JPH0243068A - System for writing data in bit map memory - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To regenerate the original image on the basis of the external character registered data sent from a host computer and to increase a writing speed of a magnified image by a method wherein the data row corresponding to the data code for the writing to a bit map memory is read from a registered data memory when said data code is indicated and the dummy font data corresponding to said data row is read from a dummy font memory to be written in the predetermined region of the bit map memory. CONSTITUTION:When the data code for the writing to a bit map memory 4A is indicated, the data row of the registered data corresponding to the data code is read from a registered data memory 4G. Next, the read data row is handled as if it is, for example, a character coded and the dummy font data corresponding to the data row is read from a dummy font memory 4H in the same way as the font data corresponding to a character code is read. The read dummy font data is written in the predetermined region of the bit map memory 4A.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a method for writing data into a bitmap memory, for example, a data code sent from a host computer to a bitmap memory in a page printer. Therefore, it is used when writing data.

[Conventional technology]

Laser printers that utilize laser beams and electrophotographic processes are capable of high-speed, high-density printing or image recording, and are therefore widely used as output devices for various data processing systems and image creation systems that use computers. .

A laser printer develops and writes a large amount of image data, including image data with multiple focus points, onto a bitmap memory, which is a two-dimensional virtual screen, according to the image, and then scans the bitmap memory to write the data. Readout image formation is performed. It is also called a page printer because it writes an image for one page into a bitmap memory, reads it out, and prints one page at a time. However, it is called a page printer even if it prints not only one page but two pages, half a page, or other pages.

Recording information from a host computer to a page printer is normally sent as serial data using one signal line. When developing and writing recorded information from a host computer into a bitmap memory, if the recorded information is a character code as character information corresponding to the characters that make up the image to be recorded, each character code is If the recorded information is image data corresponding to the image itself to be recorded, the image data is read from the font memory and written to a predetermined position on the bitmap. The device is configured to scan and write to a predetermined area of the image.

By the way, in addition to the above-mentioned page printers, there are other printers for recording record information such as image information and character information.
Impact-type wire dot printers are known, which are more popular.

Wire dot printers may have 8, 16, or 2 wire dot printers, for example.
It has a recording head with a plurality of wire pins arranged vertically, such as four wire pins, and while moving the recording head in the horizontal direction, the plurality of wire pins are selectively hit with a hammer according to the recording information, and the ink is injected. It is designed to record on paper via a ribbon. Therefore, when the recorded information from the host computer when using a wire dot printer as an output terminal is image data corresponding to the image itself to be recorded, the image data is data with a number of bits corresponding to the number of wire pins. It is configured to sequentially and serially output data in response to the horizontal movement of the recording head.

In addition, for characters, symbols, figures, etc. that are not defined on the wire dot printer side, their pattern data and the specified character code for each pattern data are downloaded from the host computer to the wire dot printer as external character registration data, and from then on By simply sending a designated character code as recording information from a host computer, the wire dot printer is configured to read the corresponding pattern data from memory and record the pattern on paper.

In this case as well, the wire dot printer side outputs the pattern data read from the memory as data with the number of bits corresponding to the number of wire pins, corresponding to the horizontal movement of the recording head, similar to the image data described above. is configured to do so.

Conventionally, a recording system consisting of a host computer and a printer as its output end device has a dedicated It was made up of combinations.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) However, as the price of laser printers has decreased, there has been a desire to connect and use laser printers even in recording systems consisting of wire dot printers and compatible host computers. are becoming more common.

In order to connect a page printer to such a host computer, recorded information such as image data and external character registration data transmitted using the wire dot printer protocol is converted into data within the page printer, and the original image is restored. Must be written to bitmap memory in order to be reproduced.

However, for example, it is possible to implement the configuration for converting external character registration data and writing it to bitmap memory entirely by hardware, but in that case, it would be necessary to add hardware to support a single protocol. In addition, in order to support many types of protocols, dedicated hardware for each protocol is required, which may lead to a complicated configuration and a significant increase in costs.

In addition, since the dot density (pixel density) of page printers is higher than that of wire dot printers, simply converting the data for wire dot printers so that they correspond bit by bit will not allow the data formed by the page printer to be processed. A problem also arises in that only images of a smaller size than the required image size can be obtained. Therefore, after data conversion, post-processing such as further data enlargement processing is required, which may significantly reduce processing speed.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is capable of writing into a bitmap memory so that the original image is reproduced by using, for example, external character registration data sent from a host computer, and furthermore, it is possible to write the enlarged image into a bitmap memory. The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for writing data to a bitmap memory that can also be written at high speed.

(Means for Solving iJRB) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is a method for writing data into a bitmap memory according to a data code consisting of a plurality of bits. A registration data memory that stores a large amount of registered data consisting of data strings corresponding to each data code, and a large amount of pseudo font data configured corresponding to the image of each data string for various data strings. a pseudo font memory, and when a data code to be written to the bitmap memory is specified, a data string corresponding to the data code is read from the registered data memory, and corresponds to the read data string. The present invention is characterized in that the pseudo font data is read from the pseudo font memory, and the read pseudo font data is written in a predetermined area of the bitmap memory.

[For production]

The registration data memory stores a large amount of registration data for various data codes, each consisting of a data string corresponding to each data code.

These data codes and registration data are, for example, designated character codes and pattern data as external character registration data downloaded from the host computer.

The pseudo font memory stores a large amount of pseudo font data for various data strings that is configured to correspond to the image of each data string.

When a data code (specified character code) for writing to bitmap memory is specified, first, a data string of registered data (pattern data) corresponding to the data code is read from the registered data memory. is divided into appropriate data lengths, usually 1
Since there are a plurality of pieces of registered data, a plurality of data strings are sequentially read out for one data code. Next, pseudo font data corresponding to the read data string is read from the pseudo font memory.

That is, each data string is handled as if it were a character code, and pseudo font data corresponding to the data string is read from the pseudo font memory in the same way as reading font data corresponding to a character code.

Then, when writing the read pseudo font data to a predetermined area of the bitmap memory, for example,
Pseudo font data is developed on a bitmap memory according to a pattern image of registered data corresponding to a data code.

〔Example〕

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a recording system using a writing type laser printer LP according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, recording information from a host computer 1 is input to a laser printer LP via a cable 2. As shown in FIG.

The laser printer LP includes a recording section 3 that develops a latent image formed on a photoreceptor with a laser beam, and then transfers and fixes it onto recording paper to form an image, and a recording section 3 that receives recording information and controls recording operations in the recording section 3. It is composed of a print controller 4 that performs the following operations.

Recording information is transmitted from the print controller 4 to the recording unit 3 via a data bus 5, and recording control information is mutually transmitted between the two via a command bus 6. has been done.

The print controller 4 includes a bitmap memory 4A having a virtual matrix space with a capacity equivalent to one page, a font memory 4B storing a large amount of font data, and a bitmap memory 4A for writing and reading data into and from the bitmap memory 4A. A reading section 4C, a bitmap control section 4D that controls data writing and recording operations to the bitmap memory 4A, and a host computer 1 that stores external character registration data consisting of designated character codes and pattern data.
It has a registered data memory 4G that is stored by downloading from the computer, and a pseudo font memory 4H that stores a large amount of pseudo font data configured corresponding to each image for various data strings and image data.

Of these, the bitmap memory 4A and the registered data memory 4G are each independent RAM (readable/writable memory) or a specific memory space in the RAM.
Font memory 4B and pseudo font memory 4H are RO
M (read-only memory) allows the bitmap reading unit 4C and bitmap control unit 4D to store a central processing unit such as a microcomputer, memories such as ROM and RAM, programs stored in these, peripheral devices thereof, and other devices. Each is configured by hardware such as logic elements.

Although not shown, there are also operation switches, indicator lights,
and various control devices are connected as necessary.

Recorded information from the host computer 1 is input to the bitmap control section 4D. A text buffer 4E with a capacity equivalent to one page of recording is attached to the bitmap control unit 4D, and the bitmap control unit 4D temporarily edits one page of input recording information using the text buffer 4E. do.

The bitmap reading section 4C writes the temporarily edited recorded information sent from the bitmap control section 4D into the bitmap memory 4A. Further, after completing writing of the recorded information to the bitmap memory 4A, the bitmap reading unit 4C receives a print start command from the bitmap control unit 4D, scans the bitmap memory 4A, sequentially reads the recorded information, and stores the data. It is output to the recording section 3 via the bus 5.

The bitmap reading section 4C is composed of a bitmap control section interface 11, a data writing section 12, a print head control section interface 13, a font memory interface 14, and the like.

The bitmap control unit interface 11 separates the input data from the bitmap control unit 4D into recording data and printer control data, and sends the recording data to the data writing unit 12 and the printer control data to the print head control unit interface. 13 to the print head control section 3a.

The print head control unit interface 13 controls the printer! In response to a print start command sent as I data, recorded information is read from the bitmap memory 4A and output to the print head control section 3a.

The data writing unit 12 writes data to a predetermined position on the virtual matrix of the bitmap memory 4A according to the recording information.

By the way, there are three types of recording information sent from the host computer 1.

One of them is to download pattern data of characters, symbols, figures, etc. that are not defined on the wire dot printer side and designated character codes for each pattern data as external character registration data. By downloading the external character registration data in advance, from then on, simply by inputting the designated character code, the corresponding pattern data can be read and processed.

The other type is character information that is sent by encoding the characters and symbols that make up the image.
There are character codes stored in the character code, and designated character codes defined by the above-mentioned external character registration data.

The other type is image information (image data) that is sent as a set of pixels obtained by decomposing the image itself.

These recorded information are sent in a format consisting of a command code indicating the type of command, the number of data, and the data content, so the command code is decoded by the bitmap control unit 4D and its type is determined. .

If the input record information is registered character data,
The external character registration data is sequentially written into a predetermined area of the registration data memory 4G by the data writing section 12.

When the input record information is image information, the image information is sequentially written by the data writing section 12 from a predetermined leading position of the bitmap memory 174A with reference to the pseudo font memory 4H.

Also, if the input record information is text information,
The data writing unit 12 writes to the bitmap memory 4A with reference to the font memory 4B or the registered data memory 4G (hereinafter referred to as the font memory 4H).

Next, the configurations of the font memory 4B, registered data memory 4G, and pseudo font memory 4H, and the operation of the data writing section 12 will be described in more detail.

First, the configuration of the font memory 4B and the data writing section 12
The operation of reading font data from the font memory 4B and the operation of writing it to the bitmap memory 4A will be explained.
Since it is publicly known as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 1-113089, a detailed explanation will be omitted and only an outline will be explained.

The font data in font memory 4B is 24 lines x 2.
It is constructed by arranging binarized data according to the brightness and darkness of the image on a four-column virtual matrix.

In the data writing section 12, based on the input character code, the address of the font memory 4B corresponding to the character code is specified and the font data is read out, and the bitmap data is read out based on the input character code arrangement. Indicates the start address of the font data writing area on memory 4A with a pointer,
The read font data is written into the bitmap memory 4A.

A plurality of character codes as character information from the host computer 1 are arranged in the order in which each line of a record consisting of a plurality of lines is arranged from top to bottom, and in the order in which each character in each line consisting of a plurality of characters is arranged from left to right. It will be sent to you. Therefore, the data writing unit 12 creates a set in which font data corresponding to each character code is arranged from left to right on the virtual matrix of the bitmap memory 4A.
The configuration is such that a pointer indicating the writing position of each font data is controlled so that the font data are arranged in order from the top to the bottom.

Specifically, the pointer controlled by the data writing unit 12 only indicates the write position of the dot data in the first row and first column of a certain font data (hereinafter referred to as the start address position), and The remaining dot data is configured to be written automatically.

When storing a plurality of font data in the bitmap memory 4A in the above-mentioned order, the pointer is moved by a portion corresponding to the size of the font data (24 bits).
This is done by increasing the number by (moving in the positive row direction).

As described above, the data written in the bitmap memory 4A by the print controller 4 is read out by scanning the virtual matrix of the bitmap memory 4A by the print head control unit interface 13, and the data is read out by the print head control unit interface 13, and the data is read out by scanning the virtual matrix of the bitmap memory 4A. It is output to the head control section 3a. The print head control unit 3a is configured to modulate the laser beam scanned on the photoreceptor based on the read data in the same way as scanning for reading out the bitmap memory 4A.

By the way, since the host computer 1 sends the above-mentioned recorded information using a protocol compatible with the wire dot printer, the data writing section 12 writes this recorded information into the bitmap memory 4A so that it matches the image of the original image. must be written.

Next, the structure of the recorded information for the wire dot printer and the relationship between it and the pseudo font memory 4H will be explained.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the structure of recorded information for a wire dot printer.

As shown in FIG. 9, three sets of consecutive serial data BIO to 17.1 byte are transmitted from the host computer 1 via the cable 2. B20-27. B30～
In the wire dot printer, 37 is a total of 24 wire pins WO to 8 of each recording head HD.
7. It is configured to correspond to W8-15 and W16-23.

On the other hand, in the laser printer LP, since the above-mentioned 1-byte serial data BIO to B37 correspond to the 24 wire pins WO to W23 arranged in the vertical direction, the serial data is image data as image information. In this case, in order to layer the image data on the bitmap memory 4A in the same manner as when handling character information, the bitmap control unit 4D converts the image data into a pseudo character code having a structure similar to the character code described above. It is configured to output the data to the bitmap reading section 4C of the print controller 4 as a.

The bitmap control unit 4D temporarily edits the image data from the host computer 1 using the text buffer 4E, in the same way as when a character code is input from the host computer 1.

Further, the bitmap reading section 4C also writes dot data for recording into the bitmap memory 4A using the temporarily edited image data from the bitmap control section 4D.

In other words, since the image data that has passed through the bitmap control unit 4D is divided into 1-byte units, the set of 1-byte image data is treated as if it were a character code, and its pseudo-character code is By preparing the corresponding pseudo font data, when writing image data, which is image information from the host computer 1, to the bitmap memory 4A, the same processing as when a character code is input is performed. It is.

For this purpose, a pseudo font memory 4H having almost the same configuration as the aforementioned font memory 4B is provided, and the data writing section 12 includes a pseudo font reading section for reading pseudo font data from the pseudo font memory 4H. 21 and a pseudo font data writing unit 22 for writing pseudo font data into the bitmap memory 4A.
There is a provision for this.

Next, the configuration of the pseudo font memory 4H will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 9, the host computer 1
The data structure of the recorded information is such that 1 byte of image data corresponds to 8 wire pins arranged in the vertical direction in recording.

In other words, the configuration of the image data on the image plane is 8
This constitutes a column vector with one row and one column.

Therefore, each pseudo font data FD stored in the pseudo font memory 4H has 1-byte image data D as shown in FIG.
7, the column vector b shown in FIG. 4(b) has the relationship of a transposed matrix to the row vector.
The 40 dot data shown in Fig. 4(c) constitute a virtual matrix in which O~7 is doubled in the row direction (horizontal direction) and 2.5 times in the column direction (vertical direction). .

To further explain the pseudo font data FD, the image data from the host computer 1 has a resolution (
The target is a wire dot printer with a dot density of 120 dpi.

On the other hand, the resolution of the laser printer LP in this example is 300d.
It is pi. Therefore, when pseudo font data is constructed from eight dot data forming the column vector shown in FIG. 4(b), which has a transposed matrix relationship with the row vector forming the image data D for wire dot printer In this case, the image obtained using this pseudo font data becomes 1/2.5 of the required image size in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

Therefore, as pseudo font data, we prepared the above column vector expanded in the row direction (horizontal direction) and column direction (vertical direction) using a multiple of "2.5", which is the ratio of the resolutions of both printers. By doing so, you can obtain images of approximately the same size.

However, specifically, since it is not possible to make the fractions closer to each other in the row direction, it is doubled, and in the column direction, including the fractions, it is 2.5 times the number.
It's double.

In other words, the structure of the pseudo font data FD in the column direction is as follows:
As shown in parentheses in Fig. 4(c), by doubling the column vector in the column direction for odd-numbered rows and multiplying it by 3 in the column direction for even-numbered rows, the total , this pseudo font data FD is approximated by multiplying the column vector by 2.5 in the column direction.

In addition, regarding the row direction, since the pseudo font data FD is the column vector doubled as described above, when writing to the bitmap memory 4A described later, the pseudo font data FD shown in FIG.
As shown in c), by rewriting the pseudo font data FD written in the even numbered position in the row direction in the third column, an image with an overall resolution 2.5 times that of the original image can be obtained. It's Nishide. This will be explained in detail later.

FIGS. 5(a) to 5(d) are diagrams showing specific examples of the correspondence between image data D and pseudo font data FD.

Image data D of ``3CH'' shown in FIG. 5(b) is sent corresponding to the wire pins WO to 7 in the bit state shown in FIG. 5(a).
'', pseudo font data FD3C shown in FIG. 5(c) is prepared.

However, in reality, the pseudo font memory 4H is often configured to provide a 1-byte memory area in the row direction for each pseudo font data FD, so in that case, the pseudo font memory 4H The data read out is 8×20 dot data, as shown in FIG. 5(d). Therefore, in order to obtain the above-mentioned pseudo font data FD3C from this data, it is written into the bitmap memory 4A with, for example, the third column (third dot from the left) and below masked.

Now, if it is determined that the recorded information sent from the host computer 1 is image data D, the data writing section 12 selects the pseudo font memory 4H as the read target. Specifically, by setting the address to be accessed by the pseudo font reading section 21 of the data writing section 12 to the address determined by the pseudo character code corresponding to the image data D in the pseudo font data 4H. It will be done.

Furthermore, in order to write the read pseudo font data FD into the bitmap memory 4A, the pseudo font data writing section 22 indicates the writing position (address) using a pointer.

Specifically, each time writing of one pseudo font data FD is completed, the pointer indicating the writing position is moved in the positive direction (from top to bottom) of the pseudo font data FD in the vertical direction (column direction). 20 dots, which is the number of dots in the column direction (hereinafter, this number of dots may be referred to as one font), are added to the dots in the row direction of the pseudo font data FD in the negative direction (right to left) in the horizontal direction (row direction). Each time the writing of three pseudo font data FD is completed, the font is moved by -40 dots (2 fonts) in the vertical direction.

In addition, for the pseudo font data FD that is written in the even numbered position in the horizontal direction, after the first writing is completed, the pointer is moved horizontally by minus one dot and the second writing is performed, and as a result, the pseudo font data F
D is written across three columns. By this rewriting, dot data can be obtained which is also multiplied by 2.5 in the horizontal direction on the virtual matrix of the bitmap memory 4A.

That is, as each byte of image data is input from the bitmap control unit 4D, the data writing unit 12 of the bitmap reading unit 4C converts each image data D into a pseudo character code and writes the corresponding pseudo font data FD. is read from pseudo font memory 4H,
The read pseudo font data FD is arranged on the virtual matrix of the bitmap memory 4A so that there are three columns in the vertical direction from top to bottom and from left to right along the row direction without gaps. Expand and write.

Note that the positive and negative directions of the pointer movement are positive in the direction in which the bitmap memory 4A is scanned for normal reading and writing as described above, and negative in the opposite direction. In this embodiment, from right to left. The direction toward the direction and the direction from the top to the bottom are positive.

In addition, in making the 1-byte image data D correspond to the pseudo character code, from "00H" to "IF
Since the codes up to "H" are used as printer control codes, "H" is added to the input 1-byte image data D.
20H" is added to the code so that it is treated as a pseudo character code.

Table 1 shown on the next page shows pseudo character codes corresponding to image data D consisting of upper 4 bits and lower 4 bits.

Table 1 Note that image data D's "EOH" to "FFH"
” cannot be handled by a single pseudo font data FD because as mentioned above, characters from “OOH” to “I F H” cannot be used as pseudo character codes, so two pseudo font data FDs are used as a bitmap. This is handled by overlapping writing to the same location in the memory 4A.

For example, to obtain pseudo font data FDFF for image data D of "F F H", pseudo font data of "80H"("ADH" as pseudo character code) FD80 and , “7
FH" pseudo font data (the pseudo character code is "9FH") FD7F, after writing the pseudo font data FD80, move the pointer horizontally by -2 dots, and then write the pseudo font data FD7.
Write F. As a result, these two pseudo font data FD80. FD7F is overwritten and “F
Pseudo font data FDFF for image data D of "FH" is obtained.

As described above, image data (dots) are stored in the bitmap memory 4A so that they are arranged in the same way as the original image on the virtual matrix and have a resolution 2.5 times that of the original image. data) will be written. The operation of the print head control section 3a after writing is the same as in the case of the character code described above.

Next, the bitmap memory 4A by the data writing section 12
writing operation, especially pseudo font data writing section 2
Regarding pointer control according to 2, FIGS. 2(a) to (c)
) will be explained more specifically.

FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing the original image, that is, the image FM to be reproduced.

The image FM is composed of 8 x 24 focused pixels, and is divided into 8 parts in the horizontal direction by 1 bit, and into 3 parts by 8 bits in the vertical direction, and each divided part is the image data D. It is sent from the host computer 1 as .

FIG. 2(b) shows image data D1 to D24 of image FM.
FIG.

The image data D1 to D24 each consist of one byte, and are input to the data writing section 12 in the order of D1, D2, D3, . . . .

In the data writing section 12, the pseudo font reading section 21
Pseudo font data FD1-24 is generated from the pseudo font memory 4H according to the input image data D1-24.
Read out.

Suspect of data writing unit 12 (hereinafter referred to as font data writing unit 22)
specifies and writes the writing position of the pseudo font data FD1 to FD24 in the bitmap memory 4A using a pointer.

FIG. 2(C) is a diagram showing pseudo font data FD1 to FD24 written in the bitmap memory 4A.

As explained above, each pseudo font data FD is twice as large as the image data D in the row direction and 2.5 times as large in the column direction.
It is composed of 2×20 dots.

Writing of the pseudo font data FD is performed by executing the data writing routine described in the flowchart described later while pointing the pointer to the position where the first dot (20th row, 1st column, date) of each pseudo font data FD is to be written. When this data write routine is executed,
When all the dot data of the pseudo font data FD has been written to a predetermined position and the writing has been completed, the pointer is automatically moved two dots in the row direction.

Therefore, when writing the first font data FD1, the pointer points to the starting address position P1. When the first pseudo font data FDI is written, the pointer moves 2 in the row direction from position P1.
A state is reached in which the position P2 to which the dot has moved is specified.

When writing the second pseudo font data FD2, write the pointer to position P2 so that the pointer points to position P3.
-2 dots in the row direction, 1 font in the column direction,
Move each. Third pseudo font data FD
The same goes for writing 3.

To write the fourth pseudo font data FD4, move the pointer minus two fonts in the column direction from the pointer position P6 when writing of the third pseudo font data FD3 is completed, and point the pointer to position P2. Write the first time. Furthermore, since the same fourth pseudo font data FD4 is also written in the third column, the pointer position P when the first writing is completed.
From 7, move minus 1 dont in the row direction to position P8
to write the second time.

When writing the fifth pseudo font data FD5, move the pointer by minus three dots in the row direction and by one font in the column direction from the pointer position P9 when writing of the fourth pseudo font data FD4 is completed. . The same applies to writing the font data FD6 for the sixth question.

To write the seventh pseudo font data FD7, move the pointer minus two fonts in the column direction from the pointer position P15 when writing of the sixth pseudo font data FD6 is completed, point to position P9 with the pointer, and then move the pointer to position P9. Perform the first write. From then on, as described above, the writing position is indicated by the pointer and writing is performed sequentially.

As a result, the pseudo font data FD is created with the same image arrangement as the original image FM and with 2.5 times the resolution.
1 to 24 are developed on a virtual matrix in the bitmap memory 4A.

The print head control unit interface 13 scans and reads the virtual matrix of the bitmap memory 4A line by line starting from the first line, and based on the data, the recording unit 3 forms an image on the recording paper.

The resolution of the image developed in the bitmap memory 4A is 2.5 times that of the original image FM, and the resolution of the laser printer LP is 2.5 times that of the wire dot printer targeted by the dot host computer 1a. have the same magnification, the image formed on the recording paper by the laser printer LP has the same size as the image formed by the wire dot printer described above.

Next, we will discuss the configuration of the registered data memory 4G and the data writing section 12.
The operation of downloading the external character registration data, reading the registration data from the registration data memory 4G, and writing the registration data to the bitmap memory 4A will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c).

FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing a pattern based on the external character registration data, that is, a pattern PT to be reproduced.

As shown in the figure, the pattern PT of the external character registration data is
It is composed of pattern data PD consisting of 8×24 bit pixels. Since the pattern data PD is configured for a wire dot printer, it is divided horizontally into 8 bits per bit and vertically into 3 pieces per 8 bits, similar to the above-mentioned image FM. Each divided 1-byte portion constitutes a data string R.

FIG. 3(b) shows the data string R1~ of the pattern data PD.
24. FIG.

These 24 data strings R are stored in the registered data memory 4G.
1 to 24 are stored in the order sent from the host computer 1 and together with the specified character code.

To read the pattern data PD from the registered data memory 4G, by designating a specified character code, the corresponding pattern data PD are read out one by one in the order of data strings R1 to R24.

In other words, the font data stored in the font memory 4B is prepared so that a character pattern etc. can be developed in a predetermined size in the bitmap memory 4A for the laser printer LP, whereas the font data stored in the registered data memory 4G Since the pattern data PD stored in is for a wire dot printer, it is necessary to control the writing operation in order to develop it into the pit-up memory 4A as an image of the pattern PT. Due to the difference in resolution between the wire dot printer and the laser printer LP in which the pattern data PD is to be used, the size of the pattern PT when the pattern data is developed as it is in the bitmap memory 4A is different from that in the font memory 4B. There is a difference.

Therefore, the pattern data PD is stored in the bitmap memory 4A.
In order to expand each data string R, the data writing unit 12
1 to 24 are handled and processed in the same manner as the image data D described above. The suspect font data FD has the same relationship as the image data D with respect to the data string R, and in the explanation of FIGS. 4 and 5 above, the image data D can be replaced with the data string R.

That is, for the data strings R1 to 24 read from the registered data memory 4G, the pseudo font data FD corresponding to the respective data strings R1 to 24 are extracted from the pseudo font memory 4H, similarly to the case of the image data D described above. The data is read, the write position is indicated by a pointer, and the data is written into the bitmap memory 4A.

FIG. 3(c) shows the suspicious font data F written in the bitmap memory 4A corresponding to the data strings R1 to R24.
It is a figure showing D25-48.

Each of these pseudo font data FD25 to FD48 is written by the pseudo font data writing unit 22 in the same manner as the pseudo font data FD1 to 24 described above, and the resolution of the resulting pattern (image) is also the same as in the case described above. Similarly, it is 2.5 times the original pattern PT.

In other words, for a specified character code sent from the host computer l, the external character registration data sent in advance is stored in the registration data memory 4G, and a pattern corresponding to the specified character code is stored in the registration data memory 4G. The data PD is read out, and the pseudo font data FD corresponding to each data string R constituting the pattern data PD is sequentially read out from the pseudo font memory 4H. The data are sequentially written into the memory 4A.

As a result, just by sending a specified character code from the host computer, the pattern PT corresponding to the specified character code is written into the bitmap memory 4A at 2.5 times the resolution, and the recording paper is printed using a wire dot printer. This results in a pattern (image) that is approximately the same size as in the previous case.

In addition, the processing after reading the data string R from the registered data memory 4G is the same as when the image data D is input from the host computer 1, so it is stored in the bitmap memory 4A according to the specified character code. For writing, only 4G of registered data memory and the addition of some software and hardware are required, so the configuration is simple and cost-effective, and the pattern can be enlarged by any magnification. Furthermore, various advantages can be taken advantage of by using the pseudo font memory 4H, such as the ability to write to the bitmap memory 4A at high speed.

Next, regarding the operation of the laser printer LP, we will focus on the operation of developing a pattern on the bitmap memory 4A from the designated character code input to the laser printer LP.
The explanation will be based on the broach yard shown in FIGS. 7(a) to (C) and FIG. 8.

Note that in these flowcharts, explanations of operations not directly related to the present invention, such as character code development, are simplified or omitted.

First, a processing flag G-MODE is set when image data D is being processed, and a data counter G-COU counts the number of image data D or data strings R.
NT, data counter G-VAR1 indicating the number of columns in which the pseudo font data FD has been written; processing flag DL-MODE set when external character registration data is being downloaded and being written to the registration data memory 4G;
, a data counter DL-COUNT that counts the number of data strings R while downloading external character registration data, a processing flag DOWN-CHR that is set when a specified character code is being processed, and one pattern data PD. The variables DL-MAX, in which the number of data strings R is set, are each reset to "0", and the data counter G-MAX, which indicates the number of pseudo font data FD written in the row direction, is reset to "0".
Perform initial settings for various flags and counters, such as setting HOL to "1" (step #10), and then
Data is input in byte units (step #12).

Next, check whether image data D is being processed, external character registration data is being downloaded, or a specified character code is being processed.
Processing flag G-MODE (step #14), respectively
The determination is made based on whether the processing flag DL-MODE (step #84) and the processing flag DOWN-CHR (step #112) are set.

If none of the flags are set, a command analysis routine is executed (step #120). When the command analysis routine is executed, depending on the type of command,
The various processing flags described above are set or reset.

This subroutine will be explained later.

If it is determined in step #14 that the processing flag G-MODE is set, that is, if image data D is being processed, first, the data counter C-C0UNT is checked (step #16).

If the data counter G-CO [JNT is "°0", for example, immediately after starting data input, the image size data that is input data should be stored in the data counter G-COUNT (step #80). ,
After that, the process returns to step #12 and the next data is input.

If it is determined in step #16 that the data counters f:, -COUNT are not "0", it is determined whether the data counter G-HOL that counts the number of data in the row direction is an even number (step #16). Data counter G-HO
If L is an even number, set a rewrite flag C-BACK to perform rewriting (step #20).
.

Next, in step #22, it is determined whether the input 1-byte data is larger than "EOH". This is to determine whether it is necessary to overwrite the pseudo font data FD, since as described above, the range from "00H" to "IFH" is used as the printer control code.

If the input data is smaller than °'EOH'', there is no need to overwrite the pseudo font data FD, so add ``20H'' to the input data to create a pseudo character code (step #34), and write the pseudo font data FD. In order to write data based on the pseudo character code, a data write routine is called (step #36).

Although not shown, in the data write routine, pseudo font data FD corresponding to the pseudo character code is read from the pseudo font memory 4H, and the read pseudo font data FD is written at the position indicated by the pointer.

Then, move the pointer 2 donts in the plus direction (to the right) of the row.

If the input data is larger than "EOH", it is necessary to overwrite the pseudo font data FD, so in order to create the first pseudo character code for overwriting, "60H"("80H") is written from the input data. - "20H"") is subtracted (step #24), and the same data write routine as described above is called (step #26).

Then, the pointer is moved two dots in the negative direction (to the left) of the line (step 42B), and the second
"AOH" is set as the pseudo character code (step #30), and the same data write routine as described above is called again (step #32).

Next, in step #38, the rewrite flag C-BAC
Check K.

If the rewrite flag C-BACK is set (No in step #38), the pointer is moved by minus one dot in the row direction (step #70), and the rewrite flag C-B is set.
Reset ACK Step #72), Step #2
3 of the pseudo font data FD written in the even numbered position in the row direction.
The same pseudo font data FD is rewritten in the column, and the overall resolution in the row direction is 2.5 times that of the original image.

If the rewrite flag C-BACK is not set,
The data counter (-COUNT is decremented in step #40), and then it is determined whether the data counter G-VAR is 2° (step #42). This determines whether the pseudo font data FD has been written to the third row in the column direction.

When the data counter G-VAR is not 2" (No in step #42), it is determined whether the data counter GHOL is an even number (step #50). If it is an even number,
Move the pointer minus 3 dots in the row direction and 1 font in the column direction (step #51). If the numbers are not even, move the pointer minus 2 dots in the row direction and 1 font in the column direction (step #51). #52
), in preparation for writing the next pseudo font data FD.

Thereafter, the data counter G-VAR is incremented (step #53).

When data counter G-VAR is "2" (YES in step #42), move the pointer minus two fonts in the column direction (step #44), data counter G-VAR
Reset VAR (step #46) and increment data counter G-HOL (step #48)
.

Next, if the processing flag D 0WNCHR is not set in step #54, it is determined in step #58 whether the data counter G-COUNT has reached "0°", that is, whether all data has been input. Judgment is made (step #58).

If it is determined that the data counter G-COUNT is not 0°, the process returns to step #12 and the next image data D is input.

The data counter G-COUNT has reached “°0゛°.”
That is, if it is determined that the processing of all image data D has been completed, step #2 of the command analysis routine, which will be described later, is executed.
Step #6 Select the font name saved in step #6 again.
0), the processing flag G-MODE is reset (step #62), and the process returns to step #12 to prepare for inputting the next data.

Note that if the answer is YES in step #54, the specified character code is being processed, and this will be explained later.

Now, if the processing flag DL-MODE is set, the answer is YES in step #84, and a process of downloading the external character registration data and storing it in the registration data memory 4G is performed.

First, in step #86, the data counter DLCOUNT
is 0'' or not.

When the data counter DL-COUNT is "0°", the input data is a specified character code in the registered character data, so the specified character code is stored in the registered data memory 4G and is subsequently input. Set the start address for storing the data string R (Step #96), set the data counter DLCOUNT to 1" (Step #96), and set the data counter DLCOUNT to 1".
98), then return to step #12 and input the next data.

At step #86, the data counter DL-COUNT is “
If it is determined that the data string R is not 0'', step #88L data counter DL-COUNT is incremented to store the data string R in the registered data memory 4G (step #90).

The value of data counter DL-COUNT is variable DLMAX
(Yes in step #92),
The processing flags DL- and MODE are reset (step #94).

Next, if the processing flag DOWN-CHR is set, the answer is YES in step #112, and after confirming that the specified character code has been input in step #114, the data string R is set in the data counter G-COUNT. Step #11 Set the value of the variable DL-MAX, which is the number of
6) Read one data string R corresponding to the specified character code from the registered data memory 4G (step #118
).

Thereafter, the process returns to step 41, and based on the read data string R, pseudo font data FD is read from the pseudo font memory 4H and written to a predetermined position in the bitmap memory 4A. In the meantime, the above-described processing is repeated until the answer is YES in step #54 and the data counter G-COUNT becomes 0'' in step #56.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the command analysis routine described above.

If it is determined in step #202 that the input data is a focus image specification command, first set the processing flag In, -MODE (step #204), then save the currently selected font name ( Step #206).

This font name is an identification name given to each font when the font memory 4B stores font data corresponding to multiple fonts with different fonts, etc. If only font data corresponding to one font is stored, this is a name for identifying the font memory 4B itself.

Then, the data counter G-HOL is set to the initial value "1°" (step #207), and the font memory 4
Select H (step 4208), then return and input the next data in step #12.

Now, if the input command is a command that specifies the download of external character registration data (step #210
(Yes), the processing flag DL-MODE is set to "1" (step #212).

Additionally, if the input data is a command that specifies reading of pattern data PD, which is external character registration data (YES in step #214), the processing flag DOWN-
CHR is set to ``l'' (step #216), and then the process jumps to step #206 to prepare the pseudo font memory 4H and set the data counter G-HOL to its initial value.

If the input data is a command to cancel reading of external character registration data (YES in step #218),
Step # to reset the processing flag DOWN-CHR
220), the saved font salt is selected again (step #222).

If the command is not one of the above commands, processing according to the command is performed (step #224).

Next, modifications to the above-described embodiment will be listed.

(1) In the above embodiment, the registration data memory 4G
Although the external character registration data to be stored in the printer is downloaded from the host computer 1, it is also possible to connect the registration data memory 4G in which the external character registration data is stored in advance to the laser printer LP.
The registration data memory 4G may be configured by a ROM. Also, with only external character registration data (, font memory 4
The normal characters and symbols stored in B are also stored in the registered data memory 4G, and when various data codes such as specified character codes and character codes are specified,
All the resulting characters, symbols, figures, etc. may be written into the bitmap memory 4A with reference to the registered data memory 4G and the pseudo font memory 4H.

In addition, the configuration of the external character registration data, that is, the pattern data P
The number of dots D, the method of cutting out the data string R from the pattern data PD, the number of data strings R, the focus configuration of the data string R, etc. can be changed in various ways.

(2) In the above embodiment, the pseudo font data F
D is composed of 40 dosotodes arranged in 20 rows and 2 columns, but as mentioned earlier, the size of the storage area of the pseudo font memory 4H that stores this pseudo font data FD can be arbitrarily set.

For example, the pseudo font data FD may be stored in the first and second columns of a virtual matrix of 20 rows and 20 columns, and the third and subsequent columns may be masked when writing to the bitmap memory 4A. Alternatively, write all data in 20 rows and 20 columns to bitmap memory 4A without masking,
The next pseudo font data FD may be written overlapping the previous pseudo font data FD from the third column.

By doing this, when the font data in the font memory 4B is composed of 20x20 dots,
The configuration of the pseudo font memory 4H can be made completely the same as the font memory 4B. In addition, the font memory 4B in which the first and second columns of font data are all blank can be used as the pseudo font memory 4H, reducing the memory area for font data and pseudo font data FD. Is possible.

(3) In the above embodiment, the resolution is 120d.
An example has been described in which recording information suitable for a pi wire dot printer is applied to a laser printer LP with a resolution of 300 dpi. However, when the ratio of resolutions is an integral multiple, column vectors are used as pseudo font data FD. b
It is only necessary to prepare a value obtained by multiplying o to 7 by an integral number (including the same size) in both the row direction and the column direction, and there is no need to rewrite to the bitmap memory 4A.

In addition, regardless of whether the resolution ratio is an integral multiple or not, the sizes of the pseudo font data FD in the row direction and column direction should be set appropriately, and the data should be rewritten to the bitmap memory 4A as appropriate. by Laser Printer LP
The size of the image formed can be made arbitrary with respect to the original image. Therefore, it is possible to enlarge or reduce the size of the original image to an arbitrary magnification.

(4) In the above embodiment, an example was explained in which the data string R and the image data D were configured in 1-byte units, but other bit configurations may be used, and the pseudo font memory 4H is configured accordingly. Just do it. Also,
Multiple types of pseudo font memory 4H with different bit configurations
It is also possible to prepare and select and use them as appropriate.

In this case, the pseudo font memory 4H can be selected manually or automatically by determining command data included in the recorded information.

(5) In the above embodiment, the write operation to the bitmap memory 4A by the pseudo font data writing unit 22 is based on the configuration of the data string R, image data D and pseudo font data FD, and the wire dot printer targeted by the host computer 1. Various changes can be made depending on the resolution or configuration of the laser printer LP, the resolution or configuration of the laser printer LP, or the magnification of the image, and the above-described flowchart can also be changed as appropriate.

(6) In the above embodiment, the bitmap memory 4A
The capacity may be half a page, one-third of a page, or conversely, two
It may be a plurality of pages, such as one page or three pages.

(7) Pseudo font memory 4H and font memory 4B
The laser printer L is configured as a ROM cartridge type.
It may be made removable from the laser printer LP so that various pseudo font data FD or font data can be used without increasing the memory capacity of the laser printer LP.

(8) In the above-described embodiment, the text buffer 4E for temporary editing is provided to facilitate recording layout and editing, but it is also possible to omit the text buffer 4E. be.

(9) In the above embodiment, an example was explained in which the writing method of the present invention was applied to a laser printer LP, but an LED printer, a liquid crystal printer, a thermal printer,
Alternatively, it can be applied to various page printers such as inkjet printers, and it can be implemented to various devices other than page printers that use bitmap memory 4A, and the form and installation state of the device can be arbitrary. be.

(Effects of the Invention) According to the present invention, by specifying a data code, characters, symbols, patterns, figures, etc. according to the contents of the registered data memory and the pseudo font memory can be developed at high speed into the bitmap memory. can.

Therefore, for example, the external character registration data sent from the host computer can be written into the bitmap memory so that the original image is reproduced.
Enlarged images can also be written at high speed.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 8 show embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a recording system using a laser printer according to the writing method of the present invention, and FIG. 2(a) shows an original image. 2(b) is a diagram showing the image data of the original image shown in FIG. 2(a), and FIG. 2(c) is a diagram showing the image data of the original image shown in FIG. 2(b).
) Figure 3(a) is a diagram showing the pseudo font data written to the bitmap memory based on the image data of .
is a diagram showing the data string of the pattern data shown in FIG. 3(a), and FIG. 3(C) is a diagram showing the pseudo font data written in the bitmap memory corresponding to the data string shown in FIG. 3(b). Figures 4 (a) to (C) are diagrams showing the correspondence between image data or data strings and pseudo font data, and Figures 5 (a) to (d) are diagrams showing image data or data strings and pseudo font data. A diagram showing an example of a specific correspondence relationship with data, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing pseudo font data synthesized by overwriting, and FIGS. 7(a) to (C) and FIG. 8 are processing in a laser printer. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation, and is a diagram showing the structure of recorded information for the wire dot printer. 12...Data writing unit, 4A...Bitmap memory, 4H...Pseudo font memory, 4G...Registered data memory, R...Data string, FD...Pseudo font data. Applicant Minolta Camera Co., Ltd.

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) A method for writing data into bitmap memory according to data codes consisting of multiple bits, in which a large number of registered data consisting of data strings corresponding to each data code is stored for various data codes. and a pseudo font memory that stores a large amount of pseudo font data configured in correspondence with the images of the respective data strings for various data strings, the data to be written into the bitmap memory. When a code is specified, a data string corresponding to the data code is read from the registered data memory, pseudo font data corresponding to the read data string is read from the pseudo font memory, and the read pseudo font is created. A method for writing data to a bitmap memory, characterized in that data is written to a predetermined area of the bitmap memory.