JPH06316196A - Plotter - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable the completion of plotting to be achieved in a short time, and avoid the occurrence of disadvantages such as waste consumption of pen ink and unnecessary abrasion of cutter by specifying the head of a plotting area to be plotted through specifying means. CONSTITUTION:At first, a cursor key 24a is operated in order that a carriage 16 is shifted to the head of a plotting area where no plotting is made because of running out of ink, and a plotting initiation area setting button 24b is operated under pressure. The operation makes a square area as a plotting initiation area set around the carriage 16, followed by switching on an LED 24d. Subsequently, the press operation of the plotting initiation button 24c causes the LED 24e to turn on so that the plotting after the plotting initiation area is being performed, that is, in accordance with the data base stored in RAM 14, CPU 10 controls the driver 22 to conduct plotting. As the plotting is completed entirely, the LED 24 turns out so as to give notice of the end of all drawings after the plotting initiation area set by the plotting initiation area setting button 24b.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a plotter device,
In particular, the present invention relates to a plotter device having a drawing correction function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional plotter device, for example, a plotter device as shown in FIG. 6 is known. Further, FIG. 7 shows a schematic configuration of a drive mechanism of the plotter device shown in FIG.

The plotter device 1 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
Reference numeral 00 is provided with a buffer memory for storing vector data indicating graphics, characters, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to simply as "graphics") output from a host computer (not shown). The movement of the carriage 102 is realized by sequentially reading the stored contents of the buffer memory under the control of the microcomputer.

That is, the X motor 104 that moves the carriage 102 in the X direction and the Y motor 1 that moves in the Y direction.
Drive 06 according to the vector data stored in the buffer memory under the control of the microcomputer,
The carriage 102 is moved relative to the sheet 108 in the XY directions. In this way, the carriage 102 is moved along the figure indicated by the vector data.

Therefore, by holding the pen 109 on the carriage 102 and moving it as described above, it is possible to draw a figure or the like instructed by the vector data on the sheet 108, and the carriage 102 is provided with a cutter. When the sheet is gripped, the sheet 108 can be cut by the cutter along the graphic indicated by the vector data.

The X motor 104 and the Y motor 1
Encoders 110 and 112 are respectively arranged on 06, and the driving states of the X motor 104 and the Y motor 106 can be constantly detected.
Where is currently relative to the seat 108,
It is always readable and stored in a predetermined memory. Therefore, in such a plotter device 100, the position of the carriage 102 with respect to the sheet 108 can be detected by reading the memory that stores the position of the carriage 102.

By the way, the plotter device 1 as described above
00, for example, the pen 109 on the carriage 102.
When drawing a figure or the like indicated by vector data on the sheet 108 by holding the
When the ink out of the pen 109 occurs, the carriage 102 will be moved along the figure indicated by the vector data even after the ink out of the pen 109.
However, there is a problem that drawing is not performed on the sheet 108 due to the ink shortage.

In order to solve these problems, the so-called
Conventionally, a plotter device having a drawing correction function called a replot function has been proposed.

The re-plot function is to read all the stored contents of the buffer memory storing the vector data output from the host computer again,
The entire drawing area such as a figure designated by the vector data output from the computer is traced with the pen 109 to draw the figure after the ink runs out on the sheet 108.

Therefore, by executing the replot function, it is possible to complete the drawing after the ink runs out without wasting the sheet 108 and without adding a line by handwriting or the like. .

[0011]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional re-plotting function, even if most of the drawing is already completed and ink runs out at the remaining few places, Since all vector data stored in the buffer memory is read and the entire drawing area such as figures specified by the vector data is traced, it takes a lot of time to complete the drawing and is wasteful. In addition, it causes a new problem that ink is consumed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to enable completion of drawing in a short time, and An object of the present invention is to provide a plotter device that prevents wasteful consumption of ink in a pen and unnecessary consumption of a cutter.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, storage means for sequentially storing vector data designating a figure or the like to be drawn, in the order of drawing.
The designation means capable of designating an arbitrary portion in the whole drawing area drawn based on the vector data stored in the storage means, and the storage means for instructing the drawing of the portion specified by the designation means Of the detected vector data, first detecting means for detecting vector data instructing drawing, vector data detected by the detecting means, and drawing after the drawing instructed by the detected vector data The reading means sequentially reads all the vector data instructing drawing from the storage means, and the drawing means for drawing based on the vector data read by the reading means.

[0014]

[Function] When the drawing area of all drawing areas based on the vector data is completed, if there is an area that is not drawn due to ink loss in the pen or an area that is not cut due to damage to the cutter, etc. The head part of the drawing area to be redrawn as described above in the area is designated.

The detecting means detects, from the vector data stored in the storage means, vector data which first instructs drawing of the head portion.

Then, the reading means sequentially reads, from the storage means, the vector data detected by the detection means and all the vector data instructing the drawing after the drawing instructed by the detected vector data. Based on the read vector data,
The drawing means performs the drawing again.

Therefore, when the drawing is performed again, it is possible to prevent the already completed drawing area from being drawn again, so that the processing time for drawing again can be shortened and the pen can be shortened. No more wasted ink and no wasted blade of the cutter.

[0018]

Embodiments of the plotter device according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a plotter device according to the present invention. This plotter device uses a central processing unit (CPU) 10 to control the entire operation thereof. It is configured to control.

Then, the CPU 10 has a read only memory (RO) storing a predetermined program for controlling the overall operation and executing the processing described later via the bus.
M) 12 and a buffer memory or C for storing vector data output from a host computer (not shown)
Various registers (a register for storing the position of the carriage 16 and
There is a register for storing the drawing start area set by the drawing start area setting button 24b described later. ) And the like are connected to a random access memory (RAM) 14 as a working area, a driver 22, and an operation panel 24 provided with an operator or the like for controlling the driver 22.

The driver 22 is connected to an X motor 18 that moves the carriage 16 in the X direction relative to the sheet 108 and a Y motor 20 that moves the carriage 16 in the Y direction. The X motor 18 and the Y motor 20 are excited. Is controlled to be turned on / off and driven at the time of turning on.

Further, the X motor 18 and the Y motor 20
Are connected to encoders 26 and 28, respectively, so that the states of the X motor 18 and the Y motor 20 can be constantly detected, and the position of the carriage 16 relative to the sheet 108 can be controlled by the CPU 10. Through R
It is always readable and stored in the AM 14. The encoders 26 and 28 are always provided to the X motor 18 regardless of whether the excitation of the X motor 18 and the Y motor 20 is on or off.
Also, the state of the Y motor 20 can be detected.

Further, on the operation panel 24, cursor keys 24a for designating the position of the carriage 16 are provided as operators related to the practice of the present invention, and a predetermined drawing for starting drawing in the entire drawing area of the sheet 108. A drawing start area setting button 24b for designating a drawing start area which is a part, and a drawing start button 24c for starting drawing from the drawing start area set by the drawing start area setting button 24b
And are provided. Further, on the operation panel 24, a light emitting diode (LED) 24d for displaying the operation state of the drawing start area setting button 24b and the drawing start button 2
An LED 24e for displaying the operation state of 4c is provided.

The functions of the above-mentioned operators provided on the operation panel 24 will be described below.

The cursor key 24a is used for the carriage 16
Is operated to move the sheet to an arbitrary position on the sheet 108.

The drawing start area setting button 24b is
The current position of the carriage 16 moved by the cursor key 24a is input as a drawing start area for starting drawing. Below, FIG. 2 (a) (b)
The setting operation of the drawing start area by the drawing start area setting button 24b will be described with reference to FIG.

When setting the drawing start area, first,
By operating the cursor key 24a, the carriage 16 is moved to the head portion (line segment A) of the drawing area which is not drawn due to ink shortage or the like, and the drawing start area setting button 24b is pressed (FIG. 2A). ).

By this operation, a square area having a side of 1 cm with the carriage 16 as the center is set as the drawing start area (FIG. 2 (b)). At this time, LED2
4d lights to indicate that the drawing start area has been set.

Further, the drawing start button 24c is pressed to start drawing from the drawing start area set by the drawing start area setting button 24b. LE pushes this drawing start button 24c
D24e lights up to indicate that the drawing after the drawing start area set by the drawing start area setting button 24b is being performed.

Then, when all the drawing after the drawing start area set by the drawing start area setting button 24b is completed, the LED 24e is turned off and the drawing start area setting button 2
This is to notify the end of all the drawing after the drawing start area set by 4b. At this time, LED2
4d is also turned off.

In the above configuration, the plotter device controls the driver 22 in accordance with the vector data output from the host computer and stored in the buffer memory of the RAM 14 based on a known technique, and the CPU 10 controls the driver 22 to X. The motor 18 and the Y motor 20 are driven. By driving the X motor 18 and the Y motor 20 as described above, the carriage 16 moves in the XY direction with respect to the sheet 108.
The sheet 108 is moved relative to each other, and the drawing is performed on the sheet 108. That is, it is possible to draw a figure or the like on the sheet 108 with the pen held by the carriage 16 or to cut the sheet 108 with the cutter held by the carriage 16.

After the above-mentioned drawing, the drawing of the figure after the ink runs out is not performed due to the ink shortage of the pen during the drawing, or the cutting of the cutter after the damage of the cutter occurs due to the damage of the cutter during the drawing. If you find that it has not been cut, in order to complete the drawing of the part where the drawing was not done due to the occurrence of the ink shortage or the cutting was not done due to the damage of the cutter, Drawing will be performed again from the top part of the part.

That is, the cursor key 24a and the drawing start area setting button 24b are operated to align the center of the carriage 16 with the leading portion of the relevant portion to set the drawing start area (FIG. 2 (a) ( b)). In this way, after setting the drawing start area including the head part of the part, the drawing start button 24c is operated to start all the drawings after the drawing start area set by the drawing start area setting button 24b. .

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a process for executing all the drawings after the drawing start area set by the drawing start area setting button 24b based on the operation of the drawing start button 24c.

This flowchart shows the drawing start button 2
4c is started when it is operated. First, in step S302, the stored vector data is sequentially read from the buffer memory of the RAM 14 that stores the vector data output from the host computer. . When the process of step S302 is completed, the process proceeds to step S304.

In step S304, step S
It is determined whether or not the vector data read in 302 is vector data for instructing the drawing of the drawing start area set by the drawing start area setting button 24b.

This determination process is as described in, for example, "Introductory Graphics ASCII Learning System (1) Introductory Course" (issued on December 5, 1984, first edition) relating to the issue of ASCII Corporation. It is realized by using a known technique.

In this judgment processing, as shown in FIG. 4, (1) the start point coordinates ((x _min , Y _min ) and the start point coordinates () in the drawing start area designated by the coordinates (X _max , Y _max ). X ₁ , Y ₁ ) and end point coordinates (X ₂ , Y ₂ ) are vector data, and (2) start point coordinates (X ₃ , Y ₃ ) are coordinates (X _min , Y _min ) and coordinates (X _max , Ymax) exists in the drawing start area specified by Y _max ) but the end point coordinates (X
₄ and Y ₄ ) are vector data not existing in the drawing start area, and (3) start point coordinates (X ₅ , Y ₅ ) are coordinates (X _min ,
Vector data that does not exist in the drawing start area specified by Y _min ) and coordinates (X _max , Y _max ) but the end point coordinates (X ₆ , Y ₆ ) exist in the drawing start area, (4) coordinates Although the start point coordinates (X ₇ , Y ₇ ) and the end point coordinates (X ₈ , Y ₈ ) do not exist in the drawing start area specified by (X _min , Y _min ) and the coordinates (X _max , Y _max ), the start point Coordinates (X ₇ ,
The line data connecting the Y ₇ ) and the end point coordinates (X ₈ , Y ₈ ) is the vector data passing through the drawing start area, and the drawing of the drawing start area set by the drawing start area setting button 24b is designated. It is determined that the data is vector data.

On the other hand, vector data other than the above (1) to (4), that is, the coordinates (X _min , Y _min ) and the coordinates (X
_The start point coordinates (X ₉ , Y ₉ ) and end point coordinates (X ₁₀ , Y ₁₀ ) do not exist in the drawing start area specified by _max , Y _max ), and the start point coordinates (X ₉ , Y ₉ ) and end point coordinates (X
_It is determined that the vector data in which the line segment connecting ( ₁₀ , Y ₁₀ ) does not pass through the drawing start area is not the vector data for instructing the drawing of the drawing start area set by the drawing area setting button 24b.

If the determination result in step S304 is negative (N), that is, if the vector data read in step S302 is the vector data for instructing the drawing of the drawing start area set by the drawing start area setting button 24b, If it is determined that the vector data is not present, the process proceeds to step S306 and the drawing based on the vector data is not performed (the vector data is ignored), and then step S30 is performed.
I will proceed to 8.

In step S308, it is determined whether or not the vector memory next to the vector data read in step S302 is stored in the buffer memory of the RAM 14.

If the determination result of step S308 is affirmative (Y), that is, if the next vector data exists in the buffer memory of the RAM 14, step S302.
The procedure returns to step S302 and the processing from step S302 is repeated.

On the other hand, when the result of the determination in step S308 is negative, that is, when the next vector data does not exist in the buffer memory of the RAM 14, the step is performed for all the vector data stored in the buffer memory. S3
Since the processing from 02 onward has ended, the processing of this flowchart ends.

On the other hand, the determination result of step S304 is affirmative, that is, the vector data read in step S302 is vector data for instructing the drawing of the drawing start area set by the drawing start area setting button 24b. If it is determined that the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S310, and drawing is performed based on the vector data.

That is, the vector
According to the data, the CPU 10 controls the driver 22 to drive the X motor 18 and the Y motor 20. By driving the X motor 18 and the Y motor 20 as described above, the carriage 16 is moved relatively in the XY direction with respect to the sheet, and drawing or cutting is performed on the sheet 108. Thus, the drawing is performed again for the area set by the drawing start area setting button 24b.

When the process of step S310 is completed, the process proceeds to step S312, and based on all the vector data remaining after the vector data instructing the drawing of step S310 stored in the buffer memory, Do the same in the same way.

That is, when the head vector data designating the drawing of the drawing start area is detected in step S304 and the drawing based on the head vector data is performed in step S310, the head vector data is drawn. Drawing will be performed based on all vector data after the data.

When the drawing based on all the vector data after the head vector data is completed in the above step S312, the process of this flowchart is completed.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E show an operation example according to the above embodiment of the present invention.
It is assumed that vector data I to vector data VI for instructing the drawing of line segments I to VI as shown in FIG. 5A are sequentially stored in the buffer memory.

Then, when drawing is performed based on the vector data I to vector data VI, ink shortage occurs during drawing based on the vector data III, and line segment II is generated.
It is assumed that drawing is not performed after the middle of I (FIG. 5).
(B)).

In this case, the cursor key 24a is operated to move the carriage 16 onto the line segment III which is the head portion of the drawing area not drawn, and the drawing start area setting button 24b is operated. The drawing start area is set (FIG. 5 (c)).

After the drawing start area is set as described above, when the drawing start button 24c is operated to start drawing, the vector data is sequentially read from the buffer memory.

The vector data I and the vector data II for instructing the drawing of the line segment I and the line segment II are not vector data for instructing the drawing of the drawing start area. Drawing based on data II is not performed (step S302 → step S304 → step S306 → step S30
8).

When the vector data III is read next to the vector data II, the vector data III is the vector data for instructing the drawing of the drawing start area. Therefore, the drawing based on the vector data III is performed ( (Step S302 → Step S304 → Step S310)
(FIG.5 (d)).

Further, drawing is sequentially performed based on the vector data IV to vector data VI which are all vector data read after the vector data III (step S312) (FIG. 5 (e)).

As described above, the buffer of the RAM 14
Without drawing all the vector data stored in the memory, the first vector data for instructing the drawing of the drawing start area set by the drawing start area setting button 24b and all the vector data after the head vector data. Since only the drawing based on the vector data is performed, the drawing processing time can be significantly shortened.

When the carriage 16 holds the pen, wasteful consumption of ink can be suppressed.
When the carriage 16 holds the cutter, wasteful consumption of the cutter can be suppressed.

Further, the above embodiment has the following modifications.

(1) In the above embodiment, when the drawing area is set, the cursor key 24a and the drawing start area setting button 24b are operated to set the drawing start area. It is also possible to provide an operator such as, and input the center coordinate position of the drawing start area numerically.

(2) Since the encoders 26 and 28 always detect the position of the carriage 16 even when the excitation of the X motor 18 and the Y motor 20 is turned off,
Hold the carriage 16 by hand (at this time, if the excitation of the X motor 18 and the Y motor 20 is turned off,
You can move smoothly. ) You may make it move and set the center coordinate position of the drawing start area.

(3) In the above embodiments, the drawing start area is described as being formed as a square, but it may be circular or rectangular. The size of the drawing start area is
It may be set appropriately.

Although it is theoretically possible to reduce the size of the drawing start area to the resolution of the plotter (generally set to about "25 μm"), the cursor key 24a is used. It is extremely difficult for the operator to indicate a minute area by an operation or the like.
Therefore, in consideration of the operability of the operator, it is preferable that the drawing start area has a certain size.

(4) In the above embodiment, when setting the drawing start area, the central portion of the drawing start area formed by a square is designated, but when the drawing start area is formed by a quadrangle such as a square. For example, two points on the diagonal line of the quadrangle may be designated.

Further, the drawing area may be set not by the coordinate position but by the movement locus of the carriage 16.

(5) What is held by the carriage 16 may be a pencil (pencil) or the like other than a pen or a cutter.

(6) Although LEDs are used to display the operation states of the drawing start area setting button 24b and the drawing start button 24c, a liquid crystal display device or the like may be used.
Further, such display means may not be provided.

(7) If the drawing start button 24c is operated after moving the carriage 16 to the drawing start area without providing the drawing start area setting button 24b, the drawing start area is automatically set and the drawing start area is started. Drawing may be performed after the area.

(8) A so-called flat bed type in which the carriage itself is moved in the XY directions by the X motor and the Y motor, as described in the section "Prior Art" of this specification. Not only the plotter device, but the carriage itself moves only in one direction of the X direction or the Y direction, but when the sheet is moved, the carriage is moved in the XY direction relative to the sheet. Plotter device (sheet move
It is called type. The present invention may be applied to

[0069]

Since the present invention is constructed as described above, it has the following effects.

A storage means for sequentially storing vector data designating a figure or the like to be drawn, and an arbitrary portion in the entire drawing area drawn based on the vector data stored in the storage means A designating means capable of designating, and a detecting means for detecting the vector data first designating the drawing among the vector data stored in the storage means designating the drawing of the part designated by the designating means; The vector data detected by the detection means and all the vector data instructing the drawing after the drawing instructed by the detected vector data are sequentially read from the storage means and read by the read means. Since it has a drawing means for drawing on the basis of the vector data that has been output, all the drawing areas based on the vector data are After the end of the drawing, if there is an area that is not drawn due to ink loss in the pen or an area that is not cut due to damage to the cutter, etc. Specify the top part of the area.

When the detecting means detects, from the vector data stored in the storing means, the vector data which first instructs the drawing of the head portion, the reading means detects the vector data detected by the detecting means. Data and all vector data for instructing the drawing after the drawing instructed by the detected vector data are sequentially read from the storage means, and the drawing means performs drawing again based on the vector data read by the reading means. To do.

Therefore, according to the present invention, since the already completed drawing area is not redrawn, the processing time can be shortened, the ink of the pen is wasted, and the cutter is used. No more wasted blade edge.

That is, when it is discovered that drawing and cutting are not performed in the middle of drawing after the completion of drawing and it is necessary to draw again in the middle of drawing, the completion of drawing can be achieved in a short time. In addition, it is possible to prevent wasteful consumption of ink in the pen held by the carriage and unnecessary consumption of the cutter.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a plotter device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams showing a setting operation of a drawing start area by a drawing start area setting button.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a drawing process started by a drawing start button.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of vector data for instructing drawing of a drawing start area.

5 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example of the present invention, and FIG.
5A to 5E show a drawing state according to the reading of vector data.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of a conventional plotter device.

7 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a drive mechanism of a carriage of the plotter device shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 CPU 12 ROM 14 RAM 16 Carriage 18 X Motor 20 Y Motor 22 Driver 24 Operation Panel 24a Cursor Key 24b Drawing Start Area Setting Button 24c Drawing Start Button 24d LED 24e LED 26 Encoder 28 Encoder 108 Sheet

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A vector for designating a figure or the like to be drawn.
Storage means for sequentially storing data in a drawing order; designation means capable of designating an arbitrary portion in the whole drawing area to be drawn based on the vector data stored in the storage means; Detecting means for detecting the vector data first instructing the drawing among the vector data stored in the storage means for instructing the drawing of the part, the vector data detected by the detecting means and the detection Reading means for sequentially reading from the storage means all vector data for instructing drawing after the drawing instructed by the read vector data, and drawing means for drawing on the basis of the vector data read by the reading means A plotter device comprising: