JPH1044530A - Printing control apparatus, information-processing apparatus, printing apparatus, and method for processing print information - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing control apparatus which can binarize, as one image to be classified, images to be classified which are supplied after divided when an image is divided by a plurality of print information and supplied. SOLUTION: When print data includes one of a plurality of divided images which constitutes a unit image as an image to be classified, positional information of an image information memory part is updated to positional information of the image to be rasterized and rasterization error information of the image to be compared is obtained (steps S203, 204, 205). While the image to be rasterized is subjected at a binarization part to an error diffusion process using the obtained error information, the binary data are developed on a band memory at an image development part (steps S208, 209).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print control device for generating print data that can be printed by a printing device based on print information supplied from an external device, and transferring the print data to the printing device. The present invention relates to an information processing device and a printing device equipped with a control device, and a print information processing method used for the print control device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a host computer connected to a printer is equipped with a printer driver constituting a print control device for controlling the printer. The host computer creates image data including an image to be classified into graphics such as characters and graphics, and an image to be classified into a natural image by an application installed in the host computer. When printout is performed, the application supplies the image data to be printed out to the printer driver as print information. The printer driver generates print data that can be printed by the printer based on the supplied print information, and transfers the print data to the printer.

[0003] Specifically, this printer driver analyzes print information passed from an application, binarizes image data included in the print information by a predetermined method, and stores the binarized data in a band memory. A processing method of creating print data by expanding (rasterizing), or analyzing print information passed from an application, and expanding (rasterizing) image data included in the print information as multi-valued data to a band memory; A processing method of creating print data while binarizing the developed data using a predetermined method in units of raster lines is executed.

As a predetermined method for the binarization, any one of a method using a pattern dither, an error diffusion method, and the like is used.

[0005] The technique using pattern dither is a technique that can perform binarization at high speed and uniformly, and this technique is used for binarizing a graphics-classified image classified into graphics such as characters and figures. Is suitable for On the other hand, the error diffusion method is a method capable of expressing delicate gradations, and this method is suitable for binarizing an image-classified image classified as a natural image or the like.

Normally, in order to shorten the time until the application is released and to establish a state in which the application or another application can work, the processing by the printer driver is set to be executed in the background. Have been. In this case, in the printer driver, the supplied print information is commanded and sequentially captured, the command is stored in the auxiliary storage device, and when all the print information is captured, the application is released and all the captured commands are released. Rasterize is performed while reproducing from the auxiliary storage device.

[0007]

However, in the case where image data is binarized by using the error diffusion method and then rasterized by the former processing method, one image-classified image is divided into a plurality of pieces of print information. When the divided image data is supplied, the error diffusion processing is individually performed on each of the divided image data, and the error cannot be correctly propagated between the divided image data. Does not mean that the error diffusion processing has been performed correctly.

In the case where image data is rasterized in a multivalued manner on a band memory by the latter processing method and then binarized by an error diffusion method, a plurality of drawing objects developed in the band memory are all processed. Since the error diffusion process is performed, an error propagates between the object of the image-classified image divided into a plurality of pieces of print information and another drawing object, and correct binary data cannot be obtained.

As described above, when one image classified image is divided into a plurality of pieces of print information and supplied, the image classified images divided and supplied by each print information are combined into one image classified image. It cannot be binarized.

In a printer driver that performs processing in the background, the fetched commands are stored in an auxiliary storage device. If there is not enough free space in the auxiliary storage device, print information cannot be fetched and processing is interrupted. May be done. Further, when the amount of image data included in the print information to be taken is very large, a sufficiently large free space is required for the auxiliary storage device, and the time required for reproducing the command from the auxiliary storage device becomes long. in this way,
For the background processing, a sufficiently large free space is required in the auxiliary storage device, and the time required for reproducing the command from the auxiliary storage device becomes longer.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to divide a supplied image classified image into a single image classified image when one image classified image is supplied by being divided by a plurality of print information. It is an object of the present invention to provide a print control device, an information processing device, a printing device, and a print information processing method that can be converted into a value.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce the storage capacity required for storing print information to be captured during background processing, and to reduce the time required for reproducing the stored print information. It is to provide a control device, an information processing device, and a print information processing method.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a print control apparatus, an information processing apparatus, and a print information processing method that can reduce the time required to reproduce stored print information during background processing. is there.

[0014]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
In a print control device that generates print data that can be printed by a printing device based on print information supplied from an external device and transfers the print data to the printing device, an image such as a natural image included in the print information Storage means for updatingably storing processing-related information used for processing of the image-classified image classified into, and analyzing the print information to determine whether or not the print information includes the image-classified image A plurality of image classification determining means for determining, when the print information includes an image classification image, the image classification image forming one unit image based on processing-related information stored in the storage means; Image configuration determining means for determining whether the image is one of the divided images, and a divided image in which the image-classified image of the print information forms the one unit image When the number is one, the image-classified image of the print information is binarized with the same processing content as the other divided images constituting the one unit image, and the information used for the binarization is described above. Processing means for storing the processing-related information in the storage means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the printing control apparatus of the first aspect, the processing means performs a binarization process by an error diffusion method.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the second aspect, the processing unit refers to the processing-related information stored in the storage unit and converts the image-classified image of the print information. The print data is created by binarizing by an error diffusion method and expanding the binarized data in a band memory.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the second aspect, the processing unit expands the image-classified image of the print information as multi-value data in a band memory and stores the multi-valued data in the storage unit. The print data is generated while binarizing the developed data by using an error diffusion method in units of raster lines with reference to the processing-related information.

The invention described in claim 5 provides the invention according to claims 1 to 4
In the print control device according to any one of the above, the processing-related information stored in the storage unit includes coordinate data indicating a position of an image-classified image of the print information, and the image configuration determination unit includes It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the image to be classified image is one of a plurality of divided images constituting one unit image based on data.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claims 2 to 4
The print control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing-related information stored in the storage unit includes error data obtained by an error diffusion method for the image-classified image of the print information. I do.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus having a print control device for generating print data that can be printed by a printing device based on the supplied print information and transferring the print data to the printing device. In the print control apparatus, the print control apparatus includes a storage unit that stores, in an updatable manner, processing-related information used for processing an image-classified image classified into an image such as a natural image, the print information being included in the print information; An image classification determining unit that analyzes and determines whether the print information includes the image-classified image; and stores the image-classified image in the storage unit when the print information includes the image-classified image. Image configuration determining means for determining whether or not the image-to-be-classified image is one of a plurality of divided images constituting one unit image based on the processing-related information, Wherein the object image classification image information 1
When one of the divided images constituting one unit image is one of the divided images, the image-classified image of the print information is binarized by the same processing content as the other divided images constituting the one unit image, and Processing means for storing information used for the value conversion as the processing-related information in the storage means.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control device for generating print data which can be printed by a printing means based on print information supplied from an external device, and transferring the print data to the printing means. In the printing apparatus, the print control device is configured to store, in an updatable manner, processing-related information used for processing a classified image included in the print information, the image being classified into an image such as a natural image. An image classification determining unit that analyzes information and determines whether the print information includes the image-classified image, and stores the image-classified image in the storage unit when the print information includes the image-classified image Image configuration determining means for determining whether or not the image-classified image is one of a plurality of divided images constituting one unit image based on the processing-related information provided When the image classified image of the print information is one of the divided images constituting the one unit image, the image classified image of the print information is the same as the other divided images constituting the one unit image. And a processing unit for performing binarization based on processing contents and storing information used for the binarization in the storage unit as the processing-related information.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the printing apparatus generates print data that can be printed by the printing apparatus based on print information supplied from an external apparatus, and is used in a print control apparatus that transfers the print data to the printing apparatus. In the print information processing method, a storage unit is provided for storing, in an updatable manner, processing-related information used for processing a classified image included in the print information and classified into an image such as a natural image, and the print information is analyzed. Determining whether or not the print information includes the image-classified image; and, when the print information includes the image-classified image, processing-related information stored in the storage unit. Determining whether or not the image-classified image is one of a plurality of divided images constituting one unit image based on When the image is one of the divided images constituting the one unit image, the image classified image of the print information is binarized by the same processing contents as the other divided images constituting the one unit image. And a step of storing information used for the binarization in the storage unit as the processing-related information.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus for generating print data that can be printed by a printing apparatus based on print information supplied from an external apparatus and transferring the print data to the printing apparatus, The color information processing means for sequentially capturing the print information to the end thereof, and performing multi-value color reduction processing on the captured print information, and the multi-value data obtained by performing the multi-value color reduction processing as a command to the command storage means. A storage means for saving, a reproducing means for reproducing the command from the command storage means, and a data processing generating means for performing a predetermined process on the reproduced command to generate the print data.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the tenth aspect, the color reduction processing means includes a step of determining whether the print information is information including an image to be classified classified into an image such as a natural image. Further, a multi-value color reduction process is performed on the print information.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, the predetermined processing performed by the data processing generating means includes a multi-level color reduction processing for the reproduction command. Is characterized in that it is different from the method of the multi-value color reduction processing applied to the print information.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus having a print control device for generating print data that can be printed by a printing device based on the supplied print information and transferring the print data to the printing device. Wherein the print control device sequentially fetches the print information to the end thereof, and performs a multi-value color reduction process on the fetched print information, and a multi-color reduction process obtained by performing the multi-value color reduction process. Storage means for storing value data as a command in a command storage means, reproduction means for reproducing the command from the command storage means, and data processing generation means for performing predetermined processing on the reproduced command to generate the print data And characterized in that:

The invention according to claim 14 is used in a print control device which generates print data that can be printed by a printing device based on print information supplied from an external device, and transfers the print data to the printing device. In the print information processing method, a step of sequentially capturing the print information until the end thereof, and performing a multi-value color reduction process on the captured print information;
Storing the multi-value data obtained by performing the multi-value color reduction processing as a command in a command storage means, reproducing the command from the command storage means, and performing a predetermined process on the reproduced command. And generating the print data by using the print information processing method.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus for generating print data that can be printed by the printing apparatus based on print information supplied from an external apparatus and transferring the print data to the printing apparatus, Storage means for sequentially fetching print information to the end thereof and storing the fetched print information as a command in a command storage means; reproducing means for reproducing the command from the command storage means; Color-reduction processing means for re-storing the multi-value data obtained by the multi-value color reduction processing as a command while performing the value-reduction processing in the command storage means; and reproducing the command re-stored from the command storage means. Data processing generating means for performing the predetermined processing on the restored command to generate the print data. To.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, the color reduction processing means includes a step of determining whether the print information is information including an image to be classified classified into an image such as a natural image. In addition, the multi-level color reduction processing is performed on the print information.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, the predetermined processing performed by the data processing generation means includes a multi-value color reduction processing for the reproduced resave command. The method of the multi-value color reduction processing is different from the method of the multi-value color reduction processing applied to the reproduced command.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus having a print control device for generating print data that can be printed by a printing device based on the supplied print information and transferring the print data to the printing device. Wherein the print control device sequentially captures the print information to the end thereof, a storage means for storing the captured print information as a command in a command storage means, and a reproduction means for reproducing the command from the command storage means. A color-reduction processing means for re-storing the multi-valued data obtained by the multi-value color reduction processing as a command in the command storage means while applying a multi-value color reduction processing to the reproduced command; A data processing for reproducing the reproduced command and performing predetermined processing on the reproduced re-save command to generate the print data. Characterized in that it comprises a generation unit.

The invention according to claim 19 is used in a print control device that generates print data that can be printed by a printing device based on print information supplied from an external device, and transfers the print data to the printing device. In the print information processing method, a step of sequentially fetching the print information to its end, storing the fetched print information as a command in a command storage means, a step of reproducing the command from the command storage means, Performing a multi-level color reduction process on the received command and restoring the multi-valued data obtained by the multi-level color reduction process as a command in the command storage unit; and reproducing the command re-stored from the command storage unit. Performing a predetermined process on the reproduced re-save command to generate the print data. That.

[0033]

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

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment of a print control apparatus (printer driver) according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the host computer 10 has application software 11 (hereinafter referred to as an application) 11 having a function of creating an image or processing an image taken from the outside. Device (hereinafter referred to as a printer) 30 for printing a printed image or the like
/ F (hereinafter referred to as I / F) 31 to be connected to I / F 13
And a printer driver 12 constituting a print control device for controlling the printer.

In the host computer 10, an application 11 installed therein creates image data including an image classified image classified as graphics such as characters and graphics, and an image classified image classified as a natural image. When printing out the image data, the application 11 supplies the image data to be printed out to the printer driver 12 as print data.

The printer driver 12 generates print data that can be printed by the printer 30 based on the supplied print data, and transfers the print data to the printer 30.

The printer driver 12 updates the command analysis unit 21 for analyzing the print data supplied from the application 11 and the position information and the error information as processing related information used for processing the image to be classified of the print data. An image information storage unit 25 that stores the image data as much as possible, and a binarization unit 2 that binarizes image data included in the print data
6, an image developing unit 22 for developing the binarized data on the band memory 23 based on the processing-related information stored in the image information storage unit 25, and an I / O as the printing data using the data developed on the band memory 23 as print data. And an image transfer unit 24 that transfers the image data to the printer 30 via F13. Each of these blocks is composed of a program module that describes the above-mentioned operation contents, and a printer driver 12 is constructed by reading out and executing each program module by a CPU (not shown) of the information processing apparatus 10.

The printer driver 1 configured as described above
In step 2, the print data passed from the application 12 is analyzed, and image data included in the print data is binarized by a predetermined method (a method using a dither pattern or an error diffusion method), and the binarized data is stored in a band memory. Print data processing for creating print data by performing rasterization is performed.

Next, the procedure of the above-described print data processing in the printer driver 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 is a flowchart showing a print data processing procedure in the printer driver of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing details of the image rasterizing process in step S104 of FIG. 2, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a determination condition used when determining whether or not the image is one of a plurality of divided images constituting an image.

When the print output is selected by the application 11, as shown in FIG.
In step S2, first, the print data supplied from the application 1 is fetched in step S101, and in step S102, it is determined whether or not the image included in the fetched print data is an image-classified image. If the image included in the print data is not the image classification image, the process proceeds to step S103, where the image included in the print data is binarized by the binarization unit 26 and is expanded on the band memory 23 by the image expansion unit 22. Rasterize processing is performed. This rasterizing process is the same as the conventional method, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, if the image included in the print data is an image to be classified image, the flow advances to step S104 to perform rasterization of the image, that is, a rasterizing process for the image to be classified image. In this rasterizing process, first, as shown in FIG.
In step 1, it is determined whether all of the classified images to be compared with the classified images to be rasterized have been selected. If the selection of all the classified images to be compared has not been completed, , Step S20
In step 2, one of the classified images to be compared is selected, and the position information of the classified image is acquired.

Next, the process proceeds to step S203, where it is determined whether or not the left and right coordinate positions of the rasterized image classified image and the compared image classified image are the same and overlap or touch each other. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the horizontal coordinate position of the compared image classified image to be compared is (L1, R1), the vertical coordinate position is (T1, B1), and the image classified image to be rasterized is set. The horizontal coordinate position of (L2, R2),
Assuming that the vertical coordinate position is (T2, B2) and the relationship shown in the following equation (1) holds, the left and right coordinate positions of the image classification image to be rasterized and the image classification image to be compared are the same, and It will be determined that they are vertically overlapping or touching. That is, it is determined that the image classified image to be rasterized and the image classified image to be compared can be regarded as divided images constituting one image classified image.

L1 = L2, R1 = R2, T2 ≦ T1, B1 ≦ B2 (1) If the above relationship is not established, the process returns to step S201,
The next image-classified image to be compared is selected, and the above processing is repeated.

If the above relationship is established and it is determined that the image classification image to be rasterized and the image classification image to be compared have the same left and right coordinate positions and overlap or touch vertically, In step S204, the position information in the image information storage unit 25 is updated to the position information of the image classification image to be rasterized, and in step S205, the rasterization error information of the image classification image to be compared is acquired.

On the other hand, if there is no image classification image to be selected in step S201, the process proceeds to step S206, where the position information of the image classification image to be rasterized is stored in the image information storage unit 25, In a succeeding step S207, the error information is initialized.

Step S205 or S207
When the error information is obtained or set in step S208, the binarizing unit 26 performs an error diffusion process using the obtained or set error information on the image-classified image to be rasterized in the binarization unit 26, and the image is processed in step S209. The developing unit 22 develops the binarized data on the band memory.

Next, the process proceeds to step S210, where error information is written into the rasterized image classified image in the image information storage unit 25, and the process exits the process and returns to the process of FIG.

Step S103 or step S104
After execution of the rasterizing process, the process proceeds to step S205, and it is determined whether or not the drawing of the currently rasterized band has been completed. If the drawing of the currently rasterized band has not been completed, the process returns to step S101,
Perform drawing for the next print data. When the drawing of the currently rasterized band is completed, step S106 is performed.
Then, the data in the band memory 23 is output to the printer 30 via the I / F 13 as print data, and the band memory 23 is cleared in step S107.

Next, the process proceeds to step S108, where it is determined whether or not the above processing has been completed for all bands. If the above processing has not been completed for all bands, the processing from step S101 is repeated, and the above processing is repeated. When the processing is completed for all the bands, this processing is completed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, since the continuous error diffusion processing is performed on each of the image classified images regarded as the divided images constituting one image classified image, one image classified image is obtained. Can be eliminated. That is, when one image classified image is supplied by being divided by a plurality of pieces of printing information, the divided and supplied image classified images are collectively collected. It can be binarized as one image to be classified image.

In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the above-described print data processing is performed by a printer driver installed in the information processing apparatus. However, means for performing the above-described print data processing configured by hardware or software is provided. The same effect can also be obtained by mounting on the printer side. Further, the means for performing the above-described print data processing may be configured by hardware or software on both the information device side and the printer side.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 shows a print control device (printer driver) of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart showing the print data processing procedure in the second embodiment, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the details of the image rasterizing process in step S304 in FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is the details of the binarization process in step S306 in FIG. It is a flowchart shown.

The present embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, but multi-valued image data is rasterized in the band memory.

In the present embodiment, in contrast to the first embodiment, the print data passed from the application is analyzed, and the image data included in the print data is expanded (rasterized) as multi-value data in the band memory. Print data is created while binarizing the developed data using a predetermined method in units of raster lines.

Next, a print data processing procedure according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 5, the printer driver first fetches the print data supplied from the application 11 in step S301, and in step S302, converts the image contained in the fetched print data into an image classification image. Is determined.
If the image included in the print data is not the image to be classified image, the process advances to step S303 to rasterize the image included in the print data into the band memory 23 while binarizing the image in the binarizing unit. Perform processing. This rasterizing process is the same as the conventional method.

On the other hand, if the image included in the print data is an image to be classified image, the flow advances to step S304 to perform rasterization of the image, that is, a rasterizing process for the image to be classified image. In this rasterizing process, first, as shown in FIG.
In step 1, it is determined whether all of the classified images to be compared with the classified images to be rasterized have been selected. If the selection of all the classified images to be compared has not been completed, , Step S40
In step 2, one of the classified images to be compared is selected, and the position information of the classified image is acquired.

Next, the process proceeds to step S403, where it is determined whether or not the left and right coordinate positions of the rasterized image classified image and the comparison target image classified image are the same and vertically overlap or touch. This determination processing is the same as in the first embodiment described above, and details thereof are omitted.

If the image classification image to be rasterized and the image classification image to be compared do not satisfy the relationship that the left and right coordinate positions are the same and vertically overlap or touch, the flow returns to step S401, and the next step S401 is performed. The image classification images to be compared are selected, and the above-described processing is repeated.

If it is determined that the rasterized image classified image and the image classified image to be compared have the same left and right coordinate positions and overlap or touch vertically, the flow advances to step S404 to store image information. The position information of the copy is updated to the position information of the image-classified image to be rasterized, and the process exits.

On the other hand, if there is no classified image to be compared in step S401, the flow advances to step S405 to initialize the error information. In step S406, the position of the classified image to be rasterized is determined. The information is stored in the image information storage unit, and the process exits.

Step S303 or step S304
After executing the rasterizing process, the process proceeds to step S305, as shown in FIG. 5, to determine whether or not the drawing of the band currently rasterized has been completed. If the drawing of the currently rasterized band has not been completed, the flow returns to step S101 to perform drawing for the next print data.
When the drawing of the currently rasterized band is completed,
Proceed to step S306.

In step S306, a binarization process is performed. In this binarization process, first, as shown in FIG.
In step S501, binarization is performed by dithering the image data of the entire band memory by the binarization unit.

Next, the process proceeds to step S502, where it is determined whether or not binarization of all data has been completed. If binarization of all data has been completed, the process exits. If the image classified image that has not been binarized remains, the process proceeds to step S503, one of the remaining image classified images is selected, and the position information corresponding to the image classified image is displayed as an image. The error information is obtained from the information storage unit, and error information is obtained in the subsequent step S504.

In a succeeding step S505, the binarizing section performs an error diffusion process using the acquired error information on the image-classified image.
In step 6, the binarized image data is rasterized on the dithered image.

The above process is repeated until binarization of all data is completed.

When the binarization processing in step S306 is completed, the flow advances to step S307 to output the band memory data as print data to the printer via the I / F, and clear the band memory in step S308.

Next, the process proceeds to step S309, where it is determined whether or not the above processing has been completed for all bands. If the above processing has not been completed for all bands, the processing from step S301 is repeated, and the above processing is repeated. When the processing is completed for all the bands, this processing is completed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when one image classified image is supplied by being divided by a plurality of pieces of print information, the divided and supplied image classified images are collectively collected into one image classified image. The binarized image can be binarized, and a seam of error diffusion due to the division of one image-classified image can be eliminated.

Further, since the low-speed error diffusion process is performed on the image-classified image to perform binarization, and the other portions are subjected to high-speed dither pattern binarization, error correction is performed on the entire print image. The processing can be sped up as compared with the case of performing the diffusion processing.

In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the above-described print data processing is performed by a printer driver installed in the information processing apparatus. However, means for performing the above-described print data processing configured by hardware or software is provided. The same effect can also be obtained by mounting on the printer side. Further, the means for performing the above-described print data processing may be configured by hardware or software on both the information device side and the printer side.

Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a third embodiment of the print control apparatus (printer driver) of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the print data processing procedure in the printer driver of FIG. 8, and FIG. S602
9 is a flowchart showing details of the command saving process.

The printer driver 1 according to the present embodiment
As shown in FIG. 8, the printer 4 is connected to a printer 30 and is mounted on a host computer 10 that executes an application 11.

In the host computer 10, the application 11 installed therein creates image data including an image classified image classified into graphics such as characters and graphics, and an image classified image classified as a natural image. When printing out the image data, the application 11 supplies the image data to be printed out to the printer driver 14 as print data.

The printer driver 14 generates print data that can be printed by the printer 30 based on the supplied print data, and transfers the print data to the printer 30 via the I / F 13.

The printer driver 14 performs a color reduction process by analyzing the print data supplied from the application 11 and binarizing the image data included in the print data by dithering, error diffusion, or the like. A binarizing unit 26, a color correcting unit 25a for performing color correction on image data included in the print data, and a command storing unit 2 for commanding the binarized image data.
8 and a command storage unit 2
9, a command reproducing unit 28 for reading out a command, an image expanding unit 22 for expanding the binarized image data on the band memory 23, and the data expanded on the band memory 23 as print data via the I / F 13. Printer 30
And an image transfer unit 24 for transferring the image data to the computer. Each of these blocks is composed of a program module describing the above-described operation contents, and each program module is stored in the information processing apparatus 1.
The printer driver 14 is constructed by reading and executing it with a CPU 0 (not shown).

The printer driver 1 configured as described above
In step 4, the print data is sequentially fetched to the end, the read print information is subjected to binary color reduction processing, and the binary data obtained by performing the binary color reduction processing is used as a command in a command storage unit. When the storage of the command in the command storage unit 29 is completed, the application 11 is released, the process proceeds to the background process, the command is read from the command storage unit 29, and the reproduced command is subjected to a predetermined process. Performs print data processing for generating print data.

Next, the details of the print data processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

With the print output selection by the application 11, the printer driver 14
First, in step S601, the application 11
Fetches the print data supplied from the printer and proceeds to step S
In 602, the command storage unit 27 stores the fetched print data in the command storage unit 29 as a command.
In the storage processing of this command, as shown in FIG. 10, in step S701, it is determined whether or not the image included in the print data is a classified image. If the image included in the print data is not an image to be classified image, the process proceeds to step S702, where the color correction unit 25a performs appropriate color correction on the image included in the print data, and in step S706, saves the command. The image color-corrected by the unit 27 is stored in the command storage unit 29 as a command.

If the image included in the print data is an image to be classified image, the flow advances to step S703 to perform appropriate color correction on the image to be classified image by the color correction unit 25a, and then to the print data in step S704. Enlargement / reduction processing of the classified image is performed according to the included parameters.

Next, the process proceeds to step S705, in which the image subjected to the scaling process by the binarization unit 26 is binarized by using an error diffusion process to perform a color reduction process, and in a subsequent step S706, the command storage unit The image binarized at 27 is stored in the command storage unit 29 as a command.

When the storage of the command in the command storage unit 29 in step S706 is completed, the processing exits from this processing.
The process moves to step S603 shown in FIG.

Next, in step S603, it is determined whether or not the capture and storage of all print data has been completed. If the capture and storage of all print data have not been completed, the processing from step S601 is repeated. When the acquisition and storage of all print data are completed, step S6
Go to 04. In step S604, the application 11 is released, and the subsequent processing becomes a background processing by releasing the application 11.

Next, the flow advances to step S605 to reproduce the command. In the command reproduction according to the present embodiment, the command reproduction unit 28 reads out the command from the command storage unit 29. In the following step S606, the command read by the command analysis unit 21 is received, and the command is analyzed.

Next, in step S607, based on the analysis result of the command, the image rasterizing unit 22 rasterizes the band memory 23 using the same method as the conventional method. It is determined whether or not the drawing of is completed. If the drawing of the currently rasterized band has not been completed, the process returns to step S605 to reproduce the next command. When the drawing of the currently rasterized band is completed, the process proceeds to step S609, where the binarized unit 26 binarizes the developed image on the band memory 23 by pattern dithering, and in subsequent step S610, converts the data in the band memory 23. The print data is output to the printer 30 via the I / F 13.

Next, the process proceeds to step S611, where it is determined whether or not the above processing has been completed for all the bands. If the above processing has not been completed for all the bands, the processing from step S605 is repeated. Is completed for all the bands, the processing ends.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the print data received from the application 11 is stored in the command storage unit 29, the print data is subjected to the binarization processing, so that the print data is stored in the command storage unit 29. The amount of data to be stored can be reduced, and the time required for storing and reproducing commands in the command storage unit 29 can be reduced by reducing the amount of data stored in the command storage unit 29.

Also, when the command is stored in the command storage unit 29, the binarization processing applied to the image-classified image and the binarization processing for the developed image on the band memory are performed by different methods, respectively. It is possible to perform a binarization process suitable for each of the classified image and the other images.

In the present embodiment, binarization processing is performed as the color reduction processing performed when a command is stored in the command storage unit 29. Instead, another color reduction processing method such as ternarization is used. It is also possible to use. Further, the error diffusion method is used for the color reduction processing on the image-classified image, but the method may be set so that the user selects the method for the color reduction processing between the image-classified image and another image. May be automatically determined.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of a command storage process of a print data processing procedure in a print control apparatus (printer driver) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a flowchart illustrating details of a command reproduction process of a print data processing procedure according to a fourth embodiment of the print control device (printer driver) of the present invention.

This embodiment has the same configuration as that of the third embodiment. In this embodiment, print data is sequentially fetched to the end, and the fetched print data is stored as a command in a command storage unit. Then, the application is released, the command is read from the command storage unit, and the readout command is subjected to binary color reduction processing, and the binary data obtained by the color reduction processing is stored again as a command in the command storage unit. Then, the re-stored command is read from the command storage unit, and a predetermined process is performed on the re-stored command to perform print data processing for generating print data. The processing procedure of the print data is basically the same as that of the third embodiment, but differs in the processing of storing and reproducing the command in the command storage unit. The storage process and the playback process will be described.

First, a process of storing a command in the command storage unit will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, the command storage unit first determines in step S801 whether the image included in the received command is a classified image or not, and determines whether the image included in the print data is included in the print data. If the image is not an image to be classified image, the process proceeds to step S802, in which the color correction unit performs appropriate color correction on the image included in the print data, and in step S804, the image color-corrected by the command storage unit Is stored in the command storage unit as a command.

On the other hand, if the image included in the print data is an image to be classified, the process proceeds to step S803, where the color corrector performs appropriate color correction on the image to be classified, and then proceeds to step S804. Then, the image color-corrected by the command storage unit is stored as a command in the command storage unit.

When the storage of the command in the command storage section is completed, the process exits from this processing.

Next, a process of reproducing a command from the command storage unit will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 12, the command reproducing unit fetches a command from the command storage unit in step S901, and determines in step S902 whether the fetched command has been compiled.
If the fetched command has been compiled, the processing exits from this processing.

If the extracted command has not been compiled, the flow advances to step S902 to determine whether or not the image included in the command is a classified image, and determines whether the image included in the command is a classified image. If not, the flow advances to step S906 to store this command in the command storage unit as a compiled command without performing any processing.

On the other hand, if the image included in the command is a classified image, the process proceeds to step S904.
Enlargement / reduction processing of the classified image is performed in accordance with the parameters included in the command, and then, step S905 is performed.
Then, color reduction processing is performed by binarizing the image subjected to the enlargement / reduction processing by the binarization unit using error diffusion processing.

Then, the flow advances to step S906 to store the binarized image in the command storage unit as a command in the command storage unit, and exit from this processing.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the time required to reproduce the stored print information can be reduced without delaying the release of the application.

[0103]

As described above, according to the printing control apparatus of the first aspect, the processing related to the processing of the classified image classified into the image such as the natural image included in the printing information. Storage means for storing information in an updatable manner; image classification determining means for analyzing print information to determine whether or not the print information includes an image-classified image; and print information including the image-classified image Image determination means for determining whether or not the image classification image is one of a plurality of divided images constituting one unit image based on the processing-related information stored in the storage means When the image classified image of the print information is one of the divided images constituting the one unit image, the image classified image of the print information is the same as the other divided images constituting the one unit image. place A processing means for binarizing the contents and storing information used for the binarization in the storage means as processing-related information, so that one image-to-be-classified image is divided into a plurality of print information and supplied. At this time, the divided and supplied classified images can be binarized as one classified image.

According to the printing control apparatus of the second aspect, the processing means can perform the binarization processing by the error diffusion method.

According to the printing control apparatus of the third aspect, the processing means binarizes the image classified image of the printing information by the error diffusion method while referring to the processing related information stored in the storage means. Since the print data is created by expanding the binarized data in the band memory, a binarization process suitable for the image-classified image can be performed.

According to the printing control apparatus of the fourth aspect, the processing means expands the image-classified image of the printing information in the band memory as multivalued data, and refers to the processing-related information stored in the storage means. Since the print data is generated while binarizing the data expanded by the raster line unit using the error diffusion method, the binarization process suitable for the image classified image can be performed.

According to the printing control apparatus of the present invention, the processing-related information stored in the storage means includes the coordinate data indicating the position of the image-classified image in the print information, and the image configuration determining means converts the coordinate data to the coordinate data. Based image classification image is 1
Since it is determined whether or not one of a plurality of divided images constituting one unit image, this determination can be made with high accuracy.

According to the printing control apparatus of the present invention, since the processing-related information stored in the storage means includes error data obtained by an error diffusion method for the image-classified image of the printing information, one unit The error diffusion can be performed as one unit image by combining a plurality of divided images constituting the image, and the seam of the error diffusion by the division can be eliminated.

According to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the print control apparatus can update the processing-related information used for processing the classified image included in the print information and classified into an image such as a natural image. A storage means for storing the image information, an image classification determining means for analyzing the print information and determining whether or not the print information includes the image-classified image, and a storage means for storing the image-classified image in the print information. An image configuration determining unit configured to determine whether the image-classified image is one of a plurality of divided images constituting one unit image based on the processing-related information stored in the storage unit; When one of the divided images constituting one unit image is one of the divided images constituting the one unit image, the divided image classified image of the print information is converted into a binary image in the same processing content as the other divided images constituting one unit image. And processing means for storing information used for the binarization in the storage means as processing-related information, when one image to be classified image is divided into a plurality of pieces of print information and supplied, The divided and supplied classified images can be binarized as one classified image.

According to the printing apparatus of the eighth aspect, the printing control apparatus can update the processing-related information used for processing the image classified image classified as an image such as a natural image included in the printing information. A storage unit for storing, an image classification determining unit that analyzes the print information and determines whether or not the image to be classified is included in the print information, and when the image to be classified is included in the print information, An image configuration determining unit configured to determine whether the image-classified image is one of a plurality of divided images forming one unit image based on the processing-related information stored in the storage unit; When the image-classified image is one of the divided images constituting one unit image, the image-classified image of the print information is binarized by the same processing content as the other divided images constituting one unit image. And processing means for storing the information used for the binarization in the storage means as processing-related information, so that when one image classified image is divided into a plurality of pieces of print information and supplied, , The supplied classified images can be binarized as one classified image.

According to the print information processing method of the ninth aspect, storage for updatingably storing processing-related information used for processing an image to be classified classified into an image such as a natural image included in the print information. Means for analyzing the print information, determining whether or not the image to be classified is included in the print information, and storing the image to be classified when the print information includes the image to be classified. It is determined whether or not the image-classified image is one of a plurality of divided images constituting one unit image based on the processing-related information,
When the classified image of the print information is one of the divided images forming one unit image, the classified image of the print information is processed in the same manner as the other divided images forming the one unit image. Since the binarization is performed and the information used for the binarization is stored in the storage unit as processing-related information, when one image classified image is divided into a plurality of pieces of print information and supplied, division, The supplied classified images can be binarized as one classified image.

According to the printing control apparatus of the tenth aspect,
Color reduction processing means for sequentially capturing print information until the end thereof, and performing multi-value color reduction processing on the captured print information;
A storage means for storing the multi-value data obtained by performing the multi-value color reduction processing as a command in a command storage means, a reproduction means for reproducing the command from the command storage means, and performing a predetermined process on the reproduced command. Since a data processing generation unit for generating print data is provided, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity required for storing print information to be captured during background processing, and to shorten the time required for reproducing the stored print information. Can be.

According to the printing control apparatus of the eleventh aspect,
When the print information is information including an image-classified image classified into an image such as a natural image,
The print information may be subjected to multi-value color reduction processing.

According to the printing control apparatus of the twelfth aspect,
The predetermined processing performed by the data processing generating means includes a multi-level color reduction processing for the reproduction command, and the method of the multi-level color reduction processing is different from the method of the multi-level color reduction processing performed on the print information. And other images can be subjected to different multi-level color reduction processing.

According to the information processing apparatus of claim 13,
A print control device sequentially captures print information to the end thereof, performs a multi-value color reduction process on the captured print information, and a multi-value data obtained by performing the multi-value color reduction process as a command. A storage unit for storing the command in the command storage unit; a reproduction unit for reproducing the command from the command storage unit; and a data processing generation unit for performing predetermined processing on the reproduced command to generate print data. In addition, the storage capacity required for storing the print information to be captured can be reduced, and the time required for reproducing the stored print information can be reduced.

According to the print information processing method of the present invention, the print information is obtained by sequentially taking in the print information up to the end thereof, performing the multi-value color reduction processing on the taken-in print information, and performing the multi-value color reduction processing. The stored multivalued data is stored as a command in the command storage unit, the command is reproduced from the command storage unit, and the reproduced command is subjected to a predetermined process to generate print data. Can be reduced, and the time required to reproduce the stored print information can be reduced.

According to the print control apparatus of the present invention,
Storage means for sequentially fetching print information to the end thereof and storing the fetched print information as a command in a command storage means; reproducing means for reproducing a command from the command storage means; and multi-value color reduction processing for the reproduced command A color reduction processing means for re-storing the multi-value data obtained by the multi-value color reduction processing as a command in the command storage means, and reproducing the re-saved command from the command storage means, Since the apparatus includes the data processing generating means for performing the predetermined processing to generate the print data, it is possible to reduce the time required for reproducing the stored print information during the background processing.

According to the printing control apparatus of the sixteenth aspect,
When the print information is information including an image-classified image classified into an image such as a natural image,
The print information may be subjected to multi-value color reduction processing.

According to the printing control apparatus of the seventeenth aspect,
The predetermined processing performed by the data processing generating means includes a multi-level color reduction processing for the reproduced re-save command, and the method of the multi-level color reduction processing is different from the method of the multi-level color reduction processing performed on the reproduced command. In addition, different multi-level color reduction processing can be applied to the classified image and the other images.

[0120] According to the information processing apparatus of the eighteenth aspect,
A print control unit that sequentially fetches the print information to the end thereof, stores the fetched print information as a command in a command storage unit, a reproduction unit that reproduces the command from the command storage unit, On the other hand, a color reduction processing means for re-storing the multi-value data obtained by the multi-value color reduction processing as a command in the command storage means while performing the multi-value color reduction processing, and reproducing the command re-stored from the command storage means. Since data processing generating means for performing predetermined processing on the re-save command and generating print data is provided, it is possible to reduce the time required for reproducing the stored print information during the background processing.

According to the print information processing method of the nineteenth aspect, the print information is sequentially fetched to the end, the fetched print information is stored as a command in the command storage means, and the command is reproduced from the command storage means. While performing multi-level color reduction processing on the reproduced command, re-storing the multi-value data obtained by the multi-level color reduction processing as a command in the command storage unit, reproducing the re-stored command from the command storage unit, Since print data is generated by performing predetermined processing on the reproduced resave command, the time required for reproducing the stored print information during the background processing can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a first embodiment of a print control device (printer driver) of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a print data processing procedure in the printer driver of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating details of an image rasterizing process in step S104 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a determination condition used when determining whether or not an image-classified image of print data is one of a plurality of divided images constituting one unit image.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a print data processing procedure according to a second embodiment of the print control apparatus (printer driver) of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the image rasterizing process in step S304 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating details of a binarization process in step S306 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print control apparatus (printer driver) according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a print data processing procedure in the printer driver of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating details of a command saving process in step S602 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a print control apparatus (printer driver) of the present invention.
16 is a flowchart illustrating details of a command storage process of a print data processing procedure according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a print control apparatus (printer driver) of the present invention.
16 is a flowchart illustrating details of a command reproduction process of a print data processing procedure according to the fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 host computer 11 application 12, 14 printer driver (print control device) 13 byteronics I / F 21 command analysis unit 22 image development unit 23 band memory 24 image transfer unit 25 image information storage unit 25a color correction unit 26 binarization unit 27 Command storage unit 28 Command playback unit 29 Command storage unit 30 Printer

Claims (19)

[Claims] A print control device configured to generate print data that can be printed by a printing device based on print information supplied from an external device, and to transfer the print data to the printing device; A storage unit for updatingably storing processing-related information used for processing an image-classified image classified into an image such as a natural image, and analyzing the print information, wherein the print information includes the image-classified image Image classification determining means for determining whether or not the image classification image is included in the print information, and the image classification image is one unit based on the processing-related information stored in the storage means. Image configuration determining means for determining whether or not the image is one of a plurality of divided images constituting the image;
When one of the divided images constituting one unit image is one of the divided images, the image-classified image of the print information is binarized by the same processing content as the other divided images constituting the one unit image, and Processing means for storing information used for value conversion as the processing-related information in the storage means. 2. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit performs a binarization process using an error diffusion method. 3. The processing means binarizes an image-classified image of the print information by an error diffusion method with reference to processing-related information stored in the storage means, and stores the binarized data in a band memory. The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the print data is created by developing the print data. 4. The processing means expands an image-classified image of the print information as multi-valued data in a band memory, and refers to the processing-related information stored in the storage means to convert the expanded data. 3. The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the print data is created while performing binarization using an error diffusion method for each raster line. 5. The processing-related information stored in the storage unit includes coordinate data indicating the position of the image-classified image in the print information, and the image configuration determining unit determines the image-classified image based on the coordinate data. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not is one of a plurality of divided images constituting one unit image. 6. The processing related information according to claim 2, wherein the processing-related information stored in the storage unit includes error data obtained by an error diffusion method for the image-classified image of the print information. Print control device. 7. An information processing apparatus having a print control device that generates print data that can be printed by a printing device based on the supplied print information and transfers the print data to the printing device. A storage unit for storing, in an updatable manner, processing-related information used for processing an image-classified image classified into an image such as a natural image included in the print information, and analyzing the print information, Image classification determining means for determining whether or not the image-classified image is included in the image data, and when the print-information includes the image-classified image, based on processing-related information stored in the storage means. Image configuration determining means for determining whether the image-classified image is one of a plurality of divided images constituting one unit image, and image-classification of the print information When the image is one of the divided images constituting the one unit image, the image classified image of the print information is binarized by the same processing content as the other divided images constituting the one unit image. An information processing apparatus comprising: a storage unit that stores information used for the binarization as the processing-related information in the storage unit. 8. A printing apparatus equipped with a print control device for generating print data that can be printed by a printing unit based on print information supplied from an external device and transferring the print data to the printing unit. The control device includes, in the print information, storage means for storing process-related information used for processing of the image-classified image classified into an image such as a natural image in an updatable manner, and analyzes the print information.
An image classification determining unit that determines whether the print information includes the image-classified image; and a processing-related image stored in the storage unit when the print information includes the image-classified image. Image configuration determining means for determining whether or not the image classified image is one of a plurality of divided images constituting one unit image based on information; When one of the divided images constituting one unit image is one of the divided images, the image-classified image of the print information is binarized by the same processing content as the other divided images constituting the one unit image, and A printing unit that stores information used for value conversion as the processing-related information in the storage unit. 9. A print information processing method for use in a print control device that generates print data that can be printed by a printing device based on print information supplied from an external device and transfers the print data to the printing device. A storage unit is provided for storing process-related information used for processing an image to be classified classified into an image such as a natural image, which is included in the print information, in an updatable manner, and the print information is analyzed. Determining whether or not the image-classified image is included; and, when the print-information includes the image-classified image, determining the image-classified image based on processing-related information stored in the storage unit. Determining whether the image is one of a plurality of divided images constituting one unit image; and determining whether the image information classified image of the print information is the one unit image. When the divided image is one of the divided images constituting the image, the binarized image of the image to be imaged in the print information is binarized by the same processing as the other divided images constituting the one unit image, and the binarization is performed. Storing the information used in the printing process as the process-related information in the storage unit. 10. A print control device for generating print data that can be printed by a printing device based on print information supplied from an external device, and transferring the print data to the printing device. Color reduction processing means for sequentially capturing and performing multi-value color reduction processing on the captured print information, and storage means for storing multi-value data obtained by performing the multi-value color reduction processing as a command in a command storage means, A print control apparatus comprising: a reproducing unit that reproduces the command from the command storage unit; and a data processing generating unit that performs predetermined processing on the reproduced command to generate the print data. 11. The color reduction processing means, when the print information is information including an image to be classified classified into an image such as a natural image, performs multi-value color reduction processing on the print information. The print control device according to claim 10, wherein: 12. The predetermined processing performed by the data processing generating means includes a multi-value color reduction processing for the reproduction command,
The method of the multi-value color reduction processing is different from the method of the multi-value color reduction processing performed on the print information.
Or the print control device according to 11. 13. An information processing apparatus including a print control device for generating print data that can be printed by a printing device based on the supplied print information and transferring the print data to the printing device. A color reduction processing means for sequentially capturing the print information to the end thereof, and performing a multi-value color reduction process on the captured print information; and a command using the multi-value data obtained by performing the multi-value color reduction process as a command. Storage means for storing in the storage means, reproduction means for reproducing the command from the command storage means, and data processing generation means for performing predetermined processing on the reproduced command to generate the print data. Information processing device. 14. A print information processing method for use in a print control device that generates print data that can be printed by a printing device based on print information supplied from an external device and transfers the print data to the printing device. A step of sequentially fetching the print information to the end thereof, and performing a multi-value color reduction process on the fetched print information; and storing the multi-value data obtained by performing the multi-value color reduction process as a command in a command storage unit. And a step of reproducing the command from the command storage unit, and a step of performing a predetermined process on the reproduced command to generate the print data. 15. A print control device for generating print data that can be printed by a printing device based on print information supplied from an external device, and transferring the print data to the printing device. A storage unit for sequentially capturing and storing the captured print information as a command in a command storage unit; a reproducing unit for reproducing the command from the command storage unit; and performing a multi-value color reduction process on the reproduced command. A color-reduction processing means for re-storing the multi-value data obtained by the multi-value color-reduction processing as a command in the command storage means; reproducing the command re-stored from the command storage means; And a data processing generation means for performing the processing to generate the print data. 16. The color reduction processing means, when the print information is information including a classified image classified into an image such as a natural image, performs the multi-value color reduction processing on the print information. The print control device according to claim 15, wherein 17. The predetermined processing performed by the data processing generating means includes a multi-level color reduction processing for the reproduced re-save command, and the method of the multi-level color reduction processing is a multi-level color reduction processing performed on the reproduced command. 17. The printing control device according to claim 15, wherein the printing control device is different from the value reduction process. 18. An information processing apparatus having a print control device for generating print data that can be printed by a printing device based on the supplied print information and transferring the print data to the printing device, the information processing device comprising: Storing means for sequentially capturing the print information to the end thereof, and storing the captured print information as a command in a command storage means; a reproducing means for reproducing the command from the command storage means; Color-reduction processing means for re-storing the multi-valued data obtained by the multi-value color reduction processing as a command in the command storage means while performing the multi-value color reduction processing, and reproducing the command re-stored from the command storage means Data processing generating means for performing predetermined processing on the reproduced resave command to generate the print data. An information processing apparatus characterized by the following. 19. A print information processing method used by a print control device for generating print data that can be printed by a printing device based on print information supplied from an external device and transferring the print data to the printing device. Fetching the print information sequentially to the end, storing the fetched print information as a command in a command storage means, reproducing the command from the command storage means, and multi-valued the reproduced command. Re-storing the multi-valued data obtained by the multi-value color reduction processing as a command while performing the color reduction processing in the command storage means, and reproducing the re-stored command from the command storage means; Performing a predetermined process on a command to generate the print data.