JPH0969032A - Information processing apparatus, printing apparatus, printing system, and data processing method of printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to significantly speed up print image development processing using a specific function corresponding to an application running on the information processing apparatus side. A notification unit notifies a printer of function information held in a RAM 2 based on an application switching confirmation result of a CPU 1, and a host computer 300.
Function frequency storage means 101 for storing predetermined function information notified every time the application program is switched from 0
The specific function information read from the storage means on the basis of the function information stored in is stored in the specific function storage means 100, and the host computer 3000 recognizes the switching of the application program based on the function information notified from the host computer 3000. Each time, the optimum specific function information is stored in the specific function storage means 100.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing device capable of communicating with an information processing device and a printing device via a predetermined interface, a printing device, a printing system, and a data processing method of the printing system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a printer using a parallel interface, a printing method in which an image in a page is drawn in a page description format at a printing device side before printing and then printing is performed, the image in the page is printed. Store the function for developing in the device in a non-volatile storage device such as ROM,
When the host computer transmits a drawing command, after receiving the command, a necessary function (program) is read from the nonvolatile memory device and executed.

Further, in a printer of a system using a ROM which is generally used as a non-volatile storage device, a RAM (Random Access Memory) which is a volatile storage device having a faster access speed than the non-volatile storage device for image development. ) Is provided.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a conventional printing system.

In the figure, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer, which executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program written in a program ROM of the ROM 3. To do C
The CPU 1 is provided with the PU 1 and controls each device connected to the system device 4 in a centralized manner.

Also, the ROM for the program of the ROM 3
Stores a control program of the CPU 1 and the like.
The font ROM of the ROM stores the font data and the like used when the above document processing is performed, and the data R of the ROM 3
The OM stores various data (for example, the physical address of each controller).

A RAM 2 functions as a main memory and a work area of the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls key inputs from the keyboard 9 and a pointing device (not shown). A CRT controller (CRTC) 6 controls display on the CRT display 10.

A memory controller (MC) 7 controls access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) floppy disk (FD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files and the like. To do. Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer controller (PRTC), which is connected to the printer 1500 via a predetermined interface 21 and is connected to the printer 150.
A communication control process with 0 is executed.

In the printer 1500, 12 is a printer CPU, which is various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program stored in a program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program stored in an external memory 14. Access control is performed comprehensively, and an image signal as output information is output to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via the printing unit interface 16.

The program ROM of the ROM 13
Stores a control program of the CPU 12 and the like. RO
The font ROM of M13 stores font data and the like used when generating the output information, and the data ROM of the ROM 13 stores an external memory 14 such as a hard disk.
In the case of a printer having no printer, information used on the host computer is stored.

The CPU 12 can communicate with the host computer via the input unit 18, and can notify the host computer 3000 of the information in the printer. Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, etc. of the CPU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown).

The RAM 19 is an output information expansion area,
It is used as an environment data storage area, NVRAM, and the like.
The access to the external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) and an IC card is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. An operation panel 1501 includes switches for operation, an LED display, and the like.

The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, but at least one external memory is provided, and in addition to the built-in font, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages are connected. It may be configured to be capable. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store the printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1501.

The operation of the host computer in the conventional printer control system having the above-mentioned configuration is shown from the part relating to printing. When there is an input in the input waiting state in the main operation, the input is performed according to the procedure shown in FIGS. Performs processing and printing processing.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of an input processing procedure by the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (4) indicate each step.

First, when there is an input from the keyboard 9 or the like,
The input processing operation is started, it is confirmed whether the input instruction content is print input (1), and if it is determined that the input is not print input, normal processing is performed (4) and the input processing is ended.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the input was print input, a print command and data are created (2). Then, the command or data is transferred to the printer 1500 (3), and the process is ended.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of the main processing procedure of the printer 1500 shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (3) indicate each step.

First, after turning on the power and resetting, an initialization operation is performed (1), and it is confirmed whether or not there is a print input (2). If there is no print input, the above confirmation is repeated until a print input is received.

When a print input is made in step (2), a print processing routine described later is started (2), and when the print processing is completed, the process returns to step (2) to enter the print input standby state.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the detailed procedure of the conventional print processing routine shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

First, it is confirmed whether the image is an output image of image data (1), and if it is determined that the output is started, the printing unit (engine) 17 is started (2) and the image data is output (3). ), And the printing process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the output of image data has not started, it is confirmed whether or not the function is read (4). If it is confirmed that the function is read, the command execution function is read. (5) from the ROM 13 and if it is confirmed that the function is not read, execution or processing is performed without reading the function (6), and the process returns to step (1) to confirm whether or not image data output is started.

In this way, the above operation is repeated until the image data output is started, and the image data is output, thereby ending the printing operation.

The print image creation time varies depending on the content of the print document, but can be expressed by the following equation.

Print image creation time = (read time of function to be used) × (number of types) + (read time of characters to be used) × (number of types) + (execution time) Now, one printed matter is printed by the conventional printing method. In the case of the document A in which the type of characters used in the print document is 1000 characters, the time required to create the print image data is (0) × (0) + (10) × (1000) +
(2000) = 12000 (μsec).

Further, in the case of the document B in which the print contents include a figure, the number of drawing functions used is 100 and the number of characters used is 100, so (15) × (10) + (10) ×
(10) + (10000) = 10250 (μsec).

Here, the execution time is the execution time of the expansion processing to the specified position for the character, and the expansion processing time to the specified range for the drawing function. ) Is not particularly fixed because it depends on the function read and used. Here it is as above.

There is also a device in which the contents read from the ROM 3 as described above can be stored in a specific portion of the RAM 2 area. However, after the printing operation is once performed and the contents are read from the ROM 3, the same characters and functions are reproduced. Characters and functions were used from the RAM 2 only when the used print was applied.

[0030]

In the conventional printing system described above, since the character data or the function is read from the ROM 13 or the like, which is not the storage device that can be accessed in the printing device at the fastest speed, the printing device is used. There is a problem that the printing processing time becomes longer than that in the case where the printing image development is performed only by the storage device that can be accessed fastest.

Further, in a printing apparatus in which the character data and functions once read out are held in a storage device that can be accessed at the fastest speed, when the application is switched on the host computer side, the function at the time of the previous printing is changed to the next application. Since it is not known whether or not it is also used for printing from the printer, there is also a problem that it is not possible to guarantee whether processing can be performed in the same time as when the image for printing is developed only by the storage device that can be accessed fastest in the printer.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the first to sixth inventions of the present invention is to capture a function required for rasterization by capturing switching of application programs. By controlling rewriting of information using the access storage medium at the fastest speed, it is possible to significantly speed up print image expansion processing using a specific function corresponding to an application running on the information processing apparatus side An apparatus, a printing system, and a data processing method for the printing system.

[0033]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined interface, a predetermined method for expanding output information based on each application program is provided. Function information storage means for storing function information, holding means for reading and holding predetermined function information corresponding to each switching of application programs from the function information storage means, and confirmation means for confirming the switching state of the application program, And a notifying unit for notifying the printing device of the function information held in the holding unit based on the confirmation result of the confirmation unit.

A second invention according to the present invention stores a specific function for rasterizing output information output from the information processing apparatus in a printing apparatus capable of communicating with the information processing apparatus via a predetermined interface. Storage means,
First storage means for storing predetermined function information notified from the information processing device each time the application program is switched, and identification read from the storage means based on the function information stored in the first storage means. A second storage unit for storing function information, and rasterizes output information transferred from the information processing apparatus with reference to the specific function information stored in the second storage unit. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the first and second storage means are constituted by a memory medium having a memory access speed different from that of the storage means.

A fourth invention according to the present invention is predetermined function information for expanding output information based on each application program in a printing system in which an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus can communicate with each other via a predetermined interface. A function information storage unit that stores the function information, a holding unit that reads and holds predetermined function information corresponding to each switching of the application program from the function information storage unit, a confirmation unit that confirms the switching state of the application program, and the confirmation. An information processing device having a notification device for notifying the printing device of the function information held in the holding device based on the confirmation result of the device, and a specification for rasterizing output information output from the information processing device A storage means for storing a function and an application program from the information processing device. First storage means for storing predetermined function information notified each time the RAM is switched, and first storage means for storing specific function information read from the storage means based on the function information stored in the first storage means A printing device having two storage units is provided, and the output information transferred from the information processing device is rasterized by referring to the specific function information stored in the second storage unit.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is, in a data processing method of a printing system in which an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus can communicate with each other, a confirmation step of confirming a switching state of the application program, and a confirmation step based on the confirmation result. Rewriting step of rewriting the function information held in the first storage medium to other function information stored in the second storage medium, and a notification notifying the printing device of the rewritten other function information And a process.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in a data processing method of a printing system in which an information processing device and a printing device can communicate with each other, the predetermined function information notified from the information processing device every time the application program is switched is sent. First
And a second storing step of storing the specific function information read from the second storage medium on the basis of the stored function information, and the specific function information. And rasterizing the output information transferred from the information processing apparatus.

[0039]

In the first invention, the notifying means notifies the printing device of the function information held in the holding means based on the confirmation result of the confirmation means for confirming the switching state of the application program, and the information processing is performed. Even if the application program is switched on the device side, it is possible to make the printing device surely recognize the optimum function information for the switched application program.

In the second invention, the information processing device reads out from the storage means based on the function information stored in the first storage means for storing predetermined function information notified each time the application program is switched. The specific function information is stored in the second storage means, and the optimum specific function information is stored in the second storage means each time the application program switching is recognized from the information processing device to obtain the optimum specific function. It is possible to prepare for rasterization processing of output information based on the above.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the first and second memory elements are configured with a memory medium having a different memory access speed than the storage means.
Based on the function information stored in the first storage means for storing predetermined function information notified to the second storage means each time the application program is switched from the information processing device, the information is read from the storage means. When the specific function information is stored in the second storage means and the application program switching is recognized from the information processing device,
Second, which can access the optimum specific function information with the fastest memory
The output information based on the optimum specific function can be rasterized at high speed.

In the fourth invention, the notifying means notifies the function information held in the holding means to the printing device based on the confirmation result of the confirmation means for confirming the switching state of the application program, and the information is transmitted. The specific function information read from the storage means based on the function information stored in the first storage means for storing the predetermined function information notified each time the application program is switched from the processing device is stored in the second storage means. Then, every time the application program switching is recognized from the information processing device based on the function information notified from the information processing device, the optimum specific function information is stored in the second storage means,
It is possible to prepare for the rasterizing process of the output information based on the optimum specific function.

In the fifth invention, the switching state of the application program is confirmed, and based on the confirmation result, the function information held in the first storage medium is changed to another function stored in the second storage medium. The information is rewritten to information, the rewritten other function information is notified to the printing apparatus, and the switching state of the application program to be switched and the function information for performing the optimum rasterizing process for the switched application program are printed. It is possible to automate the process of making the robot recognize at an appropriate timing.

In the sixth invention, the predetermined function information notified from the information processing apparatus each time the application program is switched is stored in the first storage medium, and the second function information is stored based on the stored function information. The specific function information read from the storage medium is stored, the output information transferred from the information processing device is rasterized by referring to the specific function information, and optimal every time the information processing device recognizes application program switching. It is possible to replace the specific function information in the second storage means and automate the process of rasterizing.

[0045]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a printing system showing an embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in FIG. 6 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, 102 is an application confirmation means provided on the side of the host computer 3000, which recognizes the current application used by the host computer 3000, notifies the printing apparatus 1500, and switching information indicating the switching state of the application. Is notified to the printing apparatus 1500 via a part of the RAM 2 that holds the data or a part of the external memory 11.

The storage means for holding the switching information is
Not limited to the above, using a dedicated read / write storage device,
Furthermore, a dedicated signal line may be assigned to the notification to the printing device, or the state of the conventional signal line may be changed to a special state.

Reference numeral 101 denotes a function frequency storing means, which stores the function frequency corresponding to the application specified by the application confirming means 102 and can recognize any application switching notification, and may use a dedicated storage device. Good, you may use a part of ROM13, R
It may be a part of the AM 19 or a part of the external memory 14.

Reference numeral 100 denotes a specific function storage means, which stores a function having a high frequency information stored in the function frequency storage means 101 and which can be read out at the fastest speed in the printing apparatus capable of recognizing application switching. As long as it is any, it may be a part of the RAM 19 or a dedicated storage device.

Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the specific function storage means 1
00 is provided in, for example, a part of the RAM 19 in the printer 1500, the RAM 19 can be accessed in half the access time of the ROM 13. Therefore, the print image creation time (unit of time is μsec) is as follows.

For example, in the case of the document A in which the type of characters used is 1000, the time required to create the printing image data is (0) × (0) + (5) × (1000) +
(2000) = 11,000, and when compared with the conventional case, the time of “12000” was shortened by “1000”.

Similarly, in the case of the document B in which the print contents include graphics, the drawing functions used are 10 types and the number of characters used is "100", so (7.5) × (10) +
(5) × (10) + (10000) = 10125, which is shortened by “125” from “10250” as compared with the conventional case.

Here, the execution time depends on the function to be used and is not particularly fixed, but it does not change when compared with the conventional example, so the above is described here.

When the application is switched, the function frequency storage means 101 in the printing apparatus is rewritten with the information from the application confirmation means 102 and stored in the specific function storage means 100 before the print command arrives. Since the function to be changed is also switched, it is guaranteed that the print image creation time is always obtained at the above speed.

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

The first invention is a predetermined interface 21.
In an information processing device (host computer 3000) capable of communicating with a printing device (printer 1500) via
Function information storage means (external memory 11) for storing predetermined function information for expanding output information based on each application program, and predetermined function information corresponding to each switching of the application program are read from the function information storage means. Holding means (RAM2)
A confirmation means for confirming the switching state of the application program (by the confirmation function processing of the CPU 1), and a notification means for notifying the printing device of the function information held in the holding means based on the confirmation result of the confirmation means. (PRTC8) is provided, and the PRTC 8 notifies the printer 1500 of the function information held in the RAM 2 based on the confirmation result of the CPU 1 that confirms the switching state of the application program, and the host computer 300
Even if the application program is switched on the 0 side, it is possible to make the printer 1500 surely recognize the optimum function information for the switched application program.

The second invention is a predetermined interface 21.
In a printing apparatus that can communicate with a host computer 3000 via a storage unit (ROM 13) that stores a specific function for rasterizing output information output from the information processing apparatus, and an application program switch from the information processing apparatus. First storage means (function frequency storage means 10) for storing the predetermined function information notified to the user.
1) and second storage means (specific function storage means 100) for storing the specific function information read from the storage means based on the function information stored in the first storage means, The specific function information read from the ROM 13 is stored in the specific function storage means 100 based on the function information stored in the function frequency storage means 101 for storing the predetermined function information notified each time the application program is switched from the information processing apparatus. Thus, each time the host computer 3000 recognizes the switching of the application program, the optimum specific function information is stored in the second storage means to prepare for the rasterizing process of the output information based on the optimum specific function. .

The third aspect of the present invention relates to the first and second storage means (specific function storage means 100, function frequency storage means 101) constituted by memory media having different memory access speeds than the storage means (ROM 13). The specific function storage unit reads the specific function information read from the storage unit on the basis of the function information stored in the function frequency storage unit 101 that stores predetermined function information notified by the information processing apparatus every time the application program is switched. 100, the optimum specific function information is stored in the fastest specific memory accessible specific function storing means 100 each time the information processing device recognizes the switching of the application program, and the output information based on the optimum specific function is stored. Enables high-speed rasterization processing.

The fourth aspect of the present invention is a predetermined interface 21.
In a printing system in which a printing device (printer 1500) and an information processing device (host computer 3000) can communicate with each other via a function, function information storage means for storing predetermined function information for expanding output information based on each application program. (External memory 11), holding means (RAM2) for reading and holding predetermined function information corresponding to each switching of application program from the function information storage means, and confirmation means for confirming the switching state of the application program (of CPU 1). Information processing device), and a notification unit (PRTC8) for notifying the printing device of the function information held in the holding unit based on the confirmation result of the confirmation unit. A special feature for rasterizing the output information output from Storage means for storing a function (ROM
13), a first storage means (function frequency storage means 101) for storing predetermined function information notified from the information processing device each time the application program is switched, and the function stored in the first storage means. A second for storing the specific function information read from the storage means based on the information
And a printing device (printer 1500) having a storage unit (specific function storage unit 100) for storing the function information held in the RAM 2 by the notification unit based on the confirmation result of the CPU 1 that confirms the switching state of the application program. Notifying the printing device, host computer 3
Function storing means 1 for storing the predetermined function information notified by 000 every time the application program is switched.
The specific function information read out from the storage means based on the function information stored in 01 is stored in the specific function storage means 100.
Every time the host computer 3000 recognizes the application program switching based on the function information notified from the host computer 3000,
It is possible to store the optimum specific function information in the specific function storage means 100 to prepare for the rasterizing process of the output information based on the optimum specific function.

Main processing of the host computer 3000 in the printing system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing an example of the main processing procedure of the host computer 3000 in the printing system according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (5) indicate each step.

The host computer 3000 is powered on
Then, the initialization operation is performed (1), the input reception state is set (2), if there is no input, the state is kept as it is, and if there is an input, an input processing routine is performed (3), and an error after input processing If it is confirmed (4) that there is an error, predetermined error processing is performed (5), and the process returns to step (2).

The input processing routine of the host computer 3000 in the printing system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of a detailed procedure of an input processing routine of the host computer 3000 in the printing system according to the present invention. In addition,
(1) to (7) show each step.

First, it is confirmed whether or not the application is switched (1), and when it is confirmed that the application is switched, the information of the application confirmation means 102 is rewritten (2).
Next, the application confirmation unit 102 notifies the printing apparatus 1500 of the information specifying the current application by the rewriting (3). The notification includes that the application has been switched. After this, the process returns to waiting for the input of the main operation.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that there is no application switching, it is confirmed whether or not it is print input (4). If it is confirmed that it is print input, a print command and data are created ( 5) Transfer to the printing device (6), and return to waiting for input of main operation.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step (4) that it is not a print input, normal processing is carried out (7) and the process returns to the input wait of the main operation.

The printer 1500 in the printing system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
The main processing of will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the main processing procedure of the printer 1500 in the printing system according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

When the power is turned on, initialization processing is performed (1). In the initialization operation of this embodiment, the CPU 12
Also stores initial values in the function frequency storage means 101 and the specific function storage means 100.

Then, it is confirmed whether or not the application is switched (2). When it is confirmed that the application is switched, the function frequency storage means 101 stores the information of the new application (3).

Then, the function stored in the specific function storage means 100 is switched (4) according to the information of the new application, and the process returns to the step (2) of confirming application switching.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step (2) that there is no switching, it is confirmed whether or not there is print input (5). If it is confirmed that there is print input, the print processing routine described later is executed (6 ), And return to step (2) of confirming application switching.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step (5) that there is no print input, the process returns to step (3) of application switching confirmation.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of a detailed procedure of the print processing routine shown in FIG. In addition,
(1) to (6) show each step.

First, it is confirmed whether or not the image data output is started (1). When it is confirmed that the image data output is started, the printing unit (engine) 17 is started (2) and the image data is output ( 3), the printing operation ends.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step (1) that the image data output is not started, it is confirmed whether or not the function is read (4). If it is confirmed that the function is read, the command execution function is stored in the specific function storage means. Reading is performed from 100 (5), execution and processing are performed (6), and the process returns to step (1) for confirming the start of image data output.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the function reading is not performed, execution or processing is performed (7), the process returns to step (1) for confirming the start of image data output, and the above operation is performed until the image data output start command comes. When the image is repeatedly output, the printing operation ends.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and the respective steps 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 data processing method for a printing system in which an information processing apparatus (host computer 3000) and a printing apparatus (printer 1500) can communicate with each other.
A confirmation step (step (1) in FIG. 3) of confirming the switching state of the application program, and the function information held in the first storage medium based on the confirmation result is stored in the second storage medium. A rewriting step of rewriting to other function information (step (2) of FIG. 3) and a notifying step of notifying the rewritten other function information to the printing apparatus (step (3) of FIG. 3) are executed. Thus, it is possible to automate the process of causing the printing apparatus to recognize the switching state of the application program to be switched and the function information for performing the optimum rasterizing process for the switched application program at an appropriate timing.

A sixth invention is a data processing method of a printing system, in which an information processing apparatus (host computer 3000) and a printing apparatus (printer 1500) can communicate with each other.
A first storage step (step (2) in FIG. 4, which stores the predetermined function information notified from the information processing device every time the application program is switched, in the first storage medium.
(3)) and the second based on the stored function information.
Storing specific function information read from the second storage medium
Storing step (step (4) in FIG. 4) and a rasterizing step (step (6) in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 in FIG. 5 for rasterizing output information transferred from the information processing device by referring to the specific function information). Steps (4) to (6)) are executed, and each time the information processing apparatus recognizes the switching of the application program, the optimum specific function information is exchanged in the second storage means and rasterized. Is possible.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one 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. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by downloading and reading a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0084]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, the notifying means notifies the printing device of the function information held in the holding means based on the confirmation result of the confirmation means for confirming the switching state of the application program. Even if the program is switched, the function information most suitable for the switched application program can be surely recognized by the printing apparatus.

According to the second invention, from the storage means based on the function information stored in the first storage means for storing the predetermined function information notified from the information processing apparatus every time the application program is switched. Since the read specific function information is stored in the second storage means, the optimum specific function information is stored in the second storage means each time the application program switching is recognized from the information processing device, and the optimum specific function is stored. It is possible to prepare for the rasterization processing of the output information based on.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus notifies the first and second storage means constituted by the memory medium having a memory access speed different from that of the storage means each time the application program is switched. Specific function information read from the storage means based on the function information stored in the first storage means for storing predetermined function information is stored in the second storage means, and the application program is switched from the information processing device. The optimum specific function information is stored in the second storage means capable of the fastest memory access every time when is recognized, so that the output information based on the optimum specific function can be rasterized at high speed.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the notifying means notifies the printing apparatus of the function information held in the holding means based on the confirmation result of the confirmation means for confirming the switching state of the application program. The specific function information read from the storage means based on the function information stored in the first storage means for storing the predetermined function information notified from the information processing apparatus each time the application program is switched is stored in the second storage means. Since the information is stored, the optimum specific function information is stored in the second storage means every time the application program switching is recognized from the information processing device based on the function information notified from the information processing device, and the optimum specific function is stored. It is possible to prepare for the rasterization processing of the output information based on.

According to the fifth invention, the switching state of the application program is confirmed, and based on the confirmation result, the function information held in the first storage medium is stored in the second storage medium. Since the function information is rewritten and the rewritten other function information is notified to the printing apparatus, the switching state of the application program to be switched and the function information for performing the optimum rasterizing process for the switched application program are printed. It is possible to automate the process of causing the device to recognize at an appropriate timing.

According to the sixth invention, the predetermined function information notified from the information processing apparatus each time the application program is switched is stored in the first storage medium, and the second function information is stored based on the stored function information. Since the specific function information read from the storage medium is stored and the output information transferred from the information processing device is rasterized by referring to the specific function information, each time the information processing device recognizes application program switching. The process of replacing the optimum specific function information in the second storage means and rasterizing it can be automated.

Therefore, it is possible to significantly speed up the print image development process using the specific function corresponding to the application running on the information processing apparatus side.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a main processing procedure of a host computer in the printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed procedures of an input processing routine of a host computer in the printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a main processing procedure of the printer in the printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of detailed procedures of the print processing routine illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional printing system.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of an input processing procedure by the host computer shown in FIG.

8 is a flowchart showing an example of a main processing procedure of the printer shown in FIG.

9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of detailed procedures of the conventional print processing routine illustrated in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 12 CPU 13 ROM 19 RAM 100 Specific Function Storage Means 101 Function Frequency Storage Means 102 Application Confirmation Means

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined interface, a function information storage unit for storing predetermined function information for expanding output information based on each application program, and an application program. Holding means for reading and holding predetermined function information corresponding to each switching from the function information storage means, confirmation means for confirming the switching state of the application program, and holding in the holding means based on the confirmation result of the confirmation means. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a notifying unit for notifying the printing apparatus of the generated function information. 2. A printing device capable of communicating with an information processing device via a predetermined interface, a storage means for storing a specific function for rasterizing output information output from the information processing device, and the information processing device. First storage means for storing predetermined function information notified each time the application program is switched from, and specific function information read from the storage means based on the function information stored in the first storage means. And a second storage unit for performing rasterization of output information transferred from the information processing apparatus by referring to the specific function information stored in the second storage unit. . 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first and second storage units are memory media having different memory access speeds than the storage unit. 4. A printing system in which an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus can communicate with each other via a predetermined interface,
Function information storage means for storing predetermined function information for expanding output information based on each application program, and holding means for reading out predetermined function information corresponding to each switching of the application program from the function information storage means and holding it. An information processing device having a confirmation means for confirming the switching state of the application program, and a notification means for notifying the printing device of the function information held in the holding means based on the confirmation result of the confirmation means, A storage unit that stores a specific function for rasterizing the output information output from the information processing apparatus, and a first function information storage unit that stores predetermined function information notified from the information processing apparatus every time the application program is switched.
And a second storage means for storing the specific function information read from the storage means based on the function information stored in the first storage means. The printing system, wherein the output information transferred from the information processing apparatus is rasterized by referring to the specific function information stored in the storage means. 5. A data processing method for a printing system in which an information processing device and a printing device can communicate with each other, and a confirmation step of confirming a switching state of the application program, and a storage in a first storage medium based on the confirmation result. A rewriting step of rewriting the rewritten function information to another function information stored in the second storage medium; and a notifying step of notifying the rewriting other function information to the printing apparatus. Data processing method for printing system. 6. A data processing method for a printing system in which an information processing device and a printing device can communicate with each other, wherein predetermined function information notified from the information processing device each time an application program is switched is stored in a first storage medium. First
Storing step of storing specific function information read from a second storage medium based on the stored function information, and transferring from the information processing device with reference to the specific function information. And a rasterizing step of rasterizing the output information to be output.