JPH11179977A - Printing device and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the capacity of memory while maintaining a print image at a reprint image quality level. SOLUTION: When storing print data in a memory 23, storage capacity determination means 21, 22 determine the storage capacity of the memory 23, and compressibility extraction control means 21, 22 retrieves data from a means 23D for storing compressed data by capacity to extract the compressibility which is proportional to the determined storage capacity, and further, compressibility conversion control means 21, 22 convert data at the extracted compressibility. In addition, the storage control means 21, 22 store the reprint data in the memory unit 23 and at the same time, defreezing control means 21, 22 defreeze compressed reprint data and after this thawing process, the reprinting control means 21, 22 reprint the reprint data using the thawed reprint data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is capable of printing an image according to print data stored in a memory on a print medium, storing the print data as reprint data in a memory, and using the reprint data. The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method that can reprint on another print medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a printing apparatus including an electrophotographic apparatus, a printer, and the like, an image according to print data stored in a memory can be printed on a print medium (for example, paper) and the print data can be printed. Can be stored in a memory as reprint data and can be reprinted on another (next) print medium using the reprint data. That is, a reprint function is provided.

[0003] Specifically, even after the printing of the first sheet is completed,
The print data is stored in a memory. For example, if a paper jam occurs before the first sheet is discharged from the printing unit to the paper discharge unit, the first sheet cannot be completely discharged. Therefore, the first sheet is incompletely printed.

Thus, after clearing a paper jam, reprinting can be performed using the first print data stored in the memory while supplying another (next) print medium.

Thus, if the storage capacity of the memory is increased, print data for a plurality of sheets (for example, three sheets) can be stored and held, so that the plurality of sheets can be reprinted.

[0006]

Since the print quality (for example, dpi) is remarkably improved, the storage capacity of the memory tends to increase even if the number of stored data is fixed. On the other hand, demands for miniaturization and cost reduction are even stronger. In addition, in many cases, options such as a sorter and a mailbox which can be mounted after the printing unit for selective expansion of functions are selectively detachably attached. Therefore, when the option is installed, the length of the discharge path of the printed print medium becomes longer, and the number of sheets to be stored and held increases.

However, it is difficult to increase the storage capacity of the memory only for reprinting, because it impedes downsizing and cost reduction.

Thus, it is conceivable that the print data is compressed and stored. In this way, even if the storage capacity of the memory is constant, the number of stored images can be increased.
However, if this concept is taken into consideration, a compression ratio with a large compression ratio will be set in consideration of mounting the maximum options. Then, even when no option is installed or the printing speed is set to a low speed, the reprint image quality is minimized. Further, even if the user adds a memory after the fact, reprinting is useless. Therefore, it cannot be said that the construction of an apparatus that takes this concept into consideration is not perfect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method which can reduce the capacity of a memory while maintaining reprint image quality and have a wide adaptability.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an image according to print data stored in a memory can be printed on a print medium, and the print data can be stored and held in the memory as reprint data. In a printing apparatus capable of reprinting on another print medium using reprint data, when storing the print data in the memory, the print data is converted into reprint data with a different compression ratio according to the storage capacity of the memory. This is a printing device that can be stored in the memory and is formed so that compressed reprint data can be decompressed and reprinted.

In this invention, when print data is stored in the memory for reprinting, the print data is converted into reprint data having a different compression ratio in accordance with the storage capacity of the memory, and stored in the memory. Reprinting is performed using the reprinted data obtained by decompressing the reprinted data.

Therefore, the capacity of the memory can be reduced while maintaining the improvement of the reprint image quality, and it is possible to cope with the expansion of the memory after the fact, so that the flexibility is wide.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an image according to print data stored in a memory can be printed on a print medium, the print data can be stored and held in the memory as reprint data, and the reprint data can be stored in the memory. In a printing apparatus capable of reprinting on another print medium using a memory, a memory capacity determining means for determining a storage capacity of the memory, and a capacity-specific compression data storing capacity-specific compressed data corresponding to a storage capacity and a compression ratio. Data storage means; compression rate extraction control means for extracting a compression rate corresponding to the storage capacity determined by searching the compressed data storage means by capacity when storing the print data in the memory; and extracting the print data. Compression conversion control means for converting the reprint data into compressed data at a specified compression ratio; storage control means for storing the compressed reprint data in the memory; A decompression control means for decompressing the stored compressed already re-print data to the a printing apparatus provided with a re-print control means after thawing for reprinting using the reprint data uncompressed and expanded.

In this invention, when storing the print data in the memory, the memory capacity determining means determines the storage capacity of the memory. Then, the compression ratio extraction control means extracts the compression rate corresponding to the memory storage capacity determined by searching the capacity-specific compressed data storage means. Next, the compression conversion control means converts the print data into reprint data at the extracted compression ratio. The compressed reprint data is stored in the memory by the storage control means after compression. When reprinting, the decompression control unit decompresses the compressed reprint data stored in the memory, and after decompression, the reprint control unit reprints using the decompressed and decompressed reprint data.

Therefore, not only the same function and effect as those of the first aspect of the invention can be obtained, but also the operation can be easily performed because the operation can be further automated.

Further, the invention according to a third aspect is a printing apparatus in which the compressed data for each capacity is stored for each discharging means of printed print media and / or for each printing speed.

In this invention, the compressed data for each capacity is stored for each discharging means of the printed printing medium, that is, for each length of the discharging path, or for each printing speed of the printing medium. In addition to the effect, the memory can be reliably compressed and held in the memory even if the number of print media to be stored and held in preparation for reprinting changes depending on the length of the discharge path or the discharge speed. That is, adaptability is much wider.

Still further, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an image according to the print data stored in the memory is printed on a print medium, and reprint data having the same content as the print data and stored and held in the memory is used. In a printing method capable of reprinting on another print medium, when storing the print data in the memory, the storage capacity of the memory is determined, and the compressed data for each capacity in which the storage capacity and the compression ratio are associated with each other. The compression rate corresponding to the storage capacity determined by searching the compressed data storage means by capacity for storing the print data is converted, the print data is converted into the reprint data at the extracted compression rate, and the compressed reprint data is This is a printing method in which the compressed reprint data stored in the memory is decompressed and reprinted.

In this invention, when storing print data in the memory in preparation for the necessity of reprinting, the storage capacity of the memory is determined, and the compressed data for each capacity in which the storage capacity and the compression ratio are made correspond to each other. The compression rate corresponding to the memory storage capacity determined by searching the compressed data storage means for each capacity to be stored is extracted, the print data is converted into reprint data at the extracted compression rate, and the compressed reprint data is converted. The compressed reprint data stored in the memory is decompressed and reprinted.

Therefore, it is possible to reduce the capacity of the memory while maintaining the improvement of the reprint image quality, and it is possible to cope with the expansion of the memory after the fact, so that the flexibility is wide.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, a printing apparatus 10 suitable for carrying out the printing method is an electrophotographic apparatus including a control unit 20, an engine controller 30, and an engine 40. Means 23D, memory capacity determination means (21,
2), compression ratio extraction control means (21, 22), compression conversion control means (21, 22), storage control means after compression (21, 22)
2) Decompression control means (21, 22) and post-decompression reprint control means (21, 22) are provided, and when print data is stored in the memory (23), the compression ratio is determined according to the storage capacity of the memory (23). Can be converted into reprint data and stored in the memory (23), and the compressed reprint data can be decompressed and reprinted.

In FIG. 1, a control unit 20 forming the printing apparatus 10 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a video data conversion chip (VDCT) 24, a page memory (PGM) 25, a switch unit (SW) 26, and a display unit ( I
An ND) 27, an interface (I / F) 28, and an interface (I / F) 29 are included, and the entire printing apparatus 10 is drive-controlled by an appropriate amount in a timely manner.

The basic printing function is the computer 100
When the print data transmitted from the data communication line 110 is received (YES in ST10 of FIG. 3), the video data conversion chip 24 converts (edits) the bitmap data into bitmap data and develops the bitmap data in the page memory 25 (ST1).
1, ST12).

The engine (ENG.) 40 is ready (standby O) through the engine controller 30.
K) (YES in ST13), print data (bitmap data) is output to the engine controller 30 (ST19 in FIG. 4).

The engine controller 30 includes a CPU 3
1, ROM 32, RAM 33, interface (I /
F) 34 and an input / output port (I / O) 35 for directly driving and controlling the engine 40. It stores and holds engine setting information.

The engine 40 is roughly divided into a paper feed unit (PSP) 41 including a plurality of paper cassettes, a paper feed mechanism, a part of a paper transport mechanism, and the like, a drum, a charger, an exposure device, a developing device,
A printing unit (PNTP) 42 including a transfer unit, a toner collecting unit, a static eliminator, etc., capable of monochrome and color printing; a paper discharging unit (PDP) 43 including a part of a paper transport mechanism, a discharging direction switching mechanism, a tray, Having. The illustration of the heat fixing device and the like is omitted.

The paper transport mechanism can switch the paper transport speed, and the printing unit 42 can switch to a print speed corresponding to the paper transport speed. Further, an option (a sorter, a mailbox, or the like) can be attached to the paper discharge unit (discharge unit) 43.

The battery-backed RAM 23 of the control unit 20 stores a memory in which reprint data is to be stored and stored and compressed data for each capacity shown in FIG. 2 in addition to a work area (work area). And the compressed data storage means 23D for each capacity. The storage capacity of the memory in which the reprint data is to be stored is the work area and the storage capacity of the area excluding each area occupied by the capacity-specific compressed data storage means 23D and the like. Note that a dedicated memory may be provided.

The compressed data for each capacity is obtained by associating the storage capacity of the memory (23) with the compression ratio, and the image quality of reprinting after decompression while securing the number of print data (print media) that can be stored and held. Is information that can be maintained best. In other words, the memory (23) maintains the improvement of the reprint image quality.
This is information for achieving a smaller capacity.

In this embodiment, it is classified according to the discharge means (paper discharge section 43) of the printed print medium (paper), that is, whether or not an option is provided. That is, in consideration of the fact that the bitmap data for one page (page) is about 1 MB when monochrome printing at 300 dpi is performed, and that the storage capacity cannot be selected from among continuous numerical values, etc. In the standard where an option (for example, a sorter) is not mounted, the length of the discharge path from the printing unit 42 to the paper discharge unit 43 is short, and when the option is mounted, the length is long. This is a case where selection and setting are performed in consideration of the need to store and hold the number of sheets. However, each value can be changed while using the switch unit (SW) 26 and confirming it on the display unit (IND) 27.

In FIG. 2, when the storage capacity of the memory (23) is 500 KB, 1 MB, 1.5 MB, and 2 MB, the compression rate is, as a standard, 1/2 (for one sheet), 1 (no compression ...
1 (for one sheet), 1 (no compression ... for one sheet), 1 (no compression ... 2)
Sheets). 1/8 for options
(4 sheets), 1/4 (4 sheets), 1/2 (3 sheets), 1
(No compression ... 2 sheets).

It should be noted that the printing unit 42 may be divided into printing speeds (discharging speeds) instead of or together with options (by discharging means).

When the bitmap data after editing (conversion) is developed in the page memory 25 (ST11 and ST12 in FIG. 3), the memory capacity determining means determines the memory (2
The means for determining the storage capacity of 3) is formed from the ROM 22 storing the memory capacity determination program and the CPU 21, and is executed in ST14 of FIG.

Since the determination can be made every time, accurate determination can be made even if, for example, the user adds or replaces the memory (23). That is, operational follow-up and adaptability are high.

The compression ratio extraction control means is formed from the ROM 22 storing the compression ratio extraction control program and the CPU 21, and searches the compressed data storage means 23D for each capacity (ST).
15) Then, the compression rate (for example, 1 by default) corresponding to the determined storage capacity (for example, 500 KB)
/ 2, 1/8 with option) is extracted (ST16).

Next, the compression conversion control means is formed from the ROM 22 storing the compression conversion control determination program and the CPU 21, and the print data (bitmap data) is stored.
Is subjected to compression conversion at the extracted compression ratio to generate reprint data (ST17).

Then, the storage control means after compression (CPU 2
1, the ROM 22) stores the reprinted data that has been compression-converted in the memory (23) (ST18). Thus, the print data for reprinting can be reduced, so that a plurality of print data can be reliably and stably stored and held.

The print data (bitmap data) before compression conversion expanded in the page memory 25 is output to the engine controller 30 (ST19 in FIG. 4).
This output may be formed so as to be executed immediately after the determination in FIG. 3 (YES in ST14).

The engine controller 30 controls the engine 4
0 (the paper feeding unit 41, the printing unit 42, and the paper discharging unit 43) are drive-controlled to print one sheet. The printed printing medium is the paper output unit 43
For example, when the ejection to the tray is completed (YES in ST23), reprinting is not required, so the data discarding control means (CPU 21, ROM 22) discards the compressed reprint data stored and held in the memory (23). (ST
24).

However, when a jam (paper jam) occurs in the carrying-out path from the printing unit 42 to the paper discharging unit 43 (ST20).
Is YES), the paper jam is cleared (YES in ST21).
At this time, the decompression control means and the post-decompression reprint control means operate to perform reprinting.

The decompression control means is formed from the ROM 22 storing the decompression / decompression control program and the CPU 21, decompresses compressed reprint data stored in the memory (23), and reprints after decompression. The data (bitmap data) is developed in the page memory 25 (ST2).
2).

Thus, the reprinting control means after decompression (CPU
21, ROM 22) confirms that the engine 40 (30) is on standby (YES in ST13 in FIG. 3), and then outputs it to the engine controller 30 (ST19 in FIG. 4) to cause reprinting.

In this embodiment, the same print data is formed so that it can be printed again (ST13 to ST18, etc.). However, the print data may be formed so as to be completed only once.

According to this embodiment, however, the control unit 20 includes the compressed data storage means 23D for each capacity, the memory capacity determination means (21, 22), and the compression ratio extraction control means (21, 22).
2), a compression conversion control means (21, 22), a storage control means after compression (21, 22), a decompression control means (21, 22), and a reprint control means after decompression (21, 22). When storing the compressed reprint data in the memory (23), the data is converted into reprint data having a different compression ratio according to the storage capacity of the memory (23), and can be stored in the memory (23) and the compressed reprint data is decompressed. And reprintable so that the memory capacity can be reduced while maintaining the improved reprint image quality, and the post-memory (23)
Since it can cope with the expansion of the system, it has a wide adaptability and is easy to handle.

Since the compressed data for each capacity is stored for each discharge means (standard and with option) of the printed print medium, the number of print media to be stored and held in preparation for reprinting is determined by the discharge path length. Can be reliably compressed and held in the memory (23) even if it changes depending on the length. That is, adaptability is much wider.

If the compressed data for each capacity is stored for each print speed of the print medium (for each discharge speed), the number of print media to be stored and held in preparation for reprinting changes depending on the level of the discharge speed. Even in this case, the data can be reliably compressed and held in the memory (23). That is, adaptability is much wider.

Further, in FIG. 2, since the compression conversion storage is introduced, the reprint image quality is not noticeably deteriorated.
By the compression, the storage capacity can be reduced to half (500 KB) as compared with the conventional (for example, 1 MB).

Further, re-printing is possible (ST14 to ST14 in FIG. 3).
Since it is formed in ST18), re-creation of print data can be avoided. Prevents lowering of work efficiency.

[0049]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when print data is stored in a memory, the print data can be converted into reprint data having a different compression ratio in accordance with the storage capacity of the memory and can be stored in the memory. Compressed reprint data is decompressed and formed so that it can be reprinted, so it is possible to reduce the memory capacity while maintaining the reprint image quality, and to be able to cope with additional memory afterwards. Is wide.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the memory capacity determining means, the compressed data storage means for each capacity, the compression ratio extraction control means, the compression conversion control means, the post-compression storage control means, the decompression control means, and the re-execution after decompression. A print control means for compressing and storing the print data in accordance with the determined memory storage capacity, and decompressing the compressed print data so that the print data can be reprinted. It is easy to handle because it can be further automated, as well as being able to achieve various effects.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, since the compressed data for each capacity is stored for each discharging means or / and printing speed of the printed print medium, it is formed.
In addition to providing the same effects as in the case of the invention of claim 2, even if the number of print media to be stored and held in preparation for reprinting changes depending on the discharge path length or discharge speed, the memory The compression can be reliably maintained. That is, adaptability is much wider.

Further, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the storage capacity of the memory is determined when the print data is stored in the memory, and the storage capacity of the storage capacity corresponding to the compression rate is stored. A compression ratio corresponding to the storage capacity determined by searching the compressed data storage means is extracted, the print data is converted into reprint data at the extracted compression ratio, and the compressed reprint data is stored in the memory. Since this is a printing method in which the stored compressed reprint data is decompressed and reprinted, the memory capacity can be reduced while maintaining the improved reprint image quality, and it is possible to cope with an increase in memory afterwards. Widely adaptable.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is also a diagram for explaining a memory.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart (1) for explaining the operation.

FIG. 4 is also a flowchart (2) for explaining the operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Printing apparatus 20 Control part 21 CPU (Memory capacity discrimination means, compression rate extraction control means, compression conversion control means, storage control means after compression, decompression control means, reprint control means after decompression) 22 ROM (memory capacity discrimination means, Compression ratio extraction control means, compression conversion control means, storage control means after compression, decompression control means, reprinting control means after decompression) 23 RAM (memory) 23D compressed data storage means by capacity 24 video data conversion chip 25 page memory 30 engine Controller 31 CPU 32 ROM 33 RAM 40 Engine 41 Paper feed unit 42 Printing unit 43 Paper discharge unit (discharge means) 100 Computer 110 Data communication line

Claims (4)

[Claims] An image according to print data stored in a memory can be printed on a print medium, the print data can be stored and held in a memory as reprint data, and another print medium can be used by using the reprint data. When storing the print data in the memory, it is possible to convert the print data into reprint data having a different compression ratio in accordance with the storage capacity of the memory, store the print data in the memory, and store the compressed data in the memory. A printing device that decompresses print data and forms reprintable data. 2. An image according to print data stored in a memory can be printed on a print medium, the print data can be stored and held in a memory as reprint data, and another print medium can be used by using the reprint data. A reprintable printing device, a memory capacity determining means for determining a storage capacity of the memory, a capacity-specific compressed data storage means for storing capacity-specific compressed data corresponding to a storage capacity and a compression ratio; Compression rate extraction control means for extracting a compression rate corresponding to the storage capacity determined by searching the compression data storage means for each capacity when storing data in the memory; and reprinting the print data at the extracted compression rate Compression conversion control means for converting the data into data; compressed storage control means for storing the compressed reprint data in the memory; A decompression control means for decompressing the printing data, decompressing and printing apparatus provided with a re-print control means after thawing for reprinting using the reprint data expanded. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the compressed data for each capacity is stored for each discharging means and / or for each printing speed of a printed printing medium. 4. An image according to print data stored in a memory is printed on a print medium, and reprinted on another print medium using the reprint data having the same contents as the print data and stored in the memory. In a printing method capable of printing, when storing the print data in the memory, the storage capacity of the memory is determined, and the storage of compressed data by capacity is stored in correspondence with the storage capacity and the compression ratio. The compression ratio corresponding to the storage capacity determined by searching the means is extracted, the print data is converted to reprint data at the extracted compression ratio, and the compressed reprint data is stored in the memory, and is stored. A printing method that decompresses compressed reprint data and reprints it.