JP2001071594A - Printer and method for controlling printing and recording medium with program recorded - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a printer to print document data on an apparatus without requiring a conventional printer driver by printing by bit map data based on data to be arranged to a predetermined divided printing region required to a host apparatus when printing information designates an automatic arrangement. SOLUTION: A command interpret part 242 processes, e.g. divides a printing region in accordance with the interpret result of command data received from a host apparatus via a communication I/F part 241. A printing setting process part 243 proceeds with a process related to a printing setting by communicating based on a command system defined between the part and the host apparatus. A printing setting information storage part 245 stores information on the printing setting set by the printing setting process part 243 on the basis of a printing setting request from the host apparatus. A printing process part 246 stores data to be printed from the host apparatus via the interpret part 242 into the storage part 245, develops the data based on the information to bit map data of a raster form, and outputs the data to a print engine part 246 to print the data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to the art of printers. Further, the present invention relates to a technique of processing control based on a specific command system used for communication between a host device and a printer.

2. Description of the Related Art In order for a host device such as a personal computer to print application data on a printer, the host device requires a printer driver (printer control program) prepared for each printer. Upon receiving application data from the application program, the printer driver converts the data into print job data unique to the printer and outputs the print job data to the printer. When the printer receives the print job data, it interprets the print job data, generates bitmap data in raster format, and implements printing on printing paper.

In a typical information processing system, electronic devices such as a printer, a scanner, and a digital camera are arranged around a host device. A host device in which a unique driver (device driver) for each electronic device is installed, mediates information with these electronic devices. For example, when printing image data stored in a digital camera, the host device reads the image data stored in the digital camera once into an application program, and prints print job data from the application program via a printer driver. And output to a printer.

The program size of a printer driver is usually several hundred KByte or more. Therefore, in a host device such as a computer having an excellent processor performance and a large memory capacity, there is no problem in incorporating a printer driver. However, for example, in a small electronic device such as a digital camera, it is difficult to incorporate a printer driver due to hardware restrictions and the like.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to enable a printer to print document data on a host device without requiring the host device to use a conventional printer driver.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new communication protocol between a host device and a printer based on a specific command system.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is specified as follows.

That is, according to the present invention, when print setting information received from a host device is received and it is determined that the print setting information specifies automatic arrangement of data to be printed, predetermined printing on a print recording medium is performed. An area is divided into predetermined partial areas, and based on the print setting information, print target data to be arranged in the divided predetermined partial areas is requested to the host apparatus, and transmitted from the host apparatus in accordance with the request. Receiving the print target data, and generates bitmap data based on the print target data,
A printer and a print control method, wherein printing is performed based on the bitmap data.

According to the present invention, there is provided a first receiving means for receiving print setting information sent from a host device;
If it is determined that the print setting information received by the receiving unit specifies automatic placement of print target data,
Area definition means for dividing a predetermined print area on a print recording medium into predetermined partial areas; request means for requesting the host device for print target data based on the print setting information; and transmission from the host apparatus in accordance with the request. Second accepting means for accepting print target data to be received, generating means for generating bitmap data based on print target data to be arranged in the predetermined partial area divided by the area defining means, and the generating means And printing means for printing on a print recording medium based on the bitmap data generated by the printer.

Here, the area defining means divides the predetermined print area into rectangular partial areas according to a value relating to a predetermined number of divisions specified by the print setting information.

Further, the area defining means determines an arrangement area of print target data to be arranged in the predetermined partial area according to a margin value specified by the print setting information.

Further, the area defining means requests each of the plurality of print target data when the plurality of print target data is designated to be printed by the print setting information.

Further, the area defining means generates bitmap data for a predetermined band area in the predetermined print area based on the print target data.

Further, the printer requests a plurality of print target data to be arranged in the partial area belonging to a predetermined band area in the predetermined print area.

The present invention is also realized as a program product or a recording medium on which a program is recorded. Specifically, the present invention is a recording medium recording a program for realizing a predetermined function in a printer, the program comprising: a first receiving unit for receiving print setting information sent from a host device; Area defining means for dividing a predetermined print area on a print recording medium into predetermined partial areas when it is determined that the print setting information received by the first receiving means specifies automatic placement of print target data; Request means for requesting the host device for print target data based on the print setting information, second receiving means for receiving print target data sent from the host device in accordance with the request, and division by the area defining means Generating bitmap data based on print target data to be arranged in the predetermined partial area and storing the bitmap data in a predetermined memory And forming means, a recording medium recording a program characterized by comprising a.

According to the present invention, when the host device specifies automatic placement of print target data, the printer divides the print area by a predetermined method, and places the print target data in the divided area. Perform printing based on the data. Therefore, in the host device, the user does not need to make a specific specification regarding the arrangement of the print target data.

The recording medium is, for example, a hard disk (HD), a DVD-RAM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, or the like, as well as a RAM or an RO.
Includes transmission media such as memories such as M and networks.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 Configuration 1-1 Configuration of Print System FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a print system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 is locally connected to the host device 2 via a dedicated line 3 such as a parallel cable, or network-connected to the host device 2 via a network 4 such as a LAN. The host device 2 can be typically replaced with an electronic device such as a digital camera or a scanner, but may be a general-purpose personal computer. In the following, printer 1
A print system in which a digital camera positioned in the host device 2 is connected to a network 4 will be described as an example. 1-2 Configuration of Printer FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the printer 1. As shown in FIG.
1, ROM 22, RAM 23, user interface 24, image memory 25, engine controller 2
6, a print engine 27 and a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as “communication I / F”) 28. The processor 21 executes the program stored in the ROM 22 so that the printer 1 realizes a predetermined function in cooperation with other hardware. For example, processor 2
1 interprets a command sent from the host device 2 and executes various processes according to the command, as described later. Typically, the processor 21 includes the host device 2
Is converted into bitmap data in a raster format and output to the image memory 25.
The RAM 23 functions as a main storage device of the processor 21. The user interface 24 includes, for example, a display panel for performing various print settings, operation buttons, and the like, and enables interactive operation by the user. The image memory 25 stores bitmap data required for printing in units of a predetermined number of bands. The engine controller 26 supplies the bitmap data stored in the image memory 25 to the print engine 27. The print engine 27 includes, for example, a paper feed mechanism and a print head, and performs printing on a print recording medium such as paper. Print engine 27
A printer according to the type of printer, such as a laser printer or a serial printer, can be used. Communication I /
F28 is physically connected to the network 4 and enables network communication with the host device 2. 1-3 Configuration of Host Device FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the host device 2. As shown in FIG.
1, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a user interface 34, an input device 35, a file system 36, and a communication I / F 37, which are interconnected via an internal bus. The processor 31 controls the operation of the entire host device 2 according to a program stored in the ROM 32. The RAM 33 functions as a main storage device of the processor 31. For example, in the case of a digital camera, the user interface 34 includes a display panel, operation buttons, and the like, and enables interactive operation by a user. The input device 35 inputs image data obtained by imaging with a CCD to an internal bus in accordance with a user's imaging instruction given from the user interface 34. The file system 36 is, for example, a so-called external storage device including a flash memory and a hard disk, and stores image data captured by the input device 35 in a predetermined format. The communication I / F 37 is physically connected to the network 4 and enables network communication with the printer 1. 2. Description of Commands In the print system according to the present embodiment, the host device 2 and the printer 1 perform communication based on a predetermined command system and proceed with the printing process. Hereinafter, commands defined in the print system according to the present embodiment will be described. 2-1 Outline of Command FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an outline of command data used in the print system according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the command data in the present embodiment is composed of a variable-length data string. Hereinafter, each area in the figure will be described.

ESC: Head marker of the byte string (control code “ESC”, 1Bh) class: 1-byte ASCII code class indicating the classification of the command is classified as follows.

D: data m: model dependent o: object p: page parameter length: length of parameter block (number of bytes) command name: command is identified by a combination with a 4-byte character string class representing the command name.

Parameter block: Parameter block is composed of an arbitrary number of parameter units.

Parameter unit: A parameter unit consisting of a 1-byte parameter ID indicating the type of parameter, a delimiter ":", and a value value.

Each command defines the size of the value of each parameter. When a numerical value of 2 bytes or more is used as the value of the parameter, the big endian is used unless otherwise specified in the definition of each command.

In the parameter block, FIG.
"Data length" when including parameters of the form
The number of bytes of binary data indicated by follows the parameter block. The size of this binary data is “pa
Not included in “meter length”.

In the following description, the command is referred to as “[class: com
mand name] ”. For example, [p: make] is clas
s means "p" and command name is "make". 2-2 Description of each command (1) [m: qlty] set printing quality Print quality setting (FIGS. 5 and 6) This command is sent from the host device 2 to the printer 1. This command is for setting print conditions. The contents of the parameters are different between the case where the printer is specified and the host device grasps the information unique to the model and the case where the setting is made independent of the model.

M: Specifies the paper quality. The settable value range and the corresponding paper type differ depending on the model.

Q: The print quality is designated in 16 steps.

P, T: Parameters for designating color correction of each of the photograph image object and the text / graph image object are sent in order. Each parameter is a signed 1 byte, and has a range of -50 to +50. If a value smaller than -50 is specified, it is treated as if -50 has been specified. If +50 is specified, it is treated as if +50 was specified.

B: Designates color printing / black and white printing.

W: Specifies ON / OFF of microweave printing. The range that can be specified as the extended microweave and the type of the corresponding microweave differ depending on the model.

D: Designates a printing direction control method.

H: Specifies the type of halftone processing.

Z: Specifies the dot size. The settable value range and the corresponding dot size differ depending on the model.

H, T: The print resolution in the horizontal and vertical directions is d
It is specified by pi (dot per inch). The range of values that can be set and the default value differ depending on the model. If only one of horizontal and vertical is specified, both are default values.

L: As a reference table used for color conversion,
Specify the ID of the user-defined LUT set in [m: slut]. The specifiable range differs depending on the printer model. When the lut-id is not specified, the printer 1 determines according to the type of paper and print quality, and uses the LUT built in the printer 1. (2) [m: slut] set user defined LUT User defined L
UT Setting (FIG. 7) This command is sent from the host device 2 to the printer 1. This command is used as an LUT for color conversion.
This is for setting a user-defined one in the printer.

I: Designates the ID number of the LUT. The settable ID number range and the type of storage destination of the LUT corresponding to the ID number differ depending on the model. Unsupported ID
If a number is specified, this command will be ignored.

+: Indicates the length of the LUT data.

The dtlen-byte binary data following this command is handled as LUT data. The format of LUT data differs depending on the model. (3) [p: inqa] inquire page availabillity Query the page effective range (FIG. 8) This command is sent from the host device 2 to the printer 1. This command is for requesting the printer 1 for an answer of the settable range and arrangement of the page print area. The printer 1 responds to this command with a [p: rpla] command.

D: Designates the denominator used in answering this inquiry. If not specified, use the printer's specified value. (4) [p: rpla] reply page availabillity Page valid range reply (FIG. 9) This command is sent from the printer 1 to the host device 2. This command is used to respond to the inquiry by the [p: inqa] command about the settable range of the page print area.

D: A value specified by the [p: inqa] command, which represents the denominator of each of the following parameters. However, [p: i
When the value of the numerator does not fit in 4 bytes when using the value specified by the [nqa] command, when 0 is specified by the [p: inqa] command, or when denomi is specified by the [p: inqa] command If not, answer using the printer's default value.

W, H: Indicates the maximum width and maximum length of the page print area that can be set.

Maximum width = width / denomi (inch) Maximum length = height / denomi (inch) If the maximum width and the maximum length do not become integers, the answer is rounded down.

T: Indicates a settable minimum value of the distance (top margin) from the top edge of the sheet to the top edge of the page print area.

When the minimum value of the top margin is not an integer, the minimum value of the top margin = tmrgin / denomi (inch)
Answer with truncation.

L: Indicates the distance (left margin) from the left edge of the sheet to the horizontal start position of the page print area.

Left margin = lmrgin / denomi (inc
h) If the left margin is not an integer, round it down.

R: The minimum distance (minimum write margin) required from the right edge of the sheet to the right edge of the page print area. The processing when the page print area is set such that the distance from the right edge of the paper to the right edge of the page print area is smaller than the minimum value of the write margin depends on the model.

The minimum value of the write margin = rmrgin / denomi (inch) If the minimum value of the write margin is not an integer,
Answer with truncation.

B: Indicates the minimum distance (minimum bottom margin) required from the bottom edge of the sheet to the bottom edge of the page print area. The process when the page print area is set such that the distance from the bottom edge of the paper to the bottom edge of the page print area is smaller than the bottom margin minimum value depends on the model.

Bottom margin minimum value = bmrgin / denomi (inch) When the bottom margin minimum value is not an integer,
Answer with truncation. (5) [p: make] make page Page format definition (FIG. 10) This command is sent from the host device 2 to the printer 1
Sent to. This command is used to set the size of the page print area and to specify the arrangement method of the print object. The host device 2 divides the page print area into a grid pattern and designates either “automatic arrangement” in which print objects are arranged in each cell or “individual designation” in which a position is designated for each print object.
In the case of "automatic arrangement", the number of divisions of the page print area in the horizontal and vertical directions is designated.

D: Denominator of each of the following parameters.

W, H: Specifies the width and length of the page print area.

Width = width / denomi (inch) Length = height / denomi (inch) If a width and / or length exceeding the maximum value is specified, it is assumed that the maximum width and / or maximum length has been set. deal with. When denomi is not specified or 0 is specified, width and height are handled as the number of dots at the resolution specified by the [m: qlty] command.

T: Specifies the distance (top margin) from the top edge of the paper to the top edge of the page print area.

Top Margin = tmrgin / denomi (inch) When a top margin smaller than the minimum value is specified, the printer 1 treats it as having the minimum value set. If denomi is not specified or 0 is specified, tmrgin treats it as the number of dots at the resolution specified by the [m: qlty] command.

A: Designates the method of arranging print objects. In the case of "vertical serial arrangement", image data is transferred by one-way communication.

H, V: Designate the number of divisions in the horizontal and vertical directions. If these are not specified or if 0 is specified, it does not become "automatic arrangement". If the print object arrangement method is other than “automatic arrangement”, these parameters are ignored.

X, Y: The percentage of the portion to be taken as a margin between the divided areas is specified as a percentage. 0 if not specified or if a value greater than 100 is specified
Is treated as specified. If the print object arrangement method is other than “automatic arrangement”, these parameters are ignored. (6) [p: proc] proceed Print Progress This command is sent from the host device 2 to the printer 1. This command is for instructing to execute printing of the image object set up to that time. (7) [p: fini] page finished Page processing end (FIG. 11) This command is sent from the printer 1 to the host device 2. This command is for notifying that the expansion processing has been completed for the print information set up to the [p: endp] command. (8) [o: req3] request object numbers Object number request (FIG. 12) This command is sent from the host device 2 to the printer 1. This command is for requesting the printer to issue an “object number” used for setting a print object. The printer 1 issues the object number by the [o: iss #] command one or more times until the number requested by this command is reached. (9) [p: endp] end of page End of page setting (Fig. 1
3) This command is sent from the host device 2 to the printer 1. This command is for notifying that the print information setting for one page has been completed. When this command is received, if the number of object numbers requested by the [o: req #] command has not been issued by the [o: iss #] command, the remaining number is not issued. Also,
If an object number is issued from the printer by the [o: iss #] command but is not yet used by the [o: make] command, the object number becomes invalid. (10) [p: term] terminate page Interruption of page processing (FIG. 14) This command is sent from the host device 2 to the printer 1. This command is for interrupting the processing of the page being printed. The printer 1 performs an interruption process for all the print objects being processed, and notifies the host device 2 of the end of the process with the [o: rles] command for each print object. After suspending the processing of all print objects, the host apparatus 2 is notified by the [p: fini] command that the suspension of the page processing has been completed. The number of object numbers requested by the [o: req #] command is still [o: iss #]
If not issued with a command, requests for the remaining minutes are considered canceled. Also, [o: iss
If an object number is issued from the printer 1 by the [#] command but is not yet used by the [m: make] command, the object number becomes invalid. (11) [o: iss #] issue object numbers Issue object numbers (FIG. 15) This command is sent from the printer 1 to the host device 2. This command is for issuing a usable object number in response to a request by the [o: req #] command.

N: Indicates the number of object numbers issued by this command.

#: Indicates an object number that can be used by the host device 2 for setting a print object. When a plurality of object numbers are issued at the same time, different object numbers indicated by (nobj #) follow. (12) [o: mkim] make image object Image object setting (FIGS. 16, 17, 18, and 19) This command is sent from the host device 2 to the printer 1. This command is for setting the image print object. This command has no effect if the page format is not specified with the [p: make] command.

#: One of the object numbers issued by the [o: iss #] command is selected and designated. Thereafter, information exchange between the host device 2 and the printer 1 such as information and image data relating to the corresponding print object is performed using this object number. This command is invalid in the following cases.

(I) The object number is not specified.

(Ii) An object number other than the object number issued by the [o: iss #] command is specified.

(Iii) The object number already set by the [o: mkim] command has been specified.

D: Denominator of the following parameters:

X, Y: With the origin at the upper left of the page print area, specify the upper left position of the object development area.

Horizontal position = (xpos) / (denomi) (inch) Vertical position = (ypos) / (denomi) (inch) If denomi is not specified or 0 is specified, xpos and ypos are [ Treated as the number of dots at the resolution specified by the [m: qlty] command. When a position other than the page print area is specified, the object is not printed and an error is notified by the [o: rles] command. In this case, this object number is again [o: iss #]
Unavailable until issued by command.

If the automatic arrangement is specified by the [p: make] command, these parameters are ignored.

W, H: For setting the width and length of the object development area.

Width = (width) / (denomi) (inch) Length = (height) / (denomi) (inch) If denomi is not specified or 0 is specified, width and height are set to [m : qlty] is handled as the number of dots at the resolution specified by the command. If the width and length are specified so as to protrude from the page print area, the object is not printed, and an error is notified by the [o: rles] command. In this case, this object number cannot be used until it is issued again with the [o: iss #] command.

If the automatic arrangement is specified by the [p: make] command, these parameters are ignored.

R: Designates the rotation direction of the image. In addition,
If “4” or “5” is specified, the printer 1 will determine it according to its own capabilities.

F: Specifies the size adjustment method when the aspect ratio of the object development area and the image data is different.

In the case of "0", printing is performed so that all image data appears on paper. The left and right or top and bottom of the object development area are left. The aspect ratio of the image is preserved.

In the case of "1", printing is performed so that the object development area is completely filled. The left or right or top and bottom of the image data is cut off. The aspect ratio of the image is preserved.

In the case of "2", the image is printed with the aspect ratio changed so that the image data fits exactly in the object development area.

A: When "0" or "1" is designated by size fitting, the arrangement in the vertical and horizontal directions is designated.

Q: In order to perform the image expansion processing at a high speed, if possible, instruct the image data to be thinned out and expanded. Since low-resolution data is used, print quality is degraded. Also, the resizing uses the fastest resizing algorithm without using the algorithm specified by the TBD.

I: Designates the type of image in order to perform appropriate color conversion processing. However, when the image data is in a format including the intent information, the specification by the intent is ignored.

Z: Designates the size of the image data by the number of bytes. If the printer 1 has a sufficient memory area, the image data may be buffered, so that the expansion processing may be performed at high speed (especially when rotating an image). If dtsize is not specified, image data is not buffered even if it has a sufficient memory area.

P: Designates APF (Auto Photo Fine) settings. APF is a process for adjusting image quality. Whether APF is applied in upper byte, AP in lower byte
The F application item is specified. When the upper byte is “1”,
Pre-scans the image data before printing, and corrects the item specified by the lower byte. When the upper byte is “2”, the simple APF is applied based on the image statistics transmitted by the parameter S (statistical data). Simple APF is
Performs contrast enhancement, saturation enhancement and sharpness. In this case, the pre-scan of the image data is not performed. If there is no statistical data parameter, the simple APF is not applied. When the upper byte is “0” or “1”, the lower byte is ignored.

S: This is for sequentially sending the statistical data of the image data for applying the simple APF. Statistical data includes maximum values (YMAX, RMAX, GMAX, BMAX), minimum values (Ymin, Rmin, Gmin, Bmin), and standard deviation values (YST
D, RSTD, GSTD, BSTD) and average value (YAVR, RAV
R, GAVR, BAVR). Here, Y is luminance represented by one byte, and is represented by the following equation.

Y = (38 × R + 76 × G + 14 × B) / 128 Further, RGB is represented by 8 bits for each color.

T: Designation of drawing of a cutting guide line.
If the specification is made at the same time as the drawing of the frame line, the drawing specification of the frame line becomes invalid. Each value specifies a value with denomi as the denominator.
For example, horizontal offset = OH / denomi (inch) When denomi is not specified or 0 is specified, the value is treated as the number of dots at the resolution specified by the [m: qlty] command.

B: Designates drawing of a frame line. However, when the drawing of the cutting guide line is designated, the drawing designation of the frame line is invalid. Each value specifies a value with denomi as the denominator. For example, horizontal offset = OH / denomi (inch) When denomi is not specified or 0 is specified, the value is treated as the number of dots at the resolution specified by the [m: qlty] command.

">" And ")" designate the position, size and color of the caption of the image. If not specified, the caption will not be printed.

Offset: Designates the distance from the end of the object development area.

Distance = offset / denomi (inch) When denomi is not specified or 0 is specified, the value is treated as the number of dots at the resolution specified by the [m: qlty] command.

Pos: Designates the position and the direction of the character.

P: Position with respect to the image (0: upper, 1: lower,
2: Right, 3: Left) A: Arrangement (0: Left alignment, 1: Center, 2: Right alignment) I: Character orientation (0: Normal position, 1: Reverse) pitch: Specify the character pitch.

Size: Specifies the size of the character.

R, G, B: The color of the text is specified by 8 bits for each color of RGB.

<, (: Caption character string
Specified by I code. If a shorter character string is used with a fixed length of 48 bytes, unnecessary portions are padded with null characters. (13) [o: rles] release object Object release (FIG. 20) This command is sent from the printer 1 to the host device 2. This command is for notifying that the processing of the print object has been completed.

#: Indicates the object number of the print object for which processing has been completed.

S: This is for indicating the state of the processing end. (14) [o: dreq] data request Data request (Fig. 2
1) This command is sent from the printer 1 to the host device 2. This command is for requesting image data of an object from the host device 2.

#: Designates the print object for which data is requested.

L: Specifies the requested data length.

When receiving this command, the host device 2 transmits the data of the corresponding print object by the [d: dsnd] command according to the requested number of bytes. When transmission is not possible, the host device 2 notifies an error using the [d: dsnd] command. (15) [d: dsnd] send data Data transmission (FIG. 22) This command is sent from the host device 2 to the printer 1. This command transmits the image data requested by the [d: dreq] command to the printer 1.

#: Designates the object number of the print object to which data is transmitted.

S: Indicates transmission information of image data.

+: Indicates the data length to be transmitted. If the status is "1" or "2" and data cannot be transmitted, dtlen is set to 0.

Note that dtlen bytes of binary data following this command are treated as image data. (16) [d: seek] seek data read position change (FIG. 23) This command is sent from the printer 1 to the host device 2. This command is for requesting the host device to change the data reading position of the print object.

#: Specify the object number of the print object whose read position is to be changed.

O: Indicates a reference for specifying a read position.

L: The distance from the origin to the data read position is indicated by a signed byte number.

If the host device 2 receives this command before receiving the [d: dreq] command and transmitting the requested data to the printer 1 with the [d: dsnd] command, the host device 2 outputs the requested data. After reading, the read position is changed. 3. Functional Configuration Next, a functional configuration of the print system according to the present embodiment will be described. 3-1 Functional Configuration of Printer FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the printer 1. That is, FIG. 2 functionally represents the printer 1 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the printer 1 includes a communication I / F unit 241, a command interpretation unit 242, a print setting processing unit 243, and a unique information storage unit 24.
4, a setting information storage unit 245, a print processing unit 246, and a print engine unit 246.

The command interpreting section 242 is connected to the communication I / F section 2
When command data is received from the host device 2 via the communication interface 41 (corresponding to the communication I / F 28 in FIG. 2), a command included in the command data is interpreted, and processing according to the interpretation result is performed. Control. The print setting processing unit 243 progresses processing related to print settings with the host device 2 by communication based on a defined command system. Details of the print setting processing unit 43 will be described later. The unique information storage unit 244 stores information about its own specifications (hereinafter, referred to as “unique information”). The unique information is a value determined for each printer model, such as a compatible resolution, a compatible paper size, a page effective range, and the like. The print setting information storage unit 245 stores the print setting information set by the print setting processing unit 244 based on the print setting request sent from the host device 2. The print processing unit 246 converts the data to be printed (print object) sent from the host device 2 via the command interpreting unit 242 into a raster format bit based on the print setting information stored in the print setting information storage unit 45. The map data is developed and output to a print engine unit 246 (corresponding to the print engine 27 in FIG. 2). Details of the print processing unit 246 will be described later.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the print setting processing unit 243. In the figure,
The print quality setting unit 251 processes command data ([m: qlty] command) related to print quality settings. The print quality setting unit 251 creates print setting information relating to print quality according to the contents of the parameter unit included in the command data and refers to the unique information stored in the unique information storage unit 244, and stores the print setting information in the print setting information storage. Output to the unit 245. In other words, the contents of the parameter unit specified by the host device 2 are not absolute, but are converted to meet the specifications of the printer 1 and output as print setting information. For example, in the parameter "Q" for specifying the image quality, an absolute value such as 1200 dpi or 600 dpi is not specified, but a relative value in 16 steps. Therefore, "1" which means the highest image quality
If "5" is specified, the image quality is set to 1200 dpi if the printer is capable of supporting 1200 dpi.
If the printer can handle up to 00 dpi, the image quality is 6
00 dpi.

The page effective range answering section 252 stores command data ([p: inqa]) for inquiring about the page effective range.
Command). Page effective range answer section 252
Upon receipt of this command data, the command data referring to the unique information stored in the unique information storage unit 244 to answer the range of the settable page print area (command data related to the answer of the page effective range ( [p: r
pla] command)). The created command data is sent to the host device 2 via the communication I / F unit 241. When the coefficient “D” is specified in the parameter unit of the command data, the page effective range answering unit 252 answers the range of the page print area that can be set based on the coefficient.

The page format definition section 253 stores command data ([p: make]) related to the page format definition.
Command). Page format definition section 25
3 creates print setting information on a page format such as the size of a page print area and a method of arranging print objects in accordance with the contents of the parameter unit included in the command data, and stores this in the print setting information storage unit 24
5 is output.

Specifically, page format definition section 2
53 sets the width and length of the page print area (the length in each of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction) according to the values specified by the parameters “W” and “H” regarding the print area, and Set the distance from the top edge of the paper to the top edge of the page print area according to the value specified in. When the automatic layout is designated by the parameter “A” relating to the layout of the print object, the page format definition unit 253 allocates the set page print area to each of the print target data as shown in FIG. Is divided into sub-regions. Preferably, each of the partial regions has a rectangular shape. in this case,
The page format definition unit 253 calculates the number of divisions according to the values specified in the parameters “H” and “V”.
By dividing the print area into a grid, a rectangular partial area is set. Page format definition section 253
Is the parameter “X” and “Y” for the margin area.
When hpadd and vpadd are specified, as shown in the figure, hpadd = (Wb−Wp) / Wb × 100 vpadd = (Hb−Hp) / Hb × 100 As shown in FIG. To determine. The page format definition unit 253 assigns a print object to the object development area of the partial area according to a predetermined condition. For example, the page format definition unit 253 may assign print objects in ascending raster order from the upper left partial area to the lower right partial area in ascending order of object number. Alternatively, the host device may assign a print object by designating a partial area.

The object number issuing section 254 provides command data ([o: req
#] Command). The object number is for individually managing print objects. The object number issuing unit 254 responds to the number of object numbers specified by the parameter unit (the number of requested objects) with object numbers of the number that can be managed simultaneously by itself, so that the command data relating to the issue of object numbers ([O: iss #] command).
The created command data is sent to the host device 2 via the communication I / F unit 241.

The object setting section 255 processes command data ([o: mkim] command) relating to the setting of a print object. The object setting unit 255 creates print setting information related to the setting of the print object in accordance with the content of the parameter unit included in the command data, and outputs this to the print setting information storage unit 245.

The page setting end section 256 processes command data ([p: endp] command) relating to the end of page setting. Upon receiving this command data, the page setting end unit 256 performs a page setting end process, and notifies the object requesting unit 261 to be described later of that.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the print processing unit 46. In the figure, the object requesting unit 261 creates command data ([d: dreq] command) related to a data request in order to request the data of the print object from the host device 2, and performs communication I.
/ F section 241. Object request unit 261
Specifies a print object in accordance with the print setting information stored in the print setting information storage unit 45, and requests the data for each print object. In this case, the object request unit 261 specifies the length (the number of bytes) of the requested data. That is, the object requesting unit 61 specifies the print objects arranged in the print page area in the raster order according to the created print setting information, and specifies the data length requested in accordance with the use state of the buffer given to the print object. Then, a request is made to the host device using the object number of the print object.

The data processing section 262 processes command data relating to data transmission ([d: dsnd] command). That is, the data processing unit 262 converts the data of the print object included in the command data related to the data transmission sent from the host device 2 in response to the command data related to the data request into the print setting information stored in the print setting information storage unit 45. And outputs the bitmap data finally obtained to the image memory 264. As a result, bitmap data for a predetermined band area in which the print object has been developed in the object development area set in the page print area is obtained. Therefore, when the automatic arrangement of the print object is designated, the print object is developed in the object development area of a predetermined partial area obtained by dividing the page print area.

In this embodiment, the data processing module 2
63 is an image developing unit 2631, a resolution converting unit 2632,
An APF unit 2633 and a color conversion unit 2634 are provided. The data processing unit 262 has a work area (buffer) for the number of issued object numbers so that the data of the print object can be processed. It is preferable to manage information regarding the acquired information, the number of bands to be expanded, the number of lines of the bitmap data to which lines, and the like.

The image expansion unit 2631 expands (expands) the data of the print object transferred in the compressed format and restores the data of the original print object. Resolution converter 2
Reference numeral 632 converts the resolution of the restored print object data according to the print setting information stored in the print setting information storage unit 245. For example, with the [o: mkim] command,
When the expansion area of × 3 (inch) is specified and the resolution of 720 (dpi) is indirectly specified by the [m: qlty] command, bitmap data with an image size of 1440 × 2160 (dot) is printed. Will do. However, the image size of the print object sent from the host device 2 is not always this size. For this reason,
If the print object sent from the host device 2 is smaller than the image size to be printed, complement processing is performed. Conversely, if the print object sent from the host device 2 is larger than the image size to be printed, thinning processing is performed. Do. Here, the complementing process and the thinning process are referred to as resolution conversion. If the print object is specified so as to just fit in the expansion area by changing the aspect ratio with the “F:” parameter of the [o: mkim] command, the conversion rate (complementary) is used for the vertical and horizontal directions. /
The resolution conversion is performed by changing the thinning rate. APF section 263
No. 3 is for correcting an image according to the APF designation when the print setting information relating to the print quality includes the APF designation. The image correction includes, for example, tone adjustment, saturation enhancement, and sharpness. Further, statistical data of an image may be used. The color conversion unit 2634 uses the RG
The data represented by 8 bits for each color of B is converted into data represented by 8 bits for each color of CMYK. In this case, if a reference table (LUT) for color conversion is specified in the print setting information, the color conversion unit 2634 refers to this.

When the data processing module 262 causes the data processing module 263 to process the data and completes the expansion of the print object, it notifies the object release unit 255 of the object number of the print object. In response to this, the object release unit 255 outputs command data ([o: rles] command) related to the object release and notifies the object number issuing unit 254 that the print object has been released. When the object number is released, the object number issuing unit 254 issues a new object number and sends it to the host device 2. Thereby, the host device 2 can set the print object based on the newly issued object number.

The image memory 264 stores raster format bitmap data processed by the data processing module 263. The engine control unit 266 supplies the image data stored in the image memory 264 to the print engine unit 247. 3-2 Functional Configuration of Host Device FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the host device 2. That is, the figure functionally expresses the host device 2 shown in FIG.

The print control unit 271 controls the progress of printing according to a print start instruction or a print interruption instruction given from the user interface unit 272 (corresponding to the user interface 34 in FIG. 3). When a print interruption instruction is given, the print control unit 271 outputs command data ([p: term] command) relating to interruption of page processing to the communication I / F unit 273 to the printer 1.

The print setting request section 274 refers to the print specification information storage section 275 to create command data (such as the [m: qlty] command) including the print specification information in the parameter unit, and the communication I / F section 73. Output to The print specification information includes information on print quality and page format. The print specification information is set in advance or input from the user interface unit 272.

Command interpreting section 276 has communication I / F section 2
When command data is received from the printer 1 via the controller 73, a command included in the command data is interpreted, and control is performed so that processing according to the interpretation result is performed. The file access unit 277 has a data storage unit 278
For writing or reading data. Upon receiving the command data ([d: dreq] command) relating to the data request, the file access unit 277 reads out the data of the print object specified by the parameter unit from the data storage unit 278 and includes this in the parameter unit. Command data relating to data transmission ([d: dsnd] command) is created and output to the communication I / F unit 273. The input device 279 operates in accordance with an input instruction given from the user I / F unit 272.
The acquired image data is stored in the data storage unit 278 via the file access unit 277.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the print setting request unit 73. In the figure, a print quality setting request unit 81 creates command data related to print quality settings based on print specification information stored in a print specification information storage unit 74, and transmits this to a communication I / F unit 75.
Output to The page effective range request unit 82 transmits command data relating to the inquiry about the page effective range to the communication I / F
Output to the unit 75. In response to this command data, command data ([p: rpla] command) regarding the answer of the page valid range sent from the printer 1 is input to the page format request unit 83 via the command interpreting unit 76. The page format requesting unit 83 receives command data (p: mak) relating to the page format such as the size and arrangement method of the page print area according to the print specification information stored in the print specification information storage unit 75 and the page effective range acquired from the printer 1. Command). The object number requesting unit 84 requests the printer 1 for a required object number based on the printing specification information stored in the printing specification information storage unit 75. Therefore, the command data ([o: req #]) regarding the object number issuance request is issued. Command). Command data ([o: iss #] command) relating to issuance of an object number sent from the printer 1 in response to the command data is input to the object setting request unit 85. The object setting request unit 85 creates command data ([o: mkim] command) related to the setting of the print object based on the page format set by the page format request unit 83.
The setting of the print object is performed for each print object identified by the object number. The page setting end notification unit 86 is for one page ([p: endp] command)
Command data for notifying the printer 1 that the setting of the print specifications has been completed. 4. Description of Operation 4-1 Print Setting Process FIG. 29 is a timing chart for explaining the print setting process of the print system according to the present embodiment. (1) When a print start instruction is given from a user, the host device 2 sends command data relating to print quality settings to the printer 1. The printer 1 receives the command data and creates print setting information relating to print quality according to its own unique information. (2) The host device 2 sends command data relating to the inquiry about the page effective range to the printer 1. (3) Upon receiving this command data, the printer 1 sends command data relating to the answer of the page effective range to the host device 2. (4) Upon receiving the answer regarding the page effective range, the host device 2 creates a page format based on the page effective range and sends command data relating to the page format to the printer 1. The printer 1 receives this command data and creates print setting information relating to the page format. (5) After requesting the printer 1 for the page format, the host device 2 sends to the printer 1 command data relating to the object number issuance request in order to request issuance of an object number required for printing the print object. (6) When the printer 1 receives command data relating to an object number issuance request, the printer 1 transmits command data relating to issuance of an object number to the host apparatus 2 in order to notify the host apparatus 2 of an object number which can be handled by itself. . (7) The host device 2 sends to the printer 1 command data relating to the object setting for each of the print objects according to the object number permitted by the printer 1. (8) The host device 2 notifies the printer 1 of the settings for each of the print objects, and sends the command data relating to the end of the page settings to the printer 1 when the setting of one page is completed. Upon receiving the command data, the printer 1 starts the next data transfer / print processing. 4-2 Data Transfer / Print Process FIG. 30 is a timing chart for explaining the data transfer process of the print system according to the present embodiment. (1) When the printer 1 receives the command data about the end of the page setting, it sends command data about the data request to the host device 2 in order to request the data of the print object. (2) Upon receiving the command data relating to the data request, the host device 2 reads the data of the print object in accordance with the designation of the parameter data, and sends the command data relating to the data transmission to the printer 1. (3) The printer 1 receives the print object data and, when the processing for the print object is completed, notifies the host device 2 of the release of the print object and transmits command data relating to the object release to the host device 2.
Output to (4) The printer 1 receives print object data necessary for printing one page, and sends command data relating to the end of page processing to the host device 2 when the next communication becomes possible.

The above embodiments are exemplifications for describing the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention to only these embodiments. The present invention, unless departing from the gist thereof,
It can be implemented in various forms. For example, the operation of the function realizing means has been described sequentially, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this. Therefore, as long as no inconsistency occurs in the operation, the order of processing may be changed or the operation may be performed in parallel.

According to the present invention, it is possible to cause a printer to print document data on a host device without requiring the host device to use a conventional printer driver. Therefore, it is possible to cause a printer to perform printing directly from an inexpensive host device without using a computer.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a print system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a printer.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a host device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a command;

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a print quality setting command;

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a print quality setting command.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a user-defined LUT setting command;

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a page effective range inquiry command;

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a page effective range answer command;

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a page format definition command.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a page processing end command.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an object number request command;

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a page setting end command.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a page processing interruption command;

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an object number issuance command;

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an image object setting command.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an image object setting command.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an image object setting command.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an image object setting command.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an object release command.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a data request command;

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a data transmission command.

FIG. 23 is a view for explaining a data read position change command.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a printer.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a print setting processing unit.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a print processing unit.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a host device.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a print setting request unit.

FIG. 29 is a timing chart for explaining print setting processing of the print system.

FIG. 30 is a timing chart for explaining a data transfer process of the print system.

FIG. 31 is a view for explaining automatic arrangement of print objects.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer 2 ... Host device 3 ... Parallel cable 4 ... Network 241 ... Communication interface part 242 ... Command interpretation part 243 ... Print setting processing part 244 ... Unique information storage part 245 ... Print setting information storage part 246 ... Print processing part 247 ... Print engine 271 print control unit 272 user interface unit 273 communication interface unit 274 print setting request unit 275 print specification information storage unit 276 command interpretation unit 277 file access unit 278 data storage unit 279 input device unit

Claims (9)

[Claims] When print setting information transmitted from a host device is received and it is determined that the print setting information designates automatic placement of print target data, a predetermined print area on a print recording medium is determined. Requesting the host device for print target data to be arranged in the divided predetermined partial region based on the print setting information, and printing target data sent from the host device according to the request; A printer that generates bitmap data based on the print target data, and performs printing based on the bitmap data. 2. A first receiving means for receiving print setting information sent from a host device, and it is determined that the print setting information received by the first receiving means designates an automatic arrangement of print target data. An area defining unit that divides a predetermined print area on a print recording medium into predetermined partial areas; a request unit that requests the host device for print target data based on the print setting information; and the host according to the request. Second receiving means for receiving print target data sent from the apparatus; generating means for generating bitmap data based on print target data to be arranged in the predetermined partial area divided by the area defining means; Printing means for printing on a print recording medium based on the bitmap data generated by said generating means. The printer according to claim. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the area defining unit divides the predetermined print area into rectangular partial areas according to a value regarding a predetermined number of divisions specified by the print setting information. Printer. 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said area defining means determines an arrangement area of print target data to be arranged in said predetermined partial area in accordance with a margin value specified by said print setting information. Item 2. The printer according to Item 2. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the area definition unit requests each of the plurality of print target data when the plurality of print target data is designated to be printed by the print setting information. The printer described. 6. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the area definition unit generates bitmap data for a predetermined band area in the predetermined print area based on the print target data. 7. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the printer requests a plurality of print target data to be arranged in the partial area belonging to a predetermined band area in the predetermined print area. 8. When print setting information received from a host device is received, and it is determined that the print setting information specifies automatic placement of data to be printed, a predetermined print area on a print recording medium is specified. Requesting the host device for print target data to be arranged in the divided predetermined partial region based on the print setting information, and printing target data sent from the host device according to the request; And generating bitmap data based on the print target data, and performing printing based on the bitmap data. 9. A recording medium on which a program for realizing a predetermined function in a printer is recorded, wherein the program is a first medium for receiving print setting information sent from a host device.
Receiving means for determining whether the print setting information received by the first receiving means specifies the automatic arrangement of the data to be printed, and sets the predetermined print area on the print recording medium to the predetermined partial area. Area defining means for dividing; request means for requesting the host device for print target data based on the print setting information; second receiving means for receiving print target data sent from the host device in accordance with the request; Generating means for generating bitmap data based on print target data to be arranged in the predetermined partial area divided by the area defining means, and storing the generated bitmap data in a predetermined memory. The recording medium on which it was recorded.