JPH11216934A - Printing control device, method for data processing therein, and recording medium containing computer readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To forcibly reduce operating hours by shifting to a draft mode at an arbitrary timing after initiating the printing, and to improve operability of a printer. SOLUTION: A draft control section 1106 judges whether or not a draft mode is set via an operating panel. When it is judged that the draft mode is set, a command executing section 1104 allows a page memory to omit a specific image drawing operation designated by printing information to be drawn and obtains a simple drawing output result from a printer engine section 1400.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print control apparatus and a print control apparatus for analyzing print information received from a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium and developing drawing data printable by a printing unit. The present invention relates to a data processing method and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a general printing apparatus, when a document having a complicated design is printed, or when an application employs a complicated drawing method even if the document has a seemingly simple design, it is very difficult. It takes printing time.

For example, in the case of a printing apparatus that performs output in YMCK, it is necessary to convert RGB format data into YMCK and output it. In the case of drawing using complicated drawing logic, YMCK is required to perform logical drawing. In some cases, it is necessary to reversely convert the data which has already been converted into the RGB format. FIGS. 12 to 15 are diagrams for explaining the drawing process in the conventional print control apparatus.

As an example, the RGB data of FIG. 12 is converted to YMCK data of FIG. 13, but since the data of Y = M = C is converted to one color of K (black),
If the logical drawing is performed for each of the YMCK color elements in this state, the output result will be different from the case where the logical drawing is performed for RGB.

[0005] Also, ON of a binary pattern or a binary image
When coloring a bit color (hereinafter referred to as foreground color) and an OFF bit color (hereinafter referred to as background color), both colors must be combined to create a two-tone pattern or image. For example, if the foreground color of the binary pattern in FIG. 14 is designated as yellow and the background color is designated as red, a color pattern as shown in FIG. 15 is obtained.

[0006] The processing as in the above example requires a very long processing time due to the large number of processing steps and many repetitive processing, and the processing time differs greatly from the prediction of the user who performs printing from the application.

[0007] In this way, if printing is started once, but it takes a long time against the user's expectation to wait for output, the user cancels the print job remaining on the host side and resets the printer. You have to do the operation. Further, in a printing system having a draft printing function of performing degraded printing in order to confirm the outline of an output result, the user has to instruct draft printing at the start of printing.

[0008]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, after all, the user has to abandon the print job and print again using the draft function. Was to be wasted.

[0009] Further, it is often the case that only a small part of a document occupies most of the printing processing time. In this case, the purpose is mainly to confirm the printing result of the text. The user has to wait until all data has been expanded in the printing apparatus.

[0010] As described above, in the conventional printing apparatus, there is no choice but to wait until the print processing is output once the print processing is instructed, or to interrupt the printing in the middle, and there is a problem that the usability is poor. Was.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and an object of the present invention is to omit a specific drawing process specified in print information based on a setting state of a draft mode. A print control device and a data processing method of the print control device, which can forcibly reduce the processing time by shifting to the draft mode at an arbitrary timing after starting printing, and improve the usability of the printing device, and An object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, print information received from a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium is analyzed to develop drawing data printable by a printing unit. A print control apparatus, comprising: first setting means for setting a draft mode for omitting a specific drawing process specified in the print information; and storage for storing the draft mode set by the first setting means. Means for judging whether or not the draft mode stored in the storage means is set to be valid during the print information analysis process; and wherein the draft mode is set to be valid by the judgment means. If it is determined that
A first drawing control unit for omitting a specific drawing process specified in the print information and performing a simple drawing process.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus which analyzes print information received from a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium and develops drawing data printable by a printing unit. A second setting unit for setting a level value of a draft mode for omitting a specific drawing process specified in the print information; and a storage for storing the level value of the draft mode set by the second setting unit. Means, identification means for identifying the draft mode level value stored in the storage means during the analysis of the print information, and identification based on the draft mode level value identified by the identification means And a second drawing control means for simplifying the drawing process by omitting the drawing process of (1).

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the storage means is constituted by a non-volatile storage medium.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the storage means is constituted by a volatile storage medium.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the first setting means sets the draft mode based on a draft mode value input from an operation panel.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the first setting means analyzes the command input from the data processing device and sets the draft mode.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the second setting means sets the level value of the draft mode based on a level value input from an operation panel.

In an eighth aspect according to the present invention, the second setting means sets a level value of the draft mode by analyzing a command input from the data processing device.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the first setting means resets the draft mode stored in the storage means to an initial value every time printing of each page is completed.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the specific drawing process includes a logical drawing process, a color space inverse conversion drawing process, and a blank drawing process.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing method for a print control apparatus which analyzes print information received from a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium and develops drawing data printable by a printing unit. A first setting step for setting a draft mode for omitting a specific drawing process specified in the print information; and a registration for registering the draft mode set in the first setting step in a memory. Determining whether the draft mode registered in the memory is set to be valid during the print information analysis process, and determining that the draft mode is set to be valid by the determination step. If judged,
A first drawing step of omitting a specific drawing process specified in the print information and performing a simple drawing process.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing method for a print control apparatus which analyzes print information received from a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium and develops drawing data printable by a printing unit. A second setting step of setting a draft mode level value for omitting a specific drawing process specified in the print information; and a draft mode level value set by the second setting step. Registering the draft mode in a memory, identifying the level value of the draft mode registered in the memory during the analysis of the print information, and identifying the level of the draft mode identified by the identifying step. A second drawing step of omitting a specific drawing process based on the value and performing a simple drawing process.

In a thirteenth aspect according to the present invention, the memory is constituted by a nonvolatile storage medium.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the memory is configured by a volatile storage medium.

In a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first setting step, the draft mode is set based on a draft mode value input from an operation panel.

In a sixteenth aspect according to the present invention, in the first setting step, the draft mode is set by analyzing a command input from the data processing device.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the second setting step, the level value of the draft mode is set based on a level value input from an operation panel.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the second setting step, the level value of the draft mode is set by analyzing a command input from the data processing device.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first setting step, the draft mode stored in the memory is reset to an initial value every time printing of each page is completed.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the specific drawing process includes a logical drawing process, a color space inverse conversion drawing process, and a blank drawing process.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer which controls a printing apparatus which analyzes print information received from a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium and develops drawing data printable by a printing unit. Is a storage medium storing a readable program, wherein: a first setting step of setting a draft mode for omitting a specific drawing process specified in the print information; and a first setting step of setting a draft mode. A registration step of registering the draft mode in a memory; a determination step of determining whether the draft mode registered in the memory is set to be valid during the print information analysis process; and When it is determined that the mode is set to be valid, a first drawing process in which the specific drawing process specified in the print information is omitted to simplify the drawing process Computer and a drawing process is obtained by storing the readable program storage medium.

A twenty-second invention according to the present invention is a computer which controls a printing apparatus which analyzes print information received from a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium and develops drawing data printable by a printing unit. Is a storage medium storing a readable program, wherein a second setting step of setting a level value of a draft mode for omitting a specific drawing process specified in the print information; and A registration step of registering the set draft mode level value in a memory; an identification step of identifying the draft mode level value registered in the memory during an analysis process of the print information; A second drawing step of omitting a specific drawing process based on the level value of the draft mode identified by a simple drawing process. Over data is obtained by storing the readable program storage medium.

In a twenty-third aspect according to the present invention, the memory stores a computer-readable program constituted by a non-volatile storage medium in a storage medium.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the memory, the computer-readable program constituted by a volatile storage medium is stored in the storage medium.

In a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first setting step, a computer-readable program for setting the draft mode based on a draft mode value input from an operation panel is stored in a storage medium. It was done.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first setting step, a computer readable program for setting a draft mode by analyzing a command input from the data processing device is stored in a storage medium. It is stored.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the second setting step, a computer-readable program for setting the level value of the draft mode based on a level value input from an operation panel is stored in a storage medium. Is stored in.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the second setting step, a computer readable program for setting a level value of the draft mode by analyzing a command input from the data processing device is set. It is stored in a storage medium.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first setting step, a computer readable program for resetting the draft mode registered in the memory to an initial value every time printing of each page is completed. It is stored in a storage medium.

A thirtieth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that said specific drawing process is a computer-readable program stored in a storage medium, including a logical drawing process, a color space inverse conversion drawing process, and a blank drawing process. It is.

[0042]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing the structure of this embodiment,
The configuration of a laser beam printer (hereinafter, referred to as “LBP”) suitable for applying this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The printer to which this embodiment is applied is as follows.
It is needless to say that the printer is not limited to the laser beam printer, but may be a printer of another printing method.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a laser beam printer applied to this embodiment. This LBP is used to register character patterns and form data (form data) from a data source (not shown). I can do it.

In the figure, reference numeral 1000 denotes an LBP main body, which inputs and stores character information (character code), form information, macro instructions, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer, and according to the information. A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created, and an image is formed on recording paper, which is a recording medium.

Reference numeral 1012 denotes an operation panel on which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged. 100
A printer control unit 1 controls the entire LBP main body 1000 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from a host computer. This printer control unit 1001
Mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1002. The laser driver 1002 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1003. The laser driver 1002 switches on and off a laser beam 1004 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1003 in accordance with an input video signal.
At 05, the image is swung right and left to scan on the electrostatic drum 1006.

As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1006. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1007 around the electrostatic drum 1006 and then transferred to a recording sheet. A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is
0, the paper feed roller 1009, the transport roller 1010, and the transport roller 1
011 and the electrostatic drum 10
06.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a print control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 2000 denotes a host computer, which is a printing apparatus 100 via a predetermined interface or the like.
0, and outputs print information including print data and a control code to the printing apparatus 1000. The printing apparatus 1000 is roughly divided into a formatter control unit 1
100, interface 1200, output control unit 130
0, a printer engine unit 1400.

The formatter control unit 1100 functioning as a print control device is composed of a reception buffer 1101, a command discrimination unit 1102, a command analysis unit 1103, a command execution unit 1104, a page memory 1105, a draft control unit 1106, and an NVRAM 107. I have.

The receiving buffer 1101 functions as a storage unit for temporarily storing print information received from the host computer 2000. The command determination unit 1102 determines each print control command. The print data is analyzed by the command analysis unit 1103 according to the type of the determined command, and is executed by the command execution unit 1104.

Further, the command analysis unit 1103 analyzes each print control command. The command analyzed by the command analysis unit 1103 is an intermediate result obtained by analyzing the print data. Part 11
At 04, it is converted into an intermediate code in a format that is easier to process.

Also, the draft control unit 1106 has the NVR
Only when the draft specification held in the AM 107 is ON, control is performed so as to omit a part of the analysis processing performed in the command analysis unit 1103. The NVRAM 1107 is a nonvolatile memory capable of holding data even when the power is turned off.
Can be updated by operating the operation panel 1012. The command execution unit 1104 executes each command based on the intermediate code, and commands related to drawing and printing are sequentially developed in the page memory 1105.

Generally, the formatter control unit 1
100 is configured by a computer system using a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like.

Further, output control section 1300 converts the contents of page memory 1105 into a video signal and transfers the image to printer engine section 1400. The printer engine unit 1400 is a printing mechanism unit for forming a permanent visible image of the received video signal on recording paper.

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

A print control device that analyzes print information received from a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium (network, interface) configured as described above and develops drawing data printable by a printing unit. A first setting means (operation panel 10) for setting a draft mode for omitting a specific drawing process specified in the print information.
And a storage unit (NVRAM1) that stores the draft mode set by the first setting unit.
107) determining means for determining whether the draft mode stored in the storage means is set to be valid during the print information analysis processing (draft control unit 1106 performs determination processing); When the determination unit determines that the draft mode is set to be valid, a first drawing control unit (draft control unit 1106) that performs a simple drawing process by omitting a specific drawing process specified in the print information Controls the drawing process of the command execution unit 1104). Therefore, even after the printing process for the received print information is started, if the draft mode is set to be valid, a specific drawing Drawing processing time can be reduced by omitting the processing.

A print control apparatus for analyzing print information received from a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium (network or interface) and developing drawing data printable by a printing unit, wherein A second setting unit for setting a level value of a draft mode for omitting a specific drawing process specified in the information (set by the draft control unit 1106 by an input on the operation panel 1012), and a setting by the second setting unit Storage means for storing the extracted draft mode level value (NVRAM 1107)
Identification means for identifying the level value of the draft mode stored in the storage means during the print information analysis processing (the identification processing is performed by the draft control unit 1106);
A second drawing control unit (draft control unit 1106) for simplifying the drawing process by omitting a specific drawing process based on the level value of the draft mode identified by the identification unit
Controls the drawing process of the command execution unit 1104), even after the printing process for the received printing information is started, the specific drawing intended by the user in the printing information according to the level value of the draft mode. Drawing processing time can be reduced by omitting the processing.

Further, since the storage means is constituted by a non-volatile storage medium (NVRAM 1107), the operation burden on the user for setting the draft mode is reduced.
Drawing processing based on the draft mode can be executed with good reproducibility.

Further, since the storage means is constituted by a volatile storage medium (RAM (not shown)), even if the user sets the draft mode intentionally, the draft mode is released each time the power is turned on and off. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation where the draft mode is continuously set.

Further, since the first setting means sets the draft mode based on the draft mode value input from the operation panel 1012, the draft mode can be reliably set by the user's operation.

The first setting means analyzes the command input from the data processing device (host computer 2000) and sets the draft mode. You can set the draft mode.

Further, since the second setting means sets the level value of the draft mode based on the level value input from the operation panel 1012, the level value of the intended draft mode can be switched by a user operation. Can be set to

Further, the second setting means analyzes the command input from the data processing device and sets the level value of the draft mode. The mode level value can be set.

Further, the first setting means resets the draft mode stored in the storage means to an initial value each time printing of each page is completed, so that the draft mode is effective only for a specific page. Can be executed.

The specific drawing process includes a logical drawing process, a color space reverse conversion drawing process, and a die drawing drawing process. 、 Easily process the die-drawing process
The drawing result of the entire page including the specific drawing process can be verified in a short time.

Next, in the printing apparatus thus configured, the entire print control processing procedure in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the first data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the main processing from the start to the end of the operation of the printing apparatus 1000 shown in FIG. . In addition, (1)-
(7) shows each step.

First, in step (1), the operation panel 101
2 interrupt is detected. In step (2), it is determined whether or not there is an interrupt from the operation panel 1012. If it is determined that there is no interrupt, the process proceeds directly to step (4). If there is an interrupt, the process proceeds to step (3). And the set value from the operation panel 1012 is set to N
Write to VRAM 1107.

Next, in step (4), print data sent from the host computer 2000 is received and stored in the reception buffer 1101. next,
In step (5), the print data stored in the reception buffer 1101 is read, and in step (6), a drawing process is performed. Thereafter, in step (7), it is determined whether or not a print end command has been received or whether or not the print data has ended. If printing has ended, the printing operation ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (7) that printing has not been completed, the process returns to step (1), and the processing of steps (1) to (7) is repeated.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the detailed procedure of the drawing processing shown in step (6) shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (10) indicate each step.

First, in step (1), the command analysis unit 1103 checks whether or not the data is a paper ejection command. If it is determined that the data is a paper ejection command, the flow advances to step (6).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the command is not a paper ejection command, it is determined whether or not the next analyzed command is a command for development processing to a page memory such as character printing or graphic drawing (2). If it is determined that the command is not the command of step (5), the process proceeds to step (5), the command is immediately executed, and the process returns to step (1) shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2) that the command is a command for the expansion process, the process proceeds to step (9), and N
The draft setting value written in the VRAM 1107 is searched, and it is determined whether or not the draft setting value is ON. If it is determined that the draft setting value is ON, the process proceeds to step (10), and details will be described later. After performing the draft processing, the process proceeds to step (3).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (9) that the draft setting value is OFF, the flow advances to step (3) to generate an intermediate code in a form that facilitates command execution processing, and in step (4) In response to the created intermediate code, the command execution unit 1104 causes the page memory 110
5, and after the completion of the development process, the process returns to step (1) shown in FIG. 3 and the data analysis process is repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the command is a paper ejection command, then in step (6), the output control unit 1
At 300, the contents of the page memory 1105 are converted into a video signal for the printer engine unit 1400, and an image is transferred and output. Next, in step (7), the printer engine unit 1400 forms a permanent visible image of the received video signal on recording paper and performs printing. When the result printed in step (8) is discharged, the print control process for one page returns.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the third data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. The draft processing shown in FIG. 4, that is, the print data is skipped while a part of the data processing is skipped. Corresponds to the procedure for drafting. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

First, in step (1), it is determined whether or not to use a special logical drawing (Special logic). If it is determined that no special logical drawing is to be used, the process directly proceeds to step (3), and it is determined to use. In this case, after skipping the inverse conversion process from YMCK to RGB in step (2), the process proceeds to step (3), and it is determined whether or not to use complicated clipping (ComplexClip), and not to use. In this case, the process directly proceeds to step (5). If it is determined that the clipping is to be used, in step (4), the specification of clipping is invalidated, and then the process proceeds to step (5), where the background color (ComposeB)
It is determined whether or not to use C). If not, the process is terminated. If it is determined to be used, in step (6), the specification of the background color is invalidated. To end.

The operation of the entire printing apparatus has been described above.
These processes are realized by the computer system of the formatter control unit 1100.

Next, a specific example of draft printing in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams for explaining an example of a printing process in the printing control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a print result when the draft setting value is “OFF”. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 1201 denotes a figure obtained by applying a complicated clipping to a figure composed of a plurality of rectangles and die-cut. Is white for the foreground color of the pattern,
A figure painted with a pattern colored with black on the background color is shown, and a figure 1203 is a figure in which an ellipse is overwritten using a special logical drawing.

In this case, after setting the draft setting value to “ON” from the operation panel 1012,
When a graphic from 01 to 1203 is drawn, an output result as shown in FIG. 7 is obtained.

In FIG. 7, 1301 is the figure 120
1 is a figure printed in a state before clipping with the clipping ignored, 1302 is a figure printed in white with the background color designation (black) of the pattern of the figure 1202 ignored, and 1303 is a figure printed in white. YMCK → R of figure 1203
The figure shows a printed figure with a change in color due to skipping the GB inverse conversion process. In this example, all figures are drafted. For example, after the data processing of the figure 1201 is completed, the draft setting value is set to “O” from the operation panel 1012.
If "N" is set, only the figures 1202 and 1203 are drafted.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system to which a print control apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention can be applied. Here, a laser beam printer (FIG. 1) will be described as an example. As long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention is applicable to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, and a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. Needless to say, it can be applied.

In FIG. 8, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer, which is used to store figures, images, characters, and the like based on a document processing program or the like stored in a program ROM of the ROM 3.
A CPU 1 for executing document processing in which tables (including spreadsheets and the like) are mixed is provided. The CPU 1 controls each device connected to the system bus 4 as a whole. This ROM 3
The ROM of the program stores a control program of the CPU 1 and the like, and the font ROM of the ROM 3 stores font data and the like used in the document processing.
The data ROM of No. 3 stores various data used when performing the above document processing and the like. Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 1.

5 is a keyboard controller (KBC)
Controls the key input from the keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown). 6 is a CRT controller (C
RTC) controls the display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. Reference numeral 7 denotes a memory controller (MC) for controlling access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, and editing files, and a floppy disk (FD).

Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer controller (PRTC)
A predetermined bidirectional interface (interface)
The communication device 21 is connected to the printer 1000 via the printer 21 and executes communication control processing with the printer 1000. Note that the CPU
Executes a rasterization process of an outline font on a display information RAM set on the RAM 2, for example, to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 10. Further, the CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.

In the printer 1000, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU, which controls various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program or the like stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program or the like stored in the external memory 14. Control access to
An image signal as output information is output to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via a printing unit interface 16. The program ROM of the ROM 13
May store a control program or the like for the CPU 12 as shown in the flowchart of the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data used for generating the output information, and the like. In the case of a printer having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk in the data ROM of the ROM 13, It stores information and the like used on the host computer.

The CPU 12 can communicate with the host computer via the input unit 18 and can notify the host computer 3000 of information in the printer and the like. Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and is configured so that the re-memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). In addition,
The RAM 19 is used for an output information development area, an environment data storage area, an NVRAM, and the like. The access to the external memory 14 such as the hard disk (HD) and the IC card is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 20.

The external memory 14 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. Reference numeral 1012 denotes the above-described operation panel.
An ED display and the like are provided. The above-described external memory 14 is not limited to one, and at least one external memory is provided. In addition to the built-in fonts, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages can be connected. May be configured. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store the printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1012.

Next, in the printing apparatus configured as described above, the entire print control processing procedure in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to a draft processing procedure. In addition, (1)-
(7) shows each step.

First, in step (1), a drafting level (LEVEL) set in the NVRAM secured on the RAM 19 is searched. Here, the drafting level is a stage of drafting, and the operation panel 101
It is assumed that an integer value of any of LEVEL1 to LEVEL3 has been set by the operation from 2.

Then, if the drafting level is "LEVEL"
If it is determined that it is set to “1”, the process proceeds to step (2), and a special logic drawing (Special low
gic) is determined to be necessary, and if it is determined to be necessary, YMCK → R is determined in step (3).
The GB inverse conversion process is skipped, and if not necessary, the process directly proceeds to step (4).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the drafting level is set to "LEVEL2", the flow advances to step (4) to determine whether or not it is necessary to perform complicated clipping processing. If it is determined that it is necessary, the clip setting is ignored in step (5), and if it is determined that it is not necessary, the process proceeds directly to step (6).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the drafting level is set to "LEVEL3", the flow advances to step (6) to synthesize the background color of the pattern and the image. It is determined whether or not it is necessary, and if it is determined that it is necessary, in step (7),
If the background color specification is ignored and it is determined that it is not necessary, the process returns as it is.

That is, by setting the drafting level in advance from the operation panel, the drafting stage can be arbitrarily changed.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a fifth data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. The drawing processing procedure (making the draft setting effective only for one page) (A processing procedure for drafting only pages having a long processing time of a document composed of a plurality of pages). Note that (1) to (11) indicate each step. The hardware will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step (1), the command analysis unit 1103 checks whether or not the data is a discharge command. If it is determined that the data is a discharge command, the flow advances to step (6) to perform processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the command is not a paper ejection command, then in step (2), it is determined whether or not the next analyzed command is a command for expansion processing to the page memory 1105 such as character printing or graphic drawing. And determine
If it is determined that the command is not a command for the expansion processing, the process proceeds to step (5), the command is immediately executed, and the process returns to step (1) shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2) that the command is a command for expansion processing, the flow advances to step (9).
The draft setting value written in the NVRAM 1107 is searched, and it is determined whether the draft setting value is in the “ON” state. If it is determined that the draft setting value is in the “ON” state,
Proceeding to step (10), after performing the above-mentioned draft processing, proceeding to step (3). Note that the draft process has already been described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (9) that the draft setting value is in the "OFF" state, the process directly proceeds to step (3) to generate an intermediate code in a form that facilitates command execution processing. Next, in step (4), upon receiving the intermediate code, the command execution unit 1104 performs expansion processing on the page memory 1105, and after the expansion processing is completed, returns to step (1) in FIG. Is repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the command is a paper ejection command, the output control unit 1300 converts the contents of the page memory 1105 into a video signal for the printer engine unit 1400 in step (6). Output image output. Next, the printer engine unit 1400 forms a permanent visible image of the received video signal on recording paper and performs printing. Then, the result printed in step (8) is discharged, and in step (11), the NVRAM 1
When the draft setting value of 107 is rewritten to the “OFF” state, the print control processing for one page ends.

In the above-described first to third embodiments, the case where the operation panel 1012 is used as the drafting designation means has been described. However, designation may be made by a print control command.

In the first to third embodiments, YMCK → RGB conversion, clipping, and background color are taken as examples of drafting. However, if the processing is time-consuming, other printing processing is required. May be.

Furthermore, the printing process can be completed in the shortest time by skipping all the data after the detection of the drafting designation.

Further, in the second embodiment, the case where the printing process to be drafted is determined according to the level has been described. You can also decide whether you want to be drafted or not.

Further, in the third embodiment, the case where the draft setting value is stored in the NVRAM 1107 has been described. However, since the draft setting is returned to the “OFF” state for each page, the configuration may be such that the draft setting is stored in the volatile RAM. Is also good.

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, FIG. 9, FIG.

Print control for analyzing print information received from the data processing device via a predetermined communication medium (including a network and an interface) configured as described above and expanding the drawing data printable by the printing unit. A data processing method of the device, or a computer that controls a printing device that analyzes print information received from the data processing device via a predetermined communication medium and develops drawing data that can be printed by the printing unit. A first setting step (step (1) in FIG. 3) for setting a draft mode for omitting a specific drawing process specified in the print information. A registration step of registering the draft mode set in the setting step in a memory (steps (2) and (3) in FIG. 3), and an analysis process of the print information In, the memory (NVRAM11
07) whether the draft mode registered in the draft mode is set to be valid (step (9) in FIG. 4), and when it is determined in the determination step that the draft mode is set to be valid. A first drawing process (step (10) in FIG. 4 and a detailed description of steps (1) to (5) in FIG. 5) for simplifying the drawing process by omitting the specific drawing process specified in the print information 6)), even after the printing process for the received print information is started, if the draft mode is set to be valid, the specific drawing process in the print information is omitted and the drawing process time is reduced. Can be shortened.

A data processing method of a print control device for analyzing print information received from a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium (including a network and an interface) and developing drawing data printable by a printing unit. Or a computer-readable program that controls a printing apparatus that analyzes print information received from a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium and develops drawing data that can be printed by a printing unit. A second setting step (step (1) in FIG. 3) for setting a level value of a draft mode for omitting a specific drawing process specified in the print information; (Steps (2) and (3) in FIG. 3) for registering the level value of the draft mode set by the above in the memory (NVRAM 1107). If, during said analysis of the print information, the identification identifying a level value of the draft mode registered in the memory (step in FIG. 9 (1))
A second drawing process (step (2) to FIG. 9 to FIG. 9) in which a specific drawing process is omitted based on the level value of the draft mode identified by the identification process and the drawing process is simply performed.
(7)), even after the start of the printing process for the received print information, the drawing process time is omitted by omitting a specific drawing process intended by the user in the print information according to the level value of the draft mode. Can be shortened.

Further, since the memory is constituted by a nonvolatile storage medium (NVRAM 1107), it is possible to reduce the operation burden on the user for setting the draft mode, and to execute the drawing processing based on the draft mode with good reproducibility. it can.

Further, since the memory is constituted by a volatile storage medium (RAM not shown), even if the user sets the draft mode intentionally, the draft mode is canceled each time the power is turned on and off. The situation in which the draft mode is continuously set can be reliably avoided.

Further, in the first setting step, the draft mode is set based on the draft mode value input from the operation panel 1012, so that the draft mode can be reliably set by a user operation.

In the first setting step, the draft mode is set by analyzing a command input from the data processing device (host computer 2000). You can set the draft mode.

Further, in the second setting step, the level value of the draft mode is set based on the level value input from the operation panel 1012, so that the level value of the intended draft mode can be switched by a user operation. Can be set to

In the second setting step, the level value of the draft mode is set by analyzing a command input from the data processing device (host computer 2000). The level value of the draft mode can be reliably set by the operation.

Further, in the first setting step, the draft mode stored in the memory is reset to an initial value each time printing of each page is completed (step (11) in FIG. 10; Thus, a drawing process that makes the draft mode valid can be executed.

Since the specific drawing process includes a logical drawing process, a color space reverse conversion drawing process, and a die drawing process, the specific logical drawing process and the color space reverse conversion drawing process in which the drawing process takes a long time are performed. 、 Easily process the die-drawing process
The drawing result of the entire page including the specific drawing process can be verified in a short time.

The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by a printing system to which the print control device according to the present invention can be applied will be described below with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which the print control device according to the present invention can be applied.

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

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

The functions shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10 in this embodiment may be executed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

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

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

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

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

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0134]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, there is provided a print control device which analyzes print information received from a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium and develops drawing data printable by a printing unit, wherein A first setting unit for setting a draft mode for omitting a specific drawing process, a storage unit for storing the draft mode set by the first setting unit, and a process for analyzing the print information. Determining means for determining whether or not the draft mode stored in the storage means is set to valid; and specifying the print information when the determining means determines that the draft mode is set to valid. And the first drawing control means for easily performing the drawing process by omitting the specified drawing process, so that even after the start of the printing process for the received print information, If the Tomodo is enabled, it can shorten the drawing processing time by omitting the specific drawing process in the print information.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus for analyzing print information received from a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium and developing drawing data printable by a printing unit. A second setting unit for setting a level value of a draft mode for omitting a specific drawing process specified in print information; and a storage unit for storing the level value of the draft mode set by the second setting unit. An identification unit that identifies the level value of the draft mode stored in the storage unit during the analysis process of the print information; and a specific drawing based on the level value of the draft mode identified by the identification unit. A second drawing control means for simplifying the drawing processing by omitting the processing, so that even after the start of the printing processing for the received print information, the level of the draft mode Certain drawing processing can be shortened to drawing processing time through omission intended by the user in the print information in accordance with the.

According to the third aspect, since the storage means is constituted by a non-volatile storage medium, the user's operation load for setting the draft mode is reduced, and the drawing processing based on the draft mode is performed with good reproducibility. Can be executed.

According to the fourth aspect, since the storage means is constituted by a volatile storage medium, even if the user sets the draft mode intentionally, the draft mode is canceled each time the power is turned on and off. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation where the draft mode is continuously set.

According to the fifth aspect, the first setting means sets the draft mode based on the draft mode value input from the operation panel, so that the draft mode is reliably set by a user operation. be able to.

According to the sixth aspect, the first setting means analyzes the command input from the data processing device and sets the draft mode. The draft mode can be reliably set.

According to the seventh aspect, the second setting means sets the level value of the draft mode on the basis of the level value input from the operation panel. The level value can be set to be switchable.

According to the eighth aspect, the second setting means analyzes the command input from the data processing device and sets the level value of the draft mode. The level value of the draft mode can be reliably set by the designation operation.

According to the ninth aspect, the first setting unit resets the draft mode stored in the storage unit to an initial value each time printing of each page is completed. Thus, a drawing process that makes the draft mode valid can be executed.

According to the tenth aspect, the specific drawing process includes a logical drawing process, an inverse color space conversion drawing process, and a die-cut drawing process. By simply performing the color space inverse conversion drawing process and the die drawing process, the drawing result of the entire page including the specific drawing process can be verified in a short time.

According to the eleventh and twenty-first inventions, the data of the print control device which analyzes the print information received from the data processing device via the predetermined communication medium and expands the drawing data printable by the printing unit. A processing method or a computer-readable program that controls a printing apparatus that analyzes print information received from a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium and develops drawing data printable by a printing unit. A first setting step of setting a draft mode for omitting a specific drawing process specified in the print information; and storing the draft mode set in the first setting step in a memory. A registration step of registering, and determining whether the draft mode registered in the memory is set to be valid during the print information analysis processing. And extent, if it is determined that the draft mode is enabled by the determination step,
A first drawing step of simplifying the drawing processing by omitting the specific drawing processing specified in the print information, so that the draft mode is set to be valid even after the start of the print processing for the received print information. In such a case, the specific drawing process in the print information can be omitted to shorten the drawing process time.

According to the twelfth and twenty-second inventions, the data of the print control device for analyzing the print information received from the data processing device via the predetermined communication medium and expanding the drawing data printable by the printing unit. A processing method or a computer-readable program that controls a printing apparatus that analyzes print information received from a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium and develops drawing data printable by a printing unit. A second setting step of setting a level value of a draft mode for omitting a specific drawing process specified in the print information, and the draft mode set by the second setting step. Registering the level value of the draft mode in the memory; and analyzing the level value of the draft mode registered in the memory during the analysis process of the print information. And a second drawing step of omitting a specific drawing process based on the level value of the draft mode identified by the discrimination process and performing a simple drawing process. Even after the process is started, a specific drawing process intended by the user in the print information can be omitted according to the level value of the draft mode, and the drawing process time can be reduced.

According to the thirteenth and twenty-third aspects, since the memory is constituted by a non-volatile storage medium, the operation load on the user for setting the draft mode is reduced, and the drawing based on the draft mode is performed with high reproducibility. Processing can be executed.

According to the fourteenth and twenty-fourth aspects, since the memory is constituted by a volatile storage medium, even if the user sets the draft mode intentionally, the draft mode is canceled by turning on / off the power each time. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation where the draft mode is continuously set.

According to the fifteenth and twenty-fifth aspects, the first aspect is provided.
In the setting step, the draft mode is set based on the draft mode value input from the operation panel. Therefore, the draft mode can be reliably set by the user's operation.

According to the sixteenth and twenty-sixth aspects, the first aspect
In the setting step, the draft mode is set by analyzing a command input from the data processing device, so that the draft mode can be reliably set by a user's designation operation on the data processing device side.

According to the seventeenth and twenty-seventh aspects, the second aspect
Since the setting means sets the level value of the draft mode based on the level value input from the operation panel,
The level value of the intended draft mode can be set to be switchable by a user operation.

According to the eighteenth and twenty-eighth aspects, the second aspect
The setting means analyzes the command input from the data processing device and sets the level value of the draft mode, so that the level value of the draft mode is surely set by a user's designation operation on the data processing device side. Can be.

According to the nineteenth and twenty-ninth aspects, the first aspect
In the setting step, the draft mode registered in the memory is reset to the initial value every time printing of each page is completed, so that a drawing process that enables the draft mode only for a specific page can be executed. .

According to the twentieth and thirtieth aspects, the specific drawing process includes a logical drawing process, a color space inverse conversion drawing process,
Since the drawing processing is included, the specific logical drawing processing, color space inverse conversion drawing processing, and die drawing processing that require long drawing processing are easily processed, and the drawing result of the entire page including the specific drawing processing Can be verified in a short time.

Therefore, by switching to the draft mode at an arbitrary timing after the start of printing, the processing time can be forcibly shortened, and effects such as improvement in usability of the printing apparatus can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an internal structure of a laser beam printer applied to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print control apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure in the print control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a print processing example in the print control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a print processing example in the print control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which a print control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fifth data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which a print control device according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a drawing process in a conventional print control device.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a drawing process in a conventional print control device.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a drawing process in a conventional print control device.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a drawing process in a conventional print control device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1000 printing apparatus 1100 formatter control unit 1101 reception buffer 1102 command discrimination unit 1103 command analysis unit 1104 command execution unit 1105 page memory 1106 draft control unit 1107 NVRAM 1300 output control unit 1400 printer engine unit

Claims (30)

[Claims] 1. A print control device for analyzing print information received from a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium and developing drawing data printable by a printing unit, comprising: A first setting unit that sets a draft mode for omitting a specific drawing process; a storage unit that stores the draft mode set by the first setting unit; Determining means for determining whether the draft mode stored in the means is set to be valid; and when the determination means determines that the draft mode is set to be valid, the draft mode is designated in the print information. A first drawing control unit for simplifying the drawing process by omitting a specific drawing process. 2. A print control apparatus which analyzes print information received from a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium and develops drawing data printable by a printing unit, the print control apparatus comprising: Second setting means for setting a draft mode level value for omitting a specific drawing process; storage means for storing the draft mode level value set by the second setting means; and analysis of the print information An identification unit for identifying a level value of the draft mode stored in the storage unit during processing; and a specific drawing process is omitted based on the level value of the draft mode identified by the identification unit, thereby simplifying the processing. And a second drawing control unit for performing a drawing process. 3. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said storage means is constituted by a nonvolatile storage medium. 4. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said storage means is constituted by a volatile storage medium. 5. The printing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first setting unit sets the draft mode based on a draft mode value input from an operation panel. 6. The print control device according to claim 1, wherein the first setting unit analyzes the command input from the data processing device and sets the draft mode. 7. The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second setting unit sets the level value of the draft mode based on a level value input from an operation panel. 8. The print control device according to claim 2, wherein the second setting unit analyzes a command input from the data processing device and sets a level value of the draft mode. 9. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first setting unit resets the draft mode stored in the storage unit to an initial value each time printing of each page is completed. 10. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific drawing process includes a logical drawing process, a color space inverse conversion drawing process, and a blank drawing process. 11. A data processing method for a print control device, which analyzes print information received from a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium and develops drawing data printable by a printing unit, the print control device comprising: A first setting step of setting a draft mode for omitting a specific drawing process specified in the first step; a registration step of registering the draft mode set in the first setting step in a memory; and an analysis of the print information. During the processing, a determination step of determining whether the draft mode registered in the memory is set to be valid, and when it is determined that the draft mode is set to be valid by the determination step, A first drawing step of easily performing a drawing process by omitting a specific drawing process specified in the print information. Method. 12. A data processing method of a print control device for analyzing print information received from a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium and developing drawing data printable by a printing unit, wherein the print information A second setting step of setting a level value of a draft mode for omitting a specific drawing process specified in the first step; a registration step of registering a level value of the draft mode set in the second setting step in a memory; An identification step of identifying a level value of the draft mode registered in the memory during an analysis process of the print information; and a specific drawing process based on the level value of the draft mode identified by the identification step. And a second drawing step for simplifying the drawing processing by omitting the step (a). 13. The data processing method according to claim 11, wherein the memory includes a nonvolatile storage medium. 14. The data processing method for a print control device according to claim 11, wherein said memory is constituted by a volatile storage medium. 15. The data processing method according to claim 11, wherein in the first setting step, the draft mode is set based on a draft mode value input from an operation panel. 16. The data processing method according to claim 11, wherein the first setting step analyzes the command input from the data processing device and sets the draft mode. 17. The data processing method according to claim 12, wherein the second setting step sets the level value of the draft mode based on a level value input from an operation panel. . 18. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the second setting step, a level value of the draft mode is set by analyzing a command input from the data processing device.
3. The data processing method of the print control device according to 2. 19. The data of the print control apparatus according to claim 11, wherein in the first setting step, the draft mode registered in the memory is reset to an initial value each time printing of each page is completed. Processing method. 20. The data processing method according to claim 11, wherein the specific drawing process includes a logical drawing process, a color space inverse conversion drawing process, and a blank drawing process. 21. A computer-readable program for controlling a printing apparatus that analyzes print information received from a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium and develops drawing data printable by a printing unit is stored. A first setting step for setting a draft mode for omitting a specific drawing process specified in the print information; and registering the draft mode set in the first setting step in a memory. A registration step; a determination step of determining whether the draft mode registered in the memory is set to be valid during the print information analysis processing; and the draft mode is set to be valid by the determination step. A first rendering step of omitting the specific rendering process specified in the print information and performing a simple rendering process when it is determined that Storage medium from which a computer stores readable program characterized by having. 22. A computer-readable program for controlling a printing apparatus which analyzes print information received from a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium and develops drawing data printable by a printing unit is stored. A storage medium, wherein a second setting step of setting a level value of a draft mode for omitting a specific drawing process specified in the print information; and a level of the draft mode set by the second setting step A registration step of registering a value in a memory; an identification step of identifying a level value of the draft mode registered in the memory during an analysis process of the print information; and an identification step of the draft mode identified by the identification step. A second drawing step for simplifying the drawing process by omitting a specific drawing process based on the level value. Storage medium but storing readable program. 23. The storage medium according to claim 21, wherein said memory is constituted by a nonvolatile storage medium. 24. The storage medium according to claim 21, wherein said memory is constituted by a volatile storage medium. 25. The computer-readable program according to claim 21, wherein the first setting step sets the draft mode based on a draft mode value input from an operation panel. Storage medium. 26. The computer-readable program according to claim 21, wherein the first setting step sets the draft mode by analyzing a command input from the data processing device. Storage media. 27. The computer-readable program according to claim 22, wherein the second setting step sets the level value of the draft mode based on a level value input from an operation panel. The storage medium in which it was stored. 28. The method according to claim 2, wherein the second setting step sets a level value of the draft mode by analyzing a command input from the data processing device.
3. A storage medium storing the computer-readable program according to item 2. 29. The computer-readable computer according to claim 21, wherein in the first setting step, the draft mode registered in the memory is reset to an initial value each time printing of each page is completed. A storage medium that stores programs. 30. A computer-readable program according to claim 21, wherein said specific drawing process includes a logical drawing process, a color space inverse conversion drawing process, and a stamping drawing process. Storage medium.