JPH0255170A - Printer controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To perform a printing process even if the sizes and directions of printing images are different by enlarging/contracting the image in size corresponding to a single slip sheet by image enlarging/contracting means from the identification result of first and second identifying means, and rotating the image by image rotating means to match the direction of the set single slip sheet. CONSTITUTION:If it is judged that the sizes of a set sheet and image data stored in a first page memory 5 do not fit or the direction of the image data and that of the sheet does not coincide, an image data rotation instruction is input from a host computer to a main processor 1 through an external interface 3, a lithography processor 8 rotates at 90 degrees with respect to image data developed in the memory 5, and develops it in a second page memory 6. On the other hand, the processor 8 enlarges/contracts the image data developed in the memory 5 in coincidence with the size of a sheet, and develops it in the memory 6.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Object of the Invention] (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a printer control device for a page printer or the like that performs printing processing on slip paper.

(Prior art) Conventionally, in page printers that print on cut sheets, the format of the print image is determined according to the size of the print paper set in the printer, or the format of the print image is determined according to the format of the print image. The size and orientation of the image were determined and the printing process was performed.

Therefore, for example, in a program that assumes printing processing on A4 size paper in the vertical direction, if the A4 size paper is mistakenly set in the horizontal direction, or if the B4
If there is a difference in format between the print paper set in the printer and the print image, such as when paper of different sizes is set, the print may protrude from the print paper or the print position may be uneven. There was a problem with this.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems with conventional printers. An object of the present invention is to provide a printer control device that can perform a desired printing process in a format that is compatible with a cut sheet even when the direction and direction are different.

[11 of the Invention (Means for Solving the Problem) In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the printer control device of the present invention includes a first identification means for identifying the size and orientation of the set cut sheet. and second identification means for identifying the size and orientation of the image to be printed on the cut paper, and the size and orientation of the cut paper and the size and orientation of the image from the identification results of the first and second identification means. and a determining means for determining whether the sizes of the 111 form and the size of the image are compatible with each other, and when the determining means determines that the size of the 111 form and the size of the image do not match, selectively changing the image to a size corresponding to the size of the form. An image enlarging/reducing means for enlarging/reducing the image; and an image rotation means for selectively rotating the image in the direction of the cut sheet when the determining means determines that the orientation of the cut sheet and the orientation of the image do not match. It is prepared.

(Function) In the printer control device of the present invention, the determination means determines that the size and orientation of the cut sheet and the size and orientation of the image are compatible, based on the respective identification results of the first identification means and the second identification means. When it is determined that the size of the cut sheet and the size of the image do not match, the image enlargement/reduction means selectively enlarges/reduces the image to a size corresponding to the cut sheet. , and when it is determined that the orientation of the cut sheet and the orientation of the image do not match,
The image rotation means selectively rotates the image according to the orientation of the cut paper set in the printer, so that the size and orientation of the cut paper set in the printer and the size and orientation of the printed image constructed inside the printer are different. Even if the numbers are different, the desired printing process can be performed in a format that is compatible with the cut sheet.

(Example) Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a printer control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the same figure, -C, 1 is a main processor that performs overall control of this printer control device, 2 is a main memory in which control programs, etc. executed by this main processor 1 are stored, and 3 is a main memory that is connected to a host computer. This is an external interface unit that controls input/output of various data.

Also, 4 is an image memory, and this image memory 4
is equipped with first and second page memories 5.6 each storing one page worth of image data, and a character pattern storage section 7 storing character patterns corresponding to print data. There is.

Furthermore, 8 generates a character pattern corresponding to the print data from the character pattern storage unit 7, and performs an image data development process of developing this into the first page memory 5, and image data developed into the first page memory 5. This is a drawing processor that performs various processes related to image data, such as enlarging/reducing processing and 90 degree rotation processing.

The image data enlarged/reduced and rotated by the drawing processor 8 are developed in the second page memory 6 described above.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a print adapter that performs interface control with a print execution section that performs actual printing operations.

Next, the representative A4 operation of this hooking device will be explained.

First, from the host computer to the external interface section 3
When print data is input via the main processor 1 , the main processor 1 notifies the drawing processor 8 to start drawing the image data onto the first page memory 5 .

Upon receiving this notification, the drawing processor 8 generates a corresponding character pattern from the character pattern storage section 7 based on the input print data, and stores it in the first page memory 5.
Expand it on top and draw the image data.

After completing the drawing, the main processor 1 next checks the size and orientation of the image data drawn on the first page memory 5, and checks whether the size and orientation of the image data is the same as that of the printing paper currently set in the printer. Whether or not the size and orientation are compatible with printing processing is determined by comparison with identification results obtained by a paper identification device (not shown) in the print execution unit.

Note that this paper identification device is configured to be able to identify the size and orientation of paper, for example, by checking the type of paper cassette directly attached to the printer body, or from the paper inserted directly into the paper insertion slot.

As a result of this determination, if it is determined that the size of the set paper and the image data drawn on the first page memory 5 do not match (for example, if the size of the image data created to be printed on A4 paper (for example, when B4 paper is set), or when it is determined that the orientation of the image data does not match the orientation of the paper (
If the length/width of the paper is different), the host computer is notified of each fact, and the operator is notified via a display on a CRT, etc., thereby prompting the operator to give the next instruction.

Thereafter, when an image data rotation instruction is input from the host computer to the main processor 1 via the external interface unit 3 through an operation by the operator, the drawing processor 8 transfers the image data to the first page memory 5 as shown in FIG. A rotation process of 90 degrees is performed on the image data developed in , and this is developed on the second page memory 6 .

On the other hand, when an image enlargement/reduction instruction is input from the host computer to the main processor 1, the drawing processor 8 outputs the image data developed in the first page memory, as shown in FIGS. 3(a, b). is enlarged/reduced according to the paper size, and developed in the second page memory 6.

The image data stored in the second page memory 6 after the data processing described above is outputted to the print execution section via the print adapter 9, whereby actual printing processing is performed.

Thus, according to the printer of this embodiment, even if the size and orientation of the cut sheet set in the printer do not match the size and orientation of the image data developed in the first page memory 5 in the printing process, it is possible to easily Through these operations, it is possible to automatically generate image data that matches the size and orientation of the cut sheet and print it on the cut sheet.

Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a printer control device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, 11 is a main processor that performs overall control of this printer control device, 12 is a main memory in which control programs, etc. executed by this main processor 11 are stored, and 13 is a main processor that performs various types of communication between the main processor 11 and the host computer. This is an external interface unit that controls data input/output.

Reference numeral 14 denotes an image memory comprising a page memory 15 for storing image data in page units, and a character stamp storage section 16 in which character patterns corresponding to individual print data are stored in advance, and 17 denotes image data for the page memory 15. This is a drawing processor that performs drawing processing, reading processing of data from the page memory 15, and the like.

The page memory 18 also performs interface control with the print execution unit that performs the actual printing operation.
This print adapter has the function of performing image data processing such as enlarging/reducing and 90 degree rotation on image data read from the printer and outputting the processed data to a print execution unit.

Next, the operation of this embodiment device will be explained.

First, from the host computer to the external interface unit 13
When print data is input via the main processor 11, the main processor 11 notifies the drawing processor 17 to start drawing image data on the page memory 15 based on this print data.

Upon receiving this notification, the drawing processor 17 generates a character pattern corresponding to the input print data from the character pattern storage unit 16, and further uses the print format information (paper size, paper direction, etc.) sent from the host computer. etc.) on the page memory 15.

Thereafter, the main processor 11 checks the size and orientation of the image developed on the page memory 15, and determines whether the size and orientation match the size and orientation of the printing paper currently set in the printer. This is determined by comparison with the identification result obtained by a paper identification device (not shown) in the print execution section. Note that this paper identification device is as described in the previous embodiment.

As a result of this comparison, it is determined that the sizes of the set paper and the image data drawn on the page memory 15 do not match, or it is determined that the orientation of the image data does not match the orientation of the paper. In this case, the main processor 11 instructs the print adapter 18 to perform the following image data processing.

That is, if there is a mismatch in the orientation of the paper, the main processor 11 instructs the print adapter 18 to rotate the image data by 90 degrees.

Upon receiving this instruction, the print adapter 18 reads out one page of image data stored in the page memory 15 in units of 8 bits or IB bits from the leftmost line in the figure, as shown in FIG. The data is rotated 90 degrees each time and transferred to the print execution unit.

As a result, an image obtained by rotating the original image data by 90 degrees can be printed on paper.

If there is a mismatch in paper size, the main processor 11 instructs the print adapter 18 to enlarge/reduce the image data.

Upon receiving this instruction, the print adapter 18 reads out one page of image data stored in the page memory 15 every 8 or 16 bits from the top line in the figure, as shown in FIG. Each time, the data is reduced/enlarged according to the size of the paper set in the print execution section and transferred to the print execution section.

If there is a mismatch in paper size and orientation, the main processor 11 instructs the print adapter 18 to perform image data enlargement/reduction processing and rotation processing.

Upon receiving this instruction, the print adapter 18 reads out one page of image data stored in the page memory 15 every 8 or 16 bits from the leftmost line in the figure, as shown in FIG. After rotating the data by 90 degrees each time, these data are further reduced/enlarged to match the size of the paper set in the print execution section and transferred to the print execution section.

Thus, according to the printer control device of this embodiment, even if the size and orientation of the image expanded on the page memory 15 do not match the size and orientation of the paper set in the print execution unit, the printer control device in the print adapter 18 Through image processing, it is possible to automatically print an image on paper that matches the size and orientation of the paper.

Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a printer control device according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, 21 is a main processor that performs overall control of this printer control device, and 22 is a main processor in which a control program executed by this main processor 21 is stored, and print data for each page transferred from the host computer is stored. Main memory to store logical page data information,
23 is an external interface section that controls input/output of various data with the host computer.

Reference numeral 24 denotes an image memory in which a physical page memory 25 for storing image data in page units can be set, and furthermore, this image memory 24 includes a character pattern memory in which character patterns corresponding to the print data are stored in advance. A section 26 is provided.

Furthermore, 27 is a drawing processor that generates a character pattern corresponding to the print data from the character pattern storage section 26 and develops it on the physical page memory 25 set on the image memory 24.

Further, 28 is a print adapter that performs interface control with a print execution section that performs actual printing operations.

Next, the operation of this embodiment apparatus will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, prior to a printing operation, the main processor 21 receives information from the host computer indicating the format of the printing process to be started (paper size and orientation), and stores the information in the image memory 24 in accordance with the size and orientation of the paper. (step a).

Thereafter, when print data is input from the host computer via the external interface unit 23, the main processor 21 forms the print data for one page as logical page data on the main memory 22 (step b).
.

Next, the main processor 21 provides the logical page data formed on the main memory 22 to the drawing processor 27, and the physical page memory 2 set in the image memory 24.
5, expand the image data to be actually printed (
Step C).

After this, the main processor 21 uses its page memory 2
Identification obtained by a paper identification device (not shown) in the printer execution unit determines whether the size and orientation of the physical page memory 24 set on 5 are compatible with the printing paper currently set in the printer. Judgment is made by comparing with the results (
Step d).

Note that the paper identification device is the same as described in one embodiment.

As a result of this comparison, if it is determined that the size of the paper set in the printer and the physical page memory 25 do not match, or if it is determined that the orientation of the image data does not match the orientation of the paper, the main processor 2 invalidates the physical page data generated on the image memory 24 and resets a new physical page memory 25 on the image memory 24 that matches the size and orientation of the currently set paper (step e).

Thereafter, the main processor 21 reads the logical page information corresponding to the invalidated physical page data from the main memory 22, performs data processing such as enlarging/reducing and rotating the information, and then transfers this image data to the drawing processor. 2
Give to 7.

Based on this input data, the drawing processor 27 redeploys the image data onto the newly set physical page memory 25 in the image memory 24 in a format that is compatible with its size and orientation (step f).

Thereafter, the image data developed on the physical page memory 25 is transferred to the print execution section via the print adapter 28, and printing processing is thereby performed (step g).

Thus, according to the printer control device of this embodiment, it is possible to reset the physical page memory 25 on the image memory 24 that matches the size and orientation of the paper set in the printer, so that the size of the original print image can be changed. Even if the size and orientation of the paper do not match, the image corresponding to the size and orientation of the paper can be reproduced on the reset physical page memory 25 to perform the desired printing process.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the printer control device of the present invention, even if the size and orientation of the cut sheet set in the printer are different from the size and orientation of the print image constructed inside the printer, The desired printing process can be performed in a format that is compatible with cut paper.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a printer control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing rotation processing of image data by the printer control device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 1 is a diagram showing enlargement/reduction processing of image data by the printer control device, FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a printer control device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing image data rotation processing by the printer control device in FIG. 4, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing image data enlargement/reduction processing by the printer control device in FIG. 4, and FIG. Diagram showing simultaneous processing of data rotation and expansion/reduction, No. 8
The figure is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a printer control device according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 explains the flow of plate rotation and enlargement/reduction processing of image data by the printer control device of FIG. 8. This is a flowchart for 1... Main processor, 2... Main memory, 3...
・External interface section, 4... image memory,
8... Drawing processor, 9... Print adapter. Applicant: Toshiba Corporation

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) a first identification means for identifying the size and orientation of the set cut paper; a second identification means for identifying the size and orientation of the image to be printed on the cut paper; and determining means for determining whether the size and orientation of the cut sheet and the size and orientation of the image match each other based on the identification results of the second identifying means; image enlarging/reducing means for selectively enlarging/reducing the image to a size corresponding to the cut sheet when the size of the image is determined to be incompatible; A printer control device comprising: image rotation means for selectively rotating the image in the direction of the cut sheet when it is determined that the orientations of the images do not match.