JP6318771B2 - Control device, printing system, and control method of control device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a control apparatus that controls a printing apparatus, a printing system that includes the printing apparatus and the control apparatus, and a control method for the control apparatus.

Conventionally, a system in which a control device (host device) and a printing device (printer) communicate with each other is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
Generally, when controlling a printing apparatus, the control apparatus transmits data related to the control to the printing apparatus. The printing device executes processing based on the data received from the control device.

JP 2006-11809 A

In the case of transmitting data from the control device to the printing device as in the above-described system, there is a need to reduce the amount of data transmitted from the control device to the printing device in order to improve communication efficiency.
The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and it is an object of the present invention to reduce the data amount of data transmitted from the control device to the printing device with respect to the control device, the printing system, and the control method of the control device. To do.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a control value that is communicable with a printing apparatus and that is calculated by a predetermined calculation formula for a block that divides comparison image data that is image data for comparison. A storage unit for storing, and a block for dividing print image data that is image data of an image to be printed by the printing apparatus, a calculated value is calculated using the predetermined calculation formula, and the comparison image data and the print image data A control unit that compares the calculated values of the blocks corresponding to each other and transmits image data of blocks having different calculated values among the blocks of the print image data to the printing apparatus.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the control device transmits, to the printing device, image data of a block whose calculated value is different from the stored comparison image data block among the blocks of the print image data of the image to be printed. Therefore, by storing the comparison image data in advance in the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus can print an image based on the stored comparison image data and the received block image data. Therefore, when printing an image, the control device only has to transmit image data of a block whose calculated value is different from the stored comparison image data block among the blocks of the print image data of the image to be printed to the printing device. The amount of data transmitted from the apparatus to the printing apparatus can be reduced.

Further, in the present invention, the storage unit stores, for one or a plurality of the comparison image data, identification information for identifying the comparison image data and a calculated value of the block of the comparison image data in association with each other, The control unit compares the calculated values of the corresponding blocks of the print image data and the one or more comparison image data, selects the comparison image data having a small number of blocks having different calculated values, and selects the print image data. Among the blocks, the image data of a block having a calculated value different from the corresponding block of the selected comparison image data and the identification information of the selected comparison image data are transmitted to the printing apparatus.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the control device compares the calculated values of the corresponding blocks of the print image data and the one or more comparative image data, and determines comparative image data with a small number of blocks having different calculated values. . Since the comparison image data is determined by such a method, the control device can determine the comparison image data approximate to the print image data by a simple means of comparing the calculated values of the blocks. In addition, since the comparison image data is determined by the above method, each dot constituting the print image data is compared with each dot constituting the comparison image data, so that the comparison image data is determined. The load is small and the time required for determination is short. Further, according to the configuration of the present invention, the control device can notify the printing device of the determined image data using the identification information. The printing apparatus can identify the comparison image data determined by the control apparatus by storing the identification information and the comparison image data in association with each other. Based on the identified comparison image data and the received block image data, You can print an image.

In the invention, it is preferable that the control unit compresses image data of a block and transmits the compressed image data to the printing apparatus.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the amount of data transmitted from the control device to the printing device can be further reduced.

Further, in the present invention, when transmitting the image data of a plurality of blocks, the control unit determines whether or not the combined image data can be compressed by combining the image data of adjacent blocks. The image data of adjacent blocks are combined, and the combined image data is compressed and transmitted to the printing apparatus.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the amount of data transmitted from the control device to the printing device can be more efficiently reduced.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a printing system including a printing apparatus and a control apparatus capable of communicating with the printing apparatus, wherein the control apparatus is a comparative image that is image data for comparison. A storage unit that stores a calculation value calculated by a predetermined calculation formula for a block that classifies data, and a predetermined calculation formula for a block that classifies print image data that is image data of an image to be printed by the printing apparatus The calculated value is calculated by comparing the calculated values of the corresponding blocks of the comparison image data and the print image data, and control data including image data of blocks having different calculated values among the blocks of the print image data is obtained. A control unit that transmits to the printing apparatus, wherein the printing apparatus performs printing, a device storage unit that stores the comparison image data, and the control data. A device control unit that prints an image by the printing unit based on the comparison image data stored in the device storage unit and the block image data included in the control data. Features.
According to the configuration of the present invention, when the control device prints an image on the printing device, the image of the block whose calculated value is different from the stored comparison image data block among the print image data blocks of the image to be printed. Data may be transmitted to the printing apparatus, and the data amount of data transmitted from the control apparatus to the printing apparatus can be reduced.

Further, according to the present invention, the control unit of the control device transmits the control data including image data of blocks having different calculated values and position information indicating positions of the blocks in the comparison image data to the printing device. When the control data is received, the device control unit of the printing device is located at a position indicated by the position information included in the control data with respect to the comparison image data stored in the device storage unit. The image data of the corresponding block included in the control data is superimposed, and the image is printed by the printing unit based on the comparison image data after the superimposition.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the printing apparatus can print a desired image based on the stored comparison image data and the block image data received from the control apparatus.

Further, according to the present invention, the storage unit of the control device associates a calculated value of the block of the comparison image data with identification information for identifying the comparison image data for one or a plurality of the comparison image data. And the device storage unit of the printing device stores one or more of the comparison image data and identification information of the comparison image data in association with each other, and the control unit of the control device stores the print image data And the calculated value of the corresponding block with one or a plurality of the comparative image data stored in the storage unit, the comparative image data with a small number of blocks having different calculated values is selected, and the print image data The block includes image data of a block having a calculated value different from the corresponding block of the selected comparison image data, and the identification information of the selected comparison image data. Data is transmitted to the printing apparatus, and the apparatus control unit of the printing apparatus is included in the control image and the comparison image data stored in the storage unit in association with identification information included in the control data. The printing unit prints an image based on the block image data.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the control device compares the calculated values of the corresponding blocks of the print image data and the one or more comparative image data, and determines comparative image data with a small number of blocks having different calculated values. . Since the comparison image data is determined by such a method, the control device can determine the comparison image data approximate to the print image data by a simple means of comparing the calculated values of the blocks. In addition, since the comparison image data is determined by the above method, each dot constituting the print image data is compared with each dot constituting the comparison image data, so that the comparison image data is determined. The load is small and the time required for determination is short. Further, according to the configuration of the present invention, the control device can notify the printing device of the determined image data using the identification information. The printing apparatus can identify the comparison image data determined by the control apparatus from the stored comparison image data based on the identification information, and print the image based on the identified comparison image data and the received block image data. Can be executed.

In the present invention, the control unit of the control device continuously transmits a plurality of the control data to the printing device, and the device control unit of the printing device receives the plurality of the control data received from the control device. Based on the control data, printing of an image corresponding to the control data is continuously executed, and when the control unit of the control device generates the control data of one, the control data is printed by the control data of the one Generating the print image data of an image, calculating a calculated value of a block of the generated print image data, and comparing the calculated value of a corresponding block between the generated print image data and one or a plurality of the comparison image data The comparison image data having a small number of blocks having different calculated values is selected, and print image data identification information that is identification information of the generated print image data is generated and selected. Selected image data identification information which is identification information of comparison image data, the generated print image data identification information, and a block having a calculated value different from the corresponding block of the determined comparison image data among the blocks of the print image data The control data including the image data is transmitted to the printing apparatus, and the calculated print image data block is used as the calculated value of the block of the comparison image data. When the control unit receives the control data, the device control unit of the printing device prints the image of the print image data based on the control data, and stores the image data of the image to be printed. The comparison image data is stored in association with the print image data identification information included in the control data. To.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the control device cumulatively associates the calculated value of the image data block of the image to be continuously printed by the printing device with the identification information as the calculated value of the block of the comparison image data. The printing apparatus stores the image data of the image to be printed in a cumulative manner as comparison image data in association with the identification information. For this reason, the control device continuously transmits a plurality of control data to the printing device, and the printing device continuously prints an image corresponding to the control data based on the plurality of control data received from the control device. Based on the configuration of executing, the control device can cumulatively store comparative image data for comparison, and the printing device can store comparative image data corresponding to the control device.

Further, according to the present invention, the control unit of the control device compares calculated values of corresponding blocks of the comparison image data and the print image data, and the calculated values of the blocks of the print image data are the same. For the block, the image data of the block having the same calculated value is compared with the image data of the corresponding block of the comparison image data, and if different, the image data of the block having the same calculated value is included in the control data. It is characterized by that.
Here, since the calculated value is a value calculated from the block by a predetermined calculation formula, even if the calculated value of the block of the comparison image data and the calculated value of the block of the print image data are the same. The contents of the image data in each block may be different from each other. According to the configuration of the present invention, the control device can determine the contents of the image data of each block even when the calculated value of the block of the comparison image data is the same as the calculated value of the block of the print image data. Are different from each other, the image data of the block of the print image data can be included in the control data.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the control unit of the control device compresses block image data, includes the compressed image data in the control data, and transmits the compressed data to the printing device.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the amount of data transmitted from the control device to the printing device can be further reduced.

Further, in the present invention, when the control unit of the control device transmits image data of a plurality of blocks, the image data of adjacent blocks are combined to determine whether the combined image data can be compressed, If possible, the image data of adjacent blocks are combined, the combined image data is compressed, included in the control data, and transmitted to the printing apparatus.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the amount of data transmitted from the control device to the printing device can be more efficiently reduced.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a control method for a control apparatus connectable to a printing apparatus, wherein a block that divides comparison image data, which is comparison image data, has a predetermined calculation formula. A calculated value is stored, and a calculated value is calculated by the predetermined calculation formula for a block that classifies print image data that is image data of an image to be printed by the printing apparatus, and the comparison image data and the print image are calculated. Comparing the calculated values of the corresponding blocks with the data, the image data of blocks having different calculated values among the blocks of the print image data are transmitted to the printing apparatus.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the control device transmits, to the printing device, image data of a block whose calculated value is different from the stored comparison image data block among the blocks of the print image data of the image to be printed. Therefore, by storing the comparison image data in advance in the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus can print an image based on the stored comparison image data and the received block image data. Therefore, when printing an image, the control device may transmit image data of a block having a calculated value different from the stored comparison image data block among the blocks of the print image data of the image to be printed to the printing device, The amount of data transmitted from the control device to the printing device can be reduced.

  According to the present invention, the amount of data transmitted from the control device to the printing device can be reduced.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ink jet printer according to an embodiment. The figure which shows the label paper which can be set to an inkjet printer. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a printing system. The figure which shows the image printed on a label part. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of a host computer and an inkjet printer. The figure which shows an example of image data. The figure used for description of hash value comparison processing. The figure which shows the detail of a block compression process. The figure utilized for description of block compression processing. The figure used for description of printing based on image data in a buffer.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an inkjet printer 5 (printing apparatus) according to the present embodiment.
The ink jet printer 5 is a line type ink jet printer. The inkjet printer 5 transports the label paper 14 in the forward transport direction YJ1 by the transport roller 10, ejects ink from the line inkjet head 12 to the label paper 14, and prints an image on the label paper 14.
A recording medium other than the label paper 14 described below can be set in the inkjet printer 5.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the label paper 14 that can be set in the ink jet printer 5.
As shown in FIG. 2, the label paper 14 is a belt-like sheet, and a plurality of label portions S are attached to the release paper at predetermined intervals on the printing surface 15. The back surface of the label portion S is a seal and can be peeled off from the release paper. The shape of the label portion S in the longitudinal direction is constant, and the interval between the label portions S is also constant. As will be described later, the inkjet printer 5 can continuously print images on a plurality of label portions S formed on the label paper 14. When printing on the label paper 14 is performed by the ink jet printer 5, the label paper 14 is set in the ink jet printer 5 so that the longitudinal direction of the label paper 14 corresponds to the forward conveyance direction YJ1.
As shown in FIG. 2, black marks BM are formed on the back surface of the label paper 14 corresponding to each of the label portions S. Although not shown in FIG. 1, in the inkjet printer 5, a black mark sensor 42 that optically detects a black mark BM formed on the conveyed label paper 14 at a predetermined position on the transport path of the label paper 14. (FIG. 3) is provided. A printer control unit 27 (described later) of the inkjet printer 5 detects that the black mark BM is located at a position corresponding to the sensor based on the detection value of the black mark sensor 42. Based on the detection result, the printer control unit 27 adjusts the conveyance amount of the label paper 14, adjusts the position of the label paper 14, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the inkjet printer 5 includes an upstream head unit 17 and a downstream head unit 18.
In the upstream head unit 17, three print heads, that is, an upstream top print head 17T, an upstream left print head 17L, and an upstream right print head 17R are arranged. The downstream head unit 18 is provided with three print heads: a downstream top print head 18T, a downstream left print head 18L, and a downstream right print head 18R.

The upstream top print head 17T is provided with a black nozzle row 20 and a cyan nozzle row 21 disposed downstream of the black nozzle row 20.
The black nozzle row 20 is a nozzle row in which nozzle holes (not shown) that discharge ink as fine ink particles extend in a nozzle row direction YJ2 that is a direction intersecting the forward conveyance direction YJ1. The black nozzle row 20 is configured to be supplied with ink from a black (K) ink cartridge (not shown). The upstream top print head 17T pushes the ink supplied from the black (K) ink cartridge toward the label paper 14 by an actuator configured using, for example, a piezo element, and fine ink from a predetermined nozzle hole. Discharge the grains.
Similar to the black nozzle row 20, the cyan nozzle row 21 is a nozzle row formed with nozzle holes extending in the nozzle row direction, and ink is supplied from a cyan (C) ink cartridge (not shown). It has become.
The upstream right print head 17R and the upstream left print head 17L have the same configuration as the upstream top print head 17T, and are arranged downstream of the black nozzle row 20 and the black nozzle row 20, respectively. A cyan nozzle row 21 is provided.

The downstream top print head 18T is provided with a magenta nozzle row 22 and a yellow nozzle row 23 arranged downstream of the magenta nozzle row 22.
Similar to the black nozzle row 20, the magenta nozzle row 22 is a nozzle row formed with nozzle holes extending in the nozzle row direction, and ink is supplied from a magenta (M) ink cartridge (not shown). It has become.
Similar to the black nozzle row 20, the yellow nozzle row 23 is a nozzle row in which nozzle holes are formed extending in the nozzle row direction, and ink is supplied from a yellow (Y) ink cartridge (not shown). It has become.
The downstream right print head 18R and the downstream left print head 18L have the same configuration as the downstream top print head 18T, and are arranged downstream of the magenta nozzle row 22 and the magenta nozzle row 22, respectively. A yellow nozzle row 23 is provided.
In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, each print head and the nozzle row included in the print head are clearly shown. However, actually, ink is ejected vertically downward from the nozzle holes constituting the nozzle row. Each member is arranged so as to realize the configuration.

The ink jet printer 5 ejects ink onto the label paper 14 to form dots, and prints an image by combining the dots. Hereinafter, a basic operation in the case of forming one dot on the label paper 14 will be described with reference to FIG.
An example in which the label paper 14 exists at the position shown in FIG. 1 and dots of a predetermined color are formed at the position P1 on the label paper 14 will be described. The predetermined color is a color expressed by ejecting black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) inks by a predetermined amount. In FIG. 1, a position P2 is a position through which the transported recording medium position P1 passes in the black nozzle row 20 formed in the upstream top print head 17T. The same applies to the position P3, the position P4, and the position P5.
The ink jet printer 5 transports the label paper 14 toward the positive transport direction YJ1 at a substantially constant speed while dots are formed on the label paper 14. Then, when the conveyance of the label paper 14 in the positive conveyance direction YJ1 proceeds from the state shown in FIG. 1, the position P1 on the label paper 14 reaches the position corresponding to the position P2, and from the nozzle corresponding to the position P2. A predetermined amount of black (K) ink is ejected. Similarly, at a timing when the position P1 on the label paper 14 reaches the position P3, a predetermined amount of cyan (C) ink is ejected from the nozzle corresponding to the position P3, and the position P1 on the label paper 14 becomes the position P4. A predetermined amount of magenta (M) ink is ejected from the nozzle corresponding to the position P4 at the timing of reaching the position P4, and the position corresponding to the position P5 from the nozzle corresponding to the position P5 is reached when the position P1 on the label paper 14 reaches the position P5. A fixed amount of yellow (Y) ink is ejected.
In this way, black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) inks are ejected by a predetermined amount to the position P1 on the label paper 14, respectively, and a predetermined amount is ejected to the position P1. Color dots are formed.
In other words, in the inkjet printer 5 according to the present embodiment, the position of the line inkjet head 12 is fixed during the processing related to image printing, and the label paper 14 is fixed to the fixed line inkjet head 12. While moving at a relatively constant speed, ink is appropriately ejected from the line inkjet head 12 to form dots, and an image is printed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the printing system 8 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the printing system 8 includes an inkjet printer 5 and a host computer 1 (control device) that can communicate (connect to) the inkjet printer 5 and controls the inkjet printer 5. .

As shown in FIG. 3, the inkjet printer 5 includes a printer control unit 27 (apparatus control unit), a line inkjet head 12 (printing unit), a paper feed motor 36, a black mark sensor 42, and a printer display unit 39. A printer input unit 40, a printer storage unit 50 (device storage unit), and an interface (I / F) 41.
The printer control unit 27 includes a CPU as an operation execution unit, a firmware that can be executed by the CPU, a ROM that stores data relating to the firmware in a nonvolatile manner, a RAM in which a work area used by the CPU is formed, and other peripheral circuits. Is provided. For example, the printer control unit 27 controls the inkjet printer 5 by reading and executing firmware.
The line inkjet head 12 executes printing under the control of the printer control unit 27. The printer control unit 27 drives an actuator included in each inkjet head of the line inkjet head 12 to eject a necessary amount of ink from each nozzle to form dots on the label paper 14 and print an image.

The paper feed motor 36 is connected to the transport roller 10 and rotates the transport roller 10 to transport the label paper 14 by a predetermined amount. The printer control unit 27 drives the paper feed motor 36 to convey the label paper 14 by a predetermined amount. In the present embodiment, the paper feed motor 36 is configured by a stepping motor, and the printer control unit 27 manages the transport amount of the label paper 14 by the number of steps.
The black mark sensor 42 outputs a detection value to the printer control unit 27. The detection value of the black mark sensor 42 differs depending on whether or not the black mark BM is located at the detection position by the black mark sensor 42. The printer control unit 27 detects that the black mark BM is located at the detection position by the black mark sensor 42 based on the detection value of the black mark sensor 42 during conveyance of the label paper 14.
The printer control unit 27 manages the transport amount of the label paper 14 by the number of steps of the paper feed motor 36 during the transport of the label paper 14, and manages the position of the label paper 14 based on the detection value of the black mark sensor 42. . The printer control unit 27 adjusts the transport amount of the label paper 14 and the position of the label paper 14 based on the number of steps of the paper feed motor 36 to be managed and the position of the label paper 14.

The printer display unit 39 includes a plurality of LEDs. Under the control of the printer control unit 27, the LEDs are turned on / off in a predetermined manner to notify the state of the ink jet printer 5 or to notify the occurrence of an error. To do.
The printer input unit 40 is connected to various operation switches provided in the inkjet printer 5, detects operations on the various operation switches, and outputs them to the printer control unit 27.
The printer storage unit 50 includes a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM or a hard disk, and stores data. Various data stored in the printer storage unit 50 will be described later.
The interface 41 communicates with the host computer 1 using a predetermined protocol under the control of the printer control unit 27.

As shown in FIG. 3, the host computer 1 includes a host control unit 45 (control unit) that controls the host computer 1. The host control unit 45 includes an application execution unit 45a and a printer driver execution unit 45b as functional blocks, which will be described later.
The host computer 1 includes a host display unit 46 that displays various information, a host input unit 47 that detects an operation on a connected input device, a host storage unit 48 that stores various data, and an inkjet printer 5. And an interface (I / F) 49 that communicates with each other using a predetermined protocol.
A storage area formed in the host storage unit 48, RAM, ROM, or other storage medium corresponds to the “storage unit”.

Next, basic operations of the host computer 1 and the inkjet printer 5 when images are continuously printed on the plurality of label portions S of the label paper 14 will be described.
In the following description, the label paper 14 has at least a first label portion S1, a second label portion S2, and a third label portion S3 as the label portion S from the downstream in the transport direction to the upstream. In the following, each apparatus for continuously printing images by using the inkjet printer 5 as an example in which images are continuously printed in the order of the first label portion S1, the second label portion S2, and the third label portion S3. The operation of will be described. In the following description, the image printed on the first label portion S1 is expressed as “first image GQ1”, the image printed on the second label portion S2 is expressed as “second image GQ2”, and the third label The image printed on the part S3 is expressed as “third image GQ3”.
Here, the application execution unit 45a and the printer driver execution unit 45b will be described.
The application execution unit 45a is a functional block that executes processing by reading and executing an application installed in the host computer 1 and an accompanying program. The application is software having a function of outputting at least image data of an image to be printed on the label portion S to a printer driver.
The printer driver execution unit 45b is a functional block that executes processing by reading and executing a printer driver installed in the host computer 1 and an accompanying program. The printer driver has a function of generating and outputting data according to the command system supported by the inkjet printer 5.

When images are continuously printed on the plurality of label portions S, the application execution unit 45a of the host control unit 45 of the host computer 1 executes the following processing. The application execution unit 45a expresses image data of the first image GQ1 (hereinafter referred to as “first image data D1”) and image data of the second image GQ2 (hereinafter referred to as “second image data D2”). ) And image data of the third image GQ3 “hereinafter referred to as“ third image data D3 ”. Is generated.
In the present embodiment, the image data is data that holds information about the color for each dot with respect to dots arranged in a dot matrix. The color information is information having, for example, each color component of red (R), blue (B), and green (G) as a gradation value of 256 gradations.
Next, the application execution unit 45a sequentially outputs the first image data D1, the second image data D2, and the third image data D3 to the printer driver execution unit 45b. The processing related to the output of one image data and the processing related to the generation of other image data may be performed in parallel.

Based on the input first image data D1, the printer driver execution unit 45b generates control data for instructing printing of the first image GQ1 (hereinafter referred to as “first control data C1”), and an interface. 49 is controlled and transmitted to the inkjet printer 5. Similarly, the printer driver execution unit 45b controls data based on the input second image data D2 (hereinafter referred to as “second control data C2”) and control data based on the third image data D3. (Hereinafter, expressed as “third control data C3”) is sequentially transmitted to the inkjet printer 5. The contents of the control data will be described in detail later.
Control data received by the inkjet printer 5 via the interface 41 is sequentially stored in a reception buffer (not shown).
The printer control unit 27 of the inkjet printer 5 sequentially reads each control data stored in the reception buffer.
The printer control unit 27 starts transporting the label paper 14 in the forward transport direction YJ1 in response to reading of the control data. The printer control unit 27 maintains the state in which the label paper 14 is conveyed in the conveyance normal direction YJ1 at a predetermined speed during execution of continuous printing of images on the plurality of label units S. As described above, the printer control unit 27 manages the position of the label paper 14 based on the detection value of the black mark sensor 42 during conveyance of the label paper 14.
The printer control unit 27 develops the image data of the first image GQ1 in an image buffer (not shown) based on the first control data C1. This process will be described in detail later. The printer control unit 27 prints the first image GQ1 on the first label unit S1 by controlling the line inkjet head 12 at an appropriate timing based on the image data developed in the image buffer. Similarly, the printer control unit 27 develops the image data of the second image GQ2 in an image buffer (not shown) based on the second control data C2, and the second label unit S2 stores the second image data on the basis of the developed image data. The image GQ2 is printed. Further, the printer control unit 27 expands the image data of the third image GQ3 in an image buffer (not shown) based on the third control data C3, and the third image is displayed on the third label unit S3 based on the expanded image data. Print GQ3.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image printed on the label portion S of the label paper 14 by the printing system 8 according to the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 4, the label portion S is removed from the release paper after the image is printed, and is affixed to a predetermined product or product packaging as a label.
As shown in FIG. 4, a label image G1 is printed on each of the label portions S. Each label image G1 includes a variable image G2 that can have a different aspect for each label image G1, and a fixed image G3 that has the same aspect for each label image G1.
In the example of FIG. 4, the fixed image G <b> 3 is a red frame-shaped image formed along the outer edge of the label portion S. In the fixed image G <b> 3, the name of the manufacturer that manufactures the product “AAACompany” is written in a portion corresponding to the upper side of the outer edge of the label portion S. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the aspect of the fixed image G <b> 3 printed on each label portion S is the same.
The variable image G2 is an image printed in an area surrounded by the frame-shaped fixed image G3. The variable image G2 is uniquely assigned to each character string indicating the model name of the product (“XX-YYYY” in the example of FIG. 4), a barcode indicating a code uniquely assigned to each product, and each product. And a character string indicating a serial number to be processed.

Here, since the label image G1 includes the fixed image G3, one label image G1 and the other label images G1 out of a plurality of continuously printed label images G1 are images in a predetermined region. There is a common feature.
Based on the above characteristics, the host computer 1 according to the present embodiment reduces the data amount of data to be transmitted to the inkjet printer 5 when the inkjet printer 5 continuously prints images on the plurality of label portions S. . By reducing the amount of data to be transmitted, it is possible to improve communication efficiency.
Hereinafter, operations of the host computer 1 and the inkjet printer 5 when images are continuously printed on the plurality of label portions S of the label paper 14 will be described in detail.

FIG. 5A is a flowchart showing the operation of the host computer 1, and FIG. 5B is a flowchart showing the operation of the inkjet printer 5.
In the following, although the transport of the label paper 14 is not described in detail, the printer control unit 27 transports the label paper 14 corresponding to the printing of the image on the label portion S, manages the position of the label paper 14 during the transport, label Adjustment of the conveyance amount and position of the paper 14 is executed.
The application execution unit 45a can input information necessary for executing continuous printing (for example, information indicating a storage location of image data of an image to be printed on each label unit S) and can instruct start of image printing. Provide a user interface to the user. The user inputs necessary information to the user interface and instructs the start of image printing (step SX1).
The application execution unit 45a executes the following processing in response to an instruction to start image printing by the user. The application execution unit 45a generates image data of images to be printed continuously on the plurality of label units S (step SA1).
Hereinafter, the image data generated by the application execution unit 45a in step SA1 is referred to as “print image data”. That is, the print image data is image data of an image to be printed on the label portion S.
Next, the application execution unit 45a sequentially outputs the generated print image data to the printer driver execution unit 45b (step SA2).

Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b acquires one print image data among the print image data input from the application execution unit 45a (step SA3). In step SA3, the printer driver execution unit 45b acquires the print image data one by one in the input order (= printing order) for the plurality of print image data input from the application execution unit 45a. Hereinafter, one print image data acquired by the printer driver execution unit 45b in step SA2 is expressed as “processing target image data GD1”.
Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b determines whether or not one or more comparison image data hash value information J1 (described later) is stored in a predetermined storage area (storage unit) (step SA4). As will be apparent later, the printer driver execution unit 45b stores the comparison image data hash value information J1 generated based on the processing target image data GD1 in a predetermined storage area in accordance with the execution of the processing based on the processing target image data GD1. To remember. Therefore, when the processing target image data GD1 is the first print image data of the plurality of print image data input from the application execution unit 45a, the comparison image data hash value information J1 is stored in a predetermined storage area. It is a state that has not been done. In this case, in step SA4, the printer driver execution unit 45b determines that no comparison image data hash value information J1 is stored in the predetermined storage area (step SA4: NO). On the other hand, when the processing target image data GD1 is the second or later print image data among the plurality of print image data input from the application execution unit 45a, the comparison image data hash value information J1 is stored in a predetermined storage area. It is a memorized state. In this case, in step SA4, the printer driver execution unit 45b determines that one or more comparison image data hash value information J1 is stored in a predetermined storage area (step SA4: YES).

If it is determined in step SA4 that no comparison image data hash value information J1 is stored in the predetermined storage area (step SA4: NO), the printer driver execution unit 45b executes the following processing.
The printer driver execution unit 45b generates image data identification information DC that is identification information for uniquely identifying the processing target image data GD1 (step SA5).
Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b compresses the processing target image data GD1 in a predetermined compression format (step SA6).
Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b executes the following processing (step SA7). The printer driver execution unit 45b includes the image data identification information DC generated in step SA5 and the processing target image data GD1 compressed in step SA6, and generates control data instructing printing based on the processing target image data GD1.
Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b controls the interface 49 to transmit the generated control data to the inkjet printer 5 (step SA8).
Hereinafter, the image data identification information DC included in the control data transmitted in step SA8 is expressed as “print image data identification information DC1” and is distinguished from “selected image data identification information DC2” described later.

Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b calculates a hash value (calculated value) of each block of the processing target image data GD1 (step SA9).
Hereinafter, the block and the hash value will be described.
FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing blocks formed in the processing target image data GD1 on the processing target image data GD1 (print image data).
In this example, the processing target image data GD1 is data of vertical 2400 dots × horizontal 14000 dots, and each of the red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color components has 256 gradations. Stored as a gradation value.
As shown in FIG. 6, the block is an area formed by dividing the processing target image data GD1 into a grid pattern. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the block divides the processing target image data GD1 into a grid of 64 dots in the vertical direction and 64 dots in the horizontal direction with the vertex O at the upper left of the processing target image data GD1 as the base point. It is the area | region formed by. For this reason, the basic size of a block is 64 dots long x 64 dots wide. However, although the vertical length of the processing target image data GD1 is 2400 dots, since “2400” cannot be divided by “64”, the vertical length of each block in contact with the lower side of the processing target image data GD1 is 32 dots. It is. Further, the horizontal length of the processing target image data is 14000 dots, but since “14000” cannot be divided by “64”, the horizontal length of each block in contact with the right side of the processing target image data is 48 dots. .
In step SA9, the printer driver execution unit 45b obtains a hash value (calculated value) of each block of the processing target image data GD1 using a predetermined hash function (predetermined calculation formula).
Each block is assigned position information indicating the position in the processing target image data GD1, and the position of each block in the image data can be specified by the position information.
In this embodiment, the position information is the base point of the block image data (vertex in the upper left in FIG. 6 in this example) when the processing target image data GD1 is developed in an orthogonal coordinate system having the vertex O as the origin. This is information indicating coordinates.

Hereinafter, an example of a method for calculating the hash value of one block will be described.
One block has n dots. For example, n = 4096 (64 × 64) for a block of 64 vertical dots × 64 horizontal dots.
The printer driver execution unit 45b calculates the dot value of each of n dots by the following formula. “(Expression) dot value = (tone value of red (R) color component) + ((tone value of green (G) color component) × 256”) + ((blue (B) color component Gradation value) × 65536) ”.
Hereinafter, each dot value of n dots is assumed to be p [i] (0 ≦ i ≦ n−1).
Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b defines a variable h [i] (0 ≦ i ≦ n−1) and obtains h [n−1] by the following calculation formula.
First, the printer driver execution unit 45b substitutes the value of p [0] for h [0].
Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b sequentially sets “h [i] ← 3 × h [i−1] + p [i]” until “i = 1” to “i = n−1”. The value of “i” is incremented to obtain the value of h [n−1].
The printer driver execution unit 45b sets the value of h [n−1] as a hash value. In consideration of the range of values that can be stored in h [n−1], when the value of h [n−1] exceeds the value T1, h [n−1] is set to the value T2 (value T1). The remainder when dividing by the same value may be used as a hash value.
Note that the hash value calculation method illustrated is an example, and the hash value may be obtained by another method.

After calculating the hash value of each block of the processing target image data GD1 in step SA9, the printer driver execution unit 45b generates comparison image data hash value information J1 (step SA10). The comparison image data hash value information J1 includes the image data identification information DC of the processing target image data GD1 generated in step SA5, the processing target image data GD1, and the hash value of each block of the processing target image data GD1 calculated in step SA9 Is associated with each other.
Hereinafter, the processing target image data GD1 included in the comparison image data hash value information J1 is expressed as “comparison image data GD2”. As will be apparent later, the comparison image data GD2 means print image data that has been processed image data GD1 in the past among the print image data output by the application execution unit 45a.
The comparison image data hash value information J1 is information including the image data identification information DC of the comparison image data GD2, the comparison image data GD2, and the hash value of each block of the comparison image data GD2.
Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b stores the comparison image data hash value information J1 generated in step SA10 in a predetermined storage area (storage unit) (step SA11). The predetermined storage area (storage unit) may be a storage area formed in the host storage unit 48 or a storage area formed in a storage medium other than the host storage unit 48 such as a RAM work area. Good. Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b returns the processing procedure to Step SA3.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the printer control unit 27 of the inkjet printer 5 monitors whether control data is received from the host computer 1 (step SB1).
If received (step SB1), the printer control unit 27 reads 1 control data stored in the reception buffer (step SB2). In step SB2, the printer control unit 27 sequentially reads the control data stored in the reception buffer.
Next, the printer control unit 27 determines whether or not the selected image data identification information DC2 (described later) is included in the control data (step SB3).
As described above, the selected image data identification information DC2 is not included in the control data (control data based on the first print image data) transmitted by the host computer 1 in step SA8. On the other hand, as will be described later, the control data (control data based on the second and subsequent print image data) transmitted by the host computer 1 in step SA19 includes selected image data identification information DC2.

If the selected image data identification information DC2 is not included in the control data (step SB3: NO), the printer control unit 27 corresponds to the compressed processing target image data GD1 included in the control data in a predetermined compression format. Defrost using the thawing method (step SB4).
Next, the printer control unit 27 develops the decompressed processing target image data GD1 in the image buffer (step SB5).
Next, the printer control unit 27 controls the line inkjet head 12 in an appropriate manner at an appropriate timing based on the image data developed in the image buffer, and prints an image on the corresponding label unit S (step SB6). .
Next, the printer control unit 27 acquires print image data identification information DC1 (image data identification information DC) included in the control data (step SB7).
Next, the printer control unit 27 stores the print image data identification information DC1 acquired in step SB7 in the stored image data table TB1 described later in association with the image data developed in the image buffer (step SB8). Hereinafter, the stored image data is expressed as stored image data GD3. The stored image data GD3 corresponds to “comparison image data”.
Next, the printer control unit 27 returns the processing procedure to step SB2, and reads the next control data from the reception buffer.

As shown in FIG. 5A, when it is determined in step SA4 that the comparison image data hash value information J1 is stored in the predetermined storage area (storage unit) (step SA4: YES), the printer driver is executed. The unit 45b executes the following processing. Note that the case where the comparison image data hash value information J1 is stored in the predetermined storage area means that the processing target image data acquired in step SA3 is two pieces of print image data output by the application execution unit 45a. This is the case of the print image data after the first.
The printer driver execution unit 45b calculates a hash value of each block of the processing target image data GD1 (step SA12).
Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b executes a hash value comparison process (step SA13).
Hereinafter, the hash value comparison process will be described in detail.

FIG. 7 is a diagram used for explaining the hash value comparison processing in step SA13.
The hash value comparison process includes a hash value of each block of the comparison image data GD2 included in one or a plurality of comparison image data hash value information J1 stored in a predetermined storage area, and a hash of each block of the processing target image data GD1. This is a process of comparing the values and selecting the comparison image data hash value information J1 including the comparison image data GD2 with a small number of blocks having different hash values.
At the time of step SA13, one or a plurality of comparison image data hash value information J1 is stored in a predetermined storage area. FIG. 7A shows a state in which a plurality of comparison image data hash value information J1 is stored in a predetermined storage area.

The hash value comparison process will be described in detail. The printer driver execution unit 45b executes the following process for each of one or a plurality of comparison image data hash value information J1.
That is, the printer driver execution unit 45b compares the hash value of each block of the processing target image data GD1 with the hash value of each block of the comparison image data GD2 included in the one comparison image data hash value information J1, Count the number of blocks with different values.
The hash value of each block is compared by comparing the hash value of each block with the hash value of the block arranged at the corresponding position of the comparison image data GD2 for each block of the processing target image data GD1. . FIG. 7B shows a block of the comparison image data GD2 on the left side and a block of the processing target image data GD1 on the right side. For example, among the blocks of the comparison image data GD2, a block P1 arranged at a position corresponding to the position X1, and among the blocks of the processing target image data GD1, a block Q1 arranged at a position corresponding to the position X1. Corresponding block. Therefore, the printer driver execution unit 45b compares the hash value of the block P1 with the hash value of the block Q1. The printer driver execution unit 45b determines whether the hash value of the corresponding block is the same as or different from the hash value for all the blocks included in the processing target image data GD1, and measures the number of blocks having different hash values. The printer driver execution unit 45b executes the measurement of the number of blocks having different hash values as described above based on comparison with all the stored comparison image data GD2. Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b selects the comparison image data hash value information J1 related to the comparison image data GD2 having the smallest number of blocks having different hash values from one or a plurality of comparison image data hash value information J1.

Here, among the comparison image data GD2, the comparison image data GD2 having the smallest number of blocks having different hash values from the respective blocks of the processing target image data GD1 is image data that approximates the processing target image data GD1.
Here, as a process of selecting an approximation to the processing target image data GD1 from the plurality of comparison image data GD2, the following process may be executed. That is, it is also possible to compare the corresponding dots of the comparison image data GD2 and the processing target image data GD1 to determine matching / mismatching, and to select the comparison image data GD2 with the least number of mismatching dots. On the other hand, in the hash value comparison process according to the present embodiment, the printer driver execution unit 45b calculates the hash value of each block of the comparison image data GD2 (image data of an image previously printed on the inkjet printer 5) in advance. Remember. The printer driver execution unit 45b calculates the hash value of each block of the processing target image data GD1, and compares the hash value of each block of the processing target image data GD1 with the hash value of each block of the stored comparison image data GD2. Based on this, the approximate comparison image data GD2 is selected. For this reason, regarding the process of selecting the comparison image data GD2 that approximates the processing target image data GD1, the processing load is small and the time required for selection is short.

As shown in FIG. 5A, after executing the hash value comparison process in step SA13, the printer driver execution unit 45b generates image data identification information DC that is identification information for uniquely identifying the processing target image data GD1. (Step SA14).
Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b acquires the image data identification information DC (identification information of the comparison image data GD2) included in the comparison image data hash value information J1 selected in the hash value comparison process in step SA13 (step SA15). .
Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b executes image data comparison processing (step SA16).
Hereinafter, the image data comparison process in step SA16 will be described in detail.

In the image data comparison process, it is determined that the hash value matches the block of the comparison image data GD2 included in the comparison image data hash value information J1 selected in the hash value comparison process in step SA13 among the blocks of the processing target image data GD1. Each dot of image data belonging to each block (hereinafter referred to as “block image data”) is compared. And it is the process which specifies the block from which block values differ while a hash value is matched.
For example, referring to FIG. 7B, in the hash value comparison process, the hash value of the block P1 arranged at the position X1 of the comparison image data GD2 and the block Q1 arranged at the position X1 of the processing target image data GD1. Assume that it is determined that the hash value matches. In this case, in the image data comparison process, the printer driver execution unit 45b compares the dots of the image data (block image data) belonging to the block P1 and the image data (block image data) belonging to the block Q1 to find a match / Determine discrepancies. The printer driver execution unit 45b performs the determination for each of the blocks that are determined to have the same hash value, and identifies blocks that have the same hash value but different block image data.
The image data comparison process is a process for the following purposes. That is, for the corresponding blocks of the processing target image data GD1 and the comparison image data GD2, the hash values may match even when the corresponding block image data is different. The object of the image data comparison process is to specify a block whose hash value matches that of the corresponding block among the blocks of the processing target image data GD1, but whose block image data of the corresponding block is different.

Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b executes block compression processing (step SA17).
Hereinafter, block compression processing will be described.
In the block compression process, the image data is compressed by a predetermined compression method. This predetermined compression method can compress rectangular image data, and the greater the size of the image data to be compressed, the better the compression efficiency.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the block compression processing.
FIG. 9 is a diagram used for explaining the block compression processing. FIG. 9A shows a block on the data of the processing target image data GD1. The processing target image data GD1 shown in FIG. 9A has a total of 24 blocks R1 to R24, four vertically and six horizontally, for clarity of explanation.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, the printer driver execution unit 45b determines, among the blocks of the processing target image data GD1, blocks that are determined to have different hash values from the corresponding blocks of the comparison image data GD2 in the hash value comparison processing in step SA13. Specify (step SC1). Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b determines that, among the blocks of the processing target image data GD1, the hash value matches the corresponding block of the comparison image data GD2 in the image data comparison processing in step SA16, but the block image data is different. The identified block is specified (step SC2).
In FIG. 9A, the blocks identified in step SC1 and step SC2 are represented by diagonal lines. That is, the blocks R1, R5, R7, R8, R12, R14, R16, R17, and R20 are the blocks specified in Step SC1 and Step SC2.
Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b specifies a block in which no adjacent block exists among the blocks specified in Step SC1 and Step SC2 (Step SC3). The fact that another block is adjacent to one block means that there is another block in contact with the upper side, the lower side, the left side, or the right side of the one block. In FIG. 8A, the block R16 is adjacent to the block R17. On the other hand, the block R5 and the block R12 are not adjacent. If there is no block that does not have an adjacent block, the block is not specified at step SC3, and the process at step SC4 is not executed.
In the example of FIG. 9A, in step SC3, the printer driver execution unit 45b identifies the block R5 and the block R12.

Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b compresses the block image data of the block identified in step SC3 by a predetermined compression method, and associates the compressed block image data with the position information indicating the position of the block in the storage area. Store (step SC4).
In the example of 9 (A), in step SC4, the printer driver execution unit 45b compresses the block image data of the block R5 and stores it in association with the position information indicating the position Y5. In addition, the printer driver execution unit 45b compresses the block image data of the block R12 and stores it in association with the position information indicating the position Y12.

Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b specifies a block group including adjacent blocks among the blocks specified in steps SC1 and SC2 (step SC5).
In the example of FIG. 9A, the printer driver execution unit 45b includes a block group BG1 including blocks R1, R7, R8, R14, and R20 (see also FIG. 9B), and a block R16, In addition, the block group BG2 including the block R17 (see also FIG. 9B) is specified. If there is no block group, the block group is not specified in step SC5, and the processes in steps SC6 to SC10 are not performed.
Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b specifies a rectangular block group among the block groups specified in step SC5 (step SC6).
In the example of FIG. 9A, the printer driver execution unit 45b specifies the block group BG2 as a rectangular block group. If there is no rectangular block group, the rectangular block group is not specified in step SC6, and the process of step SC7 is not performed.

Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b compresses the image data belonging to the rectangular block group specified in step SC6 as a single image data by a predetermined compression method. The printer driver execution unit 45b stores the compressed image data relating to the block group in the storage area in association with the position information indicating the position of the block group (step SC7).
In the example of FIG. 9A, the printer driver execution unit 45b compresses image data belonging to the block group BG2 as one image data by a predetermined compression method. The printer driver execution unit 45b stores the compressed image data related to the block group BG2 in association with the position information indicating the position Y16.
Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b specifies a non-rectangular block group among the block groups specified in step SC5 (step SC8).
In the example of FIG. 9A, the printer driver execution unit 45b identifies the block group BG1 as a non-rectangular block group. If there is no non-rectangular block group, the rectangular block group is not specified in step SC8, and the processes in steps SC9 and SC10 are not performed.
Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b divides the non-rectangular block group specified in step SC8 into rectangular block groups or blocks (step SC9). Hereinafter, the divided rectangular block groups and blocks are collectively referred to as “divided blocks”. At the time of division, the printer driver execution unit 45b corresponds to a predetermined compression method, and a group of non-rectangular blocks in such a manner that the compression efficiency increases when the divided image data is compressed by a predetermined compression method. Split. For example, if the image data compression efficiency is higher when there is a block group that is as large as possible after division, the division is executed in such a manner. If the image data compression efficiency is higher when the number of divided blocks is smaller, the division is performed in such a manner.
In the example of FIG. 9A, the printer driver execution unit 45b displays the block group BG1 as a block group BG11 including blocks R1 and R7 (see FIG. 9C), and blocks R8, R14, and R20. It divides | segments into the block group BG12 (refer FIG.9 (C)) containing.

Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b compresses the image data belonging to each divided block with a predetermined compression method for each divided block. When the divided block includes a plurality of blocks, the image data of the plurality of blocks is compressed as a single image data by a predetermined compression method. The printer driver execution unit 45b stores each of the compressed image data of the divided blocks in the storage area in association with the position information indicating the position of the divided blocks (step SC10).
In the example of FIG. 9A, the printer driver execution unit 45b compresses image data belonging to the block group BG11 as one image data by a predetermined compression method. The printer driver execution unit 45b stores the compressed image data related to the block group BG11 in association with the position information indicating the position Y1. In addition, the printer driver execution unit 45b compresses the image data belonging to the block group BG12 as one image data by a predetermined compression method. The printer driver execution unit 45b stores the compressed image data related to the block group BG12 in the storage area in association with the position information indicating the position Y8.
Since the image data relating to the block is compressed as described above, it is possible to perform compression with high efficiency.

As shown in FIG. 5A, after executing the block compression process in step SA17, the printer driver execution unit 45b generates control data (step SA18).
The control data generated in step SA18 includes the image data identification information DC (identification information of the processing target image data GD1) generated in step SA14. The image data identification information DC indicating the identification information of the processing target image data GD1 included in the control data is “print image data identification information DC1”.
The control data generated in step SA18 includes image data identification information DC (identification information of comparison image data GD2) included in the comparison image data hash value information J1 selected in the hash value comparison process in step SA13. Hereinafter, the image data identification information DC indicating the identification information of the comparison image data GD2 included in the control data is expressed as “selected image data identification information DC2” and is distinguished from the print image data identification information DC1.
The control data generated in step SA18 includes a block image data compressed by the block compression process in step SA17 or a combination of block group image data and position information indicating the position of each image data. .
In the example of FIG. 9A, the printer driver execution unit 45b performs a combination of the compressed image data of the block R5 and the position information indicating the position Y5, and the compressed image data of the block R12 and the position information indicating the position Y12. Combination, combination of compressed image data of block group BG2 and position information indicating position Y16, combination of compressed image data of block group BG11 and position information indicating position Y1, and compressed image data of block group BG12 And the position information indicating the position Y8 are included in the control data.
Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b controls the interface 49 to transmit control data (step SA19).
As described above, in the present embodiment, the control data does not include all the processing target image data GD1, but the comparison image data GD2 and the hash value are different, and the hash values match and the block image data is the same. Image data of different blocks is included. For this reason, the data amount of control data can be reduced.

Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b determines whether transmission of control data based on all print image data output from the application execution unit 45a is completed (step SA20). If completed (step SA20: YES), the printer driver execution unit 45b ends the process. If it has not been completed (step SA20: NO), the printer driver execution unit 45b generates comparison image data hash value information J1 based on the processing target image data GD1, and stores it in a predetermined storage area (storage unit) (step). SA21).
The comparison image data hash value information J1 generated and stored in step SA21 includes the image data identification information DC of the processing target image data GD1 generated in step SA14, the processing target image data GD1 as the comparison image data GD2, and the step. This is information in which the hash value of each block of the processing target image data GD1 as the comparison image calculated in SA12 is associated.
Next, the printer driver execution unit 45b returns the processing procedure to Step SA3.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the printer control unit 27 of the inkjet printer 5 monitors whether control data is received from the host computer 1 (step SB1).
If received (step SB1), the printer control unit 27 reads 1 control data stored in the reception buffer (step SB2).
Next, the printer control unit 27 determines whether or not the selected image data identification information DC2 (described later) is included in the control data (step SB3).
As described above, the control data (control data based on the second and subsequent print image data) transmitted by the host computer 1 in step SA19 includes the selected image data identification information DC2.

When the selected image data identification information DC2 is included in the control data (step SB3: YES), the printer control unit 27 refers to the stored image data table TB1 stored in the printer storage unit 50 (step SB9). The stored image data table TB1 is a table that stores stored image data GD3 (comparison image data), which will be described later, and image data identification information DC of the stored image data GD3 in association with each other. A method for generating each record of the stored image data table TB1 will be described later. In the present embodiment, the stored image data GD3 is stored in the printer storage unit 50 as an apparatus storage unit, but may be stored in another storage medium. In this case, another storage medium corresponds to the device storage unit.
Next, the printer control unit 27 acquires selected image data identification information DC2 included in the control data (step SB10).
Next, using the selected image data identification information DC2 acquired in step SB10 as a key, the printer control unit 27 stores the stored image data GD3 associated with the identification information in the stored image data table TB1 stored in the printer storage unit 50. Obtain (step SB11).
As will be apparent later, the stored image data GD3 acquired in step SB11 is the same as the comparison image data GD2 included in the comparison image data hash value information J1 selected by the host computer 1 in the hash value comparison processing in step SA13. Image data.
Next, the printer control unit 27 expands the stored image data GD3 acquired in step SB11 in the image buffer (step SB12).
Next, the printer control unit 27 decompresses each of the compressed image data included in the control data (step SB13).
Next, the printer control unit 27 superimposes the decompressed image data on the stored image data GD3 expanded in the image buffer at the position indicated by the position information corresponding to each image data (step SB14).
Hereinafter, the process of step SB14 will be described in detail.

FIG. 10 is a diagram used for explaining the processing in step SB14.
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9, the control data is combined with the compressed image data of the block R5 and the positional information indicating the position Y5, the combined image data of the compressed block R12 and the positional information indicating the position Y12, and compressed. A combination of image data of the block group BG2 and position information indicating the position Y16, a combination of image data of the compressed block group BG11 and position information indicating the position Y1, and a combination of image data of the compressed block group BG12 and the position Y8. Description will be made assuming that a combination with the position information shown is included. In step SB13, the printer control unit 27 decompresses each compressed image data included in the control data.
FIG. 10A is a diagram schematically showing the stored image data GD3 developed in the image buffer by the process of step SB12 in a mode suitable for explanation.
In FIG. SB14, the printer control unit 27 superimposes the decompressed image data on the stored image data GD3 expanded in the image buffer at the position indicated by the position information corresponding to each image data. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10B, the printer control unit 27 superimposes the image data of the block R5 on the position corresponding to the position Y5 in the stored image data GD3 developed in the image buffer. expand. Further, the printer control unit 27 superimposes and develops the image data of the block R12 at a position corresponding to the position Y12 in the stored image data GD3 developed in the image buffer. Further, the printer control unit 27 superimposes and develops the image data of the block group BG2 at a position corresponding to the position Y16 in the stored image data GD3 developed in the image buffer. Further, the printer control unit 27 superimposes and develops the image data of the block group BG11 at a position corresponding to the position Y1 in the stored image data GD3 developed in the image buffer. Further, the printer control unit 27 superimposes and develops the image data of the block group BG12 at a position corresponding to the position Y8 in the stored image data GD3 developed in the image buffer.

  The stored image data GD3 (hereinafter referred to as “post-superimposition image data GD4”) after superimposing the decompressed image data is the same as the processing target image data GD1 that is the generation source of the control data read in step SA2. Image data. The reason is as follows. As described above, the host computer 1 selects the comparison image data GD2 that is closest to the processing target image data GD1 from the stored comparison image data GD2, and the blocks having different hash values or the hash values match. A block having different block image data is specified, and the image data of the specified block is transmitted. The inkjet printer 5 selects the same stored image data GD3 (comparison image data) as the comparison image data GD2 selected by the host computer 1 from a plurality of stored image data GD3 (comparison image data) using the identification information as a key. To do. The ink jet printer 5 generates post-superimposition image data GD4 by superimposing the received block image data on the corresponding stored image data GD3 at a corresponding position. For this reason, the post-superimposition image data GD4 is image data in which the difference between the comparison image data GD2 and the processing target image data GD1 is superimposed on the comparison image data GD2, and the same image data as the processing target image data GD1. It becomes.

Next, the printer control unit 27 prints an image on the corresponding label portion S based on the superimposed image data GD4 developed in the image buffer (step SB15). The image printed on the label unit S in step SB15 is an image indicated by the corresponding print image data output by the application execution unit 45a.
Next, the printer control unit 27 acquires print image data identification information DC1 included in the control data (step SB16).
Next, the printer control unit 27 generates one record in the storage image data table TB1 stored in the printer storage unit 50, and the print image data identification information DC1 acquired in step SB16 and the post-superimposition image data in the record. GD4 is stored in association with it (step SB17). The post-superimposition image data GD4 stored in step SB17 corresponds to “stored image data GD3”.
Here, the print image data identification associated with the combination of the image data identification information DC and the processing target image data GD1 included in the comparison image data hash value information J1 stored in step SA21 by the host computer 1 and the storage image data table TB1. The combination of the information DC1 and the post-superimposition image data GD4 matches.
Next, the printer control unit 27 determines whether printing based on all control data has been completed (step SB18). If completed (step SB18: YES), the printer control unit 27 ends the process. If not completed (step SB18: NO), the printer control unit 27 returns the processing procedure to step SB2.

As described above, the printing system 8 according to this embodiment includes the inkjet printer 5 (printing apparatus) and the host computer 1 (control apparatus).
The host computer 1 stores a hash value (calculated value) calculated from a block by a predetermined hash function (predetermined calculation formula) for a block that divides the comparison image data GD2, which is image data for comparison, A hash value is calculated with a predetermined hash function for a block that classifies print image data that is image data of an image to be printed by the inkjet printer 5, and a hash value of a block corresponding to the comparison image data GD2 and the print image data is calculated. And a host control unit 45 that transmits control data including image data of blocks having different hash values among the blocks of print image data to the inkjet printer 5.
The inkjet printer 5 includes a line inkjet head 12 (printing unit), a printer storage unit 50 that stores storage image data GD3 (comparison image data) that is image data corresponding to comparison image data GD2 stored by the host computer 1, and When the control data is received, the printer control unit 27 (device control) that prints an image by the line inkjet head 12 based on the stored image data GD3 stored in the printer storage unit 50 and the image data of the block included in the control data. Part).
According to this configuration, when the host computer 1 causes the inkjet printer 5 to print an image, among the print image data blocks of the image to be printed, a block whose calculated value is different from the block of the stored comparison image data GD2. The image data may be transmitted to the printing apparatus, and the data amount of data transmitted from the host computer 1 to the inkjet printer 5 can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the host control unit 45 of the host computer 1 sends control data including image data of blocks having different hash values and position information indicating positions of the blocks in the comparison image data GD2 to the inkjet printer 5. Send. When receiving the control data, the printer control unit 27 of the ink jet printer 5 controls the storage image data GD3 (comparison image data) stored in the printer storage unit 50 at a position indicated by the position information included in the control data. The image data of the corresponding block included in the data is superimposed, and an image is printed by the line inkjet head 12 based on the post-superimposition image data GD4 (comparative image data after superposition).
According to this configuration, the printing apparatus can print a desired image based on the stored storage image data GD3 and the block image data received from the host computer 1.

In this embodiment, the storage unit (host storage unit 48 or the like) of the host computer 1 identifies the calculated value of the block of the comparison image data GD2 and the comparison image data GD2 for one or a plurality of comparison image data GD2. Image data identification information DC (identification information) is stored in association with each other. The printer storage unit 50 of the inkjet printer 5 stores one or a plurality of stored image data GD3 (comparison image data) and the identification information of the stored image data GD3 in association with each other. The host control unit 45 of the host computer 1 compares the calculated values of the corresponding blocks between the print image data and one or a plurality of comparison image data GD2 stored in the storage unit, and the comparison has a small number of blocks having different calculated values. The image data GD2 is selected, and the image data identification information DC of the selected comparison image data GD2 and the image data of a block having a calculated value different from the corresponding block of the selected comparison image data GD2 among the blocks of the print image data are selected. The included control data is transmitted to the inkjet printer 5. The printer control unit 27 of the inkjet printer 5 is based on the stored image data GD3 stored in the printer storage unit 50 in association with the image data identification information DC included in the control data, and the block image data included in the control data. Then, an image is printed by the line inkjet head 12.
According to this configuration, the host computer 1 compares the hash values of the corresponding blocks of the print image data and the one or more comparison image data GD2, and compares the comparison image data GD2 with a small number of blocks having different hash values. decide. Since the comparison image data GD2 is determined by such a method, the host computer 1 can determine the comparison image data GD2 approximate to the print image data by a simple means of comparing the calculated values of the blocks. In addition, since the comparison image data GD2 is determined by the above method, each dot constituting the print image data is compared with each dot constituting the comparison image data GD2, and compared with the case where the comparison image data GD2 is determined. Thus, the processing load is small and the time required for determination is short. Moreover, according to the said structure, the host computer 1 can notify the determined image data to the inkjet printer 5 by image data identification information DC. The inkjet printer 5 can specify the comparison image data GD2 determined by the host computer 1 from the stored image data GD3 (comparison image data) to be stored based on the identification information, and the specified storage image data GD3 and the received image data GD3 are received. An image can be printed based on the image data of the block.

In the present embodiment, the host control unit 45 of the host computer 1 continuously transmits a plurality of control data to the inkjet printer 5. The printer control unit 27 of the inkjet printer 5 continuously executes printing of images corresponding to the control data based on a plurality of control data received from the inkjet printer 5. When generating one control data, the host control unit 45 of the host computer 1 generates print image data of an image to be printed by the one control data, and calculates a hash value of a block of the generated print image data. The hash values of the corresponding blocks of the generated print image data and one or a plurality of comparison image data GD2 are compared, the comparison image data GD2 having a small number of blocks having different hash values is selected, and the generated print image data Image data identification information DC (print image data identification information DC1) is generated, image data identification information DC (selected image data identification information DC2) of the selected comparison image data GD2, generated print image data identification information DC1, and printing Among the blocks of image data, the corresponding block of the determined comparison image data GD2 is calculated. Print data identification information generated by transmitting control data including image data of different blocks to the inkjet printer 5 and using the calculated hash value of the block of print image data as the hash value of the block of comparison image data GD2. Store in association with DC1. When receiving the control data, the printer control unit 27 of the inkjet printer 5 prints the image of the print image data based on the control data, and the image data of the image to be printed (post-superimposition image data GD4) is compared with the comparison image. The data is stored in association with the print image data identification information DC1 included in the control data.
According to this configuration, the host computer 1 associates the hash value of the image data block of the image to be continuously printed by the inkjet printer 5 with the image data identification information DC as the hash value of the block of the comparison image data GD2. And memorize it cumulatively. Further, the inkjet printer 5 cumulatively stores the image data of the image to be printed as comparison image data in association with the image data identification information DC. For this reason, the host computer 1 continuously transmits a plurality of control data to the inkjet printer 5, and the image corresponding to the control data is printed based on the plurality of control data received by the inkjet printer 5 from the host computer 1. The host computer 1 can cumulatively store the comparison image data GD2, and the inkjet printer 5 corresponds to the host computer 1 and stores the stored image data GD3 (comparison image data). Data).

In the present embodiment, the host control unit 45 of the host computer 1 compares the hash values of the corresponding blocks of the comparison image data GD2 and the print image data, and the hash values of the blocks of the print image data are the same. For the block, the image data of the block having the same hash value is compared with the image data of the corresponding block of the comparison image data GD2, and if they are different, the image data of the block having the same hash value is included in the control data. It is characterized by.
Here, since the hash value is a value calculated from the block by a predetermined hash function, the calculated value of the block of the comparison image data GD2 and the calculated value of the block of the print image data are the same. However, the contents of the image data of each block may be different from each other. According to the configuration of the present invention, the host computer 1 allows the image data of each block even when the calculated value of the block of the comparison image data GD2 and the calculated value of the block of the print image data are the same. If the contents of the image data are different from each other, the image data of the block of the print image data can be included in the control data.

In the present embodiment, the host control unit 45 of the host computer 1 compresses the block image data, includes the control data in the control data, and transmits the control data to the inkjet printer 5.
According to this configuration, the amount of data transmitted from the host computer 1 to the inkjet printer 5 can be further reduced.

In this embodiment, when transmitting image data of a plurality of blocks, the host control unit 45 of the host computer 1 combines image data of adjacent blocks and determines whether or not the combined image data can be compressed. If possible, the image data of adjacent blocks are combined, the combined image data is compressed and included in the control data, and transmitted to the inkjet printer 5.
According to this configuration, the amount of data transmitted from the host computer 1 to the inkjet printer 5 can be more efficiently reduced.

The above-described embodiment is merely an aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.
In the above-described embodiment, the host computer 1 and the inkjet printer 5 are configured to cumulatively store print image data based on image data of images to be continuously printed on the plurality of label portions S. On the other hand, each apparatus may be configured to store predetermined image data as comparison image data in advance.
In the above-described embodiment, the inkjet printer 5 stores the post-superimposition image data GD4 as the comparison image data. On the other hand, the inkjet printer 5 may be configured to store block image data included in the control data as comparison image data.
In the above-described embodiment, the application execution unit 45a is configured to generate print image data. However, the printer driver execution unit 45b may be configured to generate print image data.
Moreover, the structure which performs the process demonstrated by embodiment mentioned above in the case of a specific operation mode may be sufficient.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Host computer (control apparatus), 5 ... Inkjet printer (printing apparatus), 8 ... Printing system, 12 ... Line inkjet head (printing part), 27 ... Printer control part (apparatus control part), 45 ... Host control part ( Control unit), 48... Host storage unit (storage unit), 50... Printer storage unit (device storage unit).

Claims (10)

For a plurality of comparison blocks that are blocks that divide the comparison image data, a control unit that calculates a calculated value with a predetermined calculation formula;
First identification information for identifying first comparison image data as the comparison image data and the calculated values of a plurality of the comparison blocks for classifying the first comparison image data are stored in association with each other, and the comparison image A storage unit that associates and stores second identification information for identifying second comparison image data as data and the calculated values of the plurality of comparison blocks that classify the second comparison image data;
The controller is
For a plurality of processing target blocks that are blocks that divide the processing target image data, the calculated value is calculated by the predetermined calculation formula,
Comparing the calculated value of the target block, and the calculated value of the comparison block of the calculated value and the second comparison image data of the comparison block of the first comparative image data corresponding to the target block, the And
Of the first identification information and the second identification information, obtaining identification information for identifying the comparison image data with a small number of the comparison blocks having different calculated values,
Among the plurality of the processing target block, the image data of the processing target block in which the calculated value is different from the calculated value of the comparison block is calculated that the identification information acquired said comparison image data corresponding identifying, and you output the acquired identification information, the control device. The controller is
The control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data of the processing target block is compressed and output. The control unit is configured such that the calculated values of the first processing target block and the second processing target block among the plurality of processing target blocks are different from the calculated values of the corresponding comparison block, and the first processing target block when the process target block and the second processing target block are adjacent, combining the image data of the image data and the second processing target block before Symbol first processing target block, wherein after the coupling and it outputs the compressed image data, the control device according to claim 1 or 2. A printing system comprising a printing device and a control device capable of communicating with the printing device,
The controller is
For a plurality of comparison blocks that are blocks that divide the comparison image data, a calculated value is calculated by a predetermined calculation formula, and for a plurality of processing target blocks that are blocks that divide the processing target image data, the predetermined calculation formula is used. calculating a calculated value, and the calculated value of the comparison block compares the the calculated value of the processing target block corresponding to the comparison block, and among the plurality of the processing target block, of the corresponding comparator block and a control unit that transmits the control data including the image data of the target block to the calculated value different from the calculated value is calculated in the printing device,
The printing apparatus includes:
A printing section for printing;
A device storage unit for storing the comparison image data;
When the control data is received, the printing unit is controlled to print an image based on the comparison image data stored in the device storage unit and the image data of the processing target block included in the control data. A printing system comprising: an apparatus control unit; The control unit of the control device includes:
The control data including image data of the processing target block having the calculated value different from the calculated value of the corresponding comparison block, and position information indicating a position of the processing target block in the comparison image data, Sent to the printing device,
The apparatus control unit of the printing apparatus includes:
When the control data is received, the image of the processing target block included in the control data based on the position indicated by the position information included in the control data with respect to the comparison image data stored in the device storage unit The printing system according to claim 4 , wherein data is superimposed and an image is printed by controlling the printing unit based on the comparison image data after superimposition. The controller is
The calculated values of a plurality of the comparison blocks that classify the first comparison image data as the comparison image data and the first identification information for identifying the first comparison image data are stored in association with each other, and the comparison image A storage unit that associates and stores the calculated values of the plurality of comparison blocks that classify the second comparison image data as data and second identification information that identifies the second comparison image data ;
The device storage unit of the printing device is
Storing the first comparison image data and the first identification information in association with each other;
Storing the second comparison image data and the second identification information in association with each other;
The control unit of the control device includes:
Comparing the calculated value of the target block, and the calculated value of the comparison block of the calculated value and the second comparison image data of the comparison block of the first comparative image data corresponding to the target block, the And
Among the first identification information and the second identification information , obtaining identification information for identifying the comparison image data with a small number of the comparison blocks having the calculated value different from the calculated value of the corresponding processing target block,
The control data, among the plurality of the processing target block, the calculated value which is different from the calculated value of the comparison block in which the identification information acquired in the control unit the comparative image data corresponding identifying is calculated the image data of the target block, and includes Ki識 specific information before selected to the control unit,
The apparatus control unit of the printing apparatus includes:
The printing unit is controlled based on the comparison image data stored in the device storage unit in association with the identification information included in the control data and the image data of the processing target block included in the control data. Te to print the image, the printing system according to claim 4 or 5. The control unit of the control device includes:
Generating processing target image data and processing target image data identification information that is identification information of the processing target image data;
Storing the calculated value of the calculated plurality of the processing target block, as the calculated value of the plurality of the comparison block for dividing the comparison image data, in association with the generated the processing target image data identification information in the storage unit Let
The apparatus control unit of the printing apparatus includes:
The printing system according to claim 6 , wherein image data of an image to be printed by control based on the control data is stored as the comparison image data in association with the processing target image data identification information included in the control data. The control unit of the control device includes:
Generating processing target image data and processing target image data identification information that is identification information of the processing target image data;
The calculated values of the plurality of processing target blocks calculated are stored in the storage unit in association with the generated processing target image data identification information as the calculated values of the plurality of comparison blocks that divide the comparison image data. Let
The apparatus control unit of the printing apparatus stores the image data of the processing target block included in the control data in association with the processing target image data identification information included in the control data. The printing system described. The control unit of the control device includes:
And the calculated value of the comparison block compares the the calculated value of the processing target block corresponding to the comparison block, and among the plurality of the processing target block, the calculated value and said corresponding comparison block identical for blocks, when the image data of the image data and the target block of the comparison block is different, the calculated value and said corresponding comparison blocks include an image data of the same of the current block to said control data, wherein Item 9. The printing system according to any one of Items 4 to 8 . A control method for a control device, comprising:
For a plurality of comparison blocks, which are blocks that divide the comparison image data, calculate a calculated value with a predetermined calculation formula,
The plurality of process target block is a block for dividing the processed image data, to calculate the said calculated value by a predetermined calculation formula,
And the calculated value of the target block, and the calculated value of the comparison block of the first of the calculated value and the second of said comparison image data of the comparison block of the comparison image data corresponding to the target block, Compare
Obtaining identification information for identifying the comparison image data having a small number of comparison blocks having a different calculated value from the calculated value of the corresponding processing target block among a plurality of the comparison image data;
Among the plurality of the processing target block, the image data of the processing target block in which the calculated value is different from the calculated value of the comparison block is calculated that the identification information acquired said comparison image data corresponding identifying, and The acquired identification information is output. A control method for a control device, comprising:

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