JPH1086459A - Print control apparatus, print control method for print control apparatus, and storage medium storing computer-readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] Even if rendering processing of the same page cannot be performed at a designated resolution, drawing data already developed is used to render subsequent drawing data in the same page at different resolutions within a predetermined memory capacity. It is to expand with. SOLUTION: When a CPU 12 determines that expansion processing cannot be continued, intermediate code data stored in a non-expanded state on a RAM 19 is expanded in the memory as second drawing data according to a second resolution. Following the first drawing data developed on the RAM 19, the CPU 1
2. The configuration in which the CPU and the gate array transfer the second drawing data converted to the same resolution as the first drawing data by the smoothing gate array to the printing unit.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a print control apparatus for converting the resolution of print information received from a data source and outputting print data to a printer engine, a print control method of the print control apparatus, and a computer readable program. The present invention relates to a storage medium storing a program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a printing apparatus, a page expansion by a normal frame buffer in response to a high resolution output request, for example, an output request at 600 dpi, requires a memory capacity of about 4 MB. Will be higher.

[0003] Therefore, by a known band expansion process, 4
The print processing can be performed at 600 dpi even with a memory capacity of MB.

In this case, the data becomes complicated,
If you cannot print at 600 dpi,
The data is recreated at 300 dpi again, and pseudo-smooth processing is performed at 300 dpi by high-resolution processing such as smoothing processing.
00dpi print processing, but at this time, 600d
The drawing data expanded by pi has been discarded.

[0005]

As described above, conventionally, 6
When a situation occurs in which band processing at 00 dpi cannot be made in time, when 600 dpi is pseudo-printed by high-resolution processing such as smoothing processing at 300 dpi, drawing data expanded at 600 dpi is discarded. However, there has been a problem that the processing time required to generate the pseudo 600 dpi print data becomes longer and the throughput is reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is an object of the first to ninth inventions according to the present invention to provide a first resolution drawing already developed in a memory. Without discarding the data, the intermediate code data that has not been developed in the same page is page-developed at the second resolution,
The rendering data of the second resolution is subsequently converted to the first resolution after the rendering data of the second resolution, or the rendering data of the first resolution is converted to the rendering data of the second resolution. Following the drawn data
By outputting drawing data with a resolution of, even if the same page cannot be drawn at the specified resolution, the drawing data that has already been developed is used to determine the subsequent drawing data in the same page. By providing a print control device, a print control method of the print control device, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program, which can reduce the drawing output processing time at the same resolution while developing at different resolutions within the memory capacity. is there.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, print information in units of pages input from a data source is converted into predetermined intermediate code data, and developed based on the intermediate code data. A print control apparatus including a memory capable of storing one piece of drawing data in a predetermined capacity, wherein it is determined whether or not expansion processing of the first drawing data with respect to the memory in a same page cannot be continued at a first resolution. Determining means for developing the intermediate code data stored in the memory in an undeployed state as second drawing data according to a second resolution in the memory when the determination means determines that the expansion processing cannot be continued; Expansion means; conversion means for converting the resolution of the second drawing data read from the memory to the same resolution as the first drawing data; Following the first drawing data, and a control means for transferring the second drawing data resolution conversion to the printing unit by the conversion means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, print information in page units input from a data source is converted into predetermined intermediate code data, and the first drawing data expanded based on the intermediate code data is converted into predetermined intermediate code data. A print control device including a memory capable of storing a capacity, a determination unit configured to determine whether or not expansion processing of the first drawing data with respect to the memory at a first resolution in the same page cannot be continued; When the means determines that the expansion processing cannot be continued, the expansion means expands the intermediate code data stored in the undeveloped state on the memory as second drawing data according to a second resolution in the memory; Converting means for converting the resolution of the first drawing data read from the first drawing data into the same resolution as that of the second drawing data; Following the drawing data, and a control means for transferring to the printing unit the second drawing data developed on the memory.

In a third aspect according to the present invention, the first resolution is higher than the second resolution.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a page for switching intermediate code data stored in an undeveloped state on the memory to a second resolution when the determination means determines that expansion processing cannot be continued. Search means for searching for a line position in the memory, wherein the expanding means converts the intermediate code data stored in an undeveloped state on the memory after the line position searched by the searching means according to a second resolution.
Is developed in the memory as the drawing data.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when the determination means determines that expansion processing cannot be continued, the first resolution mode for outputting the entire page at the first resolution or the entire page is output to the second resolution mode. There is provided setting means for setting one of the second resolution modes for outputting at the resolution.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a page-based print information inputted from a data source is converted into predetermined intermediate code data, and the first drawing data developed based on the intermediate code data is converted into predetermined intermediate code data. A print control method for a print control apparatus having a memory capable of storing a capacity, wherein a determination is made as to whether or not the rendering process of the first drawing data in the same page cannot be continued with respect to the memory at a first resolution. Process and
A developing step of developing intermediate code data stored in an undeveloped state on the memory as second drawing data according to a second resolution in the memory, and a resolution of the second drawing data read from the memory. A conversion step of converting the resolution to the same as the first drawing data; and transferring the resolution-converted second drawing data to a printing unit following the first drawing data expanded on the memory. And a transfer step.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a page-based print information input from a data source is converted into predetermined intermediate code data, and the first drawing data developed based on the intermediate code data is converted into predetermined intermediate code data. A print control method for a print control apparatus having a memory capable of storing a capacity, wherein a determination is made as to whether or not the rendering process of the first drawing data in the same page cannot be continued with respect to the memory at a first resolution. Process and
A developing step of developing intermediate code data stored in an undeveloped state on the memory as second drawing data according to a second resolution in the memory; and a resolution of the first drawing data read from the memory. A conversion step of converting the resolution to the same as that of the second drawing data, and transferring the second drawing data expanded on the memory to a printing unit following the resolution-converted first drawing data. And a transfer step.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the printing information in page units input from a data source is converted into predetermined intermediate code data, and the first drawing data expanded based on the intermediate code data is converted into predetermined intermediate code data. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for performing a print control of a print control apparatus having a memory capable of storing a capacity, wherein the first drawing data is stored in the memory in the same page as a first drawing data. A determination step of determining whether or not expansion processing cannot be continued at a resolution; and an expansion step of expanding intermediate code data stored in an unexpanded state on the memory as second drawing data according to a second resolution in the memory. A conversion step of converting the resolution of the second drawing data read from the memory to the same resolution as the first drawing data; Transferring the resolution-converted second drawing data to a printing unit subsequent to the opened first drawing data. The computer-readable program is stored in a storage medium. is there.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, print information in page units input from a data source is converted into predetermined intermediate code data, and the first drawing data expanded based on the intermediate code data is converted into predetermined intermediate code data. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for performing a print control of a print control apparatus having a memory capable of storing a capacity, wherein the first drawing data is stored in the memory in the same page as a first drawing data. A determination step of determining whether or not expansion processing cannot be continued at a resolution; and an expansion step of expanding intermediate code data stored in an unexpanded state on the memory as second drawing data according to a second resolution in the memory. A conversion step of converting the resolution of the first drawing data read from the memory to the same resolution as the second drawing data; Transferring the second drawing data expanded on the memory to a printing unit, following the first drawing data, and storing a computer-readable program in a storage medium. is there.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing the configuration of this embodiment, the configuration of a laser beam printer to which this embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is an external view for explaining the configuration of a first recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied. This corresponds to, for example, the case of a laser beam printer, and registers a character pattern or a fixed format from a data source (not shown). (Form data) can be registered.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1500 denotes a laser beam printer (LBP) main body (hereinafter, simply referred to as a main body);
Character information (character code), form information, macro instructions, etc., supplied from an external device such as a host computer shown in FIG. A pattern, a form pattern, or the like is created, and an image is formed on a recording sheet as a recording medium. Reference numeral 1501 denotes an operation panel provided with switches for operation and an LED display and an LCD display for displaying the status of the printer. 1000 denotes a printer for controlling the entire LBP 1500 and analyzing character information and the like supplied from the host computer. It is a control unit. The printer control unit 1000 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1502. Laser driver 1
Reference numeral 502 denotes a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1503, and the semiconductor laser 153 is driven in accordance with an input video signal.
On / off switching of the laser light 1504 emitted from 03 is performed. The laser light 1504 is swung right and left by a rotary polygon mirror 1505 to perform operation exposure on an electrostatic drum 1506.
As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506.

The latent image is developed by a phenomenon unit 1507 around the electrostatic drum 1506 and then transferred to a recording sheet. A cut sheet is used as the recording sheet, and the cut sheet is a sheet cassette 15 mounted on the main body 1500.
08, and is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1509 and transport rollers 1510 and 1511 and supplied to an electrostatic drum 1506.

Further, the configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is an external view illustrating the configuration of a second printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied, and shows, for example, the case of an ink jet printing apparatus (IJRA).

In the figure, a spiral groove 5004 of a lead screw 5005 which rotates through driving force transmission gears 5011 and 5009 in conjunction with forward and reverse rotation of a driving motor 5013.
The carriage HC that engages with a pin (not shown)
And is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b via the guide rail 5003. An ink jet cartridge IJC including an ink tank IT and an ink jet head IJH is mounted on the carriage HC. 50
A paper pressing plate 02 presses the paper P against the platen 5000 in the carriage movement direction.

Reference numerals 5007 and 5008 denote photocouplers, which function as home position detecting means for confirming the presence of the lever 5006 of the carriage HC in this area and switching the rotation direction of the drive motor 5013. 50
16 is a cap member 5 for capping the entire surface of the recording head.
Reference numeral 5015, a member indicating 022, is suction means for sucking the inside of the cap, and performs suction recovery of the recording head via the opening 5023 in the cap.

Reference numeral 5017 denotes a cleaning blade which can be moved in the front-rear direction by a member 5019. Reference numeral 5018 denotes a main body support plate, and the cleaning blade 5017, the member 5
019. Reference numeral 5012 denotes a lever for starting suction for recovery from suction, and a cam 50 which engages with the carriage HC.
The motor 2013 moves with the movement of the motor 20, and the movement of the driving force from the drive motor 5013 is controlled by a known transmission means such as clutch switching.

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured so that desired operations can be performed at the corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5005 when the carriage HC reaches the home position side area. What is necessary is just to be configured to perform a desired operation at a timing.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a control configuration of the printing apparatus shown in FIG.

In the figure, 1700 is an interface for inputting a recording signal, 1701 is an MPU,
The respective parts are generally controlled based on the control program stored in the second section. Note that the ROM 1702 also stores host print information, fonts, and the like. 1703 is DRAM
To save various data (such as the recording signal and recording data supplied to the head). Reference numeral 1704 denotes a gate array (GA), which controls supply of output data to the print head 1708. In addition, the gate array (GA)
Reference numeral 1704 denotes an interface 1700, an MPU 1701,
Data transfer between the DRAMs 1703 is also controlled.

Reference numeral 1710 denotes a carrier motor, which is driven by a motor driver 1707 and conveys a recording head 1708. Reference numeral 1709 denotes a transport motor, which is a motor driver 170.
6 and conveys the recording paper. A head driver 1705 drives the recording head 1708.
Reference numeral 1000 denotes a printer control unit.

In the recording apparatus thus configured, when input information is input from a host computer 3000, which will be described later, via the interface 1700, the input information is transmitted between the gate array (GA) 1704 and the MPU 1701. It is converted into output information for printing. Then, the motor drivers 1706 and 1707 are driven, and the recording head 1708 is driven according to the output information sent to the head driver 1705 to execute printing.

Note that the MPU 1701 is an interface 1
Communication processing with a host computer 3000 to be described later can be performed via the host computer 300, and memory information and resource data related to the DRAM 1703 and host print information in the ROM 1702 can be processed by the host computer
0 can be notified.

Also, a gate array (GA) 1704
A circuit for smoothing processing and a memory for image storage may be built therein, or a gate array (built-in memory) dedicated to smoothing processing may be used. Also, the memory may be external.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a print control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the laser beam printer shown in FIG. 1 will be described as an example. Note that, as long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention is applicable to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, and a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. It goes without saying that the invention can be applied.

In the figure, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer having a control unit 2000 therein. Control unit 2000
Is a CPU 1 that executes document processing in which graphics, images, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program or the like stored in a program ROM 32 of a ROM 3.
And each device connected to the system bus 4 is
U1 has overall control.

The program ROM 32 stores a control program of the CPU 1 and the like as shown in a flowchart to be described later. The font ROM 31 of the ROM 3 stores font data and the like used in the document processing. The data ROM 33 stores various data used when performing the above document processing and the like.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls a key input from a keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown). Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC), and a CRT display (CR
T) Control the display of 10. Reference numeral 7 denotes a disk controller (DKC) for controlling access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) for storing a boot program, various application programs, font data, a user file, an edit file, and the like, and a floppy disk (FD). .

Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer controller (PRTC)
And a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 2
1 connected to the printer 1500 via the printer 1
A communication control process with the communication 500 is executed. Note that the CPU 1
Executes, for example, a process of rasterizing an outline font to a set display information RAM on the RAM 2 to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 10. Further, the CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.

In the printer 1500, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU (CPU), which is a program ROM of the ROM 13.
132, based on a control program or the like stored in the external memory 14 or a control printer or the like, and comprehensively controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 15, and print interface (print I / F). ) 1
Printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via
To output an image signal as output information. Also, ROM
The 13 program ROM 132 also stores a control program of the CPU 12 and the like as shown in a flowchart described later. Furthermore, font ROM of ROM13
131 stores font data used when generating the output information, and a data ROM 133 stores information used on the host computer 3000 in the case of a printer having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk. I remember.

The CPU 12 is capable of communicating with the host computer 3000 via the input unit 18.
The information and the like in the printer 1500 are transferred to the host computer 30.
00 is configured to be notified. 19 is a RAM, C
It functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the PU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an additional port (not shown).

The RAM 19 has an output information development area,
Used for environmental data storage area, NVRAM, and the like. The external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) and an IC card is provided with a disk controller (DKC) 2.
The access is controlled by 0. The external memory 14 is connected as an option, and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like.

An operation unit (operation panel) 1501 is provided with switches, an LED display, an LCD display, etc., necessary for setting various modes and the like.

The above-mentioned external memory 14 is not limited to one, and is provided with at least one or more. The external memory stores an optional font card and a program for interpreting a printer control language of a different language system in addition to a built-in font. It may be configured so that a plurality of connections can be made. further,
An NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store the printer setting mode information from the operation panel 1501.

In this embodiment, the printing unit I / F 16
Within it, for example, 300 dpi data is subjected to a high resolution process (smoothing process) to simulate 600 dpi data.
It is assumed that a function of converting the resolution of the data is provided.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of the RAM 19 shown in FIG. 4, and the same components as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the size of A6 size is 2 MB which can be secured in the RAM 19 and the size of the real 6
This corresponds to an example in which 00 dpi and quick 600 dpi (300 dpi data are generated by hardware by a smoothing process to increase the resolution in a pseudo manner to 600 dpi) are mixed and developed in the same page. Also, as mentioned above,
In the page printer, a memory having a capacity of 1 MB is required to develop a bitmap at 300 dpi of A4, and a memory of 4 MB is required to develop a bitmap at 600 dpi of A4.

In FIG. 5A, BAND1 and BAND2 are band memories secured on the RAM 19, and each band is composed of 128 KB. CODE is an intermediate code memory secured on the RAM 19 and stores intermediate code data (600 dpi) converted from PDL data input from the host computer 3000 into intermediate codes optimal for bitmap development.

In FIG. 5B, BITMP1 is R
Bitmap memory secured on AM19, 300
The bitmap data of dpi is stored.

In FIG. 5C, CODE2 is RA
An intermediate code memory secured on M19 stores intermediate code data (600 dpi) converted from PDL data input from the host computer 3000 into an intermediate code suitable for bitmap development.
The intermediate code data up to the point where it is determined that the DL data cannot be converted into the intermediate code is stored.

BITMP2 is a bitmap memory secured on the RAM 19, and stores bitmap data obtained by performing bitmap expansion at 300 dpi from PDL data after the point at which all PDL data cannot be converted into intermediate codes.

As described above, 2 MB as shown in FIG.
In the drawing area secured with the capacity of
Since a 0 dpi bitmap cannot be developed, as shown in FIG. 5A, data is once converted into an intermediate code, and the data is converted into band memories BAND1, BAND2, BAND1, and BAND2.
When the intermediate code data is complicated, the rasterization of the video data may not be completed within the specified time for expansion to the band memories BAND1 and BAND2. I do.

In this case, if it is determined that a situation where rasterization cannot be completed is predicted, as shown in FIG.
Expand to bitmap of i (this expansion is called degrading)
Although it is possible to perform printing, printing is performed again from the beginning, so that the printing processing time is increased and the throughput is reduced.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5C, the CPU 12 uses the intermediate code stored in the intermediate code memory CODE2 up to the portion that can be printed at 600 dpi, and 300 dpi from the portion that cannot be printed at 600 dpi.
Bitmap data of bitmap memory BITMP
2 and performs high resolution processing on the 300 dpi bitmap data by a smoothing array to be described later to generate pseudo 600 dpi bitmap data without expanding the memory resources and without increasing the memory resources. The printing process is continued at the resolution, and control is performed so that printing of a desired page is completed in a short time.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the resolution conversion processing unit provided in the printing unit interface 16 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 16-1 denotes a video interface, which includes a printing unit 17, a CPU, and a gate array 16-3.
And connect. Reference numeral 16-2 denotes a smoothing gate array (SGA) having a built-in image storage memory, and a crystal oscillator 16-.
A known smoothing process is performed on the bitmap data of 300 dpi in synchronization with the clock from 4, and pseudo 6
Generate 00 dpi bitmap data. Note that S
The GA 16-2 receives a horizontal synchronization signal nBD for determining a printing position of each line from the video interface 16-1, receives a line clock nLSYNC synchronized with a clock of the crystal oscillator 16-4, and the line clock nLSYNC.
Is transmitted to the CPU and the gate array 16-3.

After the falling of the horizontal synchronizing signal nBD, the CPU and the gate array 16-3 output the video clock SVC.
The video data nCVDO synchronized with the LK is output. The CPU and the gate array 16-3 also control an external interface (not shown), a ROM, a RAM, and the like. Further, the CPU and the gate array 16-3 output the chip select signal nAIRCS, the write control signal WR, and the read control signal RD, and input the address and data, and can write the data to the IO register inside the SGA 16-2. . Note that nVSYNC is a vertical synchronization signal for determining the initial position of the sheet, and is input to the SGA 16-2.

The operation of FIG. 6 will be described below with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the resolution conversion processing unit provided in the printing unit interface 16 shown in FIG.
(b) corresponds to 300d printing processing.
This corresponds to the case where the bitmap data of pi is pseudo-converted to 600 dpi by the SGA 16-2 and the printing process is performed.

As shown in FIG. 7A, 600 dpi
When printing is performed by the SGA 16-2, the horizontal synchronizing signal nBD is input from the printing unit (engine) 17 to the SGA 16-2.
In 16-2, a line clock nLSYNC synchronized with the clock from the crystal oscillator 16-4 is sent to the CPU and the gate array 16-3. In addition, the SGA 16-2 outputs the image clock nVCLK to the CPU and the gate array 16-.
3 and the CPU and the gate array 16-3 convert the video data nCVDO into S in synchronization with the image clock nVCLK.
Transfer to GA16-2. The SGA 16-2 accumulates the video data nCVDO in the internal RAM, and sends the data delayed by several lines to the video data nVD
Transfer as O.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
When the bitmap data of dpi is converted into 600 dpi in a pseudo manner by the SGA 16-2 and the printing process is performed, the CP
300d sent from U and gate array 16-3
The resolution of the bitmap data of pi is increased in the horizontal direction, and the data of one dot of 300 dpi is
Is converted to 2-dot data of 600 dpi by the internal hard logic circuit. In this case, dots to be output are determined with reference to several surrounding lines and several horizontal dots. The data converted to 600 dpi in this way, that is, the video data nCVDO is transferred at twice the speed of normal 300 dpi. At this time, the line clock nLSYNC is output once every two times with respect to the horizontal synchronization signal nBD. For the vertical data, the line data output once is copied again and output.
As a result, the horizontal and vertical directions of the 300 dpi data are converted into 600 dpi × 300 dpi smoothing data.

FIG. 8 is a detailed block diagram illustrating the configuration of SGA 16-2 shown in FIG.

In the figure, a clock divider 16-2-1 generates a video clock SVCLK obtained by dividing the video clock VCLK, for example, by four. When switching the resolution, the video clock SVCL divided by 8 is used.
Generate K. 16-2-2 is an address decoder;
Set the IO register of the PU. 16-2-3 is a smoothing on / off register, which is a clock divider 16-2.
-1 for smoothing on / off signal SON / OF
Output F.

A RAM address counter 16-2-4 is enabled by a line clock nLSYNC and counts RAM addresses based on a write control signal nRAMWR from a clock frequency divider 16-2-1. 16-2-5 is a selector, which is a video data nCVD
O, and synthesizes several lines of data output from the smoothing logic 16-2-7 to the RAM 16-2.
Write to -6. The smoothing logic 16-2
-7 is not used by passing through the inside of the circuit at 600 dpi. A selector 16-2-8 selects data output from the smoothing logic 16-2-7 as video data nVDO. 16-2-9 is B
The D synchronization circuit generates a line clock nLSYNC synchronized with the horizontal synchronization signal nBD.

When the resolution is converted from 600 dpi to 300 dpi, the smoothing on / off register 16-2-3 is set by the CPU and the CPU of the gate array 16-3 at the beginning of the line to be changed. The conversion processing is configured to be effective.

As a result, as shown in FIG.
In the drawing processing area secured at 2 MB in the RAM 19,
If it is predicted that drawing processing at 600 dpi cannot be made in time during drawing processing at 600 dpi, 60
300 dpi following the bitmap expanded at 0 dpi
The video data that has been bit-mapped by i
The video data smoothed to 0 dpi can be continuously transferred, and the print processing can be performed in a shorter time and at a higher resolution than the conventional output processing at 300 dpi.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the first and third inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG. 4, FIG. 6, FIG.

According to a first aspect of the invention, page-based print information input from a data source (host computer 3000) is converted into predetermined intermediate code data, and the first drawing data developed based on the intermediate code data is converted. A print control apparatus having a memory capable of storing a predetermined capacity (secured in the RAM 19, for example, at 2 MB), and develops the first drawing data in the same page with respect to the memory at a first resolution. Judgment means for judging whether or not continuation is possible (CP
U12 executes the control program stored in the program ROM 132 to perform the determination process). When the determination unit determines that the expansion process cannot be continued, the intermediate code data stored in the undeployed state on the memory is deleted. Developing means (CPU 12 executes a control program stored in a program ROM 132 to perform the developing processing) as second drawing data according to a second resolution in the memory; and the second drawing data read from the memory. Conversion means (smoothing gate array 16-2 in the printing unit interface 16) for converting the resolution of the first drawing data to the same resolution as the first drawing data, and the first drawing data developed on the memory. Control means (CP) for transferring the second drawing data whose resolution has been converted by the conversion means to a printing unit. And CP of the gate array 16-3
U executes a program stored in a ROM (not shown), and the CPU 12 executes a control program stored in the program ROM 132 and performs a transfer process).
If the PU 12 determines that the expansion process cannot be continued, the RAM
The intermediate code data stored in an undeveloped state on the memory 19 is developed in the memory as second drawing data according to a second resolution, and the first code developed on the RAM 19 is
, The CPU 12, the CPU and the gate array 16-3 are connected to the smoothing gate array 16-.
2 transfers the second drawing data converted to the same resolution as the first drawing data to the printing unit. Therefore, when a situation occurs in which it is impossible to continue the drawing data development processing based on the first resolution, All intermediate code data that has not been expanded in the same page is expanded on the memory at the second resolution,
Without discarding the first rendering data already developed,
After the first drawing data, the resolution of the second drawing data can be output while being converted to the first resolution.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the first resolution (600 dpi in the present embodiment) is higher than the second resolution (300 dpi in the present embodiment). The drawing data of one continuous page can be subjected to page expansion processing at the second resolution without discarding the drawn data of the first resolution.

Hereinafter, the data processing operation of the print control apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 shows a first embodiment of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure.
Note that (1) to (10) indicate each step.

First, the host computer 3000 sends P
When the DL data is received (1), the PDL data is
The data is converted into intermediate code data of dpi and stored in the RAM 19 (2).

Next, the intermediate code data is transferred at 600 dpi.
While rasterizing, the data is expanded in the band area secured in the RAM 19 (3). Next, it is determined whether the bitmap development process for one page has been completed (4), and if YES, the process ends.

On the other hand, if the page development has not been completed in step (4), it is predicted whether or not the development to the band memory and the rasterizing process are in time (5), and the processing can be completed within the set time. It is determined whether or not it is (in time) (6). If YES, the process returns to step (3) and the same processing is repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (6) that it is not in time, the 600
The intermediate code of dpi is developed into a 300 dpi bitmap and output to the printing unit 17 (7). The smoothing process is set to ON in the printing unit interface 16 (8), and the 600 dpi bitmap data read from the RAM 19 is converted to the 600 dpi bitmap data. Subsequently, the smoothing process is performed on the 300 dpi bitmap data read from the RAM 19 to pseudo-convert it into 600 dpi bitmap data and output it to the printing unit 17 (9).
Next, it is determined whether or not the drawing data transfer process for one page has been completed (10). If NO, the process returns to step (9), and if YES, the process ends.

Thus, even if the band memory development processing at 600 dpi and the rasterization processing cannot be performed in time, all of the 600 dpi intermediate code that has not been developed can be replaced with the 300 dpi bitmap without re-performing the bitmap development processing at 300 dpi. Then, the data is developed in the RAM 19, the 300 dpi bitmap data is subjected to the smoothing process, and the printing process can be continuously performed at 600 dpi.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and the respective steps of the sixth and eighth inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, print information in page units input from a data source (host computer 3000) is converted into predetermined intermediate code data, and the first drawing data developed based on the intermediate code data is converted. A print control method of a print control device including a memory capable of storing a predetermined capacity (secured in the RAM 19 by, for example, 2 MB), wherein the first drawing data is stored in the same page as a first drawing data with respect to the memory. A determination step (step (6) in FIG. 9) for determining whether or not the continuation of the expansion processing is possible at the resolution; A developing step (step (7) in FIG. 9) for developing the data in the memory; and a resolution of the second drawing data read out from the memory as the first drawing data. Following the conversion step (step (9) in FIG. 9) for converting to the same resolution and the first drawing data expanded on the memory, the printing unit 17 converts the resolution-converted second drawing data. The CPU 12 executes a transfer step (step (9) in FIG.
If a situation occurs in which it is impossible to continue the rendering data development process based on the first resolution by executing the control program stored in the program ROM 132 of the Is developed on the memory at the resolution of the first drawing data, and the second drawing is continued on the first drawing data without discarding the already drawn first drawing data.
Can be output while converting the resolution of the drawing data to the first resolution.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to convert print information in page units input from a data source into predetermined intermediate code data, and to store first rendering data developed based on the intermediate code data in a predetermined capacity. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for performing a print control of a print control apparatus having a memory, wherein the first drawing data is expanded to the memory at a first resolution in the same page A determination step for determining whether or not continuation is possible (FIG. 9
(6)), and a developing step of developing the intermediate code data stored in an undeveloped state on the memory into the memory as second drawing data according to a second resolution (step (7) in FIG. 9). ), A conversion process of converting the resolution of the second drawing data read from the memory to the same resolution as the first drawing data (step (9) in FIG. 9), and a conversion process developed on the memory. A computer-readable program including a transfer step (step (9) in FIG. 9) for transferring the resolution-converted second drawing data to the printing unit 17 subsequent to the first drawing data. It is stored in a storage medium. That is, a program code corresponding to the process shown in FIG. 9 is stored in the program ROM 132 or a memory resource (including the external memory 14) (not shown), and the printer 1500 is stored in the program ROM 132 in which the program code is stored.
The embodiment in which the CPU 12 reads and executes the program is also included in the embodiment of the present invention.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
The case where a printing result is finally obtained at a high resolution has been described. However, an intermediate code of 600 dpi that has not been developed is developed into a bit map of 300 dpi in the RAM 19,
600d already developed in band memories BAND1 and BAND2
The resolution of the bitmap data of pi may be converted to 300 dpi, and the entire page may be controlled to be printed at 300 dpi. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining a main configuration of a print control apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, the same components as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals. FIG.
10A and 10B are timing charts for explaining the operation of the resolution conversion processing unit provided in the printing unit interface 16 shown in FIG. 10, where FIG. 10A corresponds to a case where printing processing is performed at 300 dpi, and FIG. This corresponds to a case where bitmap data of 600 dpi is converted into 300 dpi by the SGA 16-2 and printing processing is performed.

In FIG. 10, reference numeral 16-2-10 denotes a synthesizing circuit, which synthesizes 600 dpi data into 300 dpi data in accordance with the synthesizing criteria shown in FIGS. Specifically, 4-dot data at 600 dpi is converted to 1-dot data at 300 dpi.

FIG. 12 shows the synthesizing circuit 16- shown in FIG.
It is a schematic diagram explaining 2-10 dot synthesis reference | standard.

As shown in FIG. 12A, 600 dpi
If all four dots are white data, 300d
In addition, when all four dots at 600 dpi are black data as shown in FIG. 12B, the data is synthesized with one dot black data at 300 dpi. As shown in FIG. 12C, when one of the four dots of 600 dpi is white data and the other three are black data, they are combined with one dot of black data at 300 dpi, and shown in FIG. 12D. As described above, when one of the four dots of 600 dpi is black data and the other three are white data, they are combined with one dot of white data at 300 dpi, and as shown in FIG. If one is white data and the other two are black data,
The image is synthesized with one dot of white data or black data at 300 dpi.

The configuration and operation shown in FIG.
Since it is almost the same as FIG. 8, the description of the common parts will be omitted.

The synthesizing circuit 16-2-10 has a resolution of 600 dpi.
Is determined based on the combination criterion shown in FIGS. 12A to 12E based on the combination criterion of FIGS. 12A to 12E, and combined as 300 dpi white / black pixels. In the case of FIG. 12E, white pixels or black pixels are determined with reference to several vertical lines and several horizontal dots. At this time, the RAM 16-2-6 composed of an SRAM
Stores the vertical number lines.

As a result, at the timing shown in FIG.
The line data is fetched twice while the horizontal synchronizing signal nBD is output from, and the data is synthesized and output to the printing unit 17 as 300 dpi video data. The printing unit 1
It is assumed that the process speed of 7 is reduced to 300 dpi.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the second invention and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIGS.

According to a second aspect of the invention, page-based print information input from a data source (host computer 3000) is converted into predetermined intermediate code data, and the first drawing data developed based on the intermediate code data is converted. A print control apparatus having a memory capable of storing a predetermined capacity (secured in the RAM 19, for example, at 2 MB), and develops the first drawing data in the same page with respect to the memory at a first resolution. Judgment means for judging whether or not continuation is possible (CP
U12 executes the control program stored in the program ROM 132 to perform the determination process). When the determination unit determines that the expansion process cannot be continued, the intermediate code data stored in the undeployed state on the memory is deleted. Developing means for developing in the memory as second drawing data according to a second resolution (the CPU 12 executes the control program stored in the program ROM 132 to perform the developing processing); and the first drawing data read from the memory. Converting means for converting the resolution of the image data into the same resolution as the second drawing data (synthesizing circuit 16-2-10 in the smoothing gate array 16-2 in the printing unit interface 16)
And resolution conversion (600 dpi to 3
Control means (CPU and CPU in the gate array 16-3) for transferring the second drawing data developed on the memory to the printing unit following the first drawing data converted to 00 dpi. The CPU 12 executes the program stored in the ROM that does not
132 to execute a control program stored in the RAM 132, and transfers the intermediate code data stored in the undeployed state on the RAM 19 to the second The image is expanded in the memory as second drawing data according to the resolution,
The PU and the gate array 16-3 follow the first drawing data obtained by converting the resolution of the first drawing data read from the memory by the smoothing gate array 16-2 to the same resolution as the second drawing data. ,
Since the second drawing data developed on the memory is transferred to the printing unit, if a situation occurs in which rendering data development processing cannot be continued based on the first resolution, the undeveloped data in the same page All of the intermediate code data is expanded on the memory at the second resolution, and the resolution of the first drawing data is continuously converted to the second resolution without discarding the already expanded first drawing data. Thus, the second drawing data can be output.

Hereinafter, the data processing operation of the print control apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (10) indicate each step.

First, the host computer 3000 sends P
When the DL data is received (1), the PDL data is
The data is converted into intermediate code data of dpi and stored in the RAM 19 (2).

Next, the intermediate code data is transferred at 600 dpi.
While rasterizing, the data is expanded in the band area secured in the RAM 19 (3). Next, it is determined whether the bitmap development process for one page has been completed (4), and if YES, the process ends.

On the other hand, if the page development is not completed in step (4), it is predicted whether or not the development to the band memory and the rasterization process are in time (5), and the processing can be completed within the set time. It is determined whether or not it is (in time) (6). If YES, the process returns to step (3) and the same processing is repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (6) that it is not in time, the remaining 600
The intermediate code of dpi is expanded to a bitmap of 300 dpi (7), and the synthesis circuit 16-2-10 of the printing unit interface 16 synthesizes the bitmap data of 600 dpi into a bitmap of 300 dpi and sends it to the printing unit 17. Output (8). Next, 300 dpi bitmap data read from the RAM 19 is output to the printing unit 17 as it is (9). Next, it is determined whether the drawing data transfer process for one page has been completed (1.
0), if NO, return to step (9); if YES, end process.

Thus, even if the band memory development processing at 600 dpi and the rasterization processing cannot be completed in time, all of the 600 dpi intermediate code that has not been developed can be replaced with the 300 dpi bitmap without re-performing the bitmap development processing at 300 dpi. And expands the 600 dpi bitmap data to 300
By performing synthesis processing on dpi, printing processing can be continuously performed at 300 dpi.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and the respective steps of the seventh and ninth inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, page-based print information input from a data source (host computer 3000) is converted into predetermined intermediate code data, and the first drawing data developed based on the intermediate code data is converted. A print control method of a print control device provided with a memory capable of storing a predetermined capacity (secured in the RAM 19, for example, at 2 MB), wherein the first drawing data is stored in the same page as a first A determination step (step (6) in FIG. 13) for determining whether or not the continuation of the expansion processing is possible at the resolution of the intermediate code data;
A developing process (step (7) in FIG. 13) for developing the second drawing data as the second drawing data according to the resolution of the first drawing data, and setting the resolution of the first drawing data read from the memory to the same resolution as the second drawing data. (Step (8) in FIG. 13), and the second drawing data expanded on the memory is transferred to the printing unit following the first drawing data after the resolution conversion. The transfer process (steps (8) and (9) in FIG. 13) and the CPU 12
Executes a control program stored in the program ROM 132 of the ROM 13, and when a situation occurs in which rendering data expansion processing cannot be continued based on the first resolution,
All intermediate code data that has not been expanded in the same page is expanded on the memory at the second resolution, and the first expanded
It is possible to continuously output the second drawing data while converting the resolution of the first drawing data to the second resolution without discarding the drawing data of.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, print information in page units input from a data source (host computer 3000) is converted into predetermined intermediate code data, and the first drawing data developed based on the intermediate code data is converted. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for performing a print control of a print control apparatus provided with a memory capable of storing a predetermined capacity (secured in the RAM 19 at, for example, 2 MB). A determination step (step (6) in FIG. 13) for determining whether or not rendering processing of one drawing data cannot be continued at the first resolution with respect to the memory; Developing step of developing the code data in the memory as the second drawing data according to the second resolution (step (7) in FIG. 13)
A conversion process (step (8) in FIG. 13) for converting the resolution of the first drawing data read from the memory to the same resolution as the second drawing data; A transfer step (steps (8) and (9) in FIG. 13) of transferring the second drawing data expanded on the memory to the printing unit following the drawing data, which can be read by a computer. The program is stored in a storage medium. That is, the program code corresponding to the process shown in FIG.
The embodiment of the present invention also includes a mode in which the program is stored in a memory resource (including the external memory 14) or a memory resource (not shown) and read out from the program ROM 132 storing the program code by the CPU 12 of the printer 1500.

[Third Embodiment] In each of the above embodiments, since the resolution changes within the same page, the resolution changes on the line on which characters and the like are printed, and the output result is uncomfortable.

Therefore, a resolution switching compensation process may be applied to the first and second embodiments to avoid a character output defect at the boundary of the resolution switching line.

For example, in the case of the first embodiment, a smoothing process is performed after the resolution is switched. In the smoothing processing, data is determined with reference to pixels of several lines on the upper and lower sides and several dots on the left and right. Therefore, for example, referring to the upper and lower nine lines, at least five lines must be white data or solid black data.

Therefore, when it is recognized that the data is solid black data from white data for 5 lines or more at the stage of the intermediate code data, the logical processing for switching the resolution is stored in the ROM. 600 dpi and 30
When switching to 0 dpi, white data is fetched from 5 lines before switching to 300 dpi data.

In the case of the second embodiment, 600 d
When taking in the data of pi, the data is stored in the RAM 16-2-6 constituted by the SRAM, and is combined with the data of 300 dpi. At this time, since several upper and lower lines are similarly referenced, in this case, the resolution is changed only when the same color of the five lines continues.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the fourth invention and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a search device (when the CPU 12 determines that the RO is not
The control program stored in M13 is executed to perform a search process), so that the intermediate code data stored in the undeveloped state on the memory is searched for the line position in the page for switching to the second resolution. It is possible to prevent the degradation of the character data drawing quality at the boundary.

[Fourth Embodiment] In the above embodiment, 60
Although the case where the resolution conversion processing is performed to either 0 dpi or 300 dpi has been described, the high-resolution output and the low-resolution output are converted to the operation unit 1501 or the host computer 30.
The switching between the combination processing and the smoothing processing may be controlled by the command designation from 00.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the fifth invention and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

The fifth aspect of the present invention is the fifth aspect, wherein the determining means (CPU 12
When the user determines that execution of the control program stored in the program ROM 132 is impossible and determines that the expansion processing cannot be continued, the setting is performed by the user operating any key of the operation unit 1501. The setting may be made in accordance with a command instruction from the host computer 3000). The first resolution mode outputs the entire page at the first resolution, or the second resolution mode outputs the entire page at the second resolution. Thus, the user can instruct page development at a resolution intended by the user, and output at an optimum resolution according to the type of data to be output.

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

FIG. 14 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by the printing system 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. are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, the program is 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 FIGS. 9 and 13 in this embodiment are executed by a program installed from the outside.
It may be performed by a host computer. And in that case, CD-ROM, flash memory, FD
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 the above or from 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 the CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
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.

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

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) 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.

[0116]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, when the determination unit determines that the expansion process cannot be continued, the expansion unit sets the intermediate code data stored in the unexpanded state on the memory as the second drawing data according to the second resolution. The second drawing data, which has been developed in the memory and subsequently converted by the conversion means into the same resolution as the first drawing data by the conversion means, following the first drawing data developed in the memory Is transferred to the printing unit, and in the event that it becomes impossible to continue drawing data development processing based on the first resolution, all intermediate code data that has not been developed in the same page is stored in the memory at the second resolution. Rendering and outputting the first rendered data while converting the resolution of the second rendered data to the first resolution without discarding the first rendered data that has already been rendered. It can be.

According to the second aspect, when the determination means determines that the expansion processing cannot be continued, the expansion means converts the intermediate code data stored in the undeployed state on the memory into a second code according to the second resolution. A second rendering data which has been developed in the memory as the second rendering data, and converted by the control means from the resolution of the first rendering data read from the memory to the same resolution as the second rendering data. Following the drawing data, the second drawing data expanded on the memory is transferred to the printing unit. Therefore, if a situation occurs in which it is impossible to continue the drawing data expansion processing based on the first resolution, the same All intermediate code data that has not been expanded in the page is expanded on the memory at the second resolution,
Without discarding the first rendering data already developed,
It is possible to continuously output the second drawing data while converting the resolution of the first drawing data to the second resolution.

According to the third aspect, since the first resolution is higher than the second resolution, the drawing data of the first resolution already developed within the memory capacity is discarded. Without this, it is possible to perform the page development processing on the drawing data for one continuous page at the second resolution.

According to the fourth aspect, when the determination means determines that the expansion processing cannot be continued, the search means switches the intermediate code data stored in the memory in an unexpanded state to the second resolution. Since the line position in the page is searched, it is possible to prevent the degradation of the character data drawing quality at the resolution switching boundary.

According to the fifth aspect, when the determination unit determines that the expansion processing cannot be continued, the setting unit outputs the entire page at the first resolution in the first resolution mode or the entire page in the second resolution mode. Since any one of the second resolution modes for outputting at the resolution is set, the user can instruct page development at the resolution intended by the user, and output at the optimum resolution according to the type of data to be output.

According to the sixth and eighth aspects of the present invention, it is determined whether or not expansion processing of the first drawing data with respect to the memory at the first resolution within the same page cannot be continued. The intermediate code data stored in the expanded state is expanded in the memory as second drawing data according to a second resolution, and the resolution of the second drawing data read from the memory is the same as that of the first drawing data. Since the resolution conversion processing is performed and the second drawing data whose resolution has been converted is transferred to the printing unit subsequent to the first drawing data expanded on the memory, the drawing data expansion processing based on the first resolution is continued. In the event that the rendering becomes impossible, all the intermediate code data that has not been expanded in the same page is expanded on the memory at the second resolution, and the first rendered data that has already been expanded is discarded. Rukoto no it can be output while converting the resolution of the second drawing data continuously to the first drawing data to the first resolution.

According to the seventh and ninth aspects of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the rendering processing of the first drawing data cannot be continued at the first resolution with respect to the memory within the same page. The intermediate code data stored in the expanded state is expanded in the memory as second drawing data according to a second resolution, and the resolution of the first drawing data read from the memory is the same as that of the second drawing data. After converting the first drawing data having been subjected to the resolution conversion, the second drawing data developed on the memory is transferred to the printing unit, so that the drawing data development based on the first resolution is performed. When a situation occurs in which the processing cannot be continued, all of the intermediate code data that has not been expanded in the same page is expanded on the memory at the second resolution, and the already expanded first drawing data is stored in the memory. Without disposal, the by the resolution of the first rendering data continue while converting into the second resolution 2
To output the drawing data of.

Therefore, even when the same page cannot be rendered at the designated resolution, rendering data that has already been developed is used to render subsequent rendering data in the same page within a predetermined memory capacity. And the effect that the rendering output processing time at the same resolution can be shortened.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating a configuration of a first recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is an external view illustrating a configuration of a second recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control configuration of the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print control apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a RAM shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a resolution conversion processing unit provided in a printing unit interface shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart for explaining an operation of a resolution conversion processing unit provided in the printing unit interface shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a detailed block diagram illustrating the configuration of the SGA shown in FIG.

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

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a print control apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a timing chart for explaining an operation of a resolution conversion processing unit provided in the printing unit interface shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a dot combining standard of the combining circuit shown in FIG. 10;

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

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the printing system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 12 CPU 13 ROM 14 external memory 16 printing unit interface 17 printing unit 1501 operation unit

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A printing apparatus comprising: a memory capable of converting print information of a page unit input from a data source into predetermined intermediate code data and storing a predetermined capacity of first drawing data developed based on the intermediate code data; Control means for determining whether or not expansion processing of the first drawing data with respect to the memory in the same page can be continued at a first resolution; and wherein the determination means determines that expansion processing cannot be continued. And expanding the intermediate code data stored in the undeployed state on the memory as second rendering data according to a second resolution in the memory; and the second rendering read from the memory. Converting means for converting the resolution of the data to the same resolution as the first drawing data; and following the first drawing data expanded on the memory, Print control apparatus characterized by a control means for transferring the second drawing data resolution conversion by conversion means to the printing unit. 2. A printing system comprising: a memory capable of converting print information of a page unit input from a data source into predetermined intermediate code data and storing a predetermined capacity of first drawing data developed based on the intermediate code data; Control means for determining whether or not expansion processing of the first drawing data with respect to the memory in the same page can be continued at a first resolution; and wherein the determination means determines that expansion processing cannot be continued. And developing means for expanding the intermediate code data stored in an undeveloped state on the memory as second drawing data according to a second resolution in the memory; and the first drawing read from the memory. Converting means for converting the resolution of the data to the same resolution as the second drawing data; and following the first drawing data whose resolution has been converted by the converting means, Print control apparatus characterized by a control means for transferring the second drawing data developed on the memory to the printing section. 3. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first resolution is higher than the second resolution. 4. A search for retrieving a line position in a page for switching intermediate code data stored in an undeveloped state on the memory to a second resolution when the determination means determines that expansion processing cannot be continued. Means for developing the intermediate code data stored in an undeveloped state on the memory after the line position searched by the search means as the second drawing data according to a second resolution. 3. The print control device according to claim 1, wherein 5. A first resolution mode for outputting the entire page at a first resolution or a second resolution for outputting the entire page at the second resolution when the determination unit determines that the expansion processing cannot be continued. 3. The print control device according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit that sets one of the modes. 6. A memory capable of converting print information of a page unit inputted from a data source into predetermined intermediate code data and storing a predetermined capacity of first drawing data developed based on the intermediate code data. A print control method of a print control device, comprising: a determination step of determining whether or not expansion processing of the first drawing data with respect to the memory at a first resolution within the same page cannot be continued; A developing step of developing intermediate code data stored in a developed state as second drawing data according to a second resolution in the memory; and setting a resolution of the second drawing data read from the memory to the first drawing data. A conversion step of performing conversion processing to the same resolution as that of the data; and, following the first drawing data expanded on the memory, printing the second drawing data whose resolution has been converted. Printing control method for a printing control apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a transfer step of transferring the part. 7. A memory capable of converting print information of a page unit input from a data source into predetermined intermediate code data, and storing a predetermined capacity of first drawing data developed based on the intermediate code data. A print control method of a print control device, comprising: a determination step of determining whether or not expansion processing of the first drawing data with respect to the memory at a first resolution within the same page cannot be continued; A developing step of developing intermediate code data stored in a developed state as second drawing data according to a second resolution in the memory; and setting a resolution of the first drawing data read from the memory to the second drawing. A conversion step of converting the data to the same resolution as the data, and printing the second drawing data developed on the memory following the resolution-converted first drawing data. Printing control method for a printing control apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a transfer step of transferring the part. 8. A printing apparatus comprising a memory capable of converting print information of a page unit input from a data source into predetermined intermediate code data, and storing a predetermined capacity of first drawing data developed based on the intermediate code data. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for performing printing control of a printing control apparatus, wherein whether or not expansion processing of the first drawing data in the same page to the memory at a first resolution cannot be continued A developing step of developing intermediate code data stored in an undeveloped state on the memory as second drawing data according to a second resolution in the memory; and A conversion process of converting the resolution of the second drawing data into the same resolution as the first drawing data; and the first drawing expanded on the memory. Following chromatography data, the resolution-converted and a transfer step of transferring the second drawing data to the printing unit, a storage medium characterized by storing a program which a computer can read. 9. A printing apparatus comprising a memory capable of converting print information of a page unit inputted from a data source into predetermined intermediate code data, and storing a predetermined capacity of first drawing data developed based on the intermediate code data. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for performing printing control of a printing control apparatus, wherein whether or not expansion processing of the first drawing data in the same page to the memory at a first resolution cannot be continued A developing step of developing intermediate code data stored in an undeveloped state on the memory as second drawing data according to a second resolution in the memory; and A conversion step of converting the resolution of the first drawing data into the same resolution as the second drawing data; Subsequently, the storage medium characterized by storing the said second rendering data developed on the memory to transfer to the printing unit and a transfer step, a computer can read the program.