JPH0825715A - Printer and setting method for output processing condition of printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce a load for setting output processing condition on an operator by a method wherein setting of output processing condition suitable for a specified printing medium is automated by referring to a storage means based on information for a kind of the printing medium to be used which is inputted by an input means and controlling setting of the output processing condition. CONSTITUTION:A printer is equipped with an output part 6 wherein printing is carried out on a printing medium based on a page-developed bit map image by processing data specifically by analyzing printing information inputted from an external device 1 like a host computer or the like. Further, the printer is equipped with a RAM 5 wherein kind information for a plurality of printing media capable of being used and output processing condition of an output part 6 corresponding to various kinds of information are stored. Then, in a CPU 4, output condition processing to the output part 6 is set to be controlled by referring to the RAM 5 based on the kind information inputted to the input part 2 wherein the kind information of the printing medium to be used is input- ted. Setting of the output processing condition suitable specified printing medium is automated thereby.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus which receives print data from an external apparatus such as a host computer and prints it on paper, and an output processing condition setting method for the printing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional printing apparatus, a control unit and a printing mechanism unit are electrically and software-connected by a specific interface / protocol agreed upon by both parties. Then, various printing method information such as the printing medium and the printing mode must be correctly specified by the user's operation.

Bit map image data (also byte map data) created by the control unit is transferred to the printing mechanism unit as it is through the above interface, and the data is transferred to the printing mechanism unit. It was configured to print on paper or the like.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, since the user specifies the type of paper and the printing mode by the operation panel or the control command to the printing apparatus, the combination of both is performed. The problem is that it takes a burden for the user to refer to the manual, etc. to specify the correct value, and if the user performs a specifying operation that causes a mismatch between the paper and the print mode, the print result intended by the user cannot be obtained. was there.

Further, the transfer amount of bitmap image data is increasing more and more due to the higher resolution and colorization of the printing apparatus, and the data transfer performed through the interface is protocol processing (signal line status judgment, status setting). Etc.) and conditions such as the data width generally require more time than usual memory access.

Therefore, due to the increase in the amount of data, the processing cost and time required for data transfer from the control unit to the printing mechanism unit in the printing apparatus simultaneously increase, and the load also causes the performance of the entire printing apparatus to deteriorate. There was a problem that it caused a situation.

Particularly, when the bitmap image data of the same page is repeatedly transmitted to the printing mechanism unit by implementing the copy function in the printing apparatus, since the bitmap drawing process is completed, the same process is performed. Only the transfer processing time required for data is conspicuous, and there is a problem in that it cannot take time for processing other input data.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to eighth inventions is to automatically set an output processing condition according to a designated print medium and to expand the output processing condition. The compressed bitmap image data is compressed before being transferred to the printing mechanism, and the compressed internal transfer data is transferred to the printing mechanism and printed while being expanded,
(EN) Provided are a printing apparatus and an output processing condition setting method for the printing apparatus, which can reduce an output condition setting operation load and obtain an appropriate output result, and can markedly improve transfer processing efficiency of bitmap image data to a printing mechanism. That is.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, print information input from an external device is analyzed, predetermined data processing is performed, and a print image is printed on a print medium based on a bitmap image expanded on a page. Inputting output means for performing printing, storage means for storing type information of a plurality of usable print media and output processing conditions of the output means corresponding to various kinds of information, and type information for print media to be used First
The input means and the control means for setting and controlling the output processing condition for the output means by referring to the storage means based on the type information input from the first input means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the output processing condition includes an inversion processing condition for the expanded bitmap image.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the output processing condition includes the type condition of the printing method.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a second input means for inputting desired print method information to be used is provided, and the desired print method information to be used is inputted from the second input means. In this case, the control method sets the printing method in the output processing condition acquired from the storage means based on the type information input from the first input means to the desired printing method input from the second input means. It is configured to substitute.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, output means for analyzing print information input from an external device, performing predetermined data processing, and developing a page into a bitmap image,
In a printing device having a printing mechanism for printing on a print medium based on the bitmap image data output from the output means, a data compression means for compressing page-expanded bitmap image data to generate internal transfer data. Is provided on the output means side, and data decompression means for decompressing the internal transfer data compressed by the data compression means to restore the bitmap image data is provided on the printing mechanism side.

In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the data compression means is configured to compress the bitmap image data in a predetermined band unit to generate the internal transfer data.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is provided with a number designation unit for designating the number of copies, and the data compressing unit causes the data compression unit to generate pages until the number of copies designated by the number designation unit is completed. The internal transfer data compressed in units is held until printing of the number of copies designated by the number designation unit is completed.

An eighth aspect of the present invention is an output unit that analyzes print information input from an external device, performs predetermined data processing, and prints on a print medium based on a bitmap image expanded into pages. In the output condition setting method of the printing apparatus, the output condition setting method includes a plurality of usable print medium type information and a storage unit that respectively stores the output processing condition of the output unit corresponding to each type of information. The method includes an input step of inputting information, and a setting step of setting an output processing condition for the output means by referring to the storage means based on the input type information.

[0017]

In the first aspect of the invention, the control means refers to the storage means based on the type information input from the first input means for inputting the type information of the print medium to be used, and outputs the output to the output means. By setting and controlling the processing conditions, the output processing condition settings appropriate for the specified print medium can be automated.
The operator's burden of setting output processing conditions is reduced.

In the second aspect of the invention, the setting of the inversion processing condition for the expanded bitmap image as the output processing condition suitable for the designated print medium is automated.

In the third invention, the setting of the type condition of the printing method as the output processing condition suitable for the designated printing medium is automated.

In the fourth invention, when the desired printing method information to be used is input from the second input means for inputting the desired printing method information to be used, the control means is controlled from the first input means. The printing method set in the output processing condition acquired from the storage unit based on the input type information is replaced with the desired printing method input from the second input unit, and the automatically set printing method is set by the user. The desired printing method intended by can be freely set.

In the fifth invention, the output means compresses the page-expanded bitmap image data by the data compression means to generate internal transfer data, and the compressed internal data transferred from the output means. It is possible to shorten the data transfer processing time from the output means to the printing mechanism side by decompressing the transfer data by the data decompression means on the printing mechanism side to restore the bitmap image data.

In the sixth invention, the data compressing means compresses the bitmap image data in a predetermined band unit to generate internal transfer data, and shortens the data transfer processing time from the output means to the printing mechanism side. It is possible to do.

In the seventh invention, the data compressing means specifies the generated internal transfer data compressed in page units by the number specifying means until printing for the number of copies specified by the number specifying means is completed. It is possible to hold until the printing of the number of copies is completed, reduce the transfer processing for the same bitmap image data at the time of the copy printing processing, and shorten the transfer time.

In the eighth invention, the type information of the printing medium to be used is input, the output means sets the output processing condition for the output means by referring to the storage means based on the input type information. It also automates the setting of output processing conditions appropriate for the specified print medium.

[0025]

【Example】

[First Embodiment] A case where the present invention is carried out by a bubble jet printer (hereinafter abbreviated as BJ printer) which is a serial printer will be described as an example.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram for explaining the configuration of a printing apparatus showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

An overall operation outline of the printing apparatus will be described with reference to this drawing.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an external device such as a host computer for sending data to a printing device and for executing application software. An input unit 2 receives data sent to the printing apparatus. A ROM 3 stores a control program and various information. The ROM 3 also stores output method information, which will be described later, and information such as a data transfer method.

A CPU 4 executes a control program stored in the ROM 3, analyzes print data and control commands received by the input unit 2, and lays out a page.
Its main function is to perform actual expansion processing, and it also controls and manages the entire apparatus.

A RAM 5 stores drawing data processed by the CPU 4 and develops a bitmap as a frame memory. In addition, variables for holding print medium information, printing method information, and the like are also stored.

An output unit 6 prints the bitmap image data expanded in the RAM 5 on a paper or the like, and also performs paper feeding processing, printing processing, paper discharging processing and the like.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the first to fourth inventions and their functions will be described below with reference to FIG.

The first aspect of the present invention analyzes the print information input from the external device 1, performs predetermined data processing, and prints on a print medium based on a bitmap image which is developed into pages. 6), and storage means (RAM) for storing type information of a plurality of usable print media and output processing conditions of the output means corresponding to the various types of information.
5 or NVRAM (not shown), first input means (command designation from the external device 1 or key input instruction from an operation part not shown) for inputting type information of the print medium to be used, and the first input means. Control means (CP) for setting and controlling output processing conditions for the output means by referring to the storage means based on the type information input from
(Depending on the function of U4), and based on the type information input from the external device 1 for inputting the type information of the print medium to be used, the CPU 4 refers to the RAM 5 to set and control the output processing condition for the output unit 6. Then, the output processing condition setting appropriate for the designated print medium is automated, and the output processing condition setting load on the operator is reduced.

In the second aspect of the invention, the CPU 4 automates the setting of the inversion processing condition for the expanded bitmap image as the output processing condition suitable for the designated print medium.

In the third invention, the CPU 4 automates the setting of the type condition of the printing method as the output processing condition suitable for the designated print medium.

In the fourth invention, the CPU 4 inputs from the first input means when the desired print method information to be used is input from the second input means for inputting the desired print method information to be used. The user selects an automatically set printing method by substituting the desired printing method input from the second input means for the printing method in the output processing condition acquired from the storage means based on the type information An intended printing method can be freely set.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a table storing printing method information according to the printing medium stored in the ROM 3 shown in FIG.

As shown in this figure, the number of print media (for example, plain paper, coated paper, OHP film, back print film, envelopes, etc.) that supports a set of two numerical values, a printing method and a conversion method, depending on the printing medium. It corresponds to the state of arranging minutes,
By indicating the indexes "0" to "4", it is configured so that the optimum combination of the printing method and the conversion method for a specific print medium can be read.

In this embodiment, the user is provided with an input means for inputting the print medium by a control command for designating the print medium, a panel switch for a user interface (not shown) or the like, and the input print medium information is displayed. It is held in the storage area of the RAM 5. When actually printing, the print medium information is referred to, the print mode and the conversion processing method are acquired as an index of the previous printing method information table, and processing is performed.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view for explaining the reverse conversion processing state in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

In the figure, (1) (a) is the print result desired by the user, (b) shows the standard when printing on normal paper, and (c) shows the printing after reverse conversion processing. The result. This is to obtain a print result (d) in which the surface is film-processed by performing such horizontal reversal printing on a translucent film such as an OHP film and turning it over when actually used.

The conversion processing for this may be performed by simply inverting the entire bit string from the leftmost end to the rightmost end (shown in (2) of FIG. 3) in line units, and the data of the byte pair outside one line is MSB respectively. It is obtained by inverting the bit string from LSB to LSB (see (3) in FIG. 3) and exchanging it. Reference numeral 7 is a bitmap image area.

Printing processing in the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. At this time, the inversion processing and the like are described only for one plane, but in the case of color or the like, the same processing is performed for all necessary planes, and therefore the description is omitted.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of the output processing condition setting method for the printing apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (16) indicate each step.

First, in step (1), "0" is set in the variable linecnt indicating the number of processed lines, and the bit map image area 7 is set in the variable lineptr indicating the start address of the line being processed (see (2) in FIG. 3). And the width of the bitmap image area is set to the frame width indicating the number of data of one line.

The variable media holds the print medium information designated by the user in this embodiment. Variable tabl
e indicates a table array storing the printing method information and the like shown in FIG.

In step (2), the conversion processing method suitable for the print medium is set in the variable convmode by referring to the table array with the variable media as the index value. Next, in step (3), the table array for the print mode information most suitable for the print medium is referred to by using the variable media as an index value,
Set it to the variable printmode.

Then, in step (4), the variable convmode
Check whether or not the reverse conversion process is necessary for the currently specified print medium. If NO, the process proceeds to step (13) and thereafter. If the reverse conversion process is necessary, in step (5), The value of the variable lineptr is accessed to the left side address variable workptr 1 which is accessed byte by byte from the leftmost end of the line, and lineptr + framewidth-1 is set to the right side address variable workptr2 which is accessed 1 byte from the rightmost end of the line.
Set.

Next, in step (6), 1-byte data is extracted from the address indicated by workptr 1 and the MSB
<-> LSB is inverted and stored in the left data data1. Then, in step (7), the right side address variable work
1-byte data is taken out from the address indicated by ptr 2, MSB <-> LSB is inverted, and right side data data2
To be stored.

Next, in step (8), the data 1 on the left side is replaced with the data address workptr 2 on the right side.
, And the data on the right side, data2, is set to the address on the left side, which is indicated by workptr 1.

Then, in step (9), the left side address variable workptr 1 is advanced by 1 and the right side address variable workptr is increased.
2 is decremented by 1 so that the inner data is updated byte by byte. Next, in step (10), the left side address variable workptr1 and the right side address variable wor
kptr 2 is compared, and it is judged whether the processing for one line is completed or not depending on whether or not the left side address variable exceeds the right side address. If it is not exceeded, the remaining data still exists, so step (6) Return to and perform the rest of the data processing, and if it exceeds, the processing of one line is completed. In order to target the next line, in step (11), the variable linecnt is advanced by 1 and the variable lineptr is set to fr
Advance to the next line by adding amewidth.

Then, in step (12), the variable linept
If all lines have been converted by referring to r, and if there are still unconverted lines, return to step (5) to perform the conversion process for the next line, and If the reflection conversion process is not designated in step (4), the conventional print mode setting process is performed with reference to the printmode set previously in step (13).

Then, in step (14), paper feed processing is performed, in step (15), the previous bitmap data area transfer processing is performed, and in step (16), paper discharge processing is performed and output processing is performed. finish.

In the first embodiment, the user does not intervene in the print mode at all, but the user inputs the print mode by operating a control command or a user interface panel switch (not shown). An input unit is provided so that the input print mode is set in the area for storing it.

When the user specifies the print mode, a new mode setting of "automatic" can be performed. When the automatic mode is specified, a unique print mode is selected as in the above embodiment. If it is not'automatic ', the print processing according to the print mode can be performed. The output process at this time is only required to replace the process of step (3) in FIG. 4 with the process shown in steps (3-1) and (3-2) of FIG. Hereinafter, the correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the eighth invention and the operation thereof will be described.

The eighth aspect of the present invention analyzes the print information input from the external device, performs predetermined data processing, and prints on the print medium based on the bitmap image expanded into pages (output unit 6). ), And storage means (RAM 5) for storing type information of a plurality of usable print media and output processing conditions of the output means corresponding to various types of information.
Alternatively, in an output processing condition setting method for a printing apparatus having an NVRAM (not shown), an input step of inputting type information of a print medium to be used (step (1) of FIG. 4 and its preprocessing), and the input step. A setting step of setting an output processing condition for the output means by referring to the storage means based on the type information (step (2) in FIG. 4,
(3)) is executed to automate the setting of output processing conditions suitable for the designated print medium.

In the above embodiment, only the printing method and the conversion process are explained as the information peculiar to the print medium. However, depending on the mechanical condition of the output section, the printing may be performed by the paper feed process or the print process. Information may be required depending on the medium.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the thickness of the print medium, the paper feed mode, and the like are held in an expanded form of the table shown in FIG. 2 so that the optimum thickness information can be obtained by designating the print medium. Can be specified mechanically,
It can also be configured to perform paper feed processing and print processing.

According to the first embodiment, the optimum print mode is automatically set for the paper used by the user, so that the normal user only needs to set the type of paper to be set for the printing operation. Optimal print results are obtained.

It is also possible to cancel the automatic setting mode and print in any print mode for a user who wants to print in any print mode.

Further, depending on the printing medium, it is necessary to perform the left-right reversal printing process, and by storing this information in advance as well, the printing process can be optimized only by designating the printing medium. [Second Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining the control arrangement of a printing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 11 denotes an external device such as a host computer, which sends data to the printing device and executes application software or the like.
An input unit 12 receives data sent to the printing apparatus. A ROM 13 stores a control program and various kinds of information. A CPU 14 executes a control program stored in the ROM 13, and analyzes the print data and the control command received by the input unit 12 by the control program to format the page and perform an actual expansion process. Is the main function, and controls and manages the entire device. Reference numeral 15 is a RAM for storing drawing data processed by the CPU 14 and for expanding a bitmap as a frame memory. Work variables and buffers are also stored here. 16 is the RAM1
5 is an output unit that performs a transmission process of the bitmap image data expanded in No. 5 to the printing mechanism unit 18. Input unit 12, RO
The M13, the CPU 14, the RAM 15, and the output unit 16 are collectively referred to as a control unit 17. The output unit 16 includes a data compression unit 16a that compresses bitmap image data to generate internal transfer data, and the printing mechanism unit 18 expands the compressed internal transfer data into bitmap image data. The data decompression unit 18a for restoring is provided.

Reference numeral 18 denotes a printing mechanism section for printing on paper or the like. The printing mechanism unit 18 and the output unit 16 are connected by a predetermined interface, and the output unit 1
Printing mechanism unit 18 according to an instruction by data transmission from 6
Performs paper feed processing, printing processing, conveyance processing, and paper discharge processing.

In the interface example of this embodiment, print data is transmitted from the output unit 16 to the print mechanism unit 18 in units of lines, and a one-line transport instruction is given to perform print processing. In the case of color printing, for example, four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are designated and transmitted on the same line, and then a one-line conveyance instruction is given to perform printing.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the fifth to seventh inventions and their functions will be described below.

A fifth aspect of the present invention analyzes the print information input from the external device 1, performs predetermined data processing, and expands the page into a bit map image by output means (output section 16).
In a printing apparatus having a printing mechanism (printing mechanism unit 18) that prints on a print medium based on the bitmap image data output from the output means, the page-expanded bitmap image data is compressed and internally Data compression means for generating transfer data (data compression unit 16
a) is provided on the output unit (output unit 16) side, and the printing mechanism includes a data decompression unit (data decompression unit 18a) that decompresses the internal transfer data compressed by the data compression unit to restore bitmap image data. Is provided on the output side, and the data compression section 16a on the output section 16 side compresses the page-developed bitmap image data to generate internal transfer data. Data expansion unit 18a on the side of the printing mechanism unit 18
Is expanded and restored to bitmap image data, and the data transfer processing time from the output unit 16 to the printing mechanism unit 18 side can be shortened.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the data compressing section 16a compresses the bitmap image data in a predetermined band unit to generate internal transfer data, and shortens the data transfer processing time from the output means to the printing mechanism side. It is possible to do.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is provided with a sheet number designating unit (command designation from the external device 11 or key instruction from an operation unit (not shown)) for designating the number of copies to print the number of copies designated by the sheet number designating unit. Until the end, the data compression unit 16a holds the generated internal transfer data compressed in page units, for example, in the frame memory area on the RAM 15 until the printing for the number of copies designated by the number designation unit is completed. It is possible to reduce the transfer process for the same bitmap image data during the copy printing process and to shorten the transfer time.
At this time, the CPU 14 performs other processing.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of bitmap image data in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

As shown in this figure, when the output as shown in FIG. 8A is required on the paper, and when the entire area for one page is secured from the RAM 15 as a bitmap image area, FIG. Draw as it is on the full bitmap as in b).

On the other hand, in the case where one page is divided and drawn, for example, a case where a bitmap image area of 1/5 of the page height is secured from the RAM 15 is shown in FIG. 8C.
Shown in At this time, the shifted drawing process and the transfer process are performed five times to draw and output one page. One of the divisions at this time is called a band, and in this case, there are 5 bands / page.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the bit map image area secured in the RAM 15 shown in FIG. 7 and the transmission buffer.

In FIG. 9, in particular, when the bitmap image area 19 secured in the RAM 15 shown in FIG. 7 is transferred, after the data which has been subjected to the data compression processing is stored in the transmission buffer 20, the output unit 16 causes the printing mechanism to print. This corresponds to the state of being transferred to the unit 18.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of the data transfer method of the printing apparatus of the present invention. In addition,
(1) to (8) show each step. Further, this corresponds to the data transfer processing in the case of FIG. 8B and the case of outputting one band in FIG. 8C.

The following is a description of the process of transferring the data from the output section 16 to the printing mechanism section 18 after the drawing of the bitmap image data is completed.

In this embodiment, when multiple planes are used, the same thing is done for the number of planes.
The description is for one plane. Further, the paper feed and paper discharge control for the printing mechanism unit 18 is omitted.

For data transfer, the variable linecnt indicating the number of lines transferred in step (1) is set to "0" and the start address of the bitmap image area to be transferred is set to the variable linept.
Initially set the bitmap image area width to the variable framewidth in r.

Next, in step (2), it is checked by referring to a flag area (not shown) whether or not there is data to be printed in the raster currently to be transferred.
This flag area is set according to the instruction to draw data on that line at the time of page layout, drawing, etc., whether it is drawn, etc.There is no print data in the line where this flag is not set. Is meant.

If the data to be transferred does not exist in step (2), the process proceeds to step (6) and after. If it is determined that the data to be printed exists, in step (3), the data after the compression is compressed. The start address of the transmission buffer 20 shown in FIG. 9 is set in the variable bufptr indicating the start address of the data storage area.

Then, the compression processing routine in step (4) is executed, and the original data start address li is used as an argument.
Performs data compression processing from neptr, compressed data storage address bufptr, and original data length framewidth, stores compressed data in order from compressed data storage address bufptr, stores all data in compression, and then returns the compressed data length as a return value. return.

Next, the transfer processing routine of step (5) is executed to perform the data transfer processing for one line. At this time, a data transfer process according to a predetermined protocol for the printing mechanism unit from the compressed data storage address bufptr as the transfer data start address as the argument and the number of transfer data as the return value of step (4). I do.

Next, in step (6), the paper conveyance process for one line is performed, and in step (7), the original data start address lineptr is added by the bit map image width so that the next line is targeted. Update the transfer line number counter linecnt by "1".

Next, in step (8), it is judged from the linecnt whether or not all the lines are completed. If the transfer is not completed, the process returns to step (2) to process the next line, and all the lines are processed. When it is finished, the transfer process is finished.

In the second embodiment, all the data transfer between the output unit 16 and the printing mechanism unit 18 is the data compressed at the time of transfer. [Third Embodiment] In this embodiment, in the case of a map image of a full bit map image as shown in FIG. 8B, two or more copies are designated by the copy number setting means such as a control command. The pre-transfer compression process in this case will be described.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a transfer data processing state in the printing apparatus showing the third embodiment of the present invention.

Each line of the drawn full bit map area 22 is used as original data, compressed data is created in the compression processing work buffer 21, and the number of compressed data is stored in the compressed data number storage array 23 corresponding to each line. After that, the entire full bitmap area is compressed line by line by copying the contents of the compression processing work buffer 21 to the original area, and at the time of transfer, the compressed data is transferred for the number of pages and printed. It is a thing.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of the data compression transfer method in the printing apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (20) indicate each step.

In the present embodiment, the data compression transfer process is performed after the drawing data is completely drawn in the full bitmap when the number of copies is specified by the copy number setting means such as a control command. To be executed.

First, the variable linecnt indicating the number of lines compressed in step (1) is initialized to "0", the start address of the transfer source bitmap image area is set to the variable lineptr, and the bitmap image area width is set to the variable framewidth. Set.

In step (2), referring to a flag area (not shown), it is checked whether or not there is data to be printed in the raster currently to be transferred. If there is no data to be printed, step ( 7) After that, if there is data to be printed, in step (3), the compression work buffer 21 shown in FIG. 11 is set in the variable bufptr indicating the start address of the compressed data storage area.
Set the start address of.

The compression process in step (4) is
The original data start address lineptr as an argument, the compressed data storage address bufptr, and the original data length framewidth are used for data compression processing, compressed data is stored in order from the compressed data storage address, and all data is compressed and stored. It is configured to return the compressed data length as a value. Then, in step (5), the number of compressed data returned as a result of the compression processing is stored in the linecnt th of the compressed data storage array 23, and in step (6) the compression processing work buffer 2
Based on the first address bufptr of 1, the storage address of lineptr, and the number of transfer bytes of the linecnt-th value of the compressed data number array 23, the compressed data is copied.

As a result, the original data for one line is compressed.

Next, in step (7), the original data start address lineptr is set to the bitmap image width (framewidt
h) The line is updated so that the next line is targeted by incrementing by one, and the transfer line number counter linecnt is incremented by 1. Then, in step (8), check if all lines have finished.
Judging from necnt, if the transfer is not completed, return to step (2) to perform the compression process of the next line, and if all lines are completed, the compression process is completed, that is, the compression of the full bitmap. The process ends.

Next, the process shifts to the page printing process for the designated number of sheets, and the number of copies designated in step (9) is changed to a variable.
It is set to copycnt, and paper feed processing is performed in step (10). This is performed by the output unit 16 transmitting a predetermined data string to the printing mechanism unit 18.

After feeding, the variable linecnt indicating the number of lines transferred in step (11) is set to "0" and the start address of the bitmap image area to be transferred is set to the variable li.
The width of the bitmap image area in neptr is set to the variable framewid
Initialize to th. Next, in step (12), it is checked whether or not there is data to be printed in the raster to be transferred by referring to a flag area (not shown). If there is no data to be printed, step (15) If there is data to be printed, the compressed data number is fetched from the linecnt th of the compressed data number storage array 23 in step (13), and the process proceeds to step (1
In 4), data transfer processing for one line is performed.

At this time, data transfer processing is performed according to a predetermined protocol to the printing mechanism unit 18 with the lineptr of the transfer data start address as the argument and the compressed data number acquired in step (13) as the transfer data number. .

Then, in step (15), the paper conveyance process for one line is performed, and in step (16), the original data start address lineptr is set to the bitmap image width (framewid
The next line is updated by adding th), and the transfer line number counter linecnt is incremented by "1".

Next, in step (17), it is judged from the variable linecnt whether or not all the lines have ended. If the transfer has not ended, the process returns to step (12) to process the next line, If the process is completed, the one-page transfer process is completed, so the paper ejection process is performed in step (18), the variable copycnt is decremented by “1” in step (19), and all pages are output in step (20). Check if the variable copycnt is larger than "0", and if the variable copycnt is larger than "0" (NO)
Leaves the copy page, so step (10)
Then, the process for feeding, printing, and ejecting the next page is performed. When the variable copycnt is "0", the printing for all pages has been completed, so the output process ends.

According to the third embodiment, the data compression processing function is provided on the control unit side and the data decompression processing function is provided on the printing mechanism unit side when transferring data from the control unit to the printing mechanism unit in the printing apparatus. The transfer time can be shortened by reducing the data transfer amount between the control unit and the printing mechanism unit.

When it is necessary to repeatedly transfer the same data to the printing mechanism section by the copy function or the like, the compression process is performed not for the transfer but only for the print data itself, and thereafter, the compression process is performed. By adopting a means of transferring the generated print data to the printing mechanism unit, the processing cost and time cost can be reduced and the performance of the entire printing apparatus can be improved.

[0101]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention
According to the invention, the control means refers to the storage means and sets the output processing condition for the output means based on the type information inputted from the first input means for inputting the type information of the print medium to be used. Since the control is performed, the output processing condition setting appropriate for the designated print medium can be automated, and the output processing condition setting load on the operator can be reduced.

According to the second invention, it is possible to automate the setting of the inversion processing condition for the expanded bitmap image as the output processing condition suitable for the designated print medium.

According to the third invention, it is possible to automate the setting of the type condition of the printing method as the output processing condition suitable for the designated print medium.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, when the desired printing method information to be used is input from the second input means for inputting the desired printing method information to be used, the control means sets the first means.
Automatically set because the printing method in the output processing condition acquired from the storage means based on the type information input from the input means is replaced with the desired printing method input from the second input means. A desired printing method intended by the user can be freely set as the printing method.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, on the output side, the data compression means compresses the page-developed bitmap image data to generate internal transfer data, which is transferred from the output means. It is possible to shorten the data transfer processing time from the output means to the printing mechanism side by decompressing the internal transfer data by the data decompression means on the printing mechanism side to restore the bitmap image data.

According to the sixth invention, the data compression means is
Since the bitmap image data is compressed in a predetermined band unit to generate the internal transfer data, the data transfer processing time from the output means to the printing mechanism side can be shortened.

According to the seventh invention, the data compressing means holds the generated internal transfer data compressed in page units until printing for the number of copies designated by the number designating means is completed. It is possible to reduce the transfer processing for the same bitmap image data at the time of processing and to shorten the transfer time.

According to the eighth invention, the type information of the print medium to be used is input, and the output processing condition for the output unit is set by referring to the storage unit based on the input type information. It is possible to automate the setting of output processing conditions suitable for the specified print medium.

Therefore, the load of the output condition setting operation can be reduced, an appropriate output result can be obtained, and the transfer processing efficiency of the bitmap image data to the printing mechanism can be remarkably improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a first print processing condition table stored in a ROM shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an inversion conversion processing state in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a first output processing condition setting method for a printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a main process of a second output processing condition setting method of the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

6 is a diagram showing an example of a second print processing condition table stored in the ROM shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of bitmap image data in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

9 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a bitmap image area secured in a RAM and a transmission buffer shown in FIG. 7. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a data transfer method of the printing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a transfer data processing state in the printing apparatus showing the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a data compression transfer method in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 External device 2 Input section 3 ROM 4 CPU 5 RAM 6 Output section

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. Output means for analyzing print information input from an external device, performing predetermined data processing, and printing on a print medium based on a bitmap image expanded into pages, and a plurality of usable prints From the first input means, storage means for respectively storing medium type information and output processing conditions of the output means corresponding to the various type information, first input means for inputting type information of a print medium to be used, A printing apparatus, comprising: a control unit that refers to the storage unit based on the inputted type information and sets and controls an output processing condition for the output unit. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output processing condition includes an inversion processing condition for the developed bitmap image. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output processing condition includes a type condition of a printing method. 4. A second input means for inputting desired print method information to be used is provided, and when the desired print method information to be used is inputted from the second input means, the control means is the first. The printing method in the output processing condition acquired from the storage means based on the type information input from the second input means is replaced with the desired printing method input from the second input means. Item 2. The printing device according to item 1. 5. Output means for analyzing print information input from an external device, performing predetermined data processing, and developing a page into a bitmap image, and printing based on the bitmap image data output from this output means. In a printing apparatus having a printing mechanism for printing on a medium, a data compression unit for compressing page-developed bitmap image data to generate internal transfer data is provided on the output unit side, and is compressed by the data compression unit. A printing apparatus, wherein the printing mechanism side is provided with data decompression means for decompressing the internal transfer data and restoring it to bitmap image data. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the data compression unit compresses the bitmap image data in a predetermined band unit to generate internal transfer data. 7. A number-of-sheets designating unit for designating the number of copies is provided, and the data compression unit generates the internal transfer data compressed in page units until printing of the number of copies designated by the number-of-sheets designating unit is completed. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the printing is held until printing of the number of copies designated by the number designation unit is completed. 8. An output unit for analyzing print information input from an external device, performing predetermined data processing, and printing on a print medium based on a bitmap image expanded into pages, and a plurality of usable prints. In an output processing condition setting method for a printing apparatus, which includes medium type information and a storage unit that stores the output processing conditions of the output unit corresponding to each type of information, an input step of inputting the type information of the print medium to be used And a setting step of setting an output processing condition for the output means with reference to the storage means based on the input type information.