JPH05327955A - Image forming device and method for processing control program therein - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain an image forming device and a processing method for a control program in the device where the program stored in an external memory can be executed by loading it in an internal memory with consideration for efficiently utilizing the internal memory. CONSTITUTION:The second control program which can process reception data except for a first language system which can be processed by the first control program stored inside a device mainbody is stored, the second control program is loaded from the external memory(program card) 15(16) being attachable/ detachable to the device mainbody and it is stored in the memory 13 so as to be execution possible. At the time of the storage, the quantity of the second control program to be loaded is controlled in accordance with the remaining quantity of memory capacitance in the memory 13 and also, unless the whole control programs of the external memory 15(16) can be loaded in the memory 13, the control program stored in the memory 13 is changed-over with the control program stored in the external memory 15(16) so as to be executed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for creating image data based on data received from an external device and a control program processing method in the apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, printers connected to various workstations, computers and the like have been required to be easy to use and capable of supporting various print language systems. For this reason, in addition to the print language provided in the printer body, an emulation program is provided so that it can receive and print data created in another print language system used in the computer or the like that is the data supply source. Has been developed which can be applied to the print language system of the connected data source by mounting the program memory card in which is stored and executing the program stored in the card.

The operation of such a printer device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional printer device. A CPU 82, which is a processor operating on a controller board 81, operates according to a program code of a control program built in a memory 83 of the main body. On the other hand, in order to support a print language system not supported by the control program of the memory 83, a card 84 storing a program code for emulating the print language system is mounted on the controller board 81, In order to execute emulation, the program code stored in the memory 83 sets an address pointer at the start address of the emulation program code in the card 84. In this way, the CPU 82 can execute the emulation program in the card 84, generate image data according to the data from the data supply source such as the host computer, and output the data to the printer engine 86 to obtain the printing result. ..

[0004]

In this case, for example, FIG.
The internal hardware of the controller 81 is configured using a 32-bit bus, and the emulation card 8
When the bus width of 4 is 16 bits, the bus width is halved when the card program is executed. As a result, the execution speed of the emulation program becomes about half as compared with the case where the internal program stored in the memory 83 is executed. Further, when an external connection memory such as an emulation card is usually read and executed, signal access delay elements such as various buffers are added, so that it is necessary to delay the bus access cycle when executing each program code. Occurs. Therefore, card 8
It takes much more time to execute the program while reading out the program stored in No. 4 as compared with the case where the program code stored in the internal memory 83 is executed. The program stored in the card memory 84 is to be executed without sufficiently exhibiting the above.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional example, and a program stored in an external memory can be loaded into the internal memory and executed while considering effective use of the internal memory. An object is to provide an image forming apparatus and a method of processing a control program in the apparatus.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has the following constitution. That is, an image forming apparatus for creating image data based on data received from an external device, which is provided in a main body of the apparatus and is a first processing unit for processing received data of a first language system.
And a connecting means for connecting a removable external memory storing a second control program for processing received data other than the first language system, and a storage means for storing the control program Main memory means provided for loading the second control program from the external memory and storing the second control program in an executable manner, and the second control in the main memory means according to the remaining capacity of the memory capacity of the main memory means. The control program stored in the main memory means and the control program stored in the external memory are controlled when the control program load amount is controlled and all the control programs in the external memory cannot be loaded in the main memory means. And a control means for controlling the switching to be executed.

In order to achieve the above object, the processing method of the control program in the image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises the following steps. That is, it is a method of processing a control program in an image forming apparatus that creates image data based on data received from an external device, and a first language system that can be processed by a first control program stored in the apparatus main body. And a step of loading the second control program into the main memory from an external memory that is removable from the main body device that stores the second control program for processing received data other than Controlling the amount of the second control program loaded into the main memory according to the remaining capacity of the main memory, and the main memory when the entire control program of the external memory cannot be loaded into the main memory. There is a step of switching between the control program stored in the memory and the control program stored in the external memory and executing the control program.

[0008]

In the above structure, the second control program for processing the received data other than the first language system which can be processed by the first control program stored in the main body of the apparatus is stored in the main body apparatus. The second control program is loaded from the detachable external memory and stored in the main memory means so as to be executable. During this storage, the amount of loading the second control program is controlled according to the remaining capacity of the memory capacity of the main memory means, and when all the control programs of the external memory cannot be loaded into the main memory means, the main memory means is loaded. The stored control program and the control program stored in the external memory are switched and executed.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before describing the configuration of the printer device of this embodiment, the configuration of the printer device of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the laser beam printer (LBP) 100 of this embodiment.
P100 is a data source (not shown) (host computer, etc.)
Character pattern registration and fixed form (form data)
It is configured to be able to register etc.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 100 denotes an LBP main body, which inputs and stores character information (character code) supplied from an externally connected host computer or the like, form information, macro commands, and the like. A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created according to the information, and an image is formed on a recording paper, which is a recording medium. Three
Reference numeral 00 is an operation panel on which various switches for operation and LED displays are arranged, and 101 is a printer control unit for controlling the entire LBP 100 and analyzing character information supplied from the host computer. The printer control unit 101 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs it to the laser driver 102.

The laser driver 102 is a semiconductor laser 10.
3 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 3 and switches the semiconductor laser on and off according to the input video signal. The laser beam 104 is swung in the left-right direction by the rotary polygon mirror and scans the electrostatic drum 106. As a result, the electrostatic drum 106
An electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the surface. This latent image is developed by the developing unit 107 around the electrostatic drum 106 and then transferred to the recording paper. A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cassette recording paper is stored in a paper cassette mounted on the LBP 100, taken into the apparatus by the paper feed roller 109 and the conveyance rollers 110 and 111, and supplied to the electrostatic drum 106. It

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic arrangement of a printer control unit 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a host interface (I / F) unit which receives source data for an output image from a data supply source (external device) such as a host computer. A control unit 12 controls the entire apparatus and analyzes source data for an output image input from the host I / F unit 11 to generate image data for image output. 1
A memory 3 stores data received from a host and image data for an output image created under the control of the control unit 12, and a work area when the control unit 12 executes various control programs. And a DRAM (dynamic memory) is used in this embodiment. A ROM 14 stores control programs and various data for various controls by the control unit 12.
When the program card described later is not installed, the control program stored in the ROM 14 is executed to control the operation of the device. In the printer of this embodiment, the control unit 12, the memory 12 and the ROM 1
4 is connected via a 32-bit data bus.

Reference numerals 15 and 16 are composed of memories such as a ROM, which can be arbitrarily attached to the apparatus by a user from the outside when a control different from the control program stored in the internal ROM 14 is desired. In a program card, these cards are equipped with a ROM storing various control programs. Reference numeral 17 is a buffer provided for the interface between the printer controller and the program cards 15 and 16. Reference numeral 18 denotes a printer engine for fixing an image on a recording medium such as paper based on image data for image output, for example, an LBP (laser beam printer) engine.

In the present embodiment, the configuration of each device as described above is configured by 32 bits of the internal data bus, and
Regarding the interface with the cards 15 and 16, restrictions on the data bus of the program card (cost, size,
It is assumed that it is configured by a 16-bit bus because of restrictions such as connectors).

FIG. 3 shows the control unit (CPU) 12 of this embodiment.
3 is a diagram for explaining the state of the memory (DRAM) 13 of FIG.

In FIG. 3, reference numerals 301 and 304 denote bitmap areas for developing an output image.
Reference numerals 302 and 305 denote areas used as work areas of the CPU 12. Reference numeral 303 denotes an area in which the programs stored in the program card 15 or 16 are loaded and stored. Therefore, M1
Indicates a state in which the control programs stored in the program cards 15 and 16 are loaded in the memory 13,
M2 indicates a state in which the programs stored in the program cards 15 and 16 are not loaded in the memory 13.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a configuration for managing each program module stored in the program cards 15 and 16.

Here, the program card 15 or 16
It is assumed that the programs indicated by the program modules 1 to 4 are stored in. These program modules are controlled according to various data stored in the table 500. That is, in the table 500, 501 is a priority part, in which the priority order reflecting the usage frequency of the program modules 1 to 4 is set. Reference numeral 502 denotes a start address portion that stores the start address of each program module in association with each other,
Reference numeral 503 stores a data length portion storing the data length of each program module, and reference numeral 504 stores a sum check code of each program module added for the purpose of improving the reliability of data when uploading. It is a thumb check section.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the structure of various pointers that manage the program modules stored in the program cards 15 and 16 when they are uploaded to the memory 13, and these pointers are stored in the memory 13. Created in the work area.

A handle 601 stores the address of the entry 602 of each program module. 6
Reference numeral 02 is a pointer storing the entry (execution start address) of each program module. Reference numeral 603 indicates a state in which the program module of the program card 15 or 16 is uploaded to the memory 13,
Here, the program modules 1 to 4 are uploaded. Then, among the program modules of the program card, the program module 5 is not uploaded to the memory 13 and remains stored in the program card. Therefore, the entry of the program module 5 of the pointer 602 points to the start address of the program module 5 of the program card. Also, 60
Reference numeral 5 denotes a priority storage unit that stores the priority of each program module uploaded to the memory 13.

Next, the printing process in the printer of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

This process is started by turning on the power of the printer 100, and booted up by the control program stored in the ROM 14. In step S1, it is determined whether or not the initial setting of each part of the printer device 100 is completed. If the initialization process is not completed, the process proceeds to step S2 to continue the initialization process. When the processing is completed in this way, the process proceeds to step S3, it is determined whether or not the program card 15 or 16 is loaded, and if it is loaded, the process proceeds to step S4, and the program module is loaded from the loaded program card into the memory 13 Upload to. At this time,
The current availability of the memory 13 is determined. When loading this program, if there is a program module that has not been uploaded to the memory 13 among the program modules of the program card and the free space of the memory 13 is sufficient, the CPU 12 causes the program card 15 Alternatively, a program code, such as an emulation program, stored in 16 is transferred (copied) to the memory 13 according to its priority while referring to the priority unit 501.

The data flow at this time is as follows:
2, the address of the program card 15 or 16 is generated, the table 500 is read, and the priority module 501 is referred to determine the program module to be uploaded. Then, the head address part 502 and the data length part 503 of the program module to be uploaded are obtained from the table 500, and the address of the memory 13 for storing the program code of the program module is generated. Thus, the program code of the program module (one of the program modules 1 to 4 in the example of FIG. 5) stored (uploaded) at this address passes through the buffer 17 and C through the 16-bit bus.
It is read by the PU 12 and stored in a predetermined address of the memory 13 through the internal 32-bit bus (see FIG. 3). At this time, a known method such as dynamic bus sizing is used to generate 32-bit data from the 16-bit bus.

The program code thus uploaded to the memory 13 is mapped in the memory 13 as shown in FIG. (The state of the memory 12 after the program code is loaded here is shown in the state of the memory M1 in FIG. 3) Further, the CPU 12 checks the reliability of the program code uploaded to the memory 13 by the sum check unit 504.
Confirm by referring to the value of. Next, in step S5, the code storage start address of the program module read in the memory 13 is calculated, and that address is set in the program pointer storage unit 602. Thus, as shown in FIG. 6, the entry address, priority, etc. of the program module stored in the memory 13 are stored.

In this way, according to the priority storage unit 501 indicating the priority of each program module, the program module is stored in the memory 13 within the allowable range of the free area of the memory (excluding the portion originally used as the printer). Once stored, the printer device is ready to receive data from the host computer. In this way, the process proceeds to step S6, and the data from the host computer is received via the host I / F unit 11.

Next, in step S7, the received data is stored in the reception buffer allocated to the memory 13 if necessary, and the data is interpreted to calculate the capacity of the memory 13 required for image output. .. Based on the calculation result, loaded in step S4 described above,
For example, it is determined by the code of the emulation program module whether or not there is a shortage. If it is determined that there is no shortage, the process proceeds to step S8. However, this determination cannot be accurately made when the drawing of the output image in the memory 13 is started, and therefore, after the drawing is started, the process returns to step S7 to determine the usable capacity of the memory 13.

In step S8, image data for an output image is created according to the data from the host computer and is expanded in the memory 13. At this time, since the image generation program is operating on the memory 13, it can be operated while fully exerting the function of the hardware of this embodiment using the internal 32-bit bus. Next, in step S9, it is determined whether or not the drawing process is completed. If the drawing process is not completed, the process returns to step S7. If completed, the process advances to step S10 to print.

On the other hand, if the capacity of the memory 13 is insufficient in step S7, the process proceeds to step S11, and the program stored in the memory 13 that has been executed so far (the state so far is the state of the memory M1 in FIG. 3). Yes, each program module is shown as one in the figure), refer to the priority storage unit 605 that stores the priority of the uploaded program module, and select which module in order from the module with the lowest priority. It is calculated whether the capacity of the memory 13 which is insufficient can be supplemented by purging the module. When the module to be purged is thus determined, the process proceeds to step S13, and the entry address value of the pointer 602 storing the pointer to the module is set to the address of the program card 15 or 16 in which the program module is stored. Set to. The program module purged by this operation (or the program module that could not be uploaded from the beginning due to the capacity of the memory 13) is shown by the program module 5 having the priority value of "5" in FIG.

Next, in step S13, the program code area allocated to the memory 13 until then is discarded, and as shown by M2 in FIG.
04, open as a work area 305. However, here, for ease of understanding, the description is made with one program module.

In this way, by purging the program module of the memory 13, it becomes possible to expand the image data in the memory 13. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S8 in the same manner as described above, and the image data is converted into the image data in the memory 13. expand. At this time, of course, the program after the drawing program module has been purged is executed by the program module stored in the program card 15 or 16. Therefore, since the bus size to be used is 16 bits, the execution speed becomes slower than the case of uploading to the memory 13 and executing.

Regarding the operation of each program module when generating image data for image output, first, when calling the program module, the handle 601 is assigned as a handle to a predetermined program module. As a result, the program modules can access each other without being aware of whether each program module is uploaded to the memory 13 or in the program card 15 or 16. Specifically, the handle 601 is accessed to obtain the address of the pointer 602, and the target program module can be accessed according to the entry address stored therein. However, regarding the address of the program being executed here and the timing of address switching performed by referring to the pointer 602, the CPU 12
Needless to say, this is done so that there is no problem with the.

As described above, when the image data for print output is created, the process proceeds to step S10, the printer engine 18 is started, and the image is created in the bitmap area (304 or 305 in FIG. 3) of the memory 13. The drawn drawing data is transferred to the printer engine 18 side, and printing on the recording paper is executed. When printing is completed in this manner, the process returns to step S1 to perform each necessary process. At this time, if the emulation program module code data is stored in the memory 1 in steps S11 to S13 described above.
3 is discarded, the program code of the program module is again set to the priority order of the module (priority: priority 5 in the table 500).
(Stored in 01).

As described above, according to this embodiment, when the capacity of the built-in memory 13 has a margin, the program code of the installed program card is uploaded to the memory 13 and executed. Thus, the program stored in the program card can be executed at high speed. In this embodiment, the efficiency of use of the memory 13 can be improved as compared with the case where all the control programs stored in the program card are simply uploaded to the memory 13 and executed. You can maximize the capabilities of existing hardware. Further, it is possible to flexibly cope with the case where the built-in memory 13 is added.

Next, with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 7, the processing of the data received from the host by the printer device of another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Since steps S21 to S30 of FIG. 7 are the same as steps S1 to S10 of FIG. 4, description of these processes will be omitted, and steps S31 to 33, which are characteristic parts of this embodiment, will be described. ..

In step S27, it is assumed that the state of the memory 13 is such that the program code 303 from the program card has been transferred and stored in the memory 13, as indicated by M1 in FIG. In this state, if it is determined that the capacity of the bitmap area 301 is insufficient, for example, step S
In step 31, the address of the corresponding program code of the program card is obtained by referring to the value of the address pointer (the program counter indicating which program code is currently being executed) of the program code 303 currently being executed. , Change the value of the program counter to that address value (jump to that address). And
The program code area shown in FIG. 3 is discarded, and as shown by M2, the bitmap area 301 is expanded by that amount and expanded as shown by 304. Thus, thereafter, in steps S32 and S33, the image drawing process is executed according to the program stored in the program card.

In the present embodiment, various programs are described as being supplied in the form of a memory card, but the present invention is not limited to this, and programs from other devices can be used. It can also be applied to download.

Further, the program itself shown here is not limited to the emulation program, but can be applied to the case of executing various programs. Further, not only the program but also the data (table or the like) that needs to be referred to frequently can be expected to improve the throughput.

When the program code is loaded from the program card into the memory 13, the program code can be uploaded at a higher speed by using a known data transfer method such as DMA. Such a transfer method can also be applied when transferring drawing data from the memory 13 to the printer engine 18.

Further, in this embodiment, the concept of a handle is used to access each program module, but the present invention is not limited to this, and even when each program module is stored in the memory 13, Alternatively, even when the program card 15 or 16 is used, the same effect can be obtained by dividing and managing them and using an executable method.

When a plurality of program cards can be mounted and used as in this embodiment, each program card can be used.
By providing an address corresponding to a card and setting the address in the above-mentioned pointer, a plurality of cards can be simultaneously mounted and used.

[0044]

As described above, according to the present invention, the program stored in the external memory can be loaded into the internal memory and executed while taking into consideration the effective use of the internal memory. There is.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer control unit of a printer device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a structural cross-sectional view showing the structure of the printer device of the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of a memory of the printer device of the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a printing process in the printer apparatus of this embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of each program module stored in the program card of this embodiment and its management information.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing program modules stored in a memory of the printer apparatus of the embodiment and a data format for managing those program modules.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a printing process in a printer device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional printer device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 Host Interface (I / F) Section 12 Control Section (CPU) 13 Built-in Memory 14 ROM 15, 16 Program Card 17 Buffer 18 Printer Engine 100 Printer Device 101 Printer Control Unit

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus for creating image data based on data received from an external device, the first control program being provided in an apparatus main body and for processing received data of a first language system. A storage unit for storing a storage unit, a connection unit for connecting a detachable external memory storing a second control program for processing received data other than the first language system, and Main memory means for loading the second control program from the external memory and storing the second control program in an executable manner, and loading the second control program in the main memory means in accordance with the remaining capacity of the memory capacity of the main memory means. Control program stored in the main memory means when all the control programs of the external memory cannot be loaded into the main memory means while controlling the amount An image forming apparatus comprising control means for controlling to execute switching between control programs in Kigaibu memory is stored, to have a. 2. A method of processing a control program in an image forming apparatus for creating image data based on data received from an external device, the method being capable of being processed by a first control program stored in the apparatus body. The second control program for processing the received data other than the above language system is stored in the main memory from the external memory that is detachable from the main body and is executable. Controlling the amount of the second control program loaded into the main memory according to the remaining memory capacity of the main memory; and when all the control programs of the external memory cannot be loaded into the main memory. Switching between the control program stored in the main memory and the control program stored in the external memory and executing the control program. Processing method of the control program in the image forming apparatus, characterized by.