JP2004005730A - Printer, print system, and recording medium recording program - Google Patents

Abstract

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.
SOLUTION: The present invention receives inquiry information about print settings sent from a host device, sends response information based on its own unique information to the host device in response to the received inquiry information, and Receiving the print setting information sent from the host device, requesting the host device for print target data in accordance with the received print setting information, receiving the print target data sent from the host device according to the request, A printer that performs printing based on print target data.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates to the technology of a printer. The present invention also relates to a technique of processing control based on a specific command system used for communication between a host device and a printer.

In order for a host device such as a personal computer to print application data to a printer, the host device needs a printer driver (printer control program) prepared for each printer. When receiving the application data from the application program, the printer driver converts the application data into print job data unique to the printer and outputs it to the printer. Upon receiving the print job data, the printer 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 out print job data from the application program via a printer driver. And output to a printer.

プ ロ グ ラ ム The printer driver program size 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.

、 In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is specified as follows.

That is, the present invention receives print setting information sent from a host device, requests print target data to the host device based on the print setting information, receives print target data sent from the host device according to the request, A printer and a print control method for performing printing based on the print target data based on the print setting information.

Further, the present invention receives inquiry information about print settings sent from a host device, sends response information based on its own unique information to the received inquiry information to the host device, and based on the response information, Receiving print setting information sent from the host device, requesting the host device for print target data based on the print setting information, receiving print target data sent from the host device in accordance with the request, based on the print setting information And a printing control method for performing printing based on the print target data.

Further, according to the present invention, second print setting information is created from the first print setting information sent from the host device based on its own unique information, and is sent from the host device based on the second print setting information. And a print control method for performing printing based on print target data to be printed.

Still further, the present invention provides a first receiving unit for receiving print setting information sent from a host device, and a request for requesting the host device for print target data based on the print setting information received by the first receiving unit. Means, second receiving means for receiving print target data sent from the host device in accordance with a request from the request means, and a bitmap based on the print target data based on print setting information received by the first receiving means. Generating means for generating data, storing means for storing bitmap data generated by the generating means, and printing means for executing printing on a print recording medium based on the bitmap data stored by the storing means Can be grasped also as a printer characterized by having the following.
Here, when the print setting information designates printing based on a plurality of print target data, the request unit requests each of the plurality of print target data.

The requesting means specifies print target data in a predetermined order based on the print setting information, and requests the specified print target data.

Further, the present invention interprets the command data sent from the host device, performs a predetermined process according to the interpretation result, a storage unit that stores bitmap data, and a bit that is stored in the storage unit. A printing unit that executes printing on a print recording medium based on the map data, wherein the processing unit requests the host device for print target data specified by print setting information based on command data on print settings. Requesting means, and generating means for generating bitmap data based on print target data obtained from command data relating to data transmission based on the print setting information, and storing the bitmap data in the storage means. It is a printer.

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, wherein the program interprets command data sent from a host device, and executes a predetermined process in accordance with a result of the interpretation. A processing unit for performing a process, wherein the processing unit obtains the print target data specified by the print setting information based on the command data regarding the print setting from the host device, and obtains the print target data based on the command data regarding the data transmission. And a generating means for generating bitmap data based on the print target data and the print setting information, and storing the generated bitmap data in a predetermined memory.

Further, the present invention is a host device which sends print setting information to a printer, and sends the print target data to the printer according to a request for print target data sent from the printer based on the print setting information. .

Further, printer specific information necessary for printing with a specific printer is acquired from the specific printer, print setting information is created based on the acquired unique information, and the created print setting information is identified. This is a host device that sends the data to a printer.

Further, the present invention is a recording medium recording a program for realizing a predetermined function in a host device, wherein the program outputs predetermined command data to a printer, and stores predetermined command data sent from the printer. Receiving processing means for interpreting the received predetermined command data and performing predetermined processing in accordance with the result of the interpretation, the processing means comprising: setting request means for outputting command data relating to print settings; and Data output means for reading out print target data stored in a predetermined storage device based on command data relating to a data request sent from the storage device, and outputting command data relating to data transmission based on the print target data. Is a recording medium on which a program characterized by the following is recorded.

Still further, the present invention is a print system comprising a host device and a printer, wherein the host device sends print setting information to the printer, and the printer receives print setting information sent from the host device. Requesting the print target data specified by the print setting information from the host device, the host device sends the print target data to the printer according to the request sent from the printer, and the printer A print system which receives print target data sent from an apparatus and performs printing based on the print setting information and the print target data.

The recording medium includes, for example, a hard disk (HD), a DVD-RAM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, etc., as well as a memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and a transmission medium such as a network.

According to the present invention, it becomes 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.

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 is 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. Hereinafter, a print system in which the printer 1 and the digital camera positioned in the host device 2 are connected to the 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, the printer 1 includes a processor 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a user interface 24, an image memory 25, an engine controller 26, 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, as described later, the processor 21 interprets a command sent from the host device 2 and executes various processes according to the command. Typically, the processor 21 converts the data to be printed sent from the host device 2 into bitmap data in raster format, and outputs it 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 necessary 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. As the print engine 27, a printer according to the type of printer such as a laser printer or a serial printer can be used. The communication I / F 28 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, the host device 2 includes a processor 31, 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. I have. 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 according to 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: Byte string start marker (control code "ESC", 1Bh)
class: 1-byte ASCII code representing the classification of command The class is classified as follows.

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

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

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

The size of the value of each parameter is specified for each command. 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.

{Circle around (2)} When the parameter block includes a parameter in the format shown in FIG. 4B, binary data of the number of bytes indicated by “data length” follows the parameter block. The size of this binary data is not included in “parameter length”.

In the following description, a command is represented in the format of “[class: command name]”. For example, [p: make] means that the class is “p” and the command name is “make”.
2-2 Explanation 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 printing conditions. The contents of the parameters are different between the case where the printer is specified and the host device grasps the information specific to the model and the case where the setting is made independent of the model.

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

Q: Designates print quality in 16 levels.

$ P, T: Parameters for designating color correction for the photo image object and the text / graph image object are sent in order. Each parameter is one byte with a sign and ranges from -50 to +50. If a value smaller than -50 is specified, it is treated as if -50 was specified. If +50 is specified, it is treated as if +50 was specified.

B: Specify 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 the 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: Designate the print resolution in the horizontal and vertical directions by dpi (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: Specifies a user-defined LUT ID set in [m: slut] as a reference table used for color conversion. The specifiable range depends on the printer model. When the lut-id is not specified, the printer 1 determines according to the type of paper and the print quality, and uses the LUT built in the printer 1.
(2) [m: slut] set user defined LUT User defined LUT setting (Fig. 7)
This command is sent from the host device 2 to the printer 1. This command is used to set a user-defined LUT used for color conversion in the printer.

$ I: Specify 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. If an unsupported ID number is specified, this command is ignored.

+: Indicates the length of LUT data.

The dtlen-byte binary data following this command is treated as LUT data. The format of the LUT data differs depending on the model.
(3) [p: inqa] inquire page availabillity Query the page valid 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: Specify 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 answer (Fig. 9)
This command is sent from the printer 1 to the host device 2. This command is for responding 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, when the value of the numerator does not fit into 4 bytes when using the value specified by the [p: inqa] command, when 0 is specified by the [p: inqa] command, or when [p: inqa] If denomi is not specified in the command, the answer is given using the default value of the printer.

$ 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 paper to the top edge of the page print area.

Minimum top margin = tmrgin / denomi (inch)
If the minimum value of the top margin is not an integer, the answer is rounded down.

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 (inch)
If the left margin does not become an integer, round down the answer.

R: Indicates 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 sheet to the right edge of the page print area is smaller than the minimum value of the write margin depends on the model.

Light margin minimum = rmrgin / denomi (inch)
If the minimum value of the write margin is not an integer, the answer is rounded down.

B: Indicates the minimum distance (minimum bottom margin) required from the bottom edge of the paper to the bottom edge of the page print area. The processing 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 minimum value of the bottom margin depends on the model.

Minimum bottom margin = bmrgin / denomi (inch)
If the minimum value of the bottom margin is not an integer, the answer is rounded down.
(5) [p: make] make page Page format definition (Figure 10)
This command is sent from the host device 2 to the printer 1. 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 and designates either “automatic arrangement” for arranging print objects in each cell or “individual designation” for specifying a position 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: represents the 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 treated as if the maximum width and / or maximum length has been set. If denomi is not specified or 0 is specified, width and height are treated 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 the top margin as having been 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: Designates 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 method of arranging print objects 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. If it is not specified or if a value of 100 is specified, it is treated as if 0 has been specified. If the method of arranging print objects 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 then.
(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 Request object number (Figure 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 (Figure 13)
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 object number of the number requested by the [o: req #] command has not been issued by the [o: iss #] command, the remaining number is not issued. 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 Interrupt 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 an [o: rles] command for each print object. After interrupting the processing of all print objects, the host apparatus 2 is notified by the [p: fini] command that the interruption of the page processing has been completed. If the number of object numbers requested by the [o: req #] command has not been issued by the [o: iss #] command, the requests for the remaining objects are regarded as canceled. Also, even if the object number is issued from the printer 1 by the [o: iss #] command, but there is an object number that is not yet used by the [m: make] command, the object number becomes invalid. .
(11) [o: iss #] issue object numbers Issue object numbers (Figure 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 (Fig. 16, Fig. 17, Fig. 18 and Fig. 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.

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

(I) Object number is not specified.

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

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

D: represents the denominator of the following parameters.

X, Y: Designates the upper left position of the object development area with the upper left of the page print area as the origin.

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. If 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 cannot be used until it is issued again with the [o: iss #] command.

If automatic placement 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 treated as the number of dots at the resolution specified by the [m: qlty] command. If the width and length are set so as to protrude from the page print area, an error is notified by the [o: rles] command without printing the object. In this case, this object number cannot be used until it is issued again with the [o: iss #] command.

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

R: Designates the rotation direction of the image. If “4” or “5” is specified, the printer 1 determines the printer according to its own capability.

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

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

場合 If “1”, print so that the object development area is completely filled. The left and right or top and bottom of the image data will be 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 specified in size fitting, the arrangement in the up-down and left-right directions is specified.

Q: In order to perform image expansion processing at high speed, if possible, instruct the image data to be thinned 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: Specify the type of image to perform appropriate color conversion processing. However, when the image data is in a format including intent information, the specification by intent is ignored.

$ Z: Specifies the size of the image data in 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: Specify APF (Auto Photo Fine) settings. APF is a process for adjusting image quality. The upper byte specifies whether APF is applied and the lower byte specifies APF application items. If the upper byte is "1", the image data is pre-scanned before printing, and the item specified by the lower byte is corrected. When the upper byte is “2”, the simple APF is applied based on the image statistic value sent by the parameter S (statistical data). The simple APF performs contrast enhancement, saturation enhancement, and sharpness. In this case, the prescan 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. The statistical data includes the maximum value (YMAX, RMAX, GMAX, BMAX), the minimum value (Ymin, Rmin, Gmin, Bmin), the standard deviation value (YSTD, RSTD, GSTD, BSTD) and the average value (YAVR, RAVR, 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
RGB is represented by 8 bits for each color.

T: Specifies the drawing of the cut guide line. If it is specified at the same time as the drawing of the frame, the drawing of the frame will be invalid. Each value specifies a value with denomi as the denominator. For example,
Horizontal offset = OH / denomi (inch)
If 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: Designation of frame line drawing. 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)
If 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: Specifies the distance from the end of the object development area.

Distance = offset / denomi (inch)
If 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 character direction.

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: Direction of character (0: normal position, 1: reverse)
pitch: Specifies the character pitch.

Size: Specifies the size of the character.

$ R, G, B: Specify the text color with 8 bits for each color of RGB.

<, (: Specifies the character string of the caption in ASCII code. When a character string of a fixed length of 48 bytes is used, unnecessary portions are filled 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: Indicates the end state of the processing.
(14) [o: dreq] data request Data request (Fig. 21)
This command is sent from the printer 1 to the host device 2. This command is for requesting the host device 2 for image data of an object.

#: Specify 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. If 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.

#: Specify the object number of the print object to send data.

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.

The dtlen-byte binary data following this command is 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.

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

O: Indicates a reference for reading position designation.

L: Indicates the distance from the origin to the data read position in the number of signed bytes.

If the host device 2 receives this command after receiving the [d: dreq] command and before transmitting the requested data to the printer 1 with the [d: dsnd] command, the host device 2 transmits the requested data. The read position is changed later.
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, a unique information storage unit 244, a setting information storage unit 245, a print processing unit 246, and a print engine unit 246. Is provided.

Upon receiving command data from the host device 2 via the communication I / F unit 241 (corresponding to the communication I / F 28 in FIG. 2), the command interpretation unit 242 interprets the command included in the command data, and Control is performed so that processing according to the interpretation result is performed. 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, for example, a value determined for each printer model, such as a compatible resolution, a compatible paper size, and a page effective range. 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 the 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, a 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 related 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, when "15" indicating the highest image quality is specified, the image quality is set to 1200 dpi if the printer can support 1200 dpi, and the image quality is set to 600 dpi if the printer can support up to 600 dpi. Will be.

(4) The page effective range answering unit 252 processes command data ([p: inqa] command) relating to the inquiry about the page effective range. Receiving this command data, the page effective range answering unit 252 refers to the unique information stored in the unique information storage unit 244 and returns command data (page effective range) for answering the range of the settable page print area. Create command data ([p: rpla] command) for the answer of 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.

(4) The page format definition unit 253 processes command data ([p: make] command) related to the page format definition. The page format definition unit 253 creates print setting information relating to the page format such as the size of the page print area and the method of arranging the print objects according to the contents of the parameter unit included in the command data, and stores this in the print setting information storage unit 245 Output to

The object number issuing unit 254 processes command data ([o: req #] command) relating to an object number issuance request. The object number is for individually managing print objects. The object number issuance unit 254 issues command data (object number issuance) for responding to the number of object numbers (requested object number) designated by the parameter unit as many object numbers as can be simultaneously managed by itself. Command data ([o: iss #] command) is created. The created command data is sent to the host device 2 via the communication I / F unit 241.

The object setting unit 255 processes command data ([o: mkim] command) related to the setting of the print object. The object setting unit 255 creates print setting information relating to the setting of the print object according to 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 unit 256 processes command data ([p: endp] command) related to the end of page setting. Upon receiving the 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, an object requesting unit 261 creates command data ([d: dreq] command) relating to a data request and outputs it to the communication I / F unit 241 in order to request the data of the print object from the host device 2. I do. The object request unit 261 specifies a print object according to 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 to be arranged in the print page area in raster order according to the created print setting information, and specifies the data length to be requested according to 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 unit 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 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 rasterized bitmap data finally obtained to the image memory 264. In the present embodiment, the data processing module 263 includes an image expansion unit 2631, a resolution conversion unit 2632, an APF unit 2633, and a color conversion unit 2634. The data processing unit 262 has a work area (buffer) corresponding to the number of issued object numbers so that the data of the print object can be processed. It is preferable to store information on acquisition, up to what band, and up to what line of bitmap data.

The image decompression unit 2631 decompresses (decompresses) print object data transferred in a compressed format and restores the original print object data. The resolution conversion unit 2632 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, if a 2 × 3 (inch) expansion area is specified by the [o: mkim] command and a resolution of 720 (dpi) is indirectly specified by the [m: qlty] command, the image size is 1440 × 2160 (dot) bitmap data will be printed. However, the image size of the print object sent from the host device 2 is not always this size. For this reason, when the print object sent from the host device 2 is smaller than the image size to be printed, complement processing is performed. Conversely, when the print object sent from the host device 2 is larger than the image size to be printed, Perform a thinning process. Here, the complementing process and the thinning process are referred to as resolution conversion. If the print object is specified by the “F” parameter of the [o: mkim] command to change the aspect ratio so that it just fits in the expansion area, the conversion rate (vertical and horizontal) is used. / Thinning rate) to change the resolution. The APF unit 2633 corrects an image in accordance with the APF designation when the print setting information related to the print quality includes the APF designation. The image correction includes, for example, tone adjustment, saturation enhancement, and sharpness. In addition, statistical data of an image may be used. The color conversion unit 2634 converts data represented by 8 bits for each color of RGB into data represented by 8 bits for each color of CMYK. In this case, when a reference table (LUT) for color conversion is specified in the print setting information, the color conversion unit 2634 refers to the reference table (LUT).

(4) When the data processing module 262 causes the data processing module 263 to process the data and completes the expansion of the print object, the data processing module 262 notifies the object release section 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. Thus, the host device 2 can set the print object based on the newly issued object number.

The image memory 264 stores bitmap data in raster format 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 represents the host device 2 shown in FIG.

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

The print setting request unit 274 creates command data (eg, [m: qlty] command) including the print specification information in the parameter unit with reference to the print specification information storage unit 275, and outputs the command data to the communication I / F unit 73. . 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.

When receiving the command data from the printer 1 via the communication I / F unit 273, the command interpreting unit 276 interprets the command included in the command data and performs control so that a process according to the interpretation result is performed. . The file access unit 277 accesses the data storage unit 278 to write or read data. Upon receiving the command data ([d: dreq] command) related 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. It creates command data ([d: dsnd] command) related to data transmission and outputs it to the communication I / F unit 273. The input device 279 stores the acquired image data in the data storage unit 278 via the file access unit 277 according to an input instruction given from the user I / F unit 272.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the print setting request unit 73. In the figure, a print quality setting request unit 81 creates command data relating to print quality settings based on print specification information stored in a print specification information storage unit 74 and outputs this to a communication I / F unit 75. . The page effective range request unit 82 outputs command data relating to the inquiry about the page effective range to the communication I / F unit 75. In response to this command data, command data ([p: rpla] command) regarding the response of the page effective 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) related 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 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 creates command data for notifying the printer 1 that the setting of the print specifications for one page ([p: endp] command) 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 the 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 on 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) When receiving the answer about 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 command data relating to the object number issuance request to the printer 1 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 simultaneously 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) When the setting for one page is completed by notifying the printer 1 of the setting for each print object to the printer 1, the host device 2 sends command data relating to the end of the page setting to the printer 1. 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) Upon receiving the command data about the end of page setting, the printer 1 sends command data about the data request to the host device 2 to request data of the print object.
(2) When receiving the command data related 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 related to the data transmission to the printer 1.
(3) When the printer 1 receives the data of the print object and completes the processing on the data, the printer 1 outputs command data relating to the object release to the host device 2 to notify the host device 2 of the release of the print object. .
(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 only to these embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist thereof. For example, although the operation of the function realizing means has been described sequentially, 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.

Diagram showing a schematic configuration of a print system Diagram showing the hardware configuration of the printer Diagram showing the hardware configuration of the host device Diagram for explaining the outline of the command Diagram for explaining print quality setting command Diagram for explaining print quality setting command Diagram for explaining a user-defined LUT setting command Diagram for explaining page effective range inquiry command Diagram for explaining page effective range answer command Diagram for explaining the page format definition command Diagram for explaining page processing end command Diagram for explaining the object number request command Diagram for explaining the page setting end command Diagram for explaining page processing interruption command Diagram for explaining the object number issue command Diagram for explaining image object setting command Diagram for explaining image object setting command Diagram for explaining image object setting command Diagram for explaining image object setting command Diagram for explaining the object release command Diagram for explaining data request command Diagram for explaining data transmission command Diagram for explaining data read position change command Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the printer Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the print setting processing unit Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the print processing unit Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the host device Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the print setting request section Timing chart for explaining print setting processing of the print system Timing chart for explaining data transfer processing of the print system

Explanation of reference numerals

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer 2 ... Host apparatus 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 (11)

Receiving the print setting information sent from the host device,
Requesting the print target data to the host device based on the print setting information,
Receiving print target data sent from the host device according to the request,
A printer that performs printing based on the print target data based on the print setting information. Receives inquiry information about print settings sent from the host device,
For the received inquiry information, send response information based on its own unique information to the host device,
Receiving print setting information sent from the host device based on the answer information,
Requesting data to be printed from the host device based on the print setting information,
Receiving print target data sent from the host device according to the request,
A printer that performs printing based on the print target data based on the print setting information. First receiving means for receiving print setting information sent from the host device;
Requesting means for requesting the host device for print target data based on print setting information received by the first receiving means;
Second accepting means for accepting print target data sent from the host device in accordance with a request from the requesting means;
Generating means for generating bitmap data based on the print target data based on print setting information received by the first receiving means;
Storage means for storing the bitmap data generated by the generation means,
Printing means for executing printing on a print recording medium based on the bitmap data stored by the storage means,
A printer comprising: The requesting means includes:
4. The printer according to claim 3, wherein when the print setting information specifies printing based on a plurality of print target data, the plurality of print target data are requested. The requesting means includes:
5. The printer according to claim 4, wherein print target data is specified in a predetermined order based on the print setting information, and the specified print target data is requested. Processing means for interpreting command data sent from the host device and performing predetermined processing according to the result of the interpretation,
Storage means for storing bitmap data;
Printing means for executing printing on a print recording medium based on the bitmap data stored in the storage means,
The processing means includes:
Requesting means for requesting the host device for print target data specified by print setting information based on command data relating to print settings,
Generating means for generating bitmap data based on print target data obtained from command data relating to data transmission based on the print setting information, and storing the bitmap data in the storage means;
A printer comprising: A recording medium that records a program for realizing a predetermined function in a printer, wherein the program includes:
A processing unit that interprets command data sent from the host device and performs a predetermined process according to the interpretation result,
The processing means includes:
Requesting means for requesting the host device for print target data specified by print setting information based on command data relating to print settings,
Generating means for generating bitmap data based on print target data and the print setting information obtained based on command data relating to data transmission and storing the bitmap data in a predetermined memory;
A recording medium recording a program, characterized by comprising: Send print setting information to the printer,
A host device for sending the print target data to the printer in accordance with a request for print target data sent from the printer based on the print setting information. Obtain printer specific information required for printing with a specific printer from the specific printer,
Create print setting information based on the acquired unique information,
The host device sends the created print setting information to the specific printer. A recording medium that records a program for realizing a predetermined function in a host device, wherein the program includes:
Processing means for outputting predetermined command data to the printer, receiving predetermined command data sent from the printer, interpreting the received predetermined command data, and performing predetermined processing according to the interpretation result; ,
The processing means includes:
Setting request means for outputting command data relating to print settings;
Data output means for reading out print target data stored in a predetermined storage device based on command data on a data request sent from the printer and outputting command data on data transmission based on the print target data,
A recording medium recording a program, characterized by comprising: A print system including a host device and a printer,
The host device sends print setting information to the printer,
The printer receives print setting information sent from the host device, requests the host device for print target data specified by the print setting information,
The host device sends the print target data to the printer according to the request sent from the printer,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printer receives print target data sent from the host device, and performs printing based on the print setting information and the print target data.

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