JPH11328396A - Device and method for information processing - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To evade trouble such as blur and absence of a character and to guarantee the quality of an output image by replacing a bit map image of thickness or a pattern that an output device does not guarantee with a bit map image that the output device guarantees and outputting it at the time of the scalar expansion of the unguaranteed bit map image. SOLUTION: The scalar-expanded bit map image is compared with bit map images 100 to 105 of unguaranteed thickness or patterns stored in a ROM. When no coincidence is obtained, this process ends and a printing process is carried on. When coincidence is obtained, the coincided thickness or pattern is replaced with the bit map images 110 to 115 stored in the ROM and this process ends. Then a printing process is performed by using the replaced bit map images 110 to 115. Consequently, an output process can be performed by using the thickness and patterns guaranteed on the printer.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having an output function, such as a printing apparatus, and an information processing method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, there is a printing apparatus as a device for taking in data supplied from a host computer and outputting the data in a predetermined form.

Conventionally, the thickness and pattern of a bitmap image or the like developed by a scaler of a printing apparatus are determined by the control of the scaler, and are output as they are.

[0004]

However, when a printing apparatus has a high resolution, a bitmap image developed by a scaler may have a thickness or a pattern that is not guaranteed by the apparatus.

[0005] As a result, the resolution is degraded, and the quality of the printed image is reduced.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing method capable of guaranteeing the quality of an output image by outputting a developed bitmap image in a guaranteed specific pattern. To provide.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing and outputting data, comprising means for expanding data into a bitmap image, and comparing the expanded bitmap image with a specific pattern. Comparing means, and replacing means for replacing the developed bitmap image with a bitmap image guaranteed by the apparatus when the developed bitmap image matches the specific pattern by the comparison; and An information processing apparatus is configured by including an output unit that outputs a bitmap image.

The present invention also relates to a method of processing and outputting data, comprising the steps of: developing data into a bitmap image; comparing the developed bitmap image with a specific pattern; When the expanded bitmap image matches the specific pattern, the step of replacing the expanded bitmap image with a guaranteed bitmap image, and the step of outputting the replaced bitmap image By providing, an information processing method is provided.

Further, the present invention provides a computer
A recording medium recording a control program for processing and outputting data, the control program causes a computer to develop the data into a bitmap image, and to compare the developed bitmap image with a specific pattern, When the developed bitmap image matches the specific pattern by the comparison, the developed bitmap image is replaced with a guaranteed bitmap image, and the replaced bitmap image is output. And a recording medium on which an information processing control program is recorded.

Here, the output means may be a printing apparatus which prints the replaced bitmap image on recording paper and outputs it.

[0011] The specific pattern is a pattern whose dot pattern reproducibility is not guaranteed by the device. If the developed bitmap image matches the specific pattern, the developed bitmap image is converted to the device. Can be replaced with a bitmap image whose dot pattern reproducibility is guaranteed.

The non-guaranteed pattern can be made different depending on the resolution.

[0013] The information processing apparatus may further include a registration unit for registering the specific pattern.

[0014] The image processing apparatus may further include registration means for registering the developed bitmap image to be compared with the specific pattern.

When the bitmap image matches the specific pattern as a result of the comparison, a notifying means for notifying the external device of the matched bitmap image can be further provided.

When the external device receives the notification of the bitmap image, the external device includes: a creating unit that creates a bitmap image guaranteed by the device; and a unit that transfers the created bitmap image to a notification source. Can be provided.

[0017] When the bitmap image is transferred from the external device, the apparatus may further include replacement means for replacing the bitmap image matched by the comparison with the transferred bitmap image.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (Overview) First, an overview of the present invention will be described.

According to the present invention, there is provided means for comparing a bitmap image of a thickness or a pattern which is not guaranteed by an output device with a bitmap image developed by a scaler. Means for replacing the bitmap image with the thickness or pattern of the output.

The present invention further comprises means for registering a bitmap image to be compared, and means for registering a bitmap image to be replaced.

The present invention further provides means for notifying the host computer of the pattern when the compared pattern matches, and further, when a bit image to be replaced is transmitted from the host computer, the transmitted bitmap image And a means for performing output processing by replacing with.

(Specific Example) Hereinafter, a specific example will be described.

Next, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

The configuration of a laser beam printer and an ink jet printer suitable for applying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of an output device to which the present invention can be applied.

In this embodiment, a laser beam printer (hereinafter, referred to as LBP) will be described as an example of the output device.

Reference numeral 1500 denotes an LBP main body. This LB
The P main body 1500 inputs and stores print information (character codes and the like), form information, macro instructions, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer 3000 (see FIG. 4), and according to the information. A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as recording paper.

Reference numeral 1501 denotes a switch for operation and L
This is an operation panel on which an ED display and the like are arranged.

A printer control unit 1000 controls the entire LBP body 1500 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from the host computer 3000.

The printer control unit 1000 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to a laser driver 1502. This laser driver 1502 responds to the input video signal
By driving the semiconductor laser 1503, the laser beam 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 is turned on and off.
Off switching control is performed.

The laser beam 1504 is supplied to a rotary polygon mirror 1505
And scans and exposes the surface of the electrostatic drum 1506. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506. This latent image is stored in a developing unit 1507 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1506.
And then transferred to recording paper. A cut sheet is used for the recording paper.

The recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1508 mounted on the LBP 1500 and supplied to a paper feed roller 1509.
, The transport roller 1510 and the transport roller 1511,
It is taken into the device and supplied to the electrostatic drum 1506.

The LBP body 1500 is provided with at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation) having a different language can be connected in addition to the built-in font. Have been.

FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the printer control system.

Here, a laser beam printer (see FIG. 3) will be described as an example.

Reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer.

In the printer 1500, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU (hereinafter, referred to as CPU).

The CPU 12 comprehensively controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 15,
An image signal as output information is output to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via a printing unit interface (I / F) 16. In this case, the CPU 12
The operation is controlled based on a control program or the like stored in the 13 program ROM 13a or a control program or the like stored in the external memory 14.

The program ROM 13b of the ROM 13 stores a control program of the CPU 12 (FIG. 1 and FIG.
, Etc.) are stored. Note that such a control program may be separately stored in a storage medium such as a floppy disk.

The font ROM 13a of the ROM 13 stores font data and the like used when generating the output information.

The data ROM 13c of the ROM 13 includes:
In the case of a printer having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk, information used on the host computer 3000 is stored.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 12. This RAM 19
Is an option R connected to an additional port (not shown)
The memory capacity can be expanded by the AM. The RAM 19 is used as a development area for output information, an environment data storage area, a character bitmap image data storage area, and the like.

The external memory 14 has a hard disk (H
D), an IC card or the like, and access is controlled by a disk controller (DKC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like.

The input unit 18 is provided with the operation panel 150 described above.
1 and includes a switch for operation, an LED display, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between a bitmap image of a thickness or pattern not guaranteed by the printer 1500 and a bitmap image that replaces the bitmap image.

The bitmap image of the unguaranteed thickness or pattern is stored in the ROM 13 in advance.

FIGS. 2A to 2F show specific patterns that are not guaranteed by the printer 1500 as an output device. In this example, various bitmap images 100 to 105 having different thicknesses and patterns are prepared as specific patterns that are not guaranteed.

FIGS. 2 (g) to 2 (l) show guaranteed data for replacing the unguaranteed bitmap images 100 to 105. FIG. In this example, the bitmap images 110 to 11 are used as the guaranteed data.
5 are prepared.

The non-guaranteed pattern means that a bitmap reproduced with a higher resolution of the output device (here, the printer 1500) is too small,
A pattern in which the bits that draw a line are too thin and cannot be distinguished by the naked eye.

When the output device is applied to a printing device like this example, if the resolution is advanced, the toner theoretically does not adhere to the place where the bit exists (isolated point) due to the accuracy. Occurs. In such a case, the pattern is not guaranteed.

Therefore, the guaranteed pattern indicates the opposite meaning of the non-guaranteed pattern, and means, for example, that the dot pattern reproducibility is guaranteed.

These bitmap images 100 to 10
5. Bitmap images 110 to 115 are stored in ROM1
3, or may be stored separately on a floppy disk or the like.

In the present embodiment, the printer 1500 has been described as an example of an output device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Applicable.

Hereinafter, the operation of the above-described printer control system will be described.

FIG. 1 shows a CPU in the printer 1500.
12 shows the control process.

In step S 11, the scaled bitmap image is compared with bitmap images 100 to 105 of unreliable thickness and pattern stored in the ROM 13.

If they do not match, in step S12, the present process ends, and the printing process is continued.

If there is a match, in step S13, the matched thickness and pattern are replaced with the bitmap images 110 to 115 stored in the ROM 13, and the process ends.

Then, printing processing is performed using the replaced bitmap images 110 to 115. In addition,
The print processing after the replacement may be executed before the end of this processing.

By performing the processing described above,
The bitmap image developed by the scaler can be output using the thickness and pattern guaranteed by the printer 1500.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
A description will be given based on FIG. The description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment is omitted, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the above-described example, both the bit image of the thickness and the pattern that are not guaranteed and the bit map image for replacement are prepared in the ROM 13 in advance.

This embodiment is an example of a case where a bitmap image of a thickness or a pattern that is not guaranteed, a bitmap image for replacement, or the like is registered.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between an original bitmap pattern registered in a hard disk or the like and a replacement bitmap pattern.

FIGS. 6A to 6F show examples of original bitmap images 120 to 125 showing thicknesses and patterns that are not guaranteed by the device.

FIGS. 6G to 6I show replacement bitmap images 126 to 128 for replacing the unguaranteed bitmap images 120 to 125.
It is.

In this case, when the changed bitmap image is the same, the memory is efficiently used by sharing the changed bitmap image to prevent re-registration.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control process of the CPU 12 of the printer 1500.

Control performed when original bitmap images 120 to 125 and replacement bitmap images 126 to 128 created by the host computer 3000 or the like are transmitted will be described.

In step S21, it is compared whether or not the original bitmap images 120 to 125 are the same as the already registered bitmap images.

If there is not the same one, step S2
2, the changed bitmap images 126-1
A comparison is made as to whether the same item as 28 has been registered.

If not registered, step S
At 23, a registration process is performed.

In step S22, if the changed bitmap images 126 to 128 are registered, the process proceeds to step S24.

In step S24, the original bitmap images 120 to 125 are registered, and are associated with the already registered changed bitmap images.

If it is determined in step S21 that the original pattern has been registered, the process proceeds to step S25.

In step S25, if the changed bitmap images 126 to 128 have been registered,
This processing ends without performing the registration processing.

In step S25, if the changed bitmap patterns 126 to 128 to be registered are different from the already registered changed bitmap patterns, the process proceeds to step S26.

In step S26, the changed bitmap patterns 126 to 128 are registered again.

As a result, it is possible to replace the bit map image set by the user with the output.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The description of the same parts as those in the first and second embodiments is omitted,
The same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In this example, the printer 15 capable of bidirectional communication
In a system in which the printer and the host computer 3000 are connected, if a thickness or pattern that is not guaranteed is expanded by the printer 1500, the bitmap image is notified to the host computer 3000 and replaced on the notified host. A bitmap image is created and transmitted to the printer 1500 again.

FIG. 9 shows a printer 150 capable of bidirectional communication.
0 shows a connection relationship between the host computer 3000 and the host computer 3000.

Reference numeral 2000 denotes a host computer 3000
This is a control unit for controlling the entire system and analyzing character information and the like supplied from the printer 1500.

In the host computer 3000, R
Document processing programs and the like are stored in the program ROM 13b of the OM3, and based on these programs, document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed is executed. The CPU 1 performs overall control of the system including such document processing and the like.

The program ROM 13 of the ROM 3
In b, a control program of the CPU 1 (see a flowchart of FIG. 8 described later) and the like are stored.

The font ROM 13a of the ROM 3
Stores font data and the like used in the document processing.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which is a main memory of the CPU 1;
Functions as a water area or the like.

A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls key inputs from the keyboard 9 and a pointing device (not shown).

Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC), which controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a disk controller (DKC), which is a hard disk (HD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, etc., and a floppy disk (F).
D) controls access to the external memory 11.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a print controller (PRTC), which executes a communication control process with the printer 1500 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 21.

The CPU 1 executes, for example, a process of developing (rasterizing) the outline font in the display information RAM set on the RAM 2, and creates a WYSIWYG on the CRT 10 (to create a graphic by an application on the CRT 10). Printer 1500
Side printing function).

The CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands specified by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.

A control program for communicating with the host computer 3000 is stored in the program ROM 13b of the printer 1500 (see FIG. 7 described later).
Is recorded.

Hereinafter, the operation of the present system will be described.

FIG. 7 shows the CPU in the printer 1500.
12 shows the control process.

In step S 31, the scaled bitmap image is compared with a bitmap image of a non-guaranteed thickness or pattern stored in the ROM 13 (see FIGS. 2 and 6 described above).

If they do not match, in step S32, this processing ends, and the printing processing is continued.

If they match, a bitmap image of the matching thickness or pattern is transmitted to the host computer 3000 in step S33.

Then, in step S34, the process waits for transmission from the host computer 3000.

FIG. 8 shows a control process of the CPU 1 in the host computer 3000.

The host computer 3000, which has received the bitmap image from the printer 1500, displays the transmitted bitmap image on the CRT 10 in step S41.

In step S42, a bitmap image screen which can be edited by the user with a mouse or the like is displayed.

In step S43, a replacement bitmap image is created and edited. Here, the replacement bitmap image refers to data whose dot pattern reproducibility is guaranteed on the printer 1500 side.

In step S44, the process waits until the user edits the bit image.

In step S45, the replacement bitmap image edited by the user is output to the printer 150.
Send to 0.

Thus, printer 1500 receives the bitmap image from host computer 3000.

Then, in step S35 shown in FIG. 7, the scaler-deployed bitmap image is replaced with a replacement bitmap image transmitted from the host computer 3000, and this processing is ended, and the printing processing is continued. I do.

In this example, the user creates replacement data on the display screen on the host. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
When data is received from the printer 1500, processing may be performed in which replacement data prepared in advance is selected and transmitted.

Further, the printer applied to the present embodiment is not limited to a laser beam printer or an ink jet printer, but may be a printer of another printing system.

The present invention can be applied to a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN, a system including a plurality of devices, or an apparatus including a single device. You may. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0112]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When a bitmap image with a thickness or pattern that is not guaranteed by the output device is scaled, it is replaced with a bitmap image that is guaranteed by the output device and output. Can be avoided, whereby the quality of the output image can be guaranteed.

According to the present invention, the replacement bitmap image can be changed and registered, and the replacement bitmap image can be edited on the host, so that the work efficiency can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows replacement processing according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
It is a flowchart which shows an example.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a bitmap image not guaranteed by a printer and a bitmap image guaranteed for replacement.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an output device applicable to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a registration change process according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a bitmap image before registration change and a bitmap image after registration change.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of creating a replacement bitmap image on the host side according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a replacement process on the printer side.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 11 External memory 12 CPU 13 ROM 14 External memory 19 RAM 1500 Printer (output means) 3000 Host computer (external device)

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI G09G 5/36 520 G09G 5/36 520C 530 530D H04N 1/40 H04N 1/40 Z

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. An apparatus for processing and outputting data, comprising: developing means for developing data into a bitmap image; comparing means for comparing the developed bitmap image with a specific pattern; A replacement unit that replaces the developed bitmap image with a bitmap image guaranteed by the device when the developed bitmap image matches the specific pattern; and an output unit that outputs the replaced bitmap image. An information processing apparatus comprising: 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit is a printing device that prints and outputs the replaced bitmap image on a recording sheet. 3. The specific pattern is a pattern whose dot pattern reproducibility is not guaranteed by the device. If the developed bitmap image matches the specific pattern, the developed bitmap image is displayed. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is replaced with a bitmap image whose dot pattern reproducibility is guaranteed by the apparatus. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the unguaranteed pattern differs depending on a resolution. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a registration unit for registering the specific pattern. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a registration unit for registering the expanded bitmap image to be compared with the specific pattern. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit that, when the bitmap image matches a specific pattern as a result of the comparison, notifies the external device of the bitmap image that matches. An information processing device according to any one of the above. 8. The external device, when receiving the notification of the bitmap image, generating means for generating a bitmap image guaranteed by the device, and transfers the generated bitmap image to a notification source. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, comprising means. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a replacement unit that replaces the bitmap image matched by the comparison with the transferred bitmap image when the bitmap image is transferred from the external device. 8. The information processing device according to item 8. 10. A method of processing and outputting data, comprising: a step of developing data into a bitmap image; a step of comparing the developed bitmap image with a specific pattern; When the expanded bitmap image matches the specific pattern, replacing the expanded bitmap image with a guaranteed bitmap image, and outputting the replaced bitmap image. Characteristic information processing method. 11. The information processing method according to claim 10, wherein the replaced bitmap image is printed on a recording paper and output. 12. The specific pattern is a pattern whose dot pattern reproducibility is not guaranteed. If the developed bitmap image matches the specific pattern, the developed bitmap image is converted to a dot pattern. 12. The information processing method according to claim 10, wherein the bitmap image is replaced with a bitmap image whose reproducibility is guaranteed. 13. The information processing method according to claim 12, wherein the unguaranteed pattern differs depending on a resolution. 14. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a registration step of registering said specific pattern.
The information processing method according to any one of the above. 15. The method according to claim 10, further comprising a registration step of registering the developed bitmap image to be compared with the specific pattern.
4. The information processing method according to any one of 4. 16. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying an external device of the matched bitmap image when the bitmap image matches a specific pattern by the comparison. The information processing method according to any one of the above. 17. When receiving the notification of the bitmap image, the external device creates a bitmap image guaranteed by the device, and transfers the created bitmap image to a notification source. 17. The information processing method according to claim 16, further comprising the steps of: 18. The method according to claim 18, further comprising, when the bitmap image is transferred from the external device, replacing the bitmap image matched by the comparison with the transferred bitmap image and outputting the replaced bitmap image. The information processing method according to claim 17. 19. A recording medium recording a control program for processing and outputting data by a computer, said control program causing the computer to develop data into a bitmap image, and The image is compared with a specific pattern, and if the developed bitmap image matches the specific pattern by the comparison, the developed bitmap image is replaced with a guaranteed bitmap image. A recording medium storing an information processing control program for outputting a bitmap image. 20. The recording medium according to claim 19, wherein said replaced bitmap image is printed on recording paper and output.