JPH08197807A - Printing device and column printing method of printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] It is possible to efficiently and densely print print data or bitmap data that is output only slightly on one page of printing paper in one page and save valuable paper resources. According to an instruction from the operation unit 109, the number of columns for developing a plurality of pages of print data input from the input unit 101 into a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows within the same page is set. Then, the CPU 104 constructs print data for one page from the input print data of a plurality of pages in accordance with the set number of columns, and the developing unit 105 determines the print data for one page based on the constructed print data for one page. The RAM 103 is characterized in that the print data of a plurality of pages is bitmap-developed in a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows, and the bitmap data that has been bitmap-mapped is transferred to the printing unit 108 by the transfer unit 107.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

The present invention has a reduction printing function,
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that prints input pages of several pages in columns and prints them as one page, and a column printing method of the printing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional printing apparatus, even if one page of print data input from a host is used for only half a page in actual printing, the next page is printed or a file is processed on the host side. I was printing using a tool.

[0003]

Therefore, there is a problem that useful paper resources are wastefully consumed and that the printing processing time becomes long and efficient printing cannot be performed.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to seventh inventions of the present invention is to output print data or bitmap data for a plurality of pages. By printing the bitmap data for one page according to the set number of columns, the print data or bitmap data that is only slightly output on the printing paper of one page can be efficiently packed in one page. A printing device and a multi-column printing method of the printing device, which can print on a sheet and save valuable paper resources.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a storage means for storing a bitmap image to be output to a printing section, an input means for inputting print data from a host, and an input means are provided. Setting means for setting the number of columns for developing the input print data for a plurality of pages in a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows within the same page, and a plurality of pages input from the input means. Data construction means for constructing one page of print data from the print data according to the number of columns set by the setting means, and the storage means based on the one page of print data constructed by the data construction means. Expansion means for expanding the print data of a plurality of pages into a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows and a transfer means for transferring the bitmap data expanded by the expansion means to the storage means to the printing section. A printing apparatus comprising: a sending unit.

The second aspect of the present invention is determined by the determining means for determining the reduction ratio for constructing the print data for one page according to the number of columns set by the setting means, and the determining means. And a control unit for controlling the reduction and expansion of the bitmap data expanded by the expansion unit in the storage unit based on the reduction ratio.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, storage means for storing a plurality of pages of bitmap images to be output to the printing section, input means for inputting print data from a host, and input from this input means. Setting means for setting the number of columns for developing a plurality of pages of print data in a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows within the same page, and the print data of a plurality of pages input from the input means Data constructing means for constructing the print data for each page from the above, expanding means for expanding the print data for each page constructed by the data constructing means into the storing means, and bitmap expanding in the storing means by the expanding means. Transfer means for transferring the bitmap data of each page to the printing section, and bitmap data of each page transferred by the transfer means based on the number of columns set by the setting means It is provided with a a transfer control means for controlling the transfer order.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, storage means for storing a plurality of pages of bitmap images to be output to the printing section, input means for inputting bitmap data from a host, and input from this input means. Setting means for setting the number of columns for expanding the bit map data for a plurality of pages in a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows within the same page, and a plurality of pages of the plurality of pages input from the input means. Expanding means for expanding the bitmap data in the storage means, transfer means for transferring the bitmap data of each page expanded in the storage means by the expanding means to the printing section, and setting by the setting means And a transfer control unit for controlling the transfer order of the bitmap data of each page transferred by the transfer unit based on the number of columns set.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, storage means for storing one page of a bitmap image to be output to the printing section, input means for inputting print data from a host, and input from this input means. Setting means for setting the number of columns for developing a plurality of pages of print data in a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows within the same page, and a bitmap image based on the print data of each page is stored. Developing means for developing each means, transfer means for transferring the bitmap data of each page bitmap-developed in the storage means by the developing means to the printing section, and the number of columns set by the setting means. Print control means for controlling the printing section so as to print the bitmap data of each page sequentially transferred from the transfer means on the same recording medium several times on the same recording medium.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, storage means for storing one page of a bitmap image to be output to the printing section, input means for inputting bitmap data from the host, and input from this input means. Setting means for setting the number of columns for printing a plurality of pages of bitmap data in a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows within the same page, and the bitmap data of each page in the storage means. Based on the expansion means for expanding each, the transfer means for transferring the bitmap data of each page expanded in the storage means by the expansion means to the printing section, and the number of columns set by the setting means. Print control means for controlling the printing section is provided so that the bitmap data of each page sequentially transferred from the transfer means is printed on the same recording medium by the number of columns.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is a columnar printing method for a printing apparatus, comprising a storage unit for storing a bitmap image output to a printing unit and an input unit for inputting print data from a host, The print data for a plurality of pages input from the input means are arranged in a predetermined vertical P rows x within the same page.
A setting step of setting the number of columns for developing columns in horizontal Q lines, and constructing one page of print data from the print data of a plurality of pages input from the input means according to the set number of columns A data constructing step, a rasterizing step of rasterizing the print data of a plurality of pages in the storage means in predetermined columns × horizontal rows based on the constructed print data for one page, and a bitmap in the storage means. And a transfer step of transferring the expanded bitmap data to the printing unit.

[0012]

In the first aspect of the present invention, the print data for a plurality of pages input from the input means are provided in a predetermined vertical P rows × horizontal Q within the same page.
When the number of columns for developing the columns in a row is set by the setting means, the data construction means constructs print data for one page from the print data of a plurality of pages to be input according to the set number of columns. Then, based on the constructed print data for one page, the expansion means bitmap-expands the print data of a plurality of pages in the storage means in a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows, and the bitmap expansion is performed. The transfer unit transfers the bitmap data to the printing unit, so that the print data for a plurality of pages arranged in columns of vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows can be printed as one page of print data.

In the second invention, the control means is based on the reduction ratio determined by the determination means for determining the reduction ratio for constructing print data for one page according to the number of columns set by the setting means. Controls the reduction and expansion of the bitmap data expanded in the storage means by the expansion means, and reduces and prints a plurality of pages of print data arranged in columns of vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows as print data of one page. It is possible.

In the third aspect of the invention, the print data for a plurality of pages input from the input means are printed in a predetermined vertical P rows × in the same page.
The number of columns for developing columns in horizontal Q rows is set by the setting means, and further constructed by the data construction means for constructing print data of each page from the print data of a plurality of pages input from the input means. When the expansion means expands the print data of each page into the storage means, the control means controls the transfer order of the bitmap data of each page transferred by the transfer means based on the number of columns set by the setting means. hand,
It is possible to efficiently print a plurality of pages of print data arranged in columns of vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows as one page of print data.

In the fourth invention, the number of columns for expanding the bit map data for a plurality of pages inputted from the input means into a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows in the same page by the setting means. When set, the expansion means expands the bitmap data of a plurality of pages input from the input means into the storage means, and each page transferred by the transfer means based on the set number of columns. The transfer control means controls the transfer order of the bitmap data, and the bitmap data for a plurality of pages arranged in columns of vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows can be efficiently printed as the bitmap data of one page. And

In the fifth aspect of the present invention, the print data for a plurality of pages input from the input means are provided in a predetermined vertical P rows × in the same page.
After the number of columns for developing columns in horizontal Q rows is set by the setting means, when the bitmap image based on the print data of each page is developed in the storage means by the developing means,
Based on the set number of columns, the print control unit controls the printing unit to print the bitmap data of each page sequentially transferred from the transfer unit on the same recording medium a number of columns, The print data for a plurality of pages arranged in columns of P columns × Q rows can be printed efficiently as a page of print data at high speed.

In the sixth invention, the number of columns for expanding the bit map data for a plurality of pages input from the input means into a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows in the same page by the setting means. After being set, when the bit map image of each page is expanded in the storage means by the expansion means, the print control means sequentially transfers the bits of each page from the transfer means based on the set number of columns. The printing unit is controlled so that the map data is printed on the same recording medium several times in columns, and the bitmap data for a plurality of pages arranged in columns of vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows is converted into one page of bitmap data. As a result, it is possible to print efficiently and at high speed.

In the seventh invention, the print data for a plurality of pages input from the input means are provided in a predetermined vertical P rows × in the same page.
The number of columns for developing columns in horizontal Q rows is set, and one page of print data is constructed according to the set number of columns from the print data of a plurality of pages input from the input means. Bitmap expansion of the print data of a plurality of pages in a predetermined column × horizontal row in the storage unit based on the constructed print data for one page, and the bitmap data expanded in the storage unit to the printing unit. Transfer, vertical P rows x horizontal Q
A process for printing a plurality of pages of print data arranged in a row as print data of one page can be executed in a programmable manner.

[0019]

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the schematic arrangement of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 101 is an input unit for print data (character code, bitmap data, etc.) transferred from a host. A ROM 102 stores various control programs and font data.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a RAM, which is used as a storage area for the print data input by the input section 101, a bitmap development area, a work area, and the like. A development unit 105 develops the font data stored in the ROM 102 into a bitmap in the RAM 103 based on the print data transferred from the host.

A reduction unit 106 reduces the font data to X%. Reference numeral 104 denotes a CPU, and ROM 102
Various calculations and controls are performed according to the program stored in. An operation unit 109 is an LCD display 10
9A and a key unit 1 including a plurality of keys for mode setting
It is equipped with 09B. It should be noted that instead of the functional processing of the setting means according to the present invention, the setting may be made by a command instruction on the host computer side. 107 is a transfer unit
Reference numeral 108 is a printing unit.

2 to 4 are views showing an example of a column output mode in the printing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a case where the character code data from the host is half of one page (two pages) (same as above). In this case, as shown in FIG. 2B, a column is constructed in horizontal writing, vertical 2 columns and horizontal 1 row, and FIG. ), A case where a bitmap is expanded on the RAM 103 according to the column is shown.

FIG. 3 corresponds to the case where the character code data from the host exceeds half of one page (two pages) (see FIG. 3A). In this case, the image of one page expansion is shown in FIG. b)
As shown in FIG. 5, a column is constructed in horizontal writing with 2 columns vertically and 1 row horizontally, and as shown in FIG.
A case where a bitmap is developed on the image 103 at a reduction ratio of 70% is shown.

FIG. 4 corresponds to the case where the character code data from the host is half of one page (four pages) (see FIG. 4A). In this case, the one-page development image is shown in FIG. ), Horizontal writing is performed to construct a column set having two columns and two rows, and as shown in FIG.
03 shows a case in which a bitmap is developed at a reduction rate of 50%.

As a result, when printing a program list, for example, such a printing form is often used in practice. According to the column printing, several pages of original print data are printed on one page. If there is a function that can output in a combined configuration, the consumption of printing paper is economical, and it is very easy to see and highly useful.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the first and second inventions and their functions will be described below with reference to FIGS.

A first aspect of the invention is a storage means (R) for storing a bitmap image to be output to a printing section (printing section 108).
AM 103), an input unit (input unit 101) for inputting print data from the host, and print data for a plurality of pages input from this input unit in a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows. Setting means (operation unit 109) for setting the number of columns for group expansion, and printing one page according to the number of columns set by the setting means from the print data of a plurality of pages input from the input means Data construction means for constructing data (by the functional processing of the CPU 104), and based on the print data for one page constructed by the data construction means, the print data of a plurality of pages is stored in the storage means in predetermined vertical P columns × Expansion means for expanding the bitmap in horizontal Q rows (in this embodiment, for example, the expansion unit 10 composed of hard logic)
5, but may be achieved by software processing of the CPU 104 depending on the processing capacity of the CPU 104), and transfer means for transferring the bitmap data bit-map expanded in the storage means by the expanding means to the printing section. (Transfer unit 107), and the number of columns for developing the print data for a plurality of pages input from the input unit 101 into columns in a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows within the same page is the operation unit. When set by an instruction from 109, the web 104 constructs one page of print data from the input print data of a plurality of pages according to the set number of columns, and the constructed one page of print data is set. Based on the print data, the expanding unit 105 expands the print data of a plurality of pages in the RAM 103 in a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows into a bitmap.
The transfer unit 107 transfers the bitmap-developed bitmap data to the printing unit 108, and prints a plurality of pages of print data arranged in columns of vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows as print data for one page. Is possible.

The input unit 101 communicates with at least one host computer (not shown) via a predetermined interface or a network interface, and PDL data or bitmap data or bitmap defined by a prescribed page description language. It is configured to be able to receive code data and the like obtained by coding data.
The printing unit 108 includes an engine unit called a so-called printer engine, and the present invention is applied regardless of whether the printing process is an electrostatic photography system, an inkjet system, an electrostatic transfer system, a thermal transfer system, or the like. be able to.

A second aspect of the invention is a setting means (operation section 109).
Determination means (CPU 10 for determining a reduction ratio for constructing print data for one page according to the number of columns set by
4), and control means (by the functional processing of the CPU 104) for controlling the reduction / expansion of the bitmap data expanded by the expanding means in the storage means based on the reduction ratio determined by the determining means. Is provided, and based on the reduction rate determined by the determination means for determining the reduction rate for constructing the print data for one page according to the number of columns set by the setting means, the control means causes the expansion means to By controlling the reduction and expansion of the bitmap data to be expanded in the storage means, it is possible to reduce and print the print data for a plurality of pages arranged in columns of vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows as the print data of one page.

The present invention resides in that the above-mentioned column printing function is provided on the side of a printing device such as a printer to save paper resources and enhance printing efficiency. Hereinafter, the column printing method will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Will be described with reference to.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of the multi-column printing method of the printing apparatus according to the present invention. In addition,
(1) to (9) show each step.

First, when the user wants to perform column printing, it is determined whether column printing is selected from the menu of the printing apparatus (1). If NO, the process proceeds to step (7) and thereafter, and if YES. For example, it is determined whether or not the original print data is horizontal writing (2), and if NO, vertical writing is selected (3), and the process proceeds to step (4) and thereafter.

Next, in order to set the column structure, in step (4), for example, by default, horizontal writing: vertical 2 columns and horizontal 1 row column setting, vertical writing: vertical 1 column and horizontal 2 rows column setting. Then, it is judged whether the default is selected (4), N
If it is O, that is, if it is desired to make a column other than the default column of vertical P columns and horizontal X rows, enter P and Q (5), and proceed to step (6) and subsequent steps.

Next, an appropriate reduction rate is set at the time of expanding the bitmap according to the selected or input column (6).

As a result, in the case of the example of FIG. 2, half of one page can be printed sufficiently, so that two pages of the original print data are horizontally written on one page: two columns vertically, one column horizontally and one column at the same size. Just configure it.

In the case of the example shown in FIG. 3, horizontal writing:
It will be further configured if the column is arranged in two columns and one row and the reduction ratio is 70%. In addition, if you want to print the image in Figure 4,
Horizontal writing: Columns with two columns vertically and two rows horizontally may be configured with a reduction rate of 50%. Up to this point, once the configuration of columns and the reduction ratio have been determined, once the original print data of several character code pages is converted into RA images by software using the images of FIGS.
One page printing is constructed in the work area on M103 (7).

Next, according to the data, the photo data corresponding to each character code is reduced (or scaled) according to the set reduction ratio and developed into a bitmap image of one page (8). Needless to say, vertical writing data can be printed in columns in the same manner. Next, the transfer unit 107 transfers the developed column image to the printing unit 108, performs column printing for the designated number of pages (9), and ends the process.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each step of the seventh invention and its action will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.

A seventh aspect of the invention is a storage unit (R) for storing a bitmap image to be output to the printing unit (printing unit 108).
AM 103) and a multi-column printing method of a printing apparatus having an input unit for inputting print data from a host, the print data for a plurality of pages input from this input unit are provided in a predetermined vertical P column x A setting step (step (5) in FIG. 5) for setting the number of columns for developing columns in horizontal Q lines, and the number of columns set from the print data of a plurality of pages input from the input means. According to the data construction step (step (7) in FIG. 5) for constructing print data for one page, a plurality of pages of the print data are stored in the storage means based on the constructed print data for one page. An expansion step of expanding the bitmap in columns and rows (step (8) in FIG. 5) and a transfer step of transferring the bitmap data expanded in the storage means to the printing unit (step (8) in FIG. 5). And run vertically It is possible to perform a process of printing print data of a plurality of pages arranged in columns of P columns × Q rows as print data of one page in a programmable manner. [Second Embodiment] FIG. 6 is a view for explaining another column printing method in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

In the first embodiment, when the character code data is expanded from the host computer into a bit map image, the information to be received is the character code.
The case where the process of constructing the one-page developed image is required has been described. However, as shown in FIG. 6, when the print data transferred from the host is bitmap data, each page reduction rate is reduced by 70%. While writing horizontally on one page: R in bitmap data in a column image with columns in two columns and one row
It is directly built on the AM 103 and then transferred to the printing unit 108. [Third Embodiment] FIGS. 7 and 8 are views for explaining still another multi-column printing method in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

In the first embodiment, print data transferred from the host is processed by software to construct one page of character code data, and the expansion unit 105 and the transfer unit 107 generate bitmap data. Although the case of transferring and printing has been described, in FIG. 7, first, two pages of print data transferred from the host are bitmap-expanded, and formally serial numbers are given to each line across the expanded two pages. 1 → 5 → 2 → 6 → when transferring to the print section of
By alternately transferring in the order of 3 → 7 → 4 → 8, it is also possible to print in a set column configuration, that is, in the case of this example, vertical 2 horizontal 1 column configuration.
If reduction processing is necessary, the data is transferred while being reduced to the set value.

FIG. 8 shows a case of printing in a vertical 2-horizontal 2-column composition. Similarly, if serial numbers for four pages are given, 1 → 5 → 9 → 13 → 2 → 6 → 10 → 14 at the time of transfer. → 3 → 7 →
Printing is performed by randomly transferring in the order of 11 → 15 → 4 → 8 → 12 → 16. (In this case, the reduction rate is 50
Needless to say, vertical writing data can be printed in columns in the same manner.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the third and fourth inventions and their functions will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 7, 8 and the like.

A third aspect of the invention is a storage means (RAM 10) for storing a plurality of pages of bitmap images to be output to the printing section.
3), an input unit (input unit 101) for inputting print data from the host, and a plurality of pages of print data input from the input unit are arranged in a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows in the same page. Setting means (operation unit 109) for setting the number of columns for group expansion, and data construction means (depending on the function of the CPU 104) for constructing print data of each page from the print data of a plurality of pages input from the input means. ), Expansion means (expansion section 105) for expanding the print data of each page constructed by the data construction means into the storage means, and bits of each page rasterized in the storage means by the development means. A transfer unit (transfer unit 107) that transfers the map data to the printing unit, and a transfer unit that transfers the bitmap data of each page transferred by the transfer unit based on the number of columns set by the setting unit. Transfer control means for controlling the sequence (C
(Depending on the functional processing of the PU 104), and the input unit 101
The number of columns for developing the print data for a plurality of pages input from the column in the same page by a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows is set by the operation unit 109, and further input from the input unit 101. The print data of each page constructed by the CPU 104 which constructs the print data of each page from the print data of a plurality of pages is expanded by the expanding means into the storage means, respectively.
The transfer unit 1 based on the set number of columns in which the PU 104 is set.
It is possible to control the transfer order of the bitmap data of each page transferred by 07, and to efficiently print the print data for a plurality of pages arranged in columns of vertical P columns x horizontal Q rows as one page of print data. And

A fourth aspect of the invention is a storage unit (RAM 103) for storing a plurality of pages of bitmap images output to the printing unit (printing unit 108) and an input unit (input unit 101) for inputting bitmap data from the host. ) And setting means for setting the number of columns for expanding the bit map data for a plurality of pages input from this input means in a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows within the same page (operation unit 109). ) And the bit map data of a plurality of pages input from the input means in the storage means, respectively.
5), a transfer unit (transfer unit 107) for transferring the bitmap data of each page expanded in the storage unit by the expanding unit to the printing unit, and the number of columns set by the setting unit. A transfer control means (CPU 104) for controlling the transfer order of the bitmap data of each page transferred by the transfer means based on the above is provided, and the bitmap data for a plurality of pages input from the input unit 101 is predetermined within the same page. When the number of columns for developing the columns in the vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows is set by the operation unit 109, the bitmap data of a plurality of pages input from the input unit 101 is expanded by the expansion unit 105.
Are expanded in the RAM 103 and the transfer order of the bitmap data of each page transferred by the transfer unit 107 is controlled by the CPU 104 based on the set number of columns, and the vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows are formed. This makes it possible to efficiently print a plurality of columns of bitmap data as one page of bitmap data. [Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the essential structure of the printing unit 108 shown in FIG. 1, which corresponds to a laser beam printer.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when it is desired to print in a column configuration of vertical 2 columns and horizontal 2 rows, the bitmap expansion of each page is expanded with an image of a quarter of the output result of FIG. . Next, when the printing of the first page is completed, the rollers for feeding are switched from forward rotation (right to left) to reverse rotation (left to right) to return the printing paper to the original reference position. By repeating this operation four times, as a result, control may be performed so as to obtain the output result of the column configuration as shown in FIG.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the fifth and sixth inventions and their functions will be described below with reference to FIGS.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is a storage unit (RAM 103) for storing one page of a bitmap image output to the printing unit (printing unit 108) and an input unit (input unit 101) for inputting print data from the host. And a plurality of pages of print data input from the input means are printed in a predetermined vertical P on the same page.
Setting means (operation unit 109) for setting the number of columns for column expansion by columns × horizontal Q rows, and expansion means (expansion section) for expanding the bitmap image based on the print data of each page in the storage means. 105) and a transfer unit (transfer unit 10) for transferring the bitmap data of each page expanded in the storage unit by the expansion unit to the printing unit.
7) and the printing unit is controlled so that the bitmap data of each page sequentially transferred from the transfer unit based on the number of columns set by the setting unit is printed on the same recording medium a number of columns. And a print control means (CPU 104) for controlling the number of columns for expanding the print data for a plurality of pages input from the input unit 101 into columns in a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows within the same page. After being set by the unit 109, the bitmap image based on the print data of each page is expanded by the developing unit 105.
When the image data is expanded in the RAM 103 by the CPU, the CPU 104 prints the bitmap data of each page sequentially transferred from the transfer unit 107 based on the set number of columns on the same recording medium a number of columns. Control unit, vertical P rows ×
It is possible to print the print data for a plurality of pages arranged in a row of Q rows as print data for one page efficiently and at high speed.

A sixth aspect of the invention is a storage unit (RAM 103) for storing one page of a bitmap image output to the printing unit (printing unit 108) and an input unit (input unit 101) for inputting bitmap data from the host. ) And setting means for setting the number of columns for printing the bit map data for a plurality of pages input from the input means in a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows within the same page (operation unit 109). ), And expansion means (expansion section 105) for expanding the bitmap data of each page in the storage means, respectively, and the bitmap data of each page expanded in the storage means by the expansion means to the printing section. Transfer means for transferring (transfer unit 107)
And printing for controlling the printing unit so that the bitmap data of each page sequentially transferred from the transfer means based on the number of columns set by the setting means is printed on the same recording medium by the number of columns. A control unit (CPU 104) is provided, and the number of columns for expanding the bit map data for a plurality of pages input from the input unit 101 into columns in a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows within the same page is the operation unit. After being set by 109,
When the bitmap image of each page is expanded in the storage means by the expansion unit 105, the CPU 104 records the same bitmap data of each page sequentially transferred from the transfer unit 107 based on the set number of columns. The printing unit 108 is controlled so as to print several columns on the medium, and vertical P rows ×
It is possible to efficiently print a plurality of pages of bitmap data arranged in a row of Q rows as one page of bitmap data efficiently and at high speed.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

[0053]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention
According to the invention, when the setting means sets the number of columns for developing the print data for a plurality of pages input from the input means into a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows in the same page. The data construction unit constructs print data for one page from the input print data of a plurality of pages according to the set number of columns, and the expansion unit stores the print data for one page based on the constructed print data for one page. The print data of a plurality of pages is bitmap-developed in the storage means by a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows, and the bitmap data thus bitmap-developed is transferred to the printing unit. It is possible to print the print data for a plurality of pages arranged in Q rows as print data for one page.

According to the second invention, based on the reduction rate determined by the determination means for determining the reduction rate for constructing the print data for one page according to the number of columns set by the setting means, Since the control means controls the reduction / expansion of the bitmap data expanded by the expansion means in the storage means, the print data for a plurality of pages arranged in columns of vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows is reduced as one page of print data. Can be printed.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the print data for a plurality of pages input from the input means are provided in a predetermined vertical P columns × x in the same page.
The number of columns for developing columns in horizontal Q rows is set by the setting means, and further constructed by the data construction means for constructing print data of each page from the print data of a plurality of pages input from the input means. When the expansion unit expands the print data of each page into the storage unit, the control unit controls the transfer order of the bitmap data of each page transferred by the transfer unit based on the number of columns set by the setting unit. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently print a plurality of pages of print data arranged in columns of vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows as print data for one page.

According to the fourth invention, the number of columns for expanding the bit map data for a plurality of pages input from the input means into a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows within the same page is set. When set by the means, the expansion means expands the bitmap data of a plurality of pages input from the input means in the storage means, respectively, and the transfer means transfers it based on the set number of columns. The transfer control means controls the transfer order of the bitmap data of each page, and the bitmap data for a plurality of pages arranged in columns of vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows can be efficiently printed as the bitmap data of one page. You can

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the print data for a plurality of pages input from the input means are provided in a predetermined vertical P columns × x in the same page.
After the number of columns for developing columns in horizontal Q rows is set by the setting means, when the bitmap image based on the print data of each page is developed in the storage means by the developing means,
Based on the set number of columns, the print control unit controls the printing unit to print the bitmap data of each page sequentially transferred from the transfer unit on the same recording medium a number of columns, The print data for a plurality of pages arranged in columns of P columns × Q rows can be efficiently printed at high speed as print data of one page.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the number of columns for expanding the bit map data for a plurality of pages input from the input means into a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows within the same page is set. After being set by the means, when the bit map image of each page is developed in the storage means by the developing means, each page to which the print control means is sequentially transferred from the transfer means based on the set number of columns. Since the printing unit is controlled so as to print the bitmap data of the same number of columns on the same recording medium, the bitmap data for a plurality of pages arranged in columns of vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows can be used as a bit of one page. Efficient as map data,
And it can print at high speed.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the print data for a plurality of pages input from the input means are provided in a predetermined vertical P columns × x in the same page.
The number of columns for developing columns in horizontal Q rows is set, and one page of print data is constructed according to the set number of columns from the print data of a plurality of pages input from the input means. Bitmap expansion of the print data of a plurality of pages in a predetermined column × horizontal row in the storage unit based on the constructed print data for one page, and the bitmap data expanded in the storage unit to the printing unit. Since it will be transferred, vertical P columns x
It is possible to programmatically execute a process of printing the print data for a plurality of pages arranged in a horizontal Q row as print data for one page.

Therefore, it is possible to efficiently print the print data or the bit map data, which is hardly output on one page of the printing paper, on one page efficiently and to save valuable paper resources.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of column output mode in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of column output mode in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a column output mode example in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a multi-column printing method for a printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another multi-column printing method in the printing apparatus according to the invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating still another multi-column printing method in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating still another multi-column printing method in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a main part of the printing unit illustrated in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 Input Unit 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 CPU 105 Expansion Unit 106 Reduction Unit 107 Transfer Unit 108 Printing Unit 109 Operation Unit

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A storage unit for storing a bitmap image to be output to a printing unit, an input unit for inputting print data from a host, and a plurality of pages of print data input from the input unit in the same page. Setting means for setting the number of columns for expanding columns by a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows, and the number of columns set by the setting means from the print data of a plurality of pages input from the input means. According to the data construction means for constructing print data for one page, and based on the print data for one page constructed by this data construction means, the print data of a plurality of pages is stored in the storage means in a predetermined vertical P rows × horizontal direction. Q
A printing apparatus comprising: a developing means for developing a bitmap in a row; and a transferring means for transferring the bitmap data bitmap-developed in the storage means by the developing means to a printing section. 2. A deciding means for deciding a reduction rate for constructing print data for one page according to the number of columns set by the setting means, and the expansion based on the reduction rate decided by the deciding means. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling reduction and expansion of bitmap data expanded in the storage means. 3. A storage unit for storing a plurality of pages of bitmap images to be output to a printing unit, an input unit for inputting print data from a host, and the same print data for a plurality of pages input from this input unit. Predetermined vertical P rows x horizontal Q in a page
Setting means for setting the number of columns for expanding columns in rows,
Data constructing means for constructing print data of each page from the print data of a plurality of pages input from the input means, and expanding means for expanding the print data of each page constructed by the data constructing means into the storage means. A transfer means for transferring the bitmap data of each page, which has been bit-mapped in the storage means by the expanding means, to the printing section; and the transfer means for transferring based on the number of columns set by the setting means. And a transfer control unit that controls the transfer order of the bitmap data of each page. 4. A storage unit for storing a plurality of pages of bitmap images to be output to a printing unit, an input unit for inputting bitmap data from a host, and a plurality of pages of bitmap data input from the input unit. Setting means for setting the number of columns for developing columns in a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows in the same page, and the bit map data of a plurality of pages input from the input means in the storage means. Based on the expansion means for expanding each, the transfer means for transferring the bitmap data of each page expanded in the storage means by the expansion means to the printing section, and the number of columns set by the setting means. A printing apparatus comprising: a transfer control unit that controls a transfer order of bitmap data of each page transferred by the transfer unit. 5. A storage means for storing one page of a bitmap image to be output to a printing section, an input means for inputting print data from a host, and a plurality of pages of print data input from the input means are the same. Setting means for setting the number of columns for developing columns in a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows within a page, and developing means for developing a bitmap image based on print data of each page in the storage means. A transfer means for transferring the bitmap data of each page bitmap-developed in the storage means by the developing means to the printing section, and a sequential transfer from the transfer means based on the number of columns set by the setting means. And a print control unit that controls the printing unit to print the bitmap data of each page on the same recording medium several times in multiple columns. 6. A storage unit for storing one page of a bitmap image to be output to a printing unit, an input unit for inputting bitmap data from a host, and a plurality of pages of bitmap data input from the input unit. Setting means for setting the number of columns for column printing in a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows on the same page, and expanding means for expanding the bit map data of each page into the storage means. Transfer means for transferring the bit map data of each page bit-map expanded in the storage means by the expanding means to the printing unit, and sequentially transferred from the transfer means based on the number of columns set by the setting means. A printing apparatus comprising: a print control unit that controls the printing unit so that the bitmap data of each page is printed on the same recording medium for several columns. 7. A multi-column printing method for a printing apparatus, comprising: a storage unit that stores a bitmap image output to a printing unit; and an input unit that inputs print data from a host. From the setting step of setting the number of columns for developing the print data for one page in a predetermined vertical P columns × horizontal Q rows within the same page, and the print data of a plurality of pages input from the input means. A data construction step of constructing print data for one page according to the set number of columns, and a predetermined column of print data of a plurality of pages in the storage means based on the constructed print data for one page. A multi-column printing method for a printing apparatus, comprising: a development step of developing a bitmap in a horizontal row; and a transfer step of transferring the bitmap data expanded in the storage means to a printing section.