JPH10301742A - Output control system and method therefor and recording medium for recording output control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an output control system in which a pre-view processing can be quickly operated without largely losing faithfulness to output data for a user who operates data output. SOLUTION: Simple display data Sas obtained by simplifying display data Sa faithful to output data Sb to be originally outputted are generated instead of the display data Sa based on a request signal Sr from a computer before output in a printer, and the display data Sas are returned to a computer, and pre-view display is operated. In this case, the simple display data Sas includes frame data Sas1 for displaying only the display position and range of an object to be displayed such as a graphic included in the output data Sb, outline data Sas2 for displaying only the outline of the object to be displayed, and black and white data Sas3 for displaying the object to be displayed only in black and white colors. Then, at the time of outputting a request signal Sr, a flag indicating which data the pre-view processing should be operated based on is transmitted to a data converter 6.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a so-called preview process for confirming an output mode in a data generating device prior to outputting data in an output device such as a printer connected to a data generating device such as a computer. Belongs to the technical field.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a preview process for displaying data output by an output device is generally performed on the data generation device. In this case, however, the output data output by the output device is generally used. In general, a preview process for displaying an image that is as faithful as possible is performed.

[0003]

However, in the conventional preview method, since the image as faithful as possible to the output data to be output is not displayed, the preview process itself takes time, and the preview process is quickly performed. There is a problem that extra time is required to view a corresponding image.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and a problem thereof is that a user who performs data output can quickly perform preview processing without greatly impairing the fidelity of output data. An output control system, an output control method, and a recording medium on which an output control program can be recorded.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for generating output data to be output and displaying an image corresponding to simplified display data. A data generation device such as a computer including a display unit, a conversion device such as a data converter that converts the output data using the conversion data and generates the simplified display data, and a printer that outputs the converted output data An output device such as the above, wherein the data generation device generates a request signal for requesting the simplified display data before outputting the converted output data in the output device, and performs the conversion. The conversion device includes a request unit such as a CPU for transmitting the display data to the device. The simplified display data, which is the abbreviated data, the simplified display data generating means such as a display data generating unit that generates the converted data and the output data, and when the request signal is transmitted, the generated simplified display data is generated. Transmission means such as a CPU for transmitting the simplified display data to the data generation device.

According to the operation of the first aspect of the invention, the request means included in the data generating device generates a request signal for requesting simplified display data before outputting the converted output data in the output device. Transmit to converter.

The simplified display data generating means included in the converter generates the simplified display data using the converted data and the output data.

[0008] Thereafter, the transmission means included in the conversion device includes:
When the request signal is transmitted, the generated simplified display data is transmitted to the data generator.

Therefore, the simplified display data is generated instead of the display data, transmitted to the data generator, and displayed. Therefore, before the data is output by the output device, the simplified display data generated by the simplified display data is used. Can be easily grasped in a short time by the data generation device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an output control system according to the first aspect, wherein the simplified display data is a display of each graphic included in the display data. Frame data for displaying only a frame indicating a range on the display means on which an object is displayed, and displaying only an outline of the display object in a range on the display means on which the display object is displayed Contour data for
It is configured to be any one of monochromatic data for monochromatic display of the display object.

According to the operation of the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 1, the simplified display data is any one of the frame data, the outline data, and the monochrome data. Since the data is data, simplified display data can be selected according to the level of detail or fidelity of the form of converted output data to be checked.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an output control system according to the second aspect, wherein the converting device converts all kinds of the simplified display data into the data generating device. Further comprising a simplified display data transmission unit such as a display data generation unit for transmitting the simplified display data to the input unit for selecting one of the transmitted simplified display data and displaying the selected simplified display data on the display unit. The apparatus further includes a selection unit such as a unit.

According to the operation of the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 2, the simplified display data transmission means included in the conversion device transmits all kinds of simplified display data to the data. Transmit to generator.

[0014] The selecting means included in the data generating apparatus selects one of the transmitted simplified display data and displays it on the display means.

Therefore, it is possible to select the simplified display data to be displayed on the data conversion device according to the level of detail or the fidelity of the converted output data to be confirmed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the output control system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the data generation device includes any one of a plurality of types of the simplified display data. Instruction data generating means such as a CPU for generating instruction data indicating whether to display simplified display data on the display means, and transmitting the instruction data to the conversion device,
The simplified display data generating means is configured to transmit the simplified display data specified by the instruction data to the data generating device.

According to the operation of the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 2, the instruction data generation means included in the data generation device transmits any simplified display data to the display means. Generate instruction data indicating whether to display,
Transmit to converter.

[0018] The simplified display data generating means transmits the simplified display data specified by the instruction data to the data generating device.

Therefore, it is possible to select the simplified display data to be displayed in the data conversion device in accordance with the degree of detail or the fidelity of the form of the converted output data to be confirmed, and to transmit only one simplified display data. Since it is a kind, simplified display data can be displayed more quickly.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an output control system according to the second aspect, wherein the data generation device is configured to generate a plurality of types of the simplified display data. The simplified display data generating means further includes designated data generating means such as a CPU for generating designated data for designating the weight of the processing and transmitting the designated data to the conversion device, wherein the simplified display data generating means is designated by the designated data. Is configured to generate the simplified display data corresponding to the weight of the processing.

According to the operation of the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 2, the designated data generation means included in the data generation device generates a plurality of types of simplified display data. At this time, the simplified display data generating means generates specified data for specifying the lightness of the processing (for example, the time allowed for the processing) and transmits it to the conversion device.

Then, the simplified display data generating means generates simplified display data corresponding to the degree of processing specified by the specified data.

Therefore, the processing in the simplified display data generating means corresponding to the time usable for confirming the converted output data can be designated, so that the simplified display data can be displayed quickly.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an output control system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the request means includes the display data and the simplified data. While generating the request signal requesting one of the display data, the conversion device,
The display device further includes a display data generation unit such as a display data generation unit that generates the display data, wherein the transmission unit transmits one of the display data and the simplified display data to the data generation device in response to the request signal. The data generation device transmits the data, and further displays any one of the display data and the simplified display data on the display unit.

According to the operation of the invention described in claim 6, in addition to the operation of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 5, in addition to the operation of the requesting means, the requesting means may be one of display data and simplified display data. A request signal for requesting one is generated.

Then, the display data transmission means included in the conversion device generates display data.

Thus, the transmission means transmits either the display data or the simplified display data to the data generator in response to the request signal.

Finally, the data generator displays either the display data or the simplified display data on the display means.

Thus, by displaying the display data itself, the output mode actually output by the output device can be grasped by the data generation device.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer or the like including output means to be output and display means such as a display for displaying an image corresponding to the simplified display data. A data generation device, a conversion device such as a data converter that converts the output data using the conversion data and generates the simplified display data, and an output device such as a printer that outputs the converted output data. An output control method in an output control system, comprising: in the data generation device, before outputting the converted output data in the output device, generating a request signal requesting the simplified display data, and Requesting transmission, and display data generated by the conversion device using the converted data and the output data The simplified display data, which is simplified data, a simplified display data generating step of generating using the converted data and the output data, and the converting device, when the request signal is transmitted, the simplified display data And generating a simplified display data to be transmitted to the data generating device.

According to the operation of the present invention, in the requesting step in the data generating device, the request signal for requesting the simplified display data is generated before the output device outputs the converted output data. To be transmitted.

Then, in the simplified display data generating step in the converter, the simplified display data is generated using the converted data and the output data.

Finally, in the transmission step in the converter, when the request signal is transmitted, the generated simplified display data is transmitted to the data generator.

Therefore, the simplified display data is generated in place of the display data, transmitted to the data generating device, and displayed, so that the simplified generated simplified data is output before the output device outputs the converted output data. The outline mode of the output data actually output by the display data can be easily grasped in a short time by the data generation device.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an output control method according to the seventh aspect, wherein the simplified display data is a display of each graphic included in the display data. Frame data for displaying only a frame indicating a range on the display means on which an object is displayed, and displaying only an outline of the display object in a range on the display means on which the display object is displayed For displaying the display object in a single color.

According to the operation of the invention described in claim 8, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 7, the simplified display data is any one of the frame data, the outline data, and the monochrome data. Since the data is data, simplified display data can be selected according to the level of detail or fidelity of the form of converted output data to be checked.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the output control method according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the output control method, all types of the simplified display data are transmitted to the data generating device. And a selecting step of, in the data generating device, selecting one of the transmitted simplified display data and displaying the selected simplified display data on the display means.

According to the operation of the ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the simplified display data transmission step in the conversion device, all kinds of simplified display data are transmitted to the data generating device. To be transmitted.

Then, in the selecting step in the data generating device, one of the transmitted simplified display data is selected and displayed on the display means.

Therefore, it is possible to select the simplified display data to be displayed on the data converter according to the level of detail or the fidelity of the converted output data to be confirmed.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a tenth aspect is provided.
The output control method according to claim 8, wherein in the data generation device, instruction data indicating which simplified display data among a plurality of types of the simplified display data is to be displayed on the display means. And further comprising an instruction data generating step of transmitting the simplified display data indicated by the instruction data to the data generating apparatus in the simplified display data generating step. You.

According to the operation of the tenth aspect of the present invention,
In addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 8, in the instruction data generation step in the data generation device, the instruction data indicating which simplified display data is to be displayed on the display means is generated and transmitted to the conversion device.

Then, in the simplified display data generation step, the simplified display data specified by the instruction data is transmitted to the data generator.

Therefore, the simplified display data to be displayed on the data converter can be selected according to the degree of detail or the fidelity of the converted output data to be confirmed, and the transmitted simplified display data is one. Since it is a kind, simplified display data can be displayed more quickly.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is directed to claim 11.
In the output control method according to claim 8, in the output control method according to claim 8, in the data generation device, designation data for designating lightness of processing in the simplified display data generating means when generating a plurality of types of the simplified display data. And further comprising a designated data generation step of transmitting to the conversion device,
The simplified display data generating step is configured to generate the simplified display data corresponding to the degree of processing specified by the specified data.

According to the operation of the eleventh aspect,
In addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 8, in the designated data generation step in the data generation device, the number of types of simplified display data generated by the simplified display data generation means is reduced (for example, the processing is devoted to processing). ) Is generated and transmitted to the conversion device.

In the simplified display data generation step, simplified display data corresponding to the degree of processing specified by the specified data is generated.

Thus, the processing in the simplified display data generating means corresponding to the time usable for confirming the converted output data can be designated, so that the simplified display data can be displayed quickly.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a twelfth aspect is provided.
In the output control method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, in the output control method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, generating the request signal requesting one of the display data and the simplified display data in the requesting step. And the conversion device further comprises a display data generation step of generating the display data, wherein in the transmission step, either the display data or the simplified display data is transmitted to the data generation device, and the data In the generator,
Either the display data or the simplified display data transmitted is displayed on the display means.

According to the operation of the twelfth aspect,
In addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 7 to 11, in the request step of the data generation device, a request signal requesting one of display data and simplified display data is generated.

On the other hand, display data is generated in a display data generation step in the conversion device.

Thus, in the transmission step, either the display data or the simplified display data is transmitted to the data generator.

Then, in the data generating device, one of the display data and the simplified display data is displayed on the display means.

Therefore, by displaying the display data itself, the actual output mode of the output device can be grasped by the data generation device.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is directed to claim 13.
The invention described in (1) generates output data to be output, and a data generation device such as a computer including a display unit such as a display that displays an image corresponding to the simplified display data, and the output data is converted data using conversion data. An output control program for performing output control in an output control system including a conversion device such as a data converter that converts and generates the simplified display data, and an output device such as a printer that outputs the converted output data. A recording medium such as a ROM, a flexible disk, etc.
A computer included in the data generating device, before outputting the converted output data in the output device,
A first output control program for generating a request signal for requesting the simplified display data and functioning as requesting means for transmitting the request signal to the conversion device; and a computer included in the conversion device, the computer including the conversion device when the request signal is transmitted. The simplified display data, which is data obtained by simplifying the display data generated using the data and the output data, the simplified display data generating means for generating the converted data and the output data, and the request signal And a second output control program that, when transmitted, functions as a transmission unit that transmits the generated simplified display data to the data generation device.

According to the operation of the thirteenth aspect,
A computer functioning as a requesting unit generates a request signal for requesting simplified display data before transmitting the converted output data in the output device, and transmits the request signal to the conversion device.

The computer functioning as the simplified display data generating means generates the simplified display data using the converted data and the output data.

Thereafter, when the request signal is transmitted, the computer functioning as the transmitting means transmits the generated simplified display data to the data generating device.

Therefore, the simplified display data is generated in place of the display data, transmitted to the data generating device, and displayed, so that the simplified generated simplified data is output before the output device outputs the converted output data. With the display data, the outline of the actual output can be easily grasped in a short time in the data generating device.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is directed to claim 14.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium in which the output control program according to the thirteenth aspect is recorded, the simplified display data is a range on the display means in which each display object included in the display data is displayed. Frame data for displaying only the frame indicating the display object, outline data for displaying only the outline of the display object in a range on the display means on which the display object is displayed, and displaying the display object in a single color. It is configured to be any one of monochromatic data to be displayed.

According to the operation of the fourteenth aspect,
In addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 13, the simplified display data is any one of the frame data, the outline data, and the single color data, and thus details of the mode of the converted output data to be confirmed The simplified display data can be selected according to the degree or the fidelity.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention relates to claim 15.
According to the present invention, there is provided a recording medium on which the output control program according to claim 14 is recorded, wherein a computer included in the conversion device transmits all kinds of the simplified display data to the data generating device. In addition to functioning as data transmission means, a computer included in the data generating device functions as selection means for selecting one of the transmitted simplified display data and displaying the selected simplified display data on the display means. Be composed.

According to the operation of the invention described in claim 15,
In addition to the function of the invention described in claim 14, the computer functioning as the simplified display data transmitting means transmits all kinds of simplified display data to the data generating device.

The computer functioning as the selection means selects one of the transmitted simplified display data and displays it on the display means.

Therefore, it is possible to select the simplified display data to be displayed on the data converter according to the level of detail or the fidelity of the converted output data to be checked.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is applied to claim 16.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a recording medium in which the output control program according to claim 14 is recorded, a computer included in the data generation device transmits any one of a plurality of types of the simplified display data to the simple display data. A computer functioning as instruction data generating means for generating instruction data indicating whether to be displayed on the display means and transmitting the instruction data to the conversion device, and functioning as the simplified display data generating means, is provided with the simple data indicated by the instruction data. It is configured to transmit display data to the data generation device.

According to the function of the invention described in claim 16,
In addition to the function of the invention described in claim 14, the computer functioning as instruction data generating means generates instruction data indicating which simplified display data is to be displayed on the display means, and transmits the generated instruction data to the conversion device.

Then, the computer functioning as the simplified display data generating means transmits the simplified display data specified by the instruction data to the data generator.

Therefore, it is possible to select the simplified display data to be displayed in the data conversion device according to the degree of detail or the fidelity of the form of the converted output data to be confirmed, and to transmit only one simplified display data. Since it is a kind, simplified display data can be displayed more quickly.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a seventeenth aspect is provided.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium on which the output control program according to claim 14 is recorded, wherein the computer included in the data generating apparatus generates the simplified display data when a plurality of types of the simplified display data are generated. A computer that functions as specified data generating means for generating specified data specifying the weight of the processing in the means and transmits the data to the conversion device, and which functions as the simplified display data generating means, performs processing of the processing specified by the specified data. The simplified display data corresponding to the weight is generated.

According to the function of the invention described in claim 17,
In addition to the operation of the invention according to claim 14, the computer functioning as the designated data generating means is capable of reducing the number of processings in the simplified display data generating means when generating a plurality of types of simplified display data (for example, devoting to processing. ) Is generated and transmitted to the conversion device.

The computer functioning as the simplified display data generating means generates the simplified display data corresponding to the degree of the processing specified by the specified data.

Thus, the processing in the simplified display data generating means corresponding to the time usable for confirming the converted output data can be designated, so that the simplified display data can be displayed quickly.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention provides
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium on which the output control program according to any one of the thirteenth to seventeenth aspects is recorded, wherein the computer functioning as the requesting means is any one of the display data and the simplified display data. The computer included in the conversion device functions as display data transmission means for generating the display data and transmitting the display data to the data generation device. Is configured to display any one of the display data and the simplified display data transmitted on the display means.

According to the operation of the eighteenth aspect,
In addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of the thirteenth to seventeenth aspects, the computer functioning as the requesting means generates a request signal requesting one of the display data and the simplified display data.

Then, the computer functioning as the display data transmitting means generates the display data and transmits it to the data generating device.

With this, the computer included in the data generating device can display the display data or the simplified display data.
One of the transmitted data is displayed on the display means.

Thus, by displaying the display data itself, the actual output mode of the output device can be grasped by the data generation device.

[0079]

Next, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, in a network system in which a plurality of computers as data generation devices are connected to a printer as an output device via one data converter as a conversion device, This is an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to output control when the printer is used jointly.

(I) Overall Configuration First, the configuration of the network system of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the network system W of the embodiment comprises four computers 1 to 4, a data converter 6, and a switch 5 for connecting each of the computers 1 to 4 to the data converter 6. And a printer 7.

In this configuration, each of the computers 1 to 4 generates output data to be printed and output by the printer 7 using application software or the like included in each of the computers, and outputs the output data to the switch 5. Here, the output data is created in a well-known page description language such as "PostScript" of Adobe. Further, in parallel with this, each of the computers 1 to 4 performs a preview process described later.

Here, the preview processing is performed before a print output by the printer 7 using the output data is performed on a display included in each of the computers 1 to 4 or provided separately from the computer and described later. Means to display the form of print output data (so-called bitmap data) to be printed out corresponding to the output data (that is, the form such as character style, character size, overall layout, color arrangement, etc.). .

The switch 5 is provided for each of the computers 1 to 4
And a buffer unit for temporarily storing output data from the computer, and outputs the output data to the data converter 6 in a time-division manner for each computer.

Further, the switch 5 distributes display data and the like, which will be described later, output from the data converter 6 to each computer.

On the other hand, the data converter 6 prints out the output data transmitted from each of the computers 1 to 4 via the switch 5 in the printer 7 using the conversion data held by the data converter 6. To print output data (hereinafter, referred to as print bitmap data) for output to the printer 7. Further, the data converter 6 performs a preview process described later.

Then, the printer 7 performs a corresponding print output based on the output print bitmap data.

(II) Detailed Configuration Next, the detailed configuration of each component constituting the network system W will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the configuration and operation of the computers 1 to 4 will be described with reference to FIG. Since each of the computers 1 to 4 executes the same configuration and operation, each of the computers 1 to 4 will be representatively described in the following description.
Will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the computer 1
Is a CPU 10 that functions as a requesting unit, instruction data generating unit, and designated data generating unit by reading a program stored in the ROM 13 and executing each instruction included in the program, and a selecting unit including a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. An input unit 11 as instruction data generation means and designation data generation means, a network connection unit 12, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13 as a recording medium,
AM (Random Access Memory) 14 and CRT (Cathod
It comprises a display 15 as a display means made of e-ray tube or liquid crystal, and a bus 16 for connecting each component in the computer 1.

In the above configuration, the network connection unit 12 is connected to the switch 5 and performs a so-called interface operation on data output from the computer 1 and data input to the computer 1.

On the other hand, when data necessary for processing in the computer 1 is input, the input
6 to the CPU 10 and the like, and also specifies the type of simplified display data Sas in the preview processing described later.

The ROM 13 is a read-only memory that stores a program for controlling the entire computer 1 (including a program corresponding to a flowchart for a preview process described later), and stores a necessary program at a predetermined timing. Read and output to the bus 16.

The RAM 14 is actually constituted by a storage device such as a hard disk device or the like.
And the like are temporarily stored and output to the bus 16 as necessary.

Further, the display 15 performs display necessary for processing in the CPU 10 and displays an image corresponding to display data Sa or simplified display data Sas described later.

Finally, the CPU 10 performs processing such as document creation and image processing using the application program stored in the RAM 14 to output the output data Sb.
Is generated, and each component of the computer 1 is controlled.

The operation of the computer 1 in the preview processing according to the present invention will be described later.

Next, the configuration and operation of the printer 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the printer 7
CPU 16, network connection unit 17, ROM 18
, A RAM 19, an output engine 20, and a bus 21.

In this configuration, the network connection unit 1
Reference numeral 7 is connected to the data converter 6 and performs an interface operation on print bitmap data (bitmap format data) to be printed out by the printer 7 and input to the printer 7.

On the other hand, the CPU 16 controls each component constituting the printer 7 and prints out the print bitmap data.

The ROM 18 is a memory that stores a program for controlling the entire printer 7, reads out a necessary program at a predetermined timing, and
Output to

Further, the RAM 14 temporarily stores data and the like necessary for processing in the CPU 16 and outputs the data to the bus 21 as needed.

Finally, the output engine 20 is provided with a printing unit of an ink jet system or a laser beam system, and performs a print output process of actual print bitmap data under the control of the CPU 16.

The operation of the printer 7 in the preview processing according to the present invention will be described later.

Finally, the configuration and operation of the data converter 6 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the data converter 6 reads out the programs stored in the interfaces 21 and 24 and the ROM 36 and executes each of the instructions contained therein to execute the CPU 22 and the R as a recording medium.
It comprises an OM 36, a RAM 23, a bitmap data generator 25, a display data generator 26 as a simplified display data generator and a display data generator, a bus 27, and a conversion data ROM 35.

Further, the bitmap data generation unit 25
A logic operation circuit including a PU 25a, a ROM 25b, and a RAM 25c is incorporated.
A logic operation circuit including a ROM 26b, a RAM 26b, and a RAM 26c is incorporated. Here, the ROM 25b stores a program for generating print bitmap data, and the ROM 26b stores a program for causing the CPU 26a to function as a simplified display data generator and a display data generator.

In this configuration, the interface 21
Performs an interface operation on data from each of the computers 1 through 4 via the switch 5 and outputs the data to the bus 27.

The CPU 22 controls the data converter 6 as a whole, and outputs display data Sa or simplified display data Sa, which will be described later, generated based on a request signal Sr, which will be described later, transmitted from each of the computers 1 to 4. Switch 5
To each of the computers 1 through 4.

Next, the RAM 23 temporarily stores the output data Sb and the like from each of the computers 1 to 4 input to the data converter 6, and outputs them to the bus 27 as needed. In parallel with this, the RAM 23 temporarily stores the print bitmap data generated by the bitmap data generation unit 25 described below, and outputs the print bitmap data to the printer 7 via the bus 27 under the control of the CPU 22. Display data Sa generated by the display data generation unit 26 of FIG.
Alternatively, the simplified display data Sas is temporarily stored, and the CPU 22
Is output to the printer 7 via the bus 27 to the computers 1 to 4 under the control of.

The ROM 36 is a read-only memory that stores a program for controlling the entire data converter 6 (including a program corresponding to a flowchart for a preview process described later), and is necessary at a predetermined timing. The program is read and output to the bus 27.

Next, the conversion data ROM 35 stores conversion data for converting output data Sb (page description data created in a page description language) input from the computer 1 into print bitmap data.
The conversion data is shared by the bitmap data generation unit 25 and the display data generation unit 26. As specific conversion data, conversion rule data 35b for interpreting each instruction code in the output data Sb (page description language) to draw a figure or the like and a so-called character code included in the output data Sb (A font data) (outline data) 30a corresponding to.

On the other hand, the bitmap data generator 25
Output data from each of the computers 1 to 4 is sent to a printer 7
Develops into print bitmap data for print output and outputs it to the RAM 23. That is, the instruction code and the character code in the output data Sb are read out, and the corresponding conversion rule data 35b or font data 35a are read out from the conversion data ROM 35, and the corresponding instruction code is stored in the page memory in the RAM 23. Fonts corresponding to figures and character codes are stored in a bitmap format.

In the development processing in the bitmap data generation unit 25, the print bitmap data is printed for each page to be actually printed out using the conversion data including the fonts etc. actually used for printout in the printer 7. Is generated.

The interface 24 performs interface processing on data necessary for printing processing in the printer 7, such as the generated print bitmap data, and outputs the data to the printer 7.

Finally, the display data generation unit 26 responds to the request signal Sr transmitted from each of the computers 1 to 4 by outputting the output data Sb (each of the computers 1 to 4).
Using the output data Sb transmitted from the printer and the converted data, display data Sa for preview processing described later (that is, for displaying on the display 15 as corresponding to the print bitmap data) is generated. That is, the display data Sa in the bitmap format is generated by the same processing as the generation of the print bitmap data in the bitmap data generation unit 25. At this time, since the conversion data from the conversion data ROM 35 is shared with the bitmap generation unit 25, the printer 7
Thus, the display data Sa that is faithful to the actual print output can be generated.

Note that the operation of the data converter 6 in the preview processing according to the present invention will be described below.

(III) Embodiment of Preview Process Next, an embodiment of the preview process executed in the network system W will be described with reference to FIGS. In the preview processing according to the present embodiment, display data Sa that is faithful to the output data Sb (page description data) to be printed and output by the printer 7 is generated and displayed on the display 15. Is displayed on the display 15 as an image corresponding to the preview processing based on the simplified display data Sas obtained by simplifying the display data Sa.

Here, the simplified display data Sas is data obtained by simplifying the display data Sa generated by the data converter 6 in order to execute the preview processing at high speed, and more specifically, the simplified display data Sas. In Sas, frame data Sas for displaying only a frame indicating a range on the display 15 on which each display object (for example, a figure or a character such as a circle or a triangle) included in the display data Sa is displayed.
₁ , outline data Sas ₂ for displaying only the outline of the display object in a range on the display 15 where the display object is displayed, and monochrome data Sas ₃ for displaying the display object in black and white. Have been. When each data is transmitted from the data converter 6, the computer 1
In the display 15 of the above, the frame only (if the frame data Sas ₁ is transmitted) or only the contour of the display object (when the contour data Sas ₂ is transmitted) or the display object corresponding to the display object Displayed in black and white (black and white data S
is displayed when as ₃ is transmitted).

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the preview processing. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of the display data expanding processing. FIGS. 6 and 7 show the display data Sa or the respective simplified display data Sas. It is an example of the image displayed on the display 15 correspondingly.

In the following description, a preview process using the computer 1, the data converter 6, and the printer 7 will be described for easy understanding.

First, the overall operation of the preview processing of the embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the preview processing of the embodiment, first, in the computer 1, output data Sb to be printed and output using the printer 7 (for example, a document or image to be printed and output) is displayed. It is generated (step S1).

Then, the generated output data Sb is transmitted to data converter 6 via switch 5 (step S2), and the output data Sb received by data converter 6 in data converter 6 is received.
It is temporarily stored in M23 (step S3).

Next, it is determined whether or not a command to perform a preview corresponding to the output data Sb is input via the input unit 11 in the computer 1 (step S4). In this command, whether the preview process is performed by generating display data Sa faithful to the output data Sb,
Alternatively, the command includes an instruction to generate the simplified display data Sas and execute it simply and at high speed.

If it is determined in step S4 that a command has not been input (step S4; no), the process directly proceeds to step S11, and if a command has been input (step S4; yes), the preview is performed to perform the preview. The display data Sa or the simplified display data Sas is transferred to the computer 1
Is generated and transmitted to the data converter 6 (step S5). When executing the preview process based on the simplified display data Sas, the request signal Sr indicates which simplified display data Sas (that is, any one of the frame data Sas ₁ , the outline data Sas _{2, and the} monochrome data Sas ₃ ). ) Is included (flag based on an instruction input in the input unit 11).

In the following description, the frame data S
Preview processing using as ₁ is simply referred to as frame mode preview processing, preview processing using outline data Sas ₂ is simply referred to as outline mode preview processing, and preview processing using black and white data Sas ₃ is simply referred to as black and white mode preview processing. A preview using original display data Sa is simply referred to as a color mode preview process.

Next, the request signal Sr is transmitted to the data converter 6.
(Step S6), the display data generator 26 controls the output data Sb stored in the RAM 23 under the control of the CPU 22 having received the request signal Sr.
And the font data 35a and the conversion rule data 35b
The display data Sa to be displayed on the display 15 is generated (developed) using the converted data including the data (step S7). At this time, the generated display data Sa has a bitmap format that is almost the same as the form (the form such as font, character size, overall layout, color arrangement, etc.) when the output data Sb is actually printed out. Data.

Further, when the request signal Sr includes a flag indicating that a preview process in any mode based on the simplified display data Sas is to be performed, the display data generator 26 displays the simplified display corresponding to the flag. The data Sas is generated (developed) (step S7), and the generated display data Sa or simplified display data Sas is transmitted to the computer 1 (step S8).

Next, when the display data Sa or the simplified display data Sas is received by the computer 1 (step S9), the display data Sa or the simplified display data Sa is received.
An image corresponding to s, that is, an image (an image corresponding to the display data Sa) substantially corresponding to a mode when the output data Sb is printed out by the printer 7 or a simplified preview image described later is displayed on the display 15. The user confirms this (step S10).

When the input of the auxiliary information for actually executing the printing is executed in the computer 1 (step S11), next, instruction data indicating whether or not to actually start the print output from the computer 1 Is transmitted (step S12).

Next, when the instruction data is received by the data converter 6 (step S13), it is determined whether or not to execute printing based on the content (step S1).
4) If it is to be executed (step S14; yes)
s) The output data Sb stored in the RAM 23 is developed into print bitmap data by the bitmap data generator 25 (step S15), output to the printer 7, and the printer 7 executes printing using the output engine 20. (Step S16).

When the print output is completed, the RAM 23
Is deleted (step S17), and the process ends.

On the other hand, in step S14, when the content of the instruction data is that the printout is not executed (for example, the user checks the display data Sa or the image corresponding to the simplified display data Sas on the display 15). As a result, if the output mode is not the desired one (step S14; no), the process of step S17 is performed as it is, and the entire process ends.

Next, details of the display data generation (expansion) processing in step S7 will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the generation (expansion) processing in step S7, first, the flag included in the received request signal Sr (step S6) is determined (step S2).
0), it is determined whether or not to perform the preview process in any mode using the simplified display data Sas.

That is, first, it is determined whether or not the flag is a flag for performing the preview process in the frame mode (step S21). When the preview processing in the frame mode is to be performed (step S21; yes)
s), and then the output data S stored in the RAM 23
Based on the b, it acquires frame information for generating the frame data Sas ₁ (step S22).

The processing in step S22 will be specifically described. For example, when the output data Sb is
Assuming that the output data Sb is for printing and outputting an image G including a blue circle 30, a red triangle 31, and a yellow square 32 as shown in FIG. The maximum coordinates and minimum coordinates of the X direction (see FIG. 6A) and the Y direction of the image G (bits included in the range of each figure among the bits forming one image G) The four coordinates of the maximum coordinates and the minimum coordinates of (see FIG. 6A) are respectively obtained.

Then, based on the obtained four coordinates, data for forming a rectangle including the respective coordinates is:
It is generated as a frame data Sas ₁ corresponding to the image G (step S23). Image displayed on the display 15 based on the frame data Sas ₁ This produced, for example, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), the figure included in the image shown in FIG. 6 (a) are respectively displayed Frames 30A, 3 indicating the range
The image includes only 1A and 32A.

[0141] frame the data Sas ₁ is produced, then developed as an image for displaying the generated data to the display 15 (step S24), and proceeds to step S8.

In the preview processing in the frame mode, when the image G shown in FIG.
A frame corresponding to the position and range in which the character is displayed may be displayed.

Next, if it is determined in step S21 that the preview processing in the frame mode is not to be performed (step S21; no), then the outline data Sas ₂ is output based on the output data Sb stored in the RAM 23. Is obtained (step S25).

The processing in step S25 will be specifically described. For example, when the output data Sb is
Assuming that the output data is for printing out the image G as shown in (a), in step S25, the coordinates of the bits in the image G on the contours constituting each figure are determined for each figure. Each is acquired as contour information.

When the contour information is obtained, it is next determined whether or not the flag included in the request signal Sr is a flag for performing the preview process in the contour mode (step S26). If the preview processing in the outline mode is to be performed (step S26; yes), the data for drawing the outline of each figure using the outline information acquired in step S25 corresponds to the image G. It is generated as contour data Sas ₂ (step S2
7). Image displayed on the display 15 based on the contour data Sas ₂ This produced, for example, FIG. 6
As illustrated in FIG. 6C, the image includes only the outlines 30B, 31B, and 32B of the graphic included in the image illustrated in FIG.

When the contour data Sas ₂ is generated, the processing in step S24 is performed thereafter, and the processing in step S8 is performed.
Move to.

In the preview processing in the outline mode, if the image G shown in FIG. 6A also includes characters, the characters may be displayed in black and white using the conversion data such as the font data 35a. Good.

Next, if it is determined in step S26 that the preview processing in the outline mode is not to be performed (step S26; no), then the flag included in the request signal Sr performs the preview processing in the monochrome mode. It is determined whether or not the flag is to the effect (step S28). Then, when the preview processing in the monochrome mode is to be performed (step S28; yes), data for drawing the outline of each figure in white or black using the outline information acquired in step S25 is: is generated as monochrome data Sas ₃ corresponding to the image G (step S2
8). At this time, the graphics adjacent to each other on the image G have different colors.

Here, the image displayed on the display 15 based on the generated black-and-white data Sas ₃ is, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A, a figure included in the image shown in FIG. Black and white images 30C, 31C and 3 corresponding to
The image includes only 2C.

When the black-and-white data Sas ₃ is generated, the processing in step S24 is performed thereafter, and the processing in step S8 is performed.
Move to.

In the preview processing in the monochrome mode, when the image G shown in FIG. 6A also includes characters, the characters are converted into the converted data of the font data 35a as in the preview processing in the outline mode. May be used for black and white display.

For the preview processing in the black and white mode, in addition to black, the color of ink (for example, cyan, magenta, etc.) used for print output by the output engine 20.
, An image composed only of the color and white may be displayed on the display 15 and previewed.

If it is determined in step S28 that the preview processing in the monochrome mode is not to be performed (step S28; no), the contour information acquired in step S25 is used to perform the preview processing in the color mode as the preview processing. For painting the inside of the outline of each figure with the color indicated by the output data Sb using
That is, the display data Sa is generated (step S30). Here, the image displayed on the display 15 based on the generated display data Sa is, of course, an image faithful to the output mode of the output data Sb in the printer 7.

When the display data Sa is generated,
Thereafter, the process of step S24 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S8.

With the above operation, the simplified preview processing is executed, and then the actual print output corresponding to the output data Sb is executed.

Here, step S23 (frame data generation), step S27 (contour data generation), step S23
29 (black and white data generation) or the time required for the processing executed in step S30 (color data generation), frame data generation time <outline data generation time <black and white data generation time <color data generation time Become. Therefore, when it is more important to shorten the processing time than to the fidelity to the output mode of the output data Sb of the image displayed on the display 15, the display data Sa
May be changed to change the flag included in the request signal Sr so as to perform the preview process based on each of the simplified display data Sas.

The above-described preview processing and actual print output are performed by the other computers 2 to 4 and the data converter 6.
Can be executed in exactly the same manner.

On the other hand, when the processing shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 is applied to the entire network system W, for example, a preview processing of the output data Sb generated by the computer 1 (for each mode of the simplified display data Sas). (Including the preview process) using the display 15 of the computer 2, at least the processes of steps S4, S5, S9, and S10 are executed by the computer 2 that performs the preview process. At this time, the request signal Sr is transmitted from the computer 2. Then, the data converter 6 returns the display data Sa or the simplified display data Sas to the computer 2.

As described above, according to the operation of the network system of the embodiment, the request signal Sr is generated and transmitted to the data converter 6 before the output data Sb (print bitmap data) is output, and the data conversion is performed. The display unit 6 generates simplified display data Sas using the converted data and the output data Sb. When the request signal Sr is transmitted, the display data Sa is transmitted to the computers 1 to 4 instead of the display data Sa and displayed. Before outputting the data in the output device, the computer 1 to 4 can easily grasp the outline mode of the print bitmap data actually output by the simplified display data Sas generated in a short time.

Further, the simplified display data Sas is the frame data S
Since in any one of the data of the aa ₁ and contour data Sas ₂ black-and-white data Sas _3, it is possible to select the simplified display data Sa in accordance with the degree of detail or fidelity aspects of the print bit map data to be confirmed .

Further, a flag indicating which simplified display data Sa is to be displayed on the display 15 is generated and transmitted to the data converter 6, and the simplified display data Sas indicated by the flag is generated, and the computer 1 through 4, the simplified display data Sas to be displayed in the computers 1 to 4 can be selected and transmitted according to the degree of detail or fidelity of the print bitmap data to be confirmed. Simple display data Sas
Is one type, the simplified display data Sas can be displayed more quickly.

Further, display data Sa is also generated and transmitted to the computers 1 to 4, and one of the display data Sa and the simplified display data Sas is displayed on the display 1.
5, the display data Sa itself is also displayed, so that the computer 1 to 4 can grasp the form of the actually output print bitmap data.

Here, print bitmap data for print output in the printer 7 is stored in the computers 1 to 4.
The output data Sb generated in step (1) is converted using the conversion data. On the other hand, the display data Sa is output data Sb generated in the computers 1 to 4.
And it is generated based on the conversion data,
The display data is faithful to the form of the actually output printout.

[0164] In this regard, as a specific example, the output data Sb generated by the computers 1 to 4 includes the character code for designating a character or a symbol as described above, and the conversion data corresponds to the character code. The above font data 3 indicating characters and symbols set correspondingly
5a and the like. The same font data 35a and the like are shared by the generation of the print bitmap data and the generation of the display data Sa. For this reason, it is possible to always generate the display data Sa that is faithful to the mode of the print result output from the printer 7 and display it on the display 17.

Therefore, as is well known, when the display data Sa is displayed by the computers 1 to 4 before the output of the print bitmap data, the font data and the like are transmitted between the computers 1 to 4 and the printer 7. Are different from each other, so that display data Sa not faithful to the actual output mode is not generated.

Further, when the print bitmap data generated by the printer 7 is used as the display data Sa, there is a difference in resolution and the like between the printer 7 and the display 15, so that the print bitmap data is thinned out. When the resolution conversion is performed, the line to be displayed is dropped from the display data Sa, and the display data Sa that is not faithful to the actual output mode does not occur.

In the above-described embodiment, the simplified display data Sas to be displayed is selected by the flag included in the request signal Sr and then transmitted to the computers 1 to 4. After generating all the simplified display data Sas, it is transmitted to the computers 1 to 4,
This may be selected in the input unit 11 to perform a preview process.

According to this configuration, it is possible to select and display the simplified display data Sa to be displayed on the computers 1 to 4 in accordance with the degree of detail or the fidelity of the print bitmap data to be checked. It is possible to easily select and display different simplified display data Sas again.

Further, in the request signal Sr, the processing load of the display data generation unit 26 when the simplified display data Sas is generated by the display data generation unit 26 (for example, the time allowed for the processing, etc.). ), The CPU 22 decodes the specified data to generate only the simplified display data Sas that can be generated within the specified processing load, and transmits the simplified display data Sas to the computers 1 to 4 for display. May be configured.

According to this configuration, it is possible to specify the simplified display data generation processing corresponding to the time available for the preview processing, and it is possible to quickly display the simplified display data Sas.

Further, which data of the simplified display data Sas is to be returned to the computers 1 to 4 is set on the setting panel (not shown) of the data converter 6 or the printer 7, and the set type is set. Only the simplified display data Sas may be sent back to the computers 1 to 4 every time the preview processing is performed.

In the above-described embodiment, the data converter 6 and the printer 7 are described as separate devices. However, the printer itself may have the function as the data converter. It is possible. In this case, a so-called RIP (Raster Image Process) for expanding the program showing the operation according to the present invention into bitmap data from the output data Sb from the computer.
er) It can be built in the printer as a program.

Further, a program relating to the operation (see FIG. 4) according to the above-described embodiment is recorded on a flexible disk or the like as a recording medium, and stored in a hard disk device constituting the RAM in the computer as necessary. You may make it use it.

Further, the present invention can be applied not only to a preview in print output using a printer, but also to a case where an image to be displayed on its display is displayed in advance in a video conference, for example. it can.

[0175]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a request signal is generated and output to a conversion device before output of converted output data, and the simplified display data is generated in the conversion device. Is generated using the converted data and the output data, and when the request signal is transmitted, the data is transmitted to the data generating device instead of the display data and displayed. The simplified form of the actual output can be easily grasped in a short time by the data generating apparatus by the simplified display data generated.

Therefore, it is possible for a user who performs data output to quickly confirm the output mode without greatly impairing the fidelity to the actual output.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the first aspect is provided.
In addition to the effects of the invention described in the above, since the simplified display data is any one of the frame data, the outline data, and the monochrome data, the detail level or the fidelity of the mode of the converted output data to be checked is Simplified display data can be selected according to the degree.

According to the invention set forth in claim 3, according to claim 2
In addition to the effects of the invention described in the above, the generated simple display data of all types is transmitted to the data generation device, and in the data generation device, one of the transmitted simplified display data is selected. Since the data is displayed on the display means, it is possible to select and display the simplified display data to be displayed on the data conversion device in accordance with the degree of detail or the fidelity of the converted output data to be checked.

According to the invention set forth in claim 4, according to claim 2,
In addition to the effects of the invention described in the above, the instruction data indicating which simplified display data is to be displayed on the display means is generated and transmitted to the converter, and the simplified display data indicated by the instruction data is generated to generate the data. Since the data is transmitted to the generation device and displayed, the simplified display data to be displayed in the data conversion device can be selected and transmitted according to the degree of detail or fidelity of the mode of the converted output data to be confirmed. Since there is only one kind of simplified display data, the simplified display data can be displayed more quickly.

According to the invention set forth in claim 5, claim 2 is provided.
In addition to the effects of the invention described in (1), the simplified display data generating means generates designated data for specifying the degree of processing, and generates simplified display data corresponding to the degree of processing specified by the specified data. The processing in the simplified display data generation means corresponding to the time that can be used for confirming the output data that has been output can be designated, and the simplified display data can be displayed quickly.

According to the invention set forth in claim 6, according to claim 1,
In addition to the effects of the invention described in any one of to 5, since display data is generated and transmitted to the data generating device, and either the display data or the simplified display data is displayed on the display means, By displaying the display data itself, the form of the output data actually output can be grasped by the data generation device.

According to the present invention, a request signal is generated before outputting the converted output data and transmitted to the converter, and the converter uses the converted data and the output data to convert the simplified display data. When the request signal is transmitted, the display data is transmitted to the data generating device instead of the display data and displayed, so that the simplified display data generated simply before the output device outputs the converted output data. Accordingly, the data output device can easily grasp the outline of the actual output in a short time.

Therefore, it is possible for a user who performs data output to quickly confirm the output mode without greatly impairing the fidelity to the actual output.

According to the invention of claim 8, according to claim 7,
In addition to the effects of the invention described in the above, since the simplified display data is any one of the frame data, the outline data, and the monochrome data, the detail level or the fidelity of the mode of the converted output data to be checked is Simplified display data can be selected according to the degree.

According to the ninth aspect, according to the eighth aspect,
In addition to the effects of the invention described in the above, the generated simple display data of all types is transmitted to the data generation device, and in the data generation device, one of the transmitted simplified display data is selected. Since the data is displayed on the display means, it is possible to select and display the simplified display data to be displayed on the data conversion device in accordance with the degree of detail or the fidelity of the converted output data to be checked.

According to the tenth aspect, in addition to the effect of the eighth aspect, instruction data indicating which simplified display data is to be displayed on the display means is generated and transmitted to the conversion device. Transmit, generate simplified display data instructed by the instruction data, transmit it to the data generation device, and display it.Therefore, depending on the degree of detail or fidelity of the form of the converted output data to be confirmed, the data conversion device The simple display data to be displayed can be selected, and the simple display data to be transmitted is one type, so that the simple display data can be displayed more quickly.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the eighth aspect of the present invention, the simplified display data generating means generates designation data for designating the degree of processing.
Since simplified display data corresponding to the weight of the process specified by the specified data is generated, the process in the simplified display data generating means corresponding to the time that can be used for checking the converted output data can be specified, and the simplified display can be quickly performed. Data can be displayed.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the seventh aspect of the present invention, display data is generated and transmitted to the data generation device, and the display data or Since any one of the simplified display data is displayed on the display means, the display data itself is also displayed, so that the form of the output data actually output can be grasped by the data generation device.

According to the thirteenth aspect, a request signal is generated before output of output data and transmitted to the conversion device,
In the converter, the simplified display data is generated using the converted data and the output data, and when the request signal is transmitted,
Since the data is transmitted to the data generation device instead of the display data and displayed, the outline of the actual output can be shortened in the data generation device in a short time by the simplified display data generated before the output data is output in the output device. It can be easily grasped.

Therefore, it is possible for a user who performs data output to quickly confirm the output mode without greatly impairing the fidelity to the actual output.

According to the fourteenth aspect, in addition to the effect of the thirteenth aspect, the simplified display data is
Since the data is any one of the frame data, the outline data, and the monochrome data, the simplified display data can be selected according to the degree of detail or the fidelity of the mode of the converted output data to be checked.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the fourteenth aspect, all kinds of simplified display data generated are transmitted to the data generating device, and Since one of the transmitted simplified display data is selected and displayed on the display means,
According to the level of detail or fidelity of the converted output data to be checked, simplified display data to be displayed by the data converter can be selected and displayed.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the fourteenth aspect, instruction data indicating which simplified display data is to be displayed on the display means is generated and transmitted to the conversion device. Transmit, generate simplified display data instructed by the instruction data, transmit it to the data generation device, and display it.Therefore, depending on the degree of detail or fidelity of the form of the converted output data to be confirmed, the data conversion device You can select the simplified display data you want to display,
Since only one type of simplified display data is transmitted, simplified display data can be displayed more quickly.

According to the seventeenth aspect, in addition to the effects of the fourteenth aspect, designation data for designating the degree of processing in the simplified display data generation means is generated and designated by the designation data. Since the simplified display data corresponding to the weight of the processing to be performed is generated, it is possible to specify the processing in the simplified display data generating means corresponding to the time that can be used for checking the converted output data, and to quickly display the simplified display data. Can be.

According to the eighteenth aspect, in addition to the effects of the thirteenth aspect, display data is generated and transmitted to the data generation device, and the display data or Since any one of the simplified display data is displayed on the display means, the display data itself is also displayed, so that the form of the output data actually output can be grasped by the data generation device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a network system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a computer and a printer. FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a computer, and FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a printer.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a data converter.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a preview process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of generating display data in a preview process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram (I) showing an example of display based on simplified display data, (a) showing the form of original data to be output, and (b) showing only a frame indicating a graphic display position; It is a figure showing the state where it is displayed, and (c) is a figure showing the state where only the outline of the figure is displayed.

FIG. 7 shows an example of display based on simplified display data (I
(A) is a diagram showing a state in which a graphic is displayed using only black and white, and (b) is a diagram showing a state in which original color data is displayed.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 2, 3, 4 ... computer 5 ... switch 6 ... data converter 7 ... printer 10, 16, 22, 25a, 26a ... CPU 11 ... input unit 12, 17 ... network connection unit 13, 18, 25b, 26b , 36 ... ROM 14, 19, 23, 25c, 26c ... RAM 15 ... Display 16, 21 ... Bus 20 ... Output engine 21, 24 ... Interface 25 ... Bitmap data generator 26 ... Display data generator 30 ... Circle 31 ... Triangle 32 ... Square 30A, 31A, 32A ... Frame 30B, 31B, 32B ... Outline 30C, 31C, 32C ... Monochrome image 35 ... Conversion data ROM 35a ... Font data 35b ... Conversion rule data W ... Network system Sa ... Display data Sb ... output data Sr ... request signal Sas ... simplified display data Sas ₁ ... frame data Sas ₂ ... contour Day Sas ₃ ... black-and-white data

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] May 12, 1997

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] All figures

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG.

FIG. 3

FIG. 2

FIG. 6

FIG. 7

FIG. 4

FIG. 5 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] July 2, 1997

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name]

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to the invention set forth in claim 6, according to claim 1,
In addition to the effects of the invention described in any one of to 5, since display data is generated and transmitted to the data generating device, and either the display data or the simplified display data is displayed on the display means, by also displaying the display data itself can be grasped in the data generating apparatus out Chikaratai like to be actually output.

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A data generating apparatus comprising: display means for generating output data to be output and displaying an image corresponding to simplified display data; and converting said output data using converted data and displaying said simplified display data. An output control system comprising: a conversion device that generates the output data; and an output device that outputs the converted output data, wherein the data generation device outputs the converted output data before the output device outputs the converted output data. Requesting means for generating a request signal for requesting the simplified display data and transmitting the request signal to the conversion device, wherein the conversion device is data obtained by simplifying display data generated using the conversion data and the output data. A simplified display data generating means for generating the simplified display data using the conversion data and the output data; When an output control system, characterized in that and a transmitting means for transmitting the simplified display data the generated in the data generating apparatus. 2. The output control system according to claim 1, wherein the simplified display data displays only a frame indicating a range on the display unit in which respective display objects included in the display data are displayed. And frame data for displaying only the outline of the display object in a range on the display means on which the display object is displayed; and monochrome data for displaying the display object in a single color. An output control system, wherein the output control system is any one of the data. 3. The output control system according to claim 2, wherein the conversion device further includes a simplified display data transmission unit that transmits all kinds of the simplified display data to the data generation device. The output control system further comprises a selection unit that selects one of the transmitted simplified display data and displays it on the display unit. 4. The output control system according to claim 2, wherein the data generation device outputs instruction data indicating which one of a plurality of types of the simplified display data is to be displayed on the display means. The apparatus further comprises instruction data generation means for generating and transmitting to the conversion apparatus, wherein the simplified display data generation means transmits the simplified display data indicated by the instruction data to the data generation apparatus. Control system. 5. The output control system according to claim 2, wherein the data generation device is configured to specify data that specifies the degree of processing performed by the simplified display data generation unit when generating a plurality of types of the simplified display data. The apparatus further comprises a designated data generating means for generating and transmitting to the conversion device, wherein the simplified display data generating means generates the simplified display data corresponding to the degree of processing specified by the designated data. Output control system. 6. The output control system according to claim 1, wherein the request unit generates the request signal for requesting one of the display data and the simplified display data. In addition, the conversion device further includes a display data generation unit that generates the display data, and the transmission unit transmits one of the display data or the simplified display data to the data generation device in response to the request signal. An output control system, wherein the data generation device displays any one of the display data and the simplified display data that has been transmitted on the display means. 7. A data generating apparatus comprising: display means for generating output data to be output and displaying an image corresponding to the simplified display data; and converting the output data using the converted data and the simplified display data. An output control method in an output control system comprising: a conversion device that generates the output data; and an output device that outputs the converted output data, wherein the data generation device outputs the converted output data of the output device. Before output, a requesting step of generating a request signal for requesting the simplified display data and transmitting the request signal to the conversion device, wherein the conversion device simplifies display data generated using the conversion data and the output data. Generating the simplified display data, which is data, using the converted data and the output data. A step, in the converter, when the request signal is transmitted, the output control method characterized by and a transmission step of transmitting the simplified display data the generated in the data generating apparatus. 8. The output control method according to claim 7, wherein the simplified display data displays only a frame indicating a range on the display unit in which each display object included in the display data is displayed. And frame data for displaying only the outline of the display object in a range on the display means on which the display object is displayed; and monochrome data for displaying the display object in a single color. An output control method, wherein the output control method is any one of data. 9. The output control method according to claim 8, wherein, in the conversion device, a simplified display data transmitting step of transmitting all types of the simplified display data to the data generating device; A step of selecting one piece of simplified display data from the transmitted simplified display data and displaying it on the display means. 10. The output control method according to claim 8, wherein, in the data generation device, instruction data indicating which simplified display data among a plurality of types of the simplified display data is to be displayed on the display means. An output control method, further comprising an instruction data generating step of generating and transmitting the instruction display data to the conversion apparatus, and transmitting the simplified display data indicated by the instruction data to the data generating apparatus in the transmitting step. . 11. The output control method according to claim 8, wherein in the data generation device, designation data for designating the degree of processing in the simplified display data generating means when generating a plurality of types of the simplified display data is provided. The method further comprises a designation data generation step of generating and transmitting the designation display data to the conversion device, wherein the simplified display data generation step generates the simplified display data corresponding to the degree of processing specified by the designation data. Output control method. 12. The output control method according to claim 7, wherein, in the requesting step, the request signal requesting one of the display data and the simplified display data is generated. And the converting device further comprises a display data generating step of generating the display data, and in the transmitting step, transmitting either the display data or the simplified display data to the data generating device; The output control method, characterized in that, in the generation device, one of the display data and the simplified display data transmitted is displayed on the display means. 13. A data generating apparatus comprising: display means for generating output data to be output and displaying an image corresponding to the simplified display data; and converting the output data using the converted data and the simplified display data. A recording device that records an output control program for performing output control in an output control system including: a conversion device that generates the output data; and an output device that outputs the converted output data. Before outputting the converted output data in the output device,
A first output control program that functions as a requesting unit that generates a request signal requesting the simplified display data and transmits the request signal to the conversion device; and generating a computer included in the conversion device using the conversion data and the output data. The simplified display data, which is data obtained by simplifying the display data to be displayed, the simplified display data generating means for generating the converted data and the output data, and when the request signal is transmitted, the generated simplified display data is generated. And a second output control program functioning as transmission means for transmitting the simplified display data to the data generation device. 14. The recording medium on which the output control program according to claim 13 is recorded, wherein the simplified display data is a range on the display means in which each display object included in the display data is displayed. Frame data for displaying only the frame shown, contour data for displaying only the outline of the display object in a range on the display means where the display object is displayed, and monochrome display of the display object A recording medium on which an output control program is recorded. 15. A recording medium on which the output control program according to claim 14 is recorded, wherein a computer included in the conversion device transmits all types of the simplified display data to the data generating device. The computer included in the data generation device functions as a transmission unit, and functions as a selection unit that selects one of the transmitted simplified display data and displays it on the display unit. Recording medium on which an output control program is recorded. 16. A recording medium on which the output control program according to claim 14 is recorded, wherein a computer included in the data generation device displays any one of a plurality of types of the simplified display data on the display. A computer functioning as instruction data generating means for generating instruction data indicating whether to be displayed on the means and transmitting the instruction data to the conversion device; and a computer functioning as the simplified display data generating means, the simplified display indicated by the instruction data. A recording medium on which an output control program is recorded, wherein data is transmitted to the data generation device. 17. A recording medium in which the output control program according to claim 14 is recorded, wherein the computer included in the data generation device generates the simplified display data when a plurality of types of the simplified display data are generated. The computer functioning as specified data generating means for generating specified data specifying the processing weight in the above and transmitting the specified data to the conversion device, and functioning as the simplified display data generating means, includes: A storage medium storing an output control program, wherein the simplified display data corresponding to the above is generated. 18. A recording medium on which the output control program according to any one of claims 13 to 17 is recorded, wherein a computer functioning as the requesting means includes any one of the display data and the simplified display data. A computer included in the conversion device functions as display data generating means for generating the display data while generating the request signal for requesting one of them, and the computer functioning as the transmitting means corresponds to the request signal. And transmitting either the display data or the simplified display data to the data generation device, and the computer included in the data generation device transmits any one of the display data or the simplified display data Is recorded on the display means, wherein the output control program is recorded. Body.