JPH02295778A - Controlling method for printing - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enhance the utility efficiency of a bit map memory by sequentially reading developed print data if print data of a plurality of pages can be developed in the memory, and printing them on a plurality of cut sheets. CONSTITUTION:Control means 2 can record allocating information, position information and using state of a bit map memory 1 in a managing table 4 to develop print data of a plurality of pages in the memory 1 if the capacity of the memory 1 is a sheet size or more designated from a host system, and improve the utility efficiency of the memory 1 as compared with the case that the print data of one page are merely developed in a bit map memory as in a prior art to print a plurality of pages by sequentially reading them after developing the print data of the plural pages in the memory 1 based on the information.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Table of Contents] Overview Industrial Application Fields Conventional Technology Problems to be Solved by the Invention Means for Solving the Problems Actions Examples Effects of the Invention [Summary] Bitmap memory stores one page of data. This is a printing control method that increases the efficiency of bitmap memory usage in printing devices that expand and print print data. In a printing device that is equipped with a bitmap memory, a storage means for storing print data sent by a host device, and a control means for expanding and reading the print data into the bitmap memory and causing the print section to print it, printing is performed on the bitmap memory. A management table is provided to record the allocation information for allocating the expansion area for expanding data, the position information of the expansion area, and the usage status of bitmap memory. Compare the paper size and bitmap memory capacity to determine the bitmap memory capacity.
If the paper size is greater than or equal to the specified paper size, in order to expand multiple pages of print data onto bitmap memory,
The allocation information, position information, and bitmap memory usage status are recorded in the management table, and the print data is transferred to the bitmap memory by referring to the allocation information, position information, and bitmap memory usage status recorded in the management table. The configuration is such that writing and reading are performed, and the read print data is sent to the printing unit to be printed.

[Industrial application field]

The present invention relates to a printing device that expands one page's worth of print data in a bitmap memory and then reads out the print data and prints it on paper. The present invention relates to a printing control method that increases usage efficiency.

In recent years, printing devices that print information output from computer systems have become indispensable as output devices for computer systems. Among these printing devices, some printers that use cut paper develop one page's worth of print data in a bitmap memory, then read out this print data and print on cut paper. The capacity of the bitmap memory provided in such a printing device is considered to be able to correspond to the area of the maximum size cut paper used by the printing device.

By the way, normal printing devices can print on cut paper of multiple paper sizes, and when printing on cut paper of a small paper size, the bitmap memory is
Print data corresponding to the paper size is developed for one page.

Therefore, there is an area in the bitmap memory where print data is not expanded, reducing usage efficiency, but it is necessary to use the bitmap memory as efficiently as possible.

[Conventional technology]

In a printing device that develops one page's worth of print data in a bitman memory, reads this print data, and prints it on a cut sheet, a bit one page with a capacity that can accommodate the area of the largest cut sheet is used. A map memory is used, and if printing speed is to be increased, multiple bitmap memories are used.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a conventional print data development state.

FIG. 6(a) shows a case where print data for printing on A3 size cut paper is expanded into a bitmap memory corresponding to the case where the paper size is A3, for example, and bitmap memory 1 is for A3 size cut paper. Corresponding to the area of , the development area of the print data ■ indicated by the dotted line is smaller by the area corresponding to the margins that exist on the top, bottom, left and right when printed on A3 size cut paper.

FIG. 6(b) shows the case where print data for printing on A4 size cut paper is developed in the bitmap memory corresponding to the case where the paper size is A3. Corresponding to the area, the area shown by square in the bitmap memory 1 corresponds to the area of an A4 size cut sheet, and print data is developed within the range shown by the dotted line. No print data is developed in the area shown by ■ in the bitmap memory 1.

FIG. 6(C) shows the case where the print data for printing on B4 size cut paper is developed in the bitmap memory corresponding to the case where the paper size is A3, and the focus map memory l is for A3 size cut paper. The area indicated by a square in the bitmap memory 1 corresponds to the area of a B4 size cut sheet, and the print data is developed within the range indicated by the dotted line. No print data is developed in the area shown by ■ in the bitmap memory 1.

FIG. 6(d) shows the case where print data for printing on B5 size cut paper is developed in the bitmap memory corresponding to the case where the paper size is A3, and bitmap memory 1 is for printing on A3 size cut paper. Corresponding to the area, the area shown by square in the bitmanbu memory 1 corresponds to the area of a B5 size cut sheet, and print data is developed within the range shown by the dotted line. No print data is developed in the area shown by ■ in the bitmap memory l.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

As mentioned above, conventionally, only one page's worth of print data is developed in bit 1/map memory 1 regardless of the paper size, and in the case of FIG. % area remains unused, as shown in Figure 6 (d
), more than 50% of the area remains unused.

Therefore, when the maximum size cut paper used by the printing device is used, the usage efficiency of the bitmap memory 1 is maximized, but as the paper size becomes smaller, the usage efficiency of the bitmap memory 1 decreases. There is.

In view of these problems, the present invention develops the print data for multiple pages when it is possible to develop the print data for multiple pages in the bitmap memory 1, and sequentially reads out the print data for each page. The purpose of this invention is to increase the utilization efficiency of the bitmap memory l by making it possible to print on a plurality of cut sheets.

[Means to solve the problem]

FIG. 1 is a diagram explaining the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 1(a) shows the configuration of the present invention. In FIG. 1(a), the control means 2 temporarily stores the print data sent from the host device via the interface circuit 5 in the storage stage 3, and stores the print data stored in the storage means 3 in the bitmap memory l. Expand to.

At this time, the control means 2 receives the specification of the paper size from the host device, compares the specified paper size with the capacity of the bitmap memory 1, and determines that the capacity of the bitmap memory 1 is greater than or equal to the specified paper size. , multiple pages of print data are expanded into the bitmap memory 1.

Then, it stores allocation information for allocating a development area for developing one page of print data in the bitmap memory 1, position information of the development area, and a management table 4 that records the usage status of the bitmap memory 1. Provided in means 3,
After recording the above-mentioned allocation information, position information, and usage status of the bitmap memory 1 in this management table 4, referring to this information, one page's worth of print data developed in the bitmap memory 1 is sequentially read out, and the printing section 6 to print on paper.

FIG. 1(b) shows the processing steps executed by the control means 2. In FIG. 1(b), the control means 2 checks whether the paper size designation has been received from the host device in the processing step (7), and if the paper size designation is received, the control means 2 checks in the processing step (7).
Compare the paper size specified in step 8) with the capacity of bitmap memory 1, and check whether the capacity of bitmap memory 1 is greater than or equal to the specified paper size.

If the capacity of the bitmap memory l is equal to or larger than the specified paper size, in processing step (9), multiple pages of print data are allocated to the management table 4 in order to be developed on the bitmap memory 1. Records information, location information, and bitmap memory usage status.

Then, with reference to the allocation information and position information recorded in the management table 4 in processing step (10), the print data in the storage means 3 is developed in the bitmap memory 1, and then the print data recorded in the management table 4 is expanded. Referring to the usage status of bit 1 and map memory 1, write and read print data to and from bit map memory 1, and process step (1)
0, the read print data is sent to the printing unit 6 and printed.

[Effect]

With the above configuration, the control stage 2 is configured to expand multiple pages of print data into the bitmap memory 1 when the capacity of the bitmap memo IJl is greater than or equal to the paper size specified by the host device. , records the allocation information, position information, and usage status of the bitmap memory 1 in the management table 4, develops multiple pages of print data in the bitmap memory 1 based on this information, and then sequentially reads and prints multiple pages. Therefore, the utilization efficiency of the bitmap memory 1 can be improved compared to the conventional case where only one page's worth of print data is developed in the bitmap memory.

〔Example〕

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a circuit showing one embodiment of the present invention.

The processor 7 reads the program stored in the ROM 8 and operates, and temporarily stores in the RAM 9 the print data inputted from the interface circuit 5 and sent out from the host device. At this time, since the host device specifies the paper size to be printed, the processor 7 compares the specified paper size with the capacity of the bitmap memory l.

For example, if the capacity of bitmap memory 1 corresponds to the area of A3 paper, and the paper size specified by the host device is A4 size, then the capacity of bitmap memory 1 corresponds to the area of A3 paper. If the paper size specified by the host device is A5 size, it is determined that the capacity of bitmap memory 1 is four times the specified paper size, and the host device determines that the size of the paper specified by the host device is A5 size. If the specified paper size is 85 size, it is determined that the capacity of the bitmap memory l is more than twice the specified paper size.

When the processor 7 determines that the capacity of the bitmap memory 1 is more than twice as large as the specified paper size, the R
Predetermined information is recorded in the management table 4 provided in the AM9.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of bitmap memory division, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a management table.

The processor 7 determines that the capacity of the bitmap memory 1 corresponds to the area of A3 paper, and if the specified paper size is A4 size, it is possible to develop two pages of print data into the bitmap memory 1, As shown in FIG. 3(a), the area of the bitmap memory l is divided into two parts Nα(0) and Sō(1), and as shown in FIG. 3(b), the area of the bitmap memory l is divided into two bitmaps. Memory Na (0
) and stone (1). That is, position information is taken in the directions of arrows X and Y, and
), record "2" as the number of bitmap memories in the management table 4, and record the information of Nα(0) and Nα(1).
record information.

The information of nu(0) is as shown in FIG. 4(b), and the management information is whether one page of print data has been developed in the area of k(01 shown in FIG. 3 and is waiting to be printed. , Hidden (
Either the print data developed in the area 0) has been read and is being printed, or the print data developed in the area Nα(0) has been printed and the area Nα(0) is empty. , is in a non-expanding state waiting for print data to be expanded, or is blocked (0)
Information indicating whether or not the print data is being developed is recorded in the area.

Also, as allocation information for allocating a development area for developing one page of print data, minimum positions X, . ! ,,and,? Minimum position in the direction Y (0) . i. and the maximum position ZX. in the X direction. ．． ．． and the maximum position Y in the Y direction (
01. ■ is recorded.

Furthermore, as the positional information of the development area, a reference position X @ in in the X direction and a reference position Y (0) . in the Y direction are provided.
in is recorded.

Then, development direction information and printing direction information are recorded as attached information. For example, (A4 paper is developed horizontally) is recorded as the unfolding direction, and (A4 paper is printed horizontally) as the printing direction information.

The information on Na (1) is the same as that in FIG. 4(b), but as shown in parentheses, in the allocation information, the minimum position in the Y direction Y(1)-! - and the maximum position Y(1) in the Y direction. ．．
．． are different, and in the position information, the reference position Y in the Y direction
(1). They are the same except for the difference in ▲ and the management information.

When the processor 7 completes recording of the allocation information, position information, and attached information in the management table 4, it sets the management information of N[l (0) in the management table 4 during development, and ? α(1
) is set to non-deployment, and then the drawing circuit 10 is instructed to set the management information of No. 2 recorded in the management table 4. (Sends the allocation information, position information, and attached information of 01, and instructs to expand the print data stored in the RAM 9 into the bitmap memory 1.

Therefore, the drawing circuit 10 uses the allocation information X as i n
and Y(0). in and
i n and Y(01.i.), the print data development start position is recognized, the attached information is used to recognize the print data development direction, and the bitmap memory 1 k (01.i. Print data for one A4 size page is developed in the pI area.

When one page of print data is developed in the bitmap memory 1, the processor 7 sets the management information of 0 in the management table 4 to wait for printing. If the management information in (1) is set during development, the management table 4 will be added to the drawing circuit IO.
The allocation information, position information, and attached information of Na(1) recorded in the memory are sent out, and the print data stored in the RAM 9 is developed in the bitmap memory 1. Instruct. Therefore, the drawing circuit 10 receives the allocation information X, . and Y(1)
-+- and X. ■ and Y(1)■8, the print data development area is recognized, and the position information X si+s and Y(
1) Recognize the print data development start position by -+-, recognize the print data development direction by the attached information, and write A4 to Nα(1) area of bitmap memory 1 in FIG. Expands the print data for the next page of size.

The processor 7 uses the bitmap memory 1 No. (01
When one page of A4 size print data is developed in the SJ{ area, the management information of block (0) in management table 4 is set during printing, and the allocation information and position information of Na (0) and attached The information is sent to the print control circuit l1, and the information is sent to the print control circuit l1 as 11lLl(0) fi of the bitmap memory 1.
Read print data from area I.

The print control circuit 11 prints the allocation information X +ai+s and Y(
0). ! 7 and X. ■ and Y (01.■,
Recognizes the development area of print data and uses X sin of position information.
and Y(0)-▲1, determine the print data reading start position! ! recognizes the printing direction based on the attached information,
When print data is read from the Na (01'6M area of the bitmap memory 1), the print unit 6 is controlled to feed out an A4 size cut sheet and print the read print data.

The processor 7 is the Nα of the bitmap memory 1 (
0) When the printing of the print data developed in the special page area is completed, the No. (1
) Print the print data developed in the jI area.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the processor.

In step [phase], the processor 7 checks whether the paper size designation has been received from the host device, and if the paper size designation has been received, in step (2), the processor 7 checks whether the printing unit 6 is in a printable state. That is, it is checked whether the power is turned on and the state is ready, and if the state is ready, the management table 4 is referred to in step @ to check whether there is print data developed in the bitmap memory 1 in a state waiting to be printed. .

At the initial stage, there is no record in the management table 4, and there is no print data waiting to be printed, so the processor 7 moves to step (2) and checks whether the capacity of the bitmap memory 1 is more than twice the specified paper size.

If the capacity of the bitmap memory 1 is more than twice the specified paper size, the processor 7 executes step ], predetermined information is recorded in the management table 4 provided in the RAM 9. That is, the fourth
After recording the information explained in the figure, check to see if there is print data in step (3). That is, it is checked whether the print data transferred from the host device is stored in the RAM 9.

If the print data is stored in RAM9, step ■
Check to see if it is possible to expand the print data into bitmap memory 1. That is, it is checked whether there is an area where non-expanded information is recorded in the management information of the management table 4, and if there is an area where non-expanded information is recorded, the management information in which this non-expanded information is recorded is specified. The print data is developed in the area of the bitmap memory l as described above in step (2).

Then, in step (3), it is checked whether the printing unit 6 is in a printable state, and if it is in a ready state, it is checked in step [phase] whether there is an area in the bitmap memory 1 in which print data waiting to be printed is expanded. That is, the management table 4 is referred to to check whether there is an area recorded as waiting for printing in the management information.

If there is print data waiting to be printed in the bitmap memory 1, it is read out in step [stock] and sent to the printing section 6 to be printed as described above. Then, the process returns to step [phase].

If there is no print data in step ■, the processor 7 moves to the processing in step ■, and if printing is not possible in step ■, it checks in step @ whether there is a notification of the end of printing from the printing unit 6, and sends a notification of the end of printing. If there is no notification, the process returns to step [phase], and if there is a notification of printing completion, the process moves to step (2).

If there is print data developed in the bitmap memory 1 in a print-waiting state in step @, the processor 7 causes the printing unit 6 to read and send out the print data in step [phase].
Printing is performed as described above, and in step [phase] a notification that printing has been completed is waited for to be sent from the printing section 6. When printing is completed, the process returns to step (2).

If the printing unit 6 is not in the ready state in step (2), the processor 7 moves to step [phase]. Also, if the paper size specification is not received in step [phase], the process moves to step ■, and if the capacity of bitmap memory 1 is not twice or more of the specified paper size in step @, step Shift to processing.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, in the present invention, when the capacity of the bitmap memory is more than twice that of the specified paper size,
Print data is developed in a conventionally unused area of the bitmap memory and used as if a plurality of bitmap memories were prepared, so the efficiency of bitmap memory usage can be improved.

Since multiple bitmap memories are now available, there is no need to wait for the bitmap memory to become free to expand the next print data, and the process of expanding the print data and printing can be performed. This increases the time for parallel processing, making it possible to shorten printing time, and has the effect of absorbing variations in development time based on print data and reducing variations in printing time.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a diagram explaining the principle of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a circuit showing an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 is a diagram explaining an example of bitmap memory division, and Fig. 4 is a management diagram. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a processor. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a conventional print data development state. In the figure, 1 is a bitmap memory, 3 is a storage means, 5 is an interface circuit, 7 is a processor, 9 is a RAM, and 11 is a print control circuit. (B No. 2 is the control means, 4 is the management table, 6 is the printing section, 8 is the ROM, 10 is the drawing circuit, Kihoaki's funeral ceremony, Part 1 (ro/) 2) Ming Principle and Explanation ■ 34 1st Exit (Fortress 1) 11 11 Gap X (I)

Claims (1)

[Claims] A bitmap memory (1) having a capacity corresponding to the area of a maximum size paper, a storage means (3) for temporarily storing print data sent by a host device, and the storage means (3) control means (2) for expanding the print data read out from the bitmap memory (1) into the bitmap memory (1), reading out the print data developed in the bitmap memory (1) and causing the printing section (6) to print the print data; In the processing of the printing device, allocation information for allocating a development area for developing one page of print data in the bitmap memory (1), position information of the development area, and information on the bitmap memory (1). A management table (4) is provided to record the usage status, and when a paper size is specified from the host device (7), the specified paper size is compared with the capacity of the bitmap memory, and the bitmap memory is If the capacity of the map memory is greater than or equal to the specified paper size (8), in order to develop multiple pages of print data on the bitmap memory (1), the allocation information is added to the management table (4). record the location information and the usage status of the bitmap memory (1) (9), and refer to the allocation information, location information, and usage status of the bitmap memory (1) recorded in the management table (4), A print control method characterized by writing and reading print data to and from the bitmap memory (1) (10), and sending the read print data to the printing unit (6) to print it (11). .