JPH1115613A - Image output apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To save a cost and to surely execute printing by judging whether bit map data to be generated and excepted data are the same and changing processing concerning bit map data generation, based on the judging result. SOLUTION: Once data has been inputted, a bit map judging part 102 judges whether bit map data to be generated and excepted data are the same. When judged to be different from expected data, a paper carrying direction instructing part 103 changes paper carrying direction and an intermediate data generation part 104 generates intermediate data, based on the direction. Meanwhile, when judged that the bit map data is the same as excepted data, the part 104 generates intermediate data, based on data sent from a command analytic editing processing part 104. Then, a bit map generation part 106 develops intermediate data to a bit map and a band memory 107 stores the developed bit map.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image output apparatus such as a printer connected to a host computer or the like and a method thereof.

In particular, the present invention relates to an image output apparatus and method having means for changing a process of generating bitmap data when bitmap data is different from expected data.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional image output apparatus, for example, a printer such as a well-known laser beam printer is connected to a host computer through a standard interface cable. When an image signal described in PDL (Page Description Language) is input from a host computer to an image output device, the image output device interprets the input image signal and converts it into a binary signal of bitmap data. To a printer engine to obtain a hard copy.

In recent years, a laser beam printer as a page printer is required to have high image quality, and a data processing resolution of 600 dpi or more is becoming mainstream. 600 dpi
Requires an A4 full size bitmap memory of about 4 MB, resulting in an increase in cost due to higher image quality. On the other hand, cost reduction is also required. Therefore, in order to reduce the increased memory capacity, a laser beam printer, which is a page printer, does not have a bitmap memory for one page like a serial printer, that is,
Many products that adopt a banding processing method that develops a bitmap in a band memory and outputs the data in synchronization with a printer engine have been commercialized.

[0005]

In the above conventional example, particularly in the banding processing method, as an internal processing, intermediate data composed of a plurality of units called an object is created for one page, and the generated intermediate data is divided into bits in band units. After performing the process of developing the map, a final printed matter is obtained. However, when an object or a band is created, a creation error such as a rounding error occurs. As a result, white stripes or the like are included in a portion of the obtained printed matter corresponding to a boundary position between objects or a boundary position between bands. In some cases, the printed material expected by the user cannot be obtained.

Some of the above-described production errors can be eliminated by changing the paper transport direction or the paper size. Since the internal processing of the printer changes depending on the transport direction and size of the paper, the transport direction of the paper must be determined before processing by the printer. That is, when a printed material that is not expected is obtained due to such a creation error, the user has to manually change the transport direction and the paper size and reprint in order to obtain the expected printed material. Alternatively, a bitmap memory may be added and developed into a bitmap memory for one page (hereinafter referred to as full paint processing), and the bitmap data may be rotated and then output to the printer engine, or a host computer may be used for one page. It is necessary to adopt a method (hereinafter referred to as an image mode) of developing the bit map data and transferring it to a printer.

However, if the user manually changes the transport direction, it will be troublesome twice. In the case of the full paint process or the image mode, it is necessary to increase the memory, and furthermore, the maximum throughput cannot be maintained. There was a problem.

Therefore, in order to prevent printing failure due to the above-described production error, to suppress costs, and to perform printing reliably while maintaining the highest throughput, the paper conveyance direction and paper size are automatically changed and output. Needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to reduce costs and perform printing reliably.

[0010]

The output device of the present invention for achieving the above object has the following arrangement.

That is, an image output apparatus for interpreting image information, generating and outputting bitmap data in band units, and determining whether the generated bitmap data is the same as expected data. And changing means for changing a process related to bitmap data generation based on a result of the determination by the determining means.

Preferably, the determining means detects and determines whether or not the image information includes a predetermined command.

Preferably, the changing means includes means for changing the direction of the band, and means for generating bitmap data in accordance with the changed direction of the band.

Preferably, the changing means includes means for changing the size of the print medium when the bitmap data is output, and means for generating the bitmap data in accordance with the changed size. I do.

The output device of the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration.

That is, a method of controlling an image output apparatus that interprets image information and generates and outputs bitmap data in band units, wherein it is determined whether the generated bitmap data is the same as expected data. And a change step of changing a process related to bitmap data generation based on the determination result of the determination step.

Preferably, the determination step is characterized by detecting whether or not a predetermined command is included in the image information.

Preferably, the changing step includes a step of changing the direction of the band, and a step of generating bitmap data in accordance with the changed direction of the band.

Preferably, the changing step includes a step of changing the size of the print medium when the bitmap data is output, and a step of generating the bitmap data according to the changed size. I do.

The storage medium of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration. That is,

A storage medium for storing a program controlled by an image output device for interpreting image information and generating and outputting bitmap data in band units, wherein the generated bitmap data is the same as expected data A determination unit that determines whether the bitmap data is generated based on the determination result of the determination unit.

Preferably, the determining means detects and determines whether or not a predetermined command is included in the image information.

Preferably, the changing means includes means for changing the direction of the band, and means for generating bitmap data in accordance with the changed direction of the band.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment> Before describing the structure of the present embodiment, the structures of a laser beam printer and an ink jet printer suitable for applying the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The printer applied to this embodiment is
It is needless to say that the printer is not limited to the laser beam printer and the ink jet printer, but may be a printer of another printing method.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a first output device applicable to the present invention, for example, a case of a laser beam printer (LBP).

The LBP main body 1000 inputs and stores print information (character codes, etc.), form information, micro-instructions, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer, and stores a corresponding character pattern according to the information. And a form pattern or the like, and form an image on a recording medium such as recording paper. The operation panel 1012 is provided with keys for operation, indicators such as LEDs, and the like. The printer control unit 1001 controls the entire LBP main body 1000 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from the host computer. The printer control unit 1001 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1002. The laser driver 1002 is a semiconductor laser 1003
And a laser beam 1 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1003 in accordance with the input video signal.
004 is turned on / off. Laser light 100
Reference numeral 4 denotes a rotary polygon mirror 1005 which is swung right and left to scan and expose an electrostatic drum 1006. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1006. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1007 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1006, and then transferred to a recording sheet. A cut sheet is used for this recording paper. The cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1008 mounted on the LBP 1000, taken in the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1009, a transport roller 1010 and a transport roller 1011, and supplied to the electrostatic drum 1006. The LBP main body 1000 is provided with at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language system can be connected in addition to the built-in font.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printer control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, a laser beam printer (FIG. 1) will be described as an example. It should be noted that if the functions of the present invention are executed, a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN, It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied.

The host computer 3000 has a ROM 3
And a CPU 1 for executing document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets and the like) are mixed based on a document processing program and the like stored in a program ROM 3b. To control each device in general.

The program ROM 3b of the ROM 3 has a CP
A control program of U1 is stored, a font ROM 3a of the ROM 3 stores font data and the like used in the document processing, and a data ROM 3c of the ROM 3 stores various data used in the document processing and the like. (For example, fixed pattern, test print form, etc.)
Is stored. The RAM 2 functions as a main memory and a work area of the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls a key input from a keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown). CR
The T controller (CRTC) 6 controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. The memory controller (MC) 7 controls access to the external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, and editing files, and a floppy disk (FD). The printer controller (PRTC) 8 is connected to the printer 1000 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 21 and executes a communication control process with the printer 1000. Note that the CPU 1 is, for example, R
Executes rasterization of the outline font in the display information RAM set on the AM2, and executes CRT
So-called WYSI that prints as displayed on 10
WYG is possible. Further, the CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands on the CRT 10 designated by a mouse cursor (not shown) or the like, and executes various data processing.

The printer 1000 is an LBP main body 1000.
A printer control unit 10 for controlling the entire system and analyzing character information and the like supplied from the host computer 3000
01.

The printer CPU 12 comprehensively controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program or the like stored in the program ROM 13b of the ROM 13 or a control program or the like stored in the external memory 14. The printing unit (printer engine) 1 that is controlled and connected via the printing unit interface 16
7 outputs an image signal as output information.

The program ROM 13b of the ROM 13 stores a control program of the CPU 12, and the like.
The font ROM 13a stores font data and the like used when generating the output information.
The data ROM 13c of the ROM 13 contains the printer 100
If there is no external memory 14 such as a hard disk in 0, information and the like used on the host computer are stored.

The CPU 12 is capable of communicating with the host computer 3000 via the input unit 18 and is configured to notify the host computer 3000 of information in the printer 1000 and the like. A RAM 19 functioning as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12 includes an optional RAM connected to an additional port (not shown).
(Not shown) so that the memory capacity can be expanded. The RAM 19 is used for an output information development area, an environment data storage area, an NVRAM, and the like. The access to the external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) and an IC card is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. Further, as described above, the operation panel 1012 is provided with switches for operation, an LED display, and the like.

The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, and a plurality of external memories can be provided. A card having a memory in which optional fonts are stored in addition to built-in fonts, or a printer control language having a different language system is used. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a plurality of external memories storing a program to be interpreted can be connected. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided so that printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1012 can be stored.

The first embodiment will be described in more detail.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the first embodiment of the present invention. When bitmap data is predicted to be different from data (expected data) expected by the user,
This is an embodiment in the case where the direction of band generation is changed by changing the direction of printing paper.

This procedure will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

When data is input from a host computer (not shown), the data is temporarily stored in a reception buffer (not shown) and then sent to the command analysis processing unit 101. After confirming the input of data in step S1, the process proceeds to step S2, where command analysis and editing are performed.

Next, proceeding to step S3, the bitmap determination section 102 determines whether or not the bitmap data and the expected data are the same. At this point, no bitmap data has been created, but the command analysis / edit processing unit 101
Since the data processed in step 1 already contains commands and parameters that indicate a creation error that may occur in the bitmap data to be created later, the command or parameter is used as a clue to judge the expected data. (This will be described in detail later).

If it is determined in step S3 that the data is different from the expected data, the flow advances to step S4, and the sheet conveyance direction is changed by the sheet conveyance direction instruction unit 103. Next, step S
Proceeding to step S7, the corresponding paper feeder is selected from a plurality of paper feeders (not shown) mounted on the engine unit 109 in accordance with the changed paper transport direction. Also,
After changing the paper transport direction in step S4, step S4 is performed.
Proceeding to 5, the intermediate data generation unit 104 generates intermediate data based on the data processed by the command analysis / edit processing unit 101 and the paper transport direction changed by the paper transport direction instruction unit 103.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the data is the same as the expected data, the flow advances to step S5, where intermediate data is generated by the intermediate data generation unit 104 based on the data sent from the command analysis / edit processing unit 101. I do.

After the intermediate data is generated in step S5, the process proceeds to step S6, where the intermediate data generated by the intermediate data generator 104 is stored in the page buffer 105.

Next, the process proceeds to step 8, where it is determined whether or not all the data has been processed. If the data is unprocessed, that is, if one page of intermediate data is not stored in the page buffer 105, steps S5 to S8 are repeated until one page of intermediate data is completely stored. One page of intermediate data is page buffer 1
If the intermediate data is stored in the bitmap, the process proceeds to step S9, where the bitmap generator 106 develops the intermediate data into a bitmap.

Next, the process proceeds to step S10, and the developed bitmap is stored in the band memory 107. The bitmap stored in the band memory 107 is sent to the engine output control unit 108, and is synchronized with the engine until all the intermediate data for one page stored in the page buffer 105 are processed in step S11. Is output, and printing is performed by the engine 109. S1
After confirming that all data can be processed in step 2, the printing is terminated.

The process of expanding the bitmap by the bitmap generator 106 must be the same as or faster than the process of inputting the bitmap by the engine 109.

[Determination of Bitmap and Expected Data in First Embodiment] Next, an example in which the bitmap determination section 102 determines whether or not the bitmap generated by the bitmap generation section 106 is the same as the expected data Will be described.

The above-mentioned bitmap is often different from the expected data when a specific command and parameter are issued to the data processed by the command analysis / edit processing unit 101.

FIG. 6 is a command table describing the specific commands and parameters. The bitmap determination unit 102 determines data processed by the command analysis / edit processing unit 101 based on a command table as shown in FIG. For example, the bitmap determination unit 102
Detects whether command A shown in the first row of the command table has been issued, and if command A has been issued, determines that the bitmap is different from the expected data,
Change the paper transport direction. Also, the bitmap determination unit 1
02 detects whether the command B in the second row of the command table has been issued, further detects whether the first parameter and the second parameter are specified, and if all are detected, the bitmap is expected. Judge that the data is different from the data, and change the paper transport direction. In addition, the bitmap determination unit 102 detects whether the command C in the third row of the command table has been issued, detects whether the set value 10 to 20 of the first parameter has been designated, and It is detected whether or not the parameter setting value 30 has been designated. If all of them have been detected, it is determined that the bitmap is different from the expected data, and the paper transport direction is changed. As described above, when at least one of the commands and parameters described in the command table is issued, it is determined that the bitmap is different from the expected data, and the paper transport direction is changed.

In the above configuration, when at least one command and parameter described in the command table are issued, it is determined that the bitmap is different from the expected data.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to determine that the bitmap is different from the expected data when a certain combination of commands is issued.

The bitmap determination unit 102 detects whether a specific command has been issued according to the command table, and changes the sheet transport direction based on the result. However, the present invention is not limited to this method. It is also possible to determine, for example, at the intermediate data level, whether the bitmap is the same as the expected data.

As described above, according to the image output apparatus of the first embodiment, when it is determined that the bitmap data is different from the expected data, the paper conveyance direction is changed, so that extra labor and cost are added. It is possible to surely obtain a print product expected by the user without applying any cost.

<Second Embodiment> FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention. When bitmap data is predicted to be different from expected data, the print paper size is changed. This is an embodiment in which the direction of band generation is changed by scaling.

Blocks having the same functions as in the first embodiment are given the same numbers.

This procedure will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

When data is input from a host computer (not shown), the data is temporarily stored in a reception buffer (not shown), and then the command analysis / edit processing unit 101
Sent to In step S1, it is determined whether or not data has been input. If the data input has been confirmed, the flow advances to step S2 to analyze and edit the command.

Next, proceeding to step S3, the bitmap determination section 102 determines whether or not the generated bitmap data is the same as the expected data (the determination method will be described later in detail). If it is determined in step S3 that it is different from the expected data, the process proceeds to step S21,
The paper size is changed by the paper size instruction unit 121. Next, the process proceeds to step S23, at which a corresponding paper feeder is selected from a plurality of paper feeders (not shown) mounted on the engine unit 109 according to the changed paper size. After the paper size is changed in step S21, the process proceeds to step S22, and the intermediate data generation unit 104 performs intermediate processing based on the data processed by the command analysis / edit processing unit 101 and the paper size changed by the paper size instruction unit 121. Generate data.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the data is the same as the expected data, the flow advances to step S22, and the intermediate data generation unit 104 generates intermediate data based on the data sent from the command analysis / edit processing unit 101. I do.

After the intermediate data is generated in step S5, the process proceeds to step S6, where the intermediate data generated by the intermediate data generator 104 is stored in the page buffer 105.

Next, the process proceeds to step S8, where it is determined whether or not all the data has been processed. If the data is unprocessed, that is, if one page of intermediate data is not stored in the page buffer 105, steps S5 to S8 are performed until the one page of intermediate data is completely stored.
repeat. When one page of intermediate data is stored in the page buffer 105, the intermediate data is sent to the bitmap generation unit 106, and is developed into a bitmap in step S9.

Next, the process proceeds to step S10, and the developed bitmap is stored in the band memory 107. The bitmap stored in the band memory 107 is sent to the engine output control unit 108. In step S11, the bitmap is synchronized with the engine until all the intermediate data for one page stored in the page buffer 105 are processed. The map is output and printed by the engine 109. S
After confirming that all data has been processed in step 12,
Printing ends.

The process of expanding the bitmap by the bitmap generator 106 must be equal to or faster than the process of inputting the bitmap by the engine 109.

[Determination of Bitmap and Expected Data in Second Embodiment] The determination processing in the bitmap determination unit 102 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

In the intermediate data generating unit 104, according to the paper size specified by the paper size specifying unit 121,
Intermediate data is generated by scaling.

The sheet size instructing section 121 designates another sheet size having a different conveying direction from a plurality of sheet feeding devices (not shown) mounted on the engine 109.

For example, if it is determined that the bitmap is different from the expected data in the A4 horizontal feed, paper feeding (for example, B5 vertical feed) according to the expected data is performed.

If a plurality of paper feeders (not shown) mounted on the engine 109 do not have paper sizes having different transport directions, the paper feeder
An exchange request for a paper size having a different transport direction is generated.

In the above configuration, when it is determined that the bitmap is different from the expected data, the paper transport direction is different,
Also, the paper size was changed to be different.However, the present invention is not limited to this. First, it is checked whether there is a paper size of the same size but in a different conveying direction. It is also possible to make a selection. Since the size of the bitmap image generated by changing the paper size changes,
The position of the band may be changed, and generation of a production error may be suppressed. In this case, it is possible to select a different paper size in the same transport direction.

As described above, according to the image output device of the second embodiment, if it is determined that the bitmap data is different from the expected data, the paper size is changed to a paper size different in the transport direction, so that an extra The printed material expected by the user can be reliably obtained without any trouble and cost.

[0071]

[Other Embodiments] Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), an apparatus (for example, a copying machine) Machine, facsimile machine, etc.).

Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or CPU) of the system or apparatus.
And MPU) read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, 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, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or 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. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in 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, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0077]

As described above, according to the image output apparatus and method of the present invention, when it is determined that the bitmap data is different from the expected data, the paper transport direction is changed, so that extra time is required. It is possible to reliably obtain the printed material expected by the user without using any cost.

If it is determined that the bitmap data is different from the expected data, the paper size is changed to a different paper direction in the transport direction, so that the printed material expected by the user can be reliably obtained without extra labor and cost. be able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a first output device applicable to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image output apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the image output apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the image output apparatus according to the first embodiment, and is a continuation of the flowchart in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a command table of the image output device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an image output device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the image output device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the image output apparatus according to the second embodiment, and is a continuation of the flowchart in FIG. 8;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 4 System bus 12 CPU 13 ROM 19 RAM 3000 Host computer 1000 Printer 101 Command analysis / edit processing unit 102 Bitmap determination unit 103 Paper conveyance direction instructing unit 104 Intermediate data generation unit 105 Page buffer 106 Bitmap generation unit 107 Band memory 108 Engine output control unit 109 Engine 121 Paper size instruction unit

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An image output apparatus for interpreting image information, generating and outputting bitmap data in band units, and determining whether the generated bitmap data is the same as expected data. An image output apparatus comprising: a change unit configured to change a process related to bitmap data generation based on a determination result of the determination unit. 2. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether the image information includes a predetermined command. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said changing means includes means for changing the direction of the band, and means for generating bitmap data in accordance with the changed direction of the band. 2. The image output device according to 1. 4. A method for controlling an image output device for interpreting image information and generating and outputting bitmap data in band units, wherein it is determined whether the generated bitmap data is the same as expected data. And a change step of changing a process related to bitmap data generation based on a result of the determination in the determination step. 5. The control method for an image output device according to claim 4, wherein the determining step detects whether the image information includes a predetermined command or not. 6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the changing step includes a step of changing a direction of the band, and a step of generating bitmap data in accordance with the changed direction of the band. 3. The method for controlling an image output device according to claim 1. 7. A computer-readable storage medium for storing a program for controlling an image output device that interprets image information and generates and outputs bitmap data in band units, wherein the program comprises: Storage means comprising: determination means for determining whether the map data is the same as expected data; and change means for changing processing relating to bitmap data generation based on the determination result of the determination means. Medium. 8. The storage medium according to claim 7, wherein the determination unit determines whether the image information includes a predetermined command. 9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said changing means includes means for changing the direction of the band, and means for generating bitmap data in accordance with the changed direction of the band. A storage medium according to claim 1.