JPH11203062A - Page print system, page print method and page printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To start printing without waiting the reception of all data for one page by parallelly receiving and transfering image data to a print engine. SOLUTION: A discrimination part 18 of a reception control part 12 compares transfer speed VH of image data inputted from a host computer 1 with velocity data transfer speed VP to a print head and discriminates whether it belongs to the case of VH<=VP or VH>VP. Based on the result of discrimination due to the discrimination part 18, a setting part 19 sets the amount of data to be previously stored in a reception buffer 14 or the initial setting value of transfer speed or the like. When the case of VH<=VP is established, the data transfer to a print engine 17 is started after the image data are received just for a prescribed amount Q from a data generator 1. When the case of VH>VP is established, the data transfer to the print engine 17 is started when the image data are received from the data generator 1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a page print system, a page print method, and a page printer for printing one page at a time.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional page print system, for example, print data created on a host computer such as a personal computer is transmitted to a page printer in page units. For example, a page printer, such as a laser printer, receives print data for one page, transfers the data to a print engine, writes the data for one page on a photoconductor at a stretch, and prints the data.

On the other hand, a method of transmitting print data from a host computer to a page printer is roughly classified into a method of transmitting a printer command and a method of transmitting image data. When transmitting the former printer command, data generated by an application program such as document creation software is converted into a predetermined printer command (page description language) and transmitted to the page printer. The page printer interprets the page description language stored in the reception buffer, develops it into bit image data, and drives the print engine. The bit image data is converted into pulse width data for defining the intensity of the laser beam, and is transferred to the print engine. When transmitting the latter image data, the host computer decompresses the data generated by the application program into bit image data and then transmits the bit image data to the page printer.

[0004]

However, since it is necessary to rotate the photoconductor at a constant speed in order to maintain print quality, it is not possible to interrupt data transfer to the print engine after rotating the photoconductor. Not allowed in quality.

Therefore, in the conventional page print system, the page printer receives print data (printer command or image data) from the host computer one page at a time, and then interprets the print data and sends it to the print engine for one page. Data is transferred. Therefore, a time required to receive all the print data for one page and a time required to interpret the print data and transfer it to the print engine occur. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to meet the market demand for further improvement in printing speed.

In recent years, various high-speed interfaces such as IEEE1394 have been developed in order to reduce the data processing time and the like. However, in the prior art which receives data page by page and supplies it to a print engine, , The high-speed interface cannot be used effectively.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described various problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a page print system, a page print method, and a page printer capable of improving a printing speed. . A more specific object of the present invention is to set parameters such as a transfer speed in advance so as not to cause an overrun error or an underrun error, and to process data reception and data transfer to a print engine in parallel. Another object of the present invention is to provide a page print system, a page print method, and a page printer capable of improving a printing speed.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in a page print system according to the present invention, reception of image data and transfer of data to a print engine are performed in parallel, so that data of one page is obtained. The printing can be started without waiting for the reception of all the.

That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a data generating device for generating image data and a print engine are driven based on the image data from the data generating device to print a print recording medium in units of one page. The page data is transmitted from the data generation device to the page printer in packet units, and is input from the data generation device to the page printer. The transfer speed VH of the image data is compared with the transfer speed VP of the data input to the print engine based on the image data, and VH> VP
And VH ≦ VP, and when VH ≦ VP is satisfied, receiving a predetermined amount Q of the image data from the data generation device and then transferring the data to the print engine. Transfer control means for starting data transfer to the print engine when the image data is received from the data generating device when VH> VP is satisfied. , Is provided.

Here, the "data generating device" means a device for generating image data to be transmitted to a page printer, and specifically, for example, a personal computer or a digital camera. “Data input to the print engine based on the image data” means final data used in the print engine, and specifically, for example, pulse width data supplied to the laser writing unit, etc. .

The data generator converts, for example, application data created by an application program into image data, and transmits the image data to the page printer in packet units. The page printer transfers data to the print engine based on the image data. The print engine executes a predetermined print based on the transferred data.

The determination means compares the transfer speed VH of the image data input to the page printer with the data transfer speed VP to the print engine. Here, when the data transfer speed VP to the print engine is equal to or higher than the transfer speed VH of the image data (VH ≦ VP), the method of extracting the image data from the reception buffer rather than storing the image data in the reception buffer. Is fast, the first
Transfer control means starts the data transfer to the print engine after receiving a predetermined amount Q of image data.
Thus, printing can be started while receiving image data from the data generating device, and the printing speed is improved.

On the other hand, when the data transfer speed VP to the print engine is lower than the image data transfer speed VH (VH> VP), writing of the image data to the reception buffer is more effective in extracting data from the reception buffer. Therefore, the second transfer control means starts the data transfer to the print engine almost simultaneously with the reception of the image data. Thus, printing can be started without waiting for reception of image data for one page. When the image data is accumulated in the full reception buffer, the reception of the packet data from the data generation device can be temporarily stopped.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the amount of image data for one page is T bytes and the size of the receiving buffer of the page printer is M bytes, the first transfer control means sets M ≧ M. Q ≧ (1- (VH / VP)) * T
So that the predetermined amount Q or the transfer speed VP is satisfied.
After setting at least one of the above, the transmission of the image data is permitted. Further, the second transfer control means, when receiving all the T bytes of data, stores the image stored in the reception buffer. Assuming that the data amount is R bytes, the transfer rate VH is set so as to satisfy R = (1− (VP / VH)) * T ≦ M, and then transmission of the image data is permitted. .

By setting conditions for preventing an underrun error from reading data from an empty reception buffer, an overrun error from overwriting image data before reading, and the like,
Transmission of image data can be permitted, and reception and printing of image data can be stably performed in parallel.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, whether or not a data transfer error has occurred is monitored, and if a transfer error has occurred, the predetermined amount Q, the transfer speed VH, Error processing means for resetting the transfer speed VP is provided.

Even if the transmission of image data is permitted after setting the transfer speed or the like in advance so as not to cause an underrun error or an overrun error, a transfer error may occur due to, for example, the congestion degree of the communication line. There is. Therefore, the error processing unit monitors the occurrence of the transfer error, and when the transfer error occurs, changes the parameter such as the predetermined amount Q to eliminate the transfer error.

According to a more specific aspect of the present invention, when an overrun error occurs, the error processing means resets the transfer speed VH so as to lower it, and an underrun error occurs. In this case, the transfer speed VP can be reset so as to decrease.

The case where an overrun error that overwrites data before reading occurs when the transfer speed VH of image data from the data generating device is too high, so that the transfer speed VH of image data is reduced. Reset. Since the case where an underrun error for reading empty data has occurred is the case where the data transfer speed VP to the print engine is too high, the data transfer speed VP to the print engine is set to be slow.

As in the invention according to claim 5, the print engine is configured as a color print engine, and the image data can be transmitted for each color page.

For example, image data is transmitted to a page printer for each color page, such as a cyan (C) page → a magenta (M) page → a yellow (Y) page → a black (K) page. . For example, a multi-pass type print engine using an intermediate transfer member can perform predetermined color printing by superimposing and printing pages of each color.

Further, as in the invention according to claim 6, the print engine is configured as a color print engine, and can transmit a predetermined amount of image data of each color according to a printing order.

Here, the "predetermined amount" means a data amount based on the timing of generating a print image of each color. That is, for example, in a tandem type print engine in which printing units of each color are arranged in series, color printing can be performed by one sheet conveyance by simultaneously performing printing in each color.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in a page printing method for printing a print recording medium in one page unit by driving a print engine based on received image data, the image data is transmitted in packet units. Comparing the transfer speed VH of the image data with the transfer speed VP of data input to the print engine based on the image data;
A step of determining whether VH> VP or VH ≦ VP is satisfied; and, if VH ≦ VP is satisfied, receiving a predetermined amount Q of the image data and then starting data transfer to the print engine. A first transfer control step; and a second transfer control step of starting data transfer to the print engine when the image data is received when VH> VP is satisfied. I have.

Thus, the same function as the first aspect can be obtained.

In the invention according to claim 8, the amount of image data for one page is T bytes, and the size of the reception buffer is M bytes.
When the number of bytes is 1, the first transfer control step includes:
After setting at least one of the predetermined amount Q and the transfer rate VP so as to satisfy M ≧ Q ≧ (1− (VH / VP)) * T, transmission of the image data is permitted, and The second transfer control step is such that, when all the T bytes of data are received, the amount of image data stored in the reception buffer is R bytes.
After setting the transfer rate VH so as to satisfy R = (1− (VP / VH)) * T ≦ M, transmission of the image data can be permitted.

Thus, the same operation as the second aspect of the invention can be obtained.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in a page printer for printing a print recording medium in units of one page by driving a print engine based on received image data, the image data is transmitted in units of packets. Comparing the transfer speed VH of the image data with the transfer speed VP of the data input to the print engine based on the image data.
Determining means for determining which of H> VP and VH ≦ VP is satisfied; and when VH ≦ VP is satisfied, receiving a predetermined amount Q of the image data and then starting data transfer to the print engine. First transfer control means for performing
A second transfer control unit that starts transferring data to the print engine when the image data is received, when VH> VP is satisfied.

The transfer speed VH of the image data input to the page printer is compared with the data transfer speed VP to the print engine by the determining means. VH ≦ VP
Is satisfied, the first transfer control means waits until a predetermined amount Q of image data is received before starting transfer to the print engine. Conversely, if VH> VP holds, the data transfer to the print engine is started almost simultaneously with the reception of the image data. As a result, printing can be started without waiting for reception of image data for one page, as in the first aspect of the invention.

In the invention according to claim 10, when the amount of image data for one page is T bytes and the size of the receiving buffer is M bytes, the first transfer control means
After setting at least one of the predetermined amount Q and the transfer speed VP so as to satisfy ≧ Q ≧ (1− (VH / VP)) * T, transmission of the image data is permitted, and The second transfer control means determines that the amount of image data stored in the reception buffer is R bytes when all of the T bytes of data are received.
After setting the transfer speed VH so as to satisfy (1− (VP / VH)) * T ≦ M, transmission of the image data can be permitted.

As a result, the same function as that of the second aspect can be obtained.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, it is monitored whether or not a data transfer error has occurred, and when a transfer error has occurred, the predetermined amount Q, the transfer speed VH, An error processing unit for resetting the transfer speed VP may be provided.

Thus, the same function as the third aspect of the invention can be obtained.

In the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the error processing means resets the transfer speed VH so as to decrease when an overrun error occurs, and resets the transfer speed VH when an underrun error occurs. It can be reset so as to lower the transfer speed VP.

Thus, the same function as the fourth aspect can be obtained.

In the invention according to claim 13, the print engine is configured as a color print engine, and the image data can be transmitted for each color page.

As a result, the same function as that of the fifth aspect can be obtained.

In the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the print engine is configured as a color print engine, and can transmit a predetermined amount of image data of each color according to a printing order.

Thus, the same function as the invention according to claim 6 can be obtained.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the program recording medium storing the print control program, the transfer speed VH of the received image data and the transfer speed VP of the data input to the print engine based on the image data are determined. A comparison means for judging whether VH> VP or VH ≦ VP is satisfied, and, if VH ≦ VP is satisfied, receiving the image data by a predetermined amount Q and then transmitting data to the print engine. A first transfer control unit for starting transfer, and a second transfer control unit for starting transfer of data to the print engine when the image data is received, when VH> VP is satisfied, to a computer. A program for realizing the program is recorded in a form that can be read and understood by the computer.

Here, as the program recording medium, for example, various recording media such as a floppy disk (FD), a compact disk (CD), a digital video disk (DVD), a hard disk (HD), and a flash memory can be used. Alternatively, a communication medium can be used, such as downloading a program via a communication line.

For example, by causing a computer that controls a page printer to read a program recorded on a program recording medium, printing is performed based on a comparison between the transfer speed VH of image data and the data transfer speed VP to a print engine. You can start. Therefore, similarly to the invention according to the first aspect, printing can be started before all the image data for one page is received.

When the amount of image data for one page is T bytes and the size of the receiving buffer is M bytes, the first transfer control means determines that M ≧ Q ≧ After setting at least one of the predetermined amount Q and the transfer rate VP so as to satisfy (1− (VH / VP)) * T, transmission of the image data is permitted, and The transfer control means of the above, when the amount of image data stored in the receiving buffer when all the data of the T bytes is received is R bytes,
After setting the transfer rate VH so that R = (1− (VP / VH)) * T ≦ M, transmission of the image data can be permitted.

Thus, the same effect as the second aspect can be obtained.

[0045]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

1. First Embodiment First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

1-1 Configuration The host computer 1 as a “data generation device”
For example, it is realized as a personal computer, a workstation, a portable information terminal, or the like, and is configured as a microcomputer system including an arithmetic processing unit (CPU), various memories (ROM, RAM), and the like. The host computer 1 has an application program 2, a printer driver 3, an image memory 4, and an interface (hereinafter abbreviated as "I / F").
5 are provided.

For example, the application program 2 such as document creation software and drawing software calls various functions and procedures provided in the printer driver 3 to generate a source code.

The printer driver 3 includes, for example, a print data generation unit 6 that can be expressed as print data generation means,
A transfer control unit 7 that can be expressed as image data transfer control means is provided. The print data generation unit 6 expands the source code input from the application program 2 into bit image data (hereinafter, referred to as image data) in units of one page by referring to font data, graphic function data, and the like. The developed image data is stored in the image memory 4.
The transfer control means 7 reads out the image data from the image memory 4 in consideration of a response from the page printer 11 described later. The transfer control unit 7 sends out the read image data via the I / F 5 in packet units. The I / F 5 is connected to the I / F 13 of the page printer 11 via the communication line 200.

The page printer 11 includes a reception control unit 12
, I / F 13, reception buffer 14, image processing unit 1
5, a video I / F 16, and a print engine 17.

Image data input from the host computer 1 in packet units is stored in the reception buffer 14 via the I / F 13. The image data stored in the reception buffer 14 is input to the image processing unit 15 and converted into pulse data. That is, the image data is converted into data having a pulse width corresponding to the gradation value of the image data. The intensity of the laser beam is determined by this pulse width, and gradation printing is realized. Then, this pulse data is
/ F16 to the print engine 17.
The print engine 17, as described later with reference to FIG.
Execute image printing. Note that data transfer from the reception buffer 14 to the image processing unit 15 and the like is performed by DMA (Direct Memory Access) transfer without passing through the CPU of the page printer 11.

For example, the reception control section 12 which can be expressed as reception control means controls both reception of image data from the host computer 1 and data transfer to the print engine 17. The reception control unit 12 includes a determination unit 18 and a setting unit 19. The determination unit 18 determines the transfer speed VH of the image data input from the host computer 1 and the data transfer speed V to the print head 17.
By comparing with P, it is determined which of VH ≦ VP and VH> VP belongs. The setting unit 19
Based on the result of the determination by the determination unit 18, the reception buffer 1
4 sets an initial setting value such as a data amount and a transfer speed to be stored in advance.

Next, an example of the print engine 17 will be described with reference to FIG. The print engine 17 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), the engine can be configured as an intermediate transfer body type engine.

When the pulsed image data is input from the image processing unit 15 to the laser writing unit 21, the laser writing unit 21 turns on and off the irradiation of the laser beam according to the presence or absence of the bit image. The laser beam from the laser writing unit 21 raster scans the surface of the photosensitive drum 23 via an optical system 22 such as a polygon mirror. The photosensitive drum 23 is
5 beforehand. By scanning the surface of the photosensitive drum 23 with a laser beam, the photosensitive drum 2 is scanned.
3, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed.

Next, the latent image is visualized by applying toner from the developing device 24 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 23. The visualized toner image is transferred by a primary transfer machine 27 to an intermediate transfer body 26 such as a belt. The toner image is sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer body 26 for each page of each color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. That is,
The steps of charging, exposure, development, and primary transfer are performed for each color.

Then, the image transferred to the intermediate transfer body 26 is collectively transferred to a print recording medium 28 by a secondary transfer machine 29. The toner image transferred to the print recording medium 28 is
The fixing on the print recording medium 28 by the fixing device 30 completes one page of color printing.

1-2 Operation Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing executed on the host computer 1 side. The host computer 1 sequentially transmits the image data forming the pages of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black to the page printer 11 as packet data.

In step (hereinafter abbreviated as “S”) 1,
By monitoring the ready signal from the page printer 11, it is determined whether or not the page printer 11 has started. When the preparation of the page printer 11 is completed, the amount of image data for one page T (byte)
And the transfer speed VH (byte / second) of the packet data to the page printer 11 (S2).

Next, by monitoring the data reception permission notification from the page printer 11, the page printer 11
It is determined whether or not can receive data (S3). When the page printer 11 permits the data transmission, it is determined whether or not a request for adjusting the transfer speed VH is issued from the page printer 11 (S4). As will be described later, the page printer 11 compares the data transfer speed VH outside the printer with the data transfer speed VP inside the printer, and sets various parameters in advance so that image data reception and image printing can be performed in parallel. Set. One of the preset parameters includes the packet data transfer speed VH from the host computer 1.

Accordingly, the host computer 1 determines whether or not a request for adjusting the transfer speed VH is made from the page printer 11, and if there is an adjustment request, adjusts the transfer speed VH of the packet data ( S5). If the request for adjusting the transfer speed VH is not made, S4 is skipped. Then, transmission of the packet data is started (S6). Until it is determined that all the image data of one page of the first color has been transmitted (S7), the above-described S3 to S6 are performed.
Is repeated.

When the transmission of the image data of the first color is completed, it is determined whether the transmission of the image data of one page for all colors is completed (S8). If there is a color page that has not been transmitted yet, the next color is set (S9), and the processing of S2 to S8 is repeated. As a result, the image data of each color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is packet-transmitted to the page printer 11 one page at a time.

Next, processing on the page printer 11 side will be described with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the overall processing on the page printer 11 side.

The page printer 11 first checks the memory size M of the reception buffer 14 (S11). Next, a printer ready is notified to the host computer 1 (S12), and the amount T of image data for one page to be transmitted and the transfer speed of the image data, that is,
It waits until the transfer speed VH of the packet data is notified from the host computer 1 (S13).

When the image data amount T and the transfer speed VH are notified from the host computer 1, the image data amount T and the transfer speed VH, which are parameters on the host computer side, and the size of the reception buffer 14, which is a parameter on the printer side. M and the data transfer speed VP to the print engine 17 are set (S14). Here, the maximum value is set for both the transfer speed VH of the image data and the transfer speed VP to the print engine 17.

Next, the transfer speed VH of image data input from the host computer 1 to the page printer 11
Is compared with the data transfer speed VP in the page printer 11, and it is determined whether or not VH ≦ VP is satisfied (S15).

The case where VH ≦ VP is satisfied is the case where the speed (VP) for extracting the packet data stored in the reception buffer 14 is higher than the speed (VH) of the packet data arriving at the reception buffer 14. Therefore, it means that the amount of data accumulated in the reception buffer 14 decreases with the passage of time. For this reason, when VH ≦ VP is satisfied, a data transfer process for VH ≦ VP described later with reference to FIG. 5 is performed (S16).

On the contrary, the case where VH ≦ VP does not hold is the case where VH> VP holds. VH> VP
Is satisfied, the reception buffer 14 is higher than the speed (VP) at which the packet data is extracted from the reception buffer 14.
Is the case where the speed (VH) at which the packet data arrives at is faster. Therefore, it means that the amount of data stored in the reception buffer 14 increases as time elapses. Therefore, when VH> VP is satisfied, data processing for VH> VP, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 6, is performed (S1).
7).

When one page of image data is received by either the data transfer processing of S16 or S17, it is confirmed whether or not the image data of all four colors has been received (S18). If image data has not been received for all colors, the image data is shifted to the next color (S19), and the processes of S13 to S18 are repeated. As a result, image data for one page is received for all four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and toner images of each color are formed, and color printing is performed.

Next, FIG. 5 shows "first transfer control means".
Or VH ≦ VP as “first transfer control step”
A data transfer process is shown.

First, when VH ≦ VP is satisfied, the following equation 1 is calculated (S21).

M ≧ Q ≧ (1− (VH / VP)) * T (Equation 1) Here, Q is a predetermined value to be stored in the reception buffer 14 before data transfer is started. It is the amount of data, and the unit is byte. The maximum value of the predetermined amount Q is the memory size M of the reception buffer 14, and Q does not exceed M. As long as Expression 1 holds, an underrun error that empty data is read from the reception buffer 14 does not occur.

Next, a predetermined amount Q is set so as to satisfy the above equation (1).
Is set (S22), and the transfer speed VP inside the printer is set (S23). For example, when the internal transfer speed VP is twice the transfer speed VH of the image data, VH /
VP = 0.5, and from the above equation 1, the predetermined amount Q = 0.5
It becomes T. Therefore, in this case, the predetermined amount Q may be set to half the data amount T of the image data for one page while the transfer speed VP is set to the maximum value. Also, VP
Is larger than VH, the predetermined amount Q approaches the data amount T for one page, but since the predetermined amount Q cannot be set to exceed the memory size M of the receiving buffer 14, the transfer speed VP inside the printer is Should be set lower than the maximum value.

In this manner, V is set so as to satisfy Equation 1.
After completing the setting of P and Q, the host computer 1 is notified of data reception permission (S24). When packet data is transmitted from the host computer 1 in response to the data reception permission notification, the packet data is accumulated in the reception buffer 14 (S25). Then, packet data is received until a predetermined amount Q of data is accumulated in the reception buffer 14 (S26).

If a predetermined amount Q of packet data has been stored in the reception buffer 14, data transfer to the print engine 17 is started (S27). That is, the receiving buffer 1
4, the packet data is taken out, input to the image processing unit 15, converted into pulse data by the image processing unit 15, and then transferred to the print engine 17 via the video I / F 16. The data transfer to the print engine 17 is performed by D
This is performed by MA transfer. The print engine 17
Printing of the corresponding print color is started based on the received data.

As a result, the data transfer to the print engine 17 and the reception of the packet data are processed in parallel. Packet data is received until all data for one page for a certain print color is received (S
28).

Next, FIG. 6 shows "second transfer control means".
Or VH> VP as “second transfer control step”
A data transfer process is shown.

First, when VH> VP is satisfied, the following equation 2 is calculated (S31).

R = (1− (VP / VH)) * T ≦ M (Equation 2) Here, R is left in the reception buffer 14 when all image data of one page is received. The amount of data that is stored, in bytes. The maximum value of the remaining amount R is the memory size M of the reception buffer 14, and R is M
Never exceed. As long as Expression 2 is satisfied, there is no occurrence of an overrun error of overwriting data stored in the reception buffer 14 with new data.

Next, the predetermined amount Q is set to 0 (S32),
The transfer speed V of the image data is set so as to satisfy Equation 2.
H adjustment is requested (S33). The predetermined amount Q is set to 0 because the data transfer speed VH to the page printer 11 is faster than the data transfer speed VP in the page printer 11, and there is no need to wait for accumulation of the predetermined amount Q. Note that, in Equation 2, since the parameter Q does not appear, S32 may be omitted.

The data transfer speed V is transmitted to the host computer 1.
After requesting the adjustment of H, the host computer 1 is notified of data reception permission (S34). As a result, the host computer 1 starts transmitting packet data at the transfer speed VH adjusted to satisfy the above equation (1).

The transfer rate VH can be adjusted by adjusting the data transfer rate during packet data transmission. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the transfer rate VH may be adjusted by adjusting the packet transmission interval without changing the data transfer rate during packet data transmission.

The packet data from the host computer 1 is stored in the reception buffer 14 (S35) and transferred to the print engine 17 (S36). That is,
The received packet data is immediately transferred to the print engine 17, and the print engine 17 performs printing based on the received data. The packet data is received until all the image data for one page is received (S37, S38).
The image data transfer from the printer to the page printer 11 and the data transfer to the print engine 17 in the page printer 11 are processed in parallel.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a pipeline operation when VH ≦ VP holds, where VH = VP /
2 is illustrated. A predetermined amount Q is set in the reception buffer 14 so as to satisfy Equation (1).

At time t1, input of packet data to the reception buffer 14 is started. At time t6, the reception buffer 14 stores the packet data D1
Pieces of data are accumulated. At time t10,
The reception buffer 14 has nine packet data D1 to D9.
Is accumulated, and reaches the predetermined amount Q.

When the receiving buffer 14 stores the data by the predetermined amount Q, the data transfer to the print engine 17 is started. That is, the previously stored two packet data D1 and D2 are read from the reception buffer 14 and transferred to the image processing unit 15 (time t11). These packet data D1 and D2 are transferred to the video I / F 16 at the next time t12 and input to the print engine 17 at a time t13 (not shown). The print engine 17
Printing is performed according to the input data.

As described above, when VH = VP / 2, one packet data is input to the reception buffer 14 and at the same time two packet data are read from the reception buffer 14 and sent to the print engine 17. Are transferred. Assuming that the last packet data of the image data is D16, the last packet data D16 is transferred from the reception buffer 14 to the image processing unit 15 at time t18, and the reception buffer 14 becomes empty.

According to the present embodiment configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained.

First, since the data transfer to the print engine 17 can be started before the reception of the image data for one page is completed, the reception and the printing of the image data can be processed in parallel, and the printing can be performed. Speed can be improved.

Second, the reception of image data and the transfer of data to the print engine 17 can be performed in parallel.
The memory size M of the reception buffer 14 can be set smaller than the data amount T of the image data for one page. In other words, printing can be performed in page units with a memory size smaller than one page.

Third, the transfer rate VH of the image data is compared with the data transfer rate VP to the print engine 17, and if VH ≦ VP is satisfied, the reception buffer 14
, The transfer to the print engine 17 is started after the packet data is accumulated by a predetermined amount Q, and VH> V
If P is satisfied, the data arriving at the receiving buffer 14 is immediately transferred to the print engine 17,
Depending on the relationship between H and VP, reception of image data and data transfer to the print engine 17 can be performed in parallel.

Fourth, if VH ≦ VP holds, M
To satisfy ≧ Q ≧ (1- (VH / VP)) * T,
After setting at least one of the predetermined amount Q and the transfer speed VP, transmission of image data is permitted, and VH>
When VP holds, R = (1− (VP / VH)) *
Since transmission of image data is permitted after setting the transfer speed VH so as to satisfy T ≦ M, data transfer can be performed without generating an underrun error, an overrun error, or the like.

[0092] 2. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In each of the embodiments described below,
The same components as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. The feature of this embodiment lies in that, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, means for eliminating a transfer error generated during the transfer of packet data is provided.

2-1 Configuration The host computer 41 according to the present embodiment also includes a printer driver 42 and the like. In addition, the printer driver 42 is provided with a transfer speed correction unit 43 for correcting the transfer speed VH of the image data.

The page printer 51 according to the present embodiment
Also includes a reception control unit 52, an image processing unit 15, a print engine 17, and the like. In addition, the reception control unit 5
2 includes an error detection unit 53 for detecting an error during packet data transfer, and an error correction unit 54 for correcting a transfer error. Further, a display 55 for instructing a user to add a memory or the like to the user is connected to the reception control unit 52.

2-2 Operation Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the flowchart of FIG. 9 shows the host-side processing executed on the host computer 41 side. This host-side processing includes the steps of S1 to S9, similarly to the host-side processing of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. In addition to this, in the present embodiment,
A process for correcting the image data transfer speed VH is added between S6 and S7.

That is, after transmitting the packet data at the preset transfer speed VH (S6), the page printer 51
It is determined whether or not a request to change the transfer speed VH has been made (S41). If the change of the transfer speed VH has not been requested, the process shifts to S7 to determine whether all the data of one page has been transmitted. On the other hand, when a request for changing the transfer speed VH is issued from the page printer 51, the transfer speed V
H is corrected in the decreasing direction (S42). As described later, when an error occurs in data transfer due to the congestion degree of the communication line 200 or the like, the transfer speed V
A request to change H is issued. Accordingly, the host computer 41 monitors a change request from the page printer 51 (S41), and when there is a change request, the transfer speed VH
Is corrected (S42).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing printer-side processing executed on the page printer 51 side. The printer-side processing according to the present embodiment is similar to the printer-side processing according to the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG.
Steps S11 to S19 are provided. In addition, in the present embodiment, the return destination after the error processing described later is set between S12 and S13.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a data transfer process for VH ≦ VP, and the first data transfer process described above with reference to FIG.
Each step of S21 to S29 in the embodiment is provided. In addition, in the present embodiment, steps S51 and S52 for detecting a transfer error are provided between S25 and S26 and between S28 and S29, respectively, and when a transfer error is detected, an error is detected. The processing is performed (S53).

That is, the packet data reception is started after the predetermined amount Q and the transfer rate VP are set in advance so as to satisfy Expression 1, but depending on the congestion degree of the communication line 200, etc. 1 may not be satisfied, and a transfer error (underrun error) may occur. Therefore, after receiving the packet data in S25 and S28,
It is monitored whether a transfer error has occurred (S51,
S52) If a transfer error occurs, error processing is performed (S53). After performing the error processing, the process returns to S13 in FIG. 10 via the connector.

Next, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the data transfer processing for VH> VP, and includes the steps S31 to S38 in the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. In addition, in the present embodiment, S
Steps S61 and S62 for detecting a transfer error are provided between 35 and S36 and between S37 and S38, respectively, and when a transfer error is detected, error processing is performed. (S63).

That is, also in the case of VH> VP, the host computer 41 is required to adjust the transfer speed VH in advance so as to satisfy the expression 2 (S33). 2 does not hold, and a transfer error (overrun error) may occur. Therefore, after receiving the packet data, it is monitored whether or not a transfer error has occurred (S61, S62), and when a transfer error is detected, predetermined error processing is performed.

Next, FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of the error processing shown in S53 in FIG. 11 and S63 in FIG.

First, it is determined whether or not the detected transfer error is an overrun error (S71). If it is determined that the error is an overrun error that overwrites data before being read, the host computer 51
Request that the transfer rate VH be reduced, and request retransmission of the lost data (S72). Further, a message of a memory expansion request is displayed on the display 55 to call the user's attention (S73).

On the other hand, when there is no overrun error,
It is determined whether or not there is an underrun error of reading data from the empty reception buffer 14 (S74). If it is determined that an underrun error has occurred, the data transfer speed VP in the page printer 51 is made slower than the initial set value (S76), or the predetermined amount Q is increased (S7).
5). Further, a message is displayed on the display 55 to request the user to add a memory (S77). Where VP
And Q need not always be modified. This is because there are many cases in which a transfer error can be resolved by only one of the corrections. Although FIG. 13 shows the case where Q is corrected after VP correction, the present invention is not limited to this.

If it is neither an overrun error nor an underrun error, other error processing is performed (S78). For example, when an error occurs on the print engine 17 side, a preset process is performed.
Since the processing in S78 is not the gist of the present invention, the details are omitted.

Here, for changing the transfer speeds VH and VP, several methods can be adopted. one,
This is a method of calculating Expression 1 or Expression 2 according to the latest situation, and changing VH and VP so as to satisfy each expression. Another method is to set a safety factor in advance and, when a transfer error occurs, multiply the safety factor to slow down VH and VP.

In the flowchart of FIG. 13, VH
Both overrun error and underrun error are considered so that they can be used both in the case of ≤VP and in the case of VH> VP. However, the overrun error mainly occurs when VH> VP, and the underrun error mainly occurs when VH ≦ VP. Therefore, for example, when used in S53 in FIG.
May be omitted, and similarly, when used in S63 of FIG. 12, the processes of S71 to S73 may be omitted.

In this embodiment configured as described above,
The same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition to this, in the present embodiment, it is monitored whether or not an error has occurred during data transfer, and if a transfer error has occurred, various parameters are corrected in order to correct various parameters.
Even in the case where the quality of the data "00" deteriorates, the transfer error can be quickly eliminated, and the parallel processing of data reception and image printing can be performed stably.

3. Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The feature of this embodiment is that a single-pass type print engine is employed, and a predetermined amount of image data of each color is transferred according to the printing order.

3-1 Configuration The host computer 61 according to the present embodiment also has an application program 2 similar to the above embodiments.
Printer driver 62, image memory 63,
An I / F 5 is provided. Here, the image memory 63
Stores image data for each color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. The transfer control unit 64 of the printer driver 62
Reads the image data of each color stored in the image memory 63 in the printing order and sequentially transfers the image data to the page printer 71.

As in the above embodiments, the page printer 71 also includes an I / F 13, a reception control unit 72, a reception buffer 73, an image processing unit 15, a video I / F 16,
A print engine 74 is provided. Here, the reception control unit 72 determines the print color of the packet data received from the host computer 61 and stores the print data in the reception buffer 73 for each color.

Next, an example of the print engine 74 will be described with reference to FIG. The print engine 74 according to the present embodiment is configured as a tandem-type print engine in which engines of respective colors are arranged in series. That is, a printing stage including a photosensitive drum 23, a developing unit 24, a transfer unit 29, and the like is provided for each color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. In the print engine 74, while the print recording medium 28 is being conveyed, the toner images of each color are sequentially transferred, and color printing can be performed in one pass.

3-2 Operation Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the flowchart of FIG. 16 shows host-side processing executed on the host computer 61 side.

As shown in FIG. 15, since the image forming units for each color are separated by a predetermined distance, the printing timing for each color differs according to the distance. Therefore, in S81, a delay timer is set so as to transmit packet data of each color in synchronization with the print timing in image formation for each color. This delay timer is shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, a predetermined delay time Δt (in FIG. 18,
When three packet data have elapsed, the time is set up.

Next, the ready signal from the page printer 71 is monitored to determine whether or not the page printer 71 has started up (S82). The page printer 71 is notified of the image data amount T and the packet data transfer speed VH (S83).

Then, the data reception permission notification from the page printer 71 is monitored (S84).
If the data transmission is permitted, it is determined whether or not a request for adjusting the transfer speed VH is made from the page printer 71 (S85). If adjustment of the transfer speed VH is requested, the transfer speed VH is adjusted (S86). If the adjustment of the transfer speed VH is not requested, S86 is skipped.

Next, the packet data of each color is transmitted in synchronization with the print timing (S87), and the above-described processing of S84 to S87 is repeated until the transmission of all data of all colors is completed (S88).

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the color data transmission processing shown in S87 in FIG.
The packet data of each color is transmitted to the page printer 71 with a time difference synchronized with each print timing.

First, it is determined whether or not there is cyan data in a print area to be transmitted (S91). If there is cyan data to be transmitted, the cyan packet data is transmitted to the page printer 71. (S92). Next, it is determined whether or not there is magenta data to be transmitted (S93). If magenta data exists in the print area to be transmitted, magenta packet data is transmitted (S94).

Similarly, it is determined whether there is yellow data to be transmitted (S95), and if there is yellow data to be transmitted, yellow packet data is transmitted (S96). Next, it is determined whether there is black data to be transmitted (S97). If there is black data to be transmitted, black packet data is transmitted (S98). Finally, the process waits until a predetermined delay time Δt elapses and the delay timer counts up (S99), and ends the processing.

As described above, by transmitting packet data of each color for each predetermined print area at the same timing, color image data for one page can be transferred to the page printer 71.

The time chart of FIG. 18 shows how packet data of each color is transmitted. In the example of FIG. 18, one page of image data is divided into twelve packet data and transmitted. The delay time Δt based on the print timing is set as the time for three packet data. As shown in FIG.
8 first passes through the cyan printing stage. Therefore, first, three cyan packet data C1 to C3 corresponding to the head of the print area are transmitted. Eventually, the print recording medium is further transported, so that the head of the print recording medium reaches the magenta printing stage. At this time, in the cyan printing stage, an area next to C3 is to be printed. Therefore, the cyan packet data C4 and the magenta packet data M1 are transmitted. Thus, the packet data of each color is transmitted in synchronization with the print timing. Note that, for convenience, the last packet K12 of the black packet data is omitted from FIG.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing printer-side processing executed on the page printer 71 side.

In the printer-side processing according to the present embodiment, the memory size M of the reception buffer 73 is checked (S11), as in the printer-side processing according to the first embodiment.
The printer ready is notified to the host computer 61 (S12). Here, the memory size M in the present embodiment indicates the memory size of each color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Therefore, the total memory size of the buffer 73 is four times the memory size M for one color, that is, 4M.

Next, the process waits until the host computer 61 notifies the image data amount T of one page and the transfer speed VH of the packet data (S13). If notified, these parameters T, VH, M , VP are set (S14). Then, it is determined whether or not VH ≦ VP holds (S15). If VH ≦ VP holds, a transfer process for VH ≦ VP described below is performed (S10).
1). On the other hand, when VH> VP holds,
H> Transfer processing for VP is executed (S102). Note that the parameters T, VH, M, and VP are values that exist for each color, but since they are the same value, they need only be set once.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the transfer processing for VH ≦ VP shown in S101 in FIG. This processing is performed in the same manner as in the embodiment described above with reference to FIG.
Steps S21 to S29 are provided. In addition, in the present embodiment, after receiving the packet data in S25 and S28, the color of the received packet data is determined and stored in a predetermined memory area (S11).
1, S112).

That is, in S111 and S112, by checking the header portion of the received packet data, it is checked which data corresponds to which print color. Store in the area. The stored packet data is transferred to the corresponding color printing stage.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the transfer processing for VH> VP shown as S102 in FIG. This processing includes the steps of S31 to S38 as in the above-described embodiment with reference to FIG.
In addition, in the present embodiment, the above-described VH ≦ VP
After receiving the packet data in S35 and S37, the color determination of the received packet data is performed, and stored in the corresponding area of the reception buffer 73 (S121, S122).

In the present embodiment configured as described above,
Since the data reception of the page printer 71 from the host computer 61 and the data transfer to the print engine 74 can be performed in parallel, the same effects as in the first embodiment described above can be obtained. In addition, in the present embodiment, since the single-pass type print engine 74 capable of performing color printing only by passing the print recording medium once is used, the printing speed can be improved.

4. Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the same components as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. The feature of the present embodiment is that a means for eliminating a transfer error is provided in the third embodiment.

4-1 Configuration The host computer 81 according to the present embodiment includes an application program 2, a printer driver 82,
An image memory 63 and the like are provided. Here, the printer driver 82 of the host computer 81 according to the present embodiment is further provided with the transfer speed correcting unit 43 described in the second embodiment.

This page printer 91 also has a reception control unit 92.
, A reception buffer 73, an image processing unit 15, a print engine 74, and the like. In addition, the page printer 91 according to the present embodiment is similar to the page printer 51 according to the second embodiment in that the error detection unit 5
3 and an error correction unit 54 are added to the reception control unit 92. The display 55 such as a liquid crystal display is connected to the reception control unit 92.

4-2 Operation Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 23 shows host-side processing executed on the host computer 81 side.

The host-side processing includes the steps of S81 to S88 in the third embodiment described above with reference to FIG. In addition, in the present embodiment, as described later, when an adjustment request for the transfer speed VH is made, the process returns between S82 and S83 via a connector.

The flowchart of FIG. 24 shows a process for transmitting packet data of each color. This processing corresponds to S in the third embodiment described above with reference to FIG.
Each processing of 91 to S99 is provided. In addition to this, in the present embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, after transmitting the packet data of each color, the page printer 91
(S131, S132, S133, S13).
4) If a VH adjustment request has been issued, the transfer speed VH is adjusted (S135).

Next, FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing printer-side processing executed on the page printer 91 side. This processing is similar to the third embodiment described above with reference to FIG.
And S102. In addition, as in the second embodiment, the process returns to the step between S12 and S13 after the transfer error is resolved.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the transfer processing for VH ≦ VP. This processing includes each step of S21 to S29 and both steps of S111 and S112, similarly to the third embodiment described above with reference to FIG. In addition, in this embodiment, after receiving the packet data in S25 and S28, it is monitored whether or not a transfer error has occurred (S141, S142). Is performed (S143). In S143, the error processing shown in FIG. 13 is executed. In FIG. 26, the packet data color determination and storage processing (S111, S112)
Followed by a transfer error, but not limited to this,
A transfer error may be detected before the color determination and storage processing.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the transfer processing for VH> VP. This processing includes each of steps S31 to S38 and both steps S121 and S122, as in the third embodiment described above with reference to FIG. In addition, in the present embodiment, similarly to the case of the transfer processing for VH ≦ VP, after receiving the packet data in S35 and S37, it is detected whether or not a transfer error has occurred (S151, S152). When a transfer error is detected, error processing is performed (S15).
3). In S153, the error processing shown in FIG. 13 is executed.

In the present embodiment configured as described above,
Since data reception from the host computer 81 and data transfer to the print engine 74 can be performed in parallel, and when a data transfer error is detected, error processing for adjusting various parameters can be performed. The same effect as that of the embodiment can be obtained.

It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various additions and changes within the scope of the present invention described in the above embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the present invention can be realized by storing a predetermined program in a recording medium MM and loading the program into a printer. As a recording medium, for example, RO
In addition to various tangible storage media such as M, FD, CD-ROM, and memory card, communication media such as downloading a program via a communication network is also included.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, a printing system capable of performing color printing in four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow and black has been exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, cyan, magenta, yellow This can be applied to the case of color printing with the three colors described above and also to the case of monochrome printing.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the multi-pass type print engine 17 is an intermediate transfer type, and the single-pass type print engine 74 is a tandem type. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Various types of engines can be employed.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the printer determines whether or not the transfer speed VH of image data transmitted from the host computer to the page printer and the data transfer speed VP to the print engine in the page printer are compared. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the transfer speeds VH and VP are compared on the host computer side, and the transfer process to be used (VH ≦ VP transfer process, VH> VP transfer process) is instructed to the printer based on the comparison result. Is also good. In this case, the transfer speed VP may be notified from the printer to the host computer in advance.

In each of the above embodiments, the case of serial transmission has been described as an example, but the present invention may be applied to parallel transmission.

[0146]

As described above, according to the page print system, page print method, and page printer of the present invention, image data reception and data transfer to the print engine can be processed in parallel. The printing speed can be improved.

Further, since the transmission of the image data is permitted after the parameters are set so as to satisfy the predetermined arithmetic expression, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a transfer error.

Further, even when an error occurs in data transfer due to network congestion or the like, the transfer error can be eliminated by the error processing means, and the reliability of data transfer can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a page print system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print engine.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating host-side processing.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating printer-side processing.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a transfer process for VH ≦ VP.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a transfer process for VH> VP.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of data transfer in the printer.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a page print system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing host-side processing.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing on the printer side.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a transfer process for VH ≦ VP.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a transfer process for VH> VP.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating error processing.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a page print system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print engine.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating host-side processing.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a process of transmitting packet data of each color.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a transmission state of packet data.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating printer-side processing.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a transfer process for VH ≦ VP.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a transfer process for VH> VP.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a page print system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing host-side processing.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a process of transmitting packet data of each color.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating processing on the printer side.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing transfer processing for VH ≦ VP.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a transfer process for VH> VP.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 host computer 3 printer driver 11 page printer 12 reception control unit 14 reception buffer 17 print engine 41 host computer 42 printer driver 51 page printer 52 reception control unit 55 display 61 host computer 62 printer driver 71 page printer 72 Reception control unit 73 Reception buffer 74 Print engine 81 Host computer 82 Printer driver 91 Page printer 92 Reception control unit

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A page comprising: a data generating device for generating image data; and a page printer for printing a print recording medium by one page by driving a print engine based on the image data from the data generating device. In the printing system, the image data is transmitted from the data generation device to the page printer in packet units, and a transfer speed VH of the image data input from the data generation device to the page printer. Comparing the transfer speed VP of the data input to the print engine based on the image data and determining whether VH> VP or VH ≦ VP is satisfied, and determining whether VH ≦ VP is satisfied. Receives a predetermined amount Q of the image data from the data generation device, First transfer control means for starting data transfer from the data generating device to the print engine, and when VH> VP is satisfied, starting data transfer to the print engine when the image data is received from the data generating device. Second transfer control means for performing
A page print system comprising: 2. When the amount of image data for one page is T bytes, and the size of the receiving buffer of the page printer is M bytes, the first transfer control means: M ≧ Q ≧ (1- ( VH / V
P)) After setting at least one of the predetermined amount Q and the transfer rate VP so as to satisfy * T,
If the transmission of the image data is permitted, and the second transfer control means sets the amount of image data accumulated in the reception buffer to R bytes when all of the T bytes of data are received, R = ( 1-
2. The page print system according to claim 1, wherein the transfer rate VH is set so as to satisfy (VP / VH) * T≤M, and then transmission of the image data is permitted. 3. A method for monitoring whether a data transfer error has occurred, and resetting the predetermined amount Q, the transfer speed VH, and the transfer speed VP so as to eliminate the transfer error when the transfer error occurs. 3. The page printing system according to claim 2, further comprising an error processing unit that performs the processing. 4. The error processing means resets the transfer speed VH to decrease when an overrun error occurs, and reduces the transfer speed VP when an underrun error occurs. 4. The page printing system according to claim 3, wherein the setting is reset. 5. The page print system according to claim 1, wherein the print engine is configured as a color print engine, and the image data is transmitted for each color page. 6. The page print system according to claim 1, wherein the print engine is configured as a color print engine, and transmits a predetermined amount of image data of each color according to a printing order. 7. A page printing method for printing a print recording medium in units of one page by driving a print engine based on received image data, wherein the image data is transmitted in units of packets. Comparing the transfer speed VH of the image data with the transfer speed VP of the data input to the print engine based on the image data to determine which of VH> VP and VH ≦ VP is satisfied; If ≤VP, a first transfer control step of receiving the image data by a predetermined amount Q and then starting data transfer to the print engine; and, if VH> VP, the image data A second transfer control step of starting data transfer to the print engine when receiving Page printing method characterized by comprising a. 8. When the amount of image data for one page is T bytes and the size of a receiving buffer is M bytes, the first transfer control step includes the following steps: M ≧ Q ≧ (1- (VH
/ VP)) * At least one of the predetermined amount Q and the transfer rate VP is set so as to satisfy * T, and then the transmission of the image data is permitted. Further, the second transfer control step includes: When the amount of image data accumulated in the reception buffer when all the T bytes of data are received is R bytes, R = (1
The page printing method according to claim 7, wherein the transfer of the image data is permitted after setting the transfer speed VH so as to satisfy-(VP / VH)) * T≤M. 9. A print recording medium is driven by driving a print engine based on received image data.
In a page printer that prints in page units, the image data is transmitted in packet units, and the transfer speed VH of the image data and the transfer speed VP of data input to the print engine based on the image data. Determining whether VH> VP or VH ≦ VP is satisfied, and when VH ≦ VP is satisfied, receiving the image data by a predetermined amount Q and then transmitting the image data to the print engine. First transfer control means for starting the data transfer of the image data, and second transfer control means for starting the data transfer to the print engine when the image data is received, when VH> VP is satisfied. A page printer, comprising: 10. When the amount of image data for one page is T bytes and the size of a receiving buffer is M bytes, the first transfer control means determines that M ≧ Q ≧ (1- (VH / V
P)) After setting at least one of the predetermined amount Q and the transfer rate VP so as to satisfy * T,
If the transmission of the image data is permitted, and the second transfer control means sets the amount of image data stored in the reception buffer to R bytes when all of the T bytes of data are received, R = ( 1-
10. The page printer according to claim 9, wherein the transmission of the image data is permitted after setting the transfer speed VH so as to satisfy (VP / VH) * T≤M. 11. Monitoring whether a data transfer error has occurred, and resetting the predetermined amount Q, the transfer speed VH, and the transfer speed VP so as to eliminate the transfer error when the transfer error occurs. 2. An error processing means, comprising:
0 page printer. 12. The error processing means resets the transfer speed VH to decrease when an overrun error occurs, and lowers the transfer speed VP when an underrun error occurs. The page printer according to claim 11, wherein the page printer is reset. 13. The print engine according to claim 9, wherein the print engine is configured as a color print engine, and the image data is transmitted for each color page.
The page printer according to any of the above. 14. The page printer according to claim 9, wherein said print engine is configured as a color print engine, and transmits a predetermined amount of image data of each color according to a printing order. 15. A program recording medium on which a print control program is recorded, wherein a transfer speed VH of received image data is compared with a transfer speed VP of data input to a print engine based on the image data, and VH> VP. And VH ≦ VP, and if VH ≦ VP is satisfied, a first unit that receives the image data by a predetermined amount Q and then starts data transfer to the print engine. And a second transfer control means for starting a data transfer to the print engine when the image data is received when VH> VP is satisfied. A program recording medium recorded in a form readable and understandable by the computer. 16. When the amount of image data for one page is T bytes and the size of a receiving buffer is M bytes, the first transfer control means sets M ≧ Q ≧ (1- (VH / V
P)) After setting at least one of the predetermined amount Q and the transfer rate VP so as to satisfy * T,
If the transmission of the image data is permitted, and the second transfer control means sets the amount of image data stored in the reception buffer to R bytes when all of the T bytes of data are received, R = ( 1-
16. The program recording medium according to claim 15, wherein the transfer of the image data is permitted after setting the transfer speed VH so as to satisfy (VP / VH) * T≤M.