JP2000255131A - Image printing apparatus and method, and memory medium storing program readable by computer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To normally print desired printing data inputted from a host on the entry column of a manuscript of which the circular entry column is printed without performing trial printing and generating positional shift. SOLUTION: The coordinates data of a predetermined region developed on a printing buffer 104 storing the printing data, which is obtained by analyzing the image data read by an image processing part 103 to be developed on a printing buffer 104 by a calculation precessing part 116 and received from a host 10, is formed to judge whether the printing data superposed on the printing region on the printing buffer 104 set by the coordinate data and received from the host 10 is present. On the basis of this judge result, printing correction data for storing printing position of the printing data received from the host in the printing region set based on the coordinates data is calculated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image printing apparatus and an image printing method capable of outputting an image based on print data received from a host via a predetermined communication medium, and a storage medium storing a computer readable program. It is about.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional image printing apparatus, in order to print on a predetermined circular document for a specific entry column (for example, a numeric entry column), printing is performed on a trial basis, and then the printing result in the entry column is printed. The deviation is measured by a ruler or the like, and the position is corrected by a driver of an image printing apparatus of a host computer or application software in consideration of the measured shift amount, and reprinting is performed.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, at least one sheet of paper must be wasted before a print result is correctly printed in a specific circular entry box. The user has to perform a complicated and time-consuming and troublesome operation of measuring the misalignment between the text box and the character to be put in the frame of the text box, and causing the driver or the like of the image printing device of the host computer to correct it. There was a problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and analyzes image data that is read and expanded in a print buffer, and expands the image data in a print buffer that stores print data received from the host. The coordinate information of the predetermined entry area to be generated is generated, and it is determined whether or not there is print data received from the host to be superimposed on a print area on the print buffer set by the coordinate information. The print correction data for storing the print position of the print data received from the host within the print area set by the coordinate information is calculated based on the print calculation data. By correcting the development position, desired print data input from the host into the entry field of the printed document in the circular entry field without performing test printing Position can successfully print without misalignment, without wasting paper, time necessary eliminates image printing apparatus and an image printing method, and a computer is also complex task is to provide a storage medium storing a readable program.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image printing apparatus capable of outputting an image based on print data received from a host via a predetermined communication medium (including a bidirectional interface and a network). A reading unit (scanner not shown) for reading a form document in which a predetermined entry area is designated by a circle; and an image data read by the reading unit and expanded in a print buffer, and analyzed by the host. Analysis means (image processing unit 103, calculation processing unit 11 shown in FIG. 1) for generating coordinate information of the predetermined entry area developed in a print buffer (print buffer 104 shown in FIG. 1) for storing print data to be received
6) and determining means for determining whether or not there is print data received from the host which is superimposed on a print area on the print buffer set by the coordinate information analyzed by the analyzing means (shown in FIG. 1). An image processing unit 103, a calculation processing unit 116) and, when the determination unit determines that there is print data received from the host to be superimposed on a print area on the print buffer, the print data received from the host is Calculating means (calculation processing unit 116 shown in FIG. 1) for calculating print correction data for placing the printing position within the printing area set by the coordinate information.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided control means for correcting a print position of print data retransmitted from the host based on the print correction data by the calculation means and developing the print position on the print buffer. Image processing unit 10 shown in 1
3).

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the control means (the image processing unit 103 shown in FIG. 1) corrects the retransmitted print data in the raster direction and the column direction by the amount of the print correction data to perform the printing. It expands to a buffer.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transfer means (interface 101 shown in FIG. 1) for transferring the print correction data calculated by the calculation means to the host, and the control means (FIG. 1) Image processing unit 103 shown in FIG.
And (c) developing, in the print buffer, print data whose print position has been corrected by the host based on the print correction data transferred by the transfer unit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the analysis means monitors the image data developed in the print buffer in a raster direction and a column direction to generate coordinate information of a predetermined writing area. is there.

A sixth invention according to the present invention relates to an image printing method in an image printing apparatus capable of outputting an image based on print data received from a host via a predetermined communication medium (including a bidirectional interface and a network). A reading step (step (3101) shown in FIG. 3) for reading a form document in which a predetermined entry area is designated by a circle;
An analysis step of analyzing image data read in the reading step and expanded in a print buffer to generate coordinate information of the predetermined entry area expanded in a print buffer storing print data received from the host (FIG. Steps (3102) and (3103) shown in FIG. 3), and whether there is print data received from the host that overlaps a print area on the print buffer set by the coordinate information generated by the analysis step. (Steps (3104) to (3106) shown in FIG. 3)
When it is determined that the print data received from the host is superimposed on the print area on the print buffer in the determination step, the print position of the print data received from the host is set by the coordinate information. And a calculation step (step (3105) shown in FIG. 3) of calculating print correction data to be contained in the print area.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developing step of correcting a print position of print data retransmitted from the host based on the print correction data in the calculating step and developing the print position on the print buffer (FIG. Step 3 (31)
12) to (3114)).

In an eighth aspect according to the present invention, in the developing step, the retransmitted print data is corrected in the raster direction and the column direction by an amount corresponding to the print correction data, and developed in the print buffer.

A ninth invention according to the present invention has a transfer step (not shown) for transferring the print correction data calculated in the calculation step to the host, and the development step includes the transfer step in the transfer step. The print data whose print position has been corrected by the host based on the corrected print correction data is developed in the print buffer.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the analyzing step, the image data developed in the print buffer is monitored in a raster direction and a column direction to generate coordinate information of a predetermined writing area. is there.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a computer for controlling an image printing apparatus capable of outputting an image based on print data received from a host via a predetermined communication medium (including a bidirectional interface and a network) is provided. A storage medium storing a readable program, wherein a reading step (step (3101) shown in FIG. 3) for reading a form document in which a predetermined entry area is designated by a circle; and a print buffer read by the reading step An analysis step (Step (3102) shown in FIG. 3) of analyzing the image data expanded in the step (3102) shown in FIG. 3 and generating coordinate information of the predetermined entry area expanded in a print buffer storing print data received from the host. 3103)) and a print area on the print buffer set by the coordinate information generated in the analysis step. Determination step of printing data received from the host to be overlaid to determine whether existing in (step (3104 shown in FIG. 3) to (3106))
When it is determined that the print data received from the host is superimposed on the print area on the print buffer in the determination step, the print position of the print data received from the host is set by the coordinate information. A computer-readable program having a calculation step (step (3105) shown in FIG. 3) of calculating print correction data to be contained in a print area is stored in a storage medium.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developing step of correcting a print position of print data retransmitted from the host based on the print correction data in the calculating step and developing the print position on the print buffer (FIG. Step 3 (3
112) to (3114)) stored in a storage medium by a computer-readable program.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the developing step, the computer-readable program for modifying the retransmitted print data in the raster direction and the column direction by print correction data and developing the corrected print data in the print buffer Is stored in a storage medium.

A fourteenth invention according to the present invention has a transfer step (not shown) for transferring the print correction data calculated in the calculation step to the host, and the development step includes the transfer step in the transfer step. A computer-readable program for developing print data, whose print position has been corrected by the host based on the print correction data, into the print buffer, is stored in a storage medium.

In a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the analyzing step, the computer which monitors the image data expanded in the print buffer in a raster direction and a column direction to generate coordinate information of a predetermined writing area is provided. A readable program is stored in a storage medium.

[0020]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Corresponds to the case of a printing system capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium.

Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a host, in which a predetermined OS is installed, for example, which executes an application program stored in a memory resource such as a hard disk to execute various data processing, and executes print data processed by the data processing. The print data that can be analyzed by the image printing apparatus is transferred by a predetermined protocol via a printer driver installed. The host 10 is communicably connected to the image printing apparatus 11 via a predetermined interface port (for example, including a parallel port, a network card, and the like).

In the image printing apparatus 11, reference numeral 101 denotes an input / output interface which is configured to be capable of bidirectional communication with the host 10 by a predetermined protocol, and receives print data (including control commands, print data, form data, etc.). Or transfer the status of the engine unit to the host 10.
A receiving buffer 102 is secured in a predetermined area such as a RAM (not shown).

Reference numeral 103 denotes an image processing unit which executes predetermined image processing described later. Reference numeral 104 denotes a print buffer, which expands print data of a predetermined unit to be printed, which is output after being image-processed by the image processing unit 103. A print control unit 105 includes a CPU, a ROM, and the like (not shown), and comprehensively controls the operation of the engine unit.

Reference numeral 106 denotes an image input control unit, which prints image data of a document (form sheet) on which a circular formatter for a specific entry field read from a monochrome scanner via a scanner driver 110 is printed by a print buffer 104.
Control expansion on top.

A raster counter 107 counts raster data to be developed. A column counter 108 counts the number of pixels in the column direction of the raster image to be printed. Reference numeral 109 denotes a print data coordinate data memory.

A scanner driver 110 drives and controls a scanner (not shown). An LF motor driver 111 drives and controls an LF motor (not shown). A carriage motor driver 112 drives and controls the reciprocation of a print head unit (not shown) in the main scanning direction. A print head driver 113 drives and controls a print head (not shown) based on print data.

Reference numeral 114 denotes a work buffer, not shown.
The memory area secured on the AM and which can be secured depends on the data processing state. 115 is a raster buffer;
This is a memory that can expand raster data. A calculation processing unit 116 executes a control program stored in a memory such as a ROM (not shown) to execute predetermined calculation processing (including calculation processing shown in a flowchart described later). 1
Reference numeral 17 denotes a display processing unit which controls status display or message display on an LED, LCD, or the like (not shown).

The print head is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the carriage, and is configured to be replaceable and mountable exclusively with the scanner head. The scanner head scans the original sheet in the main scanning direction, and In some cases, the raster image on the document sheet can be read by controlling the feeding.

FIG. 2 shows the scanner driver 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing an area shift between a document image including a circular outline read through the print data and print data, where X indicates a column direction, and Y indicates a raster direction.

In the figure, PTSQ is a rectangular area including a print area, and p, t, s, and q indicate coordinate positions on the rectangular area PTSQ. AnBnCnDn indicates a rectangular area surrounding the circular format. p ′, t ′, s ′, and q ′ indicate coordinate positions on the rectangular area AnBnCnDn.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the image printing apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (3101) to (3115) indicate each step.

First, in step (3101), image data is fetched from a document including a circular outline by a scanner, and in step (3102), the fetched image data is stored as a raster image in the print buffer 104 shown in FIG. expand.

Next, in step (3103), the end point information and the center coordinates of the square surrounding the circular contour are detected according to the procedure described later, and in step (3104), the host 1 is detected.
0, image data is received, and in step (3105),
The received image data is expanded in the print buffer 104 by the image processing unit 103.

Next, in step (3106), it is determined whether or not the print data is near the end point of the frame line of the rectangular area PTSQ. If NO, the print data is read and discarded in step (3107), and the process proceeds to step (3105). Return.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3106) that the print data is near the end point of the frame of the rectangular area PTSQ, then in step (3108), the print data near the rectangular area AnBnCnDn surrounding the circular contour line is determined. Is determined in step (3109), and if it is determined that there is no print data, an error process (not shown) is executed in step (3116), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3109) that there is print data, step (3110)
To detect the deviation between the outline area and the position of the print data,
In step (3111), the calculation processing unit 116 calculates the print coordinates for correcting the deviation according to a procedure described later.

Next, in step (3112), the host 1
0 requesting retransmission of image data, and step (31)
In step 13), the retransmitted image data is received, and in step (3114), the print data is expanded in the print buffer 104 in accordance with the correction value calculated in step (3111). The print control unit 105 reads out the print data expanded in the print data and transfers the print data to the print head driver 113 to perform printing, and ends the processing.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the image printing apparatus according to the present invention, and correspond to the detailed procedure of the search processing of the position data of the contour line. (3201) to (3235)
Indicates each step.

First, the image printing device 11 stores the data read by the binary monochrome scanner in the print buffer 1.
04, and if data is continuous, the address of the expanded buffer is used as coordinate data in the column direction (X direction) and the raster direction (Y direction) as shown in FIG. At 3201), initialization of parameters and the like for each memory including the work buffer 114 is performed, and at step (3202), the raster buffer 11 is initialized.
5, the image data for one raster is developed in the X direction. In step (3203), it is determined whether the development of the image data for one raster is completed. If it is determined that the development is not completed, Returning to step (3202), if it is determined that the development has been completed, step (3204)
When the raster data is advanced in the Y direction and the next raster image data is developed, the coordinate address of the image data of the first black point found in the X direction in the developed image data is set to the starting point (X
_ni , Y _nj ) (n = 1, 2, 3,..., i = 1, 2, 2)
3,..., J = 1, 2, 3,...) In the work buffer 114, and in step (3205), it is checked whether there is continuous image data on the same raster. If you determine that there is data,
In step (3224), the data is expanded to the next address, and the process returns to step (3205).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3205) that there is no continuous image data, step (320)
In step 6), the parameter i is set to "1" to search in the X direction.
The value is incremented, and in step (3207), the coordinate data of the point is changed to the end point (X _ni , Y _nj ) (n = 1, 2, 3,...).
.., I = 1, 2, 3,..., J = 1, 2, 3,.

Next, at step (3208), it is checked whether or not there is another single point or continuous data on the same raster. If it is determined that there is continuous image data, then at step (3209), , The parameter n is incremented, and the process returns to step (3202) to repeat the same steps (3202) to (3208) as described above.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3208) that there is no continuous image data, step (32)
In step 10), the parameter j is incremented by “1”, and the parameter n is set to “0”. In step (3211), the next raster is developed on the raster buffer 115, and in step (3212), It is determined whether the development of the image data for one raster has been completed. If it is determined that the development has not been completed, the process proceeds to step (321).
Returning to 1), if it is determined that the development has been completed,
In step (3213), if there is data as a black point, it is checked whether image data having a value that is the same as the X coordinate of the data, or a value that is before or after the data exists in the previous raster. 3222)
Erase from the previous coordinate data, and step (3223)
Then, the raster is expanded from the current raster to the raster buffer 115, and the process returns to step (3203) to repeat the same processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3213) that there is image data, the coordinate address of the first black point image data found in the X direction in the image data expanded in step (3214) is set to the starting point (X _ni , Y _nj )
(N = 1, 2, 3,..., I = 1, 2, 3,..., J =
..) Are stored in the work buffer 114, and it is checked in step (3215) whether there is continuous image data on the same raster, and it is determined that there is continuous image data. In step (32)
In step 16), the data is expanded to the next address, and the process returns to step (3215).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3215) that there is no continuous image data, step (321)
In step 7), the parameter i is set to "1" to search in the X direction.
The value is incremented, and in step (3218), the coordinate data of the point is changed to the end point (X _ni , Y _nj ) (n = 1, 2, 3,...).
.., I = 1, 2, 3,..., J = 1, 2, 3,.

Then, in step (3219), the end point on the same raster is obtained, and it is checked whether there is another single point or continuous data on the same raster.
If it is determined that there is another single point or continuous data on the same raster, n is incremented by “1” in step (3220), and the process returns to step (3211) to return another single point on the same raster. Alternatively, if it is determined that there is no continuous data, it is determined in step (3221) whether the parameter j is larger than the parameter k, and if it is determined that the parameter j is not larger than the parameter k, Return to step (3210).

In this manner, the same processing is repeated until the data is expanded to the upper limit K in the Y direction, and the coordinate data of the circular outline is stored in the work buffer 114.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3221) that the parameter j is larger than the parameter k, the process proceeds to steps (3225) to (3228), where the contour coordinate data obtained by the above procedure is used. The minimum value and the maximum value of the X coordinate and the minimum value and the maximum value of the Y coordinate are obtained, and the coordinates A _n (X
_{nmin, Y nmin), B n} (X nmax, Y nmin), C n (X
_{nmin, Y nmax), D n} (X nmax, obtains the Y _nmax).

Then, in step (3229), the horizontal length ΔX _n of the rectangle is determined, and in step (3230), the vertical length ΔY _n of the rectangle is determined.

Next, in step (3231), the horizontal length ΔX _n of the rectangle is compared with the vertical length ΔY _n of the rectangle, and the relative difference value | Δ calculated by the calculation processing unit 116 is calculated.
It is determined whether or not X _n −ΔY _n | is within the range of the error ε. If it is determined that X _n −ΔY _n | is not within the range of the error ε, that is, if it is determined that it is not circular, in step (3235),
Execute error processing and end the processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3231) that the error is within the range of the error ε, that is, it is determined that the contour line captured by the scanner is circular, and step (3232)
In the center coordinates _{O n (O nx, O ny} ) of the circle of the contour line calculation processing unit 116 is calculated according to the _{O nx = (X nmax + X} nmix) / 2, in step (3233), the calculation processing unit 116 O
_ny = calculated according _{(Y nmax + Y nmin) /} 2, in step (3234), the radius R _n of the circle of the contour line R _n = ([Delta] X
_n + ΔY _n ) / 4, and the process ends.

As a result, the data of the contour line is calculated by the equation (X− (X _nmax +
X _nmix ) / 2) ² + (Y− (Y _nmax + Y _nmix ) / 2) ²
= R _n ² ). Also, since the Y coordinate coincides with the raster, the contour X coordinate of the circle on each raster is given by
Is obtained.

[0052]

(Equation 1) Given by At this time, a fractional part is rounded.

Next, the print data in the print area AnBnCnDn in the rectangular area shown in FIG. 2 is searched, and the minimum and maximum values of the X coordinate or the minimum and maximum values of the Y coordinate are searched for in the print data in that area. Will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the image printing apparatus according to the present invention. The processing for obtaining the minimum and maximum values of the X coordinate and the minimum and maximum values of the Y coordinate will be described. Corresponds to the procedure. (3301)
-(3321) show each step.

The print data transmitted from the host 10 is stored in the reception buffer 102 and is stored in the image processing unit 10.
In step 3, the image data is converted into image data and expanded in the print buffer 102. Image data developed in the print buffer 104 is discarded up to a raster (Y _n1 -C: C is a constant of a certain natural number) before the raster of the rectangular end point An that surrounds the previously obtained circular contour line. Further, the constant C is ΔY
The value shall be rounded down to the nearest _n / 2.

In a state where the coordinate data of the print data from raster Y _n1 -C to raster Y _n1 is stored, X _n1 -Δ
In _{X n / 2 ≦ X ≦ X} n1 + ΔX n / 2, and, Y _n1 -ΔY
The print data in a rectangular area (large square area in FIG. 2) surrounded by _n / 2 ≦ Y ≦ Y _n1 + ΔY _n / 2 is searched, and the minimum and maximum values of the X coordinate and the print data in the area are searched. 4 points p that take the minimum and maximum values of the Y coordinate
(X _mem1 , Y _mem1 ), q (X _mem2 , Y _mem2 ), s (X
The coordinate data of _mem3 , _Ymem3 ) and t ( _Xmem4 , _Ymem4 ) are _obtained according to the algorithm shown in steps (3301) to (3321).

Next, a process of calculating a correction vector based on the minimum and maximum values of the X coordinate and the minimum and maximum values of the Y coordinate will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth data processing procedure in the image printing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to a procedure for calculating a correction vector. Note that (3401) to (3405) indicate each step.

First, steps (3401) and (340)
In 2), four points p (X _mem1 , Y _mem1 ), q (X
_{mem2, Y mem2), s (} X mem3, Y mem3), t (X mem4,
Y _mem4 ) The length of the side parallel to the X-axis of the rectangle PQST formed by the side parallel to the X-axis and the Y-axis in contact with the Y-axis | X _mem4 −X _mem2 |
_Becomes | X _mem4 −X _mem2 | ≦ ΔX _n / 2, and Y
The length of the sides parallel to the axes | Y _mem3 -Y _mem1 | is, | Y _mem3
It is determined whether −Y _mem1 | ≦ ΔY _n / 2, and if it is determined that the above condition is not satisfied, step (34)
05), the print data does not fit in the area within the circular outline, so that error processing, for example, error status
A process for returning to 0 is executed, and the process ends.

On the other hand, steps (3401) and (340)
If both are determined to be YES, step (3)
In 403), intersection of diagonal lines U rectangular region PQST shown in FIG. _{2 ((X mem2 + X mem4} ) / 2, (Y mem1 + Y mem3 /
Center O _n 2) and the circular contour _{((X nmax + X nmix)} /
_{2, (Y nmax + Y nmix} ) / 2) correction values between the region pqst the circular outline surrounding the print data from the vector 1E ₁
(E _1x , E _1y ) is obtained, and the correction value vector 1 is obtained.
The components of E ₁ are respectively E _1x = ｛(X _nmax + X _nmix ) −
(X _mem2 + X _mem4 )｝ / 2, E _1y = ｛(Y _nmax +
Y _NMIX) - a _{(Y mem1 + Y mem3)}} / 2. However,
The decimal places of E _1x and E _1y are rounded down or rounded up.

Thus, the area pqs surrounding the print data
Four points p ′ (p ′ _x , p ′ _y ), q ′ (corrected by adding a correction value vector E ₁ to four points p, q, s, t of t)
q ' _x , q' _y ), s '(s' _x , s ' _y ), t'
(T ′ _x , t ′ _y ) is p ′ (X _mem1 + E _1x ,
Y _mem1 + E _1y ), q '(X _mem2 + E _1x , Y _mem2 +
E _1y ), s ′ (X _mem3 + E _1x , Y _mem3 + E _1y ), t ′
(X _mem4 + E _1x , Y _mem4 + E _1y ).

Next, in step (3404), four points are corrected _{p '(p' x, p} 'y), q' (q 'x, q'
_{y), s '(s'} x, s 'y), t' (t 'x, t'
vector O by connecting _y) and the center On of the circular contour each _{n p ', O n q'} , O n s ', O n t' the average taken vector correction value vector E ₂ p (E _2x ,
E _2y ). The components of the correction value vector E ₂ are respectively E _2x = ((p ′ _x + q ′ _x + s ′ _x + t ′ _x )
_{/ 4-O nx), E} 2y = ((p 'y + q' y + s' y +
t ' _y ) / 4-O _ny ). However, fractions below E _2x and E _2y are rounded down or rounded up.

As a result, the step (31) shown in FIG.
In steps 12) to (3114), a print data retransmission request is sent to the host 10, and the print data is
4, the printing is executed by shifting the print data in the X and Y directions by the correction value obtained earlier.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
When the image printing apparatus 11 sends a print data retransmission request to the host 10 and develops the print data in the print buffer 104, the print data is developed by shifting the print data in the X and Y directions by the correction value previously obtained. However, the correction value data calculated by the image printing apparatus 11 in accordance with the procedure shown in each of the flowcharts described above is transferred to the host 10 using the data processing resources on the host side, and A configuration may be adopted in which corrected print data obtained by correcting the output position of the print data is received and printed directly.

The processing for obtaining the correction value vector 1E ₁ and the correction value vector E ₂ is almost the same as that in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the obtained correction data is transferred to the host 10, and image data whose print position has been corrected in consideration of the correction data by a print control program such as a printer driver is prepared. Since the print data is transferred in accordance with the retransmission request of No. 11, it is possible to print normally in the circle written in a circular format based on the print data without any positional displacement. The retransmitted print data may be PDL data or bitmap data.

According to the above-described embodiment, the printing of the image printing apparatus is performed based on the image information of the circular frame of the entry column obtained by reading the document on which the predetermined circular format for the specific entry column is printed. It stores it as buffer position information and performs processing to check whether there is a part that overlaps with the frame line when the print data is expanded in the print buffer, and if so, which circular line in the entry column The print data is translated in the raster direction and column direction so that it does not overlap, and if the print data fits in the circular entry box, the position of the print data closest to each side is calculated, the average value is calculated, and image processing is performed. In the print buffer of the device, correction values in the raster direction and column direction are calculated so that print data can be correctly printed in the entry column, so circular entry without performing test printing Printed were able to correctly printed on the entry field of the document, without wasting paper, also eliminates the need for complicated work time.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by the image printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by the image printing apparatus according to the present invention.

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

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. Also, a program for installing various programs on a computer, and a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed, may be stored in some cases.

The functions shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In that case, CD-ROM, flash memory, FD
The present invention can be applied to a case in which 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 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.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, C
D-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, etc. 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.

[0078]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, there is provided an image printing apparatus capable of outputting an image based on print data received from a host via a predetermined communication medium, wherein a reading means for reading a form document in which a predetermined entry area is designated by a circle; Analyzing means for analyzing image data read by the reading means and expanded in a print buffer to generate coordinate information of the predetermined entry area expanded in a print buffer for storing print data received from the host; and Determining means for determining whether there is print data received from the host that is superimposed on a print area on the print buffer set by the coordinate information analyzed by the analysis means; and If it is determined that print data received from the host is superimposed on a print area on the buffer, Calculation means for calculating the print correction data to fit the print position of the print data received from the print area set in the coordinate information, without performing a plurality of times of print processing with paper waste, Correction data for printing the intended image data received from the host in the circular area on the form sheet in which the predetermined entry area is designated by a circle can be accurately calculated in one printing process.

According to the second and third inventions, the control means for correcting the print position of the print data retransmitted from the host based on the print correction data by the calculation means and developing the print data on the print buffer is provided. The image data intended to be received from the host in the circular area on the form sheet in which a predetermined entry area is designated by a circle in one printing process without performing a plurality of printing processes involving paper waste. Can be printed without displacement.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transfer means for transferring the print correction data calculated by the calculation means to the host, wherein the control means controls the print correction data transferred by the transfer means. The print data whose print position has been corrected by the host on the basis of the above is developed in the print buffer, so that the data development processing load on the image printing apparatus can be reduced, and a predetermined writing area can be efficiently created in one print processing. The intended image data received from the host can be printed in the circular area on the form sheet designated by a circle without displacement.

According to the fifth aspect, the analysis means monitors the image data developed in the print buffer in a raster direction and a column direction to generate coordinate information of a predetermined entry area. The coordinate information corresponding to the circular entry area can be accurately generated from the image data actually developed.

According to the sixth and eleventh aspects, there is provided an image printing method in an image printing apparatus capable of outputting an image based on print data received from a host via a predetermined communication medium, A storage medium storing a computer-readable program that controls an image printing apparatus capable of outputting an image based on print data received from a host via a host computer, wherein a predetermined entry area is specified as a circular form original. A reading step of reading and analyzing the image data read in the reading step and expanded in the print buffer to generate coordinate information of the predetermined entry area expanded in the print buffer storing print data received from the host; Analyzing step, and a print area on the print buffer set by the coordinate information generated by the analyzing step A determination step of printing data received from the host to be overlaid is determined whether there,
When it is determined that the print data received from the host is superimposed on the print area on the print buffer in the determination step, a print area in which the print position of the print data received from the host is set by the coordinate information A calculation step of calculating print correction data to be stored in the form sheet, so that a predetermined entry area is designated by a circle in one printing process without performing a plurality of printing processes involving waste of paper. Correction data for printing intended image data received from the host in the above circular area can be calculated with high accuracy.

According to the seventh, twelfth, eighth, and thirteenth aspects, the print position of the print data retransmitted from the host is corrected based on the print correction data in the calculating step, and the print position is corrected in the print buffer. Because it has a development process that develops to
Correction data for printing the intended image data received from the host in the circular area on the form sheet in which the predetermined entry area is designated by a circle can be accurately calculated in one printing process.

According to the ninth and fourteenth aspects, there is provided a transfer step of transferring the print correction data calculated in the calculation step to the host, and the developing step includes the step of transferring the print correction data transferred in the transfer step. Since the print data whose print position has been corrected by the host based on the print correction data is developed in the print buffer, the data development processing load on the image printing apparatus can be reduced, and a predetermined print processing can be efficiently performed in one print process. The intended image data received from the host can be printed in the circular area on the form sheet in which the entry area is specified as a circle without any displacement.

According to the tenth and fifteenth aspects, in the analyzing step, the image data developed in the print buffer is monitored in the raster direction and the column direction to generate coordinate information of a predetermined writing area. It is possible to accurately generate coordinate information corresponding to a circular entry area from image data actually developed in a print buffer.

Therefore, the desired print data input from the host can be normally printed in the entry field of the printed original in the circular entry field without performing the test printing without any positional displacement, and the paper is not wasted and the time is shortened. This has the effect of eliminating the need for complicated work.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually showing an area shift between a document image including a circular outline read by the scanner driver shown in FIG. 1 and print data.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the image printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the image printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the image printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure in the image printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth data processing procedure in the image printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the image printing apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 Host 11 Image printing device 102 Receive buffer 103 Image processing unit 104 Print buffer 105 Print control unit 106 Image input control unit 116 Calculation processing unit

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An image printing apparatus capable of outputting an image based on print data received from a host via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: a reading unit for reading a form document in which a predetermined entry area is designated by a circle; Analyzing means for analyzing image data read by the reading means and expanded in a print buffer to generate coordinate information of the predetermined entry area expanded in a print buffer storing print data received from the host; Determining means for determining whether there is print data received from the host which is superimposed on a print area on the print buffer set by the coordinate information analyzed by the analysis means; and If it is determined that print data received from the host is superimposed on the upper print area, Image printing apparatus characterized by comprising calculating means for calculating a print correction data for pay printing position of the print data et received printing area set by the coordinate information. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising control means for correcting a print position of the print data retransmitted from the host based on the print correction data by the calculation means and expanding the print position on the print buffer. An image printing apparatus as described in the above. 3. The image printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit corrects the retransmitted print data in a raster direction and a column direction by an amount corresponding to print correction data, and develops the print data in the print buffer. 4. A transfer unit for transferring the print correction data calculated by the calculation unit to the host, wherein the control unit controls the host based on the print correction data transferred by the transfer unit. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print data whose print position is corrected is developed in the print buffer. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the analysis unit monitors the image data developed in the print buffer in a raster direction and a column direction to generate coordinate information of a predetermined writing area. Image printing device. 6. An image printing method in an image printing apparatus capable of outputting an image based on print data received from a host via a predetermined communication medium, wherein a form document in which a predetermined entry area is designated by a circle is read. A reading step; analyzing the image data read in the reading step and expanded in the print buffer to generate coordinate information of the predetermined entry area expanded in the print buffer storing the print data received from the host; An analysis step; a determination step of determining whether there is print data received from the host that is superimposed on a print area on the print buffer set by the coordinate information generated by the analysis step; It is determined that there is print data received from the host that overlaps a print area on the print buffer. Case, the image printing method characterized by having a calculation step of calculating a print correction data for pay printing position of the print data received from the host to the printing area set by the coordinate information. 7. A developing step of correcting a print position of print data retransmitted from the host based on the print correction data in the calculating step and developing the print position on the print buffer. Image printing method as described. 8. The image printing method according to claim 7, wherein in the developing step, the retransmitted print data is corrected in a raster direction and a column direction by an amount corresponding to print correction data, and developed in the print buffer. 9. A transfer step of transferring the print correction data calculated in the calculation step to the host, wherein the expanding step is performed by the host based on the print correction data transferred in the transfer step. 9. The image printing method according to claim 6, wherein the print data whose print position has been corrected is developed in the print buffer. 10. The method according to claim 6, wherein the analyzing step monitors the image data developed in the print buffer in a raster direction and a column direction to generate coordinate information of a predetermined writing area. Image printing method. 11. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling an image printing apparatus capable of outputting an image based on print data received from a host via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: a predetermined entry area A reading step of reading a form original designated by a circle; and analyzing the image data read in the reading step and expanded in the print buffer, and expanding the image data in the print buffer storing print data received from the host. An analysis step of generating coordinate information of a predetermined entry area; and whether there is print data received from the host that overlaps a print area on the print buffer set by the coordinate information generated by the analysis step. A discriminating step of discriminating, and the discriminating step superimposed on a print area on the print buffer by the discriminating step. A calculation step of calculating print correction data for storing a print position of the print data received from the host in a print area set by the coordinate information, when it is determined that print data received from the host exists. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program, comprising: 12. The printing method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of: correcting a print position of the print data retransmitted from the host based on the print correction data in the calculation step, and expanding the print position on the print buffer. A storage medium storing the computer-readable program according to the above. 13. The computer-readable computer according to claim 12, wherein in the developing step, the retransmitted print data is corrected in a raster direction and a column direction by an amount corresponding to print correction data and is developed in the print buffer. Storage medium storing various programs. 14. A transfer step for transferring the print correction data calculated in the calculation step to the host, wherein the expanding step is performed by the host based on the print correction data transferred in the transfer step. 14. The storage medium storing a computer-readable program according to claim 11, wherein the print data whose print position is corrected is developed in the print buffer. 15. The method according to claim 11, wherein in the analyzing step, the image data developed in the print buffer is monitored in a raster direction and a column direction to generate coordinate information of a predetermined writing area. A storage medium that stores a computer-readable program.