JP6776003B2 - Printing equipment, compound equipment, printing method and printing program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing device for performing printing based on print data, a printing method and a printing program, and a composite device including the printing device, and particularly for executing printing based on print data having an object format. It relates to a printing apparatus, a printing method and a printing program, and a composite apparatus including a printing apparatus.

A multifunction device that has functions for forming images on paper, reading images from paper, copying images, storing images in storage devices, and sending and receiving images to and from external devices. (Multi-Function Printer) is available these days.

In particular, the multifunction device is provided with a print processing unit for forming an image on paper or copying an image. In addition to performing print processing according to the read image, the print processing unit is based on image data received from an external device (for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, etc.) or image data read from an external recording medium (for example, a memory card). Print processing.

Such image data is often generated, in particular, by an application program running on a personal computer (for example, each application program included in Microsoft Office®), and such image data is Has an object format. The print processing unit executes printing based on the print data in such an object format.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-60356

However, the print processing unit does not always support print data in the object format generated by all application programs. There are an application program in which the print processing unit corresponds to the print data generated by the application program and an application program in which the print processing unit does not correspond to the print data. Further, even if the application program is the same, there are a version in which the print processing unit corresponds to the print data generated by the application program of that version and a version in which the print processing unit does not.

If the print processing unit executes printing based on print data that the print processing unit does not support even a part of it, it is not always possible to obtain the print result as intended by the application program that generated the print data. Absent.

Patent Document 1 discloses an invention in which an alternative font is used when the text object included in the received print job uses an unsupported font. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention in which an alternative function is used when an object other than the text object included in the received print job includes a function that is not supported.

However, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 only substitutes an unsupported attribute or an unsupported function of an object with another attribute or function.

Therefore, in the present invention, if an object that cannot be printed is included in the print data, the user is asked to confirm it, and printing is executed only when the user performs a predetermined operation thereafter. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus, a composite apparatus, a printing method, and a printing program which enable the printing.

According to the present invention
By analyzing the print data, an analysis means for classifying one or more objects included in the print data into a corresponding object that can be converted into an intermediate code and a non-corresponding object that cannot be converted into an intermediate code.
For the corresponding object, an intermediate code is usually generated by converting the corresponding object, and for the non-corresponding object, an intermediate code generating means for newly generating an alternative intermediate code is used.
An expansion means for expanding the normal intermediate code and the alternative intermediate code into raster image data for printing, and
When the non-compliant object is included in the print data of the current page, a dialog screen display means for displaying a dialog screen informing that the object is included , and
When the user selects "preview display" on the dialog screen, it is a preview screen according to the print data, and it is intended that the non-corresponding object is arranged in the print data. A preview screen display means for displaying a preview screen in which a warning preview display indicating the existence of the non-corresponding object is arranged at the position where the data is present.
In the dialog screen, there is a selection from the user of the "continue", and, if there is no continuation of pages, or from Oite user to the user interface corresponding to the preview screen or the preview screen of the "continuation" When there is a selection and there is no subsequent page , a print execution means for executing printing based on the print raster image data and a print execution means.
When the user selects "Cancel" on the dialog screen, or when the user selects "Cancel" on the preview screen or the user interface corresponding to the preview screen. Printing stop means to stop printing and
A printing apparatus comprising the above is provided.
Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a composite device including the above-mentioned printing device.
Further, by analyzing the print data, an analysis step of classifying one or more objects included in the print data into a corresponding object that can be converted into an intermediate code and a non-corresponding object that cannot be converted into an intermediate code, and an analysis step.
For the corresponding object, an intermediate code is usually generated by converting the corresponding object, and for the non-corresponding object, an intermediate code generation step for newly generating an alternative intermediate code is performed.
The expansion step of expanding the normal intermediate code and the alternative intermediate code into the raster image data for printing, and
If the print data on the current page contains the non-compliant object, a dialog screen display step that displays a dialog screen notifying that the object is included , and
When the user selects "preview display" on the dialog screen, it is a preview screen according to the print data, and it is intended that the non-corresponding object is arranged in the print data. A preview screen display step that displays a preview screen in which a warning preview display indicating the existence of the non-corresponding object is arranged at the current position, and
In the dialog screen, there is a selection from the user of the "continue", and, if there is no continuation of pages, or from Oite user to the user interface corresponding to the preview screen or the preview screen of the "continuation" If there is a selection and there is no subsequent page , a print execution step for executing printing based on the print raster image data, and a print execution step.
When the user selects "Cancel" on the dialog screen, or when the user selects "Cancel" on the preview screen or the user interface corresponding to the preview screen. The print stop step to stop printing and
A printing method characterized by having the above is provided.
Further, according to the present invention, a printing program for making a computer function as the above-mentioned printing device is provided.

According to the present invention, if an object that cannot be printed is included in the print data, the user is asked to confirm it, and printing is executed only when the user performs a predetermined operation on the object. can do.

It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the multifunction device by embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram (1/2) which shows each part related to the printing of the multifunction device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram (2/2) which shows each part related to printing of the multifunction device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the document of the object format printed by the multifunction device by embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart (1/2) for demonstrating the operation related to printing of the multifunction device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart (2/2) for demonstrating the operation related to printing of the multifunction device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram (1/2) which shows each part related to printing of the multifunction device by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram (1/2) which shows each part related to printing of the multifunction device by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart (1/4) for demonstrating the operation related to printing of the multifunction device by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart (2/4) for demonstrating the operation related to the printing of the multifunction device by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart (3/4) for demonstrating the operation related to printing of the multifunction device by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart (4/4) for demonstrating the operation related to the printing of the multifunction device by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen which displays when the multifunction device according to the Embodiment of this invention detects a page containing a non-corresponding object. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of the multifunction device by embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the whole structure of the multifunction device by embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
Referring to FIG. 1, the multifunction device 100 according to the present embodiment includes an auxiliary storage device 201, a main storage device 203, an arithmetic processing unit 205, an operation unit 207-1, a display unit 207-3, and an external media I / F unit 209. It includes a network communication unit 211, an image reading unit 213, and a print processing unit 215.

The auxiliary storage device 201 stores data, programs, and the like. For example, a hard disk drive is used as the auxiliary storage device 201.

The main storage device 203 temporarily stores data, programs, and the like, and usually has a smaller capacity and a higher speed than the auxiliary storage device 201. For example, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) is used as the main storage device.

The arithmetic processing unit 205 performs arithmetic processing based on a program or the like stored in the auxiliary storage device 201. More specifically, the arithmetic processing unit 205 temporarily transfers the program stored in the auxiliary storage device 201 to the main storage device 203, reads the program from the main storage device 203, and executes the program. Further, when executing the program, the arithmetic processing unit 205 secures a data area in the main storage device 203, and accesses the data area and the data area of the auxiliary storage device 201. Normally, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) is used as the arithmetic processing unit 205.

The operation unit 207-1 is a part of the user interface unit 207 shown in FIG. 2, and receives an operation from the user. The display unit 207-3 is a part of the user interface unit 207 shown in FIG. 2, and displays for the user. The operation unit 207-1 and the display unit 207-3 may be integrated in the form of a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel or the like.

The external media I / F unit 209 is an interface unit with an external medium such as a memory card. An SD memory card, a USB memory stick, or the like is used as the memory card, and an interface capable of writing and reading from the SD memory card is used as the external media I / F unit 209.

The network communication unit 211 is for communicating with other network devices via the Internet, a local area network, or the like. For example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) card is used as the network communication unit 211.

The image reading unit 213 is for reading an image printed on paper or the like and generating image data corresponding to the read image.

The print processing unit 215 performs print processing based on image data input via the external media I / F unit 209, the network communication unit 211, or the image reading unit 213.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, each part related to the printing process of the multifunction device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The multifunction device 100 includes a print data acquisition unit 101, an analysis processing unit 103, and an intermediate code. Generation unit 105, first expansion processing unit 107, raster image data writing unit 109, second expansion processing unit 111, print image output unit 113, preview image generation unit 115, data type determination unit 121, preprocessing unit 123 And the control unit 125 are included. These parts are realized by the arithmetic processing unit 205 once transferring the program stored in the auxiliary storage device 201 to the main storage device 203, reading the program, and performing arithmetic processing based on the program. You may. Further, the print processing unit 215 may be realized by a print processing processor provided separately from the arithmetic processing unit 205.

Further, in the main storage device 201, a print data area 203-1, an analyzed object area 203-3, an intermediate code area 203-5, a raster image data area 203-7, and a first preview raster image data are stored. Area 203-9, raster image data area 203-11 for corresponding object preview, non-reduced raster image data area 203-15 for non-corresponding object emphasis preview, raster image data area 203-17 for non-corresponding object emphasis preview, second preview The raster image data area 203-19 for use and the raster image data area 203-21 for output are provided.

Further, the auxiliary storage device 101 is provided with a compressed raster image data area 211-1, an alternative intermediate code area 201-3, and a management information area 201-5.

The print data acquisition unit 101 inputs print data via the external media network I / F unit 209, the network communication unit 211, or the image reading unit 213, and writes the print data in the print data area 203-1.

The analysis processing unit 103 analyzes the print data stored in the print data area 203-1. More specifically, the print data has an XML document format as shown in FIG. 4 as an example, and the analysis processing unit 103 analyzes each object included in the print data. In particular, each object is analyzed to check whether the intermediate code generation unit 105 can generate the intermediate code based on the intermediate code generation unit 105. For example, the analysis is performed based on the header attached to the object. The one shown in FIG. 4 is an example of an Open Office XML document of Microsoft Word (registered trademark). The drawing position and size of the object and the content of the object itself are described.

Here, the intermediate code generation unit 105 cannot generate an intermediate code for all objects based on the intermediate code generation unit 105. The objects that can be decoded by the intermediate code generator 105 are only the objects generated by a program of a predetermined type and a predetermined range. Therefore, the intermediate code generation unit 105 can decode the object generated by such a program to generate the intermediate code, but decodes the object generated by another type of program and generates the intermediate code. Also, it is not possible to decode an object generated by a program of a predetermined type but a version other than the version of the predetermined range to generate intermediate code. In addition, there are some objects that can be decoded by an error but cannot be decoded.

The analysis processing unit 103 creates a corresponding object in which the intermediate code generation unit 105 can generate an intermediate code based on each object included in the print data, and an intermediate code generation unit 105 based on the intermediate code. It can be classified as a non-compliant object that cannot be created. The analysis processing unit 103 writes each object included in the print data as analyzed print data in the analyzed object area 203-3, and for each object, whether it is a corresponding object or a non-corresponding object. The non-corresponding object detection flag attached to each object is also included in the analyzed print data and written in the analyzed object area 203-3. Further, the analysis processing unit 103 resets the non-corresponding page flag 203-4 for the page not including the non-corresponding object, and the non-corresponding page flag 203 for the page containing at least one non-corresponding object. Set -4.

The intermediate code generation unit 105 generates an intermediate code based on the analyzed print data stored in the analyzed object area 203-3, and writes it in the intermediate code area 203-5. Here, the intermediate code generation unit 105 normally generates an intermediate code for a corresponding object based on the corresponding object itself, but for a non-corresponding object, a normal intermediate code is generated based on the non-corresponding object itself. Since it cannot be generated, it generates an alternative intermediate code. For an object whose non-corresponding object detection flag has been reset, a normal intermediate code is normally generated based on that object, and for an object for which the non-corresponding object detection flag is set, an alternative intermediate code is generated. This is achieved by the method.

Here, the alternative intermediate code is for printing one or both of an arbitrary character string and an arbitrary image, but in order to inform the user that it is an unsupported object, for example, "Sorry. It may be an intermediate code for displaying or printing the message "This object is not supported." Further, the content, size, and the like of the above arbitrary character string and any image may be changed depending on the size of the range of non-corresponding objects on the page. If the analysis processing unit 103 can detect the type of non-corresponding object (character, image, etc.), the intermediate code generation unit 105 is notified of the type by using a flag indicating the type and the intermediate code. The generation unit 105 may change the alternative intermediate code according to the type of the non-corresponding object so that the user can recognize the type of the non-corresponding object.

Further, the intermediate code generation unit 105 may directly generate the alternative intermediate code, or the alternative intermediate code by converting the object for the alternative intermediate code created in advance by the user or the like for the alternative intermediate code. May be generated. In the latter case, a storage unit for storing the alternative intermediate code object is provided, and when the alternative intermediate code is required, the intermediate code generation unit 105 stores the alternative intermediate code object from the storage unit. It may be read and an object for alternative intermediate code may be generated based on it.

Further, the intermediate code generation unit 105 writes the alternative intermediate code for the non-corresponding object in the alternative intermediate code area 201-3 provided in the auxiliary storage device 201, and obtains it from the alternative intermediate code corresponding to the non-corresponding object. For management information provided in the auxiliary storage device 201 together with information for identifying a non-corresponding object or an alternative intermediate code corresponding to the management information indicating the position of the raster image data to be arranged on the page. Write to area 201-5. Here, normally, the position where such raster image data should be placed coincides with the position where the non-corresponding object is intended to be placed in the print data, but it is not always necessary.

The first expansion processing unit 107 expands the intermediate code stored in the intermediate code area 203-5 into raster image data, and writes the raster image data in the raster image data area 203-7. Here, in general, the intermediate code includes one or both of the normal intermediate code corresponding to the corresponding object and the alternative intermediate code corresponding to the non-corresponding object, both of which are described in the first expansion processing unit 107. It is ready for deployment.

The raster image data writing unit 109 compresses the raster image stored in the raster image data area 203-7, and stores the compressed raster image data in the compressed raster image data area 201- provided in the external storage device 201. Write to 1. Here, the compressed raster image data is not only the part corresponding to the corresponding object (that is, the part that is usually compressed after expanding the intermediate code into the raster image data), but also the part corresponding to the non-corresponding object (that is, the alternative intermediate). The part where the code is expanded into raster image data and then compressed) is also included.

The second expansion processing unit 111 expands the intermediate code for alternative image data stored in the alternative intermediate code area 201-3 into the non-reduced raster image data for non-corresponding object emphasis preview, and emphasizes the non-compliant object emphasis. Write to the preview non-reduced raster image data area 203-15. However, the preview raster image data obtained by this development is for forming an image that has not been reduced yet.

The preview raster image data obtained by this expansion is for displaying with emphasis in order to draw the user's attention that the non-corresponding object is in this position. Regarding the same non-corresponding object, the alternative intermediate code read from the alternative intermediate code area 201-3 by the second expansion processing unit 111 is the alternative intermediate code read from the intermediate code area 203-5 by the first expansion processing unit 107. Same as the code. However, the first expansion processing unit 107 generates raster image data that does not use the emphasized representation based on such an alternative intermediate code, but the second expansion processing unit 107 uses such an alternative intermediate code. Based on this, raster image data using the emphasized representation is generated. By performing blink display such that these two types of raster image data are displayed alternately, it becomes easy to remind the user that the non-corresponding object is included in the print data.

The print image output unit 113 decompresses the compressed raster image data stored in the compressed raster image data area 211-1 and writes the decompressed raster image data to the output raster image data area 203-21.

The preview image generation unit 115 generates a preview image, but the expansion / reduction unit 115-1, the third expansion unit 115-3, the reduction unit 115-5, the composition unit 115-7, and the output unit 115- Includes functional parts such as 11.

The decompression / reduction unit 115-1 decompresses the compressed raster image data stored in the compressed raster image data area 211-1, reduces the compressed raster image data for preview, and reduces the compressed raster image data area 203 for preview. Write to -9. The data written in the first preview raster image data area 203-9 is the first preview raster image data, which includes both the part corresponding to the corresponding object and the part corresponding to the non-corresponding object. Including. Further, the raster image data for preview is for displaying a reduced version of the image actually printed on the display unit 207-3, and the user can confirm the image to be printed by it. is there.

The third expansion unit 115-3 expands (that is, copies) the preview raster image data stored in the first preview raster image data area 203-9 into the corresponding object preview raster image data area 203-11. To do. The corresponding object preview raster image expanded in the corresponding object preview raster image data area 203-11 is stored in the object in the same manner as the preview raster image data stored in the first preview raster image data area 203-9. Includes the corresponding part and the part corresponding to the non-corresponding object. The part corresponding to the corresponding object among these corresponds to the preview displayed based on the preview raster image data stored in the first preview raster image data area 203-9 and the preview displayed alternately. It is used to display the part corresponding to the object. Therefore, even if the two preview screens are displayed alternately, the part related to the corresponding object does not become a blink display but becomes a stationary display. The portion of the corresponding object preview raster image data expanded in the corresponding object preview raster image data area 203-11 that corresponds to the non-corresponding object is not used and is only discarded, but expanded (that is, expanded (that is, For convenience of copying), it is expanded (that is, copied) to the raster image data area 203-11 for corresponding object preview. Therefore, the portion corresponding to the non-corresponding object does not have to be expanded (that is, copied) in the raster image data area 203-11 for the corresponding object preview.

The reduction unit 115-5 reduces the non-reduction raster image data for non-corresponding object emphasis preview stored in the non-reduction raster image data area 203-15 for non-corresponding object emphasis preview, and reduces the non-reduction raster image data for non-corresponding object emphasis preview. Raster image data for non-corresponding object emphasis preview is written in the raster image data area 203-17.

The compositing unit 115-7 is stored in the corresponding object preview raster image data area 203-11 and the non-corresponding object emphasis preview raster image data area 203-17. A second preview raster image data is generated by synthesizing the raster image data for non-corresponding object emphasis preview with reference to the management information stored in the management information area 201-5, and this is the second 2 Write to the preview raster image data area 203-19.

The output units 115-11 are the raster image data for the first preview stored in the raster image area 203-9 for the first preview and the raster for the second preview stored in the raster image area 203-19 for the second preview. The image data is output alternately. The preview screen output in this way is a still image display for the corresponding object area and a blink display for the non-corresponding object area. Therefore, the user can easily and accurately grasp the position and range occupied by the non-compliant object on the page.

The display unit 207-3 included in the user interface 207 displays the preview screen generated by the preview image generation unit 115.

When the data type determination unit 121 supports a plurality of file formats and printer description languages, the data type determination unit 121 determines the data type from the header information and the like, and then passes the data to the corresponding subsequent processing.

The preprocessing unit 123 packs a plurality of files and then decompresses (decompresses) the data in a format in which the data is compressed into one file (lossless compression such as ZIP) in advance, and then the main storage device 203. And hand it over to the analysis processing unit 103.

Next, the operation of the multifunction device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

When the operation is started by inputting the print data, the analysis processing unit 103 first resets the non-corresponding page detection flag 203-4 (step S301).

Next, the print data acquisition unit 101 acquires the data of the current page and writes it in the print data area 203-1 (step S303).

Next, the analysis processing unit 103 and the intermediate code generation unit 105 repeat the processing between steps S307S and S307E for each object included in the current page.

In this repetition, first, the analysis processing unit 103 analyzes the current object (step S309) and determines whether or not this is a corresponding object (step S311). The parsed object is written to the parsed object area 203-3 together with the non-corresponding object detection flag indicating whether or not this is a non-corresponding object.

The intermediate code generation unit 105 normally generates an intermediate code based on the current parsed object unless the parsed object stored in the parsed object area 203-3 is a non-compliant object (NO in step S311). Then, this is written in the intermediate code area 203-5 (step S313).

If the analyzed object stored in the analyzed object area 203-3 is a non-corresponding object (YES in step S311), the intermediate code generation unit 105 sets the non-corresponding page detection flag (step S315). An alternative intermediate code is generated and written in the intermediate code area 203-5 (step S317). Further, the intermediate code generation unit 105 writes this alternative intermediate code in the alternative intermediate code area 201-3 provided in the auxiliary storage device 201, and manages information (non-corresponding object) indicating the position of the non-corresponding object on the current page. The identification information and the position information of the above are written in the management information area 201-5 provided in the auxiliary storage device 201 (step S319).

By repeating the process between step S307S and step S307E, the intermediate code area 203-5 is filled with the normal intermediate code generated based on the corresponding object and the alternative generated corresponding to the non-corresponding object. One or both of the intermediate codes will be stored for the current page. Further, if the current page contains at least one non-compliant object, the alternative intermediate code corresponding to each non-compliant object will be stored in the external storage device 201 together with the management information, and the non-compliant object will be stored. The corresponding page detection flag will be set.

From the repetition of steps S307S to S307E, the process proceeds to step S321. In step S321, the first expansion processing unit 107 expands the intermediate code (usually one or both of the normal intermediate code and the alternative intermediate code) for the current page stored in the intermediate code area 203-5 into the raster image data. Then, this is written in the raster image data area 203-7.

Next, the raster image data writing unit 109 compresses the raster image data stored in the raster image data area 203-7, and then shifts the compressed raster image data into the compressed raster image data area 2011-1. Write (step S323). In this way, the compressed raster image for each page is accumulated in the compressed raster image data area 2011-1.

If the non-corresponding page detection flag is not set for the current page (NO in step S325), it is determined whether or not there is a next page (step S337). If there is a next page (YES in step S337), the process returns to step S301. If there is no next page (NO in step S337), printing of all pages is executed (step S339).

However, if the non-compliant page detection flag is set for a page in the process of repeating the above for a page (YES in step S325), this means that the page has at least one non-compliant object. Since it indicates that it is included, the following is performed so that the user can decide whether or not to execute printing.

First, a dialog screen (for example, a screen designated by reference numeral 501 in FIG. 13) is displayed on the display unit 207-3 included in the user interface unit 207 to accept an operation on the operation unit 207-1 by the user. (Step S327 ). Corresponding to this dialog screen, the user can perform an operation of selecting any of "continue", "cancel", and "preview". On screen 501, "No", "Yes", and "Confirm image" correspond to "Continue", "Cancel", and "Preview", respectively.

If it is determined in step S329 that the selection by the user is "continue", the process proceeds to step S337, and if the processing of the next page or the processing other than printing for all pages is completed. , All pages are printed (step S339).

If it is determined in step S329 that the selection by the user is "stop", the process ends without printing at all.

If it is determined in step S329 that the selection by the user is "preview", the preview image generation unit 115 is attached with a preview image (for example, a screen with reference numeral 503 and reference numeral 505 in FIG. 13). An image that alternately displays the screens) is generated (S331), and the display unit 207-3 displays a preview image (step S333).

In screens 503 and 505, reference numerals 507 and 508 are pages, and reference numerals 509 and 511 are areas representing unhighlighted non-corresponding objects, reference numerals 513 and 515. The area indicated by is the area representing the highlighted non-corresponding object. Here, when pages 507 and 508 are repeatedly displayed alternately, the area representing the non-highlighted non-corresponding object indicated by reference numerals 509 and 511 and the highlighted area indicated by reference numerals 513 and 515 are indicated. Non-corresponding objects are displayed alternately and repeatedly, and the display of this non-corresponding object area in such a state is called a warning preview display. Further, when only page 508 is displayed, the highlighted non-corresponding objects indicated by reference numerals 513 and 515 are displayed, but it should be noted that the non-corresponding object area is displayed in such a state. It is called arousal preview display.

Then, an operation on the operation unit 207-1 by the user who is supposed to have confirmed the preview image is accepted (step S335). Corresponding to this preview screen, the user can perform an operation of selecting either "continue" or "cancel". On screens 503 and 505, "print" and "stop" correspond to "continue" and "stop", respectively. However, other screens (which may be the preview screen itself) may include parts corresponding to "continue" and "stop". Different operation methods for the same part may correspond to "continuation" and "stop", respectively.

If it is determined in step 335 that the selection by the user is "continue", the process proceeds to step S337, and if the processing of the next page or the processing other than printing for all pages is completed. , All pages are printed (step S339).

If it is determined in step S335 that the selection by the user is "stop", the process ends without printing at all.

Here, the step (S339) of printing all pages will be described.

The print image output unit 113 reads the compressed raster image data from the compressed raster image data area 201-1 provided in the auxiliary storage device 201, performs decompression processing on the compressed raster image data, and then outputs the raster image data area. Write to 203-21. Next, the print processing unit 215 reads out the output raster image data from the output raster image data area 203-21, and performs printing processing based on this.

According to the present embodiment, when there is at least one page containing at least one non-compliant object, printing can be performed at all or all pages can be printed at the user's option. In addition, the user can check the preview screen displayed in a display form in which the non-compliant object calls attention in order to make a judgment for that purpose.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the non-corresponding object included in the page to be printed is printed as displayed on the preview screen. However, non-compliant objects may be printed in other ways.

In step S339, the user may be able to select the page to be printed instead of printing all the pages. In addition, pages including non-compliant objects may be excluded for printing. Further, the page selected by the user among all the pages not including the non-compliant object and the page including the non-compliant object may be printed.

Further, step S327 and step S329 may be omitted, and if YES in step S325, the process may proceed to step S331. In other words, on the page where the non-compliant object is detected, the preview screen may be displayed even if the user does not select it, and the user who sees the preview may always select whether to stop printing. ..

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, when a non-corresponding object is detected while repeating the analysis process (step S309), the generation of the intermediate code (steps S313, S319), and the expansion process (step S321) for each page. , A preview screen showing it was displayed, and if the user decided to stop printing after seeing it, printing was stopped. Even if one or more non-compliant objects are detected, if the user decides to print, printing is executed.

On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the analysis process for each page is performed collectively for all pages, and when it is found that there are no non-corresponding objects, all pages are printed. In addition, when printing all pages, intermediate code generation and expansion processing are performed in parallel with printing execution. By doing so, when the non-compliant object is not included in the print data, the time until printing can be started can be shortened, and the printing speed can be increased.

Further, in the second embodiment, when it is found that there is a non-corresponding object on any of the pages, the intermediate code is generated and expanded, and if the non-corresponding object is encountered, it is shown. If the preview screen is displayed and the user decides to stop printing by looking at it, printing is stopped. Even when one or more non-corresponding objects are detected, if the user decides to print, the printing is executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

The configuration of the multifunction device according to the second embodiment is as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Compared with that of the first embodiment, the non-corresponding object detection flag area 203-22 is added.

Next, the operation of the multifunction device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and 12.
When the operation is started by inputting the print data, the analysis processing unit 103 first resets the non-corresponding page detection flag [p] 203-4 for the current page (step S341). Here, p indicates a page number.

Next, the print data acquisition unit 101 acquires the data of the current page and writes it in the print data area 203-1 (step S343).

Next, the analysis processing unit 103 repeats the processing between steps S345S and S345E for each object included in the current page.

In this repetition, first, the analysis processing unit 103 analyzes the current object (step S347) and determines whether or not this is a corresponding object (step S349).

If the current object is a corresponding object (NO in step S349), the non-corresponding object detection flag [p, q] 203-22 is reset (step S351). Here, q is the number of the object in the page.

If the current object is a non-compliant object (YES in step S349), the non-compliant page detection flag [p] is set (step S353), and the non-compliant object detection flag [p, q] is set (step S355). ..

When the repetition from step S345S to step S345E is completed, it is determined whether there is a next page (step S346), and if there is a next page (YES in step S346), the process returns to step S341 and the next If there is no page (NO in step S346), the process proceeds to step S357.

In step S357, it is determined whether or not the non-corresponding page detection flag [p] (p = 1, 2, ..., Last page number) of all pages has been reset.

If so (YES in step S357), the process proceeds to step S359, and in parallel, the process proceeds to step S365.

In step S359, step S361, step S363, and step S364, the intermediate code generation unit 105 generates the normal object code and the first expansion processing unit 107 generates the raster image data for each page based on the corresponding objects. , The raster image data writing unit 109 writes the raster image data to the compressed raster image data area 211-1 provided in the auxiliary storage device 201 for each page.

In step S365 and step S367, for each page, the print image output unit 113 decompresses the compressed raster image data stored in the compressed raster image data area 2011-1 and outputs the decompressed raster image data to the output raster. Write to the image data area 203-21. Further, for each page, the print processing unit 215 reads out the output raster image data from the output raster image data area 203-21, and performs printing processing based on the output raster image data.

Here, since the intermediate code generation unit 105, the first expansion processing unit 107, and the raster image data writing unit 109 operate in parallel with the print image output unit 113 and the print processing unit 215, the raster image data writing unit The page in which the compressed raster image data is written in the compressed raster image data area 211-1 of the auxiliary storage device 201 by 109 is immediately printed by the print image output unit 113 and the print processing unit 215 as soon as it is ready.

Therefore, for print data that does not include non-compliant objects, the waiting time until printing starts is only the time until the raster image data for output of the first page is generated after the analysis of all pages. Therefore, the waiting time can be shortened.

Further, since the intermediate code generation unit 105, the first expansion processing unit 107, and the raster image data writing unit 109 operate in parallel with the print image output unit 113 and the print processing unit 215, the printing speed can be increased. it can.

Next, if it is detected in step S357 that the non-corresponding page detection flag [p] (p = 1, 2, ..., Last page number) of at least one page is set (in step S357). NO), the process proceeds to step S369.

In step S369, it is determined whether or not the non-corresponding page detection flag [p] of the current page has been reset, and if so (YES in step S369), the process proceeds to step S393. If there is a next page, the process from step S369 is repeated for the next page. If there is no next page, the print process is executed for all pages (step S395).

If it is determined in step S369 that the non-corresponding page detection flag [p] of the current page is set (NO in step S369), the process between steps S371S and S371E is performed on the current page. Repeat for all objects contained in.

In each iteration, first, it is determined whether or not the non-corresponding object detection flag [p, q] is set for the current object (step S373).

If the non-corresponding object detection flag [p, q] is reset, the intermediate code generation unit 105 normally generates an intermediate code based on the current corresponding object (step S375).

If the non-corresponding object detection flag [p, q] is set, the intermediate code generation unit 105 generates an alternative intermediate code corresponding to the current non-corresponding object (step S377), and stores the alternative intermediate code as an auxiliary storage. Write to the alternative intermediate code area 201-3 provided in the device 201 (step S379).

From the repetition of steps S371S to S371E, the process proceeds to step S381. In step S381, the first expansion processing unit 107 expands the intermediate code (usually one or both of the normal intermediate code and the alternative intermediate code) for the current page stored in the intermediate code area 203-5 into raster image data. Then, this is written in the raster image data area 203-7.

Next, the raster image data writing unit 109 compresses the raster image data stored in the raster image data area 203-7, and then shifts the compressed raster image data into the compressed raster image data area 2011-1. Write (step S383). In this way, the compressed raster image for each page is accumulated in the compressed raster image data area 2011-1.

Next, a dialog screen (for example, a screen designated by reference numeral 501 in FIG. 13) is displayed on the display unit 207-3 included in the user interface unit 207, and the user operates the operation unit 207-1. Accept (step S385). Corresponding to this dialog screen, the user can perform an operation of selecting any of "continue", "cancel", and "preview". On screen 501, "No", "Yes", and "Confirm image" correspond to "Continue", "Cancel", and "Preview", respectively.

If it is determined in step S387 that the selection by the user is "continue", the process proceeds to step S393, and if the processing of the next page or the processing other than printing for all pages is completed. , All pages are printed (step S395).

If it is determined in step S387 that the selection by the user is "stop", the process ends without printing at all.

If it is determined in step S387 that the selection by the user is "preview", the preview image generation unit 115 is attached with a preview image (for example, a screen with reference numeral 503 and reference numeral 505 in FIG. 13). An image that alternately displays the screens) is generated (S389), and the display unit 207-3 displays a preview image (step S391).

In screens 503 and 505, reference numerals 507 and 508 are pages, and reference numerals 509 and 511 are areas representing unhighlighted non-corresponding objects, reference numerals 513 and 515. The area indicated by is the area representing the highlighted non-corresponding object.

Then, an operation on the operation unit 207-1 by a user who is supposed to have confirmed the preview image is accepted (step S377). Corresponding to this preview screen, the user can perform an operation of selecting either "continue" or "cancel". On screens 503 and 505, "print" and "stop" correspond to "continue" and "stop", respectively.

If it is determined in step 377 that the selection by the user is "continue", the process proceeds to step S393, and if the processing of the next page or the processing other than printing for all pages is completed. , All pages are printed (step S395).

If it is determined in step S335 that the selection by the user is "stop", the process ends without printing at all.

Further, step S385 and step S387 may be omitted, and the process may proceed from step S383 to step S389. In other words, on the page where the non-compliant object is detected, the preview screen may be displayed even if there is no selection by the user, and the user who sees the preview may always select whether to stop printing. ..

[Third Embodiment]
Assuming that the corresponding objects and non-corresponding objects included in the first preview screen S are A and B, respectively, and the corresponding objects and non-corresponding objects included in the second preview screen S'are A'and B', respectively, the first In the embodiment of
A: Enlarge and reduce the raster image data for printing B: Expand and reduce the raster image data for printing (without emphasis) A': Enlarge and reduce the raster image data for printing (actually, a copy of A) )
B': Raster image data for preview (with emphasis) is generated from the alternative intermediate code, and this is reduced. Here, the print raster image data including both the portion corresponding to A and the portion corresponding to B is expanded and reduced together, whereby A and B included in S are generated.

However, the method of generating A, B, A'and B'is not limited to this.
For example, A, B, A'and B'may be generated as follows.
A: Enlarge and reduce the raster image data for printing B: Expand and reduce the raster image data for printing (without emphasis) A': Enlarge and reduce the raster image data for printing (actually, a copy of A) )
B': The raster image data for printing is decompressed and reduced (including a process of adding emphasis before or after reduction). That is, in the first embodiment, B'is generated from the alternative intermediate code. , Instead of this, B'may be generated from the raster image data for printing. Here, the print raster image data including both the portion corresponding to A and the portion corresponding to B is expanded and reduced together, whereby A and B included in S are generated. Further, the raster image data for printing including both the portion corresponding to A'and the portion corresponding to B'is expanded together, whereby A'and B'(before emphasis) included in S'are generated. Will be done. Then, a process of adding emphasis before or after reduction of B'(before emphasis) is performed.

A, B, A'and B'may be generated as follows.
A: Enlarge and reduce the raster image data for printing B: Generate the raster image data for preview (without emphasis) from the alternative intermediate code and reduce it A': Enlarge and reduce the raster image data for printing ( Actually, a copy of A)
B': Generate preview raster image data (with emphasis) from the alternative intermediate code and reduce it

That is, in the first embodiment, B is generated from the raster image data for printing, but B may be generated from the alternative intermediate code instead. Here, A and B are saved as separate compressed raster images, and S is generated by decompressing and decompressing them, respectively, and then synthesizing them. Also, the order of stretching and synthesizing may be reversed.

In the above, instead of generating at least one of A and A'by expanding and contracting the raster image data for printing, usually, the intermediate code may be generated by directly expanding the intermediate code.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the first to third embodiments, the first preview screen S = A + B including the corresponding object and the non-corresponding object and the first preview screen S'= A'+ B'including the corresponding object and the non-corresponding object are displayed. did.

However, for example, only the second preview screen S'= A'+ B'may be displayed.

In the first embodiment, it has been described that both the region indicated by reference numeral 513 and the region indicated by reference numeral 515 are attention-calling preview displays in the sense that the user's attention can be drawn to the user. The region indicated by 511 corresponds to B, and the region indicated by reference numerals 513 and 515 corresponds to B'. Although the effect of calling attention may be reduced, the area B'of the area B and the area B'may be displayed together with the area A'as in the present embodiment. That is, S = A + B and S'= A'+ B'may be displayed, or only S'= A'+ B'may be displayed.

[Fifth Embodiment]
The fifth embodiment relates to the multifunction device 103 as an example of the target device in the first to fourth embodiments. 14 and 15 show the configuration of the multifunction device 103 and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the multifunction device 103 includes an image reading unit 213 that reads an image of a document, a multifunction device main body (printing processing unit) 215 that forms an image on a sheet, an image reading unit 213, and printing processing. It includes a user interface unit 207 for operating the unit 215, and an overall arithmetic processing unit 205 that controls the image reading unit 213 and the print processing unit 215 based on the operation by the user interface unit 207. The operation unit 207-1 constitutes a part of the user interface 117.

In addition to using the image reading unit 213 alone for image reading and using the printing processing unit 215 alone for image formation, these can also be linked to copy an image. Further, the multifunction device 103 may include a storage device and a facsimile machine (not shown). The storage device can store the image read by the image reading device and the image received by the facsimile machine. The facsimile machine can transmit the image read by the image reading device and the image stored in the storage device, and can receive the image from the outside. Further, the multifunction device 103 may include an interface for connecting to a personal computer via a network. The personal computer connected to the multifunction device 103 can use the function of the multifunction device for the data that can be managed by the personal computer.

The image reading unit 213 includes a document automatic feeding unit SPF (Single Pass Feeder) 700 for automatically feeding the document, and a reading device main body 710 for reading the image of the document. In addition to the components shown in FIG. 15, the image reading unit 213 also includes components not shown in FIG. 15 but shown in FIG.

The print processing unit 215 is provided on the sheet feeding unit 10 for feeding the sheet, the manual feeding unit 20 capable of manually feeding the sheet, and the sheet fed by the sheet feeding unit 10 or the manual feeding unit 20. An image forming unit 30 for forming an image is provided.

The sheet feeding unit 10 includes a sheet loading unit 11 for loading sheets and a separate feeding unit 12 for separately feeding the sheets loaded on the sheet loading unit 11 one by one. The seat loading portion 11 includes a middle plate 14 that rotates about a rotation shaft 13, and the middle plate 14 rotates when feeding the seat to lift the seat upward. The separate feeding unit 12 includes a pickup roller 15 that feeds the sheet lifted by the middle plate 14, and a separation roller pair 16 that separates the sheets fed by the pickup roller 15 one by one. ..

The manual feed feeding unit 20 includes a manual feed tray 21 capable of loading sheets and a separate feeding unit 22 for separately feeding the sheets loaded on the manual feed tray 21 one by one. The manual feed tray 21 is rotatably supported by the printing processing unit 215, and when manually fed, the sheet can be loaded by fixing the manual feed tray 21 at a predetermined angle. The separation feeding unit 22 includes a pickup roller 23 that feeds the sheets loaded on the manual feed tray 21, a separation roller 24 and a separation pad 25 that separate the sheets fed by the pickup roller 23 one by one. I have.

The image forming unit 30 includes four process cartridges 31Y to 31K for forming images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), and photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K, which will be described later. 32, a transfer unit (transfer means) 33 for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K to the sheet, and a fixing unit 34 for fixing the transferred toner image to the sheet. And have. The alphabet (Y, M, C, K) attached to the end of the code indicates each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, black).

Each of the four process cartridges 31Y to 31K is configured to be removable from the print processing unit 215 and is replaceable. Since the four process cartridges 31Y to 32K have the same configuration except that the colors of the images to be formed are different, only the configuration of the process cartridge 31Y that forms the yellow (Y) image will be described, and the process cartridge 31M will be described. The description of ~ 31K will be omitted.

The process cartridge 31Y includes a photoconductor drum 740Y as an image carrier, a charger 741Y for charging the photoconductor drum 740Y, a developing device 742Y for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 740Y, and photosensitivity. It includes a drum cleaner that removes toner remaining on the surface of the body drum 740Y. The developing device 742Y includes a developing device main body (not shown in detail) for developing the photoconductor drum 740Y, and a toner cartridge (not shown in detail) for supplying toner to the developing device main body. The toner cartridge is configured to be removable from the developing device main body, and when the stored toner is exhausted, the toner cartridge can be removed from the developing device main body and replaced.

The exposure apparatus 32 includes a light source for irradiating the laser beam (not shown), a plurality of mirrors (not shown) for guiding the laser beam to the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K, and the like. The transfer unit 33 is an intermediate transfer belt 35 that carries a toner image formed on the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K, and a primary transfer roller that first transfers the toner image formed on the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K to the intermediate transfer belt 35. It includes 36Y to 36K, a secondary transfer roller 37 that secondarily transfers the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 35 to the sheet, and a belt cleaner 38 that removes the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 35. The intermediate transfer belt 35 is hung on the driving roller 39a and the driven roller 39b, and is pressed against the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K by the primary transfer rollers 36Y to 36K. The secondary transfer roller 37 nips (sandwiches) the intermediate transfer belt 35 with the drive roller 39a, and transfers the toner image carried by the intermediate transfer belt 35 to the sheet at the nip portion N. The fixing portion 34 includes a heating roller 34a for heating the sheet and a pressurizing roller 34b for pressure contacting the heating roller 34a.

The user interface unit 207 includes a display unit 207-3 that displays predetermined information, and an operation unit 207-1 that allows the user to input instructions to the image reading unit 213 and the print processing unit 215. In the present embodiment, the user interface unit 207 is arranged on the front side of the reading device main body 710. The front side corresponds to the front side of the paper surface of FIG. 14, and the back side corresponds to the back side of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 15, the overall arithmetic processing unit 205 includes a sheet feeding unit 10, a manual feed feeding unit 20, an image forming unit 30, and an arithmetic processing unit 205 that drives and controls an image reading unit 213. The overall calculation processing unit 205 integrates and controls the operations of the sheet feeding unit 10, the manual feeding unit 20, the image forming unit 30, and the image reading unit 213 based on the operation of the user interface unit 207 by the user. , Form an image on the sheet.

The whole arithmetic processing unit 205 may include all or a part of the setting device 111.

Next, an image forming operation (image forming control by the overall arithmetic processing unit 205) by the multifunction device 103 configured as described above will be described. In the present embodiment, the image forming unit 30 forms the image of the scanned document fed by the document automatic feeding unit 700 and read by the reading device main body 710 on the sheet fed by the sheet feeding unit 10. An image forming operation will be described as an example.

When the image formation start signal is transmitted by the input to the operation unit 207-1 of the user interface unit 207 by the user, the scanned document placed on the document automatic feeding unit 700 by the user is directed to the document reading position. The image is automatically fed and the image is read by the reading device main body 710 at the document reading position.

When the image of the original document is read by the scanning apparatus main body 710, the exposure apparatus 32 irradiates the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K with a plurality of laser beams corresponding to each image based on the image information of the scanned document. At this time, the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K are precharged by the chargers 741Y to 741B, respectively, and when the corresponding laser beams are irradiated, the respective electrostatic latents are placed on the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K. An image is formed. After that, the electrostatic latent images formed on the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K are developed by the developing devices 742Y to 742K, and yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) are developed on the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K. ) And black (K) toner images are formed. The toner images of each color formed on the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K are superimposed and transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 35 by the primary transfer rollers 36Y to 36K, and the superimposed transferred toner image (full-color toner image) is the intermediate transfer belt. It is conveyed to the nip portion N while being carried on the 35.

In parallel with the image forming operation described above, the sheets loaded on the sheet loading section 11 are fed to the sheet transport path 26 by the pickup roller 15 while being separated one by one by the separate feeding section 12. Then, the resist roller pair 27 located upstream in the sheet transport direction of the nip portion N corrects the skew and is conveyed to the nip portion N at a predetermined transfer timing. A full-color toner image carried by the intermediate transfer belt 35 is transferred to the sheet conveyed to the nip portion N by the secondary transfer roller 37.

The sheet on which the toner image is transferred is heated and pressurized by the fixing portion 34 to melt and fix the toner image, and is discharged to the outside of the apparatus by the discharge roller pair 18. The sheet discharged to the outside of the device is loaded on the discharge sheet loading unit 19.

When images are formed on both sides (first surface and second surface) of the sheet, the discharge roller pair 18 is rotated in the reverse direction before the sheet on which the image is formed on the first surface is discharged to the outside of the apparatus. Then, the image is conveyed to the double-sided transfer path 17, and is retransmitted to the image forming unit 30 via the double-sided transfer path 17. Then, as with the first surface, an image is formed on the second surface and discharged to the outside of the device. The sheet discharged to the outside of the device is loaded on the discharge sheet loading unit 19.

According to the above embodiment, the user interface / system setting value / job setting that seems to be suitable for the user can be customized according to the content and tendency of the operation of the target device of the user logged in with the IC card. The setting device automatically implements and stores it in an IC card or the like. In other words, there is no need to manually set in advance. Further, since the setting device changes the set value, even a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the target device can easily carry out appropriate customization. Furthermore, since the customized data is stored in the IC card, even if another target device is used, the target device P can be operated with the user interface / system setting value / job setting customized for that user. Is possible.

The above-mentioned printing apparatus can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Further, the printing method performed by the above-mentioned printing apparatus can also be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Here, what is realized by software means that it is realized by a computer reading and executing a program.

Programs can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer readable media. Non-temporary computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-temporary computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (eg, flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (eg, magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD- It includes R, CD-R / W, and semiconductor memory (for example, mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory)). The program may also be supplied to the computer by various types of transient computer readable media. Examples of temporary computer-readable media include electrical, optical, and electromagnetic waves. The temporary computer-readable medium can supply the program to the computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire and an optical fiber, or a wireless communication path.

The present invention can be used to perform printing based on print data in object format.

100 Multifunction device 101 Print data acquisition unit 103 Analysis processing unit 105 Intermediate code generation unit 107 First expansion processing unit 109 Raster image data writing unit 111 Second expansion processing unit 113 Print image output unit 115 Preview image generation unit 121 Data Type Judgment unit 123 Preprocessing unit 125 Control unit 205 Arithmetic processing unit 201 Auxiliary storage device 203 Main storage device 205 Arithmetic processing unit 207 User interface unit 209 External media I / F unit 211 Network communication unit 213 Image reading unit 215 Print processing unit

Claims (20)

By analyzing the print data, an analysis means for classifying one or more objects included in the print data into a corresponding object that can be converted into an intermediate code and a non-corresponding object that cannot be converted into an intermediate code.
For the corresponding object, an intermediate code is usually generated by converting the corresponding object, and for the non-corresponding object, an intermediate code generating means for newly generating an alternative intermediate code is used.
An expansion means for expanding the normal intermediate code and the alternative intermediate code into raster image data for printing, and
When the non-corresponding object is included in the print data of the current page, a dialog screen display means for displaying a dialog screen informing that the object is included in the display unit, and
When the user selects "preview display" on the dialog screen, it is a preview screen according to the print data, and it is intended that the non-corresponding object is arranged in the print data. a preview screen display means causes the display of the preview screen reminder preview display is arranged to indicate the presence of the non-compliant object to a position being in said display unit,
In the dialog screen, when the user selects "continue" and there is no continuation page, or in the preview screen or the user interface corresponding to the preview screen, the user selects "continue". If there is a print execution means that executes printing based on the print raster image data, and if there is no continuous page,
When the user selects "Cancel" on the dialog screen, or when the user selects "Cancel" on the preview screen or the user interface corresponding to the preview screen. Printing stop means to stop printing and
A printing apparatus comprising. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.
The analysis means operates on a plurality of pages corresponding to the print data, and operates on the plurality of pages.
If there is at least one object classified as the non-corresponding object, the intermediate code generation means, the expansion means, and the preview screen display means repeatedly operate in this order for each page.
The print execution means prints the raster image for printing unless the user does not stop printing on the preview screen or the user interface corresponding to the preview screen for any page including the non-compatible object. A printing device characterized by performing printing based on data. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.
The analysis means operates on a plurality of pages corresponding to the print data, and operates on the plurality of pages.
If the object classified as the non-corresponding object does not exist, the intermediate code generation means and the expansion means operate.
A printing apparatus further comprising a second printing executing means for executing printing based on the printing raster image data in parallel with the intermediate code generating means and the developing means. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.
The analysis means, the intermediate code generation means, the development means, and the preview screen display means repeatedly operate in this order for each page.
If the user does not cancel printing on the preview screen or the user interface corresponding to the preview screen for any page including the non-corresponding object, the print execution means displays the raster image data. A printing device characterized by performing printing based on. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The preview screen display means is a printing apparatus characterized in that a plurality of types of preview screens are alternately displayed on the same page including at least one non-corresponding object. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
A printing apparatus further comprising a first alert preview display generation means for generating the alert preview display based on the print raster image data expanded based on the alternative intermediate code by the expansion means. .. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
By expanding the alternative intermediate code, a second alert preview display generation that generates the alert preview display without being based on the print raster image data developed based on the alternative intermediate code by the expansion means. A printing apparatus comprising further means. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
Further provided is a residual preview display generation means for generating a portion of the preview screen other than the attention-calling preview display based on the print raster image data developed based on the normal intermediate code by the development means. A printing device characterized by. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
By expanding the normal intermediate code with the developing means, the warning preview display in the preview screen is displayed without being based on the printing raster image data developed based on the normal intermediate code with the developing means. A printing apparatus further comprising a residual preview display generating means for generating a portion other than the above. A composite device including the printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. By analyzing the print data, an analysis step for classifying one or more objects contained in the print data into a corresponding object that can be converted into an intermediate code and a non-corresponding object that cannot be converted into an intermediate code, and an analysis step.
For the corresponding object, an intermediate code is usually generated by converting the corresponding object, and for the non-corresponding object, an intermediate code generation step for newly generating an alternative intermediate code is performed.
The expansion step of expanding the normal intermediate code and the alternative intermediate code into the raster image data for printing, and
When the non-compliant object is included in the print data of the current page, a dialog screen display step for displaying a dialog screen informing that the object is included in the display unit, and
When the user selects "preview display" on the dialog screen, it is a preview screen according to the print data, and it is intended that the non-corresponding object is arranged in the print data. A preview screen display step for displaying a preview screen in which a warning preview display indicating the existence of the non-corresponding object is arranged at the position where the data is present is displayed on the display unit .
In the dialog screen, when the user selects "continue" and there is no continuation page, or in the preview screen or the user interface corresponding to the preview screen, the user selects "continue". If there is a print execution step and print is executed based on the print raster image data when there is no continuous page,
When the user selects "Cancel" on the dialog screen, or when the user selects "Cancel" on the preview screen or the user interface corresponding to the preview screen. The print stop step to stop printing and
A printing method characterized by having. The printing method according to claim 11.
Performing the analysis step on a plurality of pages corresponding to the print data,
If there is at least one object classified as the non-compliant object, the intermediate code generation step, the development step, and the preview screen display step are repeatedly executed in this order for each page.
In the print execution step, if the user does not stop printing on the preview screen or the user interface corresponding to the preview screen for any page including the non-compatible object, the print raster image data. A printing method characterized by performing printing based on. The printing method according to claim 11 or 12.
Performing the analysis step on a plurality of pages corresponding to the print data,
If there is no object classified as the non-corresponding object, the intermediate code generation step and the expansion step are executed.
A printing method further comprising a second print execution step of executing printing based on the print raster image data in parallel with the intermediate code generation step and the development step. The printing method according to claim 11.
The analysis step, the intermediate code generation step, the development step, and the preview screen display step are repeatedly executed in this order for each page.
In the print execution step, if the user does not stop printing on the preview screen or the user interface corresponding to the preview screen for any page including the non-compatible object, the raster image data is displayed. A printing method characterized by performing printing based on. The printing method according to any one of claims 11 to 14.
In the preview screen display step, a printing method characterized in that a plurality of types of preview screens are alternately displayed on the same page including at least one non-corresponding object. The printing method according to any one of claims 11 to 15.
A printing method further comprising a first alert preview display generation step for generating the alert preview display based on the print raster image data expanded based on the alternative intermediate code in the development step. .. The printing method according to any one of claims 11 to 15.
By expanding the alternative intermediate code, a second alert preview display generation that generates the alert preview display without being based on the print raster image data developed based on the alternative intermediate code in the expansion step. A printing method comprising further steps. The printing method according to any one of claims 11 to 17.
Further having a residual preview display generation step for generating a portion of the preview screen other than the caution preview display based on the print raster image data developed based on the normal intermediate code in the development step. A printing method characterized by. The printing method according to any one of claims 11 to 17.
By expanding the normal intermediate code in the development step, the caution preview display in the preview screen is displayed without being based on the print raster image data developed based on the normal intermediate code in the development step. A printing method characterized by further having a residual preview display generation step for generating a portion other than the above. A printing program for operating a computer as the printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images