JPH10202951A - Printer device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the consumption of toner under the condition that a printed content can easily be read by using matrix data and templates. SOLUTION: This printer device is equipped with an expanding part 1, at which data sent from a host device are plotted and expanded, a bit map memory 2 for storing bit map data outputted from the expanding part 1, and a printing part 5 for printing the dot data stored in the bit map memory 2. Further, the bit map memory 2 is equipped with a matrix extracting part 3, which extracts matrix data having a predetermined number of dots from the bit map data stored in the bit map memory 2, and a toner consumption economizingly controlling part 4, which converts the matrix data to toner consumption economizing pattern data when the matrix data extracted by the matrix extracting part 3 is compared with predetermined template data and they coincide with each other.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer device, and more particularly, to a method for irradiating a photosensitive drum with a laser beam.
The present invention relates to an electrophotographic printer that performs printing by attaching toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive surface thereof and fixing the toner to paper using a heater.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to save toner consumption, a device is provided with a toner density adjusting volume, and when printing in a toner saving state is necessary, the volume is adjusted to reduce the toner density and printing is performed. Savings were going on.

However, in this method, when regular printing is desired again, it is necessary to readjust the volume. For this reason, a method of saving toner while keeping the volume constant has been proposed.

For example, data transfer means for transferring dot image data as a video signal to a printhead, and specific dot pattern data interposed between the data transfer means and the printhead for detecting a plurality of continuous specific dot patterns. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-24043 discloses a method using thinning processing means for converting a black dot located at the end of a continuous black dot into a white dot.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei. 2 (1990) -1990 discloses a method of thinning out the number of dots constituting a character and saving the toner amount corresponding to the thinned-out dots by printing based on the thinned-out dot data. No. 144574.

As described above, by using the conventional toner saving method, toner can be saved without the operation of adjusting the volume and reducing the toner density to perform printing.

[0007]

However, in this method, since the toner is saved by reducing the black dot data, the smoothness of characters, circles, and lines is deteriorated. There was a problem that it was not possible.

In particular, when the conventional thinning of Roman characters in which the weight of characters changes due to the recent increase in the resolution of printer devices and the use of various fonts, the blurring of characters becomes more noticeable. Had the disadvantage of becoming

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to improve the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, to provide a printer capable of reducing toner consumption in a state where printed contents can be easily read. .

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides a developing unit for drawing and developing data transmitted from a host device, a bitmap memory for storing bitmap data output from the developing unit, A printing unit for printing dot data stored in the map memory.
In addition, the bitmap memory includes a matrix extraction unit that extracts matrix data of a predetermined number of dots from the bitmap data stored in the bitmap memory, and a matrix extraction unit that extracts the matrix data extracted by the matrix extraction unit. And a toner consumption saving control unit that converts the matrix data into toner consumption saving pattern data when they match with the template data. This aims to achieve the above-mentioned object.

The matrix extracting unit extracts matrix data of a predetermined number of dots from the bitmap data stored in the bitmap memory. Then, the toner consumption saving control unit compares the matrix data extracted by the matrix extraction unit with predetermined template data, and converts the matrix data into toner consumption saving pattern data when they match. For this reason, the number of pixels to be printed when the data matches the template data is reduced, and the toner consumption is reduced. At this time, in order to compare a matrix having a certain number of pixels or more with the template, pixels are deleted in units of a group of pixels forming a square or a cross. Therefore, dots constituting a thin line, dots expressing a delicate curve, dots necessary for gradation expression, and the like are not carelessly deleted.

[0012]

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printer according to the present invention. The printer device includes a developing unit 1 that draws and develops data transmitted from a higher-level device, a bitmap memory 2 that stores bitmap data output from the developing unit 1, and a dot that is stored in the bitmap memory 2. A printing unit 5 for printing data. In addition, the bitmap memory 2 has a matrix extraction unit 3 for extracting matrix data of a predetermined number of dots from the bitmap data stored in the bitmap memory 2, and a matrix data extracted by the matrix extraction unit 3. And a toner consumption saving control unit 4 for converting the matrix data into toner consumption saving pattern data when the comparison results in a match with predetermined template data.

Further, the toner consumption saving pattern data storage unit 6 in which the toner consumption saving pattern data in which the dot of the central part is deleted while leaving the outline of the template data is stored in advance is provided in the toner consumption saving control unit.

If the toner consumption saving pattern data is a pattern in which the dots of the central portion are deleted while leaving the outline of the template data, the outline of the matrix is not deleted, and therefore, there is a portion composed of a plurality of dots. Sometimes, the pixels in the outline are not deleted. Accordingly, printing can be performed with reduced toner consumption without crushing a thin line or a font whose weight changes.

Further, it is preferable that the matrix extracting section 3 has an M-row × N-pixel extracting function of extracting data of M rows × N pixels from the bitmap data as matrix data. In this case, dots are deleted in units of squares or rectangles so as to leave their outlines.

Further, in a specific example in which a larger number of pixels are deleted while leaving the outline of the content of the bitmap data by comparison with a template, the toner consumption saving control unit includes:
When the matrix data of M rows × N pixels and the template data do not match and the different pixel is a part of four corner pixels forming a square of M rows × N pixels, the matrix data is used as toner consumption saving pattern data. And a function of converting M rows × N pixels. In this case, if the pixel completely matches the template, the outline is left and pixels are deleted.If the pixel that does not completely match the template is a pixel in the corner portion, the outline is lost. Since there is no such data, the data is converted into toner consumption saving pattern data in which dots in the central portion are deleted.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the toner consumption amount saving pattern is replaced by the matching result between the matrix data and the preset template. It is possible to save toner consumption without using an adjustment volume.

Further, since the toner consumption can be saved while the outline is left, even if the toner is saved by shading the black pixels constituting the character or the drawing, the character, line, and circle can be saved. The result is that the deterioration of smoothness is eliminated, and fine characters can be read.

[0020]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the present embodiment.
A FIFO memory 10 having a capacity capable of storing one row of image data in the main scanning direction, an M row × N pixel matrix extraction function 12 for extracting a matrix of M rows × N pixels, and a template data storing template data. The data storage unit 13 includes a data storage unit 13, a toner consumption saving pattern storage unit 14 for storing a toner consumption saving pattern, a toner consumption control unit 4 for controlling toner saving, and a printer engine 5 as a printing unit.

First, the data from the host is drawn and developed in the buffer memory by the printer controller, and is subjected to parallel / serial conversion for transfer to the printer engine 5 (not shown).

Next, the parallel / serial converted image data is written into the FIFO memory 10 for M rows. FI
The FO memory 10 includes M FIFO memory elements that can store one row of image data in the main scanning direction.

As means for recognizing the pixel dot configuration in the two-dimensional specific area, matrix data is extracted from the data of the FIFO memory 10 using an M row × N pixel matrix and set in the template data storage unit 13 in advance. A method of comparing with a template and performing matching is used.

In the case of matching, image data is shaded in the toner consumption control unit 4 in accordance with the toner consumption saving pattern set in the toner consumption saving pattern storage unit 14 in advance, and sent to the printer engine 5. This saves toner consumption.

If no match is found with the template, the toner consumption controller 4 counts the number of white pixels at a specific location in the matrix data. The specific location in the matrix data is a location that can be arbitrarily set by the toner consumption control unit 4 according to the size of the M rows × N pixel matrix.

If the count value is equal to or less than the value set in the toner consumption controller 4, the toner consumption is reduced.
However, even when the value is equal to or less than the set value, if a white pixel exists in a portion other than the specific portion set in the toner consumption control unit 4, the white pixel is excluded from saving of toner consumption.

A specific example will be described. In this example, the M-row × N-pixel matrix extraction function 12 is 3 rows × 3
This is a function of extracting matrix data of pixels. The toner consumption saving control unit 4 has a function of extracting the matrix data when the matrix data of 3 rows × 3 pixels and the template data match each other. The N-pixel conversion function is configured to convert the matrix data to toner consumption saving pattern data when the difference pixel between the matrix data of 3 rows × 3 pixels and the template data is one of the four corner pixels. ing.

The matrix is 3 rows × 3 columns, the template is 3 rows × 3 columns, all black pixels.
The four corner pixels B, C, and D, and the toner consumption saving pattern are all white on the first row, black one dot on the second row, one dot black and one white dot repeated, the third row all white, and the fourth row white. Starting with one white dot and one black dot, this is repeated in the sub-scanning direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the toner consumption is saved when the matrix of 3 rows × 3 columns is all black pixels (A) and when the number of white pixels at a specific location is 1 or less. In (B), the toner consumption controller 4 shades the image data according to the toner consumption saving pattern.

In the case where white pixels exist other than the specific portion represented by FIGS. 5A to 5H, or when the number of white pixels in the specific portion represented by FIG. Do not save on consumption.

According to the setting of this example, in the image as shown in FIG. 6A, the toner consumption is reduced while leaving the outline of one pixel as shown in FIG. 6B.

[0032]

Since the present invention is constructed and functions as described above, according to this, the toner consumption saving control unit compares the matrix data extracted by the matrix extraction unit with the predetermined template data. In the case of a match, the matrix data is converted into toner consumption saving pattern data, and in the case of a match with template data, the number of pixels of a part of the extracted matrix data is reduced, thereby reducing the toner consumption. ,
At this time, in order to compare a matrix having a certain number of pixels or more with the template, pixels can be deleted in units of a group of pixels forming a square or a cross, and therefore, dots forming a thin line or subtle dots It is possible to provide an unprecedented excellent printer device capable of reducing the amount of toner consumption without inadvertently deleting dots expressing a simple curve and dots necessary for gradation expression.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a specific portion (corner pixel) of matrix data according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of replacement with a toner consumption amount saving pattern according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example in which matrix data is all black pixels;
FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where the white of the specific portion has a prime number of 1 or less.

FIGS. 5A to 5H are diagrams illustrating an example in which replacement with a toner consumption saving pattern according to the present embodiment is excluded. FIG.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example in which a toner consumption amount saving process according to the embodiment is performed. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating bitmap data, and FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating the embodiment. It is.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Development part 2 Bit map memory 3 Matrix extraction part 4 Toner consumption control part 5 Printing part (printer engine) 6 Toner consumption saving pattern data storage part 10 FIFO memory 12 M row x N pixel matrix extraction function 13 Template data storage part 14 Toner consumption saving pattern storage

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A developing unit for drawing and developing data transmitted from a host device, a bitmap memory for storing bitmap data output from the developing unit, and printing dot data stored in the bitmap memory. A matrix extraction unit for extracting matrix data of a predetermined number of dots from the bitmap data stored in the bitmap memory, the matrix extraction unit Printer device comprising: a toner consumption saving control unit for converting the matrix data into the toner consumption saving pattern data when the matrix data extracted by the method matches the predetermined template data. . 2. A toner consumption saving pattern data storage section in which toner consumption saving pattern data in which a dot in a central portion is deleted while leaving an outline of the template data is provided in advance in the toner consumption saving control section. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the matrix extracting unit has an M-row × N-pixel extracting function of extracting data of M rows × N pixels from the bitmap data as the matrix data. apparatus. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the toner consumption saving control unit is configured to control the M
When the matrix data of the row × N pixels and the template data do not match, and when the different pixel is a part of four corner pixels forming a square of M rows × N pixels, the matrix data is used as the toner consumption saving pattern data. 4. The printer device according to claim 3, further comprising an M-row × N-pixel conversion function for converting the image data into an image data. 5. The M rows × N pixels extraction function is 3 rows × 3
A function of extracting matrix data of pixels, wherein the toner consumption saving control unit has a function of extracting the matrix data when the matrix data of 3 rows × 3 pixels matches the template data;
The M-row × N-pixel conversion function converts the matrix data into toner consumption saving pattern data when a different pixel between the matrix data of the 3-row × 3 pixel and the template data is one of the four corner pixels. 5. The printer device according to claim 4, wherein the printer device has a function of performing conversion.