JPH10297058A - Print control apparatus, print control method, and storage medium storing computer-readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To continuously output a good image even if an image forming state changes without interrupting image forming processing. SOLUTION: A / CCRT signal 423 indicating the presence or absence of a state change based on each detection result detected by a sensor input unit 410 successively during image formation of a printer engine 105.
Is output to the printer controller 103, the CPU 309 in the printer controller 103 recognizes the type and change state of the individual processing of the printer engine 105,
It is characterized in that the most suitable image processing to be executed is selected based on the type and the change state of the recognized individual processing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention stores a print control apparatus, a print control method, and a computer readable program for expanding and outputting print information input from the outside into image data printable by a printing unit. It relates to a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printer controller and an engine controller of a printing apparatus of this type, for example, an electrophotographic printer using a laser (laser beam printer), are configured as shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a conventional print control apparatus.

In FIG. 16, reference numeral 501 denotes a printer controller which communicates with a host computer (not shown), receives image data, develops the received image data into information printable by a printer, and controls a printer engine which will be described later. It exchanges signals with the unit and performs serial communication.

A printer engine controller 502 exchanges signals with the printer controller 501 and controls each unit of the printer engine via serial communication. A sheet size detection unit 403 detects the size of a sheet in the cassette and transmits information to the engine control unit 503.

Reference numeral 404 denotes a paper feed unit paper presence / absence detection unit which detects the presence / absence of each paper feed port of a cassette, a manual feed, an optional cassette, and an envelope feeder, and transmits information to the engine control unit 503. Reference numeral 405 denotes an option presence / absence detection unit that checks the connection status of each option of the option cassette and the envelope feeder.

Reference numeral 406 denotes a paper transport control unit that controls paper transport. An optical system control unit 407 controls an optical system such as a scanner motor and a laser. Reference numeral 408 denotes a fixing unit temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the fixing unit, detects an abnormality in the fixing unit, and the like. An option control unit 409 controls the operation of the option unit. Reference numeral 410 denotes a sensor input unit.
Detects the presence or absence of paper in the transport path, such as discharge, double-sided, and reversal.

Next, signals between the printer controller 501 and the engine control unit 503 will be described.

Reference numeral 411 denotes a / CPRDY signal, which functions as a status signal indicating that the printer controller 501 can communicate with the engine control unit 503. 412
Is a / PPRD1 signal, which functions as a state signal indicating that the engine control unit 503 is in a standby state capable of communicating with the printer controller 501.

Reference numeral 413 denotes a / RDY signal, which functions as a state signal indicating that the engine control unit 503 is in a standby state in which printing can be performed. Reference numeral 414 denotes a / PRNT signal.
3 functions as a signal for issuing a print request. A / VSREQ signal 415 functions as a signal for the engine control unit 503 to request the printer controller 501 for a vertical synchronization signal.

Reference numeral 417 denotes a / BD signal, which is output from the engine control unit 5.
03 functions as a horizontal synchronization signal output to the printer controller 501. Reference numeral 418 denotes a / SCLK signal, which functions as a synchronous clock signal for serial communication. 4
Reference numeral 19 denotes a / CMD signal, which functions as a command signal for the printer controller 501 to instruct the engine control unit 503.

Reference numeral 420 denotes a / CBSY signal, which functions as a strobe signal for command output. 421 is ST
The S signal functions as a signal indicating a status inside the engine, which is output in response to a command from the printer controller 501. Reference numeral 422 denotes a / SBSY signal, which is a signal for status output.

When a status change, for example, when processing must be stopped (paper jam, etc.), the / RDY signal 413 is set to "FALSE", and the signal is used as a trigger to cause the printer controller 501 to detect an abnormality in the engine control unit 503 (paper jam). Printer controller 501 monitors the status by task polling in order to detect a status change not directly related to the / RDY413 signal.

The status change is recognized by the above method, and further, the status of the printer engine 502, the type of image to be output (for example, characters, graphics, bitmap images, etc.), the change with time, the type of recording medium, etc. Regardless of this, the same gamma correction method was used when determining the color characteristics during the same dither matrix or color printing.

[0015]

Since the conventional print control apparatus is configured as described above, if a problem occurs in the printer engine 502 such as a paper jam, / RDY is used.
Since the signal 413 always becomes "FALSE", the next process cannot be continued unless the problem that has occurred is solved.

Further, even if an error occurs, the next process cannot be continued unless error skipping or automatic error skipping is performed by the user, and the output is performed without correct printing even after the error skipping. There was sometimes. As described above, when a problem occurs in the printer main body, what can be dealt with on the controller side is considerably limited.

Further, the printer controller 501 cannot receive a signal only when the / RDY signal 413 satisfies the condition of "FALSE" in the status system, that is, the condition that the printer is not in a standby state. In order for the printer 501 to recognize status changes that are not directly related to the / RDY signal 413, the printer controller 501 must always read these statuses by task polling or the like, and the processing load on the printer controller 501 is high. There was a problem of becoming.

Further, when the same dither matrix and the same γ correction method are always used as in the prior art, the following (1) to
There was the problem (4).

(1) Since the status information of the printer engine is used exclusively for warning the user,
When the developer (toner) runs short, unless the toner cartridge is replaced and the toner is replenished,
The output image having a low density is continuously output.

(2) Regardless of the type of image to be output,
Since the same dither matrix is used, the quality of the image is reduced depending on the type.

(3) The gamma correction of the same gamma characteristic is performed irrespective of the change with time, so that the image quality of the output image deteriorates with the change with time.

(4) Since the same dither matrix is used irrespective of the type of recording medium, for example, when the recording medium is an OHP sheet, the transparency deteriorates, which causes inconvenience in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an image for continuous image output is recognized by recognizing, at an optimum timing, a state change to be recognized occurring during image forming processing. By reflecting the information in the processing, it is possible to continuously output a good image even if the image forming state fluctuates without interrupting the image forming processing, and identify the description format of the print information input from the outside to output the image. Control device, print control method, and computer that can continuously output a good image that is not affected by the description format of print information without interrupting the image forming process That is, to obtain a storage medium storing a program.

[0024]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided image forming means for executing a plurality of pre-assigned individual processes to form an image on a recording medium, and externally input print information. Image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on the image forming means to generate print data which can be output by the image forming means, state detecting means for sequentially detecting the state of the image forming means accompanying execution of each individual processing, State change information generating means for generating state change information indicating the presence or absence of a state change related to the image forming means based on each detection result detected by the state detecting means one after another during image formation by the means; State recognizing means for recognizing the type and change state of the individual information changing based on the state change information generated from the information generating means, and the type of individual processing recognized by the state recognizing means And said image processing means based on changing state in which a control means for selecting an optimal image processing to be performed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the state recognizing unit recognizes that the toner supply process has run out of toner, the image processing unit executes an optimal image. As the processing, a pseudo gradation processing corresponding to the toner density of the color defined by the insufficient toner is selected.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the pseudo gradation processing, each of the multi-valued images is converted into two by a dither matrix.
It is something to be valued.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the pseudo gradation process, a multi-valued image is multi-valued by a dither matrix.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus, the control means may determine that an optimum image to be executed by the image processing means when the state recognizing means recognizes that the toner supply process has run out of toner. As a process, a density designation process corresponding to a toner image of a color defined by the insufficient toner is selected.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, the control means may be configured to execute an optimum operation by the image processing means when the state recognition means recognizes that the black toner is insufficient due to the toner supply process. As the image processing, image processing in which the insufficient black toner is replaced with yellow, magenta, and cyan colors is selected.

In a seventh aspect according to the present invention, the control means executes the image processing means when the state recognizing means recognizes that the image forming means is undergoing a change with time. Image processing for correcting the γ-conversion characteristic is selected as the optimal image processing to be performed.

An eighth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the control means, when the state recognition means recognizes that the color of the recording medium fed to the image forming means has been changed, This is to select a pseudo gradation process according to the color of the recording medium.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the pseudo gradation processing, each of the multivalued images is converted into two by a dither matrix.
It is something to be valued.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the pseudo gradation process, each multi-valued image is multi-valued by a dither matrix.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the control means, when the state recognizing means recognizes that the color of the recording medium fed to the image forming means has been changed, As an optimal image process to be executed by the image processing means, a density designation process corresponding to a toner image of a color defined by the insufficient toner is selected.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the control means is arranged such that, when the state recognizing means recognizes that the material of the recording medium fed to the image forming means has been changed, This is to select a pseudo gradation process according to the material of the recording medium.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the pseudo tone processing, each multi-valued image is binarized by a dither matrix.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the pseudo gradation process, each multi-valued image is multi-valued by a dither matrix.

In a fifteenth aspect according to the present invention, the control means includes a step of, when the state recognizing means recognizes that the material of the recording medium fed to the image forming means has been changed, As an optimal image process to be executed by the image processing means, a density designation process corresponding to a toner image of a color defined by the insufficient toner is selected.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the control means notifies an external device of the type and change state of the individual processing recognized by the state recognition means.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming means for executing a plurality of pre-assigned individual processes to form an image on a recording medium, and a type of a description format of print information inputted from the outside. Identification means for identifying, image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on the externally input print information to generate print data which can be output by the image forming means, and the externally input print information identified by the identification means A control unit for selecting an optimal image processing to be executed by the image processing unit based on a type of a description format of the print information.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the identification means identifies the type of the description format of the externally input print information as one of a character, a graphic, and a bitmap image. .

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control method for controlling image formation on a recording medium by an image forming means. An image processing step of generating print data that can be output by the printer, and a state detection of sequentially detecting a state of the image forming unit accompanying execution of each individual process among a plurality of individual processes assigned to the image forming unit in advance. A state change information generating step of generating state change information indicating whether or not there is a state change regarding the image forming unit based on each detection result detected in succession during image formation by the image forming unit; A state recognition step of recognizing the type and change state of the individual information that is changing based on the generated state change information; Can the image processing means and has a selection step of selecting an optimal image processing to be performed.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a computer readable program for controlling image formation on a recording medium by an image forming means, wherein a predetermined image is stored in print information input externally. An image processing step of performing processing to generate print data that can be output by the image forming unit; and the image forming unit accompanying execution of each individual process among a plurality of individual processes assigned to the image forming unit in advance. A state detecting step of sequentially detecting the states of the image forming means and state change information indicating the presence or absence of a state change regarding the image forming means based on each detection result detected successively during image formation of the image forming means. A state change information generating step, and a state recognizing step of recognizing a type and a change state of the individual information that is changing based on the generated state change information; Computer and a selection step of selecting the recognized individual processing type and based on a change condition the image processing means optimum image processing is to be executed is obtained by storing the readable program storage medium.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control method for controlling image formation on a recording medium by an image forming means, comprising: an identification step of identifying a type of a description format of print information input externally; An image processing step of performing predetermined image processing on the externally input print information to generate print data that can be output by the image forming unit, and based on a type of the identified description format of the externally input print information. And selecting an optimal image processing to be executed.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling image formation on a recording medium by an image forming means, the storage medium comprising: An identification step of identifying a type; an image processing step of performing predetermined image processing on the externally input print information to generate print data that can be output by the image forming unit; A computer-readable program including a selection step of selecting an optimum image processing to be executed based on a type of information description format.

[0046]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] First, an example of the configuration of a laser beam printer will be described as an example of an output device to which the embodiment of the present invention can be applied. The present embodiment is applicable not only to a laser beam printer but also to other types of output devices such as an ink jet printer. The present invention is applicable as a print control device or a printing device including the print control device.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of a printing system to which a printing control apparatus according to the present invention can be applied. For example, this corresponds to a case where a printer engine is a laser beam printer engine.

As shown in FIG. 1, for example, a laser beam printer 102 capable of color output outputs information (hereinafter referred to as print data) including color multi-valued information in a predetermined page description language system from an external device 101 such as a host computer.
Printer controller 103 that generates image data by analyzing the print data
A printer engine 105 for printing an image represented by image data generated by the printer controller 103 on paper, and an interface with a user to perform an input operation for instructing a desired operation to the laser beam printer 102. And a panel unit 104 of the above.

Next, the configuration of the laser beam printer of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 shows the printer engine 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the electronic equipment 05.

As shown in FIG. 2, the laser beam printer 102 includes a housing 201, and the housing 201 includes various mechanisms for forming the printer engine 105, and each printing process (for example, , Paper feed processing, etc.)
An engine control unit (details are shown in FIG. 4) for performing control related to the control board storage unit 203 that stores the printer controller 103 (shown in FIG. 1) is built in.

The mechanisms for constituting the printer engine 105 include forming an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum by scanning with a laser beam, visualizing the electrostatic latent image, and applying the visualized image to printing paper. An optical processing mechanism for performing the transfer, a fixing processing mechanism for fixing the toner image transferred to the printing paper,
A print paper feed processing mechanism and a print paper transport processing mechanism are provided.

The optical processing mechanism has a laser driver 206 for turning on and off a laser beam emitted from a semiconductor laser (not shown) according to image data supplied from the printer controller 103. The emitted laser light is swung in the scanning direction by the rotating polygon mirror 207.

The laser light oscillated in the main scanning direction is guided to the photosensitive drum 205 via the reflection mirror 208, and exposes the photosensitive drum 205 on the main scanning direction. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 205 by scanning exposure with laser light, and the latent image is visualized as a toner image by toner supplied from the developing device 220. This toner contains
Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K
(Black) toner is used. Photosensitive drum 20
The toner image on the sheet 5 is transferred onto a printing sheet fed in synchronization with the sub-scanning direction by a sheet feeding processing mechanism.

The photosensitive drum 205 and the developing device 220 are housed in a detachable cartridge 204. The reflection mirror 208 is formed of a semi-transmissive mirror, and a beam detector 209 is disposed on the back side thereof. The beam detector 209 detects the laser beam, and a detection signal is given to the printer controller 103. The printer controller 103 generates a horizontal synchronization signal (corresponding to the / BD signal 417 described above) for determining the exposure timing in the main scanning direction based on the detection signal of the beam detector 209, and outputs the horizontal synchronization signal to the printer controller 103. Is done.

The fixing processing mechanism includes a fixing device 2 for fixing the toner image transferred to the printing paper by heat and pressure.
The fixing device 216 is provided with a heater for heating the toner image. The heater is controlled by the engine control unit so as to obtain a predetermined fixing temperature.

Further, the printing paper feeding mechanism has a cassette 210 for storing the printing paper and a manual tray 219.
It is configured to selectively feed 19 print sheets. The cassette 210 is mounted in the housing 201, and the cassette 210 is provided with a size detection mechanism for electrically detecting the size of the printing paper in accordance with the movement position of a partition plate (not shown).

From the cassette 210, the uppermost printing sheet is conveyed to the sheet feeding roller 212 by the rotation of the cassette sheet feeding clutch 211 in units of one sheet. The cassette paper feed clutch 211 is composed of a cam that is intermittently driven by a driving means (not shown) for each paper feed, and feeds one print sheet every time the cam rotates one time.

The paper feed roller 212 conveys the printing paper to a position where the leading end thereof corresponds to the registration shutter 214.
The registration shutter 214 stops and cancels the feeding of the printing paper by pressing and releasing the fed printing paper, and the operation of the registration shutter 214 is controlled so as to be synchronized with the sub-scanning of the laser beam. You.

On the other hand, the manual feed tray 219 is
The printing paper provided on the manual feed tray 219 by the user is supplied to the registration shutter 214 by the paper supply roller 215.

The print paper transport processing mechanism includes a transport roller 213 that transports the print paper released from being pressed by the registration shutter 214 toward the photosensitive drum 205, and a print paper discharged from the fixing device 216 in the upper part of the housing 201. Each of the transport rollers 217 for guiding the sheet to the discharge tray formed at
218, and a drive unit (not shown) for driving each of the transport rollers 213, 217, and 218.

An operation panel 202 for constituting the panel section 104 is attached to the housing 201. A switch group for an instruction input operation is provided on the operation panel 202.
An LED display and an LCD display for displaying information are provided.

Next, the configuration of the printer controller 103 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram for explaining the configuration of the printer controller 103 shown in FIG.
The same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 3, the printer controller 103 includes an input buffer (not shown) for inputting print data transmitted from the external device 101, and an external device 101.
And a host I / F unit 302 provided with an output buffer (not shown) for temporarily holding a signal to be transmitted to the external device 101. It configures a signal input / output unit and controls communication with the external device 101.

The print data input via the host I / F 302 is given to the image data generator 303.
The image data generation unit 303 analyzes the input print data (for example, PDL analysis processing) based on predetermined analysis means, and creates image data that can be processed by the printer engine 105 from the analysis result.

More specifically, the print data is analyzed and object information is created by the analysis. In parallel with the creation of the object information, a rasterizing process,
Pseudo gradation processing is performed in order. In this rasterization process,
Conversion processing from display colors RGB (additive color mixture) included in print data to YMCK (subtractive color mixture) that can be processed by the printer engine 105, character patterns included in print data, bit patterns stored in advance, outline fonts, etc. Conversion processing into font data is performed, bitmap data is created in band units, and pseudo gradation processing using a dither pattern is performed on the bitmap data in band units to generate printable image data. The created image data is stored in the image memory 305. Reading of the image data stored in the image memory 305 is controlled by the DMA control unit 308.
5 is controlled by CP
This is performed based on an instruction from U309.

The image data read from the image memory 305 is transferred as a video signal to the printer engine 105 via the engine I / F unit 306. The engine I / F unit 306 includes an output buffer (not shown) for temporarily holding a video signal to be transferred to the printer engine 105, and an input buffer (FIG. 10) for temporarily holding a signal sent from the printer engine 105. (Not shown), and the engine I / F unit 306 includes the printer engine 1.
And an input / output unit for signals exchanged with the printer engine 105, and controls communication with the printer engine 105.

An instruction related to mode setting output from the panel unit 104 (shown in FIG. 1) by an operation input includes:
Input via the panel I / F section 301, the panel I / F
The unit 301 forms an interface between the panel unit 104 and the CPU 309.

The CPU 309 controls each of the above-described blocks according to the mode instructed from the panel unit 104, and this control is executed based on a control program stored in the ROM 304. The control program stored in the ROM 304 includes an operating system (OS) for performing time-division control on a load module basis called a task by a system clock, and a plurality of load modules executed and controlled on a function basis by the OS. It is composed of The control program including the load module is stored in an EEPROM (non-volatile memory) 310 as needed.

The RAM 307 is used as a work area for the arithmetic processing by the CPU 309. CPU 30 described above
9 including the CPU 30 on the system bus 311.
9 are connected so as to be accessible. The system bus 311 includes an address bus and a system bus.

Next, signals exchanged between the printer controller and the engine in the laser beam printer will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a control block diagram for explaining the interface between the printer controller 103 and the printer engine 105 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 16 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 4, the printer engine 105
Prints out a video signal transmitted from the printer controller 103 based on a control command from the printer controller 103, and processes executed in accordance with the printout are controlled by the engine control unit 106.

The processes controlled by the engine control unit 106 of the printer engine 105 include processes related to print paper feed control, processes related to print paper transport control, formation of a scanner motor, and an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum. There are processes related to the optical system including the drive control of the laser beam used in the printer, the temperature control of the fixing device for fixing the toner image transferred to the printing paper, and the process related to the fixing device including the temperature abnormality detection of the fixing device. .

Of these, in the processing relating to the paper feed control of the print paper, the detection signal from the paper size detector 403
Based on a detection signal from the paper presence / absence detection unit 404 and a detection signal from the option presence / absence detection unit 405, the type and size of print paper that can be fed and the presence or absence of those are detected, and the specified type and size are detected. A control command is given to the attached cassette or the optional control unit 409 so that the printing paper is fed.

The paper size detecting section 403 detects the size of the printing paper set in the paper cassette and outputs a detection signal indicating the detection result. The paper presence detection unit 404 includes a cassette, a manual feed, an optional cassette,
The presence / absence of each paper feed port of the envelope feeder is detected, and a detection signal indicating the detection result is output. Option presence / absence detector 40
5 detects the connection status of each option of the option cassette and the envelope feeder, and outputs a detection signal indicating the detection result. The option control unit 409 outputs an operation instruction for each option of the option cassette and the envelope feeder based on a control command from the engine control unit 106.

In the processing relating to the transport control of the printing paper, the corresponding transport path is detected based on a signal detected from the sensor input unit 410 for detecting the presence or absence of a recording paper in each of the registration, discharge, double-sided, and reverse transport paths. The control command to the sheet conveyance control unit 406 is generated so as to convey the print sheet along the line. The paper transport control unit 406 includes the engine control unit 1
Based on a control command from 06, an operation instruction to a transport motor for driving a transport roller provided in each transport path is output.

Further, in the processing relating to the optical system, a state signal indicating the state is fetched from the optical system control unit 407, and
A control command for the optical system control unit 407 is generated based on the state signal. The optical system control unit 407 outputs an operation instruction to a scanner motor, a laser beam driving driver, and the like based on a control command from the engine control unit 106.

In the processing related to the fixing unit, a state signal indicating the state is taken in from the fixing unit temperature control unit 408, the temperature of the fixing unit is monitored based on the state signal, and the temperature becomes a fixing temperature within a predetermined range. As described above, the control command for controlling the heater of the fixing device is generated, and when the occurrence of an abnormality such as a temperature abnormality due to the failure of the heater of the fixing device is detected, the control command for stopping the operation of the fixing device is generated. The fixing unit temperature control unit 408 includes the engine control unit 1
Based on the control command from 06, an operation instruction to the heater of the fixing device is output.

The control of each process by the engine control unit 106 is executed based on signals exchanged with the printer controller 103. The signals include / CPRDY signal 411 and / PPRDY signal 41.
2, / RDY signal 413, / PRNT signal 414, / V
SREQ signal 415, / VSYNC signal 416, / BD
Signal 417, / SCLK signal 418, / CMD signal 41
9, / CBSY signal 420, / STS signal 421, / S
BSY signal 422, / CCRT (Condition Change Reo
rT) signal 423.

Reference numerals 411 to 422 denote the same signals as those in FIG. 16. Reference numeral 423 denotes a / CCRT signal, which is "TRUE" when the content of the status of the engine that is not directly related to the / RDY signal changes. Accordingly, it functions as a signal that leaves the above change to the printer controller 103.

Hereinafter, the characteristic structure of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the printing control apparatus configured as described above, an image forming means (printer engine 105) for executing a plurality of pre-assigned individual processes to form an image on a recording medium, An image processing unit (printer controller 103) that performs predetermined image processing on information to generate print data that can be output by the image forming unit; and a state detection unit that sequentially detects the state of the image forming unit in association with execution of each individual process. Means (sensor input unit 41
0 (including a jam detection sensor, a paper ejection sensor, a density sensor, a paper presence / absence sensor, etc.)) and the state detection means based on each detection result detected one after another during image formation by the image formation means. A state change information generating unit that generates state change information indicating the presence or absence of a state change regarding the image forming unit (outputted to the printer controller 103 as a / CCRT signal 423 as a state change recognition signal based on an instruction from the engine control unit 106). ) And state recognition means (CPU 309 in the printer controller 103) for recognizing the type and change state of the individual information that is changing based on the state change information generated from the state change information generation means.
Control means for selecting the optimum image processing to be executed by the image processing means based on the type and change state of the individual processing recognized by the state recognition means (the CPU 309 in the printer controller 103 reads the ROM 309, Control by executing a control program stored in another storage medium, which is not performed), and recognizes a state change that may occur in the printer engine 105 during execution of each individual process accompanying image formation, and performs image formation. The best image processing can be selected by following the state change without interrupting the processing, and the image formation processing corresponding to the state change can be continued without reducing the throughput and without imposing a load on the state monitoring. can do.

The CPU 309 outputs the / CCRT signal 4
When the status (/ STS signal 421) is analyzed in accordance with No. 23 and it is recognized that the toner is insufficient due to the toner supply process, the optimum image processing to be executed is performed to adjust the toner density of the color defined by the insufficient toner. Since the corresponding pseudo gradation process is selected, during the execution of each individual process accompanying the image formation, the toner shortage state change that may occur in the printer engine 105 is recognized, and the toner shortage state change is performed without interrupting the image formation process. , The best pseudo gradation process can be selected, and an image with a small change in density can be continuously formed even when the toner is insufficient.

Further, in the pseudo gradation processing, since each multi-valued image is binarized by a dither matrix, the best pseudo gradation processing can be selected by following the toner shortage state change without interrupting the image forming processing. This makes it possible to continuously form a binarized image with a small density change even when the toner is insufficient.

In the pseudo tone processing, the multi-valued image is converted into a multi-valued image by a dither matrix. Therefore, the best pseudo tone processing can be selected by following the toner shortage state change without interrupting the image forming process. As a result, a multi-valued image having a small density change can be continuously formed even when the toner is insufficient.

Further, the CPU 309 analyzes the status (/ STS signal 421) in accordance with the / CCRT signal 423, and if it is recognized that the toner supply process is running out of toner, the CPU 309 sets the optimum image processing to be executed.
Since the density specifying process according to the toner image of the color defined by the insufficient toner is selected, the best density specifying process can be selected by following the toner shortage state change without interrupting the image forming process, An image with a small change in density can be continuously formed even in a toner shortage state.

The CPU 309 outputs the / CCRT signal 4
When the status (/ STS signal 421) is analyzed according to No. 23 and it is recognized that the black toner due to the toner supply process is in an insufficient state, the insufficient black toner is converted into yellow and magenta as the optimal image processing to be executed. Select the image processing to substitute for the color and cyan color.
The best density specification process can be selected by following the change in the black toner shortage state without interrupting the image forming process, and the black image with a small density change can be continued without refilling black toner even in the black toner shortage state Can be formed.

Further, the CPU 309 analyzes the status (/ STS signal 421) in accordance with the / CCRT signal 423, and when recognizing that the state of the printer engine 105 has changed over time, the CPU 309 determines the optimum state to be executed. As the image processing, the image processing for correcting the γ-conversion characteristic is selected, so that the best γ-conversion characteristic can be selected by following the change over time without interrupting the image forming processing,
The best color image with a constant color tone can be continuously formed.

The CPU 309 outputs the / CCRT signal 4
When the status (/ STS signal 421) is analyzed in accordance with H.23 and it is recognized that the color of the recording medium fed to the printer engine 105 has been changed, the pseudo floor corresponding to the color of the recording medium is determined. Since the tone processing is selected, the best pseudo gradation processing can be selected by following the color change state of the recording medium without interrupting the image forming processing, and an image with excellent gradation can be continuously provided. Can be formed.

Further, since the pseudo gradation processing binarizes each multi-valued image using a dither matrix, a binary image excellent in gradation is continuously formed even when the color of the recording medium changes. can do.

In the pseudo gradation process, since the multi-valued image is multi-valued by a dither matrix, a multi-valued image excellent in gradation is continuously formed even when the color of the recording medium changes. can do.

Further, the CPU 309 analyzes the status (/ STS signal 421) according to the / CCRT signal 423, and recognizes that the color of the recording medium fed to the printer engine 105 has been changed. As the optimal image processing to be executed, the density designation processing corresponding to the toner image of the color defined by the insufficient toner is selected, so that the color change state of the recording medium can be followed without interrupting the image forming processing. As a result, the best density designation processing can be selected, and an image excellent in gradation can be continuously formed.

The CPU 309 outputs the / CCRT signal 4
When the status (/ STS signal 421) is analyzed in accordance with H.23 and it is recognized that the material of the recording medium fed to the printer engine 105 has been changed, the pseudo floor corresponding to the material of the recording medium is determined. Since the tone processing is selected, an image with excellent gradation can be continuously formed even if the material of the recording medium changes.

Further, in the pseudo gradation processing, since each multi-valued image is binarized by a dither matrix, a binarized image excellent in gradation is continuously formed even when the color of the recording medium changes. can do.

In the pseudo-gradation processing, since each multi-valued image is multi-valued by a dither matrix, a multi-valued image excellent in gradation is continuously formed even when the color of the recording medium changes. can do.

Further, the CPU 309 analyzes the status (/ STS signal 421) according to the / CCRT signal 423, and recognizes that the material of the recording medium fed to the printer engine 105 has been changed. ,
As the optimal image processing to be performed by the image processing means,
Since the density specifying process is selected according to the toner image of the color defined by the insufficient toner, an image with a small density change can be continuously formed even if the material of the recording medium changes.

The CPU 309 outputs the / CCRT signal 4
Since the status (/ STS signal 421) is analyzed in accordance with H.23 and the type and change state of the recognized individual process are notified to the external device, the external device (external device 101) is involved in the image forming process during the image forming process. It is possible to recognize in real time whether or not the status changes and its type.

Further, an image forming means (printer engine 105) for executing a plurality of pre-assigned individual processes to form an image on a recording medium, and an identification for identifying the type of a description format of print information inputted externally Means (CP
U309 executes the control program stored in the ROM 304 and a storage medium (not shown) to perform the predetermined image processing on the externally input print information to generate print data that can be output by the image forming unit. Image processing means (the CPU 309 executes a control program stored in the ROM 304
Control means for selecting the optimum image processing to be executed by the image processing means based on the type of the description format of the externally input print information identified by the identification means. The control program stored in a storage medium (not shown) is selected) to perform image processing that is optimal for the type of the description format of the externally input print information. It is possible to output a good image that is not performed.

The CPU 309 identifies the type of the description format of the externally input print information as one of a character, a graphic, and a bitmap image. And the like, and can output a good image based on the print information including characters, graphics, bitmap images, and the like.

Next, the control process for the printer engine 105 by the printer controller 103 will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 shows a first example of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
It is a flowchart showing an example of the data processing procedure,
This corresponds to the generation of the video signal by the printer controller 103 shown in FIG. 1 and the transfer processing thereof. (1)
(7) shows each step.

When print data is input from the external device 101 to the printer controller 103, PDL analysis processing is executed to generate object information for drawing. As long as there is input data, the above processing is continued to generate an object, and the processing is continued until there is no more input data. In parallel with this object generation processing, rasterization processing is started. First, engine transfer preparation processing is executed before execution of the rasterization processing (1). In this preparation processing, each color designation of M, C, Y, K, toner Concentration designation,
Other designations are made to the printer engine 105.

Next, based on the generated object information, a rasterizing process is performed for each of the colors M, C, Y, and K to generate band data in band units (2). It is determined whether the generation of the band data for one band is completed (3). If NO, the process returns to step (2). If YES, the pseudo gradation process using the dither pattern for the designated color is executed. Then, the designated color data is transferred to the printer engine 105 (5).

Next, it is determined whether the transfer of the specified color data for one page has been completed (6), and it is determined that the transfer of the specified color data for one page has not been completed. In this case, the process returns to step (2), and is repeated until the transfer of the specified color data for one page is completed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (6) that the transfer of the specified color data for one page has been completed, it is determined whether the data transfer of all the colors M, C, Y, and K has been completed. (7) When it is determined that the transfer of the data of all four colors is not completed, step (1) is performed again.
And the process is repeated until the data transfer for all four colors is completed. This process is executed in the order of M, C, Y, and K.

On the other hand, when the data transfer for all four colors is completed in step (7), the process ends.

In this way, the printer engine 105
Then, a print process is executed based on the color data transferred from the printer controller 103, and for example, whether or not a toner low (toner density falls below a predetermined value) occurs during the print process is output from the sensor input unit 410. The engine control unit 106 analyzes and determines “TRUE”
A CCRT signal 423 is output to the printer controller 103.

Then, the printer controller 103 generates an interrupt based on the / TRRT signal 423 of “TRUE”, and the / R inside the printer engine 105.
A state change recognition process for recognizing a state change in a process not directly related to the DY signal 413 is performed. In this state change recognition processing, the printer engine 105 sends the / STS
The signal 421 is interrupted, and the process whose state has changed based on the / STS signal 421 and the changed state are recognized. In the present embodiment, the occurrence of toner low in the printer engine 105 is recognized by such processing.

When the printer controller 103 recognizes the occurrence of toner low in the printer engine 105,
An optimal process corresponding to the toner low generation state is selected. The operation of selecting the optimum processing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 shows a second example of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
It is a flowchart showing an example of the data processing procedure,
This corresponds to a process of changing the dither matrix according to the status of the printer engine 105. In addition, (1)-
(4) shows each step.

First, it is determined whether or not a toner low has been recognized (1). When occurrence of a toner low has been recognized, pseudo gradation processing using a dither pattern with a large amount of fill is executed (2). By the pseudo gradation process using the dither pattern with a lot of paint, the toner amount is adjusted and the print density is prevented from becoming high.

Next, display processing for displaying information indicating that the pseudo gradation processing using a dither pattern with a large amount of fill has been performed in place of the normal pseudo gradation processing on the panel unit 104 is performed. Then, a notification process for notifying the user via the external device 101 is performed (3), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that there is no toner low, ordinary pseudo gradation processing is performed (4), and the processing ends.

Further, among the pseudo gradation processes described above, the process of changing the dither matrix (hereinafter referred to as dither matrix changing process) will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

Here, the dither matrix is used to generate output information (binary image for pseudo intermediate display) by dithering based on print information (multi-valued image) supplied from an external device such as a host computer. It is a matrix used when performing.

In the following description of the present embodiment, in a normal printing state, a pseudo-density of an output image obtained by binarizing a multi-valued image of a predetermined density by a dither method is 50%. It is assumed that the following dither matrix is used.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a dither matrix change processing state in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

In the drawing, reference numeral 801 denotes a dither matrix in which a pseudo density of an output image (output information) obtained by binarizing a multi-valued image having a predetermined density by a dither method becomes 10%, and 802 denotes a predetermined density. Shows a dither matrix in which the pseudo density of the output image (output information) obtained by binarizing the multi-valued image of the multi-valued image by the dither method becomes 50%. 7 shows a dither matrix in which a pseudo density of an output image (output information) obtained is 80%. These dither matrices 801
803 are managed by a dither matrix change processing program.

The above description relates to an example in which the dither matrix in which the pseudo densities of the output image are 10%, 50%, and 80% can be selected. These densities are appropriately determined according to the embodiment. May be changed (eg, 20
%, 50%, 90%, etc.). Also, the number of selectable dither matrices is not limited to three (for example, 20%, 50%, 70%, 90%, etc.).

Further, the above description relates to an example in which the dither matrix is changed when the toner becomes insufficient or when the toner is returned from the state.
The present invention can also be applied to a case where the dither matrix is changed according to a temporal change (reception of a temporal change occurrence). In this case, a dither matrix corresponding to the degree of change with time is prepared.

Thus, the printer controller 103
When a toner low which is a state change not directly related to the / RDY signal 413, such as a toner low, occurs, a pseudo gradation process for increasing the density is selected and executed as an optimal process for the toner low, so that the toner low before the toner low occurs Print output equivalent to print output can be obtained,
It is possible to flexibly cope with a toner low state without stopping the processing of the printer engine 105.

The state recognition processing of a state change that is not directly related to the / RDY signal 413 is performed in the / CCRT of “TRUE”.
Since the signal 423 is executed by using the signal as a trigger, /
It is not necessary to constantly perform polling monitoring for the STS signal 421, and it is possible to recognize a change in the state of each process without imposing a large load on the printer controller 103.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
When toner low occurs, the density is adjusted by using a dither pattern different from the normal one. However, in the present embodiment, when toner low occurs, the printer engine 1
The density may be adjusted by changing the density designation for 05. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The optimum processing corresponding to toner low by the printer controller 103 of the laser beam printer shown in FIG. Corresponding to the selection procedure.

First, it is determined whether the occurrence of toner low has been recognized (1). If the occurrence of toner low has not been recognized, the flow proceeds to step (3). If the occurrence of toner low has been recognized, the occurrence of toner low has occurred. The density is again specified to the printer engine 105 so that the density of the color thus set is higher than the current density (2). In this density specification, a density higher than the density already specified is specified.

Next, a signal is exchanged with the printer engine 105, and image information is transferred (3). After the transfer of the image information is completed, the process ends.

By changing the density designation for the printer engine 105 as described above, the density can be adjusted, and even if a toner low occurs, a print output equivalent to the print output before the toner low occurs can be obtained. Becomes

[Third Embodiment] In the second embodiment,
The case where the density adjustment processing is performed to obtain a print output equivalent to the print output before toner low occurs has been described. However, if the black (K) toner runs out during printing, the other M, C, and Y A configuration may be adopted in which black color substitute printing processing is performed by each color toner. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The procedure for selecting the optimum processing corresponding to the absence of K toner by the printer controller of the laser beam printer is described. Corresponding. In addition, (1) to (5) indicate each step.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a K-YMC conversion table stored in the ROM 304 of the printer controller 103 shown in FIG.
By referring to the YMC conversion table, K information in the color information held as object information is converted into each of Y, M, and C color information.

The hardware configuration of this embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. When K toner is not present, the K information in the color information held as object information is used as the optimal process corresponding to the absence of K toner. The K information is substituted by converting it into Y, M, and C color information, and a process of transferring object information including the Y, M, and C color information that substitutes the K information to the printer engine 105 is selected. I do. As shown in FIG. 10, a K-YMC conversion table is used to convert the K information into each of the Y, M, and C color information, and Y, M, and C are used to substitute the K information from this table.
The value of each color information of M and C is extracted, and black is reproduced based on each color information of Y, M and C.

First, it is determined whether or not there is input data (1). When print data is input from the external device 101 to the printer controller 103, PDL analysis processing is executed (2).

Next, it is determined whether the occurrence of no K toner has been recognized by using the / CCRT signal 423 as a trigger (3). If NO, the process proceeds to step (5). If YES, the K-YMC conversion shown in FIG. K with reference to the table
The Y, M, and C color information values for substituting the information are read, and the K information is converted to the Y, M, and C color information (4).

Next, page object information for drawing based on the result of the PDL analysis processing is generated (5),
Return to step (1).

Note that the color information Y ', M', C ', K' of the object information is expressed by the following equation: Y '= Y
+ Y, M '= M + m, C' = C + c, K '= 0. Further, since the K information is substituted by the Y, M, and C color information by converting the K information into the Y, M, and C color information, the Y, M, and C color information is substituted.
When black is reproduced by each of the M and C toners, each color information value of Y, M, and C in the K-YMC conversion table is set so that the density is slightly lower.

When the generation of the object information for one page is completed in this way, the processing returns to step (1) again, and the processing is continued until there is no input print data.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that there is no occurrence of K toner, page object information for drawing based on the PDL analysis processing result is generated without performing KYMC conversion. (5) On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the input print data has been exhausted, the process ends.

As described above, when the absence of K toner occurs,
Since the K information is substituted by the Y, M, and C color information, the K information is converted into the Y, M, and C color information.
It is possible to obtain a print output equivalent to the print output before the occurrence of the K toner absence without stopping the process due to the absence of the toner.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the selection of the optimum process corresponding to the occurrence of the toner low or the absence of the K toner has been described. As possible, the printer engine 105 is provided with detection means for detecting the color of the recording medium, and the / CCRT signal 423 indicating a change in state of the color of the recording medium based on the detection result of the detection means triggers the color of the recording medium. When the state change due to the change is recognized, it is also possible to add a control method for selecting the pseudo gradation processing corresponding to the changed color of the recording medium as the optimum processing.

Similarly, the printer engine 105 is provided with a detecting means for detecting the change with time so as to be able to cope with the state change due to the change with time, and the detection result of the detecting means indicates the state where the change with time has occurred. CCRT signal 423
When a state change due to the occurrence of a temporal change is recognized using the trigger as a trigger, it is also possible to add a control method for selecting a corresponding pseudo gradation process as an optimal process after the occurrence of the temporal change.

Further, a sensor for detecting a change in the material of the recording medium is provided in the printer engine 105, and when a change in the material of the recording medium is recognized from the detection result of the sensor,
It is also possible to add a control method for selecting an optimum process corresponding to the material of the recording medium.

A sensor for detecting abnormal temperature and humidity is provided in the printer engine 105, and when an abnormal temperature or abnormal humidity is recognized from the detection result of the sensor, an optimum temperature or abnormal humidity corresponding to the abnormal temperature or humidity is recognized. It is also possible to add a control method for selecting a process.

[Fourth Embodiment] In the above embodiment, the case where the toner low is recognized and the dither matrix changing process is performed has been described.
The dither matrix may be selected in accordance with the analysis result of the parameters of the print information supplied from the external device 101 such as the host computer. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to a dither matrix changing process. Note that (1) to (5) indicate each step, and a program (dither matrix changing program) corresponding to the dither matrix changing process forms a part of the ROM 304 described above.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the dither matrix stored in the ROM 304 shown in FIG. 3. For example, three types of dither matrices (A) to (C) (three 4.times.
This corresponds to a case where four pixels (a dither matrix of 16 gradations) are prepared. The dither matrix is managed by a dither matrix change processing program.

First, the status / CCRT signal 423 from the printer engine 105 is received (1), and the status is analyzed (2).

The parameters of the print information (description format: for example, character codes for characters, drawing commands for graphics, bitmap images for natural images, etc.) input from the external device 101 such as a host computer should be analyzed and output. Whether the image is a character, a graphic, or a bitmap image (for example, a natural image) is analyzed (analysis of the image document) (3). When a single image contains a character, a graphic, and a bitmap image, it is preferable to perform this analysis in units of those elements.

In this case, for example, R
When the image is developed on the AM 307, identification information indicating whether each pixel constituting the developed image belongs to any one of a character, a graphic, and a bitmap image is separately held, and the developed image is When performing the pseudo gradation process, the dither matrix may be changed (the dither matrix change process is started) according to each region.

Next, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to change the dither matrix based on the above-described analysis result (4). If it is determined that the dither matrix need not be changed, the process is terminated and the change is required. If it is determined that there is, the optimal dither matrix is selected (5), and the process is terminated.

Thus, for example, when the input print information is a character or a figure, a good output image can be obtained with a relatively small number of gradations. However, in the case of a bitmap image such as a natural image, Causes deterioration of image quality. That is, with respect to characters and figures, a smaller number of gradations results in a smaller dither matrix, so that a sharp output image can be obtained.

On the other hand, in the case of a bitmap image such as a natural image, it is often possible to obtain a natural output image by increasing the number of gradations. Therefore, in the case of characters and figures,
It is preferable to use a dither matrix having a small number of gradations, and to use a dither matrix having a large number of gradations in the case of a bitmap image.

It is also preferable to provide a plurality of dither matrices having different characteristics as selectable dither matrices. This is because the characteristics of the output image can be changed by the dither matrix.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Corresponds to a process of generating output information based on print information supplied from the printer (output information generation process). In addition, (1)-
(8) shows each step. Also, a program corresponding to the output information generation processing (output information generation processing program)
Is a part of the control program 304.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a memory map of RAM 307 shown in FIG.
7a and an identification information area 307b.

First, an external device 1 such as a host computer
The print information (for example, in a page description language) supplied from 01 is analyzed (1), and expanded on a page memory area 307a secured in the RAM 307 (2) (see FIG. 14).

Next, identification information indicating whether the image developed on the page memory area 307a is a character, a graphic, or a bitmap image is stored in the identification information area 307b (3). Then, it is determined whether or not the processing of the print information for one page has been completed (4). If it is determined that the processing of the print information for one page has not been completed yet, the above-described processing (step (1)) Step (4)) is repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (4) that the processing for one page has been completed, the identification information area 307
The identification information is read from b (5), and the above-described dither matrix change processing is executed using the identification information as a parameter (6). As a result, the dither matrix corresponding to the identification information, that is, the image drawing format (character, graphic, bitmap image, etc.) is selected.

Next, from the page memory area 307a,
The pixel data in the area corresponding to the read identification information is read out, and is subjected to pseudo gradation processing using the selected dither matrix (7), and is supplied to the printer engine 105 as output information. Next, it is determined whether the generation of the output information for one page is completed (8), and Y is determined.
If it is ES, the process ends, and if it is determined that the generation of the output information for one page has not yet been completed, the above-described processes (steps (5) to (8)) are repeated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the dither matrix can be selected according to the type of characters, graphics, bitmap images, etc., that is, the description format of the image in the print information. It is possible to obtain a proper output image.

Hereinafter, the characteristic structure of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

A printing control method for controlling the image formation by the image forming means (printer engine 105) on the recording medium configured as described above, or a computer for controlling the image formation by the image forming means on the recording medium reads out. A storage medium storing a possible program, wherein the identification step (step (5) in FIG. 13) for identifying the type of the description format of the externally input print information; An image processing step (step (2) in FIG. 13) of performing print processing to generate print data that can be output by the image forming means, and executing the print processing based on the type of the description format of the identified externally input print information. Since there is a selection step (steps (6) and (7) in FIG. 13) for selecting the optimal image processing to be performed, the description of the print information input externally Applying optimal image processing to the type of formula,
A good image that is not affected by the type of the description format of the print information can be output.

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 8, 10, and 11. FIG.

The printing control method configured as described above, that is, the printing control method for controlling the image formation by the image forming means (printer engine 105) for the recording medium, or the printer engine 1 for the recording medium
A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling image formation by an image forming apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on externally input print information and generates print data that can be output by the image forming unit. Processing steps (steps (2) and (4) in FIG. 6, step (2) in FIG. 8, and step (4) in FIG. 9) and a plurality of individual processes pre-assigned to the image forming means A state detecting step (step (1) in FIGS. 6 and 8 and step (3) in FIG. 9) for sequentially detecting the state of the image forming unit accompanying the execution of each individual process. A generating step (not shown) for generating state change information indicating the presence or absence of a state change related to the image forming means based on each detection result detected immediately before and after; A state recognizing step (steps (1) and (2) in FIG. 11) for recognizing the type and the changing state of the individual information that is changing, A selection process (step (2) or step (4) in FIG. 6, step (2) in FIG. 8,
Since step (4) in FIG. 9) is performed, a state change that can occur in the image forming unit is recognized during execution of each individual process accompanying image formation, and the state change is followed without interrupting the image forming process. As a result, the best image processing can be selected, and the image forming processing corresponding to the state change can be continued without lowering the throughput and without imposing a state monitoring burden.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the data processing program that can be read by the print control apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. is also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

The functions shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 11, and FIG. 13 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. And in that case, CD-RO
The present invention is applicable even when a group of information including a program is supplied to an output device from a storage medium such as an M, a flash memory, an FD, or an external storage medium via a network.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is provided.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program codes, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program codes. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0176]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, an image forming unit that executes a plurality of pre-assigned individual processes to form an image on a recording medium, and performs predetermined image processing on externally input print information to perform the image forming unit. An image processing unit that generates print data that can be output, a state detection unit that sequentially detects the state of the image forming unit accompanying execution of each individual process, and a state detection unit that performs image forming by the image forming unit. State change information generating means for generating state change information indicating the presence or absence of a state change regarding the image forming means based on each detection result detected before and after, and based on the state change information generated from the state change information generating means State recognizing means for recognizing the type and changing state of the changing individual information; and the image processing means based on the type of individual processing and the changing state recognized by the state recognizing means. And control means for selecting the optimal image processing to be executed, so that during each individual processing accompanying the image formation, a state change which may occur in the image forming means is recognized, and the image forming processing is interrupted. Therefore, the best image processing can be selected following the state change, and the image forming process corresponding to the state change can be continued without lowering the throughput and without imposing a load on the state monitoring.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the state recognizing unit recognizes that the toner supply process has run out of toner, the control unit executes the optimal image processing to be executed by the image processing unit. Since the pseudo gradation process is selected in accordance with the toner density of the color defined by the insufficient toner, it is possible to recognize a toner shortage state change that may occur in the image forming unit during execution of each individual process accompanying image formation. In addition, the best pseudo gradation process can be selected by following the change in the toner shortage state without interrupting the image forming process, and the image with a small density change can be continuously formed even in the toner shortage state.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the pseudo gradation processing, the multi-valued image is binarized by the dither matrix, so that the image forming process is best performed by following the toner shortage state change without interruption. Pseudo gradation processing can be selected, and a binary image with a small density change can be continuously formed even in a toner shortage state.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the pseudo gradation processing, each multi-valued image is converted into a multi-valued image by a dither matrix. The pseudo gradation process can be selected, and a multi-valued image with a small density change can be continuously formed even when the toner is insufficient.

According to the fifth aspect, when the state recognizing unit recognizes that the toner is in a shortage state due to the toner supply process, the control unit sets the optimum image processing to be executed by the image processing unit. Since the density specifying process corresponding to the toner image of the color defined by the insufficient toner is selected, the best density specifying process can be selected by following the toner shortage state change without interrupting the image forming process. In addition, an image with a small density change can be continuously formed even in a toner shortage state.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the state recognizing unit recognizes that the black toner is in a shortage state by the toner supply process, the control unit executes the optimal image processing to be executed by the image processing unit. Since the image processing in which the insufficient black toner is replaced with yellow, magenta and cyan colors is selected, the best density designation processing is selected by following the change in the black toner insufficient state without interrupting the image forming processing. This makes it possible to continuously form a black image having a small density change without any black toner replenishment even in a black toner shortage state.

[0182] According to the seventh aspect, when the state recognizing unit recognizes that the image forming unit is undergoing a temporal change, the control unit executes the optimal processing to be executed by the image processing unit. As image processing, image processing for correcting γ-conversion characteristics is selected, so that it is possible to select the best γ-conversion characteristics by following changes over time without interrupting the image forming process, and to maintain a constant color tone. The maintained best color image can be continuously formed.

[0183] According to the eighth aspect, the control means, when the state recognizing means recognizes that the color of the recording medium fed to the image forming means has been changed, changes the recording medium. Since the pseudo-gradation processing according to the color of the recording medium is selected, the best pseudo-gradation processing can be selected by following the color change state change of the recording medium without interrupting the image forming processing. And excellent images can be continuously formed.

According to the ninth aspect, in the pseudo gradation processing, each multi-valued image is binarized using a dither matrix, so that even if the color of the recording medium changes, the pseudo gradation processing is excellent.
A binarized image can be continuously formed.

According to the tenth aspect, in the pseudo gradation processing, each multi-valued image is multi-valued by a dither matrix. Therefore, even if the color of the recording medium changes, the multi-valued gradation is excellent. An image can be continuously formed.

According to the eleventh aspect, the control means includes:
When the state recognizing unit recognizes that the color of the recording medium fed to the image forming unit is changed, the insufficient toner is used as the optimal image processing to be performed by the image processing unit. Since the density specifying process according to the specified color toner image is selected, the best density specifying process can be selected by following the change in the color change state of the recording medium without interrupting the image forming process. An image with excellent tonality can be continuously formed.

According to the twelfth aspect, the control means includes:
When the state recognition unit recognizes that the material of the recording medium fed to the image forming unit has been changed,
Since the pseudo gradation process is selected according to the material of the recording medium, an image with excellent gradation can be continuously formed even if the material of the recording medium changes.

According to the thirteenth aspect, in the pseudo gradation processing, each multi-valued image is binarized by a dither matrix.
A binarized image can be continuously formed.

According to the fourteenth aspect, in the pseudo gradation processing, each multi-valued image is multi-valued by a dither matrix, so that even if the color of the recording medium changes, the multi-valued multi-value processing is excellent. An image can be continuously formed.

According to the fifteenth aspect, the control means includes:
When the state recognition unit recognizes that the material of the recording medium fed to the image forming unit has been changed,
As the optimal image processing to be performed by the image processing means,
Since the density specifying process is selected according to the toner image of the color defined by the insufficient toner, an image with a small density change can be continuously formed even if the material of the recording medium changes.

According to the sixteenth aspect, the control means includes:
Since the type and change state of the individual processing recognized by the state recognition unit are notified to the external device, during the image forming process, the external device can recognize in real time whether or not the type changes with the image forming process and the type thereof. Can be.

According to the seventeenth aspect, an image forming means for executing a plurality of pre-assigned individual processes to form an image on a recording medium and a type of a description format of print information inputted from the outside are identified. Identification means, image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on the externally input print information to generate print data which can be output by the image forming means,
Control means for selecting the optimal image processing to be executed by the image processing means based on the type of the description format of the externally input print information identified by the identification means, It is possible to perform image processing that is optimal for the type of format and output a good image that is not affected by the type of description format of the print information.

According to the eighteenth aspect, the identification means includes:
Since the type of the description format of the externally input print information is identified as any one of a character, a graphic, and a bitmap image, an image suitable for the externally input print information such as a character, a graphic, and a bitmap image is determined. After processing, characters,
It is possible to output a good image based on print information including graphics, bitmap images, and the like.

According to the nineteenth and twentieth aspects, there is provided a print control method for controlling image formation on a recording medium by an image forming means, or a computer controlling image formation on a recording medium by an image forming means is readable. An image processing step of performing predetermined image processing on externally input print information to generate print data that can be output by the image forming means, A state detecting step of sequentially detecting a state of the image forming unit accompanying execution of each individual process among a plurality of individual processes assigned in advance; and each of the states detected successively during image formation of the image forming unit. A state change information generating step of generating state change information indicating presence / absence of a state change regarding the image forming means based on a detection result; A state recognition step of recognizing the type and change state of the individual information that is changing based on the state change information; and a selection step of selecting an optimal image process to be executed based on the type and change state of the recognized individual processing. Therefore, during execution of each individual process associated with image formation, a state change that can occur in the image forming unit can be recognized, and the best image processing can be selected by following the state change without interrupting the image formation process. As a result, the image forming process corresponding to the state change can be continued without lowering the throughput and without imposing a burden on the state monitoring.

According to the twenty-first and twenty-second inventions, there is provided a printing control method for controlling image formation on a recording medium by image forming means, or a computer controlling image formation on a recording medium by image forming means. A step of identifying a type of a description format of the externally input print information, performing predetermined image processing on the externally input print information, and outputting the image information by the image forming unit. An image processing step of generating possible print data; and a selecting step of selecting an optimum image processing to be executed based on the type of the description format of the identified externally input print information. Optimum image processing is performed for the type of print information description format, and a good image that is not affected by the type of print information description format can be output.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a printing system to which a print control device according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer engine illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram illustrating a configuration of the printer controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a control block diagram illustrating an interface between a printer controller and a printer engine shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a dither matrix change processing state in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a ROM of the printer controller shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a K-YMC conversion table stored in the storage device.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure of a print control apparatus according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a dither matrix stored in a ROM shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a memory map of a RAM shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the print control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional print control device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 103 Printer controller 105 Printer engine 403 Paper size detector 404 Paper feeder paper presence detector 405 Option presence detector 406 Paper transport controller 407 Optical system controller 408 Fixer temperature controller 409 Option controller 410 Sensor input unit

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. An image forming means for executing a plurality of pre-assigned individual processes to form an image on a recording medium, applying predetermined image processing to externally input print information, and outputting said image forming means Image processing means for generating print data that can be used; state detection means for sequentially detecting the state of the image forming means accompanying execution of each individual process; and, during image formation of the image forming means, the state detection means State change information generating means for generating state change information indicating the presence or absence of a state change related to the image forming means based on each detection result detected by the detecting means; and a change based on the state change information generated from the state change information generating means. State recognition means for recognizing the type and change state of the individual information being processed; and the image processing means based on the type and change state of the individual processing recognized by the state recognition means. There print control apparatus characterized by comprising control means for selecting an optimal image processing to be performed, a. 2. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the state recognition unit determines that the toner supply process is in a state where the toner supply process is insufficient. 2. The printing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a pseudo gradation process is selected in accordance with a toner density of a specified color. 3. The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of the pseudo gradation processes binarizes a multi-valued image using a dither matrix. 4. The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of the pseudo gradation processes converts a multi-valued image into a multi-valued image using a dither matrix. 5. The image processing device according to claim 5, wherein the state recognition unit determines that the toner supply process is insufficient, and determines that the insufficient toner is an optimal image process to be executed by the image processing unit. 2. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a density designation process is selected in accordance with a toner image of a prescribed color. 6. When the state recognizing unit recognizes that the black toner due to the toner supply process is in an insufficient state, the control unit determines the insufficient black toner as an optimal image process to be executed by the image processing unit. 2. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image processing in which the toner is substituted by yellow, magenta, and cyan is selected. 7. The image processing unit according to claim 7, wherein the control unit determines that the image processing unit is to execute the image processing when the state recognition unit recognizes that the image forming unit is undergoing a temporal change. 2. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image processing for correcting a conversion characteristic is selected. 8. The control unit according to claim 6, wherein said state recognizing unit recognizes that the color of the recording medium fed to the image forming unit is in a changed state, and sets a pseudo color corresponding to the color of the recording medium. 2. The print control device according to claim 1, wherein a gradation process is selected. 9. The printing control apparatus according to claim 8, wherein each of the pseudo gradation processes binarizes a multi-valued image using a dither matrix. 10. The printing control apparatus according to claim 8, wherein each of the pseudo gradation processes converts a multi-valued image into a multi-valued image using a dither matrix. 11. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit recognizes that the color of the recording medium fed to the image forming unit has been changed. 2. The printing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a density specifying process corresponding to a toner image of a color defined by the insufficient toner is selected as the image processing. 12. The control unit according to claim 5, wherein said state recognizing unit recognizes that the material of the recording medium fed to the image forming unit is in a changed state. 2. The print control device according to claim 1, wherein a gradation process is selected. 13. The print control apparatus according to claim 12, wherein each of the pseudo gradation processes binarizes a multi-valued image using a dither matrix. 14. The printing control apparatus according to claim 12, wherein each of the pseudo gradation processes converts a multi-valued image into a multi-valued image using a dither matrix. 15. The image processing unit according to claim 15, wherein said control unit recognizes that the state of the material of the recording medium fed to the image forming unit has been changed. 2. The printing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a density specifying process corresponding to a toner image of a color defined by the insufficient toner is selected as the image processing. 16. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit notifies an external device of a type and a change state of the individual processing recognized by the state recognition unit. 17. An image forming means for executing a plurality of pre-assigned individual processes to form an image on a recording medium; an identification means for identifying a type of a description format of print information inputted from the outside; An image processing unit that performs predetermined image processing on the input print information to generate print data that can be output by the image forming unit; and a description format type of the externally input print information identified by the identification unit. A control unit for selecting an optimum image processing to be executed by the image processing unit based on the print control unit. 18. The printing method according to claim 17, wherein the identification unit identifies the type of the description format of the externally input print information as one of a character, a graphic, and a bitmap image. Control device. 19. A print control method for controlling image formation on a recording medium by an image forming unit, wherein the image forming unit performs predetermined image processing on print information input externally to generate print data that can be output by the image forming unit. An image processing step of performing, a state detection step of sequentially detecting a state of the image forming unit accompanying execution of each individual process among a plurality of individual processes pre-assigned to the image forming unit, During image formation, a state change information generating step of generating state change information indicating the presence or absence of a state change regarding the image forming means based on each detection result detected before and after, and the generated state change information A state recognizing step of recognizing the type and the change state of the individual information that is changing based on the image processing means based on the type and the change state of the recognized individual processing. Print control method characterized in that it comprises a selection step of selecting an optimal image processing to be line, the. 20. A storage medium storing a computer readable program for controlling image formation on a recording medium by an image forming unit, wherein the image forming unit performs predetermined image processing on externally input print information. An image processing step of generating print data that can be output, and a state detection of sequentially detecting a state of the image forming unit accompanying execution of each individual process among a plurality of individual processes assigned to the image forming unit in advance. A state change information generating step of generating state change information indicating whether or not there is a state change regarding the image forming unit based on each detection result detected in succession during image formation by the image forming unit; A state recognition step of recognizing the type and change state of the individual information that is changing based on the generated state change information; Storage medium from which a computer stores readable program characterized by comprising a selection step of selecting an optimal image processing to be executed based on the kind and state of change. 21. A print control method for controlling image formation by an image forming means on a recording medium, comprising: an identification step for identifying a type of a description format of externally input print information; An image processing step of performing predetermined image processing to generate print data that can be output by the image forming unit; and the image processing unit is to execute based on the type of the description format of the identified externally input print information. And a selecting step of selecting an optimal image processing. 22. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling image formation by an image forming means on a recording medium, the identification step identifying a type of a description format of print information input externally, An image processing step of performing predetermined image processing on the externally input print information to generate print data that can be output by the image forming unit; and based on the identified type of the description format of the externally input print information. And a selecting step of selecting an optimal image processing to be executed. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program.