JPH09281953A - Picture processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively decrease quantity of data of the picture by automatically eliminating at least one part of an overlapped part of assembled graphics. SOLUTION: A non-overlapping new graphic data making means detects data relating to overlapping unit graphic in which at least one part is overlapped out of intermediate data stored in an unprocessed region 140, when quantity of data is more than the quantity of data of a non-overlapping new graphic obtained by omitting one side of an overlapped part, a non-overlapping new graphic data is produced. And, the made non-overlapping new graphic data is stored in a non-overlapping new graphic data storing region 144, and it is used for producing dot data by a dot data producing means when a non- overlapping new graphic is displayed on a display device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and, more particularly, to processing a collective figure composed of a plurality of figures at least partially overlapping with each other.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image processing apparatus has a processing means for processing graphic data, and is provided in a display device such as a CRT display or a liquid crystal display or a recording device such as a serial printer or a line printer to display the graphic data. Converts to dot data that indicates whether or not to form a dot in each pixel, or is provided in the image transmission device and creates transmission image data for transmitting graphic data to another device. is there.

An image processed by this image processing apparatus may consist of a set of a plurality of figures. The figure group, which is a set of these figures, includes at least one of an independent figure that does not overlap with other figures and an aggregate figure in which the plurality of figures at least partially overlap each other. There are various reasons why aggregate figures are generated. For example, when a figure of any shape is combined by combining various figures such as a quadrangle, a triangle, and a circle, or a figure whose contour line is defined by a curve is a process step. When the drawing is replaced with a set of a plurality of polygons, or when a read figure obtained by reading with a scanner or an image sensor is combined with a drawing figure such as a quadrangle or a triangle to draw a figure.

The graphics are classified into dot graphics, line graphics, surface graphics, read graphics, and the like. A dot figure is a figure consisting of one pixel,
The read figure can be considered as a set of dot figures. A line figure includes a straight line, a line segment that connects two specified points, a set of line segments that connects two or more three or more specified points, a curve that is defined by three or more specified points, and both ends of a curve. There are limited finite curves, curves and sets of finite curves. A surface figure is a figure of a surface surrounded by a closed line figure, and the closed line figure is called a contour line of the surface figure. As a typical surface figure defined by three or more defined points, there are convex polygons and concave polygons in which two defined points are connected by a line segment and the line segments do not intersect each other. A line segment that is a contour line element is particularly called an edge. The area figure further includes an edge-crossing figure in which at least two sides intersect, a convex polygon, a concave polygon, a figure in which at least one side is replaced with a finite curve, a figure surrounded only by curves, and the like. There is.

As for the read figure, for example, when the read figure area is set in a part of the image forming area and the read figure is incorporated in the read figure area, the entire read figure area can be treated as one plane figure. It is possible. The shape of the read graphic area can be set to various shapes such as a rectangle, a convex polygon other than a rectangle, a concave polygon, and a circle. It is also possible to process each of a large number of pixels forming the read figure as one point figure. As described above, a figure includes a point figure, a surface figure, a line figure, and a read figure. However, when a plurality of figures are assembled to form a figure group, each figure means a constituent unit of the figure group. A figure is called a unit figure, and a figure group is called a unit figure group.

The unit figure data representing the surface figure and the line figure of the unit figures are generally composed of coordinate data representing the coordinates of a plurality of prescribed points and data representing the distinction between straight lines and curves or the type of curve. Composed of combinations, but only coordinate data
Alternatively, it may be composed only of data representing at least one of a straight line and a curved line. For example, if the contour line element is a line segment, the unit figure can be specified only by the coordinates of the specified points. A graphic can be defined only by an expression. The unit graphic data representing the read graphic is composed of, for example, coordinate data of defined points defining the read graphic area, recording of each of a large number of pixels forming the read graphic, and display data.

[0007]

As described above, in a collective figure, a plurality of unit figures overlap each other at least in part, but the data of this collective figure includes the data of the overlapping part. May not be desirable. For example, if all the area figures are output with the inside of the outline filled in with one color, the image data is If both contain the data of the portions overlapping with each other, the amount of data becomes unnecessarily large. The output here means display or recording. Therefore, the storage capacity of the image data storage unit of the image processing apparatus may be insufficient, and a situation may occur in which the entire image data (for example, data for one page) cannot be stored. In order to avoid this, the image data storage unit If the storage capacity is increased, the device cost will increase. Also,
When outputting the set figure, the dot data is 2 for the same part.
This is wasteful because it is created once, and the transmission time when the image data is transmitted to another device is unnecessarily long.

Further, when a plurality of surface figures are output in a state where the insides of the contour lines are painted in different colors, the data defining the lower part of the overlapping parts should be removed. Is often required. This is because if two colors are output in an overlapping manner, they will be different from any of the colors due to color mixing, and in many cases this is not desired. It is not essential to remove the data defining the lower part when the two colors are output overlapping and the lower color is completely covered by the upper color, but it is stored or transmitted. It is desirable to remove the image data from the viewpoint of reducing the total amount of image data.

In view of the above circumstances, the first aspect of the present invention has as its object to provide an image processing apparatus capable of automatically removing at least a part of an overlapping portion of an aggregate figure. It is a thing. An object of the second invention according to claim 2 is to obtain an image processing apparatus capable of effectively reducing the data amount of an image including a set figure, and an object of the third invention according to claim 3 is: An object of the present invention is to obtain an image processing device capable of rapidly outputting a figure by dots. An object of a fourth invention according to claim 4 is to obtain an image processing device capable of quickly detecting an overlap between two unit figures. An object of a fifth invention according to claim 5 is to obtain an image processing apparatus capable of selectively creating two types of new non-overlapping new graphics that do not overlap with other graphics. An object of a sixth invention according to claim 6 is to obtain an image processing apparatus in which the image processing time is not unduly lengthened. An object of the seventh invention according to claim 7 is to create a non-overlapping new graphic when the storage capacity of the graphic data storage means is insufficient,
An object of the present invention is to obtain an image processing device capable of solving the shortage of storage capacity.

[0010]

Means for Solving the Problems, Functions and Effects of the Invention
The above problem is solved in the first invention as follows. Image processing including a processing unit including a plurality of unit figures, and at least one of the plurality of unit figures processing a unit figure group forming an aggregate figure at least partially overlapping with at least one of the other unit figures In the apparatus, the processing means is based on (a) pre-processed graphic data storage means for storing data of unit graphic before processing, and (b) based on the unit graphic data stored in the pre-processed graphic data storage means. Non-overlapping new graphic data creating means for creating non-overlapping new graphic data in which one of the overlapping parts is omitted, and (c) the non-overlapping new graphic data creating means This is solved by including non-overlapping new graphic data storage means for storing the duplicate new graphic data.

According to the apparatus of the present invention, for example, when a plurality of unit figures forming the collective figure are plane figures, among the contour line elements of these unit figures, other units forming the same collective figure are included. A merged non-overlapping new figure in which a new contour line is defined by a set of contour line elements excluding the portion located inside the figure is obtained. The merged non-overlapping new figure is, for example,
Of the prescribed points that define each of the plurality of unit figures that at least partially overlap each other, the prescribed points that define the portions located inside other unit figures of the contour element of those unit figures are It can be defined by a defined point group that is replaced by intersections of contour line elements. In some cases, the merged non-overlapping new figure can be defined by a part of a plurality of straight lines or curves that define a plurality of unit figures that form the aggregate figure.

Another example of the non-overlapping new graphic obtained by the device according to the present invention is a unit graphic partial modification type non-overlapping new graphic. This non-overlapping new figure is a set of unit figures changed to a shape excluding one of the overlapping portions of the plurality of unit figures. In one example, the shape of one of the plurality of unit figures that at least partially overlap with each other is not changed, and the other unit figures are changed to a shape excluding the overlapping portion. The shape of a portion of one unit figure that overlaps with a certain unit figure may not be changed, and the shape of a portion that overlaps with another unit figure may be changed to form a unit figure partially modified non-overlapping new figure. . The unit figure whose shape is to be changed is, for example, a defined point that defines a portion of the contour line element of the unit figure located inside another unit figure among the defined points that define the unit figure. It can be defined by a defined point group that is replaced by the intersection of the element and the contour element of another unit figure. A non-overlapping new graphic with a partially modified unit graphic can be created whether the unit graphic is a surface graphic or a line graphic. When one of a plurality of unit figures that overlap with each other is a line figure, the constituent line elements of the line figure cannot be technically called contour line elements, but the actual handling may be the same and should be included in the contour line elements. And Even if the unit figure is a line figure, for example, if a part of the contour line element overlaps with the area figure, it is changed to a line figure excluding the portion located inside the area figure, and the unit figure part Construct a modified non-overlapping new graphic. When one of the plurality of unit figures overlapping each other is the read figure, a unit figure partially modified non-overlapping new figure is created. This is because the read figure is a special figure defined by the data created for each of a large number of pixels, unlike the area figure and the line figure. In any of the above cases, if all the unit figures are included in other unit figures, one unit figure is simply deleted. This is because, for surface graphics and line graphics that are all included in other unit graphics, all defined points that define these graphics are removed and there are no intersections, and for read graphics, the read graphics are configured. This is because the data created for all pixels is erased. If the dot graphic is also included in another unit graphic, the dot graphic is erased.

The non-overlapping new graphic data creating means stores one non-overlapping new graphic created from two unit graphics in a non-overlapping new graphic data storing means different from the unprocessed graphic data storing means, If necessary, new non-overlapping new graphic data is created from the non-overlapping new graphic data stored in the non-overlapping new graphic data storage means and the unit graphic data stored in the pre-processing graphic data storage means. It is also possible. When the above process is repeated, finally, the data of the non-overlapping new graphic created from all the unit graphics constituting one aggregate graphic is stored in the non-overlapping new graphic data storage means. Further, when the unit graphic data before processing stored in the pre-processed graphic data storage means includes independent graphic data, if the independent graphic data is stored as it is in the non-overlapping new graphic data storage means, Therefore, the image data representing the entire image is stored in the non-overlapping new graphic data storage means.

When the non-overlapping new figure data creating means creates one non-overlapping new figure from two unit figures, the non-overlapping new figure data is the unit figure data of the original two unit figures. Stored in the graphic data storage means before processing,
If necessary, the one new non-overlapping new graphic data may be used as new unit graphic data to create new non-overlapping new graphic data with other unit graphic data. Finally, the data of the non-overlapping new graphic created from all the set graphics is stored in the pre-processing graphic data storage means. In this case, the pre-processing graphic data storage means is the non-overlapping new graphic data storage means. Will also serve as. When the unprocessed figure data storage means is the unprocessed image data storage means for storing not only the collective figure data but also the image data representing the entire image including the independent figure data, the independent figure data is directly processed as the unprocessed figure data. Since it is left in the data storage means, the image data representing the entire image after processing is stored in the pre-processed graphic data storage means, and the pre-processed graphic data storage means as the pre-processed image data storage means It also serves as a post-processing image data storage means.

As described above, according to the image processing apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, data of new non-overlapping figures having no overlapping portion is created for a plurality of unit figures at least partially overlapping each other. Dot data is not duplicated when the figure is output to the output device, and the dot data creation time is shortened. In addition, when a plurality of unit figures forming the aggregate figure are output in a state where the insides of the outlines are painted in different colors, the data defining the lower part of the overlapping parts is Removed to avoid unintended color mixing.

In the second invention, the above-mentioned problem is that at least one of the plurality of unit figures is defined by three or more defined points.
When the remaining unit figures are respectively defined by two or more defining points, the non-overlapping new figure data creating means in the first invention is provided with two unit figures in which at least some of them overlap each other. If the sum of the number of specified points defining each unit figure is larger than the number of specified points defining a new non-overlapping new figure created from these two unit figures, the two unit figures do not overlap. Create a new shape,
The problem is solved by including a non-overlapping new figure data creating means when the prescribed points are not created if there are not many.

In some cases, the number of defined points for defining a merged non-overlapping new graphic or a unit graphic partly modified non-overlapping new graphic may be greater than the sum of the respective defined points of the unit graphic at least partially overlapping each other. In that case, the amount of image data increases. On the other hand, if the prescribed number of points decreases, the non-overlapping new graphic data creating means is activated, and if it does not decrease, the non-overlapping new graphic data can be created to reliably reduce the amount of image data. it can. Thereby,
It becomes possible to use the image data storage means having a relatively small storage capacity, so that the apparatus cost can be reduced, or the image data transmission time, the dot data creation time, etc. can be shortened. Even if the unit graphic is a read graphic, if it can be handled as a surface graphic, the non-overlapping new graphic can be created by the non-overlapping new graphic data creating means when the number of specified points decreases.

It is also possible to allow the data of the collective graphic which is not processed because the non-overlapping new graphic data creating means is not operated to be stored in the non-overlapping new graphic data storage means together with the data of the non-overlapping new graphic data. It is also possible to leave the unprocessed figure data in the unprocessed figure data storage means. In the latter case, the non-overlapping new graphic data can be stored in the pre-processed graphic data storage means,
The unprocessed graphic data storage means also serves as the non-overlapping new graphic data storage means.

Whether the image processing apparatus according to the third invention forms dots for each pixel based on the non-overlapping new graphic data stored in the non-overlapping new graphic data storage means in the first or second invention. Thus, the output device for outputting the graphic includes a dot data creating means for creating dot data for outputting the non-overlapping new graphic. In this apparatus, the dot data is created based on the non-overlapping new graphic data, but it is possible to create the dot data quickly by eliminating or reducing the overlapping portion.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned problem is obtained by using the non-overlapping new graphic data creating means in any one of the first to third inventions for each two of the plurality of unit graphics. The circumscribed rectangles circumscribing each of the
The duplication possibility determination means for determining whether or not there is a possibility of duplication, and each of the two unit figures determined by the duplication possibility determination means as a possibility of duplication, This is solved by including circumscribing rectangle overlapped overlapping figure detecting means for detecting an overlap. Here, “overlapping” includes a case where a part of one circumscribed rectangle is included in the other circumscribed rectangle, a case where all of the circumscribed rectangles are included, and a case where they are exactly overlapped. When a unit figure is a read figure, if a rectangular read figure area is set for the read figure, consider that read figure area as a circumscribed rectangle and detect the overlap with the circumscribed rectangle of another unit figure. You can The circumscribed rectangles of the unit figures that at least partially overlap at least partially overlap each other, whereas the circumscribed rectangles of two unit figures that do not overlap each other often do not overlap. Therefore, first, by checking whether or not at least a part of the circumscribed rectangles overlap each other, it is possible to exclude a unit figure whose circumscribed rectangles are separated from each other and may not overlap each other from the duplication determination of the unit figure. . The circumscribed rectangle has two sides parallel to the X axis and two sides parallel to the Y axis on the coordinate plane defining the unit figure, and, for example, a point having the maximum X coordinate value and Y coordinate value, It is a special quadrangle that can be defined by the smallest point and. Therefore, as described in the embodiment of the invention, the determination as to whether two circumscribed rectangles overlap can be made much easier than the determination as to whether two unit figures overlap. Of the plurality of unit figures, the unit figure having no possibility of duplication can be easily excluded. Among the remaining unit figures, there are unit figures that do not intersect even if the circumscribed rectangles overlap, but there are only a few, and the number of unit figures for which duplication should be detected is small, and overlapping unit figures can be detected quickly. be able to.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the problem is that the pre-processed graphic data storage means in any one of the first to fourth inventions is used, and the data of the plurality of unit graphics are stored.
The priorities among the unit figures are stored in a discriminable manner, and the non-overlapping new figure data creating means (A) sets the priority order when two of the plurality of unit figures overlap each other. The unit graphic data of the unit graphic whose top is higher is not changed, and the unit graphic data of the unit graphic whose priority is lower is changed to the partial graphic data of the part that does not overlap with the unit graphic whose priority is higher. Non-overlapping new figure data creating means, and (B) contour line data creating means for creating contour line data defining a contour line of the non-overlapping new figure,
(C) The problem is solved by including the non-overlapping new figure creation mode selecting means for selectively operating the priority corresponding non-overlapping new figure data creating means and the contour line data creating means. In the apparatus of this aspect, by operating the priority correspondence non-overlapping new graphic data creating means, the data of the unit graphic partial change type non-overlapping new graphic can be created,
By operating the contour line data creating means, it is possible to create data of a merged non-overlapping new figure. By selectively operating the two data creating means, it is possible to obtain a non-overlapping new figure depending on the case.

In a sixth aspect of the invention, the above-mentioned problems can be solved by presetting the number of unit figures to be processed at one time by the processing means in any one of the first to fifth aspects of the invention. The "number of unit figures processed at one time by the processing means" is defined by the total number of unit figures to be processed at one time by the processing means, but by the number of unit figures constituting one non-overlapping new figure. It may be defined, or may be defined by the number of a series of unit figures that are directly or indirectly connected to each other. If the number of unit figures to be processed at one time by the processing means is not set, for example, one non-overlapping new figure is composed of a large number of unit figures and the amount of non-overlapping new figure data increases, There may be a problem that the time required to detect the overlap between the non-overlapping new figure and another unit figure becomes unreasonably long, but if the number of unit figures to be processed at a time is set, The data amount of one non-overlapping new figure does not become too large, and the processing time is prevented from being unduly lengthened.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the second to sixth aspects, when the storage capacity of the unprocessed graphic data storage means is insufficient, the non-overlapping new operation is performed when the prescribed point decreases. A storage capacity shortage coping means for operating the graphic data creating means and storing the resulting non-overlapping new graphic data in the unprocessed graphic data storage means in place of the unit graphic data corresponding to the non-overlapping new graphic data is included. To be taken. The unprocessed figure data storage means does not always have a shortage of storage capacity, and the creation of non-overlapping new figure data is omitted as long as all the unit figure data can be stored. If the creation of the non-overlapping new graphic data is omitted, the time required to store the unit graphic data in the pre-processed graphic data storage means is shortened accordingly. If all the unit graphic data cannot be stored, the non-overlapping new graphic data creating means is activated when the specified points are decreased to create the non-overlapping new graphic data, and the data amount is decreased due to the decrease of the specified points, The unit graphic data can be stored in the pre-processed graphic data storage means. When the storage capacity of the unprocessed graphic data storage means is insufficient, the non-overlapping new graphic data may be created based on all the unit graphic data already stored in the unprocessed graphic data storage means, or The non-overlapping new graphic data may be created based on part of the unit graphic data. In the latter case, if the storage capacity is still insufficient after the non-overlapping new graphic data creation processing is performed once, the non-overlapping new graphic data is created based on the unit graphic data of another portion, and this is the whole unit graphic. Repeated until data is stored. In addition,
When the shortage of the storage capacity is known in advance, the amount of unit graphic data to be processed may be set according to the shortage of the storage capacity. In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, both the unit graphic data before processing and the non-overlapping new graphic data are stored in the pre-processing graphic data storage means, and the pre-processing graphic data storage means stores the non-overlapping new graphic data storage means. Also serve.

The present invention can be implemented in the following modes in addition to the modes described in claims 1 to 7. The embodiments are conveniently described as an embodiment of the same type as the claims. (1) The non-overlapping new figure data creating means includes an overlapping unit figure detecting means for detecting an overlapping unit figure in which at least a part of the plurality of unit figures overlaps. The image processing device according to any one of claims.
In this apparatus, the process of creating the non-overlapping new graphic data is performed for the duplicate unit graphic detected by the duplicate unit graphic detecting means. (2) The overlapping unit figure detecting means defines, for each two of the plurality of unit figures, a finite line defined by two defining points defining one unit figure and the other unit figure. 8. An intersection detecting means for detecting an intersection with a finite line defined by two defined points each.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of the first aspect. Here, the “finite line” includes a line segment that is a finite straight line and a finite curve. When the unit figure is a read figure, if a read figure area is set for the read figure, the contour line that defines the read figure area can be used as a finite line to detect an intersection with another unit figure. (3) The non-overlapping new figure data creating means includes contour line data creating means for creating contour line data defining a contour line of the non-overlapping new figure.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of 1 and 2. The contour line data creating means defines a contour line formed by connecting contour line elements excluding a portion located inside another unit figure from each contour line element of a plurality of unit figures which at least partially overlap each other. Create line data. The contour line data is generally composed of a combination of coordinate data representing the coordinates of a plurality of specified points and data representing the type of a curve or a straight line or a curve. It may be composed only of data representing at least one of and. The contour line data may be created only when the specified points decrease, or may be created even when the specified points do not decrease. In the latter case, for example, when the dot data is created based on the contour line data and the figure is output to the output device, the time required for conversion into the dot data is shortened. If the outline data of the non-overlapping new figure is not created, the dot data will be created based on the unit figure data for each unit figure. In this case, the outline element used to create the dot data The number of dots increases compared to the case where the outline data of the new non-overlapping new figure is created, and the time required to create the dot data increases, while the overlap does not occur even if the specified points do not decrease. If the contour line data of the new figure is created, the amount of time required to create the dot data will be greater than the time required to create the contour line data, and as a result, the output will be performed quickly. . (4) The unprocessed figure data storage means stores the data of the plurality of unit figures in a state in which the priority order among the unit figures can be discriminated, and the non-overlapping new figure data creating means, When two of the plurality of unit figures overlap each other, the unit figure data of the unit figure having the higher priority is not changed, and the unit figure data of the unit figure having the lower priority is higher in the priority. 4. The priority-corresponding non-overlapping new graphic data creating means for changing to partial graphic data of a portion which does not overlap with a certain unit graphic is included in any one of claims 1 to 4, 6, 7 and embodiment 1 to 3. Image processing device. For example, when the unit graphic data is created by the PostScript language, the priority order of two unit graphics that at least partially overlap can be determined by the storage order of the unit graphic data in the preprocessed graphic data storage means. Is.
The unit graphic data stored later is determined to have higher priority. (5) The priority-corresponding non-overlapping new graphic data creating means, when the non-overlapping new graphic creation mode selecting means has different colors of two unit graphics in which at least a part of the plurality of unit graphics overlaps. 5. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7 and embodiment 1 to 4, further comprising: The image processing device according to item 1.
"Same color" means that if the figure is a color figure, the hue and density are the same, and if it is a black and white figure, the density is the same. If the colors are the same, it is possible to treat two unit figures that at least partially overlap as one figure, and operate the contour line data creating means to create the contour line data. When at least a part of two unit figures with different colors and priorities are overlapped, the unit figure with the lower priority has the overlapped portion hidden, and the data of the overlapped portion is unnecessary. is there. However, since the unit graphic having the higher priority and the unit graphic having the lower priority and the partial graphic of the unit graphic having the lower priority cannot be handled as one graphic, the priority correspondence non-overlapping new graphic data creating means is activated. Of.
When all the graphics forming an image of a predetermined unit, such as one page and one document, have the same color, the non-overlapping new graphic creation form selecting means selects the non-overlapping new graphic creation form for each unit. When a plurality of figures in the unit differ in at least one of hue and density, the non-overlapping new figure creation mode is selected for each figure. (6) The priority-corresponding non-overlapping new graphic is used when the non-overlapping new graphic creation mode selection means is a line graphic or a read graphic when one of the unit graphics in which at least a part of the plurality of unit graphics overlaps. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7 and embodiments 1 to 5, which includes non-overlapping new figure creation form selection means for operating the data creation means. Since the read figure is a special figure as described above, the read figure itself or a unit figure that overlaps the read figure is a unit figure partial change type non-overlapped new type by the operation of the priority correspondence non-overlapping new figure data creating means. Changed to a figure. Further, since it is inappropriate or impossible to combine the line figure even if a part of the line figure overlaps with the surface figure or the read figure, the priority correspondence non-overlapping new figure data creating means is activated to change the line figure. It is changed to a unit figure part change type non-overlapping new figure.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An image processing apparatus for an ink jet printer, which is an embodiment common to the first to sixth inventions, will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The inkjet printer 8 shown in FIG. 1 has a box shape and has a cover 10 that can be partially opened and closed. A frame 12 is provided inside the cover 10, and the frame 12 is provided with a rubber platen 14, a carriage 16, a carriage driving device 18, and an ink ejecting device 20.

Both ends of the shaft 21 of the platen 14 are rotatably supported by a pair of side wall plates 22 and 24 constituting the frame 12, and a platen gear 26 is attached to an end protruding from one side wall plate 24. ing. As shown in FIG. 2, a composite gear 32 having a small-diameter first gear 28 and a large-diameter second gear 30 is rotatably attached to the side wall plate 24, and the first gear 28 is the platen gear 2
6, the second gear 30 is engaged with the feed motor 34.
Is engaged with a drive gear 36 fixed to the output shaft.
Therefore, if the feed motor 34 is rotated in a predetermined direction and the drive gear 36 is rotated, the composite gear 3 is rotated.
2, the platen gear 26 is rotated, the platen 14 is rotated, and the recording sheet 38 as a recording medium (see FIG. 1).
Is sent.

On the front side of the platen 14, as shown in FIG. 1, guide rods 46 having both ends supported by the side wall plate 22 and another side wall plate 44 constituting the frame 12 are provided on the platen 14. It is arranged parallel to the axis of rotation. The frame 12 is also provided with a guide rail 48 parallel to the guide rod 46, and the carriage 16 is slidably fitted to the guide rod 46 and movably supported by the guide rail 48. .

At one end of the carriage movement region of the frame 12 (the region between the side wall plate 22 and the side wall plate 44),
The drive pulley 50 is rotatably attached, the driven pulley 52 is rotatably attached to the other end, and an endless timing belt 54 is wound around the pulleys 50 and 52. The timing belt 54 is connected to the lower end of the carriage 16, and the drive pulley 50 is rotationally driven by the carriage drive motor 56, so that the carriage 16 is guided by the guide rods 46 and the guide rails 48 and the rotation axis of the platen 14. It can be reciprocated in the direction parallel to. Drive pulley 50, driven pulley 5
2. The carriage drive motor 56 and the like constitute the carriage drive device 18.

The ink ejecting apparatus 20 will be described. On the carriage 16, a box-shaped head holder 60 whose upper side and front side (on the side opposite to the platen 14) are opened is attached. As shown in FIG. 2, four recording heads for ejecting ink, that is, C (cyan) ink is ejected to the rear portion of the head holder 60, that is, the standing wall portion 62 provided at the end portion on the platen 14 side. Recording head 6
Recording head 6 for ejecting 4, M (magenta) ink
Recording head 6 for ejecting 6, Y (yellow) ink
Recording head 70 for ejecting 8, K (black) ink
Are arranged side by side in a line parallel to the moving direction of the carriage 16.

A plurality of ejection nozzles (not shown) for ejecting ink are respectively provided on these recording heads 64-70.
A plurality of ink supply passages (not shown) corresponding to the plurality of ejection nozzles are formed, and a piezoelectric element for ejecting ink is provided in the ink supply passage. The recording heads 64 to 70 also include connecting cylinder portions 72, 74, 76, 7
8 is integrally provided, penetrates the standing wall portion 62, and projects forward from the standing wall portion 62.

On the head holder 60, an ink cartridge 80 containing C (cyan) ink, an ink cartridge 82 containing M (magenta) ink, and Y.
Ink cartridge 8 containing (yellow) ink
The ink cartridges 86 containing the 4th and K (black) inks are removably attached to the positions corresponding to the recording heads that eject the inks of the colors contained in the respective ink cartridges. The connecting cylinder portion 72
The projecting end portions of the wall portions 62 to 78 from the standing wall portion 62 are inserted into the ink supply ports (not shown) formed in the ink cartridges 80 to 86, and brought into contact with the ink absorber incorporated in the ink cartridges. As a result, each ink of the ink cartridges 80 to 86 is supplied to the plurality of ink supply passages of the recording heads 64 to 70 through the connecting cylinders 72 to 78, and the piezoelectric element is driven for each of the recording heads 64 to 70. As a result, four color inks are ejected from the ejection nozzles of the recording heads 64 to 70, and a full-color image is recorded on the recording paper 38.

The ink jet printer 8 is controlled by the control device 90 shown in FIG. The controller 90 is C
PU 92 and peripheral input / output interface 94 that is a programmable peripheral interface (PPI)
1 (shown as PPI 94 in the figure)
A first controller 96 configured by a chip CPU and a second controller 101 configured by a one-chip CPU similarly including a CPU 98 and a peripheral input / output interface 99 (shown as PPI 99 in the figure) are provided. ing.

The first controller 96 includes ROM 100, RA
An intermediate data buffer 106 shared with M102 and the second control unit 101 is connected by a bus 104. R
As shown in FIG. 4A, the AM 102 is provided with various memories and buffers necessary for recording, such as a processing buffer 108 for data processing, an image data memory 110, and a dot data memory 112 for storing dot data. ing.
As shown in FIG. 4B, the processing buffer 108 includes an unprocessed area 140, a processed area 142, a non-overlapping new graphic data storage area 144, and a non-overlapping partial graphic data storage area 14.
6, an intersection flag 148, a line / plane flag 150, a counter 152, etc. are provided. In addition, in the ROM 100,
The figure processing routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, FIG.
Various data necessary for recording an image are stored, including a data amount reduction processing routine shown in FIG. 11 and a unit figure intersection determination routine shown in FIG.

The bus 104 also has a print control circuit 116.
Is connected. The print control circuit 116 is composed of a hard logic circuit, and outputs an ejection drive signal to a head drive circuit 118 for driving a plurality of piezoelectric elements provided in each of the recording heads 64-70. Although only one head drive circuit 118 is shown in FIG. 3, it is actually provided for each of the recording heads 64-70.

The peripheral input / output interface 94 includes a carriage drive circuit 120 for driving the carriage drive motor 56, a drive circuit 122 for driving the feed motor 34, a power switch, various switches and an indicator lamp. The operation panels 124 and the like that are provided are connected to each other.

The CPU 98 of the second control unit 101 has the configuration shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the intermediate data buffer 106 is connected by a bus 130, and the ROM 132, RA
M134 is connected. The RAM 134 is provided with a reception buffer 136, and the PPI 99 is connected with a communication interface 128 capable of receiving image data transmitted from an external electronic device 126 such as a host computer.

When the image data transmitted from the external electronic device 126 is color image data, four recording heads 64 are provided.
The ink is ejected by .about.70, and cyan, magenta, yellow, and black are mixed to record a color image. When recording a color image, an undercolor removal (UCR) process is performed. Cyan, magenta, and yellow commonly include so-called achromatic (achromatic) components, and the common part can be replaced with black. Therefore, based on the data of the densities of the three colors of cyan, magenta, and yellow for each pixel included in the image data, the black density is set in accordance with a preset black density pattern for the lowest density of the three colors of cyan, magenta, and yellow. Is set, and the black densities are subtracted from the respective densities of the three colors to obtain the final densities of cyan, magenta, and yellow. By this undercolor removal process,
The contrast of the recorded image is improved, the density of the shadow portion can be sufficiently expressed, and the inks of cyan, magenta and yellow can be saved and stickiness can be prevented.

External electronic device 12 such as a host computer
The image data supplied from No. 6 is stored in the reception buffer 136. In the present embodiment, the image data is created using the PostScript language, and three types of graphic data representing a surface graphic, a line graphic, and a read graphic are supplied. A surface figure has various shapes such as a concave polygon, a convex polygon, a side-crossing polygon whose sides intersect each other, a figure whose contour line is defined by a Bezier curve, a circle, and the like, and has an area and a contour line. Is a figure in which the entire closed space defined by is filled with one color. In the case of a surface figure, the figure data is data that defines the contour line of each surface figure (for example, coordinate data of a plurality of specified points if it is a polygon, radius and center position data if it is a circle), and color data. (Cyan, magenta, yellow, black density data) and the like are included. In the present embodiment, the line figure is composed of a finite straight line, a finite curve, or a combination of a finite straight line and a finite curve, and the graphic data is data defining each line (for example, coordinates of a plurality of defined points defining a straight line or a curve). Data, equations that define straight lines or curves, etc., color data, etc. It is assumed that the line figure is an open line figure that is not the contour line of the area figure. The read figure is obtained by reading the original image using a scanner or an image sensor, and is incorporated in the read figure area set in the image creation area. Therefore, in the case of the read graphic, the data defining the read graphic area and the color data set for each of a large number of pixels in the read graphic area are included. In the present embodiment, the read graphic area is a rectangle having two sides parallel to the X axis and two sides parallel to the Y axis, and the data defining the read graphic area includes two rectangle defining points, that is, X coordinates. Value, Y
Each coordinate data of a point having the maximum coordinate value and a point having the minimum X coordinate value and Y coordinate value is included. Whether the figure is a surface figure, a line figure, or a read figure is a command that indicates that the figure is a plane figure, a command that indicates that the figure is a line figure, or a read figure. You can tell from the command that tells that.

When the graphic data is created using the PostScript language, the graphic represented by the graphic data created later is preferentially recorded among a large number of graphic data. When a plurality of figures overlap at least in part, the figure represented by the figure data created later is recorded on the figure represented by the figure data created earlier, and the figure data created earlier Of the figure represented by, the portion overlapping with the figure represented by the figure data created later is not recorded.

The graphic data representing a character is composed of a set of coordinate data of defined points that define the character, and is processed in the same manner as a concave polygon and a convex polygon. It is divided and processed.

After receiving the image data, the concave polygon is divided into a plurality of convex polygons, the circle is converted into a convex polygon, and the figure defined by the Bezier curve is replaced with a figure consisting of a plurality of convex polygons. , The curve is converted to a straight line. These conversion processes are performed according to the conversion process program stored in the ROM 132 in the second control unit 101. This conversion process is a known process, and the conversion of the concave polygon into the convex polygon and the edge crossing are performed. The conversion of a polygon into a convex polygon will be briefly described.

For example, a concave polygon 158 shown in FIG.
Is divided into a plurality of convex polygons 160 as shown in FIG. In the division, the prescribed points of the concave polygon 158 are traced in a fixed direction, that is, in the order in which the coordinates of the prescribed points are stored, and the maximum point at which the Y coordinate value changes from increase to decrease and the minimum point at which the Y coordinate value changes from decrease to increase are detected. . Then, if the interior angle formed by the two sides intersecting at the maximum point and the minimum point is greater than 180 degrees, the concave polygon 158 is divided by a dividing line that passes through the point and is parallel to the X axis. If there is no such point,
The prescribed points of the concave polygon 158 are traced in a fixed direction, the maximum point and the minimum point of the X coordinate value are detected, and the points which have an interior angle greater than 180 degrees are passed through and are divided by a dividing line parallel to the Y axis. This division is repeated until there are no concave polygons. Similarly, the concave polygon 162 shown in FIG. 6A is divided into the convex polygon 164 shown in FIG. 6B. In addition, for the side-intersecting polygon 166 shown in FIG. 7A, the intersection of the sides is obtained, and the line is divided at a dividing line that passes through the intersection and does not intersect any of the sides forming the side-intersecting polygon 166. A convex polygon 168 shown in 7 (b) is obtained.

After receiving the image data, the second control unit 101 creates intermediate data according to the intermediate data creating program stored in the ROM 132, and stores the intermediate data in the intermediate data buffer 106. For a figure that needs to be converted into a convex polygon or a straight line such as a concave polygon, a side-crossing polygon, or a curve, intermediate data is created for the convex polygon or the straight line obtained by these conversion processes.

The intermediate data is the pentagon 1 shown in FIG.
Taking 72 as an example, as shown in FIG. 8B, a flag indicating that the figure is a surface figure, a specified number of points that define the pentagon 172, and two sides that are circumscribed to the pentagon 172 and are parallel to the X axis. Two points defining a circumscribing rectangle 174 having two sides parallel to the Y axis, that is, coordinate data of a point having the maximum X coordinate value and a minimum Y coordinate value, and a pentagon 172 are defined. Includes coordinate data and color data for defined points. The coordinate data of the defined points defining the pentagon 172 are stored in the order of tracing the contour line of the graphic in one direction (clockwise in the present embodiment). Similarly for a line figure, a flag indicating that it is a line figure, a specified number of points that define the line figure, two points of coordinate data that defines a circumscribed rectangle that circumscribes the line figure, and coordinate data of a specified point that defines the line figure. And color data. Taking the line figure 260 shown in FIG. 30A as an example, intermediate data is created as shown in FIG. 30B. Even if the line figure is composed of a set of a plurality of finite lines, it is assumed to be drawn in one color. 262
Is a circumscribed rectangle set for the line graphic 260.
The intermediate data set for the read figure includes a flag indicating the read figure, coordinate data of two points defining a rectangular read figure area, and color data set for each of a number of pixels in the read figure area. .

Next, the processing of the intermediate data stored in the intermediate data buffer 106 will be described based on the graphic processing routine shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the read figure does not overlap the area figure, the line figure, and another read figure. Step 1 of the graphics processing routine
In (hereinafter, abbreviated as S1. The same applies to other steps), it is determined whether or not the intermediate data is stored in the intermediate data buffer 106. If the intermediate data is stored, the determination result of S1 is YES and S2 is executed to determine whether or not the intermediate data is the data representing the read figure. This determination is made based on whether the flag set at the time of creating the intermediate data is a flag indicating a surface figure, a line figure, or a read figure. If it is not a read figure, the determination result of S2 is NO, S3 is executed and the line / face flag 150 is set. It is stored that the stored intermediate data is data created for the surface graphic or the line graphic.

Next, S4 is executed and the intermediate data is 1
Then, it is taken out from the intermediate data buffer 106 and stored in the unprocessed area 140 of the processing buffer 108. Next, S5 is executed, the count value n of the counter 152 is incremented by 1, and then it is determined in S6 whether or not N pieces of intermediate data are stored in the unprocessed area 140. The result of this determination is initially NO, and execution of the routine returns to S1.

If N pieces of intermediate data are stored in the unprocessed area 140 of the processing buffer 108, the determination in S6 is YES, and after the count value n is set to 0 in S7,
S8 is executed, and the data amount reduction processing is performed according to the data amount reduction processing routine shown in FIG. here,
It is assumed that the data reduction processing is performed when eight intermediate data are stored in the processing buffer 108, and the unit figure group 17 composed of _eight unit figures U _{1 to} U ₈ shown in FIG.
The process of reducing the data amount will be described by taking 6 as an example. In addition,
The "unit figure" is a name of one figure that constitutes a set of a plurality of figures, and includes a plane figure, a line figure, and a read figure.

In the data amount reduction processing routine, first, S101 is executed, and among the intermediate data stored in the unprocessed area 140 of the processing buffer 108, the unit graphic (here Then, it is determined whether the circumscribed rectangles set for U ₁ and U ₂ ) are separated.

The circumscribed rectangle is a rectangle having two sides parallel to the X axis and two sides parallel to the Y axis. If the two circumscribed rectangles at least partially overlap each other, the X of one circumscribed rectangle is determined.
At least one of the maximum value and the minimum value of the coordinate values is between the minimum value and the maximum value of the X coordinate values of the circumscribed rectangle of the other,
Alternatively, the two values match each other, and at least one of the maximum value and the minimum value of the Y coordinate values of one circumscribing rectangle is between the minimum value and the maximum value of the Y coordinate values of the other circumscribing rectangle. Alternatively, the two values will match.

For example, as shown in FIG. 13, if two circumscribing rectangles 180 and 182 partially overlap each other, the X coordinate value x ₂ defining one circumscribing rectangle 180 defines the other circumscribing rectangle 182. Between the two X coordinate values x ₃ and x ₄ , and the Y coordinate value y ₂ lies between the two Y coordinate values y ₃ and y ₄ . Therefore, the X coordinate values, Y of the two defined points that define one of the two circumscribed rectangles (here, the circumscribed rectangle defined by the previously stored intermediate data of the two intermediate data). For each of the coordinate values, between the X coordinate values of the two specified points whose X coordinate value defines the other circumscribed rectangle (the circumscribed rectangle defined by the intermediate data stored later among the two intermediate data) , The Y coordinate value defines the other circumscribed rectangle 2
It is possible to know whether or not the two circumscribing rectangles intersect, that is, whether or not they are separated from each other, by checking whether or not the values are between the Y coordinate values of the specified points.

When two circumscribing rectangles are adjacent to each other while sharing one of the four sides, the X coordinate value of the specified point defining one circumscribing rectangle defines the other circumscribing rectangle. May coincide with one of the two X coordinate values. In such a case, for example, the arrangement order of the X coordinate values is checked, and of the two X coordinate values of the one circumscribing rectangle, the X coordinate value that does not match the X coordinate value of the other circumscribing rectangle and the other circumscribing rectangle. Of the two X coordinate values of the rectangle, if the X coordinate value of one of the circumscribing rectangles and the X coordinate value of the one that does not match are located on the larger side and the smaller side with the matching X coordinate value sandwiched therebetween, then 2 It can be determined that the two circumscribing rectangles do not overlap and are separated. The same applies when the Y coordinate values match. Also, 2
When the two circumscribed rectangles have the same size and are located at the same position and completely overlap with each other, the circumscribed rectangles coincide with each other because the coordinate values of the two defined points coincide with each other. In addition, 2
In some cases, one of the two circumscribing rectangles is included in the other. This means that two X-coordinate values and two Y-coordinate values of the included circumscribing rectangle are two X-coordinate values of the outer circumscribing rectangle. It can be seen from the fact that it is located between the coordinate value and the Y coordinate value. This is also a kind of duplication.

If the two circumscribed rectangles are separated, the determination result of S101 is YES and S116 is executed, and the leading intermediate data stored in the unprocessed area 140 is moved to the processed area 142.

As shown in FIG. 14, unit figures U ₁ and U ₂
Since the circumscribed rectangles 184 and 186 of No. 1 intersect, S1
The determination result of 01 is NO and S102 is executed to determine whether the unit figures U ₁ and U ₂ intersect. This determination is performed according to the unit graphic intersection determination routine shown in FIG. First, in S201, one of the two unit graphics, specifying the first unit graphic, that side of the unit graphic defined by the intermediate data stored in the previously untreated areas 140 (unit graphic U ₁ in this case) The side designation value i is set to 1 and the intersection flag 148
Is reset.

Next, in S202, the second unit graphic, that is, the unit graphic defined by the intermediate data stored later in the unprocessed area 140 (here, the unit graphic U
₂ ) The side designation value j for designating the side is set to 1. A side is a contour line element defined by two defined points for a surface figure. In the case of a line figure, it is not a side but a line segment, but in the unit figure intersection determination routine, for convenience of explanation,
The side is called, and the designation of the side means the designation of the line segment. The side designation value designates the regulation point in which the coordinate data is stored first among the two regulation points that regulate the side, whereby the regulation point designated by the side designation value and the next prescribed point are stored. It is a value that specifies the side defined by the specified point.

Next, step S203 is executed to determine whether the side designated by the side designated value i and the side designated by the side designated value j intersect. Here, the term “cross” includes the case where at least a part of two sides overlap. Whether or not two sides intersect can be determined by various methods. For example, as described in “Computational Geometry Engineering” by Kokichi Sugihara (published by Baifukan Co., Ltd.), an endless straight line passing through two defined points defining one side is defined by two end sides defined by the other side. When the specified points are located on opposite sides of each other and the two defined points that define one side are located on opposite sides of an endless straight line that passes through the two defined points that define the other side Can be determined to intersect. Further, by checking the arrangement order of the four defined points on a straight line, the presence or absence of duplication can be known. The presence or absence of the intersection can also be determined by a plane scanning method in which a scan line is used and a plane in which two sides are located is scanned.

If the two sides do not intersect, the determination result of S204 is NO and S205 is executed to determine whether the second unit figure is a line. Unit figure U ₂
Is not a line, the determination result in S205 is NO and S
206 is executed, and it is determined whether or not the side designation value j is equal to the number of all sides (equal to the number of specified points) Bn of the second unit graphic. It is determined whether or not it is determined whether or not there is an intersection between the i-th side of the first unit figure and all sides of the second unit figure. This determination result is initially NO, and after the side designation value j is incremented by 1 in S207, execution of the routine returns to S203, and then the i-th side and the (j + 1) th side are crossed. The presence or absence of is determined. If the unit figures U ₁ of the i-th side and all the unit figures U ₂ sides has not crossed any, S206 of the determination result without the determination result of S204 is YES is Y
Become ES.

Next, in S208, it is determined whether or not the unit figure defined by the intermediate data previously stored is a line. Since the unit figure U ₁ is not a line, S208
The result of the determination is NO, and in S209, the side specified value i
Is greater than or equal to An, that is, whether or not it has been determined whether or not there is an intersection between all sides of the two unit figures. The determination result is initially NO, and the side designation value i is incremented by 1 in S210, and then it is determined whether or not there is an intersection between the (i + 1) th side and the side of the other unit graphic.

Since the unit figures U ₁ and U ₂ intersect, when S204 is executed for the intersecting sides, the determination result is YES, S211 is executed, and the intersection flag 148 is set. Then, S103 of the data amount reduction processing routine is executed. If the first unit figure is a line figure, there is only one side, so S
202 to S208 are executed, and if there is an edge intersection, S21
1 is executed. If the second unit graphic is a line graphic, S202 to S205 and S208 to S210 are executed, and if there is a side intersection, S211 is executed. If both unit figures are line figures, S202-
If S205 and S208 are executed and there is an edge intersection, S2
11 is executed.

In S103 of the data amount reduction processing routine, it is determined whether or not two unit figures intersect each other depending on whether or not the intersection flag 148 is set. Since the unit figure U ₁ and the unit figure U ₂ intersect, the determination result of S103 is YES and S104 is executed to determine whether or not the first unit figure is a line figure. Since the unit figure U ₁ is not a line figure, S104
Is NO, and it is determined in S105 whether or not the second unit graphic is a line graphic. However, since the unit graphic U ₂ is not a line graphic, this determination result is NO and S106 is executed. This is executed and it is determined whether the unit figures U ₁ and U ₂ are recorded in the same color. Unit figures U ₁ and U ₂
If the colors at the time of recording are the same, the determination result of S106 is YES, and in S107 the unit figures U ₁ and U ₂
In addition to the above, it is required to define the non-overlapping new figure excluding the overlapping part.

The prescribed point of the non-overlapping new figure is Weiler-Atherto.
n It is obtained by transforming the clipping method and following the set rules. Weiler-Atherton clipping method is JDFO
As described in "Computer Graphics" by LEY / A.VANDAM (published by the Japan Computer Association), set the clip polygon to a position that intersects with the target polygon, and among the target polygons, the clip polygon Is a method of extracting the part included in.

In order to obtain the prescribed points of the non-overlapping new figure in which two unit figures are combined, one unit figure is a clip polygon, the other unit figure is a target polygon, and the target polygon and the clip polygon are set. It is necessary to exclude the part included in the clip polygon of the target polygon from the combined polygon of and, and extract the part included in the clip polygon of the target polygon. What is the above Weiler-Atherton clipping method rule? The opposite rule is set. The rules are as follows. It should be noted that this rule is a rule in the case where the defined points that respectively define the target polygon and the clip polygon are stored in the order of tracing the outline of each polygon in the clockwise direction. Starting from one of the defined points defining the target polygon, the contour of the target polygon is followed in one direction, ie in the order in which the defined points are stored. The starting stipulated point may be a point located inside the clip polygon or a point located outside the clip polygon, but it is checked beforehand whether it is an inside point or an outside point. Whether it is an inside point or an outside point can be known by checking whether the starting specified point is inside or outside of all the sides forming the clip polygon, as will be described later. If the X coordinate value or the Y coordinate value of the starting specified point is larger than the maximum X coordinate value or the Y coordinate value of all the specified points defining the clip polygon or smaller than the minimum X coordinate value, The starting stipulation point may always be found by utilizing that it is located outside the clip polygon. If the contour line intersects the contour line of the clip polygon while tracing the part of the contour line of the target polygon that is located outside the clip polygon, the clip polygon does not enter the inside of the clip polygon. , To the left, that is, in the clockwise direction, which is the direction in which the defined points of the clip polygon follow the stored order. When intersecting the contour line of the target polygon while following the contour line of the clip polygon, move from the clip polygon to the target polygon and move the contour line of the target polygon to the left, that is, the specified point of the target polygon. Follows clockwise, which is the direction according to the stored order. The condition is that all defined points of the target polygon must be passed once, and return to the starting defined point to end, so that for the target polygon, the same part of the contour line can be passed a plurality of times. As a result, when tracing the portion of the contour line of the target polygon that is located outside the clip polygon, one side that constitutes the contour line of the target polygon is one side that constitutes the contour line of the clip polygon. When it intersects with the second time, it is considered that there is no clip polygon, and the portion inside the clip polygon of the contour line of the target polygon can be traced. When the inside of the clip polygon of the contour line of the target polygon is traced, if it intersects with the clip polygon, it can go out of the clip polygon as it is.

According to the above rule, two unit figures 1 shown in FIG.
88 and 190 will be described as an example. Since the unit graphic 188 is the first unit graphic in which the intermediate data is stored first, this is the target polygon (hereinafter referred to as the target polygon 188), and the second unit graphic 190 is the clip polygon. (Hereinafter, referred to as clip polygon 190). Then, the ten defined points V ₁ to define the target polygon 188
It is assumed that, out of V ₁₀ , the specified point V ₁ located outside the clip polygon 190 is taken as the starting specified point.

The specified points V _{1 to} V ₁₀ are stored in the order of tracing the target polygon 188 in the clockwise direction, and the contour line of the target polygon 188 is stored at the specified points V ₁ , V ₂ , V ₃ and V ₄ . Follow in order. At this time, tracing is performed while checking whether or not the sides defined by the two defining points that are adjacent to each other intersect the clip polygon 190. The starting defined point V ₁ is a point outside the clip polygon 190, and if the sides defined by the defined points after the starting defined point V ₁ do not intersect the clip polygon 190, those defined points are the clip polygons. It can be seen that it is outside 190, and the coordinate data of these specified points is
As shown in FIG. 16, the data is stored in the non-overlapping new graphic data storage area 144 of the processing buffer 108 in the order traced. In addition,
FIG. 16 shows the names of the defined points to be stored for the purpose of explanation in the present embodiment, but the coordinate data is actually stored. The same applies to FIGS. 18, 21, and 23. In addition, the “storage” here means the unprocessed area 14
This is to copy the coordinate data of the defined point stored in 0, and the coordinate data of the defined point forming the intermediate data is left in the unprocessed area 140 as it is. Attach the data to represent. Also, parenthesized numbers are attached to the respective sides of the target polygon 188 and the clip polygon 190 to indicate the order of tracing.

Specified point V_Four , V_Five Edge defined by
Bottom, side V_Four V_Five Called. The same is true for the other sides. ) Is
Side V of clip polygon 190₁₄V₁₁Because it intersects with
Point C ₁ And the processing buffer 108 does not overlap
It is stored in the graphic data storage area 144. Side V_Four V_Five Around
V₁₄V₁₁Since this is the first time that
Follow the polygon 190. Side V_Four V_Five Intersect with
Side V of clip polygon 190₁₄V₁₁And many clips
Direction to follow the contour of the polygon 190, that is, the specified point
V₁₁Follow to the side. Follow the contour of clip polygon 190
In this case, the side defined by the two specified points is the target polygon.
Follow it while checking whether it intersects with the side of the shape 188. Side
V₁₁V₁₂Does not intersect the sides of the target polygon 188,
Fixed point V₁₂The new non-overlapping new graphic data case of the processing buffer 108
The data is stored in the storage area 144. Side V₁₂V₁₃Is the target polygon 18
Side V of 8_TenV₁ Since it intersects with the intersection C_TwoSeeking coordinates
The data is stored in the non-overlapping new figure data storage area 144.
After that, the specified point is stored on the contour line of the target polygon 188.
Direction, that is, regulation point₁ Follow to the side. Regulated point V₁Is out
It is the starting point and the point that was traced once, but the target polygon 18
Since there are regulatory points in 8 that have not yet been traced,
Fixed point V_Two ~ V_Four Follow At this time, the rules that have already been followed
Point V₁ ~ V_Four The coordinate data of is stored in the processing buffer 108
do not do.

The sides V ₄ V ₅ intersect the clip polygon 190, but since this is the second time, the clip polygon 19
Assuming that there is no 0, the process proceeds to the specified point V ₅ over the sides V ₁₄ V ₁₁ . Whether or not it is the second crossing can be understood from the fact that the data indicating that the predetermined point V ₄ has been traced once is attached. It is known that the defined point V ₄ is a point outside the clip polygon 190, and since the defined point V ₄ intersects the sides V ₁₄ V ₁₁ of the clip polygon 190, the defined point V ₅ is inside the clip polygon 190. It turns out that this is the point. The coordinate data of the defined points inside the non-overlapping new figure data storage area 14
Not stored in 4.

Next, the defined point V₆ Go to, but side V_Five V₆ 
Is side V₁₄V₁₁Since it intersects with the intersection C_Three To obtain the coordinate
The data is stored in the non-overlapping new figure data storage area 144.
Intersection C_Three Is a ruler located inside the clip polygon 190.
Fixed point V_Five And the specified point V located outside₆ And are both ends
It is the intersection of the side and the clip polygon 190, and the specified point V ₁ 
The contour line starting from is the inner regulation point V_Five Intersection just before
C₁ At the intersection C_Three Is the departure rule of another contour line
It is a fixed point, and intersection C_Three The coordinate data for
Data with a fixed point is added to the
The data is stored in the data storage area 144.

When following the contour line of the target polygon 188,
Since it is possible to go out from the inside of the clip polygon 190, the intersection point C ₃ is followed by the prescribed point V ₆ . Where side V ₅
Since V ₆ intersects the side V ₁₄ V ₁₁ and the specified point V ₅ is a point inside the clip polygon 190, it can be seen that the specified point V ₆ is a point outside the clip polygon 190. The coordinate data of the regulation point V ₆ is stored in the non-overlapping new figure data storage area 14
4 is stored.

The side V ₆ V ₇ is the side V of the clip polygon 190.
_Since it intersects with ₁₄ V ₁₁ , the intersection C ₄ is obtained and the coordinate data is stored in the non-overlapping new figure data storage area 144. Side V ₆
Since the intersection of V ₇ and the side V ₁₄ V ₁₁ is the first time, the contour line of the clip polygon 190 is next advanced in the direction in which the specified point is stored. The sides V ₁₄ V ₁₁ intersect the sides V ₅ V ₆ and therefore follow the target polygon 188. Here, since the intersection C ₃ has already been obtained and is stored in the non-overlapping new figure data storage area 144, it is not stored again in the processing buffer 108, but only traced. The same applies to the defined point V ₆ .

Side V₆ V₇ Is side V again₁₄V₁₁Intersect with
The regulation point V₇ Go to, but the regulation point V ₇ Is a clip polygon
Since it is a point inside 190, the specified point V₇ Coordinate data
Is not stored in the non-overlapping new figure data storage area 144. Next
And the regulation point V₈ Go to, but at this time intersection C_Five Ask for
Point C_Five The coordinate data of is the starting point of the new contour line
Storage area for non-overlapping new figure data 1
It stores in 44. Also, the regulation point V₈ Is a clip polygon 1
Since it is outside 90, the coordinate data is not duplicated new figure data.
The data is stored in the storage area 144. Then, the regulation point V₉ Seat
The standard data is stored in the non-overlapping new figure data storage area 144.
Intersection C₆ And store the coordinate data. here
Then, follow the clip polygon 190 and cross again at intersection C_Five , Regulation
Fixed point V₈, V₉ , C₆ Tracing point V_TenProceed to. Regulation
Fixed point V_TenIs the point inside clip polygon 190,
The standard data is stored in the non-overlapping new figure data storage area 144.
Absent. And the regulation point V_TenTo the regulation point V₁ Proceed to and depart
When returning to the regulation point, the entire regulation of the target polygon 188
Since the points are traced, the specified points that define the new non-overlapping figure are taken.
The profit is finished.

By tracing the contour lines of the target polygon 188 and the clip polygon 190 in this way, as shown in FIG. 15B, the non-overlapping new figure in which the target polygon 188 and the clip polygon 190 are combined. The defined points defining the contour line of 192 are obtained in the order of tracing the contour line in one direction. This non-overlapping new figure 192 includes two spaces inside, but of the plurality of specified points that define these spaces, the coordinate data of the leading specified point is attached with data indicating that it is a starting specified point. ing. Therefore, the coordinate data from the coordinate data with the departure regulation point data to the coordinate data immediately before the coordinate data with the departure regulation point data next is the coordinate data of the regulation point defining the continuous contour line. Recognize.

The prescribed points that define these internal spaces are stored counterclockwise, contrary to the prescribed points that define the outer contour of the new non-overlapping graphic 192. When such a non-overlapping new figure 192 is set as a target polygon, and a polygon that at least partially overlaps the non-overlapping new figure 192 is set as a clip polygon, a prescribed point for defining a new non-overlapping new figure is acquired. When tracing the contour line of the clip polygon, the contour line that defines the internal space is not traced because it does not enter into the target polygon. Therefore, even if there are untraceable rule points among the rule points that define the target polygon, if these rule points are stored around the contour line in the counterclockwise direction, a new non-overlapping figure is created. Since the specified points to be specified have already been obtained, the acquisition ends.

According to the above rules, in the case of obtaining the defined points for the unit figures U ₁ and U ₂ which define the contour line of the non-overlapping new figure excluding their overlapping portions, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 18, the unit figure U ₁ which is the target polygon in which the intermediate data is stored _first and the unit figure U ₂ which is the clip polygon in which the intermediate data is stored later are traced, and they do not overlap in the order shown in FIG. A defined point that defines the contour line of the new figure U ₁ U ₂ (see FIG. 17B) is obtained. To obtain this regulation point,
The process starts from the defined point V ₁ as a starting point, but since the defined point V ₁ is a point inside the clip polygon, it is not adopted as a point that defines the non-overlapping new figure.

When the prescribed points which define the contour line of the non-overlapping new figure are obtained in this way, S108 of the data amount reduction processing routine is executed, and whether the number of prescribed points is reduced by the creation of the non-overlapping new figure. It is determined whether or not. Non-overlapping new figure U
The number of defined points that define the ₁ U ₂ is the whether less than the sum of the number of the defined points of the unit figure U _1, U ₂ is determined. In case of unit figures U ₁ and U ₂ , the number of specified points is 8 to 7
Since it is reduced to individual pieces, the determination result of S108 is YES and S
109 is executed and intermediate data is created for the non-overlapping new figure U ₁ U ₂ . Then, as shown in FIG. 19A, the unit figures U ₁ and U ₂ stored in the unprocessed area 140 are stored.
The intermediate data of is replaced with the intermediate data of the non-overlapping new figure U ₁ U ₂ as shown in FIG. The coordinate data of the defined points that define the non-overlapping new figure are obtained in the order of tracing the outline of the non-overlapping new figure in one direction. Is set, the prescribed number of points is stored, and the circumscribed rectangle is set. It also has color data. If the intermediate data is created and stored in the unprocessed area 140, the data stored in the non-overlapping new graphic data storage area 144 is erased.

Next, S110 is executed, and the unprocessed area 14
Whether there is one remaining intermediate data stored in 0
Is determined. The result of this determination is NO, and the routine
Execution returns to S101 and is then stored in the unprocessed area 140.
Specified by the first two intermediate data
Unit figure, that is, unit figure U that is a new non-overlapping figure₁ U _Two 
And unit figure U_Three The steps following S101 are actually
Is performed.

Unit figure U₁ U_Two And unit figure U_Three Is part of
Are duplicates, and they are not line figures and have the same color.
Therefore, the determination result of S101 is NO, and the determination result of S103 is
The result is YES, the determination results of S104 and S105 are NO, S
The determination result of 106 is YES. Then, in S107
Unit graphic U₁ U_Two And unit figure U_Three Is a set of
New non-overlapping figure U with no overlapping parts₁ U_Two U_Three The contour line of
The specified points to be specified are acquired, but in this case, the number of specified points.
Does not decrease, the determination result in S108 is NO and S
113 is executed and stored in the unprocessed area 140
Intermediate data of the unit figure U₁ U_Two Created about
The processed intermediate data is processed as shown in Fig. 19 (c).
Moved to zone 142. In this case, the non-overlapping new figure U
₁ U_Two U _Three To obtain the unit figure U₁ U_Two To specify
Shows once traced the coordinate data of a specified point
Data is erased.

Next, regarding the unit figures U ₃ and U ₄ , S1
01 and the following steps are executed. Unit figures U ₃ and U ₄
, And the specified points that define the outline of the new non-overlapping new figure U ₃ U ₄ are acquired, but the number of specified points does not decrease, so the intermediate data that defines the unit figure U ₃ has been processed. Area 1
It is moved to 42.

Next, regarding the unit figures U ₄ and U ₅ , S
101 and the following steps are executed. These unit figures U
_{Since the} circumscribed rectangles ₄ and U ₅ are separated from each other, the determination result of S101 is YES and S113 is executed, and the leading intermediate data, that is, the intermediate data created for the unit graphic U ₄ is stored in the processed area 142. Is stored.

When the number of intermediate data remaining in the unprocessed area 140 becomes one, the determination result of S110 becomes YES and S
After 111 is executed and the remaining intermediate data is stored in the processed area 142, S112 is executed and all the intermediate data stored in the processed area 142 are stored in the image data memory 112.

The case where the two unit figures have the same color has been described above, but the case where the unit figures have different colors will be described. It is assumed that the unit figures U ₁ and U ₂ are recorded in different colors. In this case, the determination result of S106 is NO and S1
14 is executed and the first unit figure of the first two unit figures stored in the unprocessed area 140 (the unit figure in which the intermediate data is stored first) is the second unit figure (the intermediate data comes later). The defined points that define the non-overlapping partial graphics that are the portions that do not overlap with the stored unit graphics) are acquired.

This acquisition is performed in accordance with almost the same rule as the rule for acquiring the specified point of the non-overlapping new figure performed in S107. However, when the side of the target polygon intersects the side of the clip polygon for the first time, the number of clip The difference is that the side of the polygon is not traced to the left side but to the right side, that is, in the counterclockwise direction opposite to the clockwise direction in which the prescribed point is stored here. The target polygon side is the clip polygon side and 2
When intersecting for the second time, it is assumed that there is no side of the clip polygon, and among the points that define the target polygon, the defined points inside the clip polygon are not adopted as the points that define the non-overlapping part figure. The same is true. Then, for the target polygon, the defined points located outside the clip polygon and the intersections with the clip polygon are acquired in the non-overlapping partial figure data storage area 146 of the processing buffer 108 as the defined points for defining the non-overlapping partial figure. Store in order. When all the prescribed points of the target polygon are traced and the starting prescribed point is returned, the acquisition of the prescribed points is completed. For the target polygon 188 and the clip polygon 190 shown in FIG. 15A, the order of tracing the stipulated points when acquiring the non-overlapping partial figure for the clip polygon 190 of the target polygon 188 is shown in FIG. ), The obtained non-overlapping partial figure 196 is shown in FIG. 20B, and FIG. 21 shows the coordinate data stored in the non-overlapping partial figure data storage area 146.

The acquisition of the defined point of the non-overlapping partial figure is performed by setting the first unit figure of the two unit figures as the target polygon,
The second unit graphic is performed as a clip polygon. FIG. 22 (a) shows the order of the sides traced when acquiring the defining points defining the non-overlapping part of the unit graphic U ₁ according to the above rule, and the obtained non-overlapping partial graphic U ₁ ′ is shown in FIG. 22 (b). FIG. 23 shows coordinate data defining the non-overlapping partial figure U ₁ ′ stored in the non-overlapping partial figure data storage area 146.

After obtaining the defined points that define the non-overlapping partial graphic, it is determined in S115 whether the defined points have decreased. If the colors are different, it is determined whether or not the number of defined points defining the non-overlapping partial graphic U ₁ ′ is smaller than the number of defined points defining the original unit graphic U ₁ . Here, the number of defined points that defines the non-overlapping partial figure U ₁ ′ is three, and since the number of defined points has decreased, the determination result of S115 is YES.
Then, after the intermediate data is set for the non-overlapping partial figure U ₁ ′ in S116, S117 is executed and the intermediate data of the non-overlapping partial figure U ₁ ′ is stored in the processed area 142. The intermediate data of the unit graphic U ₁ stored in the unprocessed area 140 is erased, and the data stored in the non-overlapping portion graphic data storage area 146 is also erased.

When image data is created by the Postscript language and two unit figures that at least partially overlap are recorded in different colors, they are recorded on the lower side, as shown by changing the direction of the diagonal lines in FIG. For the unit figure that is stored, that is, the unit figure in which the intermediate data is stored first, the overlapping portion is not recorded. Since the data of the defined points that define the overlapping part is unnecessary, if the non-overlapped part is defined by a smaller number of defined points than the defined points that define the original unit figure, the data that defines only the non-overlapped part is It is better to create it and replace it with the original unit figure data because the amount of data can be reduced. If the number of specified points has not decreased, S1
The determination result of 15 is NO, S113 is executed, and the intermediate data of the unit graphic U ₁ is stored in the processed area 142.

Next, a case will be described in which the circumscribed rectangles are not separated but the two unit figures do not intersect. In such a situation, as shown in FIG.
02 and the circumscribed rectangles 204 and 206 are not separated, and as shown in FIG.
Is located outside the unit figure 210, but the circumscribed rectangle 212,
It occurs when 214 is not separated. In this case S1
The determination results of 01 and S103 are NO and S118 is executed to determine whether the first unit figure is included in the second unit figure of the two unit figures. This determination is made depending on whether one of the plurality of defining points that defines the first unit graphic is inside or outside all the sides that form the second unit graphic.

As shown in FIG. 27, starting from the point P ₁ ,
Whether the point P ₃ is inside or outside with respect to the vector having the point P ₂ as an end point is determined by a vector going from the point P ₁ to the point P ₂ and a vector going from the point P ₁ to the point P ₃ . If the outer product is positive, the point P ₃ is on the left side of the vector from the point P ₁ to the point P ₂ , that is, outside, and if the outer product is negative, the point P ₃ is the vector from the point P ₁ to the point P ₂ . On the right side, ie inside. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
All the vectors obtained from the specified points V _{2 to} V ₅ defining the second unit figure by selecting one of the defined points defining the second unit figure V ₁ Inward or outward with respect to the stored direction). It is already known that the two unit figures whose presence is to be checked do not intersect, and all of the plurality of prescribed points that define the first unit figure are inside or outside the second unit figure. It is necessary to check the inside or outside of one defined point. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 28, if the defined point V ₁ is located inside all of the four vectors, it can be seen that the first unit graphic is within the second unit graphic. Also, as shown in FIG.
If the specified point V ₁ is outside the vector from the point V ₃ to the point V ₄ but inside the other three vectors, the specified point V ₁ is the second unit figure. It can be seen that it is not inside and the first unit graphic is not inside the second unit graphic.

If the first unit figure is included in the second unit figure, the determination result in S118 is YES and S
119 is executed, and the intermediate data set for the first unit graphic is erased. 2 on top of the first unit graphic
This is because the first unit figure is not recorded and the first unit figure is not recorded, so that intermediate data is unnecessary. If the first unit figure is not included in the second unit figure, the determination result of S118 is NO, S113 is executed, and the intermediate data set for the first unit figure is the processed area 142. Stored in. Even if it is determined that the first unit figure is not included in the second unit figure,
The two unit figures are not always separated from each other, and the second unit figure may be included in the first unit figure. However, since the second unit graphic is recorded on the first unit graphic, its intermediate data is necessary and left, and the intermediate data of the first unit graphic may be stored in the processed area 142. , S113 is executed.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a case where the unit figure is a line figure.
1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 31, the line figure 2
When 60 intersects the area figure 264, the circumscribed rectangles 262 and 266 intersect, and the determination results of S101 and S103 are YES. If the line graphic 260 is the first unit graphic, the determination result in S104 is YES and S
120 is executed, and it is determined whether or not the second unit graphic is a surface graphic. This determination result is YES, and S1
14 is executed, and the defined point of the non-overlapping part graphic is acquired for the line graphic 260. Regarding a plurality of prescribed points that define the line figure 260, whether or not a line segment defined by two consecutive prescribed points in the order of storing the prescribed points intersects any of the sides that form the area figure 264. Is determined.

It is determined whether the specified point for defining the line graphic 260 first is inside or outside the surface graphic 264, and if it is outside, coordinate data is determined as the defined point for defining the non-overlapping part graphic. Non-overlapping part figure data storage area 1
46, and if it is inside, it is not stored. Line figure 2
If the line segment forming 60 intersects with any of the sides forming the surface graphic 264, the intersection is calculated and used as a defined point defining the non-overlapping part graphic. Further, when the line segment forming the line figure 260 does not intersect the side of the surface figure 264, if the line segment is outside the surface figure 264, the coordinate data of the defined points defining the line segment do not overlap. Data storage area 1
46, and if it is inside, it is not stored.

When the prescribed points defining the non-overlapping part graphic are obtained in this way, it is judged whether or not the number is smaller than the number of prescribed points defining the line figure 260. Since the number of specified points in the line figure 260 is reduced from 6 to 4, the line figure 2
Intermediate data is created for the non-overlapping part graphic defined by the intersection of the defined point located outside 64 and the side of the surface graphic 264, and stored in the processed area 142.

If both the first and second unit figures are line figures, the determination result in S104 is YES, the determination result in S120 is NO, S113 is executed, and the intermediate data of the first line figure is It is stored in the processed area 142.
This is because even if the line figures intersect each other, the number of specified points does not decrease.

If the first unit figure is a surface figure and the second unit figure is a line figure, the determination result in S104 is NO, S
The determination result of 105 is YES, S113 is executed, and the intermediate data of the surface figure is stored in the processed area 142. This is because the prescribed points of the area figure do not decrease even if the line figure overlaps the area figure.

All the intermediate data stored in the unprocessed area 140 is stored in the processed area 142 and the processed area 14
If the intermediate data stored in 2 is stored in the image data memory 112, then S1 of the figure processing routine shown in FIG. 9 is executed. Then, the intermediate data buffer 106
If there is intermediate data in, the determination result of S1 is YES,
When N pieces of intermediate data are accumulated in the unprocessed area 140, the data amount reduction processing is performed.

When the intermediate data buffer 106 has no intermediate data, the determination result of S1 is NO and S9 is reached.
Is executed and it is determined whether or not there is intermediate data in the unprocessed area 140 of the processing buffer 108. There is no intermediate data in the intermediate data buffer 106, but unprocessed area 1
There may be less than N intermediate data stored in 40, and in such a case the determination result of S9 is YES and S10 is executed, and the data amount reduction processing is executed in the same manner as in S8. Then, if the intermediate data is stored in the image data memory 110, the line / plane flag 150 is reset by the execution of S16, and the execution of the routine ends. In addition, the unprocessed area 140 of the processing buffer 108
If there are no more data in the intermediate data buffer 106 at the time when exactly N intermediate data have been stored in S1, S9
The result of the determination is NO, and after the execution of S16, the execution of the routine ends.

When the data amount reduction processing is performed on the unit figure group 176 as described above, the unit figure group 176 is divided into a unit figure group 176 including two non-overlapping new figures, as shown in FIG. 12B. To be done. The unit figure group shown in FIG. 12B includes unit figures U ₁ and U ₂ and unit figures U ₇ and U _8.
Is a unit figure group in the case of forming a merged non-overlapping new figure having the same color.

When the intermediate data is data created for the read figure, the determination result of S2 is YES and S11
Is executed. When the entire image creation area is composed of read graphics and only data of the read graphics is supplied, and when read graphics, line graphics and area graphics are mixed in the image creation area,
There are cases where three types of data are supplied. In the former case, when the graphic processing routine is executed, the determination results of S1 and S2 are YES, the determination result of S11 is NO, and S
15 is executed, and the intermediate data created for the read graphic is stored in the image data memory 110. In the latter case, if the intermediate data of the read figure is supplied first, S1,
S2, S11 and S15 are executed. If the intermediate data of the read graphic is supplied after the intermediate data of the line graphic and the surface graphic, the line / surface flag 150 has been set, so the determination result of S1, S2, S11 is YES and S
12 is executed and the unprocessed area 14 of the processing buffer 108
It is determined whether or not the intermediate data is stored in 0.
If stored, this intermediate data is intermediate data of a line figure or area figure, the determination result of S12 is YES, S13 is executed, data amount reduction processing is performed,
In S14, the line / face flag 150 is reset.
Then, when the determination of S11 is performed next, the determination result is NO and S15 is executed, and the intermediate data created for the read figure is stored in the image data memory 110.

At the time of recording, recording dot data is created based on the intermediate data stored in the image data memory 110 and stored in the dot data memory 112. In the present embodiment, since the image is recorded in color, dot data for color recording is created. For line graphics and area graphics, it is checked whether or not they overlap with other line graphics and area graphics, and duplication is checked. For the figures that are being recorded, the dot data for recording created for the overlapping part is erased and the color mixture is performed based on the recording priority of those figures, that is, the storage order of the intermediate data. Will not occur. However, since the new non-overlapping figure was created by the data amount reduction process,
Since the number of figures in which duplication is detected is reduced, the recording dot data can be created more quickly.

As is clear from the above description, in the present embodiment, the unprocessed area 140 of the processing buffer 108.
Constitutes a preprocessed graphic data storage means, and has a processed area 14
Reference numeral 2 constitutes non-overlapping new figure data storage means. The storage means for storing the intermediate data before the data amount reduction processing is the unprocessed graphic data storage means, and the storage means for storing the intermediate data after the data amount reduction processing is the non-overlapping new graphic data storage means, In that sense, it can be said that the reception buffer 136 and the intermediate data buffer 106 are also unprocessed graphic data storage means, and the image data memory 110 is also a non-overlapping new graphic data storage means. Further, the portion that executes the graphic processing routines of the first control unit 96, the ROM 100, and the RAM 102 to create the respective data of the non-overlapping new graphic and the non-overlapping partial graphic is a prescribed point which is a kind of non-overlapping new graphic data creating means. In addition to configuring the non-overlapping new figure data generation means at the time of reduction, the duplication possibility determination means, the circumscribed rectangle duplication figure detection means, the priority corresponding non-duplication new figure data generation means, the contour line data generation means, the non-duplication new figure It constitutes a creation form selection means. The portion of the first control unit 96 that creates dot data based on the intermediate data stored in the image data memory 110 constitutes dot data creation means.

In the above embodiment, the image is recorded in color. However, when the image is recorded in black and white (assuming that the density is the same for all images), for example, FIG. The processing according to the data amount reduction processing routine and the non-overlapping new graphic data creation routine shown in FIG. 36 may be performed. The term "black and white recording" as used herein means to record an image on a white recording paper with black ink. Therefore, the intermediate data includes a flag indicating the type of figure, coordinate data of two points defining the circumscribing rectangle, the number of defined points defining the figure, coordinate data of points defining the figure, and black density as color data. Contains data.

This embodiment is the same as the previous embodiment except for the data amount reduction processing, and the unit figure group 2 shown in FIG.
Taking 30 as an example, only the data amount reduction processing will be described. The unit figure group 230 includes nine unit figures U _{1 to} U ₉ . Further, as shown in FIG. 33, in the processing buffer 232, an unprocessed area 234, a processed area 236, a circumscribed rectangular intersection data storage area 238, a main figure information storage area 240,
Sub-graphic information storage area 242, intermediate data counter 24
4, a main figure counter 246, a sub-figure counter 248, a non-overlapping new figure data storage area (not shown),
Areas required for processing such as non-overlapping part graphic data storage area,
Flags and the like are provided.

An outline of the data amount reduction processing in this embodiment will be described. For each circumscribing rectangle of all the unit figures that make up the unit figure group, in the order of storing the intermediate data, check whether the circumscribing rectangle of the unit figure in which the intermediate data is stored after itself intersects (including coincidence and inclusion). . In the order of storing the intermediate data, the unit figures are sequentially used as the main figure, and at least one unit figure where the circumscribed rectangle and the circumscribed rectangle of the main figure intersect is used as the slave figure. Check whether or not to construct a non-overlapping new figure. Next, it is checked whether or not the subordinate figure is set as the main figure, and the subordinate figure is formed together with the subordinate figure in the non-overlapping new figure in which the prescribed points are reduced. If there are a plurality of sub-graphics, it means that there are a plurality of next main figures, and the main figure is processed in the order of storage in the intermediate data buffer. At this time, even if the sub-graphic has a sub-graphic when the sub-graphic is used as the main figure, the sub-graphic is not traced and processed, but first, for each of the plurality of main figures, The processing is performed for each sub-graphic that each has. Until the appearance of a master figure that does not have a slave figure, the slave figure for which formation of a new figure that does not overlap with the master figure has been determined is then used as the master figure, and the slave figures obtained for that master figure The formation determination of the non-overlapping new figure is repeated between. As a result, the circumscribed rectangles directly or indirectly intersect each other, and it is possible to collectively process all unit graphics that may be directly or indirectly connected.

In S301 of the data amount reduction processing routine shown in FIG. 34, first, based on N (here, 9) intermediate data stored in the unprocessed area 234 of the processing buffer 232, the intermediate data is stored in the order of storage. a C _C th of the circumscribed rectangle, whether the intermediate data after the unit figure having a circumscribed rectangle are spaced between each circumscribed rectangle of unit figures of all stored, in other words, the circumscribed rectangle It is checked whether or not they intersect, and the data is stored in the circumscribed rectangle intersection data storage area 238 as shown in FIG. Here, the term “cross” includes the case where one of the two circumscribing rectangles is included in the other, or the two circumscribing rectangles match. In the circumscribing rectangle intersection data, the circumscribing rectangle is represented in the storage order of the intermediate data including the circumscribing rectangle data in the unprocessed area 234. The numerical values shown in FIG. 37 indicate the order of storage of the intermediate data in the non-area area 234.

Next, S302 is executed, and the number of intermediate data
Are counted in the order stored in the unprocessed area 234.
Intermediate data counter 2 that specifies the inter-data (unit figure)
44 count value C_CIs increased by 1. This coun
Value C_CIs a value that specifies the circumscribed rectangle intersection data in the storage order.
There is also. Count value C_CIs the default setting (not shown)
If it is reset and S302 is executed for the first time
Count value C_CIs set to 1. Next is S303
Done C_CHas been processed for the th intermediate data
It is determined whether or not. This determination is based on the unprocessed area 234.
Stored in C _CProcessed data is attached to the second intermediate data
It is performed depending on whether or not it has been done. First intermediate data
Has not been processed yet, the determination result in S303 is
If NO, S304 is executed and C_CTh, ie
Intersects the circumscribed rectangle defined by the first intermediate data
To determine whether there is a circumscribed rectangle
It is done based on. Defined by the first intermediate data
As shown in FIG. 37, the circumscribed rectangle
Circumscribed by the intermediate data stored in the second
Since it intersects the rectangle, the determination result in S304 is YES.
And S305 is executed and the data of the new non-overlapping figure is
Created.

This creation is performed according to the non-overlapping new figure data creation routine shown in FIGS. First, in S351, in the main graphic information storage area 240,
Main figure information is stored. The main figure information is the number N of main figures
_M and data designating the main graphic, that is, data representing the storage order in the unprocessed area 234 of the intermediate data created for the main graphic. Since the circumscribed rectangle intersection data is also stored in the unprocessed area 234 of the intermediate data in the order of storage, the designated main figure can be known from the data designating the main figure, and which subfigure is the subfigure. It can be seen from the circumscribed rectangle intersection data. Regarding the _first unit figure U ₁ , the number of main figures is 1, and the storage order is 1. Further, the count value C _M of the main figure counter 246 is set to 1. The count value C _M is a value that counts the number of main graphics to be processed and also designates the main graphics whose designated data is stored in the main graphics information storage area 240 in the order of storage.

Then, step S352 is executed, and the sum N _S of the numbers of the subsidiary figures for all the main figures stored in the main figure information storage area 240 and the subsidiary figures are designated in the subsidiary figure information storage area 242. Unprocessed area 234 of designated data, that is, intermediate data created for the subgraphic
The data in the storage order in are stored in ascending order. Here stored in the main graphic information storage area 240 is the main figure is one unit figure U _1,,従図type for the first unit graphic U ₁ is the main figure is one unit figure U _2,.

Then, S353 is executed, and the count value C _S of the sub-graphic counter 248 is incremented by 1. The sub-graphic counter 248 is reset in the initial setting, and the count value C _S becomes 1. Then S354 is performed, the main figure, C _S th, that is, whether the first従図type already forms non-overlap new figure is determined. This can be seen from whether or not the processed area 236 stores the data of the non-overlapping new graphic having the main graphic and the sub graphic as the constituent unit graphic. Since the unit figures U ₁ and U ₂ have not yet formed the non-overlapping new figure, the determination result in S354 is NO and S355 is executed to determine whether or not the main figure and the subsidiary figure intersect. It This determination is performed in the same manner as S103 of the above embodiment. Unit figures U ₁ and U
_Since it intersects with ₂ , the determination result of S355 is YES and S356 is executed. Since neither of the unit figures U ₁ and U ₂ is a line figure, the determination results of S356 and 357 are NO.

Then, S358 is executed to acquire the specified points of the new non-overlapping figure U ₁ U ₂ . To obtain this regulation point,
It is executed in the same manner as S107 of the above-described embodiment. For the main figure, if intermediate data created for the main figure or data defining the non-overlapping new figure formed by the main figure is stored in the processed area 236, the non-overlapping new figure is created based on the data. If not stored, a non-overlapping new graphic is created based on the intermediate data created for the main graphic stored in the unprocessed area 234.

Subsequently, in S359, it is determined whether or not the specified points have decreased. Since the non-overlapping new figure U ₁ U ₂ has a reduced number of defined points, the determination result of S 359 is YES, S 360 is executed, and as shown in FIG. The coordinate data of the figure U ₁ U _{2 and} the data indicating that the non-overlapping new figure U ₁ U ₂ is composed of the unit figures U ₁ and U ₂ , that is, the unit figure U
Data representing the storage order of the intermediate data of ₁ and U ₂ in the unprocessed area 234 is stored. The unprocessed area 234
, The intermediate data created for each of the _nine unit figures U _{1 to} U ₉ remains.

Next, step S361 is executed to judge whether or not intersection determination with the main figure and acquisition of defined points of the non-overlapping new figure have been performed for all the subsidiary figures. Only the unit figure U ₂ intersects the unit figure U ₁ and the circumscribed rectangle, and N
_S is 1, the determination result of S361 is YES, S368 shown in FIG. 36 is executed, and the intermediate data stored in the unprocessed area 234 of the main graphic designated by the count value C _M , that is, the unit graphic U Processed data is attached to the intermediate data created for ₁ .

Subsequently, in S369, it is determined whether or not the overlap determination with the subgraphics has been performed for all the main graphics stored in the main graphics information storage area 240. Since the main figure is only one unit figure U ₁ , the determination result in S369 is YES, and it is determined in S370 whether or not there is data in the subsidiary figure information storage area 242. The sub-figure for the unit figure U ₁ which is the main figure is the unit figure U ₂ .
Since the data specifying the unit graphic U ₂ and the data indicating that there is one sub-graphic are stored in the sub-graphic information storage area 242, the determination result in S370 is YES,
The data stored in the sub-graphic information storage area 242 in S371 is moved to the main-graphic information storage area 240. The data previously stored in the main figure information storage area 240 is erased, the number of main figures N _M is set to 1, and the data designating the unit figure U ₂ is stored. Further, the count value C _M of the main figure counter 246 is set to 1, and the count value C _S of the sub figure counter 248 is set to 0.

Next, S372 is executed to determine whether or not there is a sub-graphic for the main graphic. As a result of the execution of S371, the main figure is the unit figure U ₂ this time, and the circumscribing rectangle intersection data shows that there are two sub-figures for the unit figure U ₂ , that is, the unit figures U ₃ and U _8. Obviously, the determination result of S372 is YES, and S352 shown in FIG. 35 is executed. In S352, the number N _S of sub-graphics for the unit graphic U ₂ as the main graphic is set to 2, and the data designating the unit graphics U ₃ and U ₈ are stored in the order of storing the intermediate data.

Then, S353 to S361 are executed,
First, the unit figure U ₂ and the unit figure U _{3 form a} new non-overlapping figure U ₂ U ₃ . The unit figure U ₂ serving main figures already constitute the non-overlap new graphic U ₁ U ₂ is seen from the stored in the processed area 236 data, not overlapping the new graphic U ₁ U ₂ and従図shaped serving units A new non-overlapping graphic is created by the graphic U ₃ . Since the defined points of the new non-overlapping new figure U ₁ U ₂ U ₃ are reduced, as shown in FIG. 38B, the data of the new non-overlapping new figure U ₁ U ₂ is replaced by the non-overlapping new figure U ₁ U _2. data indicating that the coordinate data and unit figures U ₁ overlapping the new graphic _{U 1 U 2 U 3, U} 2, U 3 is a unit figure constituting the non-overlap new graphic U ₁ U ₂ U ₃ is stored.

Since the unit figure U ₂ has two subsidiary figures, the determination result in S361 is NO, the count value C _S of the subsidiary figure counter 248 is incremented by 1 in S353, and the subsidiary figure information storage area 242 is stored. A second non-overlapping new figure is created by the unit figure U ₈ which is the second stored figure and the unit figure U ₂ which is the main figure. At this time, the unit figure U
₂ forms a non-overlap new graphic U ₁ U ₂ U _3, not overlapping the new graphic U ₁ U ₂ U ₃ U ₈ is made by a non-overlap new graphic U ₁ U ₂ U ₃ and unit graphic U ₈ . Non-overlapping new figure U ₁ U
_The prescribed points of ₂ U ₃ U ₈ are also reduced, and the data is stored in the processed area 236 as shown in FIG.

If the processing is performed on the two sub-graphics U ₃ and U ₈ , the determination result of S361 becomes YES, and the processed data is attached to the unit graphic U ₂ (S368). Further, since the number of main figures is one, the determination result in S369 is also Y.
Becomes ES, because there is data to従図type information storage area 242, the determination result of S370 is to YES, after execution of S371, non-overlap new figure is made then the unit graphic U _3, U ₈ as the main figure . The unit figure U ₃ has two sub figures (unit figures U ₄ and U ₅ ), and the unit figure U ₈ has one sub figure.
Since there are individual pieces (unit figure U ₉ ), first, the unit figure U ₃ is used as a main figure, and a new non-overlapping figure is created between the unit figures U ₄ and U ₅ . The unit figure U ₃ is a new non-overlapping figure U ₁ U ₂ U ₃
Since U ₈ is configured, the new non-overlapping figure U ₁ U ₂ U ₃ U
_A non-overlapping new figure is created between ₈ and the unit figure U ₄ ,
Since the prescribed points are not reduced, this non-overlapping new graphic is not adopted, and S362 is executed to specify the intermediate data of the main graphic and the designated data of the unit graphic constituting the main graphic (the intermediate data in the unprocessed area 234 of the main graphic. Data that represents the storage order)
Is stored in the processed area 236. However, if the data of this main figure is already stored, it is not stored. Since the unit figure U ₃ has already formed a non-overlapping new figure and its data is stored in the processed area 236, no data is stored in S362. For unit figures U ₃ and U ₅ ,
The same is true when acquiring the prescribed points of the non-overlapping new figure.

Next, the unit graphic U ₈ is used as a main graphic, and a new non-overlapping graphic is created between the unit graphic U ₉ and the sub graphic U ₉ . For unit figure U ₈ is constituting the non-overlap new graphic _{U 1 U 2 U 3 U 8} , not overlapping the new shape between the non-overlap new graphic U ₁ U ₂ U ₃ U ₈ and unit graphic U ₉ However, since the defined points are not reduced, S362 is executed. Since the unit figure U ₈ has already formed a non-overlapping new figure, no data is stored in the processed area here.

Next, the unit figure U ₄ , which was the subordinate figure,
Processing is performed using U ₅ and U ₉ as the main figures, but as is clear from the circumscribing rectangle intersection data shown in FIG. 36, since none of these have sub figures, the determination result in S 372 is NO, If the determination result is NO, S374 is executed, and the intermediate data for the unit figures U ₄ , U ₅ , and U ₉ are stored in the processed area 236. If S374 is executed, then S368 is executed and the processed data is added to the intermediate data stored in the unprocessed area 234. If S374 is performed for all the unit figures U ₄ , U ₅ , and U ₉ , the determination result will be YES when the determination in S369 is made next time, but since there is no data in the subsidiary figure information storage area 242, The determination result in S370 is NO, and S3
In 76, the main graphic counter 246, the sub graphic counter 2
48 is reset and the main graphic information storage area 2
40, the subgraphic information storage area 242 is cleared, and execution of the routine returns to S307 of the data amount reduction processing routine.

In S307, it is determined whether or not the processing has been performed for all the unit figures. The result of this determination is N.
If it is O, the routine returns to S302. And
Then although the unit graphic U ₂ for S303 is executed, the unit graphic U ₂ is already processed, the intermediate data stored unit graphic U ₂ in untreated areas 234 are provided with the processed data Therefore, the determination result of S303 is YES. Since the unit figures U ₃ to U ₅ have also been processed, the determination result of S303 is YES. Since the unit figure U ₆ has not been processed yet and the circumscribed rectangle intersects the circumscribed rectangle of the unit figure U ₇ , the determination result in S303 is NO, the determination result in S304 is YES, and S30
5 is executed, and the data of the non-overlapping new figure U ₆ U ₇ is created.

Non-overlapping new figure U₆U₇ Will reduce the score
Therefore, the determination result of S359 is YES, and the non-overlapping new
Figure U₆U₇ The coordinate data of the specified point that defines
It is stored in the area 236. And S361, S36
9, the determination results of S370 are both YES and S3
71 is executed, and then the unit figure U₇ Is the main figure
Is a unit figure U₇ Stores intermediate data after that
A unit figure that has a circumscribed rectangle that intersects
Since it does not have the subordinate figure, the determination result of S372 is
Become NO. Also, the unit figure U₇ Data about
Non-overlapping new figure U₆U ₇ Area processed by storing data
It is stored in 236, and the determination result of S373 is YES.
become.

When all the unit figures forming the unit figure group 230 are processed, the count value C _C becomes N, the determination result in S307 becomes YES, and the count value C _C is reset in S308. Then S309
In the figure defined by the data stored in the processed area 236, the figure in which only the coordinate data is stored, after the intermediate data is created, all the intermediate data are stored in the image data memory. . These intermediate data include a flag indicating the type of the figure, coordinate data of two points defining the circumscribed rectangle, data of the number of points of the figure, coordinate data of the point of the figure, and density data.

In the case of the unit graphic group 230, there is no corresponding unit graphic, but if the non-overlapping new graphic has already been formed before the determination of the intersection of the main graphic and the sub graphic, the determination result of S354 is YES. Then, S361 is executed. For example, as shown in FIG. 39, the unit figure U ₁ is a unit figure U ₂ , U ₃
When the unit figures U ₂ and U ₃ intersect with each other while forming a new non-overlapping figure U ₁ U ₂ U _{3 in} which the number of prescribed points decreases,
When processing is performed with the unit figure U ₂ as the main figure and the unit figure U ₃ as the sub figure, these unit figures U ₂ , U ₃ have already formed the non-overlapping new figure U ₁ U ₂ U ₃ , and S355- S
Since it is not necessary to execute 360, the determination of S354 is performed and S355 to S360 are skipped.

If the sub-graphic contains the main graphic, S
The determination result of 355 is NO, and the determination result of S363 is YES.
Then, S364 is executed, the coordinate data of the subsidiary figure is stored in the processed area 236, and the data indicating that the figure defined by the coordinate data is obtained based on the main figure and the subsidiary figure is stored. To be done. By storing only the data of the sub-graphics and adding data indicating that the data is obtained based on the main graphic and the sub-graphics, the intermediate data of the main graphic is erased. When the main figure includes the sub figure, the determination result of S363 is N.
If the result of the determination in S, S365 is YES, S366 is executed, the coordinate data of the main figure is stored in the processed area 236, and the figure defined by the coordinate data is obtained based on the main figure and the subsidiary figure. The data indicating that it has been stored is stored. The data of the sub-graphics are erased. If the main figure and the sub figure are separated, S363, S36
The determination results of 5 are all NO and S367 is executed to store the coordinate data of the main graphic and the main graphic designation data in the processed area 236.

Furthermore, when the main figure is a line figure and the sub-figure is a surface figure, the determination results of S356 and S377 are YE.
When S is reached and S378 is executed, the prescribed points of the non-overlapping part graphic are acquired for the line graphic. Then, if the prescribed points have decreased, the determination result of S379 becomes YES and S38.
0 is executed, and the coordinate data of the specified point of the non-overlapping partial graphic and the data designating the unit graphic forming the non-overlapping partial graphic are stored in the processed area 236. If the number of defined points has not decreased, S362 is executed and the intermediate data of the line figure and the like are stored in the processed area. If both the main figure and the sub figure are line figures, the determination result of S356 is YE.
The determination result of S and S377 is NO, and S362 is executed.

As described above, in this embodiment, the unit figures directly or indirectly connected in the unit figure group 230 are collectively processed, and the unit figures whose storage order of the intermediate data is distant are also processed. If the number of specified points is reduced, the data of the non-overlapping new figure can be created and stored in the image data memory to reduce the data amount.

In the above embodiment, the read figure does not overlap the plane figure and the line figure. However, when the read figure overlaps the plane figure, the figure is shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, for example. Processing according to the graphic processing routine and the data amount reduction processing routine may be performed. Here, it is assumed that the read graphics do not overlap each other, the graphics are only surface graphics, and the image is recorded in one black color.

In the graphics processing routine shown in FIG. 40, as in the graphics processing routine shown in FIG. 9, if N pieces of intermediate data are stored in the intermediate data buffer (S401 to S404), the data amount is reduced in S406. The processing is performed according to the data amount reduction processing routine shown in FIG. In step S501 of the data amount reduction processing routine, it is determined whether or not the circumscribed rectangles of the unit graphics respectively defined by the first two intermediate data are separated from the intermediate data stored in the unprocessed area of the intermediate data buffer. Is done. In the case of the read figure, the circumscribed rectangle is a rectangular read figure area in which the read figure is incorporated in the image forming area, and the data defining the read figure area is included in the intermediate data.

This determination is performed in the same manner as S101 of the data amount reduction processing routine shown in FIG. 10. If the circumscribed rectangle is separated, S518 is executed and the first intermediate data stored in the unprocessed area is processed. Moved to the area. If the circumscribed rectangles intersect, the determination result in S501 is NO and S
502 is executed, and it is determined whether or not the unit figures respectively defined by the first two intermediate data intersect. This determination is performed in the same manner as S102 of the data amount reduction processing routine shown in FIG. When one of the two unit figures is a read figure, the read figure is regarded as a rectangle which is a read figure area, and it is determined whether or not it intersects with a surface figure.

If two unit figures intersect, S50
The determination result of 3 is YES. Of the two unit figures, if the first unit figure in which the intermediate data is stored first is the plane figure and the second unit figure in which the intermediate data is stored later is the read figure, S506 is executed. The acquisition of the defined point of the non-overlapping partial graphic is performed in the same manner as in S114. Also in this case, the read figure is regarded as a rectangle. If the number of defined points of the non-overlapping partial figure that is a part of the area figure is less than the number of defined points of the area figure,
The determination result of S507 is YES, S508 is executed, intermediate data is set for the non-overlapping partial graphic, and the intermediate data is stored in the processed area. If the number of specified points has not decreased, S518 is executed, and the intermediate data created for the surface figure is stored as it is in the processed area.

If the first unit figure of the two unit figures is the read figure, the determination result of S504 is YES and S512 is executed. In the present embodiment, since the read figure does not intersect with another read figure, if the first unit figure of two intersecting unit figures is the read figure, the second unit figure is a surface figure. , S512,
Data of the non-overlapping part graphic is created for the read graphic recorded below the surface graphic. For each of the plurality of pixels in the read graphic area, it is checked whether the center point of each pixel is located inside the outline of the surface graphic. This can be performed in the same manner as the determination of whether or not the first unit figure is included in the second unit figure in S118 of the above-described embodiment. Pixels whose center point is located inside the outline of a surface figure are
Since it should be covered by the surface figure recorded on it to make it invisible, the data is erased and the amount of data is reduced accordingly.

However, erasing the above data does not always reduce the total amount of read graphic data. This is because the amount of data (referred to as association data) for associating each color data of the read figure with each pixel in the read figure area increases. The read graphic area is usually relatively simple in shape, and the amount of associated data is small. However, the area graphic is overlaid on the read graphic area and overlaps with the area graphic. Since the partial read graphic area in which the part is removed from the read graphic area often has a complicated shape, the amount of the association data is usually large. Therefore, the data reduction amount due to the deletion of the color data and the increase amount of the associated data are compared, and if the data amount is reduced overall, the data of the non-overlapping part graphic is stored in the processed area 236 and reduced. If not, the intermediate data is stored in the processed area 236 as it is.

If the two unit figures do not intersect, S
If 513 is executed and the second unit graphic contains the first unit graphic, S514 is executed and the intermediate data of the first unit graphic is erased. Whether the first unit figure is a read figure or a plane figure, the intermediate data is erased if it is included in the second unit figure.

If the first unit figure includes the second unit figure, the determination result of S513 is NO, S5.
The determination result in 19 is YES, and in S520, it is determined whether the first unit graphic is the read graphic. If the read graphic is the read graphic, S512 is executed to change the read graphic. Of the pixels in the read graphic area, the color data set for the pixels of the portion overlapping the second unit graphic is erased. However, even in this case, if the data amount does not decrease overall, the intermediate data is stored in the processed area 236 as it is. If the first unit figure is not included in the second unit figure, the two unit figures are apart from each other, and S518 is executed, and the intermediate data set for the first unit figure is stored in the processed area 236. To be done. Further, even if the first unit figure contains the second unit figure, if the first unit figure is not the read figure, S520 becomes NO and S518 is executed. The set intermediate data is stored in the processed area 236.

If the two unit figures are both surface figures, the determination results of S504 and S505 are NO, and S5
At 15, the prescribed points of the non-overlapping new figure are acquired.
Since the figure is recorded in one black color, if the two intersecting unit figures are both surface figures, the specified point that defines the outline of the merged non-overlapping new figure excluding the overlapping parts of these area figures. Is acquired and the prescribed number of points decreases, intermediate data is created for the non-overlapping new graphic, and is replaced with the intermediate data created for each of the two unit graphics and stored in the unprocessed area 234 (S516). , S51
7).

The above process is repeated until the number of intermediate data stored in the unprocessed area of the intermediate data buffer becomes one, and when the remaining intermediate data becomes one, the determination result of S509 becomes YES and S510. Is executed and the last intermediate data is stored in the processed area 236, S511
Is executed, and the intermediate data stored in the processed area 236 is stored in the image data memory.

In the above embodiment, when the intermediate data is stored in the image data memory 110, the data amount reduction processing is performed on all the intermediate data, and the amount of the intermediate data stored in the image data memory 110 is changed. It is effective to reduce the image data memory 110 so that the image data memory 110 has a small storage capacity. However, the intermediate data is stored in the image data memory 110 as it is without performing the data amount reduction process, and the image data memory 110 becomes full. As a result, the data amount reduction process may be performed when the intermediate data cannot be stored.

The data amount reduction processing performed when the image data memory 110 is full will be schematically described with reference to FIG. In this case, the intermediate data created based on the image data supplied from the external electronic device is stored in the intermediate data buffer, but is stored in the image data memory 110 without being stored in the processing buffer. Then, as indicated by hatching in FIG. 42A, if the intermediate data is stored in the entire data storage permissible area of the image data memory 110, the fetching of the intermediate data from the intermediate data buffer is interrupted. , Data amount reduction processing is started. At this time, the amount of all the data D _A to be subjected to the data amount reduction processing is predetermined as shown in FIG. 42 (b), and a part thereof (this is referred to as processing data D _B ) is stored in the processing buffer. Moved and processed. If the image is recorded in color, this process will be performed with reference to FIGS.
1 is performed in the same manner as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and if it is recorded in black and white, the same as in the embodiment shown in FIGS.

The processed data D _B1 to be processed first is returned to the original storage position of the image data memory 110 after the data amount reduction processing. The amount of processed data D _B1 ′ is shown in FIG. 42 (c).
Is reduced as shown by hatching, and an empty area is formed in the image data memory 110 as shown by dots. Next, processing a processing data stored in the next data D _B1, the data D _B2 of the same amount as the processing data D _B1 is the amount of data reduction processing is transferred to the processing buffer 108. As shown in FIG. _{42D, the} processed data D _B2 ′ is stored in the image data memory 110 after being stuffed by the empty area.
An empty area is also generated by the processing of the processing data D _B2 , and
As shown by the dots in (d), the empty area increases.

When the data of the quantity D _A is processed, the empty area is obtained as shown by the dots in FIG. 42 (e). After the processing is completed, the intermediate data is newly stored in the vacant area. However, after the image data memory 110 is once full and the data amount reduction process is performed, the intermediate data is subjected to the data amount reduction process in advance. It is stored in the image data memory 110. Similar to the above embodiment, the intermediate data is transferred from the intermediate data buffer to the processing buffer, and the data amount reduction processing is performed every time N intermediate data are transferred to the unprocessed area of the processing buffer.

Even in this way, when the image data memory 110 becomes full, the processing of the intermediate data stored in the processing buffer is completed, and the image data memory 11
After being stored in 0, the acquisition of new intermediate data from the intermediate data buffer to the processing buffer is interrupted, the intermediate data already stored in the image data memory 110 is transferred to the processing buffer, and the data amount reduction processing is performed. Done. In this case, as shown in FIG. 42 (f), the data amount reduction processing is performed on the intermediate data D _A2 stored earlier than the intermediate data D _{A1 that} was subjected to the data amount reduction processing for the first time. The intermediate data that has not been subjected to the data amount reduction processing is still processed, and the new intermediate data, which has been subjected to the data amount reduction processing, is stored in the empty area generated thereby.

According to this embodiment, the amount of data that can be reduced is small, but the time required to store the intermediate data in the image data memory 110 is short, and the time from the reception of image data to the recording is short. It is possible to

In each of the above embodiments, the control device 9
0 was supposed to have two CPUs, but one C
The control may be performed by the PU. For example, the intermediate data creation process and the data amount reduction process are performed in parallel by time division.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, the case where the read figure and the area figure overlap has been described. However, when the read figure overlaps the line figure, the same applies.
Data of non-overlapping subfigures may be created. The line figure is changed to a figure excluding the portion recorded below the read figure, or the read figure is changed to a figure excluding the pixels representing the line figure among the pixels in the read figure area. Further, when the image is recorded in color, similarly, if the read figure overlaps the plane figure or the line figure, the plane figure or the line figure may be changed, or the read figure may be changed.

Even when an image is recorded in color, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 32 to 39,
It is also possible to check the intersecting relations of the circumscribed rectangles of all the unit figures that form the unit figure group, and collectively process the unit figures that are directly or indirectly connected.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the first unit figure is a plane figure and the second unit figure is a line figure and the two unit figures are recorded in the same color, The intermediate data created for the 2nd surface figure is stored in the processed area as it is, and the intermediate data of the line figure is left as it is in the unprocessed area, but this is not essential. The intermediate data of the area figure may be stored in the processed area, and the specified point of the non-overlapping part figure may be acquired for the second line figure. This is because if they are recorded in the same color, even if the line figure is recorded on the surface figure, the overlapping portion with the surface figure can be processed as a part of the surface figure without any problem. in this case,
If the specified points of the non-overlapping sub-graphics are less than the specified points of the original line drawing, create intermediate data for the non-overlapping sub-graphics and replace them with the intermediate data of the original line drawing stored in the unprocessed area. If the points do not decrease, the intermediate data of the line figure may be left as it is. If a line figure is a set of a plurality of line segments and the color of each line segment may be different from each other, for example, if there is even one line segment whose color is different from that of the plane figure, the color of the line figure is It may be different from the figure.

In the above embodiment, when the circumscribed rectangles of the two unit figures are not separated from each other and the two unit figures do not intersect, among the plurality of prescribed points forming the first unit figure. By checking whether one of the two unit figures is inside or outside the first unit figure, it is possible to determine whether one of the two unit figures is included in the other or one is not inside the other. However, the determination may be made based on the size of each circumscribing rectangle of the two unit figures. For example, if the side parallel to the X axis and the side parallel to the Y axis of one circumscribed rectangle are both shorter than the side parallel to the X axis and the side parallel to the Y axis of the other circumscribed rectangle, two The unit figure has either a smaller unit circumscribed rectangle enclosed by a larger unit figure or is located outside, and the first unit figure is a larger circumscribed rectangle. If so, the unit graphic is not included in the second unit graphic and is not recorded, and the intermediate data may be stored as it is in the processed area.
The side of one circumscribing rectangle parallel to the X axis is longer than the side of the other circumscribing rectangle parallel to the X axis, and the side of one circumscribing rectangle parallel to the Y axis is parallel to the Y axis of the other circumscribing rectangle. If the unit figures having one circumscribed rectangle are outside the unit figure having the circumscribed rectangle of the other, the two unit figures that do not intersect are shorter than the side, and the intermediate data of the first unit figure is not changed. It may be stored in the processed area. The side parallel to the Y axis of one circumscribed rectangle is longer than the side parallel to the Y axis of the other circumscribed rectangle, and the side parallel to the X axis of one circumscribed rectangle is greater than the side parallel to the X axis of the other circumscribed rectangle. The same is true for shorter cases.

Further, although the line figure is an open line figure in the above embodiment, a non-overlapping part figure may be similarly created for a closed line figure which is an outline of a surface figure.

The line figure is not limited to a finite line, and may be an infinite line, a curve, or a combination thereof, or a combination of a finite line and an infinite line.

Further, when the read graphic area is a rectangle, two points defining the rectangle are the point having the smallest X coordinate value and the largest Y coordinate value, and the point having the largest X coordinate value and the smallest Y coordinate value. It may be a certain point.

Further, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 32 to 39, when the unit graphics connected directly or indirectly are collectively processed, the coordinate data defining the non-overlapping new graphic and the intermediate data of the main graphic are: The main figure is stored in the unprocessed area until all the judgments such as intersection, inclusion, and non-overlapping new figure between the main figure and the sub-graphics that directly or indirectly overlap are completed. After completion, it may be stored in the processed area.

Furthermore, when the data is stored in the image data memory after the acquisition of the defined points of the new non-overlapping figures for all the unit figures forming the unit figure group is completed, the coordinates for defining the figures in the subsequent processing. If only data and color data are required, only those data may be stored in the image data memory.

Image data created in a description format other than the Postscript language can also be processed by the image processing apparatus of the present invention. When priority is required between two overlapping unit figures, data indicating the priority may be attached.

Further, the present invention can be implemented in a mode in which the combination of the constituent elements of each of the above embodiments is changed. In addition, without departing from the scope of the claims, the present invention can be implemented in various modified and improved forms based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an inkjet printer provided with an image processing apparatus that is an embodiment common to the first to sixth inventions.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a platen drive mechanism and an ink ejecting apparatus of the inkjet printer.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a part of a control device for controlling the inkjet printer, which is deeply related to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram conceptually showing, out of a RAM connected to a first control unit constituting the control device, a portion deeply related to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of division of a concave polygon performed in the image processing apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of division of a concave polygon performed in the image processing apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of division of an edge-crossing polygon performed in the image processing apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a plane figure which is an example of a unit figure processed by the image processing apparatus and intermediate data created for the plane figure.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a graphic processing routine stored in a ROM connected to a first control unit which constitutes the above control device.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a data amount reduction processing routine which constitutes the graphic processing routine.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a unit graphic intersection determination routine which constitutes the data amount reduction processing routine.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a unit graphic group subjected to data amount reduction processing by the image processing apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining determination of intersection of circumscribed rectangles performed in the data amount reduction processing routine.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which the circumscribed rectangles of the first two unit figures of the unit figures shown in FIG. 12 intersect.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating acquisition of defined points of a non-overlapping new graphic performed in the graphic processing routine.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state in which the defined points obtained by acquiring the defined points of the non-overlapping new graphic are stored in the non-overlapping new graphic data storage area of the processing buffer.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining acquisition of specified points of a non-overlapping new figure composed of the first two unit figures among the unit figures shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a state in which the defined points defining the non-overlapping new graphic shown in FIG. 17 are stored in the non-overlapping new graphic data storage area.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a change in data storage contents accompanying a data amount reduction process of an unprocessed area 140 and a processed area 142 provided in the processing buffer of the RAM.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating acquisition of defined points of a non-overlapping part graphic performed in the graphic processing routine.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a state in which defined points defining the non-overlapping partial graphic shown in FIG. 20 are stored in a non-overlapping partial graphic data storage area.

22 is a diagram illustrating acquisition of contour line defining points of a non-overlapping partial figure composed of one of the first two unit figures among the unit figures shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a state in which defined points defining the non-overlapping partial graphic shown in FIG. 22 are stored in a non-overlapping partial graphic data storage area.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a case where two unit figures are recorded in different colors.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example in which one of two unit figures is included in the other.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example in which a circumscribed rectangle of one unit figure of two unit figures is included in a circumscribed rectangle of the other unit figure, but the unit figures are separated from each other.

[Fig. 27] Fig. 27 is a diagram for describing determination of an inclusive relation with respect to a point figure.

[Fig. 28] Fig. 28 is a diagram for describing determination when a point is included in a surface figure.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a determination when a point is located outside the area figure.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a line graphic that is an example of a unit graphic processed in the image processing apparatus and intermediate data created for the line graphic.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a process when a line figure and a surface figure intersect.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a unit graphic group processed by an image processing apparatus which is another embodiment common to the first to sixth inventions.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a configuration of a RAM processing buffer that constitutes an image processing apparatus for processing the unit graphic group shown in FIG. 32;

34 is a flowchart showing a data amount reduction processing routine stored in a ROM which constitutes the image processing apparatus for processing the unit graphic group shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing a non-overlapping new figure data creation routine which constitutes the data amount reduction processing routine.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the rest of the non-overlapping new figure data creation routine.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a state in which data is stored in a circumscribed rectangular intersection data storage area provided in the processing buffer.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a state in which data is stored in a circumscribed rectangular intersection data storage area provided in the processing buffer.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an example of forming a non-overlapping new graphic before determining the intersection of the main graphic and the sub-graphic when executing the non-overlapping new graphic data creation routine.

FIG. 40 is a ROM connected to a first control unit which constitutes a control device of an inkjet printer including an image processing device which is another embodiment common to the first to sixth inventions.
6 is a flowchart showing a graphic processing routine stored in FIG.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a data amount reduction processing routine stored in the ROM.

[Fig. 42] Fig. 42 is a diagram schematically illustrating a data amount reduction process in an image processing apparatus that is an embodiment common to the first to seventh inventions.

[Explanation of symbols]

 8 inkjet printer 90 control device 106 intermediate data buffer 108 processing buffer 110 image data memory 140 unprocessed area 142 processed area 176 unit graphic group 192 non-overlapping new graphic 196 non-overlapping partial graphic 230 unit graphic group

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A process for processing a unit figure group including a plurality of unit figures, and at least one of the plurality of unit figures forming an aggregate figure at least partially overlapping with at least one of the other unit figures. An image processing apparatus including means, wherein the processing means stores pre-processed graphic data storage means for storing data of the unit graphic before processing, and unit graphic data stored in the pre-processed graphic data storage means. The non-overlapping new graphic data creating means for creating the non-overlapping new graphic data in which one of the overlapping parts is omitted, and the non-overlapping new graphic data creating means An image processing apparatus comprising: non-overlapping new graphic data storage means for storing overlapping new graphic data. 2. The non-overlapping new figure data when at least one of the plurality of unit figures is defined by three or more defined points and the remaining unit figures are defined by two or more defined points. The creating means calculates a non-overlapping new figure in which the sum of the numbers of defined points that respectively define two unit figures in which at least some of the plurality of unit figures overlap each other is created from these two unit figures. When the number of defined points is greater than the number of defined points, a new non-overlapping new figure is created from these two unit figures, and if it is not many, it is not created. The image processing device according to claim 1. 3. The non-overlapping new graphic is output to an output device which outputs the graphic depending on whether or not a dot is formed for each pixel based on the non-overlapping new graphic data stored in the non-overlapping new graphic data storage means. 2. A dot data creating means for creating dot data to be output is included.
Or the image processing device according to 2. 4. The non-overlapping new figure data creating means determines whether or not circumscribed rectangles circumscribing each of the plurality of unit figures overlap each other at least partially. A unit of the duplication possibility determination means for determining whether or not there is a possibility of duplication of each of the two pieces and a unit of each of the two unit figures determined to have the possibility of duplication by the duplication possibility determination means. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a circumscribing rectangle overlapped overlapping figure detecting means for detecting an overlap of the figures themselves. 5. The unprocessed figure data storage means stores the data of the plurality of unit figures in a state in which the priority order among the unit figures can be determined, and the non-overlapping new figure data. When the two of the plurality of unit figures overlap each other, the creating means does not change the unit figure data of the unit figure having the higher priority,
Priority-corresponding non-overlapping new graphic data creating means for changing unit graphic data of a unit graphic of lower priority to partial graphic data of a portion which does not overlap with unit graphic of higher priority; Contour line data creating means for creating contour line data defining a contour line, and non-overlapping new figure creating mode selecting means for selectively operating the priority-corresponding non-overlapping new figure data creating means and the contour line data creating means The image processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of unit figures processed at one time by the processing means is set in advance. 7. When the storage capacity of the pre-processed graphic data storage means is insufficient, the non-overlapping new graphic data creating means is activated when the prescribed point is reduced, and the non-overlapping new graphic data created as a result is processed. 3. The graphic data storage means includes storage capacity shortage coping means for storing instead of the unit graphic data corresponding to the non-overlapping new graphic data.
7. The image processing device according to any one of items 1 to 6.