JPH1128849A - Printer, method for controlling the same, and memory medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform high speed printing by reducing a time required for start ing the printing. SOLUTION: This printer requests a host computer to transmit dummy data having a size of (a) MB (SP1). A transmission time period (b) of the dummy data transmitted from the host computer in response to the request is measured (SP2, SP3). Then, the transmission speed (c) of the data is calculated. A time period (e) required for receiving printing data in one page is calculated based on the transmission speed (c) (SP6) to be compared with a starting time period (f) for a scanner (SP7). When (f)>(e) is satisfied, the scanner is immediately started (SP11). When (f)<=(e) is satisfied, the scanner is started at a time when the rotation speed of the scanner reaches a predetermined speed at the completion of the receiving (SP8-SP11).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a memory medium storing a control program thereof. The present invention relates to a printing apparatus to be put into a state, a control method thereof, and a memory medium storing a control program therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a host computer (external device)
In a laser beam printer that executes printing based on image data (image data) transmitted from the printer engine, the printer engine (image forming means) is started after reception of all image data on a page to be printed is completed,
Thus, the rotation of the scanner, the heating of the heater, the conveyance of the recording paper to the printing start position, etc. are started, and when they reach a predetermined value and the scanning operation by the laser beam becomes possible, the output image is formed. Had started.

[0003]

In the above conventional example, the start of the printer engine is completed even though the reception of the image data is completed and the video signal to the printer engine can be started. There is a disadvantage that printing cannot be started until the printing is completed. That is, in the above-described conventional example, a time obtained by adding the transmission time of the image data and the activation time of the printer engine is required from the start of transmission of image data from the host computer to the printer to the start of printing. there were.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to reduce the time required to start printing.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus comprising: a receiving unit for receiving image information supplied from an external device; and an image forming unit for forming an image corresponding to the received image information on a recording medium. A printing apparatus that activates the image forming unit to change from a sleep state to a printable state each time image information is received, wherein the transfer apparatus checks a transfer speed of image information transferred from the external device. A speed confirmation unit, and a start unit that determines a timing for activating the image forming unit based on a transfer speed of the image information, and starts the image forming unit at the timing. Before the reception of the image information is completed.

In the above printing apparatus, it is preferable that the transfer speed confirms the transfer speed of the image information based on a data amount of the dummy data transferred from the external device and a transfer time thereof.

The printing apparatus further includes a transfer time confirmation unit for confirming a transfer time of the image information transferred from the external device based on a transfer speed of the image information. It is preferable that the timing for activating the image forming unit is determined based on the relationship between the activation time required to shift the printer from the pause state to the printable state and the transfer time of the image information.

In the above-described printing apparatus, it is preferable that the activating means immediately activates the image forming means when it determines that the activating time of the image forming means is longer than the transfer time of a group of image information.

In the above printing apparatus, when the activation unit determines that the activation time of the image forming unit is shorter than the transfer time of the group of image information, the activation unit determines the time when the reception of the group of image information is completed. It is preferable that the image forming apparatus is started at substantially the same time that the image forming apparatus enters a printable state.

In the above-described printing apparatus, when the activation unit determines that the activation time of the image forming unit is shorter than the transmission time of the group of image information, the activation unit proceeds with the reception by the reception unit and proceeds. It is preferable that the image forming unit is started after the transfer time of the remaining image information of the image information is shortened until the transfer time substantially coincides with the start time of the image forming unit.

In the above printing apparatus, the image forming means is an image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium by an electrophotographic system, and has a scanner for scanning a beam for exposing a photosensitive drum, and Preferably, according to a start command from the start means, the state shifts from a stop state to a predetermined operation state.

In the above printing apparatus, the image information received by the receiving means is, for example, image data.

[0013] A control method for a printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a receiving means for receiving image information supplied from an external device, and an image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the received image information on a recording medium. A method of controlling the printing apparatus to activate the image forming unit and change from a paused state to a printable state every time image information is received, wherein the transfer method checks a transfer speed of image information transferred from the external device. A speed confirmation step, and a start step of deciding a timing for activating the image forming unit based on a transfer speed of the image information, and activating the image forming unit at the timing. Before the reception of the image information is completed.

[0014] A memory medium according to the present invention includes a receiving unit for receiving image information supplied from an external device, and an image forming unit for forming an image corresponding to the received image information on a recording medium. A memory medium containing a control program of a printing apparatus that activates the image forming unit to change from a pause state to a printable state each time information is received, wherein the printing apparatus stores image information transferred from the external device. Transfer speed confirmation means for confirming the transfer speed of the image information, and activation means for deciding a timing for activating the image forming means based on the transfer speed of the image information, and activating the image forming means at the timing. Is operated as a printing device that controls the reception of the group of image information before the reception unit is completed.

[0015]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments described below, the present invention is applied to a laser beam printer. However, the present invention is not limited to a laser beam printer, and can be applied to other types of printers.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a laser beam printer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The laser beam printer 100 sequentially stores a host interface 110 for communicating with a host computer 200, a controller 120 for controlling each device in the printer, a printer engine 130, and image data received by the host interface 110. Memory 140 for image processing and image memory 14
A video signal output circuit 15 for transmitting a video signal to the printer engine 130 based on the image data stored in the printer engine 130.
0.

The controller 120 includes a CPU 121,
A memory 122 storing a control program;
3 and its operation is defined by the control program, and the time can be measured by the timer 123.

The image memory 140 has a capacity capable of storing one page of image data. The video signal output circuit 150 generates a video signal based on the image data while continuously reading one page of image data stored in the image memory 140 based on an instruction from the controller 120. Engine 130
The video signal is sent to the printer engine 130 in synchronism with the operation of (1).

In the printer 100, when the printer engine 130 is shifted from the halt state to the printable state, it has the longest time for setting the rotation speed of the scanner to a predetermined speed. Further, regarding the heating of the heater of the fixing device, the conveyance of the recording paper, and other matters, if the instruction is given when the video signal output circuit 150 is activated, it does not become a factor to delay the start of printing.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the host computer 200. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printer 100. Hereinafter, FIG.
The operation of the printer system shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The operation of the host computer 200 is controlled by the printer driver 200, and the operation of the printer 100 is controlled by the CPU 121 (controller 120) based on a control program stored in the memory 122.
Is controlled by A series of processing shown in this flowchart is performed on the host computer 200 side, for example,
The printer driver 220 is started by the application program 210, and is started when an instruction to execute printing is given.

In step SH1, the host computer 200 informs the interface 1 that printing is to be started.
The notification is sent to the printer 100 via the printer 60. Printer 10
0 responds to this notification in step SP1,
The host computer 2 via the interface 160 transmits dummy data of a predetermined amount a [MByte].
Request 00.

In response to this request, the host computer 200 determines in step SH2 that a [MByte]
Then, the operation of sending the dummy data to the printer 100 via the interface 160 is started. Since the dummy data is data for measuring the data transfer speed between the host computer 200 and the printer 100 via the interface 160, the content of the dummy data is not limited. However, it is preferable to attach a control code or the like indicating that the subsequent data is dummy data to the head of the dummy data.

When the printer 100 recognizes at step SP2 that the data transmitted from the host computer 200 is dummy data, it starts a timer 123 in the controller 120 and starts a timekeeping operation.

The host computer 200 determines in step S
In H3, it is monitored whether or not the transmission of the dummy data of a [MByte] is completed, and when the transmission of the a [MByte] is completed, the transmission of the dummy data is stopped. here,
For example, by adding a control code or the like for terminating the transmission of the dummy data to the end of the dummy data, the printer 100 is notified that the transmission has been completed.

In response to the notification, the printer 100 stops counting the time by the timer 123 in step SP3, calculates the transfer time of the dummy data of a [MByte] based on the count value, and calculates the transfer time as b [ se
c].

Next, the printer 100 proceeds to step SP
4, the host computer 200 and the printer 10
Data transfer rate c [MByte / sec] = 0
Calculate a / b.

Next, the printer 100 proceeds to step SP
In step 5, the host computer 200 is requested to transmit image data to be printed.

In response to this request, the host computer 2
00 indicates to the printer 100 image data to be printed, that is, the application program 210
Transmits image data (print data) relating to the print job requested by the printer 200 to the printer 200.

More specifically, the host computer 200
First, in step SH4, the total number of bytes d of the image data (print data) of the first page related to the print job
[MByte] is notified to the printer 100. In this embodiment, the description is given on the assumption that the print data is image data. However, the print data may be transmitted to the printer in a compressed form, or may be data in PDL (Page Description Language). Or other forms of data. The total number of bytes d is
Needless to say, it is the total number of bytes in the form of data actually transmitted from the host computer 200 to the printer 100 (for example, when transmitting compressed data, the number of bytes of compressed data).

Next, the host computer 200 sends one page of image data relating to the print job to the printer 100 via the interface 160 in step SH5.

In step SH6, the host computer 200 determines whether or not a print job for the next page exists. If so, the host computer 200 synchronizes with the operation of the printer 100 (that is, sends the print job to the first page). (Wait until the printing of the image data of the page ends and the reception of the image data of the next page becomes possible), and the process returns to step SH5 to repeat the processing.

On the other hand, the printer 100 calculates the total number of bytes d.
Upon receiving the notification of [MByte] (step SH4), in step SP6, the total number of bytes d [Mbyte]
And the data transfer rate c [MByte / se
c], the transfer time (reception time) e [sec] = d / c of the image data of the first page relating to the print job is calculated.

Next, the printer 100 proceeds to step SP
7, the relationship between the time required to bring the scanner of the printer engine 130 from the idle state to the predetermined speed (printable state) (hereinafter, scanner activation time) f [sec] and the image data transfer time e [sec] Compare.

If it is determined in step SP7 that the scanner activation time f is longer than the image data transfer time e, the process immediately proceeds to SP11 to activate the scanner.
Thereby, when the rotation speed of the scanner reaches the predetermined speed, the reception of the image data from the host computer 200 is completed. In other words, when the reception of the image data is completed, the rotation speed of the scanner has already reached the predetermined speed, and printing is ready.
Therefore, printing can be started immediately after the reception of the image data is completed.

More specifically, in this case, after the host computer 200 starts printing-related processing (step SH1), the controller 120 of the printer 100 activates the scanner of the printer engine 130 (step SP11), and then activates the scanner. Printing is started after the time f has elapsed. As a result, as compared with the method of activating the scanner after the reception of the image data is completed, (f−b) [se
c], the printing start time is shortened.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step SP7 that the scanner activation time f is not longer than the image data transfer time e, the printer 100 proceeds to step SP7.
8, the number of bytes g [M of image data receivable from the host computer 100 during the scanner activation time f.
[Byte] = c × f.

Next, the printer 100 proceeds to step SP
In step 9, the number of bytes i of the image data received from the start of the reception of the image data in step SP5 to the present time
[MByte] is confirmed, and the number of bytes h [MByte] = di of the unreceived image data of the first page is calculated by subtracting the number of bytes i from the total number of bytes d of the image data. Note that the number of bytes i of the received image data is
For example, this can be confirmed by providing the host interface 110 with a counter that counts the number of bytes of the image data transferred to the image memory 140.

Next, the printer 100 proceeds to step SP
At 10, the number of bytes g of image data receivable during the scanner activation time f is compared with the number h of bytes of unreceived image data. If it is determined that the number of bytes g ≧ the number of bytes h, that is, it is determined that the reception of the image data of the first page is completed before the scanner reaches a predetermined rotation speed and becomes ready for printing. If so, the process proceeds to step SP11 to activate the scanner.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step SP10 that the number of bytes g <the number of bytes h, that is, if it is assumed that the scanner is started immediately, the first page is not changed until the scanner reaches a predetermined rotation speed. If it is determined that the reception of the image data has not been completed, the process returns to step SP9.

That is, in steps SP9 and SP10, the process waits until the reception of image data from the host computer 200 progresses and the relationship of the number of bytes g ≧ the number of bytes h is satisfied, and then proceeds to step SSP11 to start the scanner. become.

By controlling as described above, the scanner activation time f (in this embodiment, the printer engine 130 is switched from the sleep state to the printable state) rather than the time when the reception of the image data from the host computer 200 is completed. The scanner can be activated just before the time). As a result, printing can be started immediately after the reception of the image data of the first page is completed, and unnecessary operation of the scanner can be prevented.

More specifically, in this case, as compared with the method of activating the scanner after the reception of the image data is completed, (f-
b) The printing start time can be shortened by [sec].

After activating the scanner in step SP11, the printer 100 determines in step SP12 whether or not reception of one page of image data has been completed. Printing is performed based on the image data, that is, one page of image data stored in the image memory 140.

Next, the printer 100 proceeds to step SP
At 14, it is determined whether or not the printing of the next page is requested, and if there is such a request, the process returns to step SP12, and if there is no such request, that is, all pages (only one page of the printing request) (Including the case) is completed, a series of processing ends.

As described above, by transferring the dummy data,
The transfer speed of data from the host computer 200 to the printer 100 is confirmed, the time required for receiving unreceived image data is predicted based on the transfer speed, and the scanner is scanned almost simultaneously with the reception of image data based on the prediction. By controlling the timing of activating the scanner so that the rotation speed of the scanner reaches a predetermined speed, printing can be started immediately after receiving the image data.

The above embodiment relates to the case where the scanner activation time f causes a delay in the start of printing. However, other factors (for example, the heating time of the heater, the transport time of the recording paper, etc.) ) Also causes the start of printing to be delayed, the above control may be applied to the other elements as well. For example, when the other factor is the heater heating time, the scanner activation time in the above description may be replaced with the heater heating time, and the heater heating may be started in step SP11. If the other factor is the transport time of the recording paper, the transport of the recording paper may be started immediately after receiving the image data, for example.

Although the above embodiment relates to a case where image data is received from a host computer, this image data is transmitted to another form of image information (for example,
Data in a page description language). If it takes a long time to generate image data based on the received image information, it is preferable to perform the above-described control based on the time.

The present invention can be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), and can be applied to a single device (for example, a copier, Facsimile machine, etc.).

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or CPU) of the system or apparatus.
And MPU) read and execute 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, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or 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. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize 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 instructions of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0056]

According to the present invention, the time required to start printing can be reduced, and as a result, high-speed output is possible.

[0057]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a laser beam printer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of the host computer.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the printer.

Claims (10)

[Claims] A receiving unit configured to receive image information supplied from an external device; and an image forming unit configured to form an image corresponding to the received image information on a recording medium. A printing device that activates the image forming unit to change a print state from a sleep state to a printable state, comprising: a transfer speed check unit that checks a transfer speed of image information transferred from the external device; A timing for activating the image forming means, and activating the image forming means at the timing.The timing is before the reception of the group of image information by the receiving means is completed. A printing device characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The printing method according to claim 1, wherein the transfer speed confirms a transfer speed of image information based on a data amount of dummy data transferred from the external device and a transfer time thereof. apparatus. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a transfer time checking unit configured to check a transfer time of the image information transferred from the external device based on a transfer speed of the image information. 3. The timing according to claim 1, wherein a timing for activating the image forming unit is determined based on a relationship between a startup time required to shift to a printable state and a transfer time of image information. Printing device. 4. The image forming device according to claim 3, wherein the activating device immediately activates the image forming device when determining that the activating time of the image forming device is longer than a transfer time of a group of image information. A printing device according to claim 1. 5. When the activation unit determines that the activation time of the image forming unit is shorter than the transfer time of the group of image information, the activation unit substantially completes reception of the group of image information. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is activated at a timing when the forming apparatus enters a printable state. 6. When the activation unit determines that the activation time of the image forming unit is shorter than the transfer time of the group of image information, the activation unit proceeds with the reception by the reception unit and causes the remaining of the group of image information to proceed. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming unit is started after the transfer time of the image information is shortened until it substantially coincides with the start time of the image forming unit. 7. The image forming unit, wherein the image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium by an electrophotographic method,
7. The scanner according to claim 1, further comprising a scanner that scans a beam for exposing the photosensitive drum, wherein the scanner shifts from a stopped state to a predetermined operation state in accordance with a start command from the start unit. The printing device according to claim 1. 8. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image information received by the receiving unit is image data. 9. An image processing apparatus comprising: receiving means for receiving image information supplied from an external device; and image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the received image information on a recording medium. What is claimed is: 1. A method of controlling a printing apparatus, comprising: activating said image forming unit to change a print state from a paused state to a printable state, comprising: a transfer speed checking step of checking a transfer speed of image information transferred from said external device; Determining a timing for activating the image forming unit based on a speed, and activating the image forming unit at the timing, wherein the timing completes the reception of the group of image information by the receiving unit. A method for controlling a printing apparatus, comprising: 10. An image processing apparatus comprising: receiving means for receiving image information supplied from an external device; and image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the received image information on a recording medium. A memory medium containing a control program for a printing apparatus that activates the image forming unit to change from a pause state to a printable state, wherein the printing apparatus checks a transfer speed of image information transferred from the external device. Transfer speed confirmation means, and a start means for deciding a timing for activating the image forming means based on a transfer speed of image information, and activating the image forming means at the timing, wherein the timing is determined by the receiving means. A memory medium that operates as a printing device that controls the reception of a group of image information before it is completed.