JPS62264371A - Method and device for output control of raster data - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To eliminate an output queuing state without reducing freatly the performance nor increasing the cost with output control of the raster data, by setting variably and each time the output speed of the raster data to a plotter for each raster band while estimating said output speed at all times. CONSTITUTION:A host computer 100 is connected to a plotter 300 via an output controller 400. The controller 400 contains a raster converter 430, frame buffer memories 441-443, a frame buffer control table 450 and a time information register memory 460 in addition to a segment buffer memory 420. Then the controller 400 always estimates the output speed of the raster data to the plotter 300 for each raster band based on the raster conversion time or the output time of the raster data on the raster band immediately before or after the relevant raster band and at the same time changes said output speed each time.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) This design is a Q A D (Computer-aided
The present invention relates to a raster data output constraining method and apparatus used when outputting raster data corresponding to graphic data generated by a host computer or the like to a raster scan type plotter in a computer or the like.

(Prior Art) An example of a device conventionally used for this type of raster data output n, 1160 Z iQ is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3, 100 is the figure (VA
A host computer 200 generates graphic data PD corresponding to (for example, line figures), and a host computer 200 converts the generated graphic data into raster data RD and then outputs the raster data RD at an appropriate timing.
Place the DK (referred to as the output RIIIilpK mushroom), 3
001j The output raster data RD1. : For example, do you actually issue drawings based on static? It is a raster plotter such as a number plotter, and the output is a-j 1f200.
As shown in the figure, the data conversion table i receives the graphic data PD and converts it into predetermined internal data 10.
? ff 210, a segment buffer 1 memory 220 for temporarily storing the converted internal data ID in segment units that match the raster data. The internal data 10 stored in the buffer memory 220 is read and converted into raster data RD, and the converted raster data RD is applied to a predetermined partial area 10 of the output drawing by the plotter 300 in the first Jj and second Frame buffer memory 24
1 rask conversion Koga 230 that writes to j5 and 2-12 at high speed, and these frame buffer 1 memory 2
Raster data RD written to 41J3 and 2712
(corresponding to the row of dots drawn by the plotter 300) are output alternately from each of these memories and are sequentially output to the plotter 300. Note that the output drawing drawn by the plotter 300 and its partial area (hereinafter referred to as raster band) have a relationship as shown in FIG. 4, for example.
The 44 drawing reports of each raster band i-n of n1ll<n: u number) shown in FIG. 4(b) are combined in order to form one output drawing image 10 shown in FIG. 4(a).
is formed.

The first and second frame buffer memories 2
41 and 242, raster data RD corresponding to these raster bands 1 to n, respectively, are sequentially and alternately stored in the middle of the same band.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, between this output i2D g e! 2
00 operation details S-Explain.

As shown in Figure 5, this soil power system? : In the JO +200, the above output HH250 inputs the raster data into the frame buffer memories 241 and 242 by 'l1230 for raster conversion (rusk conversion fg).
The raster data reading operation (raster data output operation) from the same frame buffer memories 241 and 242 is performed in parallel. That is, when &i t 1
Access to the first frame buffer memory 241 is performed on the first frame buffer memory 241 (indicated by [1) in FIG. 5]) Raster data corresponding to raster band 1 (this is indicated by ■ in FIG. 5) After starting the data loading and finishing the same N data at time t2, the raster data corresponding to the same scband 1 is read from the same memory 241 and transferred to the second frame buffer memory 242. (Access to the memory 242 is indicated by (2) in FIG. 5) Raster data corresponding to raster band 2 (this is indicated by ■ in FIG. 5) is input and output at the same time in parallel. Implemented. time&'lt
For frames 3 and onwards, 11 such relationships are maintained simply by alternating the frame buffer 1 memories to be accessed. Then, when reading of raster data corresponding to raster band n is completed, one output drawing image 10 (
The output of all raster data for FIG. 4) is completed.

(Problem that 1 Mei attempts to solve) Generally, the figure to be drawn is rarely drawn uniformly or in one line across all raster bands.In other words, the drawing Q is concentrated in a certain area in the output drawing. It is normal for the drawing information to be non-uniform for each scrub band used in each mushroom. Therefore, in such a case, in the above-mentioned conventional mushroom control, for example, as shown in Fig. 5 (a).
As shown in the time <13 to t5 of (b>), the reading time (t3
~14>, the time (13 to t5) for inputting to the other frame buffer memory (frame buffer memory 241 in this case) is longer than that shown in FIG. 5(b).
In the case of (readout output) shown by RW, or in the same way as in Figure 5 (a) and (b) (7), 1ffi (
t5 to t7) As shown in part (7), the transfer time to one frame buffer 1 memory (in this case, the second frame buffer 1 memory 242) is longer than the other frame buffer memory (tS to 16). In this case, the reading time (ts to t7) from frame buffer memory 241)
) becomes longer, resulting in a write (rusk conversion) wait as shown by WW in FIG. 5(a). In particular, when RW occurs during the readout output described above, and when a wet toner type electrostatic plotter is used as the plotter 300, the
14 to 15>, deterioration of the image 1t such as so-called "fading" may occur. Incidentally, ideally, as shown in FIG. 6, it is desirable that reading from the other frame buffer memory be performed in exactly the same time cycle as the PC time cycle for writing to one frame buffer memory. However, when raster data is output (read) for a certain raster band i, rask conversion processing (write) is performed for the next raster band (1 to 1).
Since the time is unknown, it is actually impossible to perform the raster data output 11ζ in this ideal form.

In addition, as a method to prevent such a waiting n1, the rask conversion time for each raster band is calculated in advance by 0 when the internal data IQ is generated, and then the rask conversion time for each subsequent raster band is calculated based on the descending time. There is also a method of adjusting the raster data output speed, but this takes too much time to perform the raster data (processing time equivalent to the time taken for rask conversion processing), reducing the performance of the entire system. There is an inconvenience in doing so.

Similarly, as a method to prevent the above-mentioned waiting n1, one frame buffer memory with eight hangers for one output drawing is provided, and when the rask conversion for one drawing is completed, the stored data in the frame buffer memory is A method of constantly transmitting the data to the plotter 300 may be considered, but this method requires a huge amount of memory and has the disadvantage of being extremely expensive.

This light is based on the current situation and attempts to eliminate the above-mentioned problem of low output without deteriorating performance or significantly increasing costs.

(Means and effects for solving the problems) In this invention, 155 i! It is unlikely that there will be any major changes between i ffi and the drawing for the next raster band.11
Focusing on the output speed IJ of the raster data of the famous scuba band to the plotter, the output speed rfI of the raster data regarding the raster band immediately before the raster band concerned or Naotoshi's raster band
It is possible to make predictions at any time based on the time or raster conversion time and to set it variably each time.

As a result, even if there is a wait for writing (raster conversion), you can focus on waiting for reading (output), and for a single drawing, you can block it.
3 without interrupting drawing output by clients! ! You will be able to draw it with F. Moreover, according to this method, the basic configuration of directly raster converting the internal data at around Rask band tp and processing the converted data in real time can be used as is in the conventional method described above, so the overall processing time can be reduced. It is comparable to the conventional one and requires only a minimal increase in cost.

(Effects of the Invention) As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to effectively avoid output retention of raster data without deteriorating performance or significantly increasing cost compared to the conventional method described above. Therefore, even if any raster scan type plotter is used as the plotter, the image quality of the output drawing can be maintained at high quality.

〔Example〕

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the output system [1a] according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, the host computer 100 and plotter 300 are the same as those shown in FIG. 3 above. Also, in the output side i11 device 400, the data conversion device 410 and the segment buffer memory 420 are controlled by the output control 2tlR [
It is assumed that the data conversion affi 210i and the segment buffer memory 220 of H2O0 are the same, and redundant explanations regarding these will be avoided.

Now, as shown in FIG. 1, the output control νIIKm400 of this embodiment is used for these data conversion WI? '2410 and the segment buffer memory 420, the internal data ID stored in the segment buffer 7 memory 420 is read out and converted to raster data RD, and the converted raster data RD8 is read out in raster band units as described above. 1st to 3rd frame 8 sofa memories 441 to 44
1 to 3 frame buffer 1 memories 441 for the frame buffer information table 450 and F i Fo (first in, first out) type 11 information registration memory 460, which will be described later.
~Tube 11 regarding the usage status of 443 (raster data storage status)! tt'itfIMD1 and the same framebuffer? A rask conversion device H43 that stores (!) time information T[) indicating the raster data calculation time (raster conversion time) of 9 of the rask bands in the memories 441 to 443.
0, When each corresponding frame buffer 7 memory is in the "initial state" with the three entry tables 1st to 3rd corresponding to each of the above-mentioned frame buffer 7 memories 441 to 443, respectively, and is "in the process of writing", When in the "loading completed state", furthermore, in the "reading completed state", and when in "reading", the above T! , 浬 information MD (from this 1, the output H to be described later)
f! 2470 side) based on the following table (
The first to third frame buffer memories 441 to 4 are flagged with
A frame buffer management table 450 in which raster data storage modes for each of 43 are collectively identified and registered. F
a time information registration memory 460 that sequentially stores and sequentially outputs the time information TO with two entry areas subjected to iFo processing; and a frame buffer memory 441 to
The raster data RD stored in the memory 443 is sequentially circulated in these memory units (i.e., the 111th position of the rask band) and is basically stored in the time information registration memory 460 as flt.
) is read at the writing time of the raster data corresponding to the raster band immediately after the read raster band, and sequentially outputs it to the block 300, and also stores this memory read status as management information~ID2 in the frame buffer management table 450. Each output device 470 is configured to record information in the corresponding table.

Hereinafter, an example of the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG.

Now, suppose that raster conversion is performed on the first raster band 1 (see Fig. 4 - this is indicated by ■ in Fig. 2) of the desired output drawing using the raster conversion table 1ff430 above. Raster data RD is shown in Figure 2 (a)
As shown in Figure 1, the first frame buffer memory 44]
The management information ~
Through ID1, the flag of the entry corresponding to the first frame buffer 1 memory 441 in the frame buffer management table 450 is updated from flag °゛r'' (initial state) to flag b'' (in progress). In the entry, the flag "r" is Rbt). Then, when writing of all raster data for this first raster band 1 is completed within T1 time interval from the start, the corresponding entry in the same reparation table 450 is further flagged as "
The flag is updated from ``b'' to 0'' (inclusion complete). σ5, write time for this first write ■
It is assumed that 1 is not registered in the time information full memory 60.9 Next, raster conversion is similarly executed for the second raster band 2 (indicated by ■ in FIG. 2), and the corresponding Raster data RL) is shown in Figure 2 <b>
The data is stored in the second frame buffer 7 memory 442 in the manner shown in FIG. At this time as well, the second frame buffer memory 44 of the frame buffer management table 450
Similarly, the entry corresponding to 2 is updated from flag "r" to flag "b" with the start of loading, and further updated from flag "b" to flag "e" with the end of Lg loading. From this second recording, the lightning recording time is updated to the information n record memory 4601.
In this case, first, the writing time T of this second raster band 2 is stored in the memory 460.
2 is f! through IYj J4 information TD! will be recorded. Then, raster conversion is performed on the third raster band 3 (indicated by ■ in FIG. 2), and the corresponding raster data RD7) is converted to rj3 shown in FIG. 2(C). The data is stored in the third frame buffer memory 443 in a similar manner.

Now, in this embodiment, in response to the operation of inputting and outputting raster data (raster band + 11 tQ) that circulates to and from the three frame buffer memories 441 to 443, the first J: input data, i.e. The reading of the raster data corresponding to the first raster band 1 is started corresponding to the write timing of this third data, that is, the input timing of the raster data corresponding to the third raster band 3. The time taken for this readout is the time registered in the time information registration memory 460, that is, the time taken for the read raster band 1.
The write time T2 is set for raster band 2 immediately after (see FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b)). At this time, in the frame buffer management table 450, the entry corresponding to the third frame buffer memory 443 is updated from the flag "r" to the flag "b", and the entry corresponding to the first frame buffer memory 441 is updated. The output device 470 outputs 11 U2 BANJ! From flag “e” to flag “ through Ichi1 report MD2
b" (reading). Of course, during this time, the first
Writing to the frame buffer memory 441 is stopped at λ. Writing is permitted only when the reading is completed and the flag returns to °°r'' (reading complete - primordial fin). When the output of the same band data to the plotter 300 is completed, the output of the same band data to the plotter 300 is completed.
The entry corresponding to the first frame buffer 7 memory 441 is flagged by the philosophy information NID2.
The flag is updated (returns) to flag "r". Jj, how to output such raster data + 10 to the plotter 300 [
If the data output method 1η is faster than the drawing speed of the plotter 300 itself, the data output method 1η is adjusted to the maximum drawing speed of the plotter itself.

By the way, usually 't' in this form: e' included J
By repeating j and reading, the reading samurai mentioned above does not occur 1! I! Imaginary raster data output 1lIji
2II is modernized, but for example, as shown at the timing of ■ in FIG. The prediction made in the Great IIXJ that there would be a relationship between the written poem T3 and i, 1 was wrong, and even after reading out or outputting the raster data for the first raster band 1 was completed, this third raster band For raster band 3, if writing of the raster data (rusk conversion processing J!1lI) has not yet been completed, in other words, in general, the raster data output for the first raster band i is completed. Even if the (i+
2) The rask transformation for the th raster band (i+2) is still in progress! Logically and in reality, there are cases where the 18th principle has not been completed. Of course, if such a 1F situation is R1, the above-mentioned good luck and skill development?
Since I was repeating the operation (unexpected output), it would cost me 55 yen.In this case, this embodiment & mushroom deals with this in the following manner.

First, as to whether or not such a first section has occurred, check the flag fl in the frame buffer management table 450.
Thanks to Mr. RJ3, this can also be recognized from the output device '11470 side. That is, in the case of the above-mentioned 18 timings (Fig. 2), the output W'f1470 is:
ff) Registered the flag "" (reading complete) in the entry corresponding to the first frame buffer 7 memory 44 of the information table 450.
3. The writing of raster data at 711 cores into raster band 3, which is 2nd from the read raster band 1 in the same process table 450 (corresponds to the third frame buffing message 443) [The entry is flagged as ``b'' (writing) or ``1y!'' is 1f.
Since there is ``C-,'' it is much easier to use an appropriate logic circuit that detects the same 1-stop 5 based on 3I+ in this output circuit 1470. In addition, upon this recognition (Yu, the first frame of the above-mentioned table 450
At the time when the same flag/7"r" is registered in the entry that is 1δ for And this output '?'< Neck 4
70, the raster data regarding the second raster band 2 from the second frame buffer 7 memory 442 is read out from the second frame buffer 7 memory 442 as shown in FIG. ), the readout start timing is synchronized with the raster data readout completion timing for the previous raster band 1.
As the readout time, a suitable sunny interval T3' that is expected to sufficiently exceed the occupied time T3 for the third raster band 3 is appropriately set, and the set time T3 is
′ is used to read the same data. Incidentally, in this example device, the set time in such a case is twice the time registered in the time information record memory 460 at the relevant time (time T2 at the timing ① of the same). According to this, t't of the same article can be satisfied in most cases.

Due to the above trade, even if the output of raster data for the i-th raster band i is completed, the (i=
2) Regarding the ffl-th raster band ji-21, the user 1 said that the rask conversion process has not yet been completed;
Even if α is 71'l, it is effectively the opposite side. Even in this case, no readout (output) is generated. Then, for example, at the timing shown in Figure 2 ■,
For the raster conversion described above, the mushroom 430, the first to third frame base memory 441 to 443, and the output) 4 heads 47
The 11!3 relationship in terms of timing of 0 is completely returned to the original relationship. That is, at the time when the reading of raster data from one frame buffer memory is completed, the other two frame buffers 7 memories have finished their gQ loading. Of course, if such a state persists, the write and read operations described above are repeated, resulting in the above-mentioned read output).
I don't have any regrets at all. However, when J'> is at the timing of ■ (see Figure 2) above, the output & purchase 470 is outputted from the first book 1, y, and ltY between η information σ record memory 4
H, which was registered earlier in 60, indicates the 411 time between 1 and 411, that is, the time T3 between the two, and discards the time information that was registered later, that is, in this case, indicates the time T4. Let us assume that the information is taken as the read time associated with the next raster band (raster band 3 in this case).

In the raster conversion mushroom 43015 and the output device 470, the rask change 0 processing Jj and the output processing of the converted raster data are executed repeatedly, and finally the output device 470
The flag °'r" (initial state =
Readout completed) is te! If the flag is recorded, the raster data stored in the frame buffer memory corresponding to the entry whose flag is recorded is data related to the final raster band n (see Figure 4). ! 1l
iL, the edge is output at an appropriate t=t (this corresponds to the maximum drawing speed of the plotter 300, and a speed of 7 is sufficient), and all processing for one output drawing is completed.

Jj, in the embodiment described above, the output 菰! ! 147
It is assumed that the set readout time is set based on the raster data collection IJ for the raster band immediately after the output raster band, measured at 1.
The general characteristics of the drawn drawings mentioned above, that is, there will be no major changes between the drawing of a raster band in a normal drawing and the drawing of a cat for the next raster band. In addition, it is of course possible to set the run-out time, which is predicted and set at any time, based on the raster data output interval for the raster bands directly overlapping the output raster band. good.

In addition, in the same embodiment, the raster data buffer memory is configured by three frame buffer memories 4, 11 to 443, but it is also possible to use four or more route buffer memories. Of course, this is fine.In this case, the output time (output time) to the same cattleman as mentioned above is set at 5'l L2 constant, and in this case),
The data written at the (\(Yo natural number))th (N↓)
3) The data after ``Lightning l'' is read in response to the input, and the time it takes to read the ``fi +15'' is accelerated during the writing of the (\-1)th erotic data 04. If you set it to iη, even if the output of raster data for raster band i of the first peak in the series is completed, the (i+2)th? R1 may also occur in a situation where the raster/) conversion process for the third raster band (i+2) has not yet been completed.

[BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS] Fig. 1 is a plotter diagram showing the raster data output y + one embodiment of the elevation device ρ] conjunctive according to the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a timing diagram showing an example of the operation of Embodiment 21. Figure 3 is a plotter diagram showing the conventional general configuration ρj for Usustadek's 11-Rikita'n purchase, Figure 4 is the output diagram and the storage 111 in each frame buffer 7 memory. Schematic diagram showing the relationship with raster bands,? Figure jS5 is a timing chart showing the operation ρj of the conventional 2 trade shown in Figure 3, and the sixth
The figure shows this kind of output′! ;+ The rib timing chart l- shows the ideal rib f1 stop in aOK mushrooms.

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) After converting graphic data generated by a host computer etc. into raster data, outputting this to a raster scan type plotter to obtain an output drawing corresponding to the graphic data, the converted raster data is output to the raster data. In a method for controlling the output of raster data in which each partial area of a drawing is separated and output to the plotter, the output speed of the raster data for each partial area to the plotter is adjusted to correspond to the partial area immediately before or after the output partial area. 1. A raster data output control method, characterized in that the raster data output control method is characterized in that the prediction is made at any time based on the raster data output time or the raster conversion time, and the settings are variably set each time. (2) A raster conversion means for converting graphic data generated by a host computer, etc. into raster data, and temporarily storing the converted raster data by sequentially circulating it for each partial area of a desired output drawing. a first memory consisting of at least three frame buffer memories, and a second memory in which information about the raster data storage mode of each of the frame buffer memories of the first memory is identified and registered in a table. , a third memory in which time information indicating time for writing raster data for each partial area into the first memory at any time is temporarily registered on a first-in, first-out basis; and raster data written and stored in the first memory. When sequentially reading data and outputting it to a raster scan type plotter, the Nth The data written in the th (N is a natural number)
In addition to reading data in response to data writing from the third onward, the time required for reading the data at any time is determined by the third
A raster data output control device comprising raster data output means for fluidly determining the (N+1)th writing time based on the (N+1)th write time obtained from the registration information of the memory. (3) The first memory includes three frame buffer memories, and the raster data output means, when reading the Nth written data, determines whether the (N+1)th writing has been completed or not. For example, the read time is the (N+1)th writing time registered in the third memory, and if the (N+1)th writing has not yet been completed, the (N+1)th writing time is the writing time of the (N+1)th writing registered in the third memory. 2. The raster data output control device according to claim 2, wherein the readout time is set to an appropriate set time that is expected to sufficiently exceed . (4) The raster data output control device according to claim (3), wherein the predicted setting time is twice the Nth writing time registered in the third memory. .