive control of the printing mechanism 52 according to the program 46 stored in the program storage area 42 and the stored contents of the band memory 50.

(PDL data conversion process)
Next, the contents of the PDL data conversion process executed by the control unit 16 will be described. The control unit 16 executes PDL data conversion processing according to the programs 20, 22, 24, and 26. 2 to 4 are flowcharts of the PDL data conversion process. The PDL data conversion process is triggered by a print instruction from the PC 60 and the input of PDL data to the network interface 12. The PDL data input to the network interface 12 is stored in the interface buffer 13. The interface buffer 13 does not need to have a large memory size that can store all PDL data from the PC 60 at the same time, and has a small memory size. The control unit 16 repeatedly deletes the PDL data when the processing described later is executed on the PDL data stored in the interface buffer 13, and then repeatedly downloads the next PDL data from the PC 60.

  First, the control unit 16 specifies a usable memory size in the common memory 28 (S10). Next, the control unit 16 specifies a memory size (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “multi-value BMP data memory size”) necessary for creating the multi-value BMP data (S12). In the process of S12 of the present embodiment, the control unit 16 specifies a memory size necessary for creating multi-level BMP data for two bands. However, the control unit 16 may specify a memory size necessary for creating multi-level BMP data for two bands or more. Note that specifying the memory size that can be used in S10 and specifying the memory size for multi-level BMP data in S12 means that “the memory size that can be used in the process for creating an intermediate language from PDL data (hereinafter, It can also be referred to as “specifying“ memory size for intermediate language data ”).

  Next, the control unit 16 specifies “1” as the processing target page PN (S14). That is, the following processes are executed based on the PDL data of the first page. The control unit 16 determines whether or not the PDL data of the processing target page (the first page at the present stage) exists in the interface buffer 13 (S16). If NO here, the process proceeds to S50 in FIG. On the other hand, if YES here, the process proceeds to S18.

  Actual PDL data is composed of a plurality of commands (vector data). A plurality of commands are also included in one page of PDL data. FIG. 5 simply shows the structure of the PDL data 100. The PDL data 100 includes data for a plurality of pages. The first page includes a plurality of commands CP1, CP2, CP3,... CPn (only CP1 to CP3 are shown in FIG. 5). That is, the first command on the first page is CP1, the second command is CP2, and the third command is CP3. Similarly, the second and subsequent pages are also composed of a plurality of commands (not shown). The following processes are executed in units of one command. That is, in the case of the example of FIG. 5, the process after S18 is executed for the command CP1, and then the process after S18 is executed for the command CP2. This routine is repeated until the processes after S18 are executed for the last command CP3 included in the first page.

  In S18, the control unit 16 converts the command into an intermediate language based on the data size of one command (command CP1 at this stage) of the PDL data stored in the interface buffer 13, and for multi-value BMP data. It is determined whether or not the memory size of the memory card is compressed. Specifically, the following processing is performed for determination.

  First, the control unit 16 specifies the data size of the PDL data command. The control unit 16 specifies the data size of the intermediate language data to be created from the command based on the specified data size. In this embodiment, the control unit 16 presumes that the data size of the command is equal to the data size of the intermediate language data to be created from the command, and specifies the data size of the intermediate language data. For example, when the data size of the command CP1 is “XX bytes”, the control unit 16 specifies “XX bytes” as the data size of the intermediate language data. The control unit 16 may specify the data size of the intermediate language data to be created from the PDL data command using a method different from the above. For example, for each command of PDL data, the printer 10 may store the data size of intermediate language data to be created from the command. In this case, the control unit 16 may specify the data size of the intermediate language data by reading the stored content. Further, for example, the printer 10 may store a ratio to be multiplied by the data size of the PDL data command. In this case, the control unit 16 may specify the data size of the intermediate language data by multiplying the data size of the command of the PDL data by the above ratio.

  Next, the control unit 16 calculates the sum (hereinafter referred to as “total data size”) of the data size specified as described above and the data size of the intermediate language data existing in the common memory 28. . For example, when this process is executed for the command CP1 of the PDL data 100 in FIG. 5, there is no intermediate language data in the common memory 28. In this case, the data size of the intermediate language data to be created from the command CP1 becomes the above total data size. Subsequently, the control unit 16 exceeds the total data size above the intermediate language data memory size (a value obtained by subtracting the multi-value BMP data size specified in S12 from the usable memory size specified in S10). It is determined whether or not. Thereby, the process of S18 is performed. Note that the method for executing the processing of S18 is not limited to the above method. Other techniques can be employed. Other methods will be described later.

  FIG. 6 schematically shows the common memory 28. Reference numeral 120 indicates the usable memory size specified in S10. Reference numeral 130 indicates the memory size for the multi-level BMP data specified in S12. Reference numeral 140 denotes a memory size for intermediate language data. In the processing of S18 described above, it is determined whether or not the total data size of the intermediate language data exceeds the memory size 140 for the intermediate language data when the command of the PDL data 100 (CP1 at present) is converted into the intermediate language data. . If NO is determined here, the process proceeds to S20.

  In S <b> 20, the control unit 16 secures the data size of the intermediate language data to be created from the command CP <b> 1 of the PDL data 100 in the common memory 28. Next, the control unit 16 converts the command CP1 of the PDL data 100 into intermediate language data according to the intermediate language data creation program 20 (S22). The control unit 16 writes the intermediate language data in the common memory 28. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the intermediate language data CM1 created from the command CP1 is stored in the common memory 28.

  Subsequently, the control unit 16 returns to S16 and reads the next command CP2. Next, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the memory size 130 for multi-level BMP data is compressed when the command CP2 is converted into an intermediate language (S18). As shown in FIG. 7, when the intermediate language data CM2 to be created from the command CP2 is written in the common memory 28, the total data size exceeds the intermediate language data memory size 140. In this case, the control unit 16 determines YES in S18, and proceeds to S30 in FIG.

  In S <b> 30, the control unit 16 determines whether there is compressed multi-value BMP data (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “compressed multi-value BMP data”) in the common memory 28. At the time when the command CP2 is processed, there is no compressed multilevel BMP data. In this case, the control unit 16 determines NO in S30, skips S32, and proceeds to S34. In S34, the control unit 16 converts the intermediate language data CM1 into multi-value BMP data according to the multi-value BMP data creation program 22. The control unit 16 writes the multi-value BMP data in the common memory 28. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the multi-value BMP data CB1 created from the intermediate language data CM1 is stored in the common memory 28.

  Next, the control unit 16 creates compressed multi-value BMP data CB1 'by compressing the multi-value BMP data CB1 created in S34 (S36). FIG. 9 shows a state in which the compressed multilevel BMP data CB 1 ′ is stored in the common memory 28. Subsequently, the control unit 16 deletes the intermediate language data CM1 from the common memory 28 (S38). In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the portion storing the intermediate language data CM1 is released. When S38 ends, the control unit 16 executes S20 and S22 of FIG. As a result, the command CP2 is converted into the intermediate language data CM2, and the intermediate language data CM2 is written into the common memory 28. FIG. 10 shows a state in which the intermediate language data CM2 is stored in the common memory 28.

  Subsequently, the control unit 16 returns to S16 and reads the next command CP3. Next, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the memory size 130 for multi-level BMP data is compressed when the command CP3 is converted into an intermediate language (S18). As shown in FIG. 10, when the intermediate language data CM3 to be created from the command CP3 is written to the common memory 28, the total data size (the total data size of CM2 and CM3) exceeds the intermediate language data memory size 140. . In this case, the control unit 16 determines YES in S18, and proceeds to S30 in FIG. Note that the determination process in S18 may be executed in consideration of the compressed multi-level BMP data CB1 '. That is, the control unit 16 may determine whether or not the sum of the total data size of CM2 and CM3 and the data size of the compressed multilevel BMP data CB1 'exceeds the intermediate language data memory size 140. That is, in this case, this is equivalent to determining whether or not the free memory size in the common memory 28 is equal to or smaller than the memory size 130 for multi-value BMP data.

  Since the compressed multilevel BMP data CB1 'exists, the control unit 16 determines YES in S30. In this case, the control unit 16 creates the multi-value BMP data CB1 by expanding the compressed multi-value BMP data CB1 '(S32). FIG. 11 shows a state where the multi-value BMP data CB1 is stored in the common memory 28. Next, the control unit 16 converts the intermediate language data CM2 into multi-value BMP data CB2 (S34). As shown in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, when the multi-value BMP data CB2 is created, the total data size of the multi-value BMP data (the total data size of CB1 and CB2) is the memory size 130 for the multi-value BMP data. Will be exceeded. However, since the memory size 140 for intermediate language data is left, multi-value BMP data is created while using that portion. That is, no memory full error occurs at this point. By executing S34, new multilevel BMP data CB1 and CB2 are created from the multilevel BMP data CB1 and the multilevel BMP data CB2.

  Next, the control unit 16 creates compressed multi-value BMP data CB1 '+ CB2' by compressing the multi-value BMP data CB1 and CB2 created in S34 (S36). FIG. 12 shows how the compressed multilevel BMP data CB 1 ′ + CB 2 ′ is stored in the common memory 28. Next, the control unit 16 deletes the intermediate language data CM2 from the common memory 28 (S38). When S38 ends, the control unit 16 executes S20 and S22 of FIG. As a result, the command CP3 is converted into the intermediate language data CM3, and the intermediate language data CM3 is written into the common memory 28. FIG. 12 shows a state in which the intermediate language data CM3 is stored in the common memory 28.

  When the processes after S18 are executed for the commands CP1, CP2, and CP3 of the PDL data 100 in FIG. 5, the control unit 16 determines NO in S16. In this case, the process proceeds to S50 of FIG. In S50, the control unit 16 specifies “1” as the processing target band BN (S50). The control unit 16 determines whether or not the compressed multilevel BMP data included in the processing target band (currently “1”) exists in the common memory 28 (S52). For example, when the compressed multilevel BMP data CB1 '+ CB2' shown in FIG. 12 is included in the processing target band, the control unit 16 determines YES in S52, and proceeds to S54. In S54, the control unit 16 creates the multi-value BMP data CB1 + CB2 by expanding the compressed multi-value BMP data CB1 '+ CB2'. The multi-value BMP data CB1 + CB2 is written in the common memory 28.

  Next, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the intermediate language data included in the processing target band (currently “1”) exists in the common memory 28 (S56). For example, when the intermediate language data CM3 shown in FIG. 12 is included in the processing target band, the control unit 16 determines YES in S56, and proceeds to S58. In S58, the control unit 16 converts the intermediate language data CM3 into multi-value BMP data CB3. The multi-value BMP data CB3 is written in the common memory 28. As a result, new multi-value BMP data is created from the multi-value BMP data CB1 + CB2 and the multi-value BMP data CB3. The control unit 16 deletes the intermediate language data CM3 converted into the multi-value BMP data from the common memory 28 (S60).

  Subsequently, the control unit 16 transmits the multi-value BMP data of the processing target band (currently “1”) to the printing unit 40 (S62). Thereby, the printing unit 40 (control unit 16) creates binary BMP data from the multi-value BMP data of the processing target band, and starts printing according to the binary BMP data. As soon as the transmission of the multi-value BMP data is started in S62, the control unit 16 executes the processes after S64. First, the control unit 16 increments the processing target band BN (S64). At this time, the processing target band BN becomes “2”. Next, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the processing target band BN exceeds the final band of one page (S66). Here, in the case of NO, the control unit 16 repeats the processes after S52. The control unit 16 deletes the multilevel BMP data from the common memory 28 after the multilevel BMP data for one band is transmitted in S62.

  On the other hand, in the case of YES in S66, that is, when the processing for all the bands for one page is completed, the control unit 16 indicates that the PDL data of the next page of the processing target page PN (currently “1”) is the interface. It is determined whether or not it exists in the buffer 13 (S68). For example, in the case of the PDL 100 in FIG. 5, there are the second and subsequent pages. In this case, the control unit 16 determines YES in S68, and increments the processing target page PN (S70). At this time, the processing target page PN is “2”. Next, the control unit 16 returns to S18 and executes the same process for the second and subsequent pages.

  The printer 10 performs overall memory management of the intermediate language data creation program 20 and the multi-value BMP data creation program 22. Data can be converted in two stages while efficiently using the memory. If memory management is performed individually, it is necessary to distribute the memory for the processing of the programs 20 and 22. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the memory size for the intermediate language data 140 has a surplus memory and the memory size for the multi-level BMP data becomes full, an error occurs at that time. End up. On the other hand, when the memory management for the processing of the programs 20 and 22 is executed centrally as in the printer 10 of the present embodiment, the common memory 28 can be shared by the processing of the programs 20 and 22. For this reason, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of an event that a memory full error occurs even though a part of the memory is left. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a memory full error in the process of converting data in two stages.

  Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above. The modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

(1) As described above, there are various methods for the determination process in S18 of FIG. The following methods may be employed. For example, 10000 kilobytes is specified as the usable memory size in S10 of FIG. 2, and 2000 kilobytes is specified as the memory size for multi-level BMP data in S12 of FIG. 2 (that is, for intermediate language data and others). The available memory size is 8000 kilobytes). Based on this example, each method will be described.

(1-1) In the above example (1), only 7000 kilobytes of intermediate language data exists in the common memory 28, and when intermediate language data is created from the next command of PDL data, the total data size of the intermediate language data When 9000 kilobytes is reached, the control unit 16 may determine YES in S18. That is, in this example, the process of S18 is executed by comparing the total data size of the intermediate language data (9000 kilobytes) with the memory size for the intermediate language data (8000 kilobytes). This is the method of the above embodiment.

(1-2) In the example of (1) above, 6000 kilobytes of intermediate language data and 1000 kilobytes of compressed multi-level BMP data exist in the common memory 28, and intermediate language data is created from the next command. When the total data size of the language data is 7500 kilobytes, the control unit 16 may determine NO in S18. This is because the total data size of the intermediate language data is 7500 kilobytes and does not exceed the intermediate language data memory size (8000 kilobytes). In the case of this example, the process of S18 is executed by comparing the total data size of intermediate language data (7500 kilobytes) with the memory size for intermediate language data (8000 kilobytes). This is also the method of the above embodiment.

(1-3) On the other hand, in the example of (1-2) above, the control unit 16 may determine YES in S18. This is because the sum of the total data size of intermediate language data (7500 kilobytes) and the data size of compressed multilevel BMP data (1000 kilobytes) is 8500 kilobytes, which exceeds the memory size for intermediate language data (8000 kilobytes). In other words, in this example, the total data size of intermediate language data (7500 kilobytes) and the value obtained by subtracting the data size of compressed multilevel BMP data (1000 kilobytes) from the intermediate language data memory size (8000 kilobytes) (7000) K)), the process of S18 is executed.

(1-4) In the example of (1) above, 5000 kilobytes of intermediate language data, 1000 kilobytes of other processing data created by other processing, and 1000 kilobytes of compressed multilevel BMP data are shared memory 28. If the intermediate language data is created from the next command and the total data size of the intermediate language data is 6500 kilobytes, the control unit 16 may determine NO in S18. In the case of this example, the process of S18 is executed by comparing the total data size of intermediate language data (6500 kilobytes) with the intermediate language data memory size (8000 kilobytes). This is the same method as the above (1-2).

(1-5) On the other hand, in the example of (1-4) above, the control unit 16 may determine YES in S18. The sum of the total data size of the intermediate language data (6500 kilobytes), the data size of the other processed data (1000 kilobytes) and the data size of the compressed multi-level BMP data (1000 kilobytes) is 8500 kilobytes, and is used for intermediate language data. This is because it exceeds the memory size (8000 kilobytes). That is, in this example, the total data size of intermediate language data (6500 kilobytes) and the memory size for intermediate language data (8000 kilobytes) and the data size (1000 + 1000 kilobytes) of the other processing data and compressed multi-level BMP data are as follows. By comparing with the subtracted value (6000 km), the process of S18 is executed. Note that when the memory capacity is insufficient, a configuration in which the memory occupied by the other processing data is released may be employed.

  In any of the above methods (1-1) to (1-5), if the intermediate language data is created from the next command of the PDL data, the total data size of the intermediate language data exceeds the first predetermined value. It will be judged whether or not. That is, in the above (1-1), (1-2), and (1-4), the first predetermined value is 8000 kilobytes. In the above (1-3), the first predetermined value is 7000 kilobytes. In the above (1-5), the first predetermined value is 6000 kilobytes.

  Note that the above methods (1-3) and (1-5) are common because the total data size of the intermediate language data increases when the intermediate language data is created from the next command of the PDL data. This is equivalent to determining whether the remaining memory size in the memory is equal to or smaller than the second predetermined value. That is, in the above (1-3), the remaining memory size is 1500 kilobytes (10000-7500-1000), and the second predetermined value is 2000 kilobytes (memory size for multi-level BMP data). In the above (1-5), the remaining memory size is 1500 kilobytes (10000-6500-1000-1000), and the second predetermined value is 2000 kilobytes.

(2) In the above embodiment, the printer 10 creates multilevel BMP data from the intermediate language data, and creates binary BMP data from the multilevel BMP data. However, the printer 10 may create binary BMP data directly from the intermediate language data. In this case, binary BMP data is created in each process of FIGS.

(3) In the above embodiment, the printer 10 creates intermediate language data from PDL data, and creates BMP data from the intermediate language data. However, the technique of the above embodiment can be applied to any technique that converts data in two stages. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a technique for creating a predetermined type of PDL data (for example, PDF) from PDL data and creating BMP data from the predetermined type of PDL data.

(4) In the above embodiment, multi-value BMP data is created in band units, and binary BMP data is created in band units (using the band memory 50). Instead of this, the PDL data conversion processing unit 14 may generate the multi-value BMP data for one page and then transmit the multi-value BMP data to the printing unit 40. In this case, the printing unit 40 uses a page memory that can store binary BMP data for at least one page, instead of the band memory 50.

  The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.

1 shows an example of the configuration of a printer network system. The flowchart of a PDL conversion process is shown. FIG. 3 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 2. FIG. The structure of PDL data is shown briefly. Indicates common memory. The common memory in a state where intermediate language data is stored is shown. The common memory in a state where intermediate language data and multi-level BMP data are stored is shown. The common memory in a state where compressed multilevel BMP data is stored is shown. The common memory in a state where intermediate language data and compressed multilevel BMP data are stored is shown. The common memory in a state where intermediate language data and multi-level BMP data are stored is shown. The common memory in a state where intermediate language data and compressed multilevel BMP data are stored is shown.

Explanation of symbols

10: Printer 12: Network interface 13: Interface buffer 14: PDL data conversion processing unit 16: Control unit 18: Program storage area 20: Intermediate language data creation program 22: Multi-level BMP data creation program 24: Memory management program 28: Common memory 40: Printing unit 42: Program storage area 44: Binary BMP data creation program 48: Buffer 50: Band memory 52: Printing mechanism 70: LAN line 100: PDL data 120: Usable memory size 130: Multi-value BMP Data memory size 140: Intermediate language data memory size CP1, CP2, CP3: PDL data commands CM1, CM2, CM3: Intermediate language data CB1, CB2, CB3: Multi-valued BMP data CB1 ′, CB2 ′, CB3 ′: Pressure Multilevel BMP data

Claims (4)

From the first data to create a second data, a data processing device for creating a third data from the second data,
A first data input means for inputting said first data,
A first program storage means for storing a first program for sequentially creating a plurality of partial second data from a plurality of partial first data included in the second data contained in the first data,
A second program storage means for storing a second program for creating the third data from said plurality of partial second data contained in the second data,
A memory used to store both the third data and said second data,
It is possible to execute processing in accordance with the first program, it is possible to execute processing in accordance with the second program, and a control unit which centrally executes memory management for those two processes ,
The control means includes
Specifying a predetermined value which is a memory size smaller than an available memory size in the memory and is the memory size to be used for creating the second data;
Each time the partial first data to be processed of the plurality of partial first data is to be processed, one partial second data is created in the memory from the partial first data to be processed. Determining whether a total data size of two or more partial second data in the memory including the one partial second data is equal to or larger than the predetermined value;
When it is determined that the total data size does not exceed the predetermined value, the one partial second data is created in the memory from the partial first data to be processed,
When it is determined that the total data size is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, when there is no compressed third data in the memory,
(A1) Create the third data in the memory from M partial data (where M is an integer equal to or greater than 1) in the memory,
(A2) compressing the third data in the memory to create the compressed third data in the memory;
(A3) deleting the M partial second data from the memory;
When it is determined that the total data size is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, when the compressed third data exists in the memory,
(B1) Decompressing the compressed third data to create the decompressed third data in the memory;
(B2) New third data is stored in the memory from N partial second data (where N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) in the memory and the third data in the expanded state in the memory. make,
(B3) compressing the new third data in the memory to create new compressed third data in the memory;
(B4) deleting the N partial second data from the memory;
The control means executes (B2) regardless of whether or not the total data size of the third data in the memory is larger than a value obtained by subtracting the predetermined value from the usable memory size. To
A data processing apparatus. The first data is data described in a page description language;
The second data is data described in a language different from the page description language,
The data processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the third data is bitmap data. The data processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the first data which is data for one page includes the plurality of partial first data . From the first data to create a second data, a computer program for creating a third data from the second data,
The computer program includes a first program for sequentially creating a plurality of partial second data from a plurality of partial first data included in the second data contained in the first data, the second data the computer program includes a second program for creating the third data from said plurality of partial second data included in a processing according to the first program, according to the second program Causing the computer to execute a control process including a process and a process for controlling and executing memory management for both processes,
In the control process,
Specifying a predetermined value which is a memory size smaller than an available memory size in the memory and is the memory size to be used for creating the second data;
Each time the partial first data to be processed of the plurality of partial first data is to be processed, one partial second data is created in the memory from the partial first data to be processed. Determining whether a total data size of two or more partial second data in the memory including the one partial second data is equal to or larger than the predetermined value;
When it is determined that the total data size does not exceed the predetermined value, the one partial second data is created in the memory from the partial first data to be processed,
When it is determined that the total data size is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, when there is no compressed third data in the memory,
(A1) Create the third data in the memory from M partial data (where M is an integer equal to or greater than 1) in the memory,
(A2) compressing the third data in the memory to create the compressed third data in the memory;
(A3) deleting the M partial second data from the memory;
When it is determined that the total data size is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, when the compressed third data exists in the memory,
(B1) Decompressing the compressed third data to create the decompressed third data in the memory;
(B2) New third data is stored in the memory from N partial second data (where N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) in the memory and the third data in the expanded state in the memory. make,
(B3) compressing the new third data in the memory to create new compressed third data in the memory;
(B4) deleting the N partial second data from the memory;
In the control process, (B2) is executed regardless of whether or not the total data size of the third data in the memory is larger than a value obtained by subtracting the predetermined value from the usable memory size. To
A computer program characterized by the above.

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