JPH06270493A - Printing recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To effectively use dot data developed at each medium so as to be stored in a storage medium in a print recorder for multicolor printing print information of different types on the same sheet by a plurality of printing mechanisms after the information is developed in a plurality of bit map memo ries. CONSTITUTION:External storage devices 24-1, 24-2 for storing dot data developed at media are provided in bit map memories 15-1, 15-2, and either outputs from the memories 15-1, 15-2 to printing mechanism means 20-1, 20-2 and outputs to the storage devices 24-1, 24-2 are selected by selecting means 18-1, 18-2. Dot data stored in the storage devices 24-1, 24-2 are retrieved and read by retrieving means 25 based on a retrieval command from a host apparatus 12.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print recording apparatus which develops dot data from a print information such as a character code in a bit map memory and prints the dot data. The present invention relates to a print recording device that prints different types of print information in a plurality of bitmap memories and then prints the same on the same sheet position by each printing mechanism.

In a printing device such as a page printer,
The print information provided from a host computer or other higher-level device is used to develop dot data using the storage information in the font ROM, and then the print data is directly printed and recorded on the paper by the printer mechanism unit. However, conventionally, the printed data expanded to dot data is erased without storing it,
From the viewpoint of effective use of information, it is desirable to store the print data expanded into dot data so that it can be used.

In recent years, the number of colors of the printing mechanism has been increased, and a multicolor printer has a plurality of bitmaps for each medium of characters, overlays, figures, and images. However, even in such a multicolor printing apparatus, the dot data developed in the plurality of bitmap memories are erased after the printing is completed, and it is desired that the dot data be effectively used in the same manner.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing a low-speed page printer as an example of a conventional print recording apparatus. Figure 1
5, the low-speed page printer 226 has a CPU 22
8, program ROM 230, font ROM 242,
Upper interface 244, code buffer RAM 25
0s are connected to each other by an internal bus 268.

Further, as a bitmap memory for each medium of characters, overlays, graphics, and images, a bitmap RAM for character expansion 254 and a bitmap for graphic expansion R are provided.
AM256, bitmap RAM 25 for image development
8. A bitmap RAM 260 for overlay development is provided. Further, the video interface 262, the printer engine 264, and the operation panel 266 are connected to each other by the internal bus 268.

In the printing process, when the CPU 228 receives a print command from the higher-level device 12 via the higher-level interface 244, for example, the character code obtained with the print command functions as an intermediate buffer RA.
Store in M250. Next, the CPU 2 executes the dot data expansion program stored in the program ROM 230.
Font ROM specified by character code
For example, if the font information is an outline font, it is developed into outline information on the character expansion bitmap RAM 254, and then the outline is filled with a dot pattern to expand into dot data.

Bit map RAMs 254, 256, and
Each of 258 and 260 functions as a frame buffer. In addition, the overlay expansion bitmap RAM 26
In 0, dot data such as a ruled line pattern of a form and shading is developed. After the dot data is expanded, the dot data in the character expansion bitmap RAM 254 is transferred to the printer engine 2 via the video interface 262.
It is supplied to 64 and print recording is performed on the paper by a laser printing mechanism or the like.

When the printing mechanism driven by the printer engine 264 is capable of two-color printing, for example, after printing the ruled line data of the form expanded in the overlay expansion bitmap RAM 260 in red, the characters in the printed ruled lines are printed. The two-color printing for printing the character dot data expanded in the expansion bitmap memory 254 in black, for example, is performed.

[0009]

However, in such a conventional print recording apparatus, when a character code or the like which cannot be seen as print information as it is is developed into dot data and printed on paper, the following is generated. Since the dot data in the bitmap memory was deleted for printing,
In the case of printing the same information again, there is a problem that the processing for expanding the dot data again is necessary and the expanded dot data is not fully utilized.

For example, when two-color printing of ruled line data and character data by overlay is performed and then the ruled line data remains as it is and printing of a part of the character data is required,
Conventionally, it is necessary to newly expand into dot data for each medium after performing data correction only on the host device, and if it is on dot data, only slight correction is required.
The processing load associated with dot data expansion is increased.

It is not necessary to immediately record on paper,
Even if you want to check the print contents by looking at the dot data on the host device before printing, there is no conventional method for checking the dot data other than printing and recording on paper, and the problem is that the expanded dot data cannot be fully utilized. there were.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and it is possible to store dot data for each medium expanded in a plurality of bitmap memories in a storage medium. It is an object of the present invention to provide a print recording device capable of effectively utilizing dot data.

[0013]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the present invention. First, according to the present invention, a print control unit 14 that expands a plurality of types of print information regarding the same print area instructed by the upper level device 12 into dot data, and a print control unit 1
4. The bitmap memories 15-1 and 15-2 for storing the dot data expanded in 4 for each type of print information, and the plural kinds of dot data expanded in the bitmap memories 15-1 and 15-2 are printed on the paper. A plurality of printing mechanism units 20-for realizing overlapping printing (multicolor printing) in the same printing area-
The target is a print recording device provided with 1, 20-2. Here, the plurality of printing mechanism units 20-1 and 20-2 realize a multi-color printing mechanism having different printing colors.

In the present invention for such a print recording device, an external storage device 24-1 which stores the dot data expanded in the bit map memories 15-1 and 15-2 by dividing the dot data for each type of print information. , 24-2 and the bitmap memory 15-1, 15-2 to the printing mechanism means 20-1,
Output to 20-2 and the external storage devices 24-1, 24-
Selecting means 16 for selecting either one of the output to 2 and
1, 16-2, and a search means 25 for searching and reading the dot data stored in the external storage devices 24-1, 24-2 based on a search instruction from the host device 12. And

The present invention also relates to a bit map memory 15-
1, 15-2 are further provided with a synthesizing means 22 for synthesizing a plurality of types of dot data developed to produce synthetic dot data, and an external storage device 24-3 for storing the synthetic dot data produced by the synthesizing means 22. It is characterized by that. Furthermore, the present invention does not provide the external storage devices 24-1 and 24-2 for storing the dot data expanded in the bit map memories 15-1 and 15-2 separately for each type of print information, but to the bit map memory 15 It is also possible to provide only the synthesizing means 22 for synthesizing a plurality of types of dot data developed in -1, 15-2 to generate synthetic dot data and storing the synthetic dot data in the external storage device 24-3.

Information selecting means 18 for adding search information when selecting and writing the output to the external storage devices 24-1, 24-2, 24-3 by the selecting means 16-1, 16-2.
-1, 18-23 are provided. As this additional information, page management information and color control information are added for each dot data. In addition, the search means 25 includes the external storage devices 24-1 to 24-1.
The dot data read from 24-3 is the print control means 14
It is possible to print by sending to. At this time, the print control unit 14
Sends the dot data read from the external storage devices 24-1 to 24-3 to any of the plurality of bitmap memories 14-1 and 14-2 designated based on the additional information.

Further, the retrieval means 25 is an external storage device 24.
Dot data read from -1 to 24-3 is the host device 1
Transfer to 2. Further, a compression / decompression means is provided to compress the dot data to be written in the external storage devices 24-1 to 24-3, restore the read compressed data to the original dot data, and further to transfer the dot data to be transferred to the host device 12. It may be compressed.

The types of print information handled in the present invention include at least dot data expanded from character codes, dot data expanded from graphic data, dot data expanded from image data, and dot data expanded from overlay data. Process separately.

[0019]

According to the print recording apparatus of the present invention as described above, since the dot data expanded in the bit map memory for each medium is stored in the external storage device such as the magnetic disk device, the dot data is stored from the external storage device. Dot data is CR by reading out and printing again in multicolor or transferring to higher-level device
You can check and correct on T.

In addition to storing individual dot data for each medium in the external storage device, it can also be stored as composite dot data for a plurality of media. Therefore, in addition to multicolor printing for each medium, single color printing of composite dot data can be performed. Furthermore,
Due to the external storage of the dot data, the development of the print information into the dot data is performed only once at the first time, and the processing load of the print control can be reduced and the processing speed can be improved.

[0021]

2 is a block diagram of an embodiment showing the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 10 is provided with a print control unit 14, and the print control unit 14 receives print data from the higher-level device 12 and performs various processing operations necessary for printing. Further, the printing apparatus 10 is provided with two printing mechanism units 20-1 and 20-2 in this embodiment.

Printing mechanism section 20-1 and printing mechanism section 20-2
Have different printing colors, for example, the printing mechanism unit 20-1 has characters,
The graphic and image are printed in black, while the print mechanism unit 20-
2 performs overlay printing using different colors for black printing of characters, figures, images, etc. by the printing mechanism unit 20-1. As described above, the printing apparatus 10 includes the two printing mechanism units 20.
Since two-color printing is enabled by -1, 20-2, any one of a character, a figure, and an image printing mechanism unit is issued to the print control unit 14 in response to one print command from the host device 12. In addition to the print data by 20-1, the print data for overlay is sent to the print mechanism unit 20-2 that performs overlay printing.

Bit map memories 15-1 and 15-2 are provided under the print control unit 14. Print control unit 14
Converts the print data sent from the higher-level device 12 into dot data, and outputs the bitmap data 15-1, 15-
Expand to 2. Bit map memories 15-1 and 15-2
Are provided corresponding to the printing mechanism units 20-1 and 20-2.

That is, the bit map memory 15-1 is used for expanding print data such as characters, figures and images to be printed by the printing mechanism section 20-1 into bit data, while the bit map memory 15-2 is used for printing. It is used for expanding the overlay print data to be printed by the mechanical unit 20-2 into bit data. Of course, a bitmap memory may be individually provided for each medium such as characters, figures, images and overlay information.

Following the bit map memories 15-1 and 15-2, selection units 16-1 and 16-2 are provided. The selection units 16-1 and 16-2 are bit map memories 15-1 and
Corresponding to 15-2, it is selected whether to output the dot data expanded on the bitmap memory to the external storage devices 24-1 and 24-2 externally connected to the printing device 10.

Further, an information adding unit 18-1, is provided between the selecting units 16-1, 16-2 and the external storage devices 24-1, 24-2.
18-2 is provided. Information addition units 18-1, 18
2 is a selection unit 16-1, 16-2 is an external storage device 24-
Bitmap memories 15-1 and 15-2 in
When outputting and writing the expanded dot data, search code page management data print color information, ring information with other dot data, flag information indicating the presence or absence of compression, and information such as the data amount.

Of course, in addition to this, the external storage device 24-1,
Appropriate information necessary for managing the dot data stored in 24-2 can be added. Further, in this embodiment, there is provided a synthesizing section 22 for synthesizing dot data of different media developed in the bit map memories 15-1 and 15-2 to produce synthetic dot data. A memory device 24-3 is provided. The synthesizing unit 22 reads bit data of a plurality of media from the bitmap memories 15-1 and 15-2 based on the synthesizing external storage control information of the print command from the higher-level device 12 and expands the bit data on the synthesizing buffer in page units. The composite dot data thus obtained is written in the external storage device 24-3.

When the dot data is synthesized by the synthesizing unit 22, various information including a search code similar to that in the case of the external storage devices 24-1, 24-2 is added by the information adding units 18-1, 18-2. Be seen. In the printing apparatus 10 having such a two-color printing function and capable of externally storing each medium and each composite medium, at least the media type print control information is used as the print command from the upper level apparatus 12 to the print control unit 14. Overlay information External storage information (unit of media) This will include composite external storage information.

Further, the printing apparatus 10 is provided with a retrieval unit 25 so that the dot data for each media written in the external storage devices 24-1 to 24-3 or the dot data by media composition can be retrieved and read. ing. That is, the search unit 25 receives a search command from the higher-level device 12 via the print control unit 14. This search command includes at least search code control information (upper transfer / memory development / printing operation). The search unit 25 uses the search code given by the search command from the higher-level device 12 to external storage device 24-
1 to 24-3 are accessed, the dot data matching the search code is read, transferred to the higher-level device 12 according to the control information instructed by the search command, expanded to the bitmap memories 15-1 and 15-2, and further. Is the printing mechanism unit 20-
One of the printing operations 1 and 20-2 is performed.

On the other hand, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the dot data expanded in the bit map memories 15-1 and 15-2 are written in the external storage devices 24-1 and 24-3 as they are. It is desirable to convert dot data into compressed data and write it. As the data compression algorithm, for example, an appropriate compression coding algorithm using a universal code or the like for black and white binary dot data is used.

When the dot data is stored as compressed data in the external storage devices 24-1 to 24-3, the compressed data read by the search by the search unit 25 is converted into the original dot data by the corresponding decoding algorithm. Restoration and transfer to upper device 12, bit map memories 15-1, 15
-2 is expanded. Regarding the transfer to the host device 12, the compressed data may be transferred as it is without being restored in order to reduce the transfer data amount, and the original dot data may be restored on the host device 12 side.

FIG. 3 shows a low-speed page printer as an example.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a hardware configuration of a portion excluding a printing mechanism unit in the embodiment of FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, the low speed page printer 26 includes a CPU 28, and an internal bus from the CPU 28 has a program ROM 30 and a font ROM.
Upper interface 4 including 42 and intermediate buffer 46
4, code buffer RA functioning as a page buffer
M50, bitmap memory 52, printer engine 6
4 is provided with a video interface 62, an operation panel 66, and an external device connection interface 72 for connecting, for example, the magnetic disk device 24 as a magnetic disk device.

The program ROM 30 includes a development program 32, an output selection program 34, and a composite output program 3.
6, a search program 38 and a compression program 40 are stored. The expansion program 32 expands the print data sent along with the print command from the higher-level device 12 into dot data. The expansion of the dot data by the expansion program 32 is performed on the bitmap memory 52.

The bit map memory 52 is provided with a character development area 54, a graphic development area 56, an image development area 58 and an overlay development area 60 for each medium.
Normally, the upper-level device 12 sends one print data of a character, a figure, or an image and a print data for overlay by a print command. To bit data and overlay print data to bit data.

Taking the character data as an example of the expansion into dot data by the expansion program 32, the host device 12 sends a plurality of character codes as character print data. The character code from the higher-level device 12 is temporarily stored in the code buffer RAM 50 that functions as a page buffer, and the expansion program 32 uses the font ROM 42 to store the character code stored in the code buffer RAM 50 in the bitmap memory 52. Character dot data for one page is expanded in the character expansion area 54.

Since the graphic data is, for example, two-dimensional coordinate data or three-dimensional coordinate data, the expansion program 32 converts these coordinate data into dot data and expands them in the graphic expansion area 56 of the bitmap memory 52. . Further, the image data is image data read by OCR or the like, and since the image data is usually converted into the compressed data form, the compressed data is restored and the image expansion area 58 is converted into the dot data form. Expand to.

Further, since the overlay data includes ruled lines and various characters, the expansion program 32 expands these print data into dot data using the overlay expansion area 60 of the bitmap memory 52. The output selection program 34 uses the bitmap memory 52 based on the control information included in the print command from the higher-level device 12.
The dot data expanded to the video interface 62
A selection process is performed to output to the printer engine 64 for printing and recording, or to write to the magnetic disk device 24 via the external device connection interface 72. The output destination of the dot data expanded in the bit map memory 52 can be selected by a switch command on the operation panel 66 instead of the print command from the higher-level device 12.

When the output selection program 34 selects the dot data output to the magnetic disk device 24, the information addition program 35 adds appropriate information including a search code used for a search after storage. Information addition including the search code by the information addition program 35 may be performed by a ten-key switch or the like on the operation panel 66.
In order to enable more detailed search processing, it is possible to set search information using the keyboard, mouse, and CRT display of the host device 12.

When the composite output program 36 receives an instruction for composite output of dot data of a plurality of media from the control information of the interface command from the host device 12, the character expansion area 54, the graphic expansion area 56 of the bitmap memory 52, From the dot data for each medium developed in the image development area 58 or the overlay development area 60, the dot data of the designated medium is selected and written in the synthesis buffer area 68 so as to generate the synthetic dot data. , To the magnetic disk device 24.

Here, the magnetic disk device 24 is divided into a character storage area 74, a graphic storage area 76, an image storage area 78, and an overlay storage area 80 corresponding to each area of the bit map memory 52. By dividing them, search processing and information management can be done easily. When the search program 38 receives a search command from the higher-level device 12, it uses the search code specified by the search command to perform a search process of reading the dot data stored in the magnetic disk device 24. Further, since the output destination of the searched dot data is specified in the search command, any of transfer to the higher-level device 12, expansion to the bitmap memory 52, and printing operation by the printer engine 64 according to the specification of the output destination. Do that.

Further, since the media type of the dot data searched for by the search command is known,
Regarding the output to the bitmap memory 52, any of the character development area 54, the graphic development area 56, the image development area 58, or the overlay development area 60 is designated as the development destination according to the media type. Further, the compression program 40 compresses data according to a predetermined compression encoding algorithm when writing dot data from the bitmap memory 52 to the magnetic disk device 24. If the dot data read by the search of the magnetic disk device 24 by the search program 38 is compressed data, a restoration process is performed to restore the original dot data according to a predetermined restoration algorithm.

When the read data from the magnetic disk device 24 is compressed data and is the transfer destination host device 12, the compressed data is directly transferred to the host device 12 without being restored, and the host device 12 is transferred. Restore on 12 side. on the other hand,
When the dot data for the magnetic disk device 24 is uncompressed raw data, and the compression program 40 reduces the data transfer amount when the transfer destination of the dot data read from the magnetic disk device 24 is the higher-level device 12. In order to compress the dot data by activating the compression program 40,
Restore on the side.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the hardware configuration when the portion excluding the printing mechanism portion in the embodiment of FIG. 2 is realized by a high speed page printer. In FIG. 4, the high speed page printer 82 includes a reception editing CPU 84 and a drawing control CPU 100 independently. The program RAM 8 is provided on the internal bus 86 of the receiving / editing CPU 84.
8, operation panel 90, upper interface 9
2. A code buffer RAM 94 is connected.

The internal bus 1 of the drawing control CPU 100
02 has a font ROM 104 and a bitmap memory 1
Video interface 1 for connecting the bitmap control unit 106 and printer engine 112
10. An external device connection interface 114 for connecting the magnetic disk device 24 is provided. Further, the code buffer RAM 94 is the internal bus 1 of the drawing control CPU 100.
02 is also connected. Furthermore, the internal buses 86 and 102 are connected via the internal bus interface 96.

With respect to such a high speed page printer 82 as well, as in the case of the low speed page printer of FIG. 3, the program ROM 30 stores the expansion program, the output selection program, the information addition program, the composite output program, the search program and the compression program. The processing by these programs is mainly executed by the drawing control CPU 100. The receiving / editing CPU 84 mainly receives the various commands from the higher-level device 12 and receives / edits processes such as data transfer to the higher-level device 12.

The expansion of dot data in the bitmap memory 108 is performed by the bitmap control unit 106.
It is realized by the firmware of and can be expanded into dot data at a higher speed than program processing. Further, when the dot data read from the magnetic disk device 24 by the search program is transferred to the higher-level device 12, the internal bus interface 96 connecting the internal buses 102 and 86 is provided so that the higher-level interface 92 is directly connected to the internal bus interface 96. The call data is transferred, and high-speed data transfer to the upper 12 is possible.

The various processing operations of the high speed page printer 82 are the same as those of the low speed page printer of FIG. 3, except that the receiving and editing CPU 84 and the drawing control CPU 10
Since various kinds of processing can be distributed to 0 and executed in parallel, high speed processing can be realized accordingly. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an embodiment of the printing mechanism units 20-1 and 20-2 shown in FIG. 2, and a laser printer is taken as an example. Figure 5
In the printer 10, the printing unit 10 controls the control unit 116 and the mechanical unit 120.
It is divided into An optical unit 122 is provided in the mechanism section 120, and since two-color printing is performed, the semiconductor laser 12
Two of 4,126 are provided.

First exposure 160 from semiconductor laser 124
The second exposure 162 from the semiconductor laser 126 is applied to different positions on the photosensitive drum 125. Photosensitive drum 1
An optical static eliminator 128 is provided on the outer periphery of 25, a first charger 130 is provided following the optical static eliminator 128, and the first exposure by the modulated light from the semiconductor laser 124 is performed in the charged state by the first charger 130. I am doing 160.

Subsequently, the first developing device 132 is provided, and the first developing device 132 is provided.
The developing device 132 supplies, for example, black toner. Second
A charger 134 is provided, and the second exposure 162 is performed at a position on the outlet side of the second charger 134 by the modulated light from the semiconductor laser 126. Subsequently, the second developing device 136 is provided, and the second developing device 136 supplies, for example, an appropriate color toner.

After the second developing device 136, a transfer portion 138
And the continuous paper 14 supplied from the hopper unit 140.
The toner is transferred onto 5. Transfer unit 1 on continuous paper 145
The toner transferred at 38 is heated and fixed by the fixing unit 142, and is stored in the stacker unit 144. An AC static eliminator 146 is provided following the transfer unit 138, and a toner recovery system 148 is further provided. The toner recovery system 148 is a brush 15
0 and a blade 153, the toner collected by the brush 150 is sucked by the fan 152, and the toner collecting container 154
Fit in.

Here, the semiconductor laser 124 is controlled by the controller 11.
The modulated light based on the dot data of the character, figure or image developed in the bit map memory 6 is irradiated. Further, the semiconductor laser 126 irradiates the modulated light based on the overlay dot data developed in the bitmap memory of the control unit 116. FIG. 6 shows an example of a form document based on overlay dot data developed in the overlay area of the bitmap memory according to the present invention.
Further, FIG. 7 shows a document to be overlaid by character dot data which is overlayed by the form document developed as the overlay dot data of FIG.

The form document for overlay shown in FIG. 6 is printed in red, for example, and the overlaid character document shown in FIG. 7 is printed in black. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the printing result of the two-color printing of the character document of FIG. 7 overlaid on the form document of FIG. 6, and the two-color printing in which the characters are actually black and the form document is vermilion is obtained. To be In the present invention, the form document as the overlay dot data as shown in FIG. 6 or the dot data of the characters to be overlaid as shown in FIG. 7 can be stored individually in the external storage device. In addition, the dot data for two-color printing shown in FIG.
It is also possible to generate it as composite data of each dot data of FIG. 7 and write it in the external storage device.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the printing process of the present invention. In FIG. 9, first, in step S1, it is checked whether or not a print command is received from the higher-level device 12. When the print command is received from the higher-level device 12, the process proceeds to step S2 and is stored in the intermediate buffer 46. As shown on the right side of the print command from the host device 12, the header section includes the media type, print control information, overlay information, external storage information, and composite external storage information, and the body section is provided with print data for each medium. ing.

The print control information in the header portion specifies the presence / absence of a printing operation. The overlay information indicates the presence / absence of print information for performing overlay printing on media types such as characters, figures, and images, and its link information. The external storage information indicates whether or not there is a storage operation in the magnetic disk device 24 in units of media. Further, the external composite storage information indicates the presence / absence of external storage of dot data by combining a medium designated by the print command itself and another designated medium.

The print data associated with the print command stored in the intermediate buffer in step S2 is expanded as dot data in the bitmap memory 52 in step S3 in accordance with the media type. Then, in step S4, the presence or absence of a command chain is checked. Since the two-color printing is taken as an example in this embodiment, the first print command is for a character, a figure or an image.
Then, since a print command related to the overlay comes, it is judged that there is a command chain, the process returns to step S1, the print command for the next overlay is received, and dot data is similarly expanded in the overlay expansion area of the bitmap memory.

In the case of monochromatic printing, the command chain is broken with one print command. Succeedingly, in a step S5, it is checked whether or not it is a print output. If it is a print output, the process proceeds to step S16, and the printing mechanism unit is activated to perform two-color printing of the dot data of the specific medium expanded in the bitmap memory 52 and the overlay dot data.

On the other hand, if the control information of the print command is not print output in step S5, the process proceeds to step S6, and it is checked whether or not it is a composite output to the magnetic disk device 24. If the output of the combined external storage information is set in the print command, the process advances to step S7 to execute the combined writing process. This combined writing process is as shown in the subroutine of FIG.

In FIG. 10, in the composite writing process, first, from the bit data for each medium developed in the bit map memory 52 in step S1, the write media of the plurality of dot data to be composed is written. Select one,
Similarly, the synthesis buffer area 6 in the bitmap memory 52
Expand to 8. In step S3, it is checked whether or not the selection of the composite media is completed, and the processes of steps S1 and S2 are repeated until the selection of all the media is completed.

When the expansion into the composition buffer area 68 by selecting a plurality of media is completed, the composite data of the dot data of a plurality of media is generated for the composition buffer area 61 at this point. Subsequently, in step S4, a search code necessary for searching the composite dot data and further necessary information such as page management information and color control information are added, and it is checked in step S5 whether or not compression is performed. Proceed to step 24 to transfer the composite dot data to the magnetic disk device 24.
Write in.

When the compression mode is set, the process proceeds to step S6, the combined dot data is compressed and written in the magnetic disk device 24, and the process returns to the main routine of FIG. If the composite disk is not output in step S6 of FIG. 9, the process proceeds to step S8, and the dot data writing process for each medium is executed. That is, in each of steps S8, S10, S12, and S14, a medium to be written in the magnetic disk device 24 is selected. When it is determined that the medium is selected, in steps S9, S11, S13, and S15, the writing process of the dot data to the magnetic disk device corresponding to each medium is executed.

The details of the dot data writing process for this magnetic disk device are shown as a subroutine in FIG. In the disk writing process in units of media in FIG. 11, first, a search code, and further necessary information such as page management information and color control information are added in step S1, and it is checked in step S2 whether or not the mode is the compression mode. . If it is the compression mode, compression processing is performed in step S3. Finally, in step S6, raw dot data or compressed dot data is written to the magnetic disk device as a magnetic disk device in units of media, and the process returns to the main routine of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the search processing of the external storage device in the hardware configuration of FIG. In FIG. 13, first, in step S1, the host device 12
The receipt of the search command from is checked, and when the search command is received, the process proceeds to step S2, and is stored in the intermediate buffer 46 of the upper interface 44. Here, as shown on the right side, the search command from the host device 12 is composed of a search code, a media type, and control information indicating the transfer destination of the dot data read by the search, and the control information is sent to the host device. Of the print data, the expansion into the bitmap memory, and the printing operation. Of course, it is possible to simultaneously specify a plurality of upper transfer, memory expansion, and printing operations as control information.

Next, based on the search code of the search command stored in the intermediate buffer, the magnetic disk device 24 is accessed in step S3 to read the dot data in page units designated by the search code. Next, in step S4, it is checked whether or not the transfer is to the higher-level device 12. Host device 12
If the data is not transferred to the disk, the flow advances to step S5 to check whether the disk read data is compressed data.

If the data is compressed data, decompression processing is performed in step S6. The dot data restored in step S6 or the dot data directly read is stored in step S6.
7 is expanded in the bitmap memory 52. At this time, since the media type of the read data is obtained, the dot data read out is expanded by designating the expansion area of the bitmap memory 52 corresponding to the media type. Subsequently, in step S8, it is checked whether or not printing is performed. If printing is performed, the process proceeds to step S9, and the dot data read out from the magnetic disk device 24 and expanded in the bit map memory 52 is printed. On the other hand, in step S4, the host device 12
If it is determined that the data is read to the magnetic disk device, it is checked whether the read data from the magnetic disk device is compressed data. If it is not the compressed data, the compression process is performed in step S11. Succeedingly, in a step S12, a transfer process of the compressed data to the higher-level device 12 is performed.

The dot data transferred to the higher-level device 12 is displayed on a CRT display or the like, and the operator can confirm the print information saved on the printing device side as a dot image. If necessary, the dot image transferred from the printing device is subjected to processing such as modification and modification of characters, figures, images, etc., and the modified dot data is directly transferred to the bitmap memory 52 of the printing device. ,
Printing or writing to the magnetic disk device 24 can also be performed.

In the printing operation associated with the search process,
Since the printing mechanism section of the present invention is capable of two-color printing,
The command chain is followed by a search command for each medium of characters, graphics, or images, and then a corresponding search command for overlay dot data is issued, and the dot data by the two search commands that enable two-color printing is stored in the bitmap memory 52. It is also possible to perform the printing operation in a state where it can be expanded to.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an embodiment showing the second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the synthesizing unit 22 and the external storage device 24-3 for storing the synthetic dot data shown in the first embodiment of FIG. 2 are removed, and the dot data for each media unit is stored in the external storage device 24. -1,4-2
It is characterized in that it can be stored in. Also, FIG.
4 is an embodiment configuration diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention,
In this embodiment, contrary to the case of the second embodiment of FIG. 13, the composition is performed by the composition unit 22 except for the external storage devices 24-1, 24-2 for each medium in the first embodiment of FIG. The feature is that only the dot data can be stored in the external storage device 24-3.

With respect to the configuration and function of each part in the modified embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, those corresponding to those of the first embodiment of FIG. 2 can be used as they are. In the bitmap memory in the hardware configuration of FIG. 3, one memory is divided into areas for each medium of characters, figures, images, and overlays, and the dot data is expanded, but each is independent. Of course, it may be a memory. In this respect, the external storage device 24
The same applies to the above, and an independent external storage device may be provided for each medium, in addition to dividing the storage area for each medium.

As the external storage device 24, an appropriate storage device such as an optical disk device or a magnetic tape device can be used in addition to the magnetic disk device. Further, although the laser printer having the two-color printing mechanism is taken as an example of the mechanism section in the above-described embodiment, a mechanism section capable of more multicolor printing is further included. Furthermore, it is not limited to laser printers,
It can be applied as it is to an appropriate printer device that performs print operation after converting print data into dot data.

[0070]

As described above, according to the present invention, the dot data expanded in a plurality of bitmap memories corresponding to the medium to be printed is stored in the external storage device as a unit of medium or as combined dot data. Therefore, it is possible to realize a new usage of the dot data used for printing, such as confirmation of the printing content and printing with a different printing color.

Further, since the dot data expanded from the print data is stored in the external storage device without being output to the paper, and can be read from the external storage device and confirmed by the CRT display or the like, there is only the method for confirming the paper output. compared to,
It is possible to improve operability and save resources as much as paper output is not required.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the present invention using a slow page printer.

FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the present invention using a high speed page printer.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of a multicolor printing mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of overlay dot data expanded in a bitmap RAM.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of character dot data expanded in a bitmap RAM.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a two-color printed print record using the dot data of FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a print recording process of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a combined writing process of FIG. 9 as a subroutine.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the writing process in units of media in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a search process of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an embodiment showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional slow page printer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10: Printing device 12: Upper device 14: Print control unit 15-1, 15-2: Bit map memory 16-1, 16-2: Selection unit 18-1, 18-2: Information addition unit 20-1, 20 -2: Printing mechanism unit 22: Compositing unit 24: Magnetic disk device 24-1 to 24-3: External storage device 25: Search unit 26: Low speed page printer 28: CPU 30, 88: Program ROM 32: Expansion program 34: Output selection program (selection means) 36: Synthesis output program (information addition means) 38: Search program (search means) 40: Compression program (compression means) 42, 104: Font ROM 44, 92: Upper interface 46: Intermediate buffer 48 , 114: External device connection interface 50, 94: Code buffer RAM 52, 108: Bit map memory 54: Character development area 56: Graphic development area 58: Image development area 60: Overlay development area 62, 110: Video interface 64, 112: Printer engine 66, 90: Operation panel 74: Character storage area 76: Graphic storage area 78: Image storage area 80: Overlay storage area 70, 86, 102: Internal bus 82: High speed page printer 84: CPU for receiving and editing 96: Internal bus interface 100: CPU for drawing control 106: Bit map control section 116: Print control unit 120 : Printing mechanism section 122: Optical unit 124, 126: Semiconductor laser 128: Optical static eliminator 130: First charger 132: First developing device (black) 134: Second charger 136: Second developing device (color) 138 : Transfer unit 140: Hopper unit 14 2: Fixing unit 144: Stacker unit 145: Continuous paper 146: AC static eliminator 148: Toner collection system 150: Brush 152: Fan 154: Toner collection container 160: First exposure 162: Second exposure

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A print control unit (14) for developing a plurality of types of print information for the same print area designated by a higher-level device (12) into dot data, and dots developed by the print control unit (14). Bitmap memory (15-
1, 15-2) and a plurality of printing mechanism means (20-1) for superposing and printing a plurality of types of dot data developed in the bit map memory (15-1, 15-2) on the same printing area of paper. , 20-
2), an external storage device (24-1, 24-2) for storing the dot data expanded in the bitmap memory (15-1, 15-2) for each type of print information, and the bit Either output from the map memory (15-1, 15-2) to the printing mechanism means (20-1, 20-2) or output to the external storage device (24-1, 24-2) Selecting means (16-1, 16-2) for selecting
And a search means (25) for searching and reading the dot data stored in the external storage devices (24-1, 24-2) based on a search instruction from the host device (12). A printing and recording device characterized by: 2. A print control unit (14) for developing dot data of a plurality of types of print information regarding the same print area instructed by a higher-level device (12), and dots developed by the print control unit (14). Bitmap memory (15-
1, 15-2) and a plurality of printing mechanism means (20-1) for superposing and printing a plurality of types of dot data developed in the bit map memory (15-1, 15-2) on the same printing area of paper. , 20-
2), a synthesizing means (22) for synthesizing a plurality of types of dot data developed in the bitmap memory (15-1, 15-2) to generate synthetic dot data, and the bitmap memory (15- The external storage device (24-1, 24-2, 24--) for storing the dot data expanded in 1, 15-2) separately for each type of print information and for storing the combined dot data created by the combining means.
3), output from the bit map memory (15-1, 15-2) to the printing mechanism means (20-1, 20-2) and the external storage device (24-1, 24-2, 24-). Selection means (16-1, 1) for selecting either one of the output to 3)
6-2) and a searching means for searching and reading the dot data stored in the external storage devices (24-1, 24-2, 24-3) based on the search instruction from the upper device (12) ( 25) and a print recording device. 3. A print control unit (14) for developing a plurality of types of print information for the same print area instructed by a higher-level device (12) into dot data, and dots developed by the print control unit (14). Bitmap memory (15-
1, 15-2) and a plurality of printing mechanism means (20-1) for superposing and printing a plurality of types of dot data developed in the bit map memory (15-1, 15-2) on the same printing area of paper. , 20-
2), a synthesizing unit (22) for synthesizing a plurality of types of dot data developed in the bitmap memory (15-1, 15-2) to create synthetic dot data, and a synthesizing unit created by the synthesizing unit. An external storage device (24-3) for storing dot data, an output from the bitmap memory (15-1, 15-2) to the printing mechanism means (20-1, 20-2), and the external storage device Selection means (16-1, 16-2) for selecting either one of the output to (24-3), and the external storage device (24-3) based on a search instruction from the host device (12). A print recording device, comprising: a search means (25) for searching and reading the dot data stored in the. 4. The print recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the external storage device (24-1, 24-2, 24-3) by the selection means (16-1, 16-2). ) Is provided with information adding means (18-1, 18-2) for adding search information when selecting and writing the output to (1). 5. The print recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information adding means (18-1, 18-2) stores dot data in the external storage devices (24-1 to 24-3). A print recording apparatus characterized by adding page management information and color control information for each. 6. The print recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the search means (25) is an external storage device (24-1).
24-4), the dot data read from the print controller is sent to the print control means (14) to enable printing. 7. The print recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the print control means (14) is an external storage device (24-1 to 24-1).
24-3), dot data read from the bit map memories (14-1, 1) based on the additional information.
A print recording apparatus characterized in that any one of 4-2) is designated and transmitted. 8. The print recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the retrieval means (25) is an external storage device (24-1).
24-3), the dot data read from the host device (1
A print recording device characterized by transferring to (2). 9. The print recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dot data written in said external storage device (24-1 to 24-3) is compressed and the compressed data read out is used as an original dot. A printing / recording apparatus, characterized in that a compression / decompression means is provided for decompressing the dot data to be reconstructed into data and transferred to a higher-level device (12). 10. The print recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of printing mechanism means (20-1, 20-2).
Is a print recording device characterized by different print colors. 11. The print recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein as the type of the print information, at least dot data expanded from a character code, dot data expanded from graphic data, and dot data expanded from image data. A print recording apparatus characterized by processing the dot data expanded from overlay data separately.