JPH068691A - Plotter controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To speed up processing from data input to chart output by installing a subordinate processor which assists command analysis in a platter controller and reducing the processing load of a main processor for other processing. CONSTITUTION:In a plotter controller which controls a plotter mechanism by analyzing a plotter command input from a chart processing apparatus, a subordinate processor 70 is mounted on a sub-board 83 to conduct a part or the whole of the analysis of the plotter command. In this way, the processing load of a main processor 60 which is mounted on a main board 82 and conducts platter control processing other than the processing by the subordinate processor is reduced to speed up chart processing.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a plotter control device for plotting and outputting CAD data under the control of a main processor, and in particular, a sub processor mounted on a sub board unit assists in the analysis of plotter commands. The present invention relates to a plotter control device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A plotter (automatic drafting machine) that prints on recording paper with an ink pen or a pencil with a built-in pencil lead, and cuts cloth with a cutter is used as one of the output devices of a CAD system. To be done. Figure 3 shows this type of CAD
A schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a system, in which 1 is a host CPU
A CAD processing device 2 including an operation input means such as a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse, and inputs operation input information by an operator and other external information necessary for CAD processing to the CAD processing device 1. An input device 3, a display device for displaying image information processed by the CAD processing device 1, input information by the input device 2, and the like, 4 is a plotter, 5 is a disk device such as a hard disk device, and the processing of the CAD processing device 1 is performed. The storage device stores data such as image processing information before, after, and during processing as necessary.

The CAD processing device 1 includes an input processing unit 11 for taking in information from the input device 2, a display control unit 12 for controlling display on the display device 3, a storage control unit 13 for controlling access to the storage device 5, and a plotter. Plotter command creation unit 14 that creates the plotter command required to control 4
Etc. are included, and these are configured by software of the host CPU. When the plotter 4 is a pen plotter, the plotter mechanism moves the pen head for drawing in the X and Y directions relative to the recording paper or moves up and down (U / D) in the Z axis direction. Part 42 and CAD
It is roughly divided into a plotter control device 41 that analyzes the plotter command from the processing device 1 and controls the plotter mechanism unit 42. On the other hand, in the case of the raster plotter which outputs the drawing data developed in the bit map line by line by the electrophotographic method or the like, the feeding of the recording paper is the main operation of the mechanism unit 42.

In general, CAD data is stored in the storage device 5 as drawing information input from the input device 2 as a bitmap or vector data or displayed on the display device 3, but when the data format required by the plotter 4 is different. Converts to a data format suitable for it and outputs. The plotter command is one of such data formats, and the plotter control device 41 converts this command into data necessary for the operation of the plotter mechanism unit 42. This is command analysis.

FIG. 4 shows an outline of the plotter 4 separately for a pen plotter and a raster plotter (A indicates hardware, B indicates a buffer or memory, and C indicates software). As shown in this figure, the plotter command input from the interface circuit A1 defined by various methods is first fetched in the online buffer B1,
The code conversion unit C1 sequentially converts the commands into intermediate commands. This code conversion is performed using a character code (for example, ASCII
Code) to convert the plotter command into a binary code that can be easily processed internally. The intermediate command converted here is the intermediate command buffer B.
2, and converted into vector data by the command execution unit C2. In the case of a pen plotter, this vector data is the final result of command analysis. Therefore, the vector data is fetched into the vector buffer B3, and the NC head C2 controls the pen head A2 and the X, Y motor A3 for output.

On the other hand, in the case of the raster plotter,
Pen head A2, X, Y motor A3, vector buffer B
3, instead of the NC control unit C3, the vector buffer B4,
A vector / command converter C4, a VRC (vector raster converter) A4, a bitmap memory B5, a print controller C5, and a raster output device A5 are provided, and the following processing is performed. That is, the vector data is temporarily transferred to the vector buffer B4.
When it is loaded into the VRC command, the vector / command conversion unit C4 converts it into a VRC-dedicated command. And VRC A4
Executes this dedicated command to output the bitmap-developed drawing-out data, and writes it in the bitmap memory B5. The print control unit C5 controls the raster output device A5 based on the output data to output the image.

In the case of the raster plotter shown in this example,
Although the VRC-dedicated command becomes the final result of command analysis, when the VRC A4 is not used, the vector / command conversion unit C4 and VRC A4 are replaced by a process called vector / raster conversion. In this case, the vector / raster conversion processing result (bitmap expanded output data) becomes the final result of command analysis.

[0008]

Conventionally, since all the control of the plotter control device 41 described above is performed by one processor, the processing load on this processor is large and the I / F interrupt by the plotter command is generated. If it occurs frequently, command analysis will be delayed and the drawing speed will be reduced. According to the present invention, by providing a sub-processor for assisting command analysis in the plotter control device, it is possible to reduce the processing load on the main processor that performs other processing and to speed up the processing from data input to output. Has an aim.

[0009]

To achieve the above object, according to the present invention, in a plotter control device for controlling a plotter mechanism unit by analyzing a plotter command input from a drawing processing device, an interface board unit and a main board unit are provided. Is mounted on another sub-board unit and executes a part or all of the plotter command analysis processing; and a main processor mounted on the main board unit and executes plotter control processing other than the processing by the sub-processor. It is characterized by comprising a processor.

[0010]

When a sub processor for assisting the plotter command analysis is provided, the main processor transfers the plotter command to the sub processor when an I / F interrupt occurs, and then all that is necessary is to wait for the analysis result. Therefore, the main processor does not need to buffer plotter commands even if I / F interrupts occur frequently, and can perform other processes in parallel. Therefore, the processing load on the main processor is reduced, and the processing from data input to output is speeded up. In this case, all of the command analysis processing described in FIG. 4 (from the code conversion unit C1 to the vector / command conversion unit C4) may be performed by the sub processor, or a part of the processing, for example, code conversion. You may make it a subprocessor bear only the process of the part C1 and the command execution part C2.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of essential parts in a plotter control device showing an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 70 is a sub-processor (sub-C) that executes a command analysis interpreter.
PU), 71 is a P / S (parallel / serial) converter that connects the sub processor 70 to the bus 76, 72 is a buffer for the plotter command for input and VRC command for output, and 73 is a frame buffer for VRC. is there. Since the plotter control device of this example uses a raster plotter as an example, the command analysis interpreter of the secondary processor 70 shows an example of converting a plotter command into a VRC-dedicated command, but general analysis results are limited to this example. Not something. The command analysis interpreter is stored in the ROM 77 of the sub processor 70 in advance or in the ROM 74 of the main processor (main CPU) 60, and is stored in the RAM of the sub processor 70 when the power is turned on.
It may be expanded to 78. 75 is the main processor 6
0 RAM.

As shown in FIG. 2, the plotter control device 4 of this embodiment has a plurality of boards 81, 82, 83 inside a case 80.
It houses ... Of these, 81 is an input stage I / F board on which the I / F circuit 62 is mounted, and 82 is the main processor 6.
0 is a main board, and 83 is another C if necessary.
Subboard used to mount PUs and components, 6
Reference numeral 8 is the VRC for expanding the bitmap described above. The sub processor 70 of the present invention is mounted on the sub board 83 therein.

The sub processor 70 shown in FIG. 1 has a serial communication function and is of a type suitable for parallel processing. As this type of processor, a transputer (trade name) manufactured by SGS Co., which will be described later, is suitable. In this case, the main processor 60 is bus-coupled to the VRC 68 and the timer 64.

The transputer was developed to efficiently realize a process model of a high-level language OCCAM capable of describing parallel processes, and is suitable for parallel processing. In addition, it is easy to configure a multiprocessor system in that a pair of input / output serial links is used for connection with an external processor. FIG. 5 shows an example of a multiprocessor system using a plurality of transputers. In the figure, 101 to 103 are transputers, 201 to 203 are external dynamic random access memories (DRAM), and 301 to 303 are external static random access memories (SRA).
M), 401 to 403 are peripheral devices (PERIPHERA).
L) and 501 to 503 are external channels connecting the transputers.

The transputers 101-103 are RI
Focused on SC (reduced instruction set computer) type processors (RISC CPUs) 111 to 113, internal memories (SRAMs) 121 to 123 capable of high-speed operation, and serial links (LINK) used for serial communication with the outside. ) 131-133 and interfaces (EMI) 141-143 for external memories are provided as standard, and these are connected by internal buses 151-153. In addition, EMI 141-143 and external memory 201-2
03, 301 to 303 are connected by buses 161 to 163.

Since the transputer 101 shown in FIG. 5 is a high-order model among them, the number of LINK 131 is "4", which is the largest, and the floating point arithmetic unit (FPU).
Also, a read only memory (ROM) 601 is used as an external memory. Transputer 102 is the next model, and it has no FPU, but LIN
The number of K132 is “4”. Transputer 103
Is the simplest configuration among them, and the number of LINK 133 is “2”. However, the difference between these models is not essential.

The connections between the transputers 101 to 103 can be easily made only by the external channels 501 to 503 each using one input / output line, that is, a pair of serial lines (no need for bus coupling). ).
If a P / S (parallel / serial) converter is used for this external channel, a normal CPU (for example, host CPU) can also be connected.
Communication is performed serially between them. On the other hand, since the transputer and the external memory are bus-coupled, memory access is performed in parallel.

In the configuration of FIG. 1, when a plotter command is input to the I / F circuit 62, the I / F circuit 62 interrupts the main processor 60 with an interrupt INT. Main processor 6
In response to this interrupt, 0 transfers the plotter command to the sub processor 70, and thereafter continues its own processing until the next interrupt. If the sub processor 70 is a transputer, the plotter command (8
Bit parallel) is fetched in the form of being serially converted by the P / S converter 71, and analyzed by the interpreter into a VRC-dedicated command. This VRC command is serially transferred to the P / S converter 71, where it is converted into parallel and transferred to the VRC 68. In this case, if a transputer is also used for the main processor 60, the analysis result of the sub processor 70 can be serially transferred to the main processor 60.

The VRC 68 expands the input VRC command into bit map data and stores it in the frame buffer 73. However, if the process during this time cannot catch up, buffering for temporarily storing the plotter command or VRC command in the command buffer 72 is performed. To do. In this way, when the sub processor 70 analyzes the command, the sub processor 7
During the command analysis process by 0, the main processor 60 can execute other processes in parallel.

One advantage of mounting the sub processor 70 for command analysis on the sub board 83 is that the existing I / F is used.
When there is no space to mount the sub processor 70 on the board 81 or the main board 82, the image creation speed can be improved by adding or replacing the sub board 83. Also,
If a plurality of the sub-processors 70 are mounted, and link connection is made like a daisy chain, and command analysis is distributed and parallel processing is performed, further high-speed processing becomes possible and the processing up to the drawing is speeded up.

FIG. 6 shows the auxiliary processor 7 from such a viewpoint.
0 ', 70 "... and a RAM 78' corresponding to each,
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the essential parts of a second embodiment of the present invention to which 78 ″ ... Is added. Secondary processors 70 ′, 70 ″ of this embodiment.
... are chain-connected, and command analysis is performed simultaneously and in parallel to reduce analysis time. Such parallel processing is particularly useful when the amount of data to be handled increases, as in the case where the output figure is colorized (RGB). The ROM 7 shown in FIG.
7 is not always necessary.

FIG. 7 is a principal block diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a plurality of sub-processors 70 ', 70 ", ... Which simultaneously perform command analysis in parallel are connected in parallel to a main sub-processor 70. In this case also, the same as in the embodiment of FIG. Action and effect can be expected.
78 ', 78 "... are RAMs corresponding to the respective sub processors 70', 70". Also in this case, the ROM 7 shown in FIG.
7 is not always necessary.

[0023]

As described above, according to the present invention, since the sub-processor dedicated to command analysis is provided in the plotter control device that plots and outputs CAD data under the control of the main processor, other processing is performed. It is possible to reduce the processing load on the main processor and to speed up the processing from data input to output. In particular, since the sub-processor for command analysis is mounted on the sub-board, even if there is no space for mounting the sub-processor on the existing I / F board or main board, simply by adding or replacing the sub-board, There is an advantage that the plotting speed can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a layout view of main boards inside a plotter.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the entire CAD system.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing main control of a plotter control device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a multiprocessor system having a serial communication function.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of main parts showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a principal block diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... CAD processing device, 11 ... Input processing unit, 12 ... Display control unit, 13 ... Storage control unit, 14 ... Plotter command creating unit, 2 ... Input device, 3 ... Display device, 4 ... Plotter, 41
... Plotter control device, 42 ... Plotter mechanism part, 5 ... Storage device, 60 ... Main processor, 68 ... VRC, 70, 7
0 ', 70 "... Sub processor, 71 ... P / S converter, 7
2 ... Command buffer, 73 ... Frame buffer, 80
... Plotter control device case, 81 ... I / F board, 82
... Main board, 83 ... Sub board, 131-133 ...
Serial link, 151 to 153 ... Internal bus, 161 to
163 ... External bus, 501-503 ... External channel for serial communication.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A plotter control device for controlling a plotter mechanism unit by analyzing a plotter command input from a drawing processing device, wherein the plotter command unit is mounted on a sub board unit different from an interface board unit and a main board unit. A plotter control device comprising: a sub-processor that executes a part or all of analysis processing; and a main processor that is mounted on the main board unit and that executes plotter control processing other than processing by the sub-processor. .