JPH10244714A - Apparatus and method for processing data, apparatus and method for controlling printing, and memory medium storing computer readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently perform a printing process using registered font data with a small amount of memory resources. SOLUTION: After a CPU 2001 issues a command for securing a registration area to register font data to a registration memory 2022 or the like of a printer 1000, management information to the font data to be registered for use in analyzing and printing predetermined printing data is formed. Printing data to which the formed management information is added are transferred as printing information to the printer 1000.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus, a data processing method, a print control apparatus, a print control method, and a computer which can communicate with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium and register font resources. The present invention relates to a storage medium storing various programs.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when registering a font used for printing on a printing system in which a data processing device and a printing device can communicate via a predetermined communication medium, the maximum number of characters that can be registered and the number of characters that can be registered are determined. A method of registering a font set at a time by fixing the memory size that can be registered to a fixed value is general, and the registration process is not performed after grasping the memory size consumed in font registration. That is, since there are many font data that are not used in the registered font set and a memory area for executing other data processing is squeezed, it is assumed that a sufficient option memory or the like is provided. Often have.

[0003] Some printers having a nonvolatile memory such as a hard disk are configured so that printing processing can be performed using fonts stored in the nonvolatile memory.

Further, when printing print data created by application software on a printer, the data is converted into a control code (page description language) of the printer on a host computer (by a printer driver).
And then transfer it to the printer.

[0005]

However, in the conventional print control method, there are situations such as a shortage of memory for registering the above-mentioned fonts, and a situation where only a part of the memory is used even though a sufficient memory is secured. And memory was only used inefficiently.

When printing is performed using fonts stored in the non-volatile memory, font data to be used for printing is always read from the non-volatile memory and processed each time. However, there is a problem that a considerable amount of time is required for the access to the print job, and the printing process is delayed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to transfer registered font data to be used when printing a predetermined amount of print information at the start of printing. By securing the minimum required registered font data registration area in the memory resources of the printing device, data that can freely construct a font resource environment that can efficiently perform print processing using registered font data with less memory resources It is an object of the present invention to provide a processing device, a data processing method, a print control device, a print control method, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, and analyzing font data by analyzing predetermined print data. Setting means for setting a memory size for registration, and issuing means for issuing a command for securing a registration area for registering font data in a memory resource of the printing apparatus for the memory size set by the setting means. Have

A second invention according to the present invention has updating means for analyzing print data and updating management information, wherein the setting means sets the memory size based on the management information. .

In a third aspect according to the present invention, the management information includes an ID and a data size of font data to be registered.

A fourth invention according to the present invention has a registration means for registering a font in an area secured by the command.

A fifth invention according to the present invention is a print control device capable of communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein font data is registered based on a command issued from the data processing device. Allocating means for allocating a registration area on a memory resource for registering, font information to be registered, which is added to print information transferred from the data processing apparatus, to be registered in the registration area, Control means for processing print data in the print information using the font data and the printer font registered in the registration area.

In a sixth aspect according to the present invention, the control means deletes the font data registered in the memory resource after printing of the print information received from the data processing device, and deletes the memory space in the memory resource. This is to secure capacity.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, wherein a registration area for registering font data in a memory resource of the printing apparatus is provided. Issuing means for issuing a command for securing; creating means for analyzing predetermined print data to create management information of font data to be registered in the printing apparatus for use in printing; and Calculating means for calculating a free memory capacity that can be registered in the memory resource from a memory capacity of a registration area secured in a memory resource and a memory capacity used by font data to be registered in the printing apparatus; Control means for controlling the transfer of the font data to be registered based on the determined free memory capacity.

An eighth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that said issuing means is arranged such that the font data to be registered cannot be registered with said free memory capacity calculated by said calculating means.
A command for deleting the registered font data can be issued.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage unit for storing identification information for identifying a registration state of font data to be transferred to the printing apparatus, and the storage unit stores the identification information based on the identification information stored in the storage unit. Determining means for determining whether or not each character in the print data being analyzed by the creating means is registered, wherein the calculating means sets the memory each time the determining means determines that the character is not registered. It calculates the free memory capacity that can be registered as a resource.

A tenth invention according to the present invention has a setting means for setting a memory capacity of a registration area for registering font data in a memory resource of the printing apparatus.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a memory capacity of a registration area to be reserved for registering font data in a memory resource of the printing apparatus can be changed based on an analysis state of the print data. Things.

In a twelfth aspect according to the present invention, the control means is configured to select one of font data to be registered in a memory resource of the printing apparatus based on the content of the print data or compressed font data obtained by compressing the font data. Is switched and transferred.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the creation means creates management information for identifying registered font data registered in the printing apparatus for use in printing created by analyzing predetermined print data. Is what you do.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the issuing means determines the type of the memory resource in which font data for printing print data is registered from the management information created by the creating means. A determination unit is provided for issuing a command to copy registered font data permanently registered in a first memory resource of the printing apparatus to a second memory resource based on a determination result of the type determination unit.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an issuance step of issuing a command for securing a registration area for registering font data in a memory resource of a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium; Creating a management information of font data to be registered in the printing apparatus for use in printing by analyzing the print data; and printing the print information to which the management information created for the print data is added to the print data. And a transfer step of transferring to the device.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an issuance step of issuing a command for securing a registration area for registering font data in a memory resource of a printing device via a predetermined communication medium; Creating a management information of font data to be registered in the printing apparatus for use in printing by analyzing the print data; and printing the print information to which the management information created for the print data is added to the print data. A computer-readable program including a transfer step of transferring the program to a device.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a securing step of securing a registration area for registering font data on a memory resource based on a command issued from a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium; A registration step of registering font data to be registered in print information transferred from the data processing apparatus in the registration area, and using the font data and the printer font registered in the registration area. A printing step of printing the print data in the print information; and a deleting step of releasing the registration area secured in the memory resource and securing an empty area after the printing of the print data is completed.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an securing step for securing a registration area for registering font data on a memory resource based on a command issued from a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium; A registration step of registering font data to be registered in print information transferred from the data processing apparatus in the registration area, and using the font data and the printer font registered in the registration area. A computer-readable method including: a printing step of printing print data in print information; and a deleting step of releasing the registration area secured in the memory resource to secure an empty area after printing of the print data is completed. Is stored in a storage medium.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing method capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, comprising a memory size for analyzing predetermined print data and registering font data. And a issuing step of issuing a command to secure a registration area for registering font data in the memory resources of the printing apparatus for the set memory size.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a computer-readable program capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, the method comprising analyzing predetermined print data and performing font analysis. A setting step of setting a memory size for registering data, and an issuing step of issuing a command for securing a registration area for registering font data in a memory resource of the printing apparatus for the set memory size. A computer-readable program stored in a storage medium.

[0028]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention, the configuration of a laser beam printer suitable for applying the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

It should be noted that the printer to which the embodiment of the present invention is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer, and it goes without saying that a printer of another printing system such as an ink jet printer may be used.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the structure of an output device to which the present invention can be applied, and shows, for example, the case of a laser beam printer (LBP).

In the figure, reference numeral 1000 denotes an LBP main body (printer), which inputs and stores print information (character codes, etc.), form information, macro instructions, and the like provided from an externally connected host computer; A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created according to the information, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as a recording sheet.

Reference numeral 1012 denotes a switch and an LE for operation.
An operation panel 1001 including a D display and the like is a printer control unit 1001 for controlling the entire LBP main body 1000 and analyzing character information and the like supplied from a host computer. This printer control unit 1001
The video signal is mainly converted into a video signal of a character pattern corresponding to the character information and output to the laser driver 1002. The laser driver 1002 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1003, and switches on / off a laser beam 1004 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1003 according to an input video signal. The laser beam 1004 is rotated by the polygon mirror 100
The scanning is performed on the electrostatic drum 1006 while being swung in the left-right direction at 5.

Thus, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1006. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1007 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1006, and then transferred to a recording sheet.
A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1008 mounted on the LBP 1000, and is supplied with a paper feed roller 1009 and a transport roller 101.
0 and the transport roller 1011, the toner is taken into the apparatus and supplied to the electrostatic drum 1006. The LBP main body 1000 is provided with at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language system can be connected in addition to the built-in fonts.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied, and is common to each embodiment described later. . Here, a laser beam printer (FIG. 1) will be described as an example. If the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention is applicable to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, and a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. It goes without saying that the invention can be applied.

It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is implemented by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, the storage medium storing the program according to the present invention constitutes the present invention. Then, by reading the program from the storage medium to a system or an apparatus, the system or the apparatus operates according to a predetermined (host) procedure.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 2100 denotes a host computer (host) procedure in which figures, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program or the like stored in the program ROM of the ROM 2003. CPU 2001 for executing document processing, and each device connected to the system device 2004
01 controls overall.

The program ROM of the ROM 2003 stores a control program of the CPU 2001 and the like, and the font ROM of the ROM 2003 stores font data and the like used in the document processing. 200
Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 2001. A keyboard controller (KBC) 2005 controls key input from a keyboard 2009 or a pointing device (not shown).

Reference numeral 2006 denotes a CRT controller (CRT)
In C), the display of the CRT display (CRT) 2010 is controlled. 2007 is a memory controller (MC)
A hard disk (HD) for storing boot programs, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, etc., and a floppy disk (F).
D) controls access to the external memory 2011 or the like.
A printer controller (PRTC) 2008 has a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 2021.
Is connected to the printer 1000 via the
The communication control process with the 00 is executed.

The CPU 2001 is, for example, a RAM 2
002 (rasterizing) of the outline font in the display information RAM set on the CRT
WYSIWYG on 2010 is enabled. Further, the CPU 2001 opens various registered windows based on a command instructed by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the CRT 2010 and executes various data processing.

In the printer 1000, reference numeral 2012 denotes a printer CPU (CPU), which is connected to a system bus 2015 based on a control program or the like stored in a program ROM of the ROM 2013 or a control program or the like stored in an external memory 2014. Controls access to all devices, and print interface 2
Printing unit (printer engine) connected via 016
An image signal as output information is output to 2017.

The program ROM of the ROM 2013 stores a control program of the CPU 2012 as shown in a flowchart of FIG.
The font ROM of the ROM 2013 stores font data and the like used when generating the above output information.
In the case of a printer having no external memory 2014 such as a hard disk, the data ROM of M2013 stores information and the like used on the host computer. CP
The U2012 can perform communication processing with the host computer via the input unit 2018, and can notify the host computer 2100 of information in the printer and the like.

Reference numeral 2019 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 2012, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an extension port (not shown). In addition,
The RAM 2019 is used for an output information development area (frame buffer), an environment data storage area, and the like.

The RAM 2019 allocates a part of the memory as a registration memory 2022 in order to register fonts and the like.

The external registration memory 2023 is an external memory for registering fonts and the like, and is a hard disk (H
D), a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, and access is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 2020.

The aforementioned memory controller (MC) 20
An external memory 2014, such as a hard disk, whose access is controlled by 20, is connected as an option and stores font data, emulation programs, form data, and the like. Reference numeral 1012 denotes the above-described operation unit, in which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged.

The above-mentioned external memory 2014 is not limited to one, and is provided with at least one or more. In addition to the built-in fonts, an optional font card and a program for interpreting printer control codes (page description languages) of different language systems are stored. The configuration may be such that a plurality of external memories can be connected. Furthermore, it has a not-shown NVRAM,
The printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1012 may be stored.

The data created by the application software on the host is converted into a printer control code and then printed by the printer.

At this time, an intermediate file is created while analyzing a document file 4000 (details will be described later), which is data created by application software. Here, the document file 4000 and the intermediate file are created and stored in the RAM 2002 and the external memory 2011 on the host.

The intermediate file is a document file 4
Before converting 000 to printer control codes, the host 21
00, which is created for the purpose of data analysis, and has the same format as the document file 4000, or is a simplified version of the document file 4000, and is composed of information for conversion to a printer control code. .

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the data structure of the document file 4000 created and stored on the RAM 2002 and the external memory 2011 shown in FIG.

In the figure, a document file 4000 includes a header section 4001 and character data 4002, and the header section 4001 includes information common to all character data.

The character data 4002 stores a character set for identifying a character type, a character code, a character size, a printing position (coordinate), a data size, and the like.

On the host side, an intermediate file is created while analyzing the document file 4000. At this time, a registration management table having a data structure shown in FIG. Create 5000.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the data structure of the registration management table 5000 created on the RAM 2002 or the external memory 2011 shown in FIG. It is assumed that the print processing is deleted from the memory as soon as the print processing is completed.

In FIG. 4, a registration management table 5000
Is a table for storing information such as a character code and a data size registered in the printer 1000, and includes a header section 5001, a pointer section 5002, and a data section 5003.

The header section 5001 stores the total memory size 5004 used for registration in the printer.
The pointer section 5002 stores a pointer to an area storing each registered character data.

The data section 5003 stores a character ID, and is a registration ID which is assigned to each character data and used in place of a character code when printing is performed (however, printing by designating a character code is also possible. ), The data size, the number of uses 5005, and the page number 5006 in which the character data was last referenced. In addition,
The number of uses 5005 and the last page number 5006 are values in one print job (one print data).

Here, the document file 40 will be described with reference to FIG.
The data processing operation of 00, intermediate file, and printer control code will be described.

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In a printing system configured as shown in FIG. 2, that is, in a data processing device (host computer 2100) capable of communicating with a printing device (printer 1000) via a predetermined communication medium, a predetermined communication medium is used. A data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a communication device, and setting a memory size for analyzing predetermined print data and registering font data (CPU 2
001 executes the control program stored in the ROM 2003 and the external memory 2011) and sets a registration area for registering font data in a memory resource of the printing apparatus by the memory size set by the setting unit. Issuing means (CPU 20) for issuing a command to secure
01 executes the control program stored in the ROM 2003 and the external memory 2011 to perform the issuing process).

[0061] Further, there is provided an updating means for analyzing the print data and updating the management information, wherein the setting means sets the memory size based on the management information.

Further, the management information includes ID and data size of font data to be registered as shown in a registration management table 5000 of FIG. The management information includes font data compressed according to the frequency of use of the font data to be registered, as shown in FIG. 15, which will be described later.

Further, there is provided registration means for registering a font in the area secured by the command (the CPU 2012 registers the font in the registration memory 2022).

A print control device (printer control unit 1001 shown in FIG. 2) capable of communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein font data is transmitted based on a command issued from the data processing device. Means for reserving a registration area for registering a file on a memory resource (the CPU 2019 executes the ROM 2013 and the external memory 201).
Execute the control program stored in 4 etc. to secure)
And the font data to be added to the print information transferred from the data processing device in the registration area (the registration memory 2022 and the external registration memory 2023 shown in FIG. 2).
Registration means (CPU 2019 is stored in ROM 20).
13, by executing a control program stored in the external memory 2014 or the like), and using the font data and the printer font registered in the registration area by the registration means to change the print data in the print information. Control means (CPU 2019 executes a control program stored in ROM 2013, external memory 2014 or the like to control the printing process of printing unit 2017).

Further, the control means (CPU 2019)
Deletes the font data registered in the memory resource after the printing of the print information received from the host computer 2100, and secures a free memory space in the memory resource (the registration memory 2022 and the external registration memory 2023 shown in FIG. 2). Is what you do.

A data processing device (host computer 2100) communicable with a printing device (printer 1000) via a predetermined communication medium, and a registration area for registering font data in a memory resource of the printing device. Issuing means (CPU 200) for issuing a command for securing
1 executes a control program stored in the ROM 2003 and the external memory 2011 to perform issuance processing) and management information of font data to be registered in the printing apparatus in order to analyze predetermined print data and use it for printing ( Creating means for creating the registration management table 5000 as shown in FIG. 4 (the CPU 2001 executes the control program stored in the ROM 2003 and the external memory 2011) to create the registration management table 5000); Calculating means for calculating a free memory capacity that can be registered in the memory resource from the memory capacity of the registration area secured in the memory resource and the memory capacity used by the font data to be registered in the printing apparatus (the CPU 2001 reads the ROM 2003
The control program stored in the external memory 2011 is executed to perform calculation (according to a calculation formula as shown in FIG. 11).
And control means for controlling the transfer of the font data to be registered based on the free memory capacity calculated by the calculation means (the CPU 2001 executes and controls a control program stored in the ROM 2003 and the external memory 2011). And

The CPU 2001 can issue a command for deleting the registered font data when the font data to be registered cannot be registered with the calculated free memory capacity.

Further, a storage means (secured in the RAM 2002) for storing identification information for identifying a registration state of font data to be transferred to the printer 1000, and the creation means based on the identification information stored in the storage means Determining means for determining whether or not each character in the print data being analyzed is registered (the CPU 2001 determines whether
03, executing the control program stored in the external memory 2011 to make the determination).
It calculates a free memory capacity that can be registered in the external registration memory 2023.

Setting means for setting the memory capacity of a registration area for registering font data in the registration memory 2022 and the external registration memory 2023 (the CPU 2001 operates as an R
OM2003, a control program stored in the external memory 2011 is executed, and an arbitrary value is set from a user setting value or a total memory amount).

Further, a memory capacity of a registration area to be reserved for registering font data in a memory resource of the printing apparatus can be changed based on an analysis state of the print data.

The CPU 2001 switches and transfers either font data to be registered in the memory resource of the printer 1001 or compressed font data obtained by compressing the font data, based on the contents of the print data.

Further, the CPU 2001 creates management information for identifying registered font data registered in the printing apparatus for use in printing created by analyzing predetermined print data.

A type determining means (CPU 2001) for determining the type of the memory resource in which font data for printing print data is registered from the created management information.
Executes the control program stored in the ROM 2003 or the external memory 2011 for determination).
01 issues a command to copy the registered font data permanently registered in the first memory resource (external registration memory 2023) of the printing apparatus to the second memory resource (registration memory 2022) based on the type determination result. Things.

FIG. 5 shows a first example of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure.
Note that (1) to (11) indicate each step. It is assumed that the total memory size of the printer required for registration is set in the memory size 5004.

First, the reading of each character data 4002 from the document file 4000 of the host is started (1), and it is determined whether the reading is completed (2). If YES, the upper limit of the total memory size for registration is determined. It is determined whether or not the value is set in the host in advance (5). If it is determined that the upper limit is not set, the process proceeds to step (6), and the memory size 5004 is set to the requested memory size to the printer 1000. And the process proceeds to step (11) and subsequent steps.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5) that the upper limit is set, the upper limit is compared with the memory size 5004 (7) to determine whether the memory size 5004 is smaller than the upper limit. Judge (8), NO
If it is determined in step (9) that the requested memory size for the printer 1000 is
4 and proceed to step (11) and subsequent steps.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (8) that the memory size 5004 has exceeded the upper limit, the requested memory size is changed to the upper limit (10), and the process proceeds to step (11). (6), (9), (1
A command for requesting the printer 1000 to secure memory for font registration is issued to the printer 1000 based on the requested memory size set in step 0), the printer control code is converted for the intermediate file, and And the process ends (details will be described later).

On the other hand, if the reading of the character data 4002 is continued in step (2), the registration management table 5000 corresponding to the character data 4002 is updated (3). Thereafter, the character file 4002 is additionally updated in the intermediate file (4), and the process returns to step (1).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of the update processing of the registration management table shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

For the read character data 4002,
It is determined whether or not the character is to be registered based on the character code, character size, and data size (1). If it is determined that registration is not to be performed, the process ends.

In the registration judgment in step (1), registration conditions are set in advance on the host side, and registration is performed only when the conditions are satisfied.

For example, the registration condition is such that the upper limit of the character size to be registered is 30 points, the character codes to be registered are only non-Kanji characters and the first-level Kanji characters, and the upper limit of the data size to be registered is 10 Kbytes. . Further, the registration condition can be freely set by the user in the host 2100.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that registration is to be performed, the registration management table 5000 is searched (2), and it is determined whether or not the character data 4002 already exists on the registration management table 5000 ( 3) If it is determined that there is no registration, each character data is set in the character data portion 5003 on the registration management table from the character data 4002 (4).

Here, "1" is set to the number of uses 5005 of the character data portion 5003, indicating that the character data is currently used only once.

Last page number 5 of character data portion 5003
In 006, a page number for printing the character is set, and the use of the character indicates that this page is the last. Further, the memory size of the registration memory 2022 consumed by registering the character in the printer or the memory size of the external registration memory 2023 is added to the memory size 5004 of the header section 5001 (the calculation method of the memory size consumed by registration will be described later). And).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the character data already exists on the registration management table 5000 and that the character data has already been registered, the use count 5005 of the character data portion 5003 corresponding to the character is set to “1”. "
The last page number 5006 is changed to the page number for printing the character (5). In this case, since no new registration is performed, the memory size 500 of the header section 5001 is not stored.
No change shall be made to No. 4.

Next, the printer control code conversion in step (11) shown in FIG. 5 and the process of transferring the converted control code to the printer will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the detailed procedure of the printer control code conversion shown in FIG. 5 and the process of transferring the converted control code to the printer. In addition,
(1) to (15) show each step.

First, steps (6), (9),
In order to secure memory for the requested memory size determined in (10), a registered memory request command is transferred to the printer 1000 (1). Here, when the requested memory size determined in steps (6), (9), and (10) in FIG. 5 matches the memory size 5001 in the registration management table 5000 of the host in FIG.
Since it is determined in step (10) of FIG. 7 described below that the registered memory size does not exceed the upper limit, the host registration management table 5000 of FIG. 4 is used for the processing of FIG.

On the other hand, the required memory size and the memory size 5
If 001 is different, step (1) in FIG.
In step (1), the registered memory size exceeds the upper limit in step (0).
In 1), the deletion command is transferred and the configuration of the registration management table 5000 is changed and cannot be diverted.
Regenerates the registration management table 5000 at the time of processing.

Next, each character data is read from the intermediate file (2), and after the reading of each character data is completed (3), the read character data is read from the character code, character size, character data size and the like. It is determined whether or not to register a character (4), and if it is determined not to register,
A drawing command, which is a command for performing only drawing without registering, is transferred to the printer 1000 (5).

Since the above-mentioned drawing command does not perform font registration, the memory of the registration memory 2022 or the external registration memory 2023 is not consumed, but the same character is used twice and printing is performed. Is inefficient because it is necessary to transfer the same command again to perform the drawing processing. The method of determining whether to register in step (4) is the same as that in step (1) in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (4) that registration is to be performed, the registration management table 5000 is searched (6) and the character data is already registered.
It is determined whether or not it is on 0 (7). As a result, if it is determined that the registration has been completed, a print command for printing the registered characters is transferred to the printer 1000 (8), and the process returns to step (2).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (7) that the character data has not been registered, then in step (9), the registration memory size when the character data is registered in the printer is calculated (calculation of registration memory size). The formula will be described later).

Then, it is determined whether or not the registered memory size has exceeded the required memory size (10). If it is determined that the memory size has exceeded the upper limit, a delete command is transferred (1).
1) After deleting character data registered in the registration memory 2022 or the external registration memory 2023 of the printer 1000 and securing a free memory, the registration management table 5000 of the host is updated (12), and step (9) ) And return to steps (9) to (1) until it is determined that the registered memory size does not exceed the required memory size.
Repeat step 2) to delete registered characters.

Here, when deleting characters, it is assumed that a delete command may be transferred for each character, or that a plurality of characters may be deleted at one time. When deciding the character to be deleted, reference is made to the last page number 5006 of the registration management table 5000, and the character used before the page whose control code is currently converted is to be deleted. If the number 5006 is the same as or later than the page whose control code is currently converted, it is to be deleted.

When there are a plurality of characters to be deleted,
The order of deletion is arbitrary, and deletion may be performed in order from the one with the last last page number, the one with the least number of uses, or the one with the largest data size.

Also, regardless of the last page number 5006, it may be deleted in order from the one with the least number of uses or the one with the largest data size.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (10) that the registered memory size is smaller than the required memory size and can be registered, the registration management table is updated (13), the registration command is transferred (14), and printing is performed. The command is transferred (15), the process returns to step (2), and the above processing is repeated until reading of all character data is completed.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the data processing procedure of the printer 1000 shown in FIG. (1) to (8) indicate each step.

First, the printer 1000 waits for data input (1), and when data is input, that is,
When the printer control code created on the host 2100 is input, the process exits the data input wait state and performs the data input process (2).

Next, the input printer control code is analyzed (3), and processing according to each command is performed. If it is determined in step (4) that the discharge command has been analyzed, the frame buffer Is converted into a video signal (5), transferred to the printer engine for printing (6), the paper is discharged (7), and the process returns to step (1).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (4) that other commands other than the discharge command have been analyzed, a drawing process or the like is performed according to each command (8), and a print image is formed on the frame buffer. And step (1)
Return to

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of the data analysis processing shown in FIG.
00 to the printer 10
00 corresponds to the data analysis process. In addition, (1)-
(13) shows each step.

First, the printer control code is read (1), it is determined whether or not the reading of the control code has been completed (2). When the control code has been read, the registration memory is released (13), and the processing is performed. finish.

On the other hand, in step (2), the read command is a registered memory request command, a registered command,
A print command, a delete command, or a drawing command is determined according to the following processing procedure.

First, in step (1), if it is determined in step (3) that the read command is a registered memory request command, the registration memory of the requested memory size specified by the command is stored in the printer. In the registration memory 2022 or the external registration memory 2023 (4), and return to step (1).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the read command is a registration command in step (5), the registration table 7000 (details) inside the printer is determined based on the character data information specified by the command. The character data 7003 (details of which will be described later) is additionally updated to (6), and the process returns to step (1).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the read command is a print command in step (7), the character code (or registration ID) specified by the command is registered in the registration table 7000. The character data 7003 corresponding to the character data 7003 is searched (8), a printing process is performed on the frame buffer using the character data 7003 (9), and the process returns to step (1).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the read command is a delete command in step (10), the registration table 7000 is determined based on the character data (or registration ID) specified by the command.
Is searched, the corresponding character data 7003 is deleted, and the registration table is updated (6), and step (1) is performed.
Return to When deleting, one character data unit may be deleted, or a plurality of character data may be deleted at a time.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the read command is a drawing command in step (11), drawing is performed on the frame buffer using the data specified by the command. (12),
Return to step (1).

Thereafter, the processing from step (1) is repeated, and when the reading of the printer control code is completed, the memory corresponding to the requested memory size secured in the registration memory 2022 and the external registration memory 2023 is released (13).
The process ends.

It is assumed that the registration memory may be released according to a command requesting release of the registration memory transferred from the host 2100 to the printer 1000 during the above processing.

FIG. 10 shows the printer 1000 shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 illustrates a data structure of a registration table 7000 created at the time of font registration. The registration table 7000 is generated in the registration memory 2022 inside the printer 1000 or the external registration memory 2023.

As shown in FIG. 10, the registration table 700
0 comprises a header section 7001, a pointer section 7002, and a data section 7003. The header section 7001 stores the number of registered characters, and the pointer section 7002 stores a pointer value to character data.

Each character data 7003 includes the size of bitmap data, a registration ID which is a number for identifying a registered character, the width and height of a bitmap pattern, and the like.
An offset value (X direction and Y direction) from the designated print position to the upper left position of the bitmap, a pattern header section 7004 for storing the character pitch, and bitmap data (a pattern section 7005 for storing binary data). ing.

The above information is given as a parameter of the registration command in the printer control code. The above-mentioned required memory size and registered memory size are calculated by the formula 8 shown in FIG.
000.

Here, the functional effects of the font registration will be described with reference to FIG.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams for explaining a print data processing state in the printing system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 12A shows a case where a registered font is not used, and FIG. 12B shows a case where a registered font is used. Corresponding to

As shown in FIG. 12A, when a registered font is not used, a print image 9000 is created in the RAM 2002 inside the host 2100. The print image 9000 is actually the document file 4 shown in FIG.
This file has a format such as 000, and indicates which font is to be printed at which position on the paper and in what size. The font data 9001 actually used for printing is stored on the RAM 2002.

When the registered font is not used, the font data (bitmap data) 9001 is combined with the drawing command and transferred to the printer 1000 with reference to the document file 4000. Printer 1000
Stores the transferred font data 9001 in the RAM 2019
Expand on the internal frame buffer.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12B, when the registered font is used, the print image 9000 in the host 2100 and the font data 9 in the RAM 2002 are used.
001 is the same as the case where the above-mentioned registration is not used.

When the registered font is used, the host 2100 combines the font data 9001 with the registration command and registers it in the printer 1000. When printing the character, only the character code (or registration ID) is used. Transfer as a print command.

The printer 1000 has font data 900
1 in the registration memory 2022, the external registration memory 2023, and the registration table 700 in the registration memory 2022.
Since the frame buffer is generated with reference to the pattern portion 7005 in 0, when printing the same character, only the print command is transferred, and it is not necessary to transfer the font data 9001 again.

For this reason, the host 2100 sends the printer 1
000 can be significantly reduced, and time loss due to data transfer can be reduced.

As described above, the memory size required for font registration is calculated in advance before the font registration is started.
Since only the minimum necessary memory is secured inside the printer, the memory resources of the printer 1000 can be effectively used.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
The case where the data is directly registered in the registration memory 2022 and the external registration memory 2023 when registering the font in the printer 1000 has been described. You may be comprised so that it may perform. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described. Note that the main processing steps for font registration are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. The feature of the present embodiment is that, in the step (14) shown in FIG. From 5005, it is about to determine the compression.

That is, the character data portion 5003 contains 1
Since there is information on the number of times of use 5005 of each character used in the print data (one print job), frequently used characters are registered in the printer 1000 as uncompressed using this information. Infrequent characters are compressed and registered.

With the above processing, the frequently used characters are not compressed, so that time loss due to the decompression process is prevented, and the infrequently used characters are compressed and registered, so that the registered memory is efficiently used. Becomes possible.

The registration management table 10000 on the host side in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining the data structure of the registration management table 10000 created in the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 10001 denotes a header portion, a registered memory size is set, 10002 denotes a pointer portion, 10004 denotes the number of times of use, and 10005 denotes the last page number. The difference from the registration management table 5000 of the first embodiment is that the character data portion 10003
The compression information 10006 and the compression data size 10007 are added to each character data of the above. The compression information 1000
In 6, information is set to determine whether or not the character data has been compressed, and if compression has been performed, information for identifying a compression method. In the compressed data size 10007, a data size after compression when compression is performed is set.

Hereinafter, the second data processing operation of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the registration command transfer processing of the present embodiment.
Note that (1) to (6) show each step, which is a modification of the transfer processing of the registration command of step (14) shown in FIG. 7 for the present embodiment. In step (14) in FIG. 7, the registration command is created and transferred using each character data.
In this embodiment, before the creation and transfer of the registration command, the compression command is determined based on the information on the number of times of use of the character data, and then the creation and transfer of the registration command are performed.

First, in step (1), the character data part 1
Reference is made to the number of times of use 10004 of the character registered from 0003. Whether or not to perform compression is determined based on the number of uses 10004. As a determination method, if the number of uses exceeds a certain value, uncompressed, and if less than a certain value, compression is performed. Is used.

The method of setting the above-mentioned constant value may be predetermined on the host 2100 or may be arbitrarily set by the user on the host.

Next, in step (3), it is determined whether or not compression is to be performed. If it is determined that compression is to be performed, compression processing is performed in step (4). At this time, the method of selecting the compression method may be determined in advance on the host 2100 or may be arbitrarily set by the user on the host.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that compression is not to be performed, then in step (5), that is, if necessary, depending on the presence or absence of compression, the compression information 10006 in the character data portion 10003 and the compression data size 100007 To change. Then, in step (6), a registration command is created and transferred, as in the first embodiment, and the process ends.

On the other hand, on the printer 1000 side, font registration is performed on the registration memory 2022 and the external registration memory 2023 based on the registration command created and transferred in step (6). A registration table 11000 as shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 shows the printer 1000 shown in FIG.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the data structure of another registration table 11000 created on the side of FIG. Note that the difference from the registration table 7000 shown in FIG. 10 described in the first embodiment is that a compression information 11006 and a compressed data size 11007 are added, and these information are stored in step (6) in FIG. It is given as a parameter of the registration command created in this way.

When printing is performed using the character data registered by the above processing, the compression information 110
After the decompression process is performed on the basis of No. 06 and the compressed data size 11007, the printing process is performed on the frame buffer.

As described above, by compressing character data based on the frequency of use, time loss due to decompression processing can be prevented, and the registered memory can be efficiently used by data compression.

[Third Embodiment] In each of the above embodiments, the case where the font data is transferred and registered from the information processing apparatus side and the printing process is performed has been described. However, the timing of deleting the character registered in the printer 1000 is determined. You may comprise so that deletion processing is possible. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

The main processing steps for performing font registration are the same as those in the first embodiment.
When the print command is transferred to the printer 1000 in steps (8) and (15) shown in (5), the number of times of use 5005 and the last page number 5 in the corresponding character data in the character data portion 5003 of the host registration management table 5000
Judgment timing for deleting the registered character from the 006 information (the character data portion 5003 includes information on the number of times of use 5005 of the character used in one print data (one print job) and the last page number 5006. The timing of deletion is determined using the information), and the deletion process is about to be performed.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the third data processing procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention. The flowchart corresponds to the processing of determining the character deletion timing based on the number of times of use 5005, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth data processing procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, wherein a character deletion timing is determined based on a matching result between the last page number 5006 and the page number currently being printed, and Corresponds to the transfer process of the print command (delete command). Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step. The feature of this embodiment is that, in steps (8) and (15) shown in FIG.
In order to perform printing using each character registered to 0, a print command was created and transferred. However, in FIGS. 16 and 17, the number of times of use of character data at the time of creating and transferring the print command is 5005. , Last page number 50
Based on the information 06, the timing to delete the character is determined, and then the deletion command is transferred.

First, in FIG. 16, a print command is created and transferred in the same manner as in steps (8) and (15) of FIG. 7 (1). After that, the character data section 5
From 003, the number of uses 5005 corresponding to the character to be registered is read (2), and "1" is subtracted from the number of uses 5005 (3).

As a result, it is determined whether or not the number of times of use 5005 is “0” (4). If it is determined that the number of times of use becomes “0”, the character data is no longer included in the print data (print job). Since it can be determined that the character data will not be used, the character data is deleted by the processing after step (5).

On the other hand, in step (4), the number of uses 5
If 005 is equal to or greater than "0", it can be determined that this character data is to be used.
The above processing ends.

On the other hand, in the case of YES in step (4),
The character data 5003 corresponding to this character is deleted, the registration management table is updated (5), a delete command is transferred to the printer 1000 (6), and the process returns.

Thus, the printer 1000 deletes the character data corresponding to this character from the registration memory 2022 and the external registration memory 2023 in response to receiving the above-mentioned deletion command.

On the other hand, in FIG. 17, a print command is created and transferred in the same manner as in steps (8) and (15) shown in FIG. 7 (1). After that, the character data section 5
Last page number 50 corresponding to the character to be registered from 003
06 is read (2), and the last page number 500
6 is compared with the page number currently being printed (3). If it is determined that the comparison result matches, the character is used after the page currently being printed. Since it is possible to determine that the character data is "NO", when the printing process is completed for the page currently being printed, the character data is deleted by the processes from step (5) onward.

Therefore, if it is determined in step (4) that they do not match, the above processing is terminated without performing the deletion processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (4) that the characters match, the character data section 5003 corresponding to this character is deleted, the registration management table is updated (5), and a delete command is transmitted to the printer 1000. (6), and the process returns.

Thus, after receiving the above-mentioned deletion command, the printer 1000 deletes the character data corresponding to this character from the registration memory 2022 and the external registration memory 2023.

As described above, by deleting the corresponding character when it is used, the registered memory on the printer side can be used efficiently.

[Fourth Embodiment] In the first to third embodiments, the font registration to the printer 1000 is started after the printing is started, and the registered font is deleted after the printing is finished. Register the fonts in advance before printing, print using these permanent registration characters during printing, and use the permanent registration characters in the next printing process without deleting after printing is completed May be configured so as to enable printing. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described. In addition,
When registering fonts, the printer 1
000 or an external registration memory 2023 is common.

However, the registration memory 2022 has a RAM
And a volatile memory called printer 1000
Since all registered data is lost when the power is turned off, it is not suitable for use such as permanent registration characters.

Therefore, as the registration destination of the permanent registration character,
An external registration memory 2023 composed of a nonvolatile memory such as a hard disk (HD) and a flash memory is generally used.

However, the processing time required for reading and writing data to the hard disk or the like is generally slower than that for the RAM, and there has been a problem that the printing processing becomes slow due to this delay.

Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to solve such a problem, the permanent registration character data stored in the external registration memory 2023 is copied onto the registration memory 2022 before starting the printing process, and The printing process is performed by using, thereby preventing a reduction in the speed of the printing process.

The main processing steps in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, except that the characters to be printed are permanent registration characters in the update processing of the registration management table shown in FIG. Is determined, the information on the permanently registered characters is converted into a printer control code, and the
00 to be transferred.

Thereafter, after receiving the printer control code, the printer 1000 copies the data of the permanent registration character from the external registration memory 2023 to the registration memory 2022.

FIG. 18 is a view for explaining the data structure of a document file 12000 created by the information processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The structure of the document file 12000 on the host in this embodiment is the same as that of the document file 40 shown in FIG.
This is almost the same as 00, but permanent registration character information 12003 is added to the character data 12002, and it is possible to determine from the information whether or not the character exists in the external registration memory 2023. .

The permanent registration character information 12003 includes information for determining whether the character is a permanent registration character and an external registration memory 2023 such as a storage location and data size of the data.
From the information necessary to read the data of the permanent registration character from

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the fifth data processing procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step, and the same steps as those shown in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. That is, when the registration management table of FIG. 5 is updated (3), processes (6) and (7) for determining whether or not the information is registered in the external registration memory 2023 based on the permanent registration character information 12003 are added. The processing from step (1) to step (5) is the same as the processing from step (1) to step (5) in FIG.

First, the permanently registered character information 1200 of the character data 12002 read from the document file 12000
3, it is determined whether or not it is stored on the external registration memory 2023 (6). If it is determined that it is stored on the external registration memory 2023, the permanent registration character information 12 is stored.
After obtaining necessary information from 003, the printer 1000
From the external registration memory 2033 to the registration memory 20
A printer control code (hereinafter, referred to as a read command) for copying the data of the permanently registered characters to the printer 22 is transferred to the printer 1000 (7), and step (1) in FIG.
(5) is executed.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the sixth data processing procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (16) indicate each step, and FIG.
Corresponds to the processing in which the processing at the time of receiving the call command transferred in step (2) of FIG. 19 is added to the processing steps shown in FIG.

Steps (1) to (1) in FIG.
The processing up to 3) is the same as the processing from step (1) to step (12) in FIG.

In step (13), it is determined whether or not the received printer control code is a call command. If it is determined that the received printer control code is a call command, the printer control code is determined based on information added as a parameter of the command. , The permanent registration character data is transferred from the external registration memory 2023 to the registration memory 2
022 to determine whether or not it has already been copied (1
4) If it is determined that copying has been completed, the processing from step (1) onward is repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (14) that the data has not been copied, the permanent registration character data is copied from the external registration memory 2023 to the registration memory 2022 (15), and the process returns to step (1). .

Here, as a method of judging whether or not copying has been completed in step (14), if character data 7003 corresponding to the character specified by the call command in FIG. 10 already exists, If the character data 7003 does not exist, it can be determined that copying has not been performed.

In the present embodiment, the printer 1000
Internally, it was determined whether the permanent registration character was copied on the registration memory 2022. When the host 2100 transferred the call command in step (2) of FIG. Means for determining whether or not the command has been issued may be provided, and the command may be transferred according to the means. When this method is adopted, the number of times of transferring the call command for the same character may be one, and therefore, there is an advantage that the processing steps in FIG.

As described above, when using the characters stored in the external registration memory 2023 having a low reading and writing processing speed, the printing processing is performed to the registration memory having a high reading and writing processing speed such as the registration memory 2022. By copying in advance before the start of the process and performing print processing using this data, it is possible to prevent a decrease in print processing speed.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by a printing system to which the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which the present invention can be applied.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data subordinate to various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

In the present embodiment, FIGS.
The functions shown in FIG. 16, FIG. 17, FIG. 19, and FIG. 20 may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0185]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, a data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein a setting means for analyzing predetermined print data and setting a memory size for registering font data, Issuing means for issuing a command to secure a registration area for registering font data in the memory resources of the printing apparatus for the memory size set by the setting means, so that when printing information is transferred to the printing apparatus, It is only necessary to register the necessary minimum registered font data obtained by analyzing the print information in the memory resource of the printing apparatus, and it is possible to avoid a situation in which registered font data not used for printing is transferred, and to perform printing. It is possible to limit the useless use of the memory resources provided in the apparatus and to save the memory usage capacity.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided updating means for analyzing print data and updating management information, and the setting means sets the memory size based on the management information. An appropriate amount of memory area for storing can be set.

According to the third aspect, since the management information includes the ID and data size of the font data to be registered, an accurate memory capacity used for registering the registered font data in the printing device is calculated. be able to.

According to the fourth aspect, since the registration means for registering the font in the area secured by the command is provided, the font data to be registered can be reliably registered and managed.

[0189] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the securing means for securing the registration area for registering the font data on the memory resource based on the command issued from the data processing device, and the data transferred from the data processing device. Registering the font data to be registered added to the print information in the registration area, and using the printer data and the font data registered in the registration area by the registration means. Control means for processing the print data, so that a registration area to be secured in a memory resource for registering the registered font data used when printing the print information can be saved, and the persuasive power of using the registered font data can be saved. A certain font resource environment can be constructed at low cost.

According to the sixth aspect, the control means deletes the font data registered in the memory resource after the printing of the print information received from the data processing device is completed, and saves the memory free space in the memory resource. Since it is ensured, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the memory capacity that can be used in the memory resources is exclusively used by the unnecessary registered font data.

According to the seventh aspect, the issuing means for issuing a command for securing a registration area for registering font data in the memory resources of the printing apparatus, and the means for analyzing predetermined print data and using it for printing. Creating means for creating management information of font data to be registered in the printing apparatus, a memory capacity of a registration area secured in a memory resource of the printing apparatus by the command, and font data to be registered in the printing apparatus. Calculating means for calculating a free memory capacity that can be registered in the memory resource from the memory capacity to be executed,
Control means for controlling the transfer of the font data to be registered based on the free memory capacity calculated by the calculation means, so that it is necessary to register a registered font used when printing print information. When the print information is transferred to the printing device, the minimum required registered font data obtained by analyzing the printing information can be registered in the memory resources of the printing device. It is possible to avoid a situation in which registered font data that is not used for printing is transferred, and to limit useless use of memory resources provided in the printing apparatus, thereby saving the memory usage capacity.

According to the eighth aspect, the issuing means issues the command for deleting the registered font data when the font data to be registered cannot be registered with the free memory capacity calculated by the arithmetic means. Since it is possible, the registered font data can be freely deleted, and new registered font data can be registered within the secured registration capacity.

According to the ninth aspect, storage means for storing identification information for identifying a registration state of font data to be transferred to the printing apparatus, and the creation means based on the identification information stored in the storage means Determining whether or not each character in the print data being analyzed is registered, and wherein the calculating unit determines whether or not each of the characters is registered in the memory resource every time the determining unit determines that the character is not registered. Since the available memory capacity that can be registered is calculated, the minimum memory capacity for registering the registered font data can be calculated without duplication.

According to the tenth aspect, since the setting means for setting the memory capacity of the registration area for registering the font data in the memory resource of the printing apparatus is provided, the registered font data is registered according to the use environment of the user. Memory capacity can be set as appropriate.

According to the eleventh aspect, the memory capacity of the registration area to be reserved for registering the font data in the memory resource of the printing apparatus can be changed based on the analysis state of the print data. Even when there is registered font data exceeding the set registration area, the area for registering the required registered font data in the print information can be freely secured and handled.

According to the twelfth aspect, the control means switches either font data to be registered in the memory resource of the printing apparatus or compressed font data obtained by compressing the font data, based on the content of the print data. Since the transfer is performed, the transfer load of the registered font data to be transferred to the printing apparatus can be reduced, and the transfer can be efficiently performed according to the content of the print data.

According to the thirteenth aspect, the creation means creates management information for identifying registered font data registered in the printing apparatus for use in printing created by analyzing predetermined print data. Registered data that is redundantly printed in print data can be reliably identified, and the capacity and frequency of use required for registering registered font data can be accurately calculated.

According to the fourteenth aspect, there is provided type determination means for determining the type of the memory resource in which font data for printing print data is registered from the management information created by the creation means. The means issues a command to copy the registered font data permanently registered in the first memory resource of the printing apparatus to the second memory resource based on the determination result of the type determining means. In preparation for printing using the registered font data permanently registered in advance in the memory resources, a font resource environment in which the read font data is read out to the second memory resource that can be read at high speed and the registered font data is used can be prepared.

According to the fifteenth and sixteenth aspects, an issuing step of issuing a command for securing a registration area for registering font data in a memory resource of a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, A creating step of creating management information of font data to be registered in the printing apparatus for analysis and use in printing; and printing information to which the management information created for the print data is added to the printing apparatus. And transfer the print information to the printing apparatus, so that it is only necessary to register the necessary minimum registered font data obtained by analyzing the print information in the memory resources of the printing apparatus. In addition, it is possible to avoid a situation in which registered font data that is not used for printing is transferred, and to limit unnecessary use of memory resources provided in the printing apparatus to reduce the amount of memory used. About possible.

The seventeenth and eighteenth aspects of the present invention provide a securing step of securing a registration area for registering font data on a memory resource based on a command issued from a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium; A registration step of registering font data to be registered added to print information transferred from the data processing device in the registration area, and performing the printing using the font data and the printer font registered in the registration area. Since there is a printing step of printing the print data in the information and a deletion step of releasing the registration area secured in the memory resource and securing an empty area after the printing of the print data, unnecessary registration is always performed. With the font data, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the available memory capacity in the memory resource is dedicated.

The nineteenth and twentieth inventions are a data processing method capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, or a computer capable of communicating with the printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. Setting a memory size for analyzing predetermined print data and registering font data, and registering for registering font data in memory resources of the printing apparatus. Issue command for issuing a command to secure an area for the set memory size,
When transferring print information to the printing device, it is only necessary to register the necessary minimum registered font data obtained by analyzing the print information in the memory resources of the printing device, and transfer the registered font data not used for printing. Can be avoided, and useless use of memory resources provided in the printing apparatus can be limited to save memory usage capacity.

Therefore, when printing a predetermined amount of print information, the registered font data to be used is transferred at the start of printing, and the required minimum registered font data registration area is secured in the memory resources of the printing apparatus. This makes it possible to efficiently perform print processing using registered font data with a small amount of memory resources.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an output device to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a document file created and stored on a RAM and an external memory illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a registration management table created on a RAM or an external memory shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed procedure of a registration management table update process illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed procedure of a process of converting the printer control code illustrated in FIG. 5 and transferring the converted control code to the printer.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure of the printer illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed procedure of a data analysis process illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of a registration table created by the printer shown in FIG. 1 at the time of font registration.

11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of calculating a registered memory size derived based on data registered in the registration table illustrated in FIG.

12 is a diagram illustrating a print data processing state in the printing system illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a registration management table created in the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of another registration table created on the printer side shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth data processing procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a document file created by the information processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fifth data processing procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a sixth data processing procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2001 CPU 2003 ROM 2012 CPU 2019 RAM 2014 External memory 2023 External registration memory

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: setting means for analyzing predetermined print data and setting a memory size for registering font data; A data processing device comprising: a issuing unit that issues a command for securing a registration area for registering font data in a memory resource of a printing device for the memory size set by the setting unit. 2. The data according to claim 1, further comprising an update unit that analyzes print data and updates management information, wherein the setting unit sets the memory size based on the management information. Processing equipment. 3. The data processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the management information includes an ID and a data size of font data to be registered. 4. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a registration unit for registering a font in an area secured by the command. 5. A print control device capable of communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein a registration area for registering font data based on a command issued from the data processing device has a memory resource. Securing means for securing font data to be registered in print information transferred from the data processing device, and registering font data to be registered in the registration area; Control means for processing print data in the print information using font data. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control unit deletes font data registered in the memory resource after printing of the print information received from the data processing apparatus is completed to secure a free memory space in the memory resource. 6. The print control device according to claim 5, wherein 7. A data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the issuing device issues a command for securing a registration area for registering font data in a memory resource of the printing device. Creating means for analyzing the predetermined print data and creating management information of font data to be registered in the printing apparatus for use in printing; a registration area secured in a memory resource of the printing apparatus by the command Calculating means for calculating a free memory capacity that can be registered in the memory resource from the memory capacity of the memory device and the memory capacity used by the font data to be registered in the printing apparatus; based on the free memory capacity calculated by the calculating means Control means for controlling the transfer of the font data to be registered. 8. When the font data to be registered cannot be registered with the free memory capacity calculated by the calculation means, the issuing means can issue a command to delete the registered font data. The data processing device according to claim 7, wherein 9. A storage unit for storing identification information for identifying a registration state of font data to be transferred to the printing apparatus, and a printing unit which the printing unit analyzes based on the identification information stored in the storage unit. Discriminating means for discriminating whether each character in the data is registered, and wherein the calculating means each time the discriminating means determines that the character is not registered, a free memory capacity that can be registered in the memory resource. 8. The data processing device according to claim 7, wherein is calculated. 10. The data processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising setting means for setting a memory capacity of a registration area for registering font data in a memory resource of the printing apparatus. 11. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a memory capacity of a registration area to be reserved for registering font data in a memory resource of the printing apparatus can be changed based on an analysis state of the print data. The data processing device according to claim 1. 12. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit switches and transfers either font data to be registered in a memory resource of the printing apparatus or compressed font data obtained by compressing the font data, based on the contents of the print data. The data processing device according to claim 7, wherein 13. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said creating means creates management information for identifying registered font data registered in said printing apparatus for use in printing created by analyzing predetermined print data. 8. The data processing device according to 7. 14. A type judging unit for judging the type of the memory resource in which font data for printing print data is registered from the management information created by the creating unit, wherein the issuing unit comprises: 8. The data processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a command is issued to copy the registered font data permanently registered in the first memory resource of the printing apparatus to the second memory resource based on the determination result of the means. . 15. An issuing step of issuing a command for securing a registration area for registering font data in a memory resource of a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, and analyzing predetermined print data and using the data for printing. A creating step of creating management information of font data to be registered in the printing apparatus, and a transfer step of transferring print information to which the management information created for the print data is added to the printing apparatus;
A data processing method comprising: 16. An issuing step for issuing a command for securing a registration area for registering font data in a memory resource of a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, and analyzing predetermined print data and using the data for printing. Creating the management information of the font data to be registered in the printing device for transferring the print information to which the management information created for the print data is added to the printing device. A storage medium storing a computer readable program. 17. A securing step for securing a registration area for registering font data on a memory resource based on a command issued from a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium; Registering font data to be registered added to the print information in the registration area, and printing the print data in the print information using the font data and the printer font registered in the registration area. A printing step of performing the following: a printing step of performing printing of the print data; and a deleting step of releasing the registration area secured in the memory resource to secure a free area after printing of the print data is completed. 18. A securing step of securing a registration area for registering font data on a memory resource on the basis of a command issued from a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, and transferring the data from the data processing device. Registering font data to be registered added to the print information in the registration area, and printing the print data in the print information using the font data and the printer font registered in the registration area. A computer readable program, comprising: a printing step of performing the following: and a deletion step of releasing the registration area secured in the memory resource to secure a free area after printing of the print data is completed. Storage medium. 19. A data processing method capable of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: a setting step of analyzing predetermined print data and setting a memory size for registering font data; Issuing a command for securing a registration area for registering font data in a memory resource of the printing apparatus for a set memory size. 20. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program communicable with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, the memory size for analyzing predetermined print data and registering font data. And a issuing step of issuing a command to secure a registration area for registering font data in the memory resource of the printing apparatus for the set memory size. A storage medium characterized by the following.