JP3387665B2 - Printing apparatus and printing method - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, and more specifically, it receives page unit data from a host computer, develops character codes and graphic data transmitted from the host computer into a bit map, and transmits the data from the host computer. The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that develops image data, develops external character fonts and logos, creates bitmap information in page units as output information, and prints out.

As an actual printing mechanism, the bit map information in page units is converted into a video signal,
The print data is transferred from the print data developing means to the printing mechanism, and the printing mechanism uses a light emitting element such as a laser beam, an LED array, a liquid crystal shutter or the like in synchronization with the video signal to expose the toner or the like onto the photosensitive drum. An image corresponding to the page unit bitmap information is formed by the agent, the formed image is transferred to a sheet (plain paper), and the visible image transferred to the sheet (plain paper) is transferred under high temperature and high pressure. The present invention relates to a printing apparatus using an electrophotographic process that outputs a stable print result using a fixing device.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing apparatus of this type has a controller section for receiving and processing print data from a host computer, converting it into a video signal, and transmitting the video signal to a printing mechanism section (printer engine). The printing mechanism unit (printer engine) forms a visible image on paper (plain paper) by using an electrophotographic process, and outputs the video signal transmitted from the controller unit.

Based on the print data (character code, figure, image, print position, size designation, etc.) received from the host computer, the controller section described above
According to the performance of the printer engine, the print information for one page is expanded in the image memory as a bit map, the expansion result of the image memory is converted into a video signal, and transferred to the printing mechanism section to print out. obtain.

Further, the above-mentioned printing mechanism section operates the paper feed / conveyance system in the printer engine based on the control information from the above-mentioned controller section, and at the same time, sends the video signal transmitted from the controller section to the laser beam.・ LE
An image is formed on the photosensitive drum with a photosensitive agent such as toner using a light emitting element such as a D array and a liquid crystal shutter, and the formed image is transferred to a sheet (plain sheet) fed by a sheet feeding / conveying system. Further, the visible image transferred to the paper (plain paper) is obtained with a high-temperature and high-pressure fixing device to obtain stable printing results.

[0006]

In the printing apparatus as described above, when the controller unit expands the print data transmitted from the host computer into a bitmap, the performance (resolution / resolution) of the printer engine is reduced. It is general to develop according to values, multivalues, monochrome, color, etc.).

However, as the performance of the printer engine improves, the amount of memory for expanding the bitmap for one page increases.

Therefore, in such a case, generally, print data for one page is divided into a plurality of parts (segment units),
Prepare at least two memory areas where the divided print data can be expanded, sequentially expand the print data for each segment in synchronization with the paper transport speed of the printer engine, and transfer it to the printer engine (band BUFFER control). It was possible to prevent the expansion of map expansion memory.

However, the printer engine according to the present invention cannot temporarily stop the conveyance during the conveyance of the paper once the paper is fed.

Therefore, if the print data development time of a certain segment is longer than the paper transport time, there arises a problem that a correct print result cannot be obtained (overrun).

In the band BUFFER control system,
Only after receiving the print data for one page, the expansion of the print data for each segment can be started. However, if there is a large amount of print data that makes up one page,
If all the print data cannot be received and stored due to lack of memory in the controller, the band BUFFER control method causes a problem that print output cannot be performed.

Therefore, in view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to set an optimum development resolution in accordance with the capacity of a memory for storing dot image data even if dots cannot be developed by the band buffer control method. To provide a printing device and a printing method for developing dots by a full paint control system for pages.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus of the present invention analyzes input information input from an external device to generate intermediate information, and dot-expands the generated intermediate information. A printing device for printing the generated intermediate information, wherein the generated intermediate information is stored in the intermediate information storage means for one page in units of segments, and the intermediate information is stored by the first determination means. When it is determined that one page of information cannot be stored in the intermediate information storage means in segment units, it is determined whether or not one page of dot image data in which the intermediate information is dot-developed at the first resolution can be stored in the storage means. The second determination means and the first resolution when it is determined that the one-page dot image data obtained by dot-expanding the intermediate information at the first resolution by the second determination means can be stored in the storage means. If it is determined that the dot information of the intermediate information is dot-developed and the dot information of one page in which the intermediate information is dot-developed at the first resolution cannot be stored in the storage device, the first resolution And a rasterizing means for rasterizing the intermediate information at a lower second resolution.

In order to achieve the above object, the printing method of the present invention is a printing apparatus that analyzes input information input from an external device to generate intermediate information, dot develops the generated intermediate information, and prints. A method for printing the intermediate information, wherein the generated intermediate information is stored in the intermediate information storage means in units of segments for one page, and the intermediate information is segmented in the first determining step. If it is determined that one page cannot be stored in the intermediate information storage unit in units, it is determined whether or not one page of dot image data obtained by dot-expanding the intermediate information at the first resolution can be stored in the storage unit. If it is determined in the determination step and the second determination step that one page of dot image data obtained by dot-expanding the intermediate information at the first resolution can be stored in the storage means, the first resolution is obtained. If the dot information of the intermediate information is dot-expanded and it is determined that the dot image data for one page obtained by dot-expanding the intermediate information at the first resolution cannot be stored in the storage means, the first resolution And a development step of developing the dots of the intermediate information at a lower second resolution and a printing step of printing the dot image data for one page developed in the development step.

[0015]

The present invention automatically switches to the full paint control system when dot development cannot be performed by the band BUFFER control system, and secures a full paint memory area corresponding to the highest possible resolution in the memory in the controller.

As a result, it is possible to always obtain a high-quality (high-resolution) correct printing result as much as possible without causing an overrun in the band BUFFER control and a state in which printing output is impossible due to a memory shortage. To do.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 and 2 are schematic block diagrams showing the functional configuration of a printing apparatus according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a print data receiving section for receiving print data transmitted from the host computer.

Here, the print data includes data such as character codes, figures and images for actual print processing, and print data for specifying print position and size.
It is composed of control data for the printing mechanism unit (printer engine). The control data is, for example, control data for designating switching control of the paper feed mode (cassette paper feed / manual paper feed).

Reference numeral 102 denotes a received data discriminating means for discriminating whether or not one page of print data has been fetched into the print data receiving section 101. If the print data for one page cannot be loaded due to lack of memory, etc.
The print data receiving unit and the 105 paint mode automatic switching unit described later are notified to that effect. As a result, the print data receiving unit 101 causes the received data to flow in the 107 full paint control method described later, and at the same time,
The 105 paint mode automatic switching means changes the paint mode to the 107 full paint control method.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a means for extracting print data for one page from the print data received by the print data receiving unit 101, and further dividing the print data into segment units.

Reference numeral 104 performs a predicted expansion time when expanding each print data divided by the segment unit dividing means 103 into a bit map image, and a predicted expansion time obtained by the estimated expansion time and one segment. Means for comparing the paper transport time of minutes. If the predicted development time is longer, the print data receiving unit 101 and the 105 paint mode automatic switching means described later are notified to that effect.

As a result, the print data receiving section 101 causes the received data to flow to the 107 full paint control system described later, and at the same time, the 105 paint mode automatic switching means changes the paint mode to the 107 full paint control system. To do.

Reference numeral 105 denotes paint mode automatic switching means for automatically switching the paint mode to the band BUFFER control system or the full paint control system according to the result of the 102 received data discriminating means and the result of the 104 comparing means.

Reference numeral 106 represents a band BUFFER control system in which print data of each segment unit is developed into a bit map image and transferred to the printing mechanism section. In this printing apparatus, the normal printing process is performed by the band BUFFER control method.

Reference numeral 107 represents a full paint control system in which print data for one page is developed into a full bit map image and transferred to the printing mechanism section.

Next, FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a functional configuration when the paint mode is switched to the full paint control system in the 105 paint mode automatic switching means of FIG.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a memory (RAM) installed in the controller of the printing apparatus, which is empty for calculating the empty memory capacity necessary for developing the print data into a full bit map image. It represents a memory area calculation means.

Reference numeral 202 represents an optimum resolution determining means for determining an optimum data expansion resolution according to the memory capacity calculated by the 201 empty memory area calculating means. Generally, the optimum data expansion resolution is the same as the engine resolution of the printing device, but if the full paint memory corresponding to the engine resolution cannot be secured due to insufficient free memory capacity, the data expansion resolution The resolution is 1 / n of the engine resolution (n = 2, 4, 8, 16 ---)
Lower to ensure full paint memory.

Reference numeral 203 denotes the 2 according to the data expansion resolution determined by the 202 optimum resolution determining means.
The full paint memory securing means for securing a full paint memory from the empty memory capacity calculated in 01 is shown.

Reference numeral 204 represents an output data developing means for developing a bitmap image for one page in the full paint memory area secured by the 203 full paint memory securing means.

Reference numeral 205 represents an expanded data transfer means for transferring the bitmap image expanded by the 204 output data expansion means to the engine of the printing apparatus.

Reference numerals 204 and 205 are processes in the 107 full paint control method of FIG.

Next, FIGS. 3 and 4 show a general structure of the printing apparatus.

Here, reference numeral 301 in FIG. 3 represents a host computer for transmitting various print data to the printing apparatus.

Reference numeral 302 in FIG. 3 represents an example of a printing apparatus according to the present invention (here, a racer beam printer using a racer beam as a light emitting element is shown), and 303 in FIG. 3 is a controller of the printing apparatus. Part, Figure 3
Reference numeral 304 denotes a printing mechanism unit (printer engine) of the printing apparatus.

Reference numeral 305 in FIG. 3 represents a control unit for controlling the whole of the 304 printing mechanism unit in FIG.
03 Receive the video signal from the controller, receive the control command from the controller,
It consists of a part that sends the status of the engine to the controller, and a part that controls the electrophotographic process, the paper feed / transport system, and the optical system.

Reference numeral 306 in FIG. 3 represents an optical system in the 304 printing mechanism unit in FIG.

Further, reference numeral 307 in FIG. 3 represents an electrophotographic process and a sheet feeding / conveying system in the 304 printing mechanism section in FIG.

Next, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the sheet feeding and conveying system 307 of FIG. Here, 401 in FIG. 4 represents a paper feed cassette, and 402 in FIG. 4 represents a paper feed roller for feeding paper from the paper feed cassette.

Reference numeral 403 in FIG. 4 represents a photosensitive drum.
Reference numeral 404 represents a fixing device.

Further, reference numeral 405 in FIG. 4 represents a sheet conveyance state in the sheet feeding and conveyance system.

Next, FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the 303 controller unit of FIG.

Here, reference numeral 501 in FIG. 5 is a central processing unit (CPU) for controlling the entire controller unit, and executes the control program shown in the flow charts of FIGS. Reference numeral 502 represents a program memory in which a program for controlling the controller unit is stored,
For example, it is composed of ROM (Read Only Memory),
The control program shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. Reference numeral 503 represents a memory in which font information (dot font or vector font) for expanding the character code into a bit map is stored, and is composed of, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). Reference numeral 504 represents a hardware circuit for transferring a bitmap image (output information) obtained by expanding print data (input information) to the printing mechanism unit, for example, a DMAC (Direct Memory Access Controller) or a FIFO.
It consists of something like. Reference numeral 505 denotes a host computer (301 in FIG. 5) and the controller unit (30 in FIG. 5).
3) represents a data input interface circuit for connecting to and. Reference numeral 506 denotes a work memory necessary for the program of 502 to operate, for example, RAM
(Random access memory). This work memory is divided into several parts as shown in FIG. Reference numeral 507 represents a data input / output interface circuit for connecting the controller unit (303 in FIG. 5) and the printing mechanism device (304 in FIG. 5). Reference numeral 508 denotes an image memory (50) in synchronization with the printing mechanism device (304).
6) represents an image signal generator for generating a video signal. Further, reference numeral 509 represents an internal bus connecting each of the above-described components.

Next, the concept of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 13 and according to the flowcharts of FIGS.

The flowchart of FIG. 14 shows the printing process of the page by the printing device when the print data for one page is transmitted from the host computer.

First, the print data for one page is converted to 601 in FIG.
Received by the reception BUFFER, the received print data is divided into segment units and converted into an intermediate code,
2 stored in the intermediate code storage area (step S1 in FIG. 14)
401).

Here, the intermediate code (intermediate information) is data processed so that the bit map image data (output information) can be easily generated (developed) from the input print data (input information).

That is, print data for one page as shown by 701 in FIG. 7 is divided into segment units and stored for 702 in FIG. Further, the print data divided into the segment units is converted into the intermediate code (801 in FIG. 8) in the segment unit as shown in FIG. 8 and stored in the 602 intermediate code storage area in FIG.

By the way, in step S1401 of FIG. 14, the print data for one page is not necessarily stored in the 602 intermediate code storage area of FIG. Therefore, it is checked whether print data for one page has been stored in the 602 intermediate code storage area of FIG. 6 (step S1402 of FIG. 14).
If the data cannot be stored (the intermediate code storage area is full), the full paint control method described later (step S140 in FIG. 14).
Proceed to 6).

If the data can be stored, the expansion time for each segment is predicted (step S1403 in FIG. 14). Details are shown in the flowchart of FIG.

Next, according to the prediction result of step S1403, if the predicted development time exceeds the paper transport time in step S1404 of FIG. 14, the process goes to the full paint control system (step S1406 of FIG. 14). For details, see Fig. 16.
It is shown in the flowchart.

If it is determined in step S1404 in FIG. 14 that the predicted development time does not exceed the sheet conveyance time, the process proceeds to the band BUFFER control method (step S1405 in FIG. 14) which is a normal printing process. Details are shown in the flowchart of FIG.

Next, according to the flow chart of FIG.
The details of step S1403 in FIG. 14 will be described.

First, it is checked whether all the segments of the page have been processed (step S150 in FIG. 15).
1) If all are checked, the process ends with the band BUFFER control method.

If not, the expansion time of the segment is predicted (step S1502 in FIG. 15).

Here, in general, the number of print objects (characters, figures, image data, etc.) included in the segment, and the attributes of each print object (size of character / decoration attribute, shape / size of figure) And so on) predicts the deployment time of the segment.

For example, when drawing a character, the expansion speed of the character is determined by specifying the size of the character and the character decoration, and when drawing a circle, the size of the circle and the thickness of the line determine the size of the circle. Deployment speed is determined.

As described above, the sum of the development speeds of all the print objects included in the segment becomes the development estimated time of the segment.

Next, the sheet conveying speed in the printing apparatus is constant. Therefore, each segment (702 in FIG. 7)
The transport speed for each becomes a constant value. Here, the predicted expansion time of the segment is compared with the transport speed of each segment (702 in FIG. 7) (step S1503 in FIG. 15). If the predicted expansion time is short, the graph is processed for the next segment. 15 Return to step S1501.

If the development prediction time is long, the process is terminated by the full paint control method.

Next, according to the flow chart of FIG.
The details of step S1406 in FIG. 14 will be described.

First, a full paint memory is secured (step S1601 in FIG. 16). Details are shown in the flowchart of FIG.

Next, the intermediate code stored in the middle of one page is expanded in the full paint memory (step S1602 in FIG. 16). Details are shown in the flowchart of FIG.

Next, the remaining print data is developed in the full paint memory while being received (step S160 in FIG. 16).
3). Details are shown in the flowchart of FIG.

Next, the expanded data (image data) expanded in the full paint memory is transferred to the printing mechanism section (step S1604 in FIG. 16). Details are shown in the flowchart of FIG.

Next, according to the flow chart of FIG.
The details of step S1601 in FIG. 16 will be described.

First, the free memory capacity is calculated (step S1701 in FIG. 17). The empty memory includes an intermediate code storage area (602 in FIG. 6) and an output data expansion area (60 in FIG. 6).
3) and the total available area of the 604 temporary areas of FIG. This value is determined by the memory (RAM) capacity installed in the controller.

Next, the resolution of the engine is set to the current data development resolution (step S1702 in FIG. 17).

Next, the full paint memory capacity corresponding to the current data development resolution is calculated (step S in FIG. 17).
1703). Generally, the data expansion resolution is 600d
The full paint memory capacity in the case of pi binary is about 4MB for A4 / letter paper, and the data expansion resolution is 30.
The full paint memory capacity in case of 0 dpi binary is A4
/ About 1MB for letter paper.

Next, the empty memory capacity calculated in step S1701 in FIG. 17 is compared with the full paint memory capacity calculated in step S1703 in FIG. 17 to check whether a full paint area can be secured in the empty memory (see FIG. 17 steps S1704). If the area can be secured, the full paint area corresponding to the current data development resolution is secured in the empty memory and the process ends (FIG. 17, step S17).
06).

When the full paint area cannot be secured in the empty memory in step S1704 in FIG. 17, the current data expansion resolution is halved (step S170 in FIG. 17).
5) and returns to step S1703 in FIG. For example, if the current data expansion resolution is 600 dpi, 300
Let dpi be the current data expansion resolution.

As a result, when the empty memory capacity is large, it is possible to secure the full paint area (1102 in FIG. 11) having the same engine resolution as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the empty memory capacity is small, 1 / 2n of the engine resolution is set as the data development resolution as shown in FIG. 12, and the corresponding full paint area (1 in FIG.
201) is secured. In the case of FIG. 12, when the data expansion resolution is half the engine resolution (for example, 600DP
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing (300 DPI) for the I engine.

Next, according to the flow chart of FIG.
The details of step S1602 in FIG. 16 will be described.

First, the intermediate code (901 in FIG. 9) stored in the 602 intermediate code storage area in FIG. 6 is moved as shown in FIG. 9 (step S1801 in FIG. 18). Here, reference numeral 901 in FIG. 9 indicates the full paint memory area secured by the flowchart in FIG.

Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the moved intermediate code (902 in FIG. 9) is expanded in the segment (903 in FIG. 9) in the full paint memory area.

Therefore, it is checked whether or not the expansion processing of all the intermediate codes has been completed (step S1802 in FIG. 18), and if completed, this processing ends.

If not completed, the intermediate code (902 in FIG. 9) is expanded to the segment (903 in FIG. 9) in the full paint memory area (step S18 in FIG. 18).
03), and returns to step S1802 in FIG.

As a matter of course, the expanded intermediate code is used as a data expansion segment in the full paint memory area.

Next, according to the flow chart of FIG.
The details of step S1603 in FIG. 16 will be described.

First, the remaining print data of the page is sequentially received (step S1901 in FIG. 19).

Next, the received print data is expanded in the full paint memory area (step S1902 in FIG. 19).

Next, all print data of the page is received.
It is checked whether it has been expanded (step S1903 in FIG. 19), and if it has been received and expanded, the process ends. If not, the process returns to step S1901 in FIG. 19 to receive the next print data.

Next, according to the flow chart of FIG.
The details of step S1604 of FIG. 16 will be described.

First, sheet feeding is started to print the page (step S2001 in FIG. 20).

Next, the image data expanded in the full paint memory is transferred to the engine while correcting the expanded resolution to the engine resolution (step S in FIG. 20).
2002).

For example, when the development resolution is half the engine resolution (300 DPI), as shown in FIG. 13, in order to match the dot pattern of the image data (1301 in FIG. 13) with the engine resolution, 1302 in FIG. 1 dot is corrected to 4 dots and transferred to the engine (printing mechanism).

This technique itself is an existing technique and is generally realized as a logic circuit on hardware.

Next, according to the flow chart of FIG.
The details of step S1405 in FIG. 14 will be described.

First, sheet feeding is started to print the page (step S2101 in FIG. 21).

Next, it is checked whether all the segments of the page have been processed (step S210 in FIG. 21).
2), when all are checked, the process ends.

If not, the print data of the segment is expanded (step S2103 in FIG. 21).

Next, the expanded data (bitmap image) of the segment is transferred to the printing mechanism section (step S2104 in FIG. 21), and the data in FIG.
The procedure returns to step S2101.

Here, the actual operation contents are shown in FIG.

First, at least two print data expansion areas for each segment are prepared in the work memory (FIG. 10).
1001 and 1002). These are reserved at 604 in FIG.

Next, the print data of the first segment is expanded in the print data expansion area (1001 in FIG. 10).
In this state, the transfer of the bitmap image 1001 in FIG. 10 to the printing mechanism unit is started. Here, since the paper conveyance speed is constant, the transfer time of the bitmap image to the printing mechanism unit is constant. If the expansion processing of the next segment is completed within this fixed time (100 in FIG. 10).
2) Overrun does not occur.

Similarly, the expansion processing (1003 in FIG. 10) of the next segment is sequentially performed. Here, since the print data expansion area in which the bitmap image has been transferred to the printing mechanism unit can be reused, actually, the print data expansion area in FIG.
0, 1001 and 1003, are the same area.

In the above embodiment, the full paint memory area is secured as a continuous area in the empty memory.
There is also a method of securing in segment units as shown in. That is, a segment unit area (2203 in FIG. 22) of the full paint memory (2201 in FIG. 22) is secured in the empty memory (2202 in FIG. 22), and a management table (2204 in FIG. 22) for managing all these segments is secured. ), The full paint memory area can be managed.

In this case, since the empty memory can be used more efficiently than when the full paint memory area is secured as the continuous area, it is possible to secure the full paint memory area having a higher resolution than the continuous area. Become.

Further, according to the present invention, the band BUFFER control system is changed to the full paint control system due to the comparison of the expansion prediction time of the segment and the paper transport time or the lack of the storage area (intermediate code storage area) of the received data. Although the present invention is automatically switched, it goes without saying that the present invention is also effective for other factors (for example, reception BUFFER full, font cache full, etc.).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the print data for one page input from the host computer is stored in segment units, and whether the estimated development time of the print data in the segment unit exceeds the paper transport time. If the predicted development time does not exceed the paper transportation time, dot development processing is performed by the band buffer control method. If the predicted development time exceeds the paper transportation time, dot development processing is performed by the full paint control method. .

In particular, according to this embodiment, when the dot development processing is performed by the full paint control method, the optimum data development resolution can be selected according to the free memory capacity. For example.
If the free memory capacity is 4 MB or more, the output resolution (600 DPI) of the printer engine (printing mechanism) is selected as the data expansion resolution to perform dot expansion. If 600 DPI cannot be selected as the data expansion resolution,
Half the 300 DPI is selected as the data expansion resolution and dot expansion is performed.

[0104]

As described above, it is determined whether the generated intermediate information can be stored for one page in the intermediate information storage means in segment units, and the intermediate information is stored for one page in the intermediate information storage means in segment units. If it is determined that it is not possible, it is judged whether or not the dot image data for one page in which the intermediate information is dot-developed at the first resolution can be stored in the storage means, and the intermediate information for one page in which the dot development is performed at the first resolution is performed. If it is determined that the dot image data can be stored in the storage means, the intermediate image is dot-developed at the first resolution, and the intermediate image is dot-developed at the first resolution for one page of dot image data. If the intermediate information is dot-expanded at the second resolution lower than the first resolution when it is determined that the data cannot be stored in, the dot expansion cannot be performed by the band buffer control method. Even in this case, it is possible to set the optimum development resolution according to the capacity of the memory that stores the dot image data, and perform dot development using the full paint control method for one page, and always achieve the highest possible quality (high resolution). It is possible to obtain the correct print result of.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a full paint control system 107 in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a general configuration of the printing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a paper feed / conveyance system 307 in FIG.

5 is a block diagram of a controller unit 303 in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing usage categories in a work memory 506 in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a relationship between print data and segments.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a relationship with an intermediate code corresponding to each segment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing handling of intermediate codes when the band BUFFER control system is switched to the full paint control system.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a method of band control.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a full paint memory securing method in the full paint control system.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a full paint memory securing method in the full paint control system.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a resolution correction method for the development resolution and the engine resolution in the full paint control method.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a printing control method in the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of step S1403 in FIG.

16 is a flowchart showing details of step S1406 in FIG.

17 is a flowchart showing details of step S1601 in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing details of step S1602 in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing details of step S1603 in FIG.

20 is a flowchart showing details of step S1604 in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing details of step S1405 in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a diagram regarding a method of securing a full paint memory in another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

301 Host computer 303 printer controller 304 Printing mechanism unit (printer engine) 501 CPU 502 Program memory (ROM) 503 font memory (ROM) 504 DMAC 505 Input I / F circuit 506 Work memory (RAM) 507 Output I / F circuit 508 image signal generator

Claims (12)

(57) [Claims] 1. A printer that analyzes input information input from an external device to generate intermediate information, expands the generated intermediate information into dots, and prints the intermediate information . Intermediate information in units
First determining means for determining whether or not one page can be stored in the storage means, and the intermediate information in segment units by the first determining means
If it is determined that one page cannot be stored in the intermediate information storage means ,
Second judgment means for judging whether or not one page of dot image data obtained by dot-expanding the intermediate information at the first resolution can be stored in the storage means; If it is determined that the dot image data for one page dot-developed at the resolution of 1 can be stored in the storage unit, the intermediate information is dot-developed at the first resolution, and the intermediate information is stored by the second determination unit. When it is determined that one page of dot image data dot-expanded at the first resolution cannot be stored in the storage unit, the intermediate information dot-expansion unit has a second resolution lower than the first resolution. A printing device characterized by. 2. The second judgment means compares the intermediate information by comparing the capacity of dot image data for one page in which the intermediate information is dot-developed with a first resolution with the free capacity of the storage means. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not dot image data for one page, which is dot-developed with the first resolution, can be stored in the storage unit. 3. The expansion means is the intermediate information storage means.
Dot expansion of some intermediate information stored in
After that, it is special to perform dot expansion with the remaining print data.
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is a signature . 4. The intermediate information is processed by the first determining means.
One page could be stored in the intermediate information storage means in units of
If judged, the intermediate of the generated segment unit
By comparing the estimated deployment time of information with the paper transport time.
The intermediate information of the generated segment unit.
To determine whether it can be expanded for each buffer size
3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a determination means of 3.
4. The printing device according to any one of 3 to 3 . 5. The unit for segmentation by the third determining means
The predicted development time of the intermediate information is larger than the paper transportation time.
In addition, the intermediate information for each segment is transferred to the band buffer.
If it is judged that it is not possible to develop for each size, the second judgment
1 page in which the intermediate information is dot-developed at the first resolution in a row
Whether or not the minute dot image data can be stored in the storage means
The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the printing apparatus determines whether or not the printing apparatus. 6. The second determining means is the first resolution.
It is judged that the dot image data for one page cannot be secured.
If you do, the resolution is halved and the dot image for one page
Data can be secured and the dot image for one page is
Resolution sequentially until it becomes possible to secure
6. The determination according to claim 1, wherein the determination is made in half.
The printing device according to any one . 7. A printing method in a printing device for analyzing input information input from an external device to generate intermediate information, expanding the generated intermediate information into dots, and printing the intermediate information. Intermediate information for each segment
A first determination step of determining whether or not one page can be stored in the storage means; and the intermediate information in segment units in the first determination step.
If it is determined that one page cannot be stored in the intermediate information storage means ,
A second determination step of determining whether or not one page of dot image data obtained by dot-expanding the intermediate information at a first resolution can be stored in a storage unit; If it is determined that the dot image data for one page dot-developed at the resolution of 1 can be stored in the storage means, the intermediate information is dot-developed at the first resolution, and the intermediate information is stored in the second determination step. When it is judged that the dot image data for one page dot-developed at the first resolution cannot be stored in the storage means, a developing process for dot-developing the intermediate information at a second resolution lower than the first resolution; A printing step of printing dot image data for one page developed in the step. 8. The second determination step compares the intermediate information by comparing the capacity of dot image data for one page in which the intermediate information is dot-developed with a first resolution with the free capacity of a storage unit. The printing method according to claim 7, wherein it is determined whether or not the dot image data for one page, which has been dot-developed at the first resolution, can be stored in the storage unit. 9. The intermediate information storage means in the expanding step.
Dot expansion of some intermediate information stored in
After that, it is special to perform dot expansion with the remaining print data.
The printing method according to claim 7, wherein the printing method is a characteristic. 10. The intermediate information is obtained in the first determining step.
One page could be stored in the intermediate information storage means in segment units.
If it is judged that the inside of the generated segment unit
To compare the estimated development time of the inter-office information with the paper transport time
The intermediate information of the generated segment unit
Determine whether it can be expanded for each band buffer size
8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising a third judging step.
10. The printing method according to any one of 9 to 9 . 11. A segment unit in the third determining step
Predicted development time of the above intermediate information is larger than paper transport time
In addition, the intermediate information for each segment is transferred to the band buffer.
If it is judged that it is not possible to develop for each size, the second judgment
1 page in which the intermediate information is dot-developed at the first resolution
Whether or not the minute dot image data can be stored in the storage means
The printing method according to claim 10, wherein the printing method is determined. 12. The second determination step comprises the first resolution.
Judge that it cannot secure the dot image data for one page
If it is displayed, the resolution is halved and the dot image for one page
Image data for one page
Image resolution will be incremented until image data can be secured.
7. The method according to claim 7, wherein the determination is made in the second half.
The printing method according to any one of 1 .