JPH04191077A - Pattern output apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily and accurately confirm a pattern ready to output by comparing the pattern taken in from another pattern output apparatus with a stored pattern and controlling whether or not output is carried out on the basis of the comparison result. CONSTITUTION:Printing data is stored in a buffer memory 9 and when the pattern development of one page is completed, the RAM in a CPU 2 is referred to investigate a flag performing whether or not the checking of a pattern is performed. That is, other pattern output apparatus 12 is connected to a pattern output apparatus through an interface circuit 8 and the code data of the printing data subjected to pattern development is sent to the output apparatus 12 and the same pattern development is executed in the output apparatus 12. The pattern of the output apparatus 12 is taken in a control part 1 and compared with the previously developed pattern to check whether or not the pattern development of the control part 1 is normal. Only in such a case that two patterns coincide each other perfectly or both of them are approximate with a definite tolerant range as the result of comparison, actual output is executed to make it possible to realize wasteless output processing.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention enables characters, figures,
The present invention relates to a pattern output device that outputs patterns such as images.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, this type of pattern output device generates patterns such as characters, figures, and images according to input code information, and outputs them to recording paper, a display screen, etc. . The user then visually inspects the output paper or display on which this pattern is output to determine the validity of the output result.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, with the increasing functionality and density of pattern output devices, it has become impossible to check the correctness completely by human visual inspection.

For example, as shown in Figure 2, a dot that originally has one empty dot will appear to the human eye as less empty as the density increases.

Also, when you want to confirm that the new model can output what was output on the old model, or when creating a character pattern for the output machine, check whether the newly created pattern is the same as the old pattern. Even in the process of printing, it is difficult to detect differences with the human eye, and the amount of work required is enormous.Furthermore, when printing the above-mentioned patterns on paper and checking them, it is difficult to detect the sameness. The number of sheets of output paper used to confirm the information increases, which creates a problem in terms of economy and effective use of resources.

Furthermore, since the output is actually performed on the paper, the time required from the end of drawing on the drawing memory to the output on the paper becomes long, and from this point of view as well, there is a drawback that confirmation cannot be performed quickly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a pattern output device that allows easy and accurate confirmation of a pattern to be output.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention provides a pattern output device that outputs a required pattern based on code information from an external device, which includes a first storage unit that stores input code information, and a pattern output device that outputs a desired pattern based on code information from an external device. a second storage means for storing a pattern; and a second storage means for storing a pattern;
transfer means for taking out code information from the storage means and transferring it to another pattern output device;
The present invention is characterized in that it has a comparison means that compares the pattern with a pattern stored in the storage means, and an output control means that controls whether or not to output based on the comparison result.

[Function] In the present invention, the pattern output device is provided with a storage means for storing code information and a pattern based on the code information, and
Since we have provided a function that sends certain code information to another pattern output device to generate a pattern, imports this pattern, and compares it with the original pattern, two pattern output devices can generate patterns based on common code information. Comparing patterns generated based on old and new code information, or comparing patterns generated based on old and new code information can be performed quickly and accurately.

Then, as a result of this comparison, actual output is performed only when the two patterns completely match or are approximated within a certain tolerance range, thereby realizing efficient output processing.

[Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a pattern output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

This pattern output device includes a host computer 10 that serves as a source of image data and various commands to be output, and a control unit 1 that controls overall operations for outputting image data.
and a printer unit 1 that prints out image data on output paper.
1.

The control unit 1 is provided with a CPU 2 consisting of a microprocessor, and within this CPUZ is a ROM that stores a control program for executing control operations.
A RAM is provided to store various control information and the like.

The control unit 1 also includes a font memory 3 consisting of a ROM in which font patterns are stored, a frame memory 4 that stores dot patterns for one page, and a frame memory 4 that stores dot patterns for one page. convert the laser beam into on/off signals,
It consists of a printer interface section 5 for exchanging information with the printer section 11, a panel section 6 for the operator to issue various instructions to the nogturn output device, and, for example, an R5-2320 for connection with the host computer and the like. This pattern output device is followed by another <turn output device (see Fig. 4).
12, and a buffer memory 9 for temporarily storing code information inputted from the host computer 10 by connecting the interface circuit 7.

In the above-described configuration, the control unit 1 imports print data and control command code information from the host computer 10 into the CPU 2 via the interface circuit 7, and the CPU 2 stores the retrieved code information into the buffer memory 9. At the same time, processing is performed according to the code information.

That is, a font pattern corresponding to print data is read from the font memory 3, and the pattern is developed on an address in the frame memory 4 corresponding to the output position of the print data. Also, in accordance with control commands, figures such as straight lines and circular arcs are drawn, and images are drawn.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation when the print data is converted into a pattern and printed by the printer unit 11.

First, as described above, print data (code information) is stored in the buffer memory 9 (Sl), and when the pattern development for one page is completed (S2), the print data (code information) is stored in the RAM in the CPUZ.
Referring to the above, a flag indicating whether or not to check the pattern (hereinafter referred to as check flag) is checked (S3).

That is, in the pattern output device of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. The code information of the pattern-developed print data is sent, and the output device 12 executes the same pattern development. Then, the pattern from the output device 12 is imported into the control unit 1, and compared with the previously developed pattern,
Check whether the pattern development of the control section 1 is normal.

Further, FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the structure of the panel section 6. As shown in FIG.

This panel section 6 has a message L for displaying a message.
CD 61, ready LED 62, online key 63, form feet key 64 and LE of each key 63.64
D etc. are provided, and a pattern check key 6 is also provided.
5 is provided.

Then, by performing a power-on operation while pressing the pattern check key 65, an instruction to perform pattern comparison is given.

Furthermore, the above check flag is set to on when the operator instructs to perform pattern comparison.
If no instruction to perform pattern comparison is given, it is assumed that OFF is set.

Returning to S3 above, first, when the check flag is off, one page of the pattern developed in the frame memory 4 is printed by the printer section 11 (S9).

In other words, the CPU 2 instructs the printer interface section 5 to convert the dot data in the frame memory 4 into a video signal, and the printer interface section 5 instructs the printer section 9 to feed paper, as well as convert the dot data in the frame memory 4 into a video signal. Each dot data is sequentially converted into a laser on/off serial signal and output. As a result, printing of the pattern is executed.

Also, if the check flag is on in S3,
The pattern comparison described above is performed from S4 onwards.

That is, first, the CPU 2 sequentially transfers the code data (print data for one page) in the puffer memory 9 to the subsequent output device 12 via the interface circuit 8 (
S4), as a result, the output bag M12 prints the
Pattern expansion is performed. Note that this operation is similar to the operation of the control section l in the pattern output device at the previous stage.

When the transfer of all data in the buffer memory 9 is completed, the CPU 2 transfers a status request command to the subsequent output device 12 via the interface circuit 8 (S5
).

Thereafter, based on the status from the output device 12, the CPU 2 detects the completion of pattern development for one page on the output device 12 (S6), and transfers a pattern data transfer request command to the output device 12 (S7).

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a status request command and the corresponding status, and FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a pattern data transfer request command and pattern data corresponding thereto. In the figure, "ESC" represents escape, specifically LBH. Further, as an example of pattern data, an example of pattern data shown in FIG. 2 is shown.

Note that the pattern development operation in the output device 12 and the CPU
Although it is possible to partially perform the operation of transferring pattern data to 2 in parallel to reduce the processing time, here, for the sake of brevity, they will be described as separate operations.

As described above, the CPU 2 inputs pattern data from the output device 12, compares the input pattern data with the turn data on the frame memory 4, and determines whether the two are the same ( S8).

If both are the same, the buffer memory 9 and frame memory 4
is cleared and processing continues for the print data of the next page (S10).

However, if the two are not the same, the CPU 2 instructs the printer interface section 5 to convert it into a video signal,
The pattern data of this page is output (S9). Then, the process moves to the next page (S10).

That is, in this embodiment, if an incorrect pattern is detected in the pattern checking operation, the operator is notified of the abnormality of the pattern by printing that page.

This eliminates the trouble of visually checking.

In the above-described embodiments, it is assumed that the pattern comparison is performed for one page of dot images, but the comparison can be similarly performed for each dot line or for a specific dot line width. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, data was exchanged with the output device at the subsequent stage using R5-232C, but it is also possible to use SCSR or other bidirectional interfaces, or pair unidirectional interfaces to exchange data. It is okay to exchange.

In addition, in the above embodiment, paper output is assumed to be performed by a laser beam printer, but paper output by other printers or C
It may also be applied to screen output such as RT.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the pattern data was compared as digital data, but it is assumed that the pattern data is analog data, and processing is performed by determining whether there is a match or a difference within a predetermined tolerance range. You may do so.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, data for one page is stored in the buffer memory and then transferred to the output device at the subsequent stage. You may also perform the transfer.

Further, in the above embodiment, the instruction for pattern comparison is given by operating the panel section, but it may be configured to give the instruction by setting a switch such as a dip switch or by using a control command.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, patterns were compared based on common code data, but patterns generated based on old and new code data may also be compared. A pattern generated based on certain code data is stored, then other code data is sent from the previous output device to the subsequent output device, and the pattern generated based on this is fetched and compared with the first pattern. This allows comparison of patterns based on old and new code data.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, by comparing a pattern generated by a pattern output device with a pattern generated by another output device, the pattern can be confirmed without unnecessary output. This has the effect of making it easier and more accurate.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a pattern output device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of pattern data output in the same embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation when converting print data into a pattern and printing it in the same embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a state in which another pattern output device is connected to the pattern output device of the same embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the structure of the panel section in the same embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a status request command and the corresponding status in the same embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a pattern data transfer request command and corresponding pattern data in the same embodiment. l...Control unit, 2...CPU, 3...Font pattern, 4...Frame memory, 5...Printer interface unit, 6...Panel unit, 7...Interface circuit, 8 ...Interface circuit, 9--Buffer memory, 10--Host computer, 11--Printer section, 12--Other pattern output device. Patent applicant Canon Co., Ltd. Agent Arata Yokubo - Figure 1 Figure 3

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A pattern output device that outputs a predetermined pattern based on code information from an external device, comprising: a first storage unit that stores input code information; and a second storage unit that stores a pattern to be output. storage means; transfer means for taking out code information from the first storage means and transferring it to another pattern output device; taking a pattern from the other pattern output device and storing this pattern and the second storage means; 1. A pattern output device comprising: comparison means for performing a comparison with a pattern stored in the pattern; and output control means for controlling whether or not to output based on the comparison result.