JP2006180391A - Data processing apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To receive multiple types of data through a data processing path prepared without considerably changing the design of the data processing path. <P>SOLUTION: A data processing apparatus (15) comprises: a first data processing path for processing data of a first type upon inputting the data without negotiation capable of specifying a data type; a second data processing path for processing data of a second type; a determination means (105) provided in the first data processing path to determine whether or not data inputted to the first data processing path are data of the second type; and a means (131) for validating the second data processing path if the data inputted to the first data processing path are determined as data of the second type. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for data processing.

  One of data processing apparatuses capable of performing various data processing is a printer. In general, a printer receives CMY color system data from a host device, performs predetermined processing on the data, and executes printing.

  However, some host devices transmit RGB color system data (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). In this case, the printer cannot execute printing unless it can process RGB color system data.

JP-A-11-240227 JP-A-11-314408

  Incidentally, the printer may or may not be able to know the type of received data in advance. As a case where it is possible to know, for example, when a predetermined negotiation for knowing the data type in advance is performed between the printer and the data source device (for example, communication according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard is performed) ). A case in which such negotiation cannot be performed is a case where it cannot be known.

  If the type of data sent without such negotiation is determined in advance (for example, if it is determined that CMY color system data is input), it is determined in advance. One data processing path may be prepared, and data processing may be performed using the one data processing path. However, when the data source device can transmit a plurality of types of data (for example, CMY color system data and RGB color system data) to the printer, the printer data processing path can process only one type of data. Then, the capacity of the data source device is not effectively utilized. However, changing the design of the data processing path prepared in advance so that multiple types of data can be processed can be expensive and may cause the printer to be unable to perform accurate data processing. Absent.

  The above problems are considered to exist not only in printers but also in various data processing apparatuses.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to allow a plurality of types of data to be received through the data processing path without greatly changing the design of the data processing path prepared in advance.

  Further objects of the present invention will become clear from the following description.

  The data processing device according to the first aspect of the present invention receives a data input without negotiation that can specify a data type, and processes a first type data and a second type A second data processing path for processing data and a determination means provided in the first data processing path for determining whether or not the data input to the first data processing path is the second type of data And means for enabling the second data processing path when it is determined that the data input to the first data processing path is the second type of data.

  The “first type of data” can be, for example, CMY color system data or data written in the first language, and the “second type of data” is, for example, The data can be RGB color system data or data written in a second language.

  In the first embodiment, the second data processing path may not be constructed until it is determined that the data input to the first data processing path is the second type of data. In this case, the enabling means can construct the second data processing path when it is determined that the data input to the first data processing path is the second type of data. .

  In a second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the data processing device receives a plurality of interface means for accepting data input and data without the negotiation by a predetermined interface means among the plurality of interface means. And means for constructing the first data processing path when inputted.

  In a third embodiment, the data processing device determines whether or not the type of data input after the second data processing path is validated is the second type of data (for example, the first type Means for canceling the validity of the second data processing path when it is determined that the type of the input data is not the second type of data, and And means for canceling the validity of the first data processing path when data input is no longer detected after the second data processing path is cancelled.

  In the fourth embodiment, the data processing device may further comprise means for keeping the first data processing path valid even if the second data processing path is valid. Specifically, for example, the data processing device includes: a first buffer that stores data input to the data processing device; a second buffer that stores data read from the first buffer; Means for reading data from the first buffer and storing it in the second buffer when the first data processing path is enabled, and enabling the second data processing path; Means for keeping one data processing path valid; and when the second data processing path becomes valid, reads the data stored in the second buffer, and the validated first And a transfer means for transferring to the second data processing path.

  In the fifth embodiment, the data processing device includes a buffer for storing data input to the data processing device, and means for inputting the data stored in the buffer to the first data processing path. Can do. In this case, the determination unit can determine whether the data read from the buffer is the second type data. When it is determined that the data read from the buffer is the second type of data, the input means stops inputting the data accumulated in the buffer to the first data processing path. be able to. The second data processing path validated by the validation means can acquire data from the buffer.

  In the sixth embodiment, the data processing apparatus can further comprise storage means for storing a plurality of program modules that can be constituent elements of the data processing path. In this case, each of the first data processing path and the second data processing path is selected from the plurality of program modules, at least the initiator module positioned at the head and the terminator module positioned at the tail. Can be composed of two or more program modules. When the second data processing path is enabled, data is transferred from the program module existing downstream of the initiator module in the first data processing path to the initiator module in the second data processing path. be able to.

  In the seventh embodiment, when the data processing device receives data input without the negotiation, when the data processing device receives the data input with the negotiation and the means for enabling the first data processing path (For example, when it is specified that the second type of data is input thereby) can be provided with means for enabling the second data processing path.

  A data processing system according to the second aspect of the present invention is a data processing system including a data source device and a data processing device. Means for outputting either the first type data or the second type data to the data processing device without negotiation with which the data source device can specify the data type with the data processing system; Have. The data processing device receives a data input from the data source device without the negotiation and processes a first type of data, and a second data processing for processing a second type of data A path, a determination unit that is provided in the first data processing path, and that determines whether the data input to the first data processing path is the second type of data, and the first data processing path And a means for enabling the second data processing path when it is determined that the data input to the second type of data is the second type of data.

  The data processing method according to the third aspect of the present invention includes the step of receiving data input to a first data processing path for processing the first type of data without negotiation capable of specifying the data type; Determining whether the input data is the second type of data in one data processing path; and determining that the data input to the first data processing path is the second type data And enabling a second data processing path for processing the second type of data.

  Each means in the data processing apparatus and system described above can be realized by hardware, a computer program, or a combination thereof. The processing of each means can be performed by one element (for example, hardware, computer program, or a combination thereof), or can be performed by a plurality of elements.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a medium on which an image is printed is referred to as “paper” for convenience. However, “paper” is not limited to paper, but other types of print media such as a CD (Compact Disk) or an OHP film. There may be.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a print system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  An interface circuit (hereinafter abbreviated as “I / F”) 3 of a host device (for example, a personal computer) 1 and an I / F 13 of a printer 15 are connected via a cable 8. The I / F 3 and the I / F 13 are, for example, an interface circuit that performs communication according to the USB protocol or an interface circuit that performs parallel communication.

  The host device 1 includes an input device 5 (for example, a plurality of input keys and a pointing device), a display screen 7, a host storage area 19, and a processor (for example, CPU) 17. The input device 5 and the display screen 7 may be integrated, for example, like a touch panel.

  The host storage area 19 is a storage area included in at least one of a memory and a hard disk, for example. The host storage area 19 includes, for example, application software 22 that outputs image data, and a printer driver 21 that processes RGB color system image data output from the application software 22 as necessary and transfers the image data to the printer 15. Remembered. The application software 22 and the printer driver 21 operate by being read by the processor 17. Processing performed by the printer driver 21 read into the processor 17 will be described in detail later.

  The printer 15 may be any type of printer (for example, a laser printer or a serial printer such as an inkjet printer). The printer 15 includes a print engine 43 that prints an object such as an image or a character, a print controller 31 that generates print data based on a command from the host device 1, and a print based on the print data generated by the print controller 31. An engine controller 41 for controlling the engine 43. The printer 15 can include another I / F 73 in addition to the I / F 13 (this will be described later).

  The print controller 31 includes a printer storage area 33 and a processor (for example, CPU) 35.

  The printer storage area 33 is a storage area provided by one or more storage devices (for example, at least one of a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory). In the printer storage area 33, for example, a software group 37, a layout management table 61, and a printing method management table 63 are stored.

  The software group 37 includes a plurality of computer programs that operate by being read by the processor 35. For example, the software group 37 receives RGB color system image data from the host device 1 and performs color conversion processing for converting the image data into image data of another color system (for example, CMY color system). Halftoning processing (for example, binarization processing) can be performed.

  The layout management table 61 records what kind of paper and what kind of layout is possible for what kind of paper size. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the layout management table 61 includes, for each of a plurality of paper types, a paper type parameter indicating the paper type and each paper size indicating each paper size supporting the paper type. Parameters and layout parameters representing possible layouts for the paper size are recorded. According to FIG. 2, for example, in the printer 15, when the paper size “A4” is designated, the processor 35 refers to the layout management table 61, so that the paper type corresponding to the paper size [A4]. Is “photo paper”, “glossy paper”, “photo matte paper” and “plain paper” and can specify that both so-called borderless printing and bordered printing can be performed. it can.

  The parameter may be, for example, a text that can be understood by humans in a text format, or may be a code that cannot be understood by humans but can be understood by a computer program. In the latter case, for example, the printer driver 21 can display the parameters in words that can be understood by humans.

  In the printing method management table 63, what kind of printing processing is performed for what kind of paper and what kind of printing quality is recorded. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, in the printing method management table 63, the output resolution (in other words, the resolution of the printed image) is set to any value for any paper type parameter and any print quality parameter. Either bi-directional printing or uni-directional printing is used, which is recorded as the dot size version. According to FIG. 3, for example, when the print quality parameter “High” is designated by the paper type parameter “photo paper”, the processor 35 refers to the printing method management table 63 to perform unidirectional printing and dot printing. With the size version “VSD3”, it is possible to specify that an image with an output resolution “width 2880 dpi × width 720 dpi” should be printed.

  As can be seen from FIG. 3, in this embodiment, three “High”, “Normal”, and “Draft” are adopted as print quality parameters (it is not necessary to be limited to these three types). ). “High” means that the image quality is the best, “Normal” means that the image quality is not as high as “High”, but the printing speed is faster than “High”, and “Draft” means that the image quality is “ This means that the printing speed is faster than “Normal”, but not as fast as “Normal”.

  Further, in this embodiment, “bidirectional printing” means that a print head that reciprocates in the main operation direction strikes dots both in the forward path and the return path, whereas “unidirectional printing” refers to a print head. Means that a dot is hit on either the forward or return path, but no dot is hit on the other. That is, the table 63 in FIG. 3 is an example when the printer 15 is a serial printer. In the table 63 of FIG. 3, “bidirectional printing ON” means that bidirectional printing is performed, and “bidirectional printing OFF” means that bidirectional printing is not performed. Also, in the table 63 of FIG. 3, there is a notation “ON / OFF”, which means that either bidirectional printing or unidirectional printing is possible. Unidirectional printing is more likely to produce high quality printing results than bidirectional printing.

  In this embodiment, the “dot size version” represents the amount of ink droplets ejected from the print head. In this embodiment, the larger the numerical value that follows “VSD”, the smaller the amount of ink droplets, and therefore, a higher-definition print result is more likely to be obtained.

  FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of a protocol layer for processing communication performed in the print system according to the present embodiment.

  In this embodiment, there is a physical layer at the lowest layer, and there is a protocol layer of IEEE1284.4 (hereinafter, IEEE1284.4 is referred to as “D4” for convenience), and further, an application layer (hereinafter, referred to as “D4”). Abbreviated as “AP layer”). In the host device 1, both the printer driver 21 and the application software 22 perform communication at the AP layer.

  Note that the D4 protocol layer does not necessarily exist in both the host apparatus 1 and the printer 15, and for example, the D4 protocol layer may exist only in one or both.

  Now, this embodiment will be described in more detail below.

  FIG. 5 shows a plurality of computer programs included in the software group and a print path constituted by the plurality of computer programs.

  The software group 37 includes, for example, a hardware interface driver (hereinafter abbreviated as “IFD”) 101, a data acquisition module 103, a legacy language processing module 105, and a print engine driver (hereinafter abbreviated as “PED”) 107. A specific language processing module 113, a color conversion / halftoning processing module 115, an interface processing module 117, a print processing module 119, and a data processing path controller (hereinafter referred to as DPC) 131.

  The IFD 101 exists as a computer program that controls the operation of predetermined hardware (for example, I / F 3), and the PED 107 exists as a computer program that controls the operation of the engine controller 41. The modules 103, 105, 113, 115, 117, and 119 can be activated or terminated dynamically according to an instruction from the DPC 131 that manages the data processing path.

  For example, in the printer 15, the data acquisition module 103 and the legacy language processing mode module 105 are activated in accordance with an instruction from the DPC 131, so that a legacy path including the modules 103 and 105 as components is constructed. A legacy path is, for example, a data processing path through which a command written in a previously existing language (hereinafter referred to as “legacy language”) flows (this path is a path in a printer. More specifically, for example, a print path through which print image data subjected to color conversion from RGB to CMY and halftoning processing flows. The print image data includes, for example, the ink configuration (for example, the color, the number of colors, or the type of ink) of the printer 15, the configuration of ink droplets (for example, three levels of large, medium, and small), and further the print head (not shown). It corresponds to the number of nozzles and nozzle pitch.

  The printer 15 receives not only print image data but also RGB color system image data (hereinafter, RGB image data), generates print image data based on the RGB image data, and generates the generated print image data. Can be used for printing. Specifically, for example, the printer 15 receives RGB image data from a device 73 (for example, a memory card or a digital camera) different from the host apparatus 1 via another I / F 71 under the control of another IFD 111. It is possible to receive and generate print image data of the RGB image data and perform printing. In the following description, a print path through which print image data (that is, data subjected to color conversion processing from RGB to CMY) flows is referred to as a “legacy path”, whereas a print path through which RGB image data flows is referred to as “RGB. This is referred to as “print pass”. When the specific language processing module 113, the color conversion / halftoning processing module 115, the interlace processing module 117, and the print processing module 119 are activated by the DPC 131, RGB including these modules 113, 115, 117, and 119 as components A print path is constructed.

  In this embodiment, for example, when a predetermined negotiation for specifying the type of data to be input is performed between the printer 15 and the communication partner device of the printer 15, an RGB print path is established. (For example, an RGB print path is constructed without constructing a legacy path), and RGB image data is input to the RGB print path via another IFD 111 without using the legacy path. In other words, when it is specified that RGB image data will be input from the predetermined negotiation, another IFD 11 is adopted as the entrance of the RGB image data, and an RGB print path is constructed.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, for example, when a predetermined negotiation for specifying the type of data to be input is not performed between the printer 15 and the communication partner device of the printer 15, the legacy path is set. It is constructed and data is entered into the legacy path. In other words, for example, when the predetermined negotiation is not performed, the IFD 101 is adopted as an entrance of input data, and a legacy path is constructed. Thereafter, when data is input to the legacy path and it is found that the data is actually RGB image data, the printer 15 constructs an RGB print path while the legacy path is valid, and the RGB image data is , Input to the RGB print path via the legacy path.

  As described above, the printer 15 can construct a legacy path through which print image data received from the host apparatus 1 flows and an RGB print path through which RGB image data received from a device 73 different from the host apparatus 1 flows. it can. The printer 15 can switch the print path through which data and commands from the host device 1 flow from the legacy path to the RGB print path.

  Specifically, for example, data and commands from the host device 1 are received by the I / F 3. The IFD 101 stores data and commands from the host device 1 in, for example, a data buffer 133 provided on the printer storage area 33 (or the memory (not shown) of the I / F 13). Data and commands stored in the data buffer 133 are read by the data acquisition module 103 (for example, read at predetermined sizes) and passed to the legacy language processing module 105. The legacy language processing module 105 determines the description language of the passed command. When the legacy language processing module 105 determines that the command is written in the legacy language, the legacy language processing module 105 interprets the command and controls the PED 107 based on the interpretation result. The command is output to the PED 107. That is, the legacy language processing module 105 executes the legacy language processing mode if the description language of the passed command is the legacy language. The PED 107 controls the print engine 43 by controlling the engine controller 41 based on a command from the legacy language processing module 105.

  On the other hand, if the legacy language processing module 105 determines that the description language of the passed command is a specific language, the legacy language processing module 105 passes the command to the specific language processing module 113, and thereafter the end command of the specific language processing mode. The command or data to be acquired is transferred to the specific language processing module 113 without special interpretation until it receives a command (or a command to shift to another language processing mode).

  The specific language processing module 113 executes a specific language processing mode. The specific language processing mode is a mode for processing a newly provided type of language (hereinafter referred to as “specific language”) in addition to the existing type of language. The specific language is, for example, a language indicating that a command input from the host device 1 is a command for printing RGB color system image data. For example, the specific language processing module 113 interprets a command passed from the legacy language processing module 105 and executes processing based on the interpretation result, or passes the passed RGB image data to the color conversion / halftoning processing module 115. To do. The color conversion / halftoning processing module 115 converts the received RGB image data into CMY image data, and performs a halftoning process on the converted CMY image data, and the CMY image subjected to the halftoning process. Data is output to the interlace processing module 117. The interlace processing module 117 performs processing for performing interlaced printing on the output CMY image data as necessary (for example, in response to an instruction from the printer driver 21), and uses the CMY image data as an image buffer. (Not shown). The image buffer is provided in the printer storage area 33, for example, and has a configuration based on the nozzle configuration of the print head. The print processing module 119 generates a command for controlling the PED 107 based on the CMY image data output to the image buffer, and outputs the command to the PED 107. The PED 107 controls the print engine 43 by controlling the engine controller 41 based on a command from the print processing module 119.

  The above is the outline of the printing process performed in the printer 15. In this embodiment, for example, the specific language processing module 113 may acquire data and commands from the data buffer 133 instead of via the legacy language processing module 105. The legacy language can be, for example, ESC / P (Epson Standard Code for Printer). On the other hand, the specific language can be referred to as “ESC / PR” because it transmits RGB image data, for example.

  FIG. 6 shows a plurality of language processing modes existing in the printer 15 and how the language processing modes transition.

  In addition to the legacy language processing mode and the specific language processing mode described above, the printer 15 has a remote mode and other language processing modes (for example, a mode for processing PostScript) (the significance of the existence of the remote mode will be described later). ). In the printer 15, mode transition is performed based on the legacy language processing mode in accordance with an instruction from the host device 1. For example, the printer 15 can change from the specific language processing mode to the legacy language processing mode and then change to the remote mode, and can change from the specific language processing mode to the remote mode directly. It's not like that. The same applies to the reverse case, and the printer 15 makes a transition from the remote mode to the specific language processing mode via the legacy language processing mode in order to make a transition from the remote mode to the specific language processing mode. Since the specific language processing mode is a language processing mode newly installed in the printer 15, it is more stable that the frequency of occurrence of errors is less when the transition is made only with the legacy language processing mode that has been prepared in the past. It is considered preferable from the viewpoint of creating the printer 15.

  For example, the legacy language processing module 105 can control the transition of the language processing mode. For example, when the legacy language processing module 105 receives a command to shift to the specific language processing mode during the legacy language processing mode, the legacy language processing module 105 recognizes a command received thereafter as a command written in the specific language. When the legacy language processing module 105 receives a command for shifting to the specific language processing mode (and / or a command for shifting to the remote mode or another language processing mode) during the specific language processing mode, the legacy language processing module 105 ignores it. (For example, discard it).

  Further, for example, when the legacy language processing module 105 receives a command to shift to the legacy language processing mode during the specific language processing mode, the legacy language processing module 105 recognizes a command received thereafter as a command written in the legacy language. To do. When the legacy language processing module 105 receives a command to shift to the legacy language processing mode during the legacy language processing mode, the legacy language processing module 105 ignores it (for example, discards it).

Further, for example, when at least one type of item is set in the legacy language processing mode or the remote mode before the transition to the specific language processing mode, the legacy language processing module 105 performs the following (1) to (4). Item (1) Settings relating to the paper feed path (for example, from which paper feed tray paper is taken in, to which paper discharge bin the paper is discharged),
(2) Settings related to paper size and print area (for example, with or without borders)
(3) Settings relating to the print mode (for example, print quality and paper type),
(4) Settings related to mechanical control (for example, paper feed sequence),
For at least one of the items, the setting is returned to the initial value, and the setting received during the specific language processing mode (the setting written in the specific language) is adopted.

  Hereinafter, an outline of a processing flow performed in the printing system according to the present embodiment will be described, and then details of processing performed in each step in the processing flow will be described. In the following description, the legacy language processing mode may be abbreviated as “legacy mode” and the specific language processing mode may be abbreviated as “specific mode”.

  7 and 8 show an outline of a processing flow performed in the print system according to the present embodiment.

  The I / F 3 of the host device 1 is communicably connected to the I / F 13 of the printer 15 (step S1). In this case, the host device 1 determines whether the printer 15 performs unidirectional communication or bidirectional communication (S2). For example, when the communication between the host apparatus 1 and the printer 15 is performed by USB, the host apparatus 1 receives the device descriptor from the printer 15 and analyzes the device descriptor so that the printer 15 performs the one-way communication. It is possible to determine which of the two-way communication is performed. For example, when the host device 1 is configured to transmit data to the printer 15 in parallel, the host device 1 determines whether or not the level of a predetermined signal line (for example, a reverse signal line) has changed. It is possible to determine whether the printer 15 performs unidirectional communication or bidirectional communication.

  The host device 1 inquires of the printer 15 about the device ID (ID for identifying the device) (S3). In response to the inquiry, the printer 15 transmits the device ID to the host device 1 (S4). When the printer 15 can execute the specific mode, the printer 15 sets information indicating that fact (hereinafter referred to as “specific language support information”) in the CMD field of the device ID. The set device ID is transmitted to the host device 1. The device ID includes, for example, a data length field, an MFG field, and a CMD field as illustrated in FIG. 9A. The printer 15 sets the data length (for example, how many bytes) of the device ID in the data length field, sets the manufacturer ID (for example, manufacturer name) of the printer 15 in the MFG field, and sets a specific language in the CMD field. Support information can be set. If the printer 15 is a printer that cannot execute the specific mode, other information is set in the CMD field (nothing may be set and the field may be an empty field). When there are a plurality of types of levels in the specific mode, the printer 15 may set the level of the specific mode supported by the printer 15 in the CMD. For example, if “1” is set as the level of the specific mode, the printer driver 21 determines that the printer 15 has the minimum necessary functions for processing in the specific mode, and the level is “ If “2” or later is set, it is possible to determine what functions are installed in the printer 15 as more functions than the minimum necessary functions. At level “2” and after, for example, at least one of adding a class, adding a command, adding a parameter unit, and adding a parameter, which will be described later, can be performed. When a parameter unit is added, a new command may be added. The addition of parameters may be permitted with the same command. If the printer 15 receives a parameter that does not match the command support level, the printer 15 may ignore the parameter.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the host device 1 receives the printer ID from the printer 15 (S5). The above processes of S1 to S5 are performed in the physical layer. The subsequent processing of S6 to S15 can be performed in the AP layer. In some cases, the D4 protocol layer can support the processing in the AP layer. It should be noted that “in some cases” is described because at least one of the host device 1 and the printer 15 does not have a D4 protocol layer, or even if it has a D4 protocol layer, that layer may not be used. It is.

Now, the printer driver 21 of the host device 1 analyzes the CMD field of the received printer ID (S6). Accordingly, the printer driver 21 can determine whether or not the printer 15 supports the specific mode (for example, when the specific language support information is detected, the printer 15 supports the specific language. Can be judged). In S2, it is determined whether the printer 15 performs one-way communication or two-way communication. For example, the printer driver 21 refers to a storage area in which the determination result is recorded. The discrimination result in S2 can be acquired. Accordingly, the printer driver 21 has the following functions (a) to (c):
(A) Perform unidirectional communication and support a specific mode;
(B) Perform bidirectional communication and support a specific mode;
(C) Does not support a specific mode regardless of whether unidirectional communication or bidirectional communication is performed,
It is possible to determine which of the following (S7).

  If it is determined in S7 that the printer 15 corresponds to (c), the printer driver 21 executes print control processing corresponding to the legacy mode (S8). For example, the printer driver 21 converts RGB image data output from the application software 22 into print image data of CMY image data, describes a command for printing the print image data in the legacy language, and describes in the legacy language. The transmitted command is transmitted to the printer 15.

  If it is determined in S7 that the printer 15 corresponds to (a), the printer driver 21 performs the processing from S12 onward, which will be described later, without making an inquiry about the specifications of the printer 15, as shown in FIG. This is because the printer 15 does not perform bi-directional communication even when inquiring about the specifications of the printer 15, and therefore does not receive specification information regarding the specifications of the printer 15 from the printer 15.

  If it is determined in S7 that the printer 15 corresponds to (b), the printer driver 21 inquires about the printer specifications as shown in FIG. 8 (S9). For example, the printer driver 21 transmits a command (hereinafter referred to as a specification information acquisition command) for acquiring specification information related to the printer specifications to the printer 15. Here, for example, the printer driver 21 transmits a specification information acquisition command in a format according to the D4 protocol. That is, here, communication at the D4 protocol layer is performed between the host apparatus 1 and the printer 15.

  In response to the specification inquiry, the printer 15 transmits specification information having a predetermined structure to the host device 1 (S10). Specifically, for example, in response to the specification information acquisition command, the printer 15 refers to the layout management table 61 and the printing method management table 63 stored in the printer storage area 33, so that any paper size can be obtained. Identify what paper types are supported and in what layout, and what print quality is supported on which paper types, generate specification information for a given structure based on the identified results, The specification information is transmitted to the host device 1. The specification information transmitted to the host device 1 is nested by the printer 15 as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, for example. FIG. 9B represents the concept of the structure of specification information transmitted to the host device 1, and FIG. 9C shows a specific example of specification information transmitted to the host device 1. In FIG. 9C, a portion surrounded by “” indicates predetermined character data (for example, ASCII character data), and a portion surrounded by <> indicates binary data.

  For example, information indicating the paper size is at the top. The first tag of the paper size (for example, the portion represented by reference number 211 in FIG. 9C) is represented by a predetermined code (for example, “S”), and the end tag (for example, the portion represented by reference number 212 of FIG. 9C) is It is represented by another predetermined code (for example, “/”). Further, the parameter 1 (for example, a portion represented by the reference number 213 in FIG. 9C) following the first tag of the paper size is a paper size ID (for example, represented by 1-byte binary).

  Between the first tag of the paper size and the end tag of the paper size, the paper type supported for the paper size, the print quality supported by the paper type, and the paper size supported Layout information is inserted. More specifically, for example, the first tag of the paper type (for example, the portion represented by the reference number 214 in FIG. 9C) is represented by a predetermined code (for example, “T”), and the end tag (for example, the reference number of FIG. 9C). The portion represented by 219) is represented by another predetermined code (for example, “/”). In addition, the parameter 1 (for example, a portion represented by the reference number 215 in FIG. 9C) existing between the first tag and the last tag of the paper size is a paper type ID (for example, represented by 1-byte binary). is there. A parameter 2 following the parameter 1 is an ID (for example, binary of 1 buy) representing a print mode (print quality and layout). In parameter 2, for example, the print quality is represented by the first predetermined number of bits (for example, 3 bits), and whether or not borderless printing is possible is represented by the last predetermined number of bits (for example, 1 bit). Specifically, for example, in parameter 2, if “Draft” is supported for the paper type related to parameter 2, the n (for example, 0th) bit is “1”, and “Normal” is used for the paper type. Is supported, the mth (for example, 1) bit is “1”, and if the paper type is “High”, the p (for example) 2nd bit is “1”. If borderless printing is supported for the paper size related to parameter 2, the q (for example, 7th) bit is “1”.

  When a plurality of paper types are supported for a certain paper size, the same number of paper type head tags, parameter 1, parameter 2 and end tag sets as the supported paper types are set. It is inserted between the first tag and the last tag of the paper size.

  The above nested structure is based on, for example, the priority order of the printing conditions in the printer 15. For example, in the printer 15, as will be described later, the priority order is higher in the order of print quality, layout, paper type, and paper size. Accordingly, the paper size is the outermost, and the paper type It is possible to make a nested structure incorporating layout and print quality.

  The printer driver 21 receives the specification information of the nested structure shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C and analyzes the specification information, so that the specifications of the printer 15, that is, what paper size is supported by the printer 15, It is possible to specify what kind of paper is supported by the paper size, what kind of layout can be used for printing, and what kind of print quality is supported for which kind of paper.

  Refer to FIG. 8 again. The printer driver 21 stores the specification information received from the printer 15 in the host storage area 19 (S11).

  When the printer driver 21 receives a display request for a user interface (hereinafter referred to as UI) from the user via the input device 5 (YES in S12), the printer driver 21 selects various information from the specification information stored in the host storage area 19. A UI (hereinafter referred to as a print parameter selection screen) for receiving print parameters desired by the user is displayed for each print condition (S13).

  FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of the print parameter selection screen 80.

  Examples of printing conditions include paper size, paper type, print quality, and layout. The print parameter selection screen 80 displays a menu (for example, a pull-down menu) for accepting print parameter selection for each print condition. The printer driver 21 can control the display of the menu (which print parameter is displayed so as to be selectable) for each of various printing conditions.

  For example, in the printer driver 21, it is assumed that the paper size, the paper type, the layout, and the print quality are set in order from the highest to the lowest priority. In this case, when a certain paper size parameter is selected from one or more paper size parameters included in the specification information 34, the printer driver 21 displays the paper size parameter in the paper type menu. The related paper type parameter is displayed in a selectable manner, and the layout menu displays the layout parameter related to the paper size parameter in a selectable manner, and is not supported by the paper size parameter (for example, the paper size Parameters that are not inserted between the first tag and the last tag are not displayed in a selectable manner. Similarly, when a certain paper type parameter is selected, the printer driver 21 displays a print quality parameter corresponding to the paper type parameter so that it can be selected as a print quality menu.

  Further, the printer driver 21 may receive a priority order setting from the user. For example, when the printer driver 21 is selected to give top priority to the paper type, the printer driver 21 displays all of the plurality of paper type parameters included in the specification information 34 so as to be selectable. When a paper type parameter to be selected is selected, a paper size parameter corresponding to the paper type parameter may be displayed so as to be selectable.

  As described above, when the printer driver 21 receives the specification information 34 from the printer 15, the printer driver 21 displays the print parameters so as to be selectable based on the specification information 34, so that the printing supported by the printer 15 is always performed. The relationship between the parameters selected and the printing parameters selected for each printing condition (for example, the relationship between the paper size, the paper type, the printing quality, and the layout) can also be a relationship supported by the printer 15. .

  The printer driver 21 cannot receive specification information from the printer 15 when the printer 15 is not configured to perform bidirectional communication.

  In this case, the printer driver 21 stores a predetermined print parameter group 26, and can control display of a print parameter menu for each of various printing conditions based on the predetermined print parameter group 26. The configuration of the predetermined print parameter group 26 may also have a nested structure similar to the specification information 34 received from the printer 15. Since the structure of the predetermined print parameter group 26 and the print parameters included in it do not correspond to all printer models, the relationship between the print parameters for each print condition transmitted to the printer 15 is as follows. The printer 15 may not be supported. In this case, the printer 15 can output a printing result close to the user's request by performing correction processing described in detail later.

  Reference is now made to FIG. 8 again. When a print parameter is selected for each print condition via the print parameter selection screen 80 described above and a print execution command is received from the user (S14), the printer driver 21 uses the selected print parameter. Print processing is executed (S15). If a print execution command is received (S14) without receiving a print parameter selection on the print parameter selection screen 80 or without displaying the print parameter selection screen 80 (NO in S12), the printer driver 21 Then, a printing process using default printing parameters is executed (S15).

  The above is the outline of the processing flow performed in the print system according to the present embodiment.

  In this printing system, the printer driver 21 can be a so-called general-purpose driver that does not need to correspond to each printer model. Therefore, when the printer 15 performs bidirectional communication, the printer driver 21 inquires of the printer 15 about the specification, and in response, receives the specification information from the printer 15 and uses the printing parameter in the specification information. Printing processing can be performed. In other words, the printer 15 receives the specification information from the printer 15 and can perform print processing according to the specifications of the model regardless of the model of the printer 15 connected.

  Further, the printer driver 15 does not inquire the specification of the printer 15 when it is determined that the printer 15 does not perform bidirectional communication. Even if the printer 15 is a unidirectional printer, the printer driver 21 can perform print processing using print parameters in the print parameter group 26 stored in advance.

  The printing process performed in S15 is a process performed when it is determined in S7 of FIG. 7 that the printer 15 corresponds to (a) or (b). Therefore, in the printing process of S15, a specific mode is executed, and a command written in a specific language is transmitted from the printer driver 21 to the printer 15 during the specific mode.

  FIG. 11A shows a format example of a command described in a specific language.

  A command written in a specific language (hereinafter referred to as “specific language command”) includes a header field 251, a class field 253, a parameter length field 255, a command name field 257, and a parameter block field 259. . The data size of the entire specific language command can be variable.

  The header field 251 has a predetermined size, for example, 1 byte. In the header field 251, for example, predetermined header information is described in a predetermined format.

  The class field 253 has a predetermined size, for example, 1 byte. In the class field 253, class information (for example, ID) representing one class among a plurality of classes related to the specific mode is registered, for example, in a predetermined format (for example, ASCII code). The printer 15 can identify the class to which the received specific language command belongs by referring to the class information written in the class field 253.

  The parameter length field 255 has a predetermined size, for example, 4 bytes. In the field 255, data representing the data length of the parameter block registered in the parameter block field 259 is registered. For example, little endian is used as the data.

  The command name field 257 has a predetermined size, for example, 4 bytes, and data representing the command name is registered in the field 257. The printer 15 can identify the received specific language command based on the command name written in the field 257 and the class written in the class field 253.

  The parameter block field 259 has a variable size, and a parameter block is written in the field 259. The parameter block is composed of one or a plurality of parameter units. In each parameter unit, the size and order of the values of each parameter are defined for each command. In the parameter unit, when a numerical value of a predetermined byte (for example, 2 bytes) or more is used as a parameter value, big endian is adopted unless otherwise indicated in the definition of each specific language command.

  Hereinafter, information written in each field will be described in detail.

  FIG. 11B shows an example of the type of class written in the class field.

  In the class field 253, a class selected by the printer driver 21 from a plurality of types of classes related to the specific mode is registered. As a plurality of types of classes related to the specific mode, for example, five types of LUT (Look Up Table), quality, job, page, and data are prepared.

  The class “LUT” is a class representing provision of a lookup table. A code representing the class “LUT” (for example, “l”) is set in the class field 253 when the lookup table is transmitted from the printer driver 21 to the printer 15. When a specific language command of this class and a certain look-up table are transmitted to the printer 15, the certain look-up table transmitted by the printer 15 is subjected to predetermined image processing, for example, halftoning processing. used. On the other hand, when a specific language command of this class is not transmitted to the printer 15, a default lookup table built in the printer 15 is used for image processing.

The class “quality” is a class representing provision of a parameter relating to quality. A code representing the class “quality” (for example, “q”) is set in the class field 253 when the parameter is transmitted from the printer driver 21 to the printer 15. In the specific language command of this class “quality”, the parameters set as the parameter unit include a plurality of types, for example, the following types (1) to (9),
(1) Paper type ID (byte offset 0, byte length 1),
(2) Print quality (byte offset 1, byte length 1),
(3) Color / monochrome (byte offset 2, byte length 1),
(4) Lightness intensity setting (byte offset 3, byte length 1),
(5) Contrast intensity setting (byte offset 4, byte length 1),
(6) Saturation intensity setting (byte offset 5, byte length 1),
(7) Color plane (byte offset 6, byte length 1),
(8) Pallet size (byte offset 7, byte length 2),
(9) Pallet data (byte offset 8, byte length for data size),
There are parameters. In this embodiment, the paper type ID> print quality> color plane> pallet size> pallet data from the higher priority to the lower priority.

  “Paper type ID” is an ID representing a paper type. Various types of paper such as photographic paper, plain paper, and glossy paper can be employed.

  The print quality is the quality of an image that is a print result. For example, as described above, there are three types of “Draft”, “Normal”, and “High”.

  “Color / monochrome” represents whether black is expressed by three colors of cyan, magenta, and yellow (color) or only black ink (monochrome).

  “Brightness intensity setting”, “contrast intensity setting”, and “saturation intensity setting” are all parameters representing the correction amount instructed to the printer. Various settings can be made for each color. Various settings can be made within a range of, for example, a first value (for example, −50) to a second value (for example, +50). If a value smaller than the first value is set, the printer 15 performs correction as if the first value is set. If a value larger than the second value is set, the printer 15 In 15, the correction is performed assuming that the second value is set.

  “Color plane” represents the type of print data to be overturned by the printer 15. For example, the “color plane” includes a full color and a 256 color. Full color indicates that the color of one pixel of the RGB image data is expressed by 3 bytes, and 256 color indicates that one pixel of the RGB image data is expressed by 1 byte.

  The “color palette size” represents the size of the color palette when the “color plane” is 256 colors. In the case of “color plane” and full color, “color palette size” is set to 0 (zero).

  “Color palette data” is a data string of a color palette having the data size of the value set in “Color palette size”. That is, when 256 colors are set in the “color plane”, the printer driver 21 transmits a color palette (for example, held by the printer driver 21) stored in a certain storage area to the printer 15. When the “color plane” is full color, the printer driver 21 does not send color palette data.

The class “job” is a class representing provision of job parameters related to a print job. When a specific language command of the class “job” is transmitted, for example, a code representing the class “job” (for example, “j”) is set in the class field 253 of the command, and the job name is stored in the command name field 257. Either a code representing the start (for example, “setj”) or a code representing the end of the job (for example, “endj”) is set. When a code representing a job start is set in a specific language command, the parameter unit of the command includes a plurality of types of job parameters, for example, the following types of job parameters (1) to (8),
(1) Standard paper width (byte offset 0, byte length 4),
(2) Standard paper length (byte offset 4, byte length 4),
(3) Top margin (byte offset 8, byte length 2),
(4) Left margin (byte offset 10, byte length 2),
(5) Print area width (byte offset 12, byte length 4),
(6) Print area length (byte offset 16, byte length 4),
(7) Input image density (byte offset 20, byte length 1),
(8) Bidirectional printing / unidirectional printing (byte offset 21, byte length 1),
Is set.

  “Standard paper width” represents the paper width, and “standard paper length” represents the paper length. These values are, for example, pixels (for example, inches × 360 ppi (pixels / inch)) and are values supported by the printer 15. More specifically, for example, the printer driver 21 stores a sheet width and a sheet length for each sheet size. Similarly, the printer 15 stores a sheet width and a sheet length for each sheet size. is doing. When a certain paper size is selected on the print parameter selection screen 80 (see FIG. 10) or the like, the printer driver 15 specifies the paper width and paper length corresponding to the paper size from the stored information, and specifies The paper width and paper length thus set are set (that is, the paper size is set with the paper width and paper length values). The printer 15 generates print image data based on the paper width and paper length. If the set paper width or paper length is a value that is not supported by the printer 15, the printer 15 sets the paper width or paper length in the storage area of the printer 15. Conversion is made to the closest paper width or paper length among the plurality of paper widths or paper lengths, and the process proceeds using the converted paper width or paper length.

  The “upper margin” represents the distance from the upper end of the paper to the upper end print dot, and the “left margin” is the distance from the left end of the paper to the left end print dot. For example, the unit of these values is a pixel (for example, inch × input image density (360 or 720 ppi)). The input image density is the resolution of RGB image data transmitted to the printer 15. On the other hand, the output resolution is the resolution of the image to be printed (the resolution of the print image data), in other words, the print resolution.

  “Print area width” represents the width of the print image data, and “print area length” represents the length of the print image data. For example, the unit of these values is a pixel (for example, inch × input image density (360 or 720 ppi)).

  “Input image density” represents the image density (in other words, resolution) of the RGB image data transmitted to the printer 15. For example, in terms of horizontal density × vertical density, there are two types of 360 × 360 ppi and 720 × 720 ppi. For example, the former can be employed when the print target is an image, and the latter can be employed when the print target is either an image or a character.

  “Bidirectional printing / unidirectional printing” represents whether the above-described bidirectional printing or unidirectional printing is to be executed by the printer 15.

  The class “page” is a class representing provision of information related to a page. When a specific language command of class “page” is transmitted, for example, a code representing the class “page” (for example, “p”) is set in the class field 253 of the command, and the page name is stored in the command name field 257. Either a code indicating the start (for example, “sttp”) or a code indicating the end of the page (for example, “endp”) is set. When a code representing the end of a page is set in a specific language command, information indicating whether or not there is a next page is set in the parameter unit of the command. When the printer detects information indicating that the next page is present, the printer can execute a paper feeding operation for the next page at a predetermined timing (for example, simultaneously with the detection).

The class “data” is a class representing provision of RGB image data (for example, RGB data for one raster). When a specific language command of class “data” is transmitted, for example, a code (for example, “d”) representing the class “data” is set in the class field 253 of the command, and a plurality of types of parameters are stored in the parameter unit. Data parameters, for example, data parameters of the following types (1) to (5),
(1) X offset (byte offset 0, byte length 2),
(2) Y offset (byte offset 2, byte length 2),
(3) Compression type (byte offset 4, byte length 1),
(4) Raster data size (byte offset 5, byte length 2),
(5) RGB raster data (byte offset 7, byte length of RGB raster data itself),
Is set.

  The “X offset” is an offset of the X coordinate (coordinate along the horizontal direction) from the page base point (for example, upper left corner) (the unit is, for example, a pixel). This depends, for example, on the input image density.

  The “Y offset” is an offset of the Y coordinate (coordinate along the vertical direction) from the page base point (for example, the upper left corner) (the unit is, for example, a pixel). This depends, for example, on the input image density. In the present embodiment, since the RGB data is transferred one raster at a time, the value of this “Y offset” is incremented by one.

  “Compression type” is a compression type of RGB data of one raster. As a plurality of compression types, for example, there are non-compression and dot-sequential run-length compression. The printer driver 21 performs dot-sequential run-length compression for each raster RGB data, compares the data size of the uncompressed RGB data with the data size of the RGB data after compression, and compares the data size of the uncompressed RGB data. If the data size is smaller, the RGB data is transmitted without compression, and conversely, if the data size of the compressed RGB data is smaller, the compressed RGB data is transmitted. Further, the printer driver 21 changes the content of the “compression type” set as the parameter unit depending on whether it is uncompressed or compressed.

  “Raster data size” is the data size of RGB raster data.

  “RGB raster data” is RGB raster data itself. In the case of full color, the data is 3 bytes per pixel in the order of R, G, and B, and in the case of 256 colors, the data is 1 byte per pixel.

  In this class “data”, the printer driver 21 does not transmit RGB data of the same raster more than once. If RGB data of the same raster is transmitted more than once, the printer 15 reads and discards a command in which RGB data is set for the second time and thereafter, for example.

  In this class “data”, the printer driver 21 sets the value of “Y offset” to a value (for example, 5) before the previous value (for example, 5) on the same page in the specific language command of the class “data” on the same page. 4) Don't do it. If the “Y offset” value is transmitted before the previous value, the printer 15 for example reads and discards the command in which the value before the previous value is set.

  This completes the description of the specific language command. The specific language command is transmitted from the printer driver 21 to the printer 15 in the printing process of S15 of FIG.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of a specific processing flow performed in the printing process of S15 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the printing process of S15, for example, the process is performed in order of stage A to stage S. Hereinafter, each stage will be described in detail.

  (1) Stage A.

  When the printer 15 performs two-way communication, as described above, the printer driver 21 transmits a specification information acquisition command to the printer 15 in a format according to the D4 protocol. The specification information of the nested structure is transmitted to the printer driver 21 using the D4 protocol. In this case, in the printer 15, a port related to the D4 protocol is open.

  However, when the printer 15 performs unidirectional communication instead of bidirectional communication, the printer driver 21 cannot know the specification information of the printer 15 as described above. Some unidirectional printers have a D4 protocol layer, while others do not have a D4 protocol layer. When the printer 15 is a unidirectional printer, the printer driver 21 cannot know whether the printer 15 has the D4 protocol layer.

  Therefore, first, at this stage A, the printer driver 21 generates a command for causing the printer 15 to release the D4 protocol (hereinafter, D4 protocol release command), and transmits the D4 protocol release command to the printer 15.

  If the port related to the D4 protocol is open because the printer 15 performs bidirectional communication, the printer 15 discards the D4 protocol cancel command and does not cancel the D4 protocol. When the printer 15 performs bi-directional communication, the printer driver 21 can perform communication at the D4 protocol layer, so there is no problem even if the command is discarded by the printer 15.

  On the other hand, for example, when the printer 15 is a unidirectional printer and has the D4 protocol layer, the printer 15 cancels the D4 protocol. When the printer 15 does not have the D4 protocol layer, the printer 15 reads and discards the D4 protocol release command. In any case, for the unidirectional printer, the printer driver 21 can perform communication without using the D4 protocol layer on the assumption that the printer 15 does not have the D4 protocol layer.

  (2) Stage B.

  The printer driver 21 transmits an initialization command (for example, a code “ESC @”) at a certain timing after transmitting the D4 protocol cancellation command (for example, when a predetermined response to the D4 protocol cancellation command is received from the printer 15). ) Including the command) is transmitted to the printer 15. The printer 15 performs a predetermined initialization process in response to the initialization command. In this initialization process, for example, the printer 15 performs a process such as returning the print parameters set in the printer storage area 33 to the initial (default) parameters.

  (3) Stage C.

  After transmitting the initialization command, the printer driver 21 sends a command (hereinafter referred to as a remote transition command) for shifting to the remote mode at a certain timing (for example, when a predetermined response to the initialization command is received). Send to the printer 15. The printer 15 shifts from the legacy mode to the remote mode in response to the remote shift command.

  In this stage C, the printer driver 21 once transmits a command for shifting to the legacy mode (hereinafter referred to as legacy shift command), and thereafter (for example, after a predetermined response is returned), A migration command may be sent. In this case, when the printer 15 is in a mode other than the legacy mode, the printer 15 shifts to the legacy mode in response to the legacy shift command. When the printer 15 is in the legacy mode, the printer 15 receives the legacy shift command. , You can discard the command.

  (4) Stage D.

  The printer driver 21 sends a command (hereinafter referred to as a legacy job start command) indicating job start in the legacy mode at a certain timing (for example, after receiving a completion notification after the mode for the remote transfer command from the printer 15). To the printer 15. In response to the legacy job start command, the printer 15 sets the job start in the printer storage area 33 (or buffer 133), and thereafter, a command meaning the job end in the legacy mode (hereinafter referred to as a legacy job end command). If a command or data is received before the command is received, the command or data is recognized as a command or data related to one print job in the legacy mode.

  In the legacy mode, for example, commands and data are streamed from the printer driver 21 to the printer 15 and accumulated in the printer storage area 33. For this reason, the printer 15 cannot specify from where in the printer storage area 33 to where it is a command or data relating to one print job.

  Therefore, before sending a command or data in the legacy mode, the printer driver 21 shifts the language processing mode in the printer 15 to a remote mode different from the legacy mode, and starts or ends a job in the remote mode. Tell. As a result, even if the printer 15 receives and stores commands and data in a stream in the legacy mode, the printer 15 can specify from where to where the command or data is related to one print job.

  (5) Stage E.

  The printer driver 21 transmits a legacy shift command to the printer 15 at a certain timing (for example, when a set completion notification is received in response to the legacy job start command). The printer 15 shifts from the remote mode to the legacy mode in response to the legacy shift command.

  In this embodiment, the legacy transition command has both the meaning of canceling the remote mode and the transition to the legacy mode. However, after the command for canceling the remote mode is transmitted, A migration command may be sent.

  (6) Stage F.

  The printer driver 21 sends a command for shifting to the specific mode (hereinafter referred to as a specific mode shift command) to the printer 15 at a certain timing (for example, from the printer 15 that has received notification of completion of the shift to the legacy mode). Send to. In response to the specific mode shift command, the printer 15 shifts from the legacy mode to the specific mode.

  (7) Stage G.

  From stage G to stage M, which will be described later, is processing performed in the specific mode (the part surrounded by a dotted frame in FIG. 12). Commands and data transmitted in the specific mode flow into the printer 15 as a stream. In this case, the printer 15 accumulates the commands and data flowing in the stream in the buffer 133 described above.

  At this stage G, the printer driver 21 generates a specific language command (hereinafter referred to as LUT command) related to the class “LUT” and transmits the LUT command to the printer 15. Here, the printer driver 21 can send the LUT by the LUT command. When the LUT is received, the printer 15 performs image processing (for example, halftoning process or color conversion process) using the LUT. When the LUT is not received, the printer 15 stores the LUT stored in the printer storage area 33 in advance. Image processing is performed using (not shown).

  (8) Stage H.

  Following the LUT command, the printer driver 21 transmits a specific language command related to the class “quality” (hereinafter, “quality command”) to the printer 15. As described above, the printer driver 21 sets the parameters such as the paper type ID and the print quality in the quality command and transmits it. The printer driver 21 sets, for example, the paper type ID and the print quality among the parameters set in the quality command to those selected by the user via the print parameter selection screen 80 (for example, the paper type parameter and the print quality parameter). Can be set based on.

  The printer 15 extracts various print parameters set in the received quality command, and writes the extracted various print parameters in the printer storage area 33.

  (9) Stage I.

  Following the quality command, the printer driver 21 transmits to the printer 15 a command (hereinafter, a specific job start command) that is a specific language command related to the class “job” and includes a code indicating the start of the job. As described above, the printer driver 21 specifies parameters such as information on the paper size (standard paper width, standard paper length) and information on the print area (upper margin, left margin, print area width, print area length) as the specific job. Set to start command and send. Among the parameters set in the specific job start command, the printer driver 21 selects, for example, information on the paper size and information on the print area, which is selected by the user via the print parameter selection screen 80 (for example, the paper size parameter Based on the layout parameter), and the calculated information can be set.

  In response to the specific job start command, the printer 15 sets the start of the job in the specific mode in the printer storage area 33 (or the buffer 133). Thereafter, when the printer 15 receives a command or data before receiving a command indicating the job end in the specific mode (hereinafter referred to as a specific job end command), the command or data is stored in the specific mode. It can be recognized as commands and data related to one print job.

  Note that when step I is completed, a plurality of parameters necessary for processing performed by the printer 15 are set. However, all of the set parameters are not always supported by the printer 15, particularly when the printer 15 is a unidirectional printer. For this reason, parameters that are not supported by the printer 15 among the set parameters must be corrected to parameters that are supported by the printer 15. The processing related to the correction is, for example, an arbitrary timing from the end of stage I until RGB data for one page is accumulated in the printer 15 and print image data based on the RGB data for one page is generated. The printer 15 can do this.

  The printer 15 stores the priority order of printing conditions related to parameter correction, for example, in the printer storage area 33. The priority of the printing conditions is, for example, the paper size, paper type, layout, and print quality from the highest to the lowest. The standard for this priority order is that the printer 15 performs image layout in a predetermined viewpoint, for example, so-called direct printing in which an RGB image is read from a memory card or the like, and in the specific mode in the present embodiment, the printer driver 21. Is determined based on the point that the image is laid out and output. In other words, the priority order is determined based on the fact that even if the printer driver 21 performs the layout of the RGB image data, the printer can print without causing an error as much as possible. Note that the layout performed by the printer driver 21 is, for example, an image of a predetermined resolution (ppi) output from the application software 22 with the number of pixels per unit length increased or decreased based on the paper size and layout desired by the user. This is the act of adjusting the size.

  The printer 15 can correct the parameters according to the priority order.

  For example, if the information about the paper size from the printer driver 21 (for example, the standard paper width and the standard paper length) does not match the information about any paper size supported by the printer 15, the printer 15 Is corrected to information on the maximum paper size supported by the printer 15.

  For example, if the printer 15 matches the information regarding the paper size but does not match the information regarding the paper type (for example, the paper type ID), the printer 15 displays the information regarding the paper type from the printer driver 21 as described above. The information is corrected to the information on the paper type supported by the printer 15 within the range belonging to the information on the matching paper size. Specifically, for example, referring to FIG. 2, when receiving the paper type “glossy paper” with the paper size “L” from the printer driver 21, the printer 15 changes the paper type “glossy paper”. In order to adopt, the paper size may be changed to, for example, “A4”, but instead, the paper size “L” is preferentially adopted, and the paper type “glossy paper” from the printer driver 21 is selected. The paper type “photo paper” corresponding to the paper size “L” is corrected. If there are a plurality of paper types corresponding to the paper size, the printer 15 selects one paper type manually or automatically, and the paper type from the printer driver 21 is selected. The paper type can be corrected.

  Thereafter, the printer 15 corrects the layout and the print quality as necessary based on the above priority order, similarly to the correction for the paper type. The printer 15 can also perform correction for enlarging the print area, for example, when correcting from the presence of a border to the absence of a border. Further, for example, when the printer 15 corrects from the absence of a border to the presence of a border, the printer 15 can also perform a correction that reduces the print area (or cuts a predetermined end of the print area by a margin). Further, for example, when correcting the print quality “Draft”, the printer 15 can adopt “Normal” preferentially over “High”, and when correcting “Normal”, “High” can be preferentially adopted over “Draft”, and when “High” is corrected, “Normal” can be preferentially adopted over “Draft” ( That is, it is possible to correct the print quality as close as possible to the print quality from the printer driver 21).

  (10) Stage J.

  Following the specific job start command, the printer driver 21 transmits a specific language command (hereinafter referred to as a page start command) indicating the start of a page to the printer 15. In response to the page start command, the printer 15 sets the page start in the printer storage area 33 (or buffer 133), and thereafter receives a specific language command (hereinafter referred to as a page end command) that means page end. When a command or data is received, the command or data is recognized as a command or data related to one page in the specific mode. Further, the printer 15 may start feeding immediately in response to the page start command.

  (11) Stage K.

  The printer driver 21 transmits a data command having RGB data for one raster to the printer 15 following the page start command. The printer driver 21 continues to send data commands until the transmission of RGB raster data for one page is completed. At this time, as described above, the printer driver 21 compares the difference in data size before and after the compression of the RGB raster data, and transmits the RGB raster data by a method capable of sending with a smaller data size. The printer 15 accumulates received data commands in the buffer 133. When the RGB raster data for a predetermined raster (for example, for one page) is accumulated, the printer 15 performs processing on the accumulated RGB raster data based on various parameters set in the printer storage area 33. Also good. Further, the printer 15 determines that the input RGB data is less than the print area specified in advance (for example, the print area length formed by the RGB raster data actually received is the print area length from the printer driver 21). The remaining data may be determined to be sent as blank data.

  (12) Stage L.

  When the printer driver 21 transmits RGB raster data for one page, the printer driver 21 subsequently transmits a page end command in which next page presence / absence information indicating whether or not the next page exists is set to the printer 15.

  In response to the page end command, the printer 15 sets the page end in the printer storage area 33 (or the buffer 133). In response to the page end command, the printer 15 refers to the next page presence / absence information. If there is a next page, the printer 15 may start the next paper feed process. Termination processing may be performed.

  If there are n pages in one job, steps J, K and L are repeated n times.

  (13) Stage M.

  The printer driver 21 transmits a specific job end command to the printer 15 following the page end command of the last page.

  In response to the specific job end command, the printer 15 sets the specific job end in the printer storage area 33 (or the buffer 133). In addition, when the printer 15 receives a specific job end command, the printer 15 reads all the data stored in the buffer 133 (or the printer storage area 33), and performs paper discharge processing if paper discharge is incomplete. good.

  (14) Stage N.

  For example, the printer driver 21 transmits a legacy transfer command to the printer 15 following the specific job end command. The printer 15 shifts from the specific mode to the legacy mode in response to the legacy shift command.

  In this embodiment, the legacy transition command has both the meaning of canceling the specific mode and the transition to the legacy mode. However, after the command for canceling the specific mode is transmitted, A migration command may be sent.

  (15) Stage O.

  The printer driver 21 transmits a remote migration command to the printer 15 at a certain timing (for example, when a predetermined response to the legacy migration command is received). The printer 15 shifts from the legacy mode to the remote mode in response to the remote shift command.

  (16) Stage P.

  The printer driver 21 transmits a legacy job end command to the printer 15 at a certain timing (for example, after receiving a notification of completion after the mode for the remote transition command from the printer 15). In response to the legacy job end command, the printer 15 sets the job end in the printer storage area 33 (or buffer 133).

  (17) Stage Q.

  The printer driver 21 transmits a legacy migration command to the printer 15 at a certain timing (for example, when a completion notification is received in response to the legacy job end command). The printer 15 shifts from the remote mode to the legacy mode in response to the legacy shift command.

  In this embodiment, the legacy transition command has both the meaning of canceling the remote mode and the transition to the legacy mode. However, after the command for canceling the remote mode is transmitted, A migration command may be sent.

  (18) Stage R.

  The printer driver 21 sends an initialization command (for example, a command including a code “ESC @”) to the printer 15 at a certain timing (for example, when a predetermined response to the legacy transition command is received from the printer 15). Send. The printer 15 performs a predetermined initialization process in response to the initialization command. In this initialization process, for example, the printer 15 performs a process such as returning the printing parameters set in the printer storage area 33 to the initial (default) parameters in the specific mode.

  The above is the description of the printing process in S15 of FIG. In this printing process, in the specific mode, a command transmission procedure (for example, a nested procedure) related to a plurality of classes to be transmitted is determined in advance. When the printer 15 receives a command according to a procedure different from the transmission procedure (for example, when a new page start command is received before receiving a page end command), the printer 15 discards the command.

  When the printer driver 21 causes the printer 15 to execute a new print job described in a specific language, the printer driver 21 transmits the specific job start command without releasing the specific mode after sending the specific job start command. May be. That is, in the specific mode, steps I to M may be performed repeatedly without once shifting to the legacy mode.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the printer driver 21 can transmit RGB image data. Further, the host device 1 detects whether the printer 15 performs unidirectional communication or bidirectional communication, and whether the printer 15 supports a specific language. When the printer driver 21 finds that the printer 15 performs bidirectional communication and supports a specific language, the printer driver 21 inquires about the specification information of the printer 21, and sets parameters in the specification information of the printer 21 received in response thereto. Send the print command used. In this case, since the printer 15 receives the print command based on its own specification information, it can reliably process the print command. From the above, the general-purpose printer driver 21 can be provided without constructing the printer driver 21 for each model of the printer 15.

  By the way, in the above-described embodiment, a plurality of modules constituting the print path, the DPC 131 managing the plurality of modules, and the like are read into the processor 35 and executed, whereby printing from the printer 15 is performed. Is called. The processing is performed under the configuration and function of the software group 37 described below. Therefore, first, the configuration and functions of the software group 37 in the printer 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13A to 15, and then the detailed processing flow in the printer 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18. .

  FIG. 13A shows a configuration example of the software group 37.

  The software group 37 can have a hierarchical structure as shown in FIG. 13A. For example, there is an operating system (OS) 333 at the lowest level, and various hardware control modules 331 for controlling various hardware (for example, the I / F 13 and the engine controller 41) of the printer 15 are prepared at the upper level. A module group 335 is provided above the various hardware control modules 331. Above the module group 335, there is a DPC 131 that selects a module in the module group 335 and a necessary hardware control module 331 to construct a print path. On the upper side of the DPC 131, there are a function 327, a service 323, and a user interface (UI) 321 from the lower side to the upper side.

  The function 327 is prepared for realizing a group of functions different from the functions originally prepared for the printer 15. For example, the function 327 is called when a memory card is inserted into another I / F 71 and an image is read from the memory card.

  For example, the service 323 cooperates with the UI 321 to receive a request from an operation panel (not shown) provided in the printer 15 or a request from an external device (for example, the host device 1 or another device 73). Start various printing processes. For example, the service 323 that has received a request from the outside via the UI 321 can call the function 327, the DPC 131, or other modules using a predetermined harness in the harness group 325. The unit for each function called a harness is prepared in the printer 15 in addition to various functions that are simply processed by software, and the status of the IFD 101 and various hardware related to those functions is managed. This is because there is a status management module DSM and the like. By preparing a unit for each function called a harness, a software module group can be called using the DPC 131.

  The DPC 131 can operate, for example, triggered by the following. That is, for example, a predetermined event (for example, a user operation via the UI 321 or reception of a command from the host device 1) is detected, and the service 323 is related to the event from the harness group 325 below it. When a harness corresponding to hardware (for example, the I / F 13 that has received the command) is selected and called, the DPC 131 can operate with the call of the harness as a trigger. From the upper layer, various application interfaces (for example, a function (for example, “LockProcess”) for securing a module) for the DPC 131 are defined. The upper layer controls the DPC 131 using a desired application interface (hereinafter referred to as API). The DPC 131 is called from a harness, which is a unit for each function, and starts operation, and realizes a combination of modules necessary to realize processing required by the harness.

  For example, the service 323 can have a plurality of print applications in accordance with the model specifications. The possession can be held in the form of a function module that includes a harness function. For example, if the printer 15 has a scanner and a so-called copy function of printing an image scanned by the scanner, a function module for the copy function can be suspended under the management of the service 323. . For example, when the printer 15 has a function of reading and printing the RGB image data from the memory card storing the RGB image data, the function module for card printing manages the service 323. Can hang down. The harness of the I / F 13 that receives data from the host device 1 can also be hung under the management of the service 323 in the same manner as described above. Accordingly, the service 323 issues a module execution instruction to each function (may be positioned as a harness), and each function designates a print path defined by the DPC 131 (for example, the print processing ID is set to the DPC 131). The API defined in the DPC 131 can be executed according to its procedure. As a result, it is possible to execute print processing corresponding to one application.

  FIG. 13B shows an example of a module group 335 controlled by the DPC 131.

  The module group 335 includes one or more modules belonging to the module type “initiator” (hereinafter referred to as initiator module), one or more modules belonging to the module type “terminator” (hereinafter terminator module), and “member”. There are one or more modules (hereinafter referred to as member modules) belonging to the module type. The initiator module (for example, the data acquisition module 103) is a module defined as being positioned at the head of the print path. The terminator module is a module defined as being located at the end of the print path. The member module is a module defined as being located between the initiator module and the terminator module.

  Information about which module type each module included in the module group 335 belongs to (for example, the correspondence between the module ID and the type) is stored in a predetermined location (for example, the DPC 131 or a printer storage area 33 different therefrom). Registered). The DPC 131 can specify which module type each module included in the module group 335 belongs by referring to the information.

  The arrangement of the initiator module, member module, and terminator module is determined in advance for each content of print processing to be realized. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 13C, the arrangement of modules (for example, module IDs arranged in order from the top to the end) includes a print process ID for identifying the print process, and the print process. Corresponding to the ID of the harness to be called. Information representing the arrangement of modules (for example, the correspondence between the module arrangement, the print processing ID, and the calling harness ID) is registered in a predetermined location (for example, a location on the DPC 131 or another printer storage area 33). Has been. By referring to the information, the DPC 131 can identify which harness is called and what print path should be constructed when performing which print processing.

  In this embodiment, a module (in particular, a module in the module group 335, for example) has several statuses, and the status transitions as follows, for example.

  FIG. 13D shows the status transition of the module.

  There are three module statuses, for example, “STAND-BY”, “READY”, and “PROCESSING”. “STAND-BY” means that the module can be called from the DPC 131. “READY” means that, when the module is “STAND-BY”, a job can be executed by receiving a call from the DPC 131 by a G-READY function described later. “PROCESSING” means that in the case of “READY”, a job is being executed by receiving a START-J function described later from the DPC 131. The module returns to the “READY” state if the job is finished in the “PROCESSING” state, and returns to the “STAND-BY” state if it is canceled in the “READY” state. .

  Next, the exchange of data between modules will be described.

  FIG. 14A shows the functions of each module.

Each module has a function for a downstream module (in other words, a function as an upstream module) and a function for an upstream module (in other words, a function as a downstream module). The functions for the downstream module include the following (A) or (B),
(A) RP (Read Providing): a function that provides a stream read function,
(B) WC (Write Call): function to call a stream write function,
There is. On the other hand, the functions for the upstream module include the following (a) or (b),
(A) RC (Read Call): a function for calling a stream read function,
(B) WP (Write Providing): a function that provides a stream write function,
There is.

  Two or more modules specified by the DPC 131 in the module group 335 are arranged in an array specified by the DPC 131, thereby constructing a print path, that is, a path through which a stream flows (in other words, a data processing flow). . At that time, each module exchanges data using either a stream read function for reading data prepared by the upstream module or a stream write function for writing data to the downstream module.

  Here, when the downstream module reads the data upstream, it is considered that the upstream module that prepared the data knows the location where the data is placed (pointer position). On the other hand, when the upstream module writes data to the downstream side, it is considered that the downstream module that receives the data knows the location (pointer position) to write the data.

  The present applicant pays attention to this point, and in this embodiment, for the stream read function and the stream write function, the side that provides the function is distinguished from the side that actually reads and writes data using the function. However, there is a mechanism that can exchange data regardless of the combination of modules. FIG. 14A shows a combination of these functions.

  FIG. 14B shows functions of each of the initiator module, the member module, and the terminator module.

  The member module has one of the functions “RC” and “WP” as the upstream module and one of the functions “RP” and “WC” as the downstream module. As shown, there can be a total of four modules. Which function each module has can be determined by the processing content of each module. Preferably, for example, a module of a type that stores data in a buffer by processing inside the module has a function “WC”. Is designed as a module with

  The initiator module is positioned at the beginning of data processing, and there is no module on the upstream side. Therefore, it is not necessary to have the functions “RP” and “WC” for the upstream module, and the function “for the downstream module“ It is sufficient to have “RC” or “WP”.

  Since the terminator module is located at the end of the data processing and there is no module on the downstream side, it is not necessary to have the functions “RC” and “WP” for the downstream module, and the function “ It is sufficient to have “RP” and “WC”.

When the DPC 131 is instructed to execute a predetermined printing process from the harness, the DPC 131 refers to information (for example, a table) illustrated in FIG. 13C and specifies modules to be combined according to the print path definition in the information. Next, the DPC 131 calls the G-READY function for each module and reserves the use of each module. When each module can respond to the call from the DPC 131, it returns the following value in the argument of the G-READY function. When the G-READY function is called from the DPC 131, four arguments [X1, IX1, Y1, IY1] are given as arguments. The contents of this argument are as follows:
(1) X1: This is an argument that the initiator module or member module having “RP” as a function for the downstream module puts and returns a pointer of the stream read function provided by itself. A terminator module or member module having “RC” as a function for the upstream side returns a null (NULL) in this argument. NULL is a variable indicating that nothing is specified.
(2) IX1: An argument returned by an initiator module or member module having “RP” as a function for the downstream module, with a context ID to be specified when the stream read function provided by itself is called. A terminator module or member module having “RC” as a function for the upstream side returns a value of 0 in this argument. Each module returns a context ID because the same module may be used for two processes at the same time. In this case, when the DPC 131 instructs each module to start or end the process, the DPC 131 uses the context ID to specify whether the process starts or ends.
(3) Y1: This is an argument returned by the member module or terminator module having “WP” as a function for the upstream module, with the pointer of the stream write function provided by itself. The initiator module or member module having “WC” as a function for the downstream side returns a null (NULL) in this argument.
(4) IY1: An argument returned by a member module or terminator module having “WP” as a function for the upstream module, with a context ID to be specified when calling the stream write function provided by itself. The initiator module or member module having “WC” as a function for the downstream side returns a value of 0 in this argument.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of the data processing flow in the print pass. In FIG. 15, in order to make the description easier to understand, the portion of the module that provides either the stream read function or the stream write function is hatched. In this example, the print path is an RGP print path, and from the beginning to the end, an initiator module IA (specific language processing module 113) having RP, a member module ME (RC / WC) having RC and WC. Halftoning processing module 115), member module MH (interlace processing module 117) having WP and RP, and terminator module TA having RC are arranged in this order.

  When the G-READY function is called from the DPC 131, the initiator module IA provides a stream read function in accordance with the definition of the G-READY function described above. It is returned to the DPC 131 as a valid argument. The member module ME does not return a valid argument because it does not have a function to provide. The member module M-H provides the stream read function and the stream write function, and uses the pointer SR2 for the downstream side, its context ID (RID2), the pointer SW1 for the upstream side, and its context ID (WID1) as arguments. return. The terminator module T-A does not return a valid argument, assuming that there is no function it provides.

After receiving these arguments, the DPC 131 instructs each module to start data processing by calling a START-J function at a timing necessary for data processing. At this time, the following arguments [U1, IU1, V1, IV1] are given to the START-J function. The contents of this argument are as follows:
(1) U1: The module gives a pointer of a stream read function to be used. The pointer of the stream read function is provided by the initiator module or member module that is located upstream and has RP. When calling a terminator module and a member module having WP, this argument must be null.
(2) IU1: Context ID that should be specified by the module that uses the stream read function. This context ID is provided by an initiator module or member module having an RP located upstream. When calling a terminator module and a member module having WP, this argument must have a value of 0.
(3) V1: The module gives a pointer of the stream write function to be used. The pointer of the stream write function is provided by a terminator module or a member module having a WP located downstream. When calling an initiator module and a member module having an RP, this argument must be set to null.
(4) IV1: Context ID to be specified by the module using the stream write function. This context ID is provided by a terminator module or member module having a WP located downstream. When calling an initiator module and a member module having RP, this argument must have a value of 0.

  According to the above rules, arguments are passed to each module when the START-J function is called. That is, for the stream read function, the pointer prepared by the upstream module is delivered to the downstream module, and for the stream write function, the pointer prepared by the downstream module is delivered to the upstream module. As a result, as shown on the right side of FIG. 15, when each module uses the stream read function, the downstream module reads data using the pointer prepared by the upstream module, and uses the stream write function. In this case, the upstream module writes data using the pointer prepared by the downstream module. In this way, each module can smoothly exchange data without knowing at all until it is called by the DPC 131 about the conditions for writing its own data or reading the data of the other party.

  The above is the description of the configuration and functions of the software group 37 in the printer 15. Next, an example of a processing flow performed in the printer 15 under the configuration and function will be described.

  FIGS. 16 to 18 show a series of processing flows performed by the printer 15 when a command described in a specific language is received after receiving a command described in a legacy language.

  When the I / F 13 of the printer 15 receives a command from the host device 1 (S21), the IFD 101 calls the first API of the harness (hereinafter referred to as IF harness) 303 corresponding to the I / F 13 in the harness group 325. The data arrival notification is sent to the IF harness 303 (S22). The IF harness 303 has a plurality of APIs, and the IFD 101 is configured to call the first API in the case of S21 among the plurality of APIs.

  In response to the reception of the data arrival notification, the IF harness 303 calls a predetermined API among one or more APIs of the service 323 and sends the data arrival notification to the service 323 (S23).

  The service 323 manages exclusion of print paths in the printer 15. For example, the service 323 is busy not to construct another print path when a print path for direct printing is constructed, and when no print path is constructed, Idle. When the service 323 is busy, the service 323 returns an error to the call source IF harness 303. On the other hand, if the service 323 is in the idle state, the service 323 calls the second API of the IF harness 303 and sends a print start notification (callback function) to the IF harness 303 (S24). The service 323 is configured to call the second API of the IF harness 303 when issuing a print start notification in response to the data arrival notification from the IF harness 303. When the second API is called, the second API is executed, and for example, the following processes of S25 and S28 are performed.

  The IF harness 303 issues to the DPC 131 a print processing ID and a request to secure a module that forms a print path for the print processing (S25). The processing from S21 to S25 is performed due to command reception from the host device 1, and the received command is highly likely to be described in a legacy language. Therefore, in this S25, the IF harness 303 notifies the legacy language mode printing to the DPC 131 as the ID of the printing process.

  In response to the print processing ID notification and the module securing request, the DPC 131 identifies the print path definition corresponding to the received print processing ID by referring to the information illustrated in FIG. 13C, and the identified print path Work on the configuration of the print path that the definition represents. Here, since the DPC 131 receives the legacy language mode printing as the print processing ID, it starts the configuration of the legacy path. The DPC 131 identifies the data acquisition module 103 (initiator module IB) and the legacy language processing module 105 (terminator module TB) as modules constituting the legacy path from the information illustrated in FIG. And G-READY function (S26 and S27). As a result, the called data acquisition module 103 and legacy language processing module 105 transition from the “STAND-BY” state to the “READY” state.

  Next, the IF harness 303 requests the DPC 131 to execute the printing process (S28). In response to the request, the DPC 131 sends a START-J function to the data acquisition module 103 and the legacy language processing module 105 (S29 and S30). The data acquisition module 103 and the legacy language processing module 105 that have received the START-J function transition from the “READY” state to the “PROCESSING” state. As a result, a legacy path is constructed. At this time, the legacy language processing module 105 issues an exclusion request to the PED 107. Thus, even if the PED 107 subsequently receives an exclusion request from another module, the PED 107 does not accept the exclusion request until the exclusion state is released.

  Thereafter, when the print command flows into the legacy path, the print command is accumulated in the buffer 133, and processing based on the print command is performed. For example, the legacy language processing module 105 requests data from the data acquisition module 103 (S31-1), and in response, the data acquisition module 103 receives data from the auxiliary buffer (for example, a buffer having a smaller capacity than the buffer 133) 134. , Data (for example, data of a predetermined size (for example, 1 byte)) is read, and the read data is passed to the legacy language processing module 105 (S31-4). The legacy language processing module 105 sends a command based on the data to the PED 107. The processes of S31-1 and S31-4 are repeated. Note that the processes of S31-1 and S31-4 are performed, for example, by the method described with reference to FIG. Therefore, the auxiliary buffer (for example, a buffer having a capacity of 256 bytes) 134 may be included in the data acquisition module 103. Further, when there is no data in the auxiliary buffer 134, the data acquisition module 103 requests data from the IFD 101 (S31-2), the IFD 101 acquires data from the buffer 133, and the acquired data is stored in the data acquisition module 103. Can be passed to.

  The legacy language processing module 105 analyzes the command acquired in S31-4 and performs processing based on the analysis result. For example, until the specific language transition command is detected by the legacy language processing module 105, for example, the above-described specification information is notified to the host device 1, and the processing from the stage A to the stage E in FIG. .

  If a print command (stream) flows while the processes of S31-1 and S31-4 are repeatedly performed, the print command is accumulated in the buffer 133. The same applies to a case where a print command written in a specific language instead of a legacy language is introduced. Until the legacy language processing module 105 detects a predetermined command (for example, a legacy job end command or a specific mode shift command), the processing of S31-1 to S31-4 is performed as shown in FIG. 17 (S32-1 to S32-1). S32-4).

  In S32-4, when detecting the specific mode transition command, the legacy language processing module 105 calls the third API of the IF harness 303 and notifies the IF harness 303 of the start of RGB image printing (S33). . That is, processing for switching from the legacy path to the RGB print path is started. Here, the data acquisition module 103 receives a predetermined notification from the legacy language processing module 105, and in response, calls the third API of the IF harness 303 to notify the IF harness 303 of the start of RGB image printing. May be. Since the third API is an API that is called in response to detection of a command, the third API can be configured similarly to the first API.

  The IF harness 303 that has received the RGB image printing start notification can perform substantially the same processing as S25 and S28 in FIG. 16 (S34 and S37).

  That is, the IF harness 303 issues a print processing ID and a request for securing a module constituting a print path for the print processing (for example, “LockProcess-RGB print path”) to the DPC 131 (S34). Since the IF harness 303 receives the RGB image printing start notification, it notifies the DPC 131 of the specific language mode printing as the ID of the printing process.

  Since the DPC 131 receives the specific language mode printing as the print processing ID, the DPC 131 starts to configure the RGB print path. Based on the information illustrated in FIG. 13C, the DPC 131 uses the specific language processing module 113 (initiator module IA), the color conversion / halftoning processing module 115 (member module ME), and the interlace as modules constituting the RGB print path. The processing module 117 (member module MH) and the print processing module 119 (terminator module TA) are specified, and each is called by the G-READY function (S35 and S36).

  Next, the IF harness 303 requests the DPC 131 to execute a printing process (for example, “StartProcess-RGB printing pass”) (S37). In response to the request, the DPC 131 sends a START-J function to each of the modules 113, 115, 117, and 119 (S38 and S39). The modules 113, 115, 117, and 119 that have received the START-J function transition from the “READY” state to the “PROCESSING” state. Thereby, the RGB printing path is constructed. At this time, the print processing module 119 serving as the initiator of the RGB print path sends data without issuing an exclusive request to the PED 107 unlike the initiator of the legacy path. Because the PED 107 has already been secured by the construction of the legacy path, even if the exclusive request is not issued and the data is received by the PED 107 and the exclusive request is issued, This is because the exclusion request is not accepted because it has already been secured by another initiator.

  In the present embodiment, at the timing when a print path is to be constructed (in other words, when the API (G-READY, START-J, etc.) of each module is called from the DPC 131), the DPC receives the print path (for example, the legacy path). Information representing the print path (that is, information on the data processing path) is transmitted to each module constituting the RGB print path). Specifically, for example, the DPC 131 calls the API by putting print path information in the argument of the API to be called. The print path information can be, for example, the ID of at least one of the upstream and downstream modules located closest to the module that provides the print path information.

  When the processing up to S39 is completed, an RGB print path as a legacy path switching destination is constructed. In the processing flow examples of FIGS. 16 to 18, the RGB print path is established when a specific mode transition command is detected in the printer 15.

  If the RGB print path is constructed, the specific mode described above can be executed (in other words, the processes from stage G to stage M in FIG. 12) as indicated by the dotted frame 703 in FIG. In the specific mode, the RGB print path initiator (that is, the specific language processing module 113) receives data from the legacy path terminator (that is, the legacy language processing module) 105 in the processing flow examples of FIGS. , Flow downstream. Specifically, for example, the specific language processing module 113 requests data from, for example, the legacy language processing module 105 (S40). The legacy language processing module 105 requests data from the data acquisition module 103 (S41-1). In response, the data acquisition module 103 reads data (command) from the auxiliary buffer 134, and the read data is legacy. It is passed to the language processing module 105 (S41-4). If necessary, the same processing as S31-2 and S31-3 in FIG. 16 is performed (S41-2 and S41-3). The legacy language processing module 105 passes the data from the data acquisition module 103 to the specific language processing module 113 (S42). The specific language processing module 113 analyzes the passed data (command written in a specific language) and executes processing based on the command. If the passed data is RGB data, the specific language processing module 113 passes the acquired RGB data to the downstream module (S43). The passed RGB data is subjected to processing such as color conversion, halftoning, and interlacing by the member modules 115 and 117. Based on the RGB data subjected to such processing, the print processing module 119 creates a control command for the PED 107 and sends the control command to the PED 107 (S44).

  In order to enable data exchange between the legacy language processing module 105 and the specific language processing module 113, the modules 105 and 113 may be configured as substantially the same as the member modules even if they are initiators or terminators (that is, , A configuration having both a function for the upstream side and a function for the downstream side).

  As described above, when the specific mode is entered, the legacy language processing module 105 sends the command to the specific language processing module 113 without analyzing the acquired command at all. Therefore, the legacy language processing module 105 does not detect the legacy migration command even if a legacy migration command meaning cancellation of the specific mode flows during execution of the specific mode, and sends the legacy migration command to the specific language processing module 113. Shed. The specific language module 113 detects the legacy migration command. Further, the legacy migration command may flow further downstream and detect at least one of the downstream modules 115, 117, and 119. Further, this detection may be performed sequentially from the upstream side to the downstream side. The modules (for example, 113, 115, 117, and 119) that have detected the release of the specific mode issue a specific mode release notification (for example, “EndJob”) to the DPC 131, for example, in the order in which the release was detected (S45, S46). In this case, each of the modules 113, 115, 117, and 119 can change from the “PROCESSING” state to the “READY” state.

  The DPC 131 that has received the specific mode cancellation notification from each module calls the fourth API of the IF harness 303 and sends a processing request for canceling the specific mode (for example, “StartProcess-RGB printing pass-callback”) to the IF It takes out to the harness 303 (S47).

  The IF harness 303 waits until it is called after requesting execution of the printing process in S37. In this state, when the IF harness 303 receives a processing request for canceling the specific mode, the IF harness 303 calls a predetermined API of the DPC 131 and issues a request for canceling the specific mode (for example, “RelaeseProcess-RGB printing pass”). (S48) In response to the request, the DPC 131 issues a cancel request (for example, “CancelReady”) to each of the modules 113, 115, 117, and 119 constituting the RGB print path (S49 and S50). This cancel request can be issued in the same order as the order in which the specific mode release notification is received. Each module 113, 115, 117 and 119 can go from a “READY” state to a “STAND-BY” state in response to the request. As a result, the RGB print path is canceled. In other words, there is no RGB print path.

  Further, the IF harness 303 issues a specific mode release notification to the legacy language processing module 105 (S51). After receiving the release notification, the legacy language processing module 105 analyzes the data (command) delivered from the data acquisition module 103 again. That is, for example, the processing of S31-1 to S31-4 in FIG. 16 is performed (S52-1 to S52-4).

  When the auxiliary buffer 134 becomes empty, the data acquisition module 103 requests data from the IFD 101. However, if the buffer 133 is also empty, the data is not sent to the data acquisition module 103 (for example, a notification indicating that the buffer 133 is empty is sent from the IFD 101 to the data acquisition module 103. ).

  In this case, the legacy path is also released, and the legacy path disappears from the printer 15. Specifically, for example, the fact that the buffer 133 is empty is first detected by the data acquisition module 103, and a legacy mode release notification (eg, “EndJob”) is sent from the data acquisition module 103 to the DPC 131 (S53). ). Thereafter, the fact that the buffer 133 has been emptied is notified from the data acquisition module 103 to the legacy language processing module 105 and is also detected by the legacy language processing module 105, and the legacy mode release notification (for example, “EndJob”) is sent to the legacy language processing module 105. The data is sent from the processing module 105 to the DPC 131 (S54).

  The DPC 131 that has received the legacy mode cancellation notification from all the modules 103 and 105 that are components of the legacy path calls the fifth API of the IF harness 303 and requests a process for canceling the legacy mode (for example, “StartProcess− Legacy pass-callback ") is output to the IF harness 303 (S55). In this case, each of the modules 103 and 105 can change from the “PROCESSING” state to the “READY” state.

  When the IF harness 303 receives a processing request for releasing the legacy mode, the IF harness 303 calls a predetermined API of the DPC 131 and issues a request for releasing the legacy mode (for example, “RelaeseProcess-legacy path”) (S56). In response to the request, a cancellation request (for example, “CancelReady”) is issued to the modules 103 and 105 configuring the legacy path, for example, in the same order as the order of receiving the legacy mode cancellation notification (S57 and S58). ). In response to the request, each of the modules 103 and 105 can change from the “READY” state to the “STAND-BY” state. As a result, the legacy path is released. In other words, there is no RGB print path.

  Finally, the IF harness 303 issues a print end notification to the service 305 (S59). As a result, the service 305 can cancel the exclusion and accept the print processing request. For example, the service 305 does not accept the print processing request even if another print processing request (for example, a request for direct printing) is received from another harness until the print end notification is received. After receiving, the print processing request can be received.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the printer 15 receives the data in the legacy path for the time being regardless of the type of data received from the host device 1, and the legacy path means that the data is of a specific type. Is detected at a specific location, the data of a specific type is transferred to another print pass for processing the data of the specific type, and is processed by the other print pass. This makes it possible to provide a function for processing a specific type of data without making a major design change such as changing the configuration of the legacy path itself.

  By the way, about the embodiment mentioned above, the following some modifications can be considered. This will be described below.

  (1) First modification.

  FIG. 19 shows a configuration example of a printer driver in a first modification of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 shows a configuration example of a print path in a printer that receives data from the printer driver of FIG.

  This first modified example relates to another example in which a legacy path and a path for processing RGB data are used simultaneously. Specifically, in the first modification, the RGB data transmitted from the printer driver 21 can be RGB data of XHTML-Print (MIME Multiplexed).

  However, it is considered undesirable to simply convert RGB data into XHTML-Print RGB data. First, in XHTML-Print, since an image is referred to as a processing target, the printer 15 separately reads the image from the host device 1, and therefore the printer 15 has the capability of performing bidirectional communication. This is because XHTML-Print cannot be executed on a printer that must have it and cannot perform two-way communication. Second, since the data size of the image to be processed may be large, it takes a long time to read from the host apparatus 1 and the printing speed may be slow.

  Therefore, in this first modification, as shown in FIG. 19, the printer driver 21 includes a packing processing unit 390, and the processing unit 390 also packs (encodes) the referenced image, and is related to XHTML-Print. A command is sent to the printer as stream data. When the printer 15 receives the stream data in the legacy path and detects that the command is related to XHTML-Print at a specific location (for example, the legacy language processing module 105) in the legacy path, the printer 15 performs another process. An RGB print path is constructed, and commands related to XHTML-Print are processed by the other RGB print path. Another RGB printing path is, for example, MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension) between the specific language processing module 113 of the RGB printing path described above and the color conversion / halftoning processing module from the upstream side to the downstream side. A MIME processing module 441 that performs processing related to XHTML-Print, and an XHTML-Print printing processing module 443 that performs processing related to XHTML-Print (for example, decoding).

  (2) Second modification.

  When only the legacy path is constructed, the printer 15 (for example, the service 323 therein) is different from the RGB print path for processing RGB data from the host (for example, for direct printing). May be constructed. In this case, since the PED 107 is reserved by the legacy path and is in an exclusive state, it cannot be discharged, but the RGB data is stored in the printer in the state immediately before printing (for example, after the interlace processing is completed). Alternatively, the data may be temporarily stored in the area 33, and after the legacy pass is released, the stored data may be read and printed.

  (3) Third modification.

  The printer 15 constructs a legacy path when any data is received from the host device 1, but in that case (for example, at the same timing (for example, substantially the same) as the construction of the legacy path), the printer 15 also constructs an RGB print path. You may do it.

  (4) Fourth modification.

  The legacy language processing module 105 may receive the data read from the buffer 133 without the auxiliary buffer 134. In that case, if the specific mode transition command is read and the RGB print path is constructed, the specific language processing module 113 may directly acquire the subsequent data from the buffer 133. When the specific language processing module 113 acquires data directly from the buffer 133, the printer 15 detects that a predetermined event is detected (for example, the specific language processing mode 113 detects the release of the specific mode). The legacy path may be released, and when the event is detected, the legacy path may be reestablished.

  The preferred embodiments and some modifications of the present invention have been described above, but these are examples for explaining the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is limited only to these embodiments and modifications. Not the purpose. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms. For example, the host device 1 and the printer 15 may be connected via a communication network such as the Internet, and the printer 15 may transmit a device ID and specification information to the host device 1 via the communication network. Further, for example, the priority level stored in the printer 15 is set to the printer 15 through the operation panel of the printer 15 or the user interface such as the printer driver 21 to determine the level acceptable by the user. If the parameters related to the printing conditions higher than the set order have to be changed, information indicating that printing cannot be performed (in addition, information indicating that printing can be performed if this parameter is set). (Which may be included) may be transmitted to the printer driver 21.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a print system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the layout management table 61. FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the printing method management table 63. FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of a protocol layer for processing communication performed in the print system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a plurality of computer programs included in the software group and a print path constituted by the plurality of computer programs. FIG. 6 shows a plurality of language processing modes existing in the printer 15 and the flow of transition between language processing modes. FIG. 7 shows a part of an outline of a processing flow performed in the printing system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 shows another part of the outline of the processing flow performed in the printing system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9A shows a configuration example of the device ID. FIG. 9B represents the concept of the structure of specification information transmitted to the host device 1. FIG. 9C shows a specific example of the specification information transmitted to the host device 1. FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of the print parameter selection screen 80. FIG. 11A shows a format example of a command described in a specific language. FIG. 11B shows an example of the type of class written in the class field. FIG. 12 shows an example of a specific processing flow performed in the printing process of S15 of FIG. FIG. 13A shows a configuration example of the software group 37. FIG. 13B shows an example of a module group 335 controlled by the DPC 131. FIG. 13C shows a configuration example of information representing the arrangement of modules. FIG. 13D shows the status transition of the module. FIG. 14A shows the functions of each module. FIG. 14B shows functions of each of the initiator module, the member module, and the terminator module. FIG. 15 shows an example of the data processing flow in the print pass. FIG. 16 shows a part of a series of processes performed by the printer 15 when a command written in a specific language is received after receiving a command written in a legacy language. FIG. 17 shows a continuation of the flow shown in FIG. FIG. 18 shows a continuation of the flow shown in FIG. FIG. 19 shows a configuration example of a printer driver in a first modification of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 shows a configuration example of a print path in a printer that receives data from the printer driver of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Host apparatus 3 ... Interface circuit 5 ... Input device 7 ... Display screen 13 ... Interface circuit 15 ... Printer 17 ... Processor 19 ... Host storage area 21 ... Printer driver 22 ... Application software 31 ... Print controller 33 ... Printer storage area 35 ... Processor 37 ... Software group 41 ... Engine controller 43 ... Print engine 61 ... Layout management table 63 ... Printing method management table 101 ... Interface driver (IFD) 103 ... Data acquisition module 105 ... Legacy language processing module 107 ... Print engine driver (PED) 113 ... Specific language processing module 115 ... Color conversion / halftoning processing module 117 ... Interlace processing module 119 ... Print processing module

Claims (10)

A first data processing path that receives data input without negotiation that can specify the data type and processes the first type of data;
A second data processing path for processing the second type of data;
A determination means provided in the first data processing path, for determining whether the data input to the first data processing path is a second type of data;
A data processing apparatus comprising: means for enabling the second data processing path when it is determined that the data input to the first data processing path is the second type of data. The second data processing path is not constructed until it is determined that the data input to the first data processing path is the second type of data,
The enabling means constructs the second data processing path when it is determined that the data input to the first data processing path is the second type of data;
The data processing apparatus according to claim 1. A plurality of interface means for accepting data input;
3. The data processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising means for constructing the first data processing path when data is input without the negotiation by a predetermined interface means among the plurality of interface means. Means for determining whether the type of data input after the second data processing path is enabled is the second type of data;
Means for canceling the validity of the second data processing path when it is determined that the type of the input data is not the second type of data;
2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for canceling the validity of the first data processing path when data input is no longer detected after the second data processing path is cancelled. Means for leaving the first data processing path enabled even if the second data processing path is enabled;
The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A buffer for storing data input to the data processing device;
Means for inputting the data stored in the buffer to the first data processing path;
The determination means determines whether the data read from the buffer is a second type of data;
When it is determined that the data read from the buffer is the second type of data, the input means stops inputting the data accumulated in the buffer to the first data processing path. ,
A second data processing path enabled by the enabling means obtains data from the buffer;
The data processing apparatus according to claim 1. It further comprises storage means for storing a plurality of program modules that can be constituent elements of the data processing path,
Each of the first data processing path and the second data processing path includes at least an initiator module positioned at the head and a terminator module positioned at the tail selected from the plurality of program modules. It consists of two or more program modules,
The data processing apparatus according to claim 1. Means for enabling the first data processing path when data is received without the negotiation;
The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for validating the second data processing path when data input is received with the negotiation. A data processing system comprising a data source device and a data processing device,
Means for outputting either the first type data or the second type data to the data processing device without negotiation with which the data source device can specify a data type with the data processing system; Have
The data processing device is
A first data processing path for receiving data input from the data source device without the negotiation and processing the first type of data;
A second data processing path for processing the second type of data;
A determination means provided in the first data processing path, for determining whether or not the data input to the first data processing path is a second type of data;
Means for enabling the second data processing path when it is determined that the data input to the first data processing path is the second type of data;
Data processing system. Receiving data input to the first data processing path for processing the first type of data without negotiation capable of specifying the data type;
Determining whether the input data is second type data in the first data processing path;
Data having a step of enabling a second data processing path for processing the second type of data when it is determined that the data input to the first data processing path is the second type of data. Processing method.

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